snoop1130

Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350821-man-arrested-for-setting-fire-to-sugarcane-field-in-buriram/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday, February 3. The incident reportedly occurred late that morning and involved Sombat using a lighter to ignite the field in the Thalung Lek subdistrict. The local fire department acted swiftly to control the blaze, preventing it from spreading further into agricultural lands. During questioning, Sombat, who appeared intoxicated, admitted to the act. He confessed that following an argument with his wife, he consumed alcohol with friends, leading to his impaired state. Despite not intending to cause widespread damage, he cited his intoxication and personal stress as reasons for his actions, not foreseeing the fire’s extensive impact. Investigators charged Sombat with arson and violating provincial orders which prohibit burning to mitigate PM 2.5 pollution. Since these regulations were enacted, police have detained 13 people for similar offences across various districts, including Pakham, Prakhon Chai, Lam Plai Mat, Nong Ki, Ban Dan, Lahan Sai, Ban Kruat, Nang Rong, and Chum Saeng, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Dangerous Wildfires Batter Tak Province for Days, Air Quality Plummets File photo for reference only Wildfires have ravaged Doi Nam Dip in Thailand's Tak province for over three days, worsening air pollution. The fires led to high PM2.5 levels, reaching 45.9 micrograms per cubic meter in Mae Pa, Mae Sot district, which is hazardous to health. Residents are advised to stay indoors to avoid respiratory issues and eye irritation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350820-dangerous-wildfires-batter-tak-province-for-days-air-quality-plummets/

File photo for reference only Wildfires have ravaged Doi Nam Dip in Thailand's Tak province for over three days, worsening air pollution. The fires led to high PM2.5 levels, reaching 45.9 micrograms per cubic meter in Mae Pa, Mae Sot district, which is hazardous to health. Residents are advised to stay indoors to avoid respiratory issues and eye irritation. The blaze continues in Mae Salid and Pong Daeng national forest reserves, dangerously close to Phahon Yothin Road. Local fire departments, forest officers, and community networks are working tirelessly to contain the flames, which can be seen visibly from the highway. Warakij Tojamroen, from the Forest Protection and Fire Control Division, is overseeing operations on-site. The 'swing force' strategy is being used to deploy firefighters to the most critical areas first. Despite some containment success, large areas remain damaged. Tak's governor, Chucheep Pongchai, is escalating efforts to reduce smoke and prevent future fires. Campaigns target minimizing agricultural burning and promoting forest preservation. Over 700 wildfire incidents have been reported in national forest reserves since the beginning of the year. Satellite imaging from February 4 revealed 49 new fire hotspots in the province, signaling that the threat is far from over. Residents remain on edge, as the fight against these destructive wildfires continues. -- 2025-02-04

Mystery Surrounds Hunter's Death in Khao Yai National Park File photo for reference only In a perplexing case, a 58-year-old hunter named Panya was discovered dead under mysterious circumstances in Khao Yai National Park. The incident occurred on February 3, raising many questions about the events leading to his death. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350819-mystery-surrounds-hunters-death-in-khao-yai-national-park/

File photo for reference only In a perplexing case, a 58-year-old hunter named Panya was discovered dead under mysterious circumstances in Khao Yai National Park. The incident occurred on February 3, raising many questions about the events leading to his death. Police Colonel Prasit Phakdi from Nadi Police Station received a report at 3 PM about a body found near the park, a World Heritage Site. He promptly assembled a team, including forensic experts and the Sajja Phutthatham Foundation, to investigate the scene. Panya’s body was found face down, nearby lay a shotgun, ammunition, a red backpack, and several spent shotgun shells. However, the examination revealed Panya wasn't shot, but his face bore bruises. His wife, 54-year-old Nishapat, explained that Panya had gone hunting on January 31 to deal with wild boars that had invaded cassava fields. Using ripe jackfruit as bait, he ventured into the forest and never returned home. Dechachai, Panya's 70-year-old brother, expressed disbelief and suspicion about the mysterious circumstances of his brother’s death. Despite confirmation that Panya wasn't shot, the presence of the spent shells and the reports of multiple gunshots on the night of his passing have fueled speculation. Authorities continue to investigate this puzzling case, gathering evidence and testimonies from neighbors to uncover the truth behind Panya’s tragic death. -- 2025-02-04

