In the wake of a recent earthquake, unusual phenomena have emerged in the Lamphun province of Thailand. Normally dry waterfalls have been rejuvenated with flowing water, raising questions about the geological impacts of seismic activity. Kunnathorn Sueayai, a volunteer firefighter, shared a video that captured the transformation of Huai Hok Waterfall in Ban Thi district, where water has begun to flow abundantly from the rocks, a sight typically reserved for the rainy season.
"This area usually has water only during the rainy season, and by April, it’s completely dry," Sueayai explained. Following the earthquake, he noted, "I was patrolling and saw the water flowing from the crevices in the rocks. It was astonishing to see so much water!" Local officials are now investigating the phenomenon to determine its cause.
The village headman of Moo 17, who oversees the forest area where the waterfall is located, led reporters to the site. He remarked that the water was clear and cool, and its sudden appearance during the dry season was unprecedented. He speculated that the earthquake might have created fissures in the mountain, allowing underground water to surface. The district chief is coordinating with experts to gather more information on this curious occurrence.
In a related environmental note, the spawning of red tilapia has also been observed in the region. Videos circulating on social media show these fish swimming upstream to lay their eggs in the tributaries of the Nan River, specifically in the Phu Fa sub-district of Bo Kluea district, Nan province. Many locals wondered if this event was connected to the recent earthquake.
However, Katha Wat Panboon, the provincial fisheries officer, clarified that the tilapia’s spawning is a positive indicator of a healthy freshwater ecosystem. He stated, "The quality of the water must be sufficient to attract fish to spawn. This phenomenon is not related to the earthquake." The fish migration serves as a reminder of the region's ecological vitality, even amidst geological upheaval.
Meanwhile, Lamphun province is grappling with flooding issues that have affected numerous households. Reports indicate that 17 homes have suffered damage due to rising water levels, although the situation has improved somewhat as floodwaters have receded. Local postman Kunnathorn Sueayai has been busy delivering supplies to affected areas, ensuring that residents receive necessary items during this challenging time.
Authorities have warned that further rainfall could exacerbate the flooding, potentially leading to more severe impacts on the community. The situation remains fluid, with officials closely monitoring weather patterns and water levels to provide timely assistance.
In a separate development, a groundbreaking innovation in underwater exploration was unveiled at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Rovula Corporation introduced the "Xgateway," an unmanned vehicle designed for underwater surveying tasks. This autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) aims to enhance safety and efficiency in underwater construction projects, particularly in the energy sector.
Thasaphorn Thawarosuk, a co-founder of Rovula, highlighted the importance of this innovation, stating, "We are committed to applying technology and innovation to solve problems and improve standards in the energy industry. The Xgateway is a product of our efforts to address the current challenges faced by underwater operations." The vehicle is equipped with advanced navigation systems and sensors, allowing it to operate in complex environments with precision.
The Xgateway is designed to work autonomously, reducing the risks associated with human-operated tasks in hazardous underwater settings. It features satellite communication capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring and control, which can significantly lower operational costs.
Thasaphorn emphasized the environmental benefits of the Xgateway, noting that it reduces reliance on large support vessels, thus minimizing carbon emissions. The system is part of Rovula's larger Subsea Robotics Ecosystem, which includes other innovative tools like the Xplorer underwater surveying vehicle that utilizes artificial intelligence for data collection and analysis.
This launch has garnered interest from various stakeholders, including energy industry operators, technology companies, researchers, and students, all eager to explore the potential applications of this technology. Thasaphorn concluded, "With its outstanding capabilities, the Xgateway will be an essential tool for operators in the energy sector and beyond, facilitating underwater operations more efficiently, safely, and sustainably."
On a different note, a recent survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) revealed alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of vaping among Thai youth. The survey, which included 1,435 respondents aged 10 to 20, found that 38.3% reported having used e-cigarettes. The findings were released during a campaign against the dangers of vaping, coinciding with the Songkran festival.
Thanaphat Asanghirun, an NSO official, expressed concern over the accessibility of e-cigarettes to minors, stating, "91.3% believe that children and youth can easily access e-cigarettes in their communities." The survey also highlighted that over 51.7% of respondents were aware of local sources for purchasing e-cigarettes.
As part of the campaign, community leaders and health advocates urged for increased awareness and education on the risks associated with vaping. They emphasized the need for schools to serve as centers for disseminating accurate health information to combat the rising trend of e-cigarette use among young people.
Amidst these discussions, Trongpol Jiroatsawankaeo, a lecturer, pointed out that while firecracker injuries have decreased in recent years, vigilance is still necessary, particularly during festive seasons like Songkran. He stated, "It's crucial to remind the public about safety, especially for children and the elderly who may be more vulnerable to injuries from fireworks."
As the community navigates these pressing issues—from geological phenomena and environmental health to youth vaping and safety during celebrations—the interconnectedness of these challenges underscores the need for continued dialogue and action.
