While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, March 30, 2025
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Relatives waiting near the site of the collapsed building in Bangkok where rescue efforts are under way.
ST PHOTO: PHILIP WEN
Thailand steps up rescue efforts, as relatives of missing wait
Thai emergency crews have detected signs of life and are racing against the clock to rescue dozens missing in the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok, as relatives gathered at the site to await news of their loved ones.
The authorities on March 29 said at least six people were killed and about 47 are still missing from the 33-storey tower, which was under construction when it was brought down by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake centred in neighbouring Myanmar on March 28.
Emergency officials said rescue efforts were intensifying but remained delicate as they sought to ensure heavy machinery freshly deployed to aid excavation did not further compromise the structure, and used an aerial drone to help determine where best to dig.
“The life signs are scattered in pockets of people,” said Mr Suriyachai Rawiwan, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention. “We are facing significant difficulties in delivering food and water due to the depth of their entrapment, ranging from 3m to 5m.”
Denmark criticises ‘tone’ of Vance Greenland comments
VIA REUTERS
Denmark on March 29 said it did not like the “tone” of US Vice-President J.D. Vance’s comments that Copenhagen had not done enough for Greenland, during his visit to the strategically placed, resource-rich Danish territory coveted by US President Donald Trump.
“We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered,” Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in posts on social media. “This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies,” he said.
Mr Vance made his comments during a trip to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, viewed by both Copenhagen and Nuuk as a provocation. “Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Mr Vance told a press conference.
Japan chain Sukiya to shut all stores over hygiene concerns
Japanese beef bowl restaurant operator Sukiya said on March 29 it will temporarily close almost all of its outlets nationwide to take sanitary measures after a rat and a cockroach were found in served food.
In a rare move for a major restaurant chain operator, Sukiya’s nearly 2,000 outlets will be shut from 9am on March 31 to 9am on April 4 while steps are taken to block the entry of pests and vermin.
Some outlets, such as those in shopping malls, will be excluded from the closure.
SIA flight delayed over 6 hours in HK after pilot falls ill
PHOTO: XIANXIDELVJUREN/XIAOHONGSHU
A Singapore-bound SIA flight was delayed for more than six hours in Hong Kong on March 29 after one of its pilots fell ill.
Flight SQ899 was scheduled to depart for Singapore in the morning, but the plane had to return to the gate after being moved from its parking position towards the runway when the pilot became unwell.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, Singapore Airlines said the decision was made to seek medical assistance for the pilot, leading to the extended delay.
Newcastle celebrate end of 70-year trophy drought
Tens of thousands of Newcastle United fans gathered in the city on March 29 to celebrate the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years, with the streets turning a sea of black and white for the open-top bus parade.
About 150,000 people were expected to catch a glimpse of the League Cup that Newcastle lifted on March 16, after a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium.
For manager Eddie Howe, the March 29 event was an emotional moment as the city honoured him with a massive banner, unfurled outside St James’ Park.