Thai Police Seize 700,000 Meth Pills Amid Local Elections Photo: The Thaiger In a significant drug bust on February 1, Thai police seized 700,000 methamphetamine pills in Amnat Charoen province, arresting four individuals tied to drug trafficking. The operation coincided with local elections for the provincial administrative organisation chief, creating a distraction that smugglers hoped to exploit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350818-thai-police-seize-700000-meth-pills-amid-local-elections/

Photo: The Thaiger In a significant drug bust on February 1, Thai police seized 700,000 methamphetamine pills in Amnat Charoen province, arresting four individuals tied to drug trafficking. The operation coincided with local elections for the provincial administrative organisation chief, creating a distraction that smugglers hoped to exploit. The breakthrough came after a tip-off about suspicious sacks hidden in a cassava plantation between Ban Sam Yaek Chomphu and Ban Na Pa Saeng. Upon inspection, officers uncovered three fertiliser sacks containing 250 bundles of methamphetamine pills, totalling 500,000 tablets. In a tactical move, the police left the sacks undisturbed and observed the location. Their vigilance paid off when a white Chevrolet pickup, registered 6646 in Ubon Ratchathani, arrived. Two men attempted to load the sacks, prompting officers to apprehend one suspect, Panha, also known as Tan, while the second suspect, Promes, escaped into the night. The investigation didn't stop there. Additional efforts led police from Chanuman Police Station to arrest three more suspects the same day, seizing another 200,000 meth pills in a nearby sugarcane plantation, 10 kilometers from the first site. The suspects confessed to being hired by individuals from Laos to distribute the drugs across Northeast Thailand. Police noted that the pills were mixed with crystal meth to prolong their effects. This haul, valued at approximately 7 million baht (US$206,710), could reach double that price once sold on the street. Authorities underscored the schemers’ attempt to capitalize on the election period, presuming lower security due to the electoral focus. The crackdown marks a significant blow to drug traffickers trying to exploit local events for illegal activities. -- 2025-02-04

Thailand Targets China's Aircraft Maintenance Market with New Hub File photo for reference only Thailand is positioning itself to compete with China in the thriving aircraft maintenance sector. Chiang Rai Airport is set to become a key Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, driven by Airports of Thailand (AOT) and its ambitious plans to tap into the expanding Chinese market. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350817-thailand-targets-chinas-aircraft-maintenance-market-with-new-hub/

File photo for reference only Thailand is positioning itself to compete with China in the thriving aircraft maintenance sector. Chiang Rai Airport is set to become a key Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, driven by Airports of Thailand (AOT) and its ambitious plans to tap into the expanding Chinese market. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat shared that ground preparations have begun, with the first hangar expected by late 2025. The company is in talks with the Chinese aerospace powerhouse, AVIC, to set up an MRO facility at this strategic location. "Chiang Rai has a vast area, with only 316 out of 1,186 acres used. Located near China's southern border, it's ideal for Chinese aircraft that struggle with effective MRO in China," Kerati explained. The project, promising as it is, will need time to reach full potential. Kerati estimates a five-year timeline for the facility to become fully operational. Presently, Chiang Rai Airport runs on a single 3,000-meter runway, accommodating both domestic and international airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air. In the meantime, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport eyes its own MRO expansion. With the cancellation of a planned northern terminal, AOT has new land available to develop an additional hangar, potentially strengthening Thailand's MRO capabilities further. -- 2025-02-04

Thai woman files theft report but police mistakenly list her as thief - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via YouTube/ โหนกระแส [Hone-Krasae] official A Thai woman filed a police report after losing 400,000 baht in valuables to her former tomboy girlfriend but ended up being labelled a thief herself when police mistakenly switched her name with that of the suspect. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350816-thai-woman-files-theft-report-but-police-mistakenly-list-her-as-thief-video/

