Ayutthaya chemical warehouse fires may be arson

13 Sept 10:43 Key points summarised by AI

Authorities suspect arson caused recent chemical warehouse fires in Ayutthaya, noting a previous arson incident at one site.
Warrants are being sought for warehouse owners on charges of illegal hazardous chemical possession and waste management.
The fires released pungent smoke, prompting the closure of a district hospital and the establishment of a field hospital due to health concerns for residents.
Firefighters successfully contained the blaze, but the incident highlighted ongoing issues with industrial waste management and its public health impact.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.