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Unexpected Fortune: Three Locals Win Big with 'Ugly' Lottery Tickets File photo for reference only In a twist of fortune, three residents of Khon Kaen, Thailand, each won 6 million baht after buying what they thought were unattractive lottery tickets. On February 1, the winning number 558700 was announced, surprising locals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350721-unexpected-fortune-three-locals-win-big-with-ugly-lottery-tickets/

File photo for reference only In a twist of fortune, three residents of Khon Kaen, Thailand, each won 6 million baht after buying what they thought were unattractive lottery tickets. On February 1, the winning number 558700 was announced, surprising locals. The winners—Porntacha, a 50-year-old toy vendor, a monk, and a balloon seller—purchased their tickets from the same street vendor. Porntacha decided to buy the tickets while selling toys at an agricultural fair at Khon Kaen University, convinced that even matching the last three digits, 700, would be a good result. To her surprise, she held the entire winning number. After initially dismissing the first three digits, Porntacha realized her luck and celebrated with those around her. She plans to use her winnings to pay off her car loan and debts. This story of luck and intuition shows that sometimes, valuable things come in unexpected packages. -- 2025-02-03

Police Delivery Sting Leads to Major Meth Bust in Thailand File photo for reference only In a spectacular police operation in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thai police posing as delivery riders captured two suspects smuggling 400,000 methamphetamine pills valued at 6 million baht. The sting, announced today, February 3rd, by Police Lieutenant General Wathana Yeejeen, took down a drug ring involving 52-year-old Suriya “Yin” Noikaew from Thailand and 21-year-old Lao national, Phonethip Sengmany. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350719-police-delivery-sting-leads-to-major-meth-bust-in-thailand/

File photo for reference only In a spectacular police operation in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thai police posing as delivery riders captured two suspects smuggling 400,000 methamphetamine pills valued at 6 million baht. The sting, announced today, February 3rd, by Police Lieutenant General Wathana Yeejeen, took down a drug ring involving 52-year-old Suriya “Yin” Noikaew from Thailand and 21-year-old Lao national, Phonethip Sengmany. This operation followed an expanding investigation that began with minor drug users, unraveling a larger Thai-Laotian network trafficking drugs across the Mekong River. An informant tipped off the police, leading collaborative forces to monitor the suspects' movements. On February 1, undercover officers set up at Nong Takhlong Village. A grey pickup truck was observed at a marshland spot, where Suriya retrieved illicit packages. Police revealed themselves, prompting Suriya to flee, but he was quickly apprehended. Extensive searches uncovered meth hidden in the vehicle, further sealing their fate. Authorities stress that this crackdown is critical for curbing drug-related crimes, urging the public to report suspicious activities to ensure community safety and security. -- 2025-02-03

Krabi Mechanic's Fatal Accident Highlights Hidden Job Dangers File photo for reference only A seemingly ordinary day turned tragic for 72-year-old Krabi mechanic, Saman, as a routine lawnmower repair went horrifically awry yesterday. Nestled in Ban Khao Thiam Pa, Krabi, his repair shop was a hub for fixing tools, chainsaws, and lawnmowers. However, the day took a fatal turn when a simple task turned catastrophic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350718-krabi-mechanics-fatal-accident-highlights-hidden-job-dangers/

File photo for reference only A seemingly ordinary day turned tragic for 72-year-old Krabi mechanic, Saman, as a routine lawnmower repair went horrifically awry yesterday. Nestled in Ban Khao Thiam Pa, Krabi, his repair shop was a hub for fixing tools, chainsaws, and lawnmowers. However, the day took a fatal turn when a simple task turned catastrophic. The Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation Rescue Unit responded to a desperate call. Upon arrival, they were met with a devastating scene: Saman lay unconscious, gravely injured with severe bleeding from his arm. Despite their rapid efforts to transport him to Krabi Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries en route. Doctors confirmed that shrapnel from a lawnmower blade had severed a major blood vessel, resulting in fatal blood loss. The tragedy began that morning when a foreign customer requested the blades of a push lawnmower be shortened. While sharpening the blades, a tip unexpectedly snapped off, piercing Saman’s arm. In immense pain, he called out to his wife for help, collapsing before her as she arrived—a heart-breaking conclusion to his life of dedicated service. This incident starkly reminds us of the hidden perils within routine tasks, emphasising the inherent risks faced by those, like Saman, devoted to craftsmanship. -- 2025-02-03