Photo via YouTube/ โหนกระแส [Hone-Krasae] official By Petch Petpailin A Thai woman filed a police report after losing 400,000 baht in valuables to her former tomboy girlfriend but ended up being labelled a thief herself when police mistakenly switched her name with that of the suspect. The 28 year old victim, Puifai, shared details of the crime with Channel 3 after the suspect, Earn, managed to secure her release on 150,000 baht bail. Earn’s employer, who bailed her out, also mocked Puifai on social media by posting… “Police always lose to a rich thief.” Puifai explained that she had dated Earn when they were school classmates. Although they later broke up, they remained friends. Earn frequently borrowed money from Puifai and other friends but never repaid them. As a result, Puifai avoided lending Earn money and instead opted to hire her. On the day of the incident, Puifai employed Earn to look after her cat at her condominium while she was away. Upon returning home, Puifai discovered that numerous valuables worth over 400,000 baht were missing, including five designer handbags, a laptop, a tablet, and a mobile phone. Puifai checked security camera footage and saw Earn leaving the property with her belongings. When she confronted Earn, Earn admitted to the theft but refused to return the items or compensate Puifai. This prompted Puifai to file a complaint against her at Khlong Tan Police Station. Following this, Puifai travelled to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok to fly to Shanghai with her boyfriend. However, she was detained at immigration, where officers informed her that she was the subject of an arrest warrant for theft. Upon reading the warrant, Puifai discovered that the police mistakenly recorded her as the suspect and Earn as the victim. It took her over an hour to resolve the issue with the police before she was allowed to continue her journey to Shanghai. Despite this clerical error, Puifai never received justice, as the police allowed Earn to go free despite clear evidence of theft. Recently, Puifai encountered Earn by chance at a fair at Kasetsart University in Bangkok and confronted her. Puifai admitted that she shouted in anger and demanded that Earn take responsibility for her losses. Earn denied the accusations, prompting Puifai to call the police. Officers arrested Earn but released her the following day on 150,000 baht bail. Earn’s employer, a man, was the one who bailed her out and later posted the sarcastic comment against Puifai on social media. In an interview with Channel 3, police insisted that they handled the case according to procedure and were committed to providing justice to both parties. Another victim, Leo, also came forward, claiming that Earn swindled 250,000 baht from her. She explained that Earn pawned a BMW and a plot of land for the money. However, she later discovered that the car did not belong to Earn but was a rental vehicle. She has yet to determine whether the land deed she provided was genuine. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Pharmacist in Buriram narrowly escapes attack by six American Bullies By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Thairath A pharmacist in Buriram narrowly avoided an attack from six American Bullies that invaded her pharmacy and injured her disabled dog. The owner of the dogs requested the shop be closed so the dogs could run freely. However, the dog’s owner claims the pharmacist’s dog instigated the incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350813-pharmacist-in-buriram-narrowly-escapes-attack-by-six-american-bullies/

Picture courtesy of Thairath By Bright Choomanee A pharmacist in Buriram narrowly avoided an attack from six American Bullies that invaded her pharmacy and injured her disabled dog. The owner of the dogs requested the shop be closed so the dogs could run freely. However, the dog’s owner claims the pharmacist’s dog instigated the incident. Yesterday, February 3, Piyanat Munha, a 48 year old pharmacist and owner of the Baan Ya pharmacy in Mueang subdistrict, Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province, shared security footage with the media seeking guidance on addressing the recurring issue. The footage revealed six dogs, identified by a veterinarian as American Bullies, entering the pharmacy and attacking the pharmacist’s disabled dog. The dogs’ owner was seen attempting to restrain the animals one by one. Piyanat recounted that typically, the pharmacy closes around 9pm. At approximately 6pm, six dogs from a nearby motorcycle repair shop rushed into her store, targeting a stray dog she had adopted, which is both elderly and disabled. The other two dogs she had managed to escape the scene. She expressed her helplessness during the incident, as the dog’s owner was the sole person trying to separate the animals. Piyanat attempted to intervene using a mosquito swatter, but it was ineffective against the thick-skinned dogs. The pharmacist was particularly frustrated by a prior request from the motorcycle shop owner to close her store so the dogs could be let out for exercise. She emphasised that responsible dog ownership requires ensuring a safe environment for the animals, considering their temperament and needs. Piyathida, a 26 year old motorcycle shop owner and the dogs’ owner, admitted to owning several dogs. She apologised for the incident, but noted that her apology was not accepted. She explained that both households own dogs, and the request was merely for cooperation to close the gate, not the store, after 8pm to allow their dogs to exercise, reported KhaoSod. She admitted that her dogs sometimes became uncontrollable, and the incident occurred because the pharmacist’s dog approached their home, prompting her dogs to follow. She clarified that her dogs are not Pit Bulls but purebred American Bullies. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Thailand Seeks 80 Million Baht for New Railway Feasibility Study File photo for reference only The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pressing for an 80-million-baht budget to explore the feasibility of a new double-track railway, linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. This ambitious 34.59 billion baht initiative aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's policy to boost railway efficiency, improve connections to neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade, tourism, and economic upliftment in the south. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350812-thailand-seeks-80-million-baht-for-new-railway-feasibility-study/

