How Thais Avoid Action.
I have not edited the following text written by Daniel Holmes, whose profile I show below. He appears to be now writing for Tim Newton, whose website is thethaiger.com
Tim Newton was 63 when he left www.Thaiger.com on 30 July 2022. He’d been in Media for 49 years, and spent 6 years at the Thaiger, which he either founded or co-founded. Newton was very much the top man there, the face and heart of the company. Reflections vary why he left. He initially set up the YouTube channel, tim newton today, and later thethaiger.com
He has been accused pf plagiarism and some say he has a ruthless reputation. Tim’s trademark is the wearing of brightly colourful shirts when he presents videos on his channels. Take a look at his websites and form your own opinion.
Here’s the unedited article. I will comment on the standard of journalism and how it links to “How Thais Avoid Action” at the end of the piece.
“Structural engineers have identified several irregularities following the collapse of a construction crane onto a passenger train in Sikhiu district, while confirming that the primary cause of the incident has yet to be determined.
At about 4.40pm on January 16, 2026, Mr. Chuleart Jitjueajun, vice president of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, led a team of engineers to inspect the site of the accident. The inspection took place before Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited proceeded with plans to remove the collapsed crane and sliding beam from the railway area.
Mr. Chuleart said the purpose of the visit was to examine the construction site for possible civil engineering issues and to identify factors that may have contributed to the collapse. He stated that the site had been partially cleared and that access was granted by the landowner without obstruction.
According to preliminary findings, engineers observed several elements that lacked sufficient stability or strength. While these issues may have contributed to the incident, officials said it was not yet possible to draw a definitive conclusion.
Inspectors focused on the failure of PT bars, or prestressed steel bars, which are high-strength components commonly used to support large structures during construction. PT bars are designed primarily to withstand tensile forces. However, some of the bars at the site showed signs of shear failure, which can occur when lateral forces exceed design expectations.
The inspection found that each support point was fitted with only two PT bars. Engineers noted that four bars are typically recommended to provide additional resistance to both tensile and compressive forces and to reduce the risk of structural failure.
Mr. Chuleart said further analysis was required to determine whether design calculations adequately accounted for real-world forces during construction. He added that other factors, including supervisory oversight, machinery malfunction, or equipment deterioration, could not be ruled out.
He also noted that Thailand currently lacks strict, legally enforced standards for construction machinery inspections, with most guidelines remaining advisory.
The incident occurred along a section of railway where construction is taking place close to existing tracks due to land constraints set by the State Railway of Thailand.
Officials said the removal of the crane is expected to take up to three days. Details of the inspection were first reported by Khaosod.”
My comment
Note the vagueness in the very first paragraph.
“identified several irregularities” but then immediately adding, “confirming the primary cause of the incident is yet to be determined”. That’s not the writer’s fault. It’s typical Thai avoidance of writing anything that could be libelous.
Thais often leave obvious and blatantly true facts unsaid. In Thailand, even if true and you had proof, you would be guilty of libel (or slander) if a person or company suffered damage to his business or reputation by your words. They would lose Face, unacceptable in this country.
“At about 4.40pm” is needless detail. The reader just needs to know if it’s in the mid afternoon. More interesting or relevant information about the tragic events is never mentioned.
“granted by the landowner without obstruction”. A pointless remark showing subservience.
The landowner is the State Railway of Thailand. Why would anyone obstruct rescue workers? But this is Thailand, one bows to one’s “betters”.
“Not possible to draw a definitive conclusion”. I agree. The investigation is still on-going. But, they could at least say what the “several elements that lacked sufficient stability or strength” actually were. Why write a piece when you’re not really telling the reader anything significant? The rest of the blog post continues in this vein.
Thailand is a feudal autocratic society. Criticising is not allowed. That’s what explains “how Thais avoid action”.
Self profile of the writer
Daniel Holmes is a New Orleans-born, Bangkok-based comedian, writer, and oil painter. With over eight years of performing comedy across Asia, including venues like The Laughing Skull in Atlanta and Spicy Comedy in Shanghai, Daniel’s act blends cultural commentary and personal stories. As an oil painter with over eleven years of experience, his work has been exhibited in the U.S. and China. He also writes darkly satirical essays and comedic columns on expat life and modern absurdities.
https://https://understanding-thailand.com/welcome-to-my-new-blog-posting
The content and final editing remain my own.