Youth Vaping Surge Urges Nationwide Action Against E-Cigarettes File photo for reference only Civil networks are pushing for e-cigarettes to become a national concern as vaping among young people surged last year. The Senate committee on Social Development discussed this issue in a seminar on January 30, held at Parliament. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350717-youth-vaping-surge-urges-nationwide-action-against-e-cigarettes/

File photo for reference only Civil networks are pushing for e-cigarettes to become a national concern as vaping among young people surged last year. The Senate committee on Social Development discussed this issue in a seminar on January 30, held at Parliament. Participants included government officials, private sector representatives, and groups like the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. Committee chair Varapas Phaiphannarat highlighted a 2022 report showing a dramatic rise in 15 to 24-year-old vapers—from 24,050 to 269,533. Alarmingly, 43% of primary school students aged 9 to 12 had tried e-cigarettes, particularly girls. The seminar aimed to boost awareness of e-cigarette dangers, urging families, schools, and communities to take action. Talks also focused on improving law enforcement and developing youth-focused policies supporting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, head of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation in Thailand, noted a national survey finding that 17% of teens aged 13 to 15 were using e-cigarettes, potentially rising to 20-30%. He warned of the nicotine risks, linking vaping to increased depression and academic struggles. Dr. Prakit advised against legalising e-cigarettes, citing negative impacts seen in the Philippines, such as increased smoking, illegal trade, and decreased tax revenue. -- 2025-02-03

Thailand Boosts Kratom Limit to Aid Farmers and Ensure Safety File photo for reference only In a push to support local farmers while ensuring safety, Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, is promoting kratom-based products. This comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised the daily consumption limit of mitragynine, an active compound in kratom, from 1 milligram to 3 milligrams. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350716-thailand-boosts-kratom-limit-to-aid-farmers-and-ensure-safety/

File photo for reference only In a push to support local farmers while ensuring safety, Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, is promoting kratom-based products. This comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised the daily consumption limit of mitragynine, an active compound in kratom, from 1 milligram to 3 milligrams. Known for boosting energy, relieving pain, and reducing stress, mitragynine also carries risks of intoxication and potential addiction if misused. This move aims to pave the way for more kratom-infused products, offering new income streams for farmers. Somsak, an advocate for kratom since his previous role as justice minister, emphasizes the plant's benefits. With kratom no longer a controlled substance, its cultivation and sale are fully legal under certain regulations. Dr. Witit Srisa-atchachakul, FDA's Deputy Secretary-General, highlights that product labels will include safety warnings to protect consumers. By increasing the mitragynine limit, the FDA hopes to drive the development of a wider range of kratom products, benefiting both consumers and the agricultural sector. -- 2025-02-03