File photo for reference only The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pressing for an 80-million-baht budget to explore the feasibility of a new double-track railway, linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. This ambitious 34.59 billion baht initiative aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's policy to boost railway efficiency, improve connections to neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade, tourism, and economic upliftment in the south. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the feasibility study, expected to take a year, finishing in 2026. The subsequent design phase will span 2026-2027, followed by an environmental impact assessment from 2027-2028. Construction is slated to begin in 2029, with operations starting in 2034. Covering 216 kilometres, the new line will feature 27 stations, eight train stops, and two freight yards, enhancing connectivity from Bangkok to Sungai Kolok on the Thai-Malaysian border. Though Thailand’s railway bridge is upgraded, the Malaysian side, from Rantau Panjang to Pasir Mas, has been idle since 2005. In addition, six more double-track railway projects, collectively valued at 280 billion baht, await approval from the National Economic and Social Development Council before moving to Cabinet review. -- 2025-02-04

Blaze at Trang car repair shop causes 10 million baht damage By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A severe fire broke out at a major car repair shop in Mueang district, Trang province, affecting over 30 vehicles being serviced. At least seven cars were destroyed, with damages exceeding 10 million baht, as firefighters worked for 90 minutes to control the blaze. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350811-blaze-at-trang-car-repair-shop-causes-10-million-baht-damage/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A severe fire broke out at a major car repair shop in Mueang district, Trang province, affecting over 30 vehicles being serviced. At least seven cars were destroyed, with damages exceeding 10 million baht, as firefighters worked for 90 minutes to control the blaze. Nattapong Niamsom, Mayor of Nataluang subdistrict, mobilised fire engines and coordinated with local administrative organisations for additional support. Over 10 fire engines from various departments, including the Trang Provincial Administrative Organisation, Trang Municipality, and local rescue units, were deployed to tackle the fire. Police Lieutenant Colonel Vetchayan Hiranyasuwan, an investigator from Mueang Trang Police Station, alongside Police Colonel Sanit Polpetch and an investigative team, examined the site. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated in the paint-baking room, which contained flammable materials like paint and thinner, leading to a rapid explosion and spread of the fire. However, the exact cause remains undetermined pending a detailed examination by the Trang provincial forensic team, reported KhaoSod. The fire resulted in the destruction of seven vehicles but with assistance from repair shop staff, local leaders, and residents, other cars were safely removed from the premises. The estimated damage is expected to be no less than 10 million baht (US$295,245). Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Foreign man attacks Phuket woman for honking while crossing road By Petch Petpailin Photo by colspooners via Flickr A Thai woman is seeking justice after a foreign man attacked her for honking her horn at him while he was crossing a road in Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350810-foreign-man-attacks-phuket-woman-for-honking-while-crossing-road/

