Two people are wounded in gunfire as a Phuket noise dispute degenerates into violence

After a gun was fired during a scuffle, a noise complaint at a Phuket Town rental property descended into violence, injuring both the landlord and the tenant. The incident, which happened yesterday, December 12, brought the two parties’ ongoing tensions to light. Around 5:00 p.m. yesterday, December 12, Phuket City police arrived at the scene of the disturbance on Phatthanakan Soi 2. The injured landlord and tenant were found at the scene by emergency personnel from Vachira Phuket Hospital and the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation. The tenant, Phanupong Sae-Tae, also known as Bank, was shot in the left leg, and the landlord, Soros Chitchiew, 41, was wounded in the right eye socket. After receiving emergency medical attention, both victims were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for additional care. According to Soros, the fight started when he and his spouse went to Room 5 to resolve complaints about loud noises made at night. He pointed out that Phanupong had repeatedly been asked to leave the property due to his threatening behavior in the past. References https://thethaiger.com

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Airports of Thailand (AoT) plans to pay 12 billion baht to residents who have been impacted by noise pollution

Airports of Thailand (AoT) will compensate residents who were harmed by noise pollution from the third and newest runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport with 12 billion baht. Several agencies, including the AoT, the Transport Ministry, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, discussed the issue on Monday in response to residents’ questions about the compensation they sought for the noise made by planes using the recently opened runway at the country’s main airport. According to the law, a decision was made about the most reasonable rate, said Kittiphon Ruayfuphan, deputy spokesman for the Transport Ministry. Noise-affected residents fall into a number of categories. Included are residents with problematic land ownership, those who are legally entitled to compensation, and those who are technically ineligible for any form of financial aid. When the rate is determined, residents who fulfill the payout requirements will receive their money, Mr. Kittiphon said. Those with problematic land ownership will receive assistance in organizing their documentation so they can be eligible for compensation. Mr. Kittiphon said that after the Pollution Control Department conducts an evaluation and confirms that they are in fact affected by the noise pollution, residents who live close to the third runway but do not own the residential property they occupy might be eligible for compensation. Surajit Phongsingwitthaya, the chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) council, claims that residents complained to the BMA about the noise issue. Following the filing of the complaints, the BMA asked the Transport Ministry and the AoT for updates on the issue’s resolution. The BMA is acting as a go-between to give residents who haven’t applied for compensation yet information on how to do so. Even though the petitions must be carefully vetted for fairness, Mr. Surajit said the authorities were evaluating them more rapidly. The first round of compensation should be available to residents early next year, according to the council chairman. The third runway, which is four kilometers long and sixty meters wide, was built parallel to the first runway on the western side of Suvarnabhumi Airport. It will primarily be used for planes landing at the airport and can now handle 94 planes per hour, up from the previous 68. References https://www.bangkokpost.com