Runaway truck leaves ‘sign’ of trouble near Pattaya By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Motorway officials were thrown into high drama last night as a massive signboard came crashing down across a bustling road near Pattaya, sparking traffic mayhem and sparking fears of electric shocks. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350714-runaway-truck-leaves-‘sign’-of-trouble-near-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News By Bob Scott Motorway officials were thrown into high drama last night as a massive signboard came crashing down across a bustling road near Pattaya, sparking traffic mayhem and sparking fears of electric shocks. The drama unfolded yesterday, February 2, at the motorway exit leading to the toll plaza en route to an international school just outside the city. When officials arrived on the scene, they were greeted by a chaotic tableau: the fallen signboard sprawled across an entire lane, both a physical and symbolic roadblock, leaving a long trail of vehicles helpless in its wake. The sight of the fallen sign and the tangles of nearby lighting cables raised alarming fears of electric shock, prompting panicked motorists to slam on their brakes and scramble for safety. Acting with urgency, officials deployed a tow truck to swiftly clear the obstruction, allowing drivers to finally resume their journeys after what must have felt like an eternity of delay, reported Pattaya News. In the aftermath, an investigation by highway police and eagle-eyed bystanders revealed the culprit behind the chaos. It turns out, a large dump truck was the unwitting villain of the night’s drama. Traveling with its pickup bed recklessly raised, the vehicle collided with the overhead signboard, sending it tumbling onto the tarmac below. Eyewitnesses watched as the truck driver, who remains a mystery man (or woman), coolly inspected the carnage, lowered the offending pickup bed, and hastily departed the scene, failing to alert the police or claim responsibility for the mayhem unleashed. In a bid for justice, officials are now scouring CCTV footage, piecing together clues to unmask the elusive driver. Once caught, the driver will face prosecution under the full force of the law and be held accountable for the financial fallout of their reckless rendezvous with the signboard. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

Thai woman escapes rape by pretending to defecate until suspect falls asleep By Petch Petpailin Photo via Hone Krasae A Thai woman in Chon Buri escaped an attempted rape by pretending to defecate and locking herself inside a bathroom until the suspect fell asleep. The man was arrested on the victim’s bed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350713-thai-woman-escapes-rape-by-pretending-to-defecate-until-suspect-falls-asleep/

Photo via Hone Krasae By Petch Petpailin A Thai woman in Chon Buri escaped an attempted rape by pretending to defecate and locking herself inside a bathroom until the suspect fell asleep. The man was arrested on the victim’s bed. The 40 year old victim, Meow, fled her home to seek help from neighbours and reported the attempted rape to officers at Pan Thong Police Station at around 6.30am on Saturday, February 1. She called the police to her home while the suspect, 35 year old Anuwat, was still asleep in her bedroom. Officers rushed to the scene and woke Anuwat to arrest him. He claimed that he could not remember what had happened and claimed that he was confident the victim consented to sex. Meow’s husband arrived home at the same time as the police and was furious at Anuwat. He broke through officers and the crowd to punch Anuwat in the face. This led other locals to attempt to attack the suspect, prompting police to rush him out of the scene. Meow explained that Anuwat had previously flirted with her younger sister, who had brought him home once. However, their relationship did not develop and they later stopped contacting each other. On the day of the incident, Anuwat arrived at Meow’s home at around 4am while she was sleeping alone, as her sister was not home and her husband was on a night shift. Quick thinking Anuwat knocked on Meow’s bedroom door and she answered it, thinking it was her sister or husband. She was shocked to see Anuwat, who suddenly pushed her back into the bedroom. He took off his shirt and trousers and covered her mouth. Meow then pretended to agree to sex but excused herself, saying she needed to defecate first. Anuwat agreed to let her go to the bathroom. Meow said she knocked on the bathroom walls and made loud noises to attract the attention of her neighbours but received no response. Anuwat became suspicious of her actions and attempted to break into the bathroom but Meow flushed the toilet to convince him she was actually defecating. She asked him to lie on the bed and wait for her, and once he fell asleep, she escaped to seek help from neighbours. Police have not yet disclosed the legal charges against Anuwat. Based on similar previous cases, he may face two charges including: Section 365 of the Criminal Law: breaking into another person’s property at night and committing a disruptive act. The penalty is imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Section 278 of the Criminal Law for sexually assaulting a person aged over 15 through threats or violence. This offence carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

2 Thai social media influencers arrested for promoting Yaba online By Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Two Thai social media influencers promoted methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, on the TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) platforms, leading to their arrest yesterday, February 2. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350712-2-thai-social-media-influencers-arrested-for-promoting-yaba-online/

