More than man’s best friend: Lifesaving K9s at Bangkok quake site

18 Sept 12:24 Key points summarised by AI

K9 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Thailand deployed to a collapsed Bangkok high-rise after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, diligently searching for survivors amidst the extensive debris.
Despite the K9 team's dedicated efforts, few survivors were found, with 21 bodies retrieved and over 70 workers still missing by April 7.
The canine-led search was halted on April 7 due to safety concerns for the dogs, prompting the deployment of heavy machinery, though no K9 or human members sustained injuries.
The Thailand Rescue Dog Association (Thai RDA), founded after the 2004 tsunami, highlights the vital role of highly trained dogs as lifesavers in disaster response, leveraging over two decades of experience.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Yesterday 15:13 Key points summarised by AI

"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.