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Noise Barrier

  This article discusses Noise Barrier and covers the following key topics: Types of noise barriers Standards and testing of noise barriers Design principles for noise barriers It emphasizes noise pollution as a major issue in urban development, especially near highways, bridges, and railways. The article highlights collaboration between government, academia, and private sectors to develop effective noise barrier standards, using suitable materials, including agricultural and recycled options. Types of Noise Barriers 1. Reflective BarriersThese barriers function by reflecting sound away from protected areas. They are typically made from smooth materials such as fiber-reinforced cement, metals, or composite plastics, which are effective in sound reflection. Illustration from IAC Acoustics Example of using a reflective wallIllustration from the Department of Highways 2. Absorptive BarriersThese barriers are designed to reduce sound reflection by using sound-absorbing materials, such as fiber-based or porous panels. They are ideal for areas with significant sound reflection, such as urban environments or locations with reflective surfaces. Example of using sound-absorbing wallsIllustration from the Department of Highways 3. Combination BarriersThese barriers combine the properties of both reflective and absorptive barriers, allowing them to both block and absorb sound. This dual functionality makes them effective in a variety of environments where both sound reduction and absorption are needed. Illustration from IAC Acoustics Design an effective noise barrier Key factors include the height and length of the wall, tailored to the sound source and the area to be protected. In projects like Thailand’s Highway 9, acoustic simulations are conducted before installation to predict how much noise reduction (in decibels) the barrier will provide under real-world conditions. This ensures the barrier’s effectiveness before actual deployment. Example image of a noise barrier on a highway in Europe Example image of a sound barrier of a train in Singapore Source: https://www.geonoise.com/noise-barriers-for-lta-in-singapore/ Image of a sound barrier design in Taiwan that prevents birds from flying into passing vehicles. Source: https://www.geonoise.com/taiwan-highway-to-get-noise-barrier-to-protect-birds/ Example images of in-situ testing of a barrier wall according to ISO 10847 and acoustic simulation. For walls that are installed at the actual site or simulate outdoor installation, they can also be tested for acoustic properties, that is, by measuring the Sound Insertion Loss (SIL) value using the ISO 10847 test standard to see the sound attenuation when passing through the wall as shown in the image above. Currently, there is also technology to test the sound absorption value in-situ or testing in a format where a real wall has been installed at the site using the Local Plan Wave method that uses an Array microphone to scan the surface of the material to measure the sound wave absorption value. Image of sound barrier test using SONOCAT instrumentPeeters, F., Peeters, B., & Wijnant, Y. (2016). Determination of Acoustic Properties of Noise Barriers Soundproof wall testing standards Noise barriers can be tested in laboratories according to standards like ISO 10140-2, EN1793, or ASTM E90, measuring Sound Transmission Loss (STL) across frequencies (e.g., 125Hz to 4000Hz). The results are processed into a rating that indicates the material’s soundproofing performance. In Thailand, testing can be done at ALT Acoustic Laboratory Thailand. But when using sound barriers in real environments, one important thing to consider when evaluating how much sound a wall can block is testing the Sound Insertion Loss (SIL) value using the ISO 10847 test standard. The principle is to measure the difference between with and without a wall. The test standard specifies the distance of the microphone installation and the reference microphone point, as well as the selection of the sound source. Illustration from Acoustic Laboratory Thailand Co., Ltd. In addition, some types of walls that are designed to absorb sound waves or absorb sound, Sound absorption, can also be tested for these values ​​in the laboratory, which will use the ISO354 or ISO11654 or ASTM E423 test standards, using a reverberation chamber or echo chamber in the test, which will be tested as the coefficient of sound absorption NRC and the Sound absorption value at each frequency. Soundproof wall design principles To effectively protect against noise, we need to take the following important steps: 1. Assess the noise situationWe need to know the noise level that needs protection by measuring the noise level in the affected area or checking from noise complaints from nearby communities. This assessment will help us understand the nature of the problem and clearly define the scope of the sound barrier wall design. 2. Choose the right sound barrier materialsThe selection of materials used to build sound barriers is the key. Sound barrier materials can be divided into 2 main types: Reflective Materials: Help reflect sound back to the direction of the sound source, reducing the spread of sound to areas that need silence. Absorptive Materials: Reduce the sound that hits the wall by absorbing sound to reduce echoes and reverberations. Alternative Materials can also be considered with special properties, such as composite materials or materials that have been tested in the laboratory for acoustic properties or Acoustic Engineering calculations to maximize the sound barrier efficiency. 3. Using Mathematical Modeling (SoundPLAN Modeling)SoundPLAN is a sound simulation tool that is widely used in many countries, including in Thailand. Using SoundPLAN helps to design sound barriers accurately by analyzing data and creating mathematical models that simulate real situations, using calculations according to the ISO 9613-2 standard. This software is used by leading organizations such as: Department of Highways and Expressway Authority of Thailand: for the design and installation of sound barriers in expressway and highway projects Large construction companies: for construction projects that require noise reduction from construction projects Environmental consulting firms: for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Academic institutions and research: for the research and development of new soundproofing technologies Designing with SoundPLAN allows you to see the results of sound barriers before actual construction, allowing us to improve and customize the design for maximum efficiency, meeting both efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The modeling process involves various types of sound analysis. Result Analysis After the simulation, SoundPLAN generates noise maps and graphs

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Residents of Pattaya call for action against boisterous celebrations at beer bars