Photo via ThaiRath By Petch Petpailin Two Thai social media influencers promoted methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, on the TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) platforms, leading to their arrest yesterday, February 2. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division raided a house in Soi Ram Inthra 40 in the Bueng Kum district of Bangkok to arrest two social media influencers, 21 year old Suppanat Panyasin and 21 year old Autsada Dujjanuthat. The two were present at the property during the raid. Their arrest followed a police investigation into a Yaba advertisement found on their X and TikTok accounts. The pair had over three million followers, with most of their previous content focused on hip-hop music and photoshoots. The duo was well-known on TikTok for taking pictures at various locations in Bangkok and editing them to resemble scenes in the US. The drug-related advertisement was only recently discovered on their accounts. Officers searched the house and seized two mobile phones, bank account details, and a pack of Yaba found at the property. The two suspects confessed to using Yaba and promoting it to their followers. Those interested in purchasing the drug could contact them to place an order, after which they would arrange for another dealer to deliver the drugs. Police investigated the alleged drug dealer but found no direct connection. It remains unclear where or from whom the two sourced their supply. The suspects were transferred to Khok Khram Police Station for legal proceedings, though the exact charges against them have not been publicly disclosed. Based on previous similar cases, they may face charges under two sections of the law: Section 145 of the Narcotics Control Act: Possessing a Category 1 drug with intent to sell. The penalty ranges from two to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 to 2 million baht. Section 162 of the Narcotics Act: Using a Category 1 drug. The penalty includes up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. A background check revealed that Autsada had previously been arrested and imprisoned at Khlong Prem Prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

Ex-Yasothon prosecutor arrested for 100,000 baht bribery charge By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of MGR Online The Crime Suppression Division yesterday arrested former Yasothon province prosecutor, 67 year old Kongsiri, who failed to appear for a bribery verdict. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350711-ex-yasothon-prosecutor-arrested-for-100000-baht-bribery-charge/

Picture courtesy of MGR Online By Bright Choomanee The Crime Suppression Division yesterday arrested former Yasothon province prosecutor, 67 year old Kongsiri, who failed to appear for a bribery verdict. He allegedly accepted a 100,000 baht (US$2,930) bribe to assist a drug case suspect. The arrest occurred yesterday, February 2, at his residence in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Non district. Kongsiri was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3, dated December 26, 2023, for misuse of judicial power. In 2001, while serving as a provincial prosecutor for the Yasothon Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, he was responsible for reviewing and recommending prosecution decisions based on investigation reports. However, he abused his position by soliciting a bribe from a drug case suspect’s relatives to influence the case outcome. After allegations emerged, Kongsiri was prosecuted according to legal procedures. When the case reached the Supreme Court, he failed to appear for the verdict, aware he faced a three-year, four-month prison sentence. Consequently, he chose to abscond. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3 issued an arrest warrant, and police were notified to locate him. Eventually, police discovered that Kongsiri was hiding in Bangkok, leading to his arrest, reported KhaoSod. During questioning, Kongsiri confessed to the charges. He has been remanded to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3 for further legal proceedings. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

Foreign motorcyclist flees Thailand after hit-and-run in Phuket - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A foreign motorcyclist remains on the run after fleeing Thailand following a collision with a Thai pedestrian on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim in a serious condition. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350710-foreign-motorcyclist-flees-thailand-after-hit-and-run-in-phuket-video/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ By Petch Petpailin A foreign motorcyclist remains on the run after fleeing Thailand following a collision with a Thai pedestrian on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim in a serious condition. The Phuket Times shared footage of the accident on Saturday, February 1, with a caption that read, “Foreign motorcyclist hits a pedestrian in the middle of a Phuket road and tries to escape from the scene.” In the video, the male victim was seen crossing the road when a motorcycle, riding at high speed, hit him directly and crashed on the road. The motorcyclist, reported to be a foreign man, rushed to the vehicle and attempted to ride away from the scene when a witness intervened. However, the foreign motorcyclist did not give up and tried to escape again. In the video, the foreigner appeared to run the motorcycle over the victim, who was lying on the road, in an attempt to flee. It is unclear whether the foreign man managed to flee the scene immediately, as his actions were blocked from the CCTV camera by a sedan that had stopped at the scene to help the victim. The Phuket Times later reported today, February 3, that the victim remains in a serious condition in hospital. Nevertheless, police left the foreign suspect at large, and he already left Thailand for his home country. According to Phuket Times, the motorcycle was a rental, meaning the foreigner’s identity was easily determined from the documents he provided to the rental shop. His identity was publicly disclosed, but his picture was shared on the page. As of now, police officers and relevant government officials have not yet clarified whether any charges have been issued against the foreigner. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

