On April 20, 2025, the search efforts for a missing man in Mae Sariang District, Thailand, intensified as local officials coordinated a comprehensive plan involving multiple agencies. Mr. Warasak Phanthong, the district chief officer, assigned Mr. Jatuphon Yachom, the district security chief, to lead the operation alongside village heads and police from the Thatafang station.
The missing individual, identified as 37-year-old Mr. Yuthana, was last seen while searching for forest products in the vicinity of Mae Kong Ka village, Moo 10, Tambon Mae Yuam. The search operation is set to commence early on April 21, with two teams organized to cover different areas. The first team includes members from the Salawin National Park and the 36th Ranger Battalion, focusing on the Huai Hom area, while the second team, consisting of special operations from Mae Sariang, will search in Mae Kong Ka village.
As part of the search strategy, the teams will convene at 8:00 AM on April 21 to begin their efforts. On the previous day, a special operations unit was deployed to investigate a reported foul odor near Huai Hom, where they planned to search specific locations that had been flagged by local villagers.
In a related incident, the ongoing recovery efforts at the site of a collapsed building in Bangkok revealed further tragic developments. On the same day, officials reported that 18 human remains were discovered amidst the rubble, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 47, with an additional 47 individuals still unaccounted for.
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Thavida Kamolvej, addressed the media regarding the situation, indicating that 97 out of 103 families of the missing had already provided DNA samples to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital. This crucial step is necessary for the identification process of the deceased. The remaining families are being contacted through the Thai embassy in Myanmar to obtain their DNA samples.
Efforts to clear the building debris have been challenging, with large machinery being employed to compress steel and clear concrete from the site. Currently, the height of the debris in Zone B has been reduced to approximately 9 meters, while Zone A and D stand at about 11 meters. The team is focusing on removing rubble from Zone C, where prior signals of life were detected.
As the recovery operation continues, the Deputy Governor noted that the presence of human remains has necessitated pauses in heavy machinery usage, which complicates the excavation process. However, the team remains committed to reaching the first floor of the collapsed building by the end of April to ensure that all remains are recovered.
In addition to the recovery efforts, discussions are ongoing regarding financial assistance for victims of the earthquake that struck the Bangkok area on March 28. Many victims have expressed concerns that the compensation provided is insufficient for their recovery needs. The Deputy Governor acknowledged that the aid distributed is based on regulations set by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, which primarily covers material costs for repairs.
Plans are in place to adjust the assistance criteria for special cases, and relevant agencies will present their proposals in an upcoming meeting. This adjustment aims to ensure that all victims receive adequate support during this challenging time.
As the search for Mr. Yuthana continues in Mae Sariang and recovery operations persist in Bangkok, the communities remain hopeful for positive outcomes amid the ongoing tragedies. The collaboration between local authorities, villagers, and specialized teams highlights the collective effort to support those affected by these incidents.
Both situations underscore the resilience of the communities involved as they navigate through these difficult times, working together to bring closure to families and ensure that assistance is provided where it is most needed.