Thailand’s Pattaya On October 26, locals in the Soi Buakhao neighborhood of South Pattaya expressed their annoyance at a beer bar that has been causing chaos by celebrating late into the night with loud horn blasts. For more than two weeks, residents have been having trouble sleeping because of the noise, which keeps them awake at night. A resident who went by the pseudonym “Orn” shared surveillance footage of the noise and provided an explanation of the circumstances. According to her, the recently opened bar, which has been open for about a month, signals drinking celebrations for patrons with air horns rather than the more conventional bells. Residents of nearby apartments have been startled by the loud blasts, and some have complained or even moved out as a result of the constant noise. Tenants have also complained to the owner of the adjacent apartments about the disruptions. The bar has not responded or changed despite prior conversations with the management and reports to the Pattaya Police Station to address the problem. An additional local, “Dao” (a pseudonym), who has been there for a month, recounted how the truck-horn-like sound startled her to wakefulness. Due to her early work commitments, she stressed the value of a quiet atmosphere at night and recommended that the bar switch from horns to a bell system, which is what other establishments typically do. Local authorities, such as the Banglamung District Office and the Pattaya Police, have been urged by the community to look into and address the persistent noise problem. References https://www.kaodedonline.com

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A man in Singapore claims that for the past four months, his rude neighbor has been making a lot of noise in the morning and evening by hammering and drilling

A man in Singapore claims that for the past four months, his rude neighbor has been making a lot of noise in the morning and evening by hammering and drilling

After four months of extremely loud noise from his careless neighbor, a man vented on social media. The man detailed his experience in a post on Reddit’s Ask Singapore forum, stating that he has been regularly awakened by loud hammering sounds emanating from his ceiling at approximately 6 to 7 a.m. Additionally, he stated that this sporadic sound can last for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally lasting into the afternoon or even as late as 10 p.m., and it happens every 1 to 2 minutes. He added that the neighbor who lives above him regularly uses large equipment that “resembles a drill, though it may also be a saw or similar equipment” in addition to the hammering. He wrote, “He usually waits until 10 a.m. before beginning to drill, but on weekends he may begin at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. or operate it in 1-second bursts at 6-7 a.m.” He has also attempted to resolve the matter by leaving several notes expressing his concerns at his neighbor’s door at around six in the morning, but to no avail. He wakes me up all the time. He said, “I left another angry note at their door, and this person started hammering at 5 a.m. today, to the point where I have multiple nightmares.” References https://theindependent.sg

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Due to the noisy dogs of her neighbors, a Thai woman sells her house and gives deaf buyers a discount

A Thai woman offers the deaf and dog owners a special discount on her house.In Thailand, a woman who is tired of her neighbors’ dogs’ loudness is giving the deaf and other dog owners a special discount on her house. She even made it clear that she preferred buyers who had large dogs that let out loud barks. The woman has posted a sign promoting her home and requesting prospective purchasers. Relocating for the sake of family well-beingThe 58-year-old woman had previously complained to authorities about the noise, according to Thailand’s Channel 8 News. None of them, though, have been able to resolve her problem. She claimed that for the past three years, her family has had to take sleeping pills simply to get any sleep at all due to the incessant barking. At the end of her rope, she told reporters that she had to put her family’s health and sanity first. She is therefore selling the house and relocating. References https://mustsharenews.com

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Dust and noise disturbance from a luxurious condo in Pattaya

The construction of a luxurious condominium in the Taphra Ya 9-15 area of Pattaya, which will rise more than 60 stories, has alarmed locals and rental operators. Residents have been inconvenienced by the dust and noise from the construction site for more than two years, but local authorities have not offered any support. 52-year-old Taphra Ya 9 business owner Chalida voiced her annoyance, saying the construction has resulted in constant noise and dust problems. She said that because of the intolerable noise levels, which can occasionally last until midnight, many residents are slowly leaving. Chalida gave reporters video footage showing the detrimental effects of the noise and dust from the construction site, as well as her unsuccessful attempts to lodge complaints with the Pattaya City Council and other authorities. Those living on the seventh floor, which has been completely evacuated because of the noise and dust from the cement pouring on the nearby streets, are in an especially bad situation. The extent of the issue was demonstrated by the thick dust layers that reporters saw on windows and floors, as well as the cracks in the surrounding buildings. Additionally, the widespread dust has caused respiratory problems for housekeepers and employees, requiring the constant use of face masks. No agency has intervened to address these health issues in spite of their difficulties. Chonburi MP Yodchai Phungporn recently paid a visit to the location to hear the complaints of locals and business owners. According to Siam Rath, he intends to bring their grievances about the dust and noise to the Land and Environment Committee of the House of Representatives for additional action. References https://aseannow.com

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One stop noise control or independent acoustic consultant ? What is the best solution ?

