Phuket

Milo the orangutan dies after stroke

Published

3 years ago

May 12, 2016

Milo the orangutan dies after stroke | The Thaiger

PHUKET: Milo, the beloved orangutan saved from captivity at the Phuket Zoo, passed away last night, Warapong Kosarat, a veterinarian at the Pasupalun Livestock & Wildlife Hospital confirmed.

The 13-year-old orangutan disappeared from the Phuket Zoo ahead of a raid on the facility in February (story here).

Khao Phra Thaeo Non Hunting Zone officers then discovered her trapped in a locked cage, after she was allegedly released into the jungle (story here).

Milo was immediately transferred to the Phang Nga Wildlife Nursery Station, where she was receiving medical care while waiting for approval from the Department of National Parks (DNP) director to be moved to the Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ratcha Buri, which houses a number of orangutans.

She was expected to be moved there later this month, until her health deteriorated suddenly.

In a Facebook post, Vicki Kiely, the local animal-rights activist who helped spearhead the push to free Milo from the Phuket Zoo, said she died somewhere between 8pm and 9pm last night.

“I know she was suffering greatly, and obviously gave up her long battle with her stroke last night,” Ms Kiely’s post reads. “I did all that I could for her. I loved her more than life. I put so much on the line to get her her freedom, and to show her love and compassion.

“She was my friend and brought a great joy to both my life and my childrens’, even in her dark days as prisoner in the Zoo… we struck a bond that I will never forget, and her spirit and personality will be with me forever.

“I wish that she could have fought more, but I think the illness was too severe for her to recover.”

Milo’s case has brought exotic animal smuggling and exploitation in Thailand to the limelight as conservationists such as Edwin Wiek, founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand (WFFT), battle to free these animals.

In February, more than 12,000 people signed a petition organized by Change.org, calling for ‘Help for Milo’ (story here).

— Kongleaphy Keam

Phuket

Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room

Published

16 hours ago

February 22, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room | The Thaiger

PHOTOS: Rawai Rescue workers / Phuket Tourist Police

The Phuket Tourist Police have been notified that a tourist had jumped from a building in Rawai and ended up on a steel awning covering the bottom floor today. But that wasn’t, in fact, what had happened.

The local Tourist Police say the owner of the building told staff at the Tourist Assistance Centre that the tourist had checked into the room on February 13.

The tourist didn’t actually jump down from the building but had moved a mattress from his room on to the awning and slept on it (mosquitos!!) He was also drunk and damaged some property inside the room.

The man is a 37 year old Estonian tourist. He was staying at the room with a 25 year old male friend.

Chalong Police have charged them both with being drunk and damaging property. They have said that they will pay for all damages to the owner of the property. They are heading back home on February 26.

Phuket

Patong motorbike racer arrested and fined – VIDEO

Published

20 hours ago

February 22, 2019

The Thaiger

PHOTO: Patong Police

Patong Police yesterday arrested a motorbike racer after identifying him and his motorbike from video clips that were popular in social media this week.

Patong Police are investigating alleged foreign motorbike racing gangs in Patong after video clips went viral in local social media.

Read more about the racing around Patong’s streets HERE.

Patong Police report that they have now arrested one motorbike racer and charged him with the maximum fine.

Patong Police are also asking motorbike rental operators to explain basic traffic rules for motorbike drivers who want to rent a motorbike.

(The Thaiger is assuming this would be covered when they get their motorbike license, which they are required to have before a motorbike is rented to them.)

PHUKETForeigners racing around Patong. Who would have thought?! https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/police-investigate-motorbike-hoons-in-patongVIDEO: เป็นปากเป็นเสียง

Posted by The Thaiger on Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Phuket

500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong

Published

22 hours ago

February 22, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong | The Thaiger

Patong Development Foundation together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality have given 500 helmets to motorbike drivers in Patong today under the campaign ‘Wear your helmet’.

Handing out the 500 helmets to motorbike user in Patong was led by Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, Patong Municipality Chalermluck Kebsup and President of Patong Development Foundation Preechawut ‘Prap’ Keesin.

Col Anothai says, “Many motorbike drivers have been injured and died in road accident. We want 100 percent of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. ”

“More motorbike riders are now wearing helmets as the number of not wearing helmet charges has been dropping in Patong with better enforcement.”