A look back at this week last year in Thailand and Pattaya news: Pro-democracy protests rock Bangkok, Nearly 20 people killed in bus-train collision, and more

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The following is a weekly feature article looking at this same time period LAST year in Pattaya and Thailand news.

This weekly feature takes a look back at news from the same period last year (and sometimes different time windows, such as six months or three months) to see how things have changed, following up on the progression of stories, as well as look at potentially broken promises or things that didn’t take place as promised in Pattaya and Thailand.

As we publish dozens of stories a week this is a quick way for people to take a look at what the biggest stories were a year ago, as chosen by our editorial team, and how they impact us today and relate to current news. They are in no particular order of importance, however, are roughly in order of publication.

This week, we cover the third week of October 2020, from Sunday, October 11th, 2020 to Saturday, October 17th, 2020.

Let’s get right into it:

1.  Nearly 20 passengers were killed and dozens injured after train and two-story bus collided in Chachoengsao, Thailand

A major and sad story from this week last year that caused officials to come up with many plans and proposals to make railway crossings safer, but it is unclear a year later how many of these plans have come to full development.

The biggest issue was that this particular train crossing reportedly had no barrier. The tour bus had been carrying people returning from a religious ceremony for the end of Buddhist Lent.

Following the accident, as you see in the second article, railway crossings were reportedly set to be examined nationwide.

Nearly 20 passengers killed and dozens injured after train and two-story bus collided in Chachoengsao, Thailand

Thai Railway authorities to examine and install train barriers at train crossings nationwide following major collision between a train and bus in Chachoengsao earlier this week

2.  Royal Thai police still searching for Red Bull Heir in regards to outstanding Interpol red notice and charges stemming from a 2012 alleged fatal hit and run accident

A year later, they are still searching, much like the past several years. Our regular readers are likely not surprised.

Royal Thai Police reportedly conducting investigation following rumor of fugitive Red Bull heir discreetly living in Dubai

3.  Mass pro-democracy protests continue in Bangkok

A year later, most of the major protest leaders are currently behind bars waiting for court dates regarding various charges, and the large protests of last year that brought together at times tens of thousands are mostly a memory, with many wondering how they could be brought forward again.

Protests continue, especially against Prime Minister Prayut Chan O’Cha, to be fair, but on a smaller-scale or more violent such as those taking place in the Din Daeng area by primarily Thai youth over the last several weeks. Some of this certainly has to do with Covid-19 restrictions around gatherings but some is also due to most of the leaders being either behind bars or taking a low-key approach to avoid ending up in jail.

Here are some of the big articles from last year’s protests this week:

Mass pro-democracy protest, counter protests and rally in Bangkok updates and coverage here

Bangkok declares Serious Emergency Situation following growing disorder after day and night of protests

Twenty pro-democracy activists denied bail by Criminal Court after being arrested at Democracy Monument gathering October 13, now detained at Bangkok prison

A complete recap of the last day of events regarding protests in Bangkok

Heavy police presence in Bangkok and heavy rain as pro-democracy protesters move rally location

Thai police break up pro-democracy demonstration in central Bangkok as protesters claim action was unwarranted

4.  Pro-Democracy protests come to Pattaya

A fitting way to end this week looking back at last year is our Pattaya-specific coverage of pro-democracy protests.

Recent protests have also taken place in Pattaya, although they have been geared more around Covid-19 restrictions shuttering many businesses, such as entertainment, for many months and anger directed at the Prime Minister.

Special Report: Pro-Democracy protests come to Pattaya

That is it for this week, the protests of last year were the biggest event in Thai news. See you next week!

 

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Co-owner of TPN Media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America, but has also lived in Dallas, Sarasota, and Portsmouth. His background is in retail sales, HR, and operations management, and has written about news and Thailand for many years. He has lived in Pattaya for over nine years as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over a decade. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/