Photo by colspooners via Flickr By Petch Petpailin A Thai woman is seeking justice after a foreign man attacked her for honking her horn at him while he was crossing a road in Phuket. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared details of the assault with the Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ today, February 4. The incident occurred at 9.10pm on Saturday, February 1. The page reported… “This foreigner in Phuket was too easily provoked by a car horn. A Thai woman seeks justice after honking at the foreigner as a warning, only to be physically assaulted.” In the comments section, the page shared a picture of the injured woman, whose left arm was in a sling. It was reported that the incident took place at the Slaughterhouse Intersection in the Mueang Phuket district. According to the woman, she saw a foreign man crossing the road while she was approaching on her motorcycle. To warn him of the potential danger of reckless crossing, she honked her horn, causing him to stop ahead of her motorcycle. The woman said the foreigner stared at her, so she honked again to make him move out of the road. In a fit of rage, the foreigner then rushed at her and assaulted her. She stated that the foreign man walked away, leaving her injured on the road. Determined not to let him go, she attempted to chase after him on her motorcycle but he continued walking away. He eventually entered a dark alley, which made her feel unsafe, so she gave up on the chase. The victim said she went to Vachira Phuket Hospital to obtain a medical certificate before filing a complaint with the police. She also attempted to obtain CCTV footage of the incident but police informed her that the security cameras at the scene were broken. She insisted that she had a short video and a photograph clearly showing the identity of the foreign suspect. However, the case made no progress, so she shared it with the news agency. Some Thai netizens expressed the view that the foreign man was absolutely in the wrong for physically assaulting the woman. However, others argued that she should not have honked at a pedestrian crossing the road and should have simply stopped to let him pass. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Pattaya Mayor rushes to aid injured tourist after road crash By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet turned into a first responder after a tourist was injured in a motorcycle accident on South Pattaya Road yesterday, February 3. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350808-pattaya-mayor-rushes-to-aid-injured-tourist-after-road-crash/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet turned into a first responder after a tourist was injured in a motorcycle accident on South Pattaya Road yesterday, February 3. The dramatic moment unfolded as the mayor and local council members were conducting a field visit to oversee new parking regulations. Their routine inspection quickly turned into an emergency response when they came across the injured tourist lying on the road. Without hesitation, the Pattaya mayor sprang into action, immediately coordinating with a nearby clinic to provide first aid. He also contacted the Sawang Boriboon Foundation rescue team, ensuring the injured tourist was swiftly transported to hospital for further treatment. The mayor’s quick response underscored Pattaya’s commitment to public safety, reinforcing the city’s efforts to prioritise the well-being of locals and visitors. Local officials continue to urge tourists and residents to exercise caution on Pattaya’s busy roads, as motorcycle accidents remain a pressing concern. The identity and condition of the injured tourist have not yet been disclosed. However, this unusual mayoral intervention has sparked discussion among residents, with many praising Poramet’s hands-on leadership, reported Pattaya Mail. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Manhunt intensifies for escaped prisoner in Nonthaburi forest By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A search operation in a forest has yet to yield results in the hunt for an escaped prisoner. CCTV footage shows the 32 year old inmate, convicted of theft, riding a motorcycle from Nonthaburi to Bangkok yesterday, February 3. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350807-manhunt-intensifies-for-escaped-prisoner-in-nonthaburi-forest/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A search operation in a forest has yet to yield results in the hunt for an escaped prisoner. CCTV footage shows the 32 year old inmate, convicted of theft, riding a motorcycle from Nonthaburi to Bangkok yesterday, February 3. Wasan Obnual, who was serving a sentence of one year and 12 months, had completed nine months with a remaining term of one year and three months before escaping from a work detail at the Department of Corrections Museum construction site. He had been brought from Nonthaburi Provincial Prison to assist with work from 8am. Prison officials realised his escape during the lunch break and immediately coordinated with Mueang Nonthaburi district police to track down the fugitive. The incident has resulted in a manhunt involving Nonthaburi prison guards and police, who are intensifying efforts to recapture the escapee. At 9pm yesterday, February 3, Police Lieutenant Colonel Supachai Srisak, deputy chief of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police. The Investigation Unit, alongside volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, equipped with lighting devices, responded to a report of a suspicious man, believed to be Wasan, fleeing into a forest in Soi Nonthaburi 48, Subdistrict Tha Sai, Mueang district, Nonthaburi province. The area, located in the middle of the alley, comprises approximately three rai of dense Acacia forest, containing a pond, reeds, and a significant amount of debris. The entrance is blocked by a black and green net, and an abandoned area with a 2-metre-high concrete wall further encloses the forest. Twenty volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, equipped with three large lighting devices, joined around 30 officers from the Nonthaburi Provincial Police Investigation Unit, Rattanathibet Police Station, and Nonthaburi Prison to conduct a thorough search but Wasan was not found. Phor Teck Tung Foundation rescue volunteer, Kittiphong Phumai, noted that the forest is extremely dark, making visibility challenging. Prisoner manhunt The prisoner was reported to have entered from a nearby petrol station, which lies within a larger 10-rai forest area. It is possible that he may have already escaped to the main road. By 10pm, prison officials received a report from locals of a suspicious man dressed in black attire, including a black helmet and mask, riding a green motorcycle in Soi Rewadee near Wat Bang Phraek Nua, Suan Yai subdistrict, Mueang district, Nonthaburi province. This area provides access to Soi Sripornsawan, where Wasan’s parents live. Locals claimed the man asked a woman for money in Soi Rewadee before riding away. Reporters later identified Wasan on CCTV at 3.43pm on Ngamwongwan Road, wearing an orange shirt and riding a motorcycle across Phong Phet Intersection towards Bang Khen Intersection in Bangkok. It is suspected that Wasan may have fled Nonthaburi to evade capture by the police, Nonthaburi Provincial Prison officials, and the Department of Corrections. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Drunken tourist passes out in front of Pattaya Police Station By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A heavily intoxicated foreign man sparked alarm after collapsing unconscious outside Pattaya Police Station, leaving bystanders and officers scrambling to assist. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350805-drunken-tourist-passes-out-in-front-of-pattaya-police-station/