What to consider when choosing between a one stop noise control company or using an independent acoustic consulting company One-Stop Noise Control Company: Advantages: Convenience: All services, from design to implementation, are handled by one provider. Cost Efficiency: Bundling services may reduce the overall cost. Streamlined Communication: You only deal with one company, reducing coordination complexities. Disadvantages: Potential Bias: Since they provide everything, results may be less transparent and biased toward their solutions. Limited Guarantees: Contracts may not offer robust performance guarantees. Conflict of Interest: Less incentive to offer independent verification of results. Higher Long-Term Costs: Hidden fees for upgrades or corrections due to lack of independent verification. Independent Acoustic Consultancy: Advantages: Unbiased Expertise: They offer objective assessments without the pressure to sell products. Detailed Verification: Independent pre- and post-installation measurements ensure accurate results. Contract Assurance: They ensure that contracts include strict performance guarantees and clauses. Lower Total Cost: Independent consultants reduce long-term costs by ensuring the right solution upfront and preventing expensive fixes later. Disadvantages: Higher Initial Costs: Separate consultants may increase upfront expenses. More Coordination: Requires coordinating between the consultant and the implementation team. The Importance of a Solid Contract with a One-Stop Noise Control Provider When working with a one-stop noise control provider, a well-defined contract is essential to safeguard your project and ensure desired results. Noise control solutions are complex, and without a detailed contract, you may face unmet promises or unachieved performance. A solid contract should include: Clear Performance Targets: Define the exact noise reduction levels expected, including pre-specified locations and decibel reductions. Warranties and Guarantees: The contract should include warranties for noise reduction and sound levels. This ensures that the provider guarantees achieving the agreed-upon noise reduction, or they will be responsible for corrections at no extra cost. Independent Pre- and Post-Installation Measurements: Independent verification is crucial. The contract should mandate third-party pre-installation and post-installation measurements to ensure that the solution achieves the expected results. This reduces disputes by providing clear, data-driven proof of success. Remediation Clauses: If the provider fails to meet the agreed noise reduction targets, there should be a clear remediation clause outlining the steps they must take to fix the issue. This could include additional work or refunds. Payment Linked to Results: Payments should be tied to performance milestones. This ensures that a portion of the payment is only made once the project successfully meets the noise reduction targets. Without a strong contract, businesses can fall into the trap of trusting promises without clear commitments from their provider. Many one-stop providers offer simplified solutions but may lack detailed performance guarantees. By having a detailed contract, you secure accountability and ensure that your noise control solutions are both effective and verifiable. At Geonoise Asia, we specialize in reviewing contracts and offering independent noise measurements. Our services help businesses ensure that their providers meet agreed-upon standards and that noise control solutions deliver real, measurable results. With a solid contract and our independent expertise, you can avoid costly mistakes and achieve the noise reduction you need for your business.

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Initial material inspection before testing with Acoustic Camera

This video is an introduction to the service of checking the materials before testing with (Acoustic Camera), which is an important step in evaluating the performance and installation of materials to ensure that the materials used can reduce or block noise as expected. This will help the materials to be installed correctly and ready for acoustic testing. Any materials that are not installed properly may cause inaccurate test results. Therefore, the preliminary inspection is a service that can effectively prevent this problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfzJl8lZ44A

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Asia’s Largest Soundproof Bridge, Constructed in MP's Seoni with an enormous budget of Rs 960 crore, severely damaged

Asia’s Largest Soundproof Bridge, Constructed in MP’s Seoni with an enormous budget of Rs 960 crore, severely damaged

The largest soundproof bridge in Asia, built on National Highway 44 in the Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, has sustained significant damage as a result of persistent rain. A private company spent an enormous Rs 960 crores building the bridge. Several reports state that the repair work is presently in progress, which is leading to frequent traffic jams on the highway that links Kashmir and Kanyakumari. The bridge, which connects Seoni and Nagpur and is close to the Pench Tiger Reserve, was built with 14 wildlife underpasses and light reducers to reduce noise pollution. The bridge is 29 kilometers long and was built at a cost of ₹960 crores by the private company Dilip Buildcon. Five years after construction, the structure started to show signs of damage despite a ten-year guarantee; cracks and broken sections were noticed after intense rains. The company in charge of building the highway has temporarily stopped traffic while they work on repairs. Given the substantial investment required, the early deterioration raises questions about the bridge’s durability and the engineering’s efficacy. References https://zeenews.india.com

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