AI In-brief 18 Sept 16:54

Increasing concern among farmers about Kok River contamination

Farmers in Chiang Rai's Kok river basin face severe economic hardship as heavy metal contamination from unregulated Myanmar mines renders their produce unsellable due to health concerns.
Companies have stopped purchasing crops like sweet corn, forcing farmers to sell for significantly lower animal feed prices, threatening their future market access.
Widespread contamination affects up to 20,800 hectares of farmland across nine districts, with farmers fearing their crops will become inedible and unsellable due to a lack of alternative water sources.
Agricultural councils and farmers urgently call for government intervention, demanding officials check water and soil quality, as the Ministry of Agriculture currently lacks regulations, compensation funds, or a clear plan to address the contamination.

AI In-brief Today 07:50

One taxiway at Suvarnabhumi airport closed for repairs

Suvarnabhumi Airport's Taxiway E21 is closed for repairs after an Emirates A380 became stuck, revealing damage to the surface.
The damage is believed to be caused by heavy rain and waterlogging, compromising the taxiway's structural integrity.
Repairs are expected to conclude by Friday morning, with the airport coordinating traffic and utilizing alternative taxiways to prevent disruptions.
Airport management prioritizes passenger and aircraft safety, regularly inspecting and promptly repairing infrastructure to maintain operational standards.