Pee-ce treaty: Foreigners demand more loos after Phuket public urination uproar By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Foreign netizens defended themselves and called for more public bathrooms in Phuket after Thai nationals condemned the foreigners on social media for urinating in public. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350709-pee-ce-treaty-foreigners-demand-more-loos-after-phuket-public-urination-uproar/

Ballot bedlam: Nearly 2 million votes go to waste in local elections By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Nikkei Asia In an electoral fiasco that left heads spinning, nearly 2 million ballots were either ruled invalid or marked as no-vote in the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidential elections, which took place across 47 provinces last Saturday. The startling figures have raised eyebrows and questions about the voting process. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350699-record-invalid-ballots-and-no-votes-in-thai-elections/#findComment-19560404

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ By Petch Petpailin Foreign netizens defended themselves and called for more public bathrooms in Phuket after Thai nationals condemned the foreigners on social media for urinating in public. The Phuket Times, shared images of two foreign men urinating on the footpath on February 2. The news outlet criticised the tourists in the caption which read, “Pee everywhere #PhuketForeigners #QualityTourists.” The two foreign men were seen using cars to shield their private parts while urinating. The man in a dark green shirt was spotted urinating against a parked van, which soiled both the vehicle and the road. Thai netizens criticised the tourists’ actions in the comments. “What’s wrong with this? It’s the spot for dogs to pee, and they did right.” “Can I have scissors to cut it off to feed ducks?” “What would happen if they did this in Singapore?” “Hope their penises rot.” “This is better than defecation.” However, some Thai and international netizens took to social media to point out that the two foreigners had to urinate in public because no public bathrooms were available, especially late at night when they were drunk. “I want Phuket and other tourist destinations in Thailand to have more public toilets. Two million tourists arrive, but only 100 bathrooms are available. Demand and supply are not balanced.” “Most public bathrooms close before tourists start getting drunk. Some toilets that stay open late are hidden at the back of parking lots with no signs. A tourist would not find them, even if they weren’t drunk.” “Phuket has no public bathrooms.” Despite the lack of public toilets, these two foreigners may face a fine of up to 2,000 baht for making public spaces dirty, according to the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act, similar to a foreigner who urinated at Phuket International Airport last week. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

Ballot bedlam: Nearly 2 million votes go to waste in local elections Picture courtesy of Nikkei Asia By Bob Scott In an electoral fiasco that left heads spinning, nearly 2 million ballots were either ruled invalid or marked as no-vote in the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidential elections, which took place across 47 provinces last Saturday. The startling figures have raised eyebrows and questions about the voting process. Today, February 3, the Office of the Election Commission unveiled the sobering statistics. For the PAO presidential elections, a staggering 931,290 ballots, equating to 5.69% of the total, were dismissed as invalid. Meanwhile, a further 1.17 million ballots, or 7.08%, were marked with a no-vote, signalling apathy or dissatisfaction among voters. Yet, despite the hiccups, of the 27.99 million eligible voters, 16.36 million managed to brave the polls, making up 58.45% voter turnout. Not a particularly stellar figure, but one that underscores the complexity of navigating democracy in action. In tandem with the presidential contests, elections for provincial councillors were held in 76 provinces. Out of 47.12 million eligible voters, 26.42 million, or 56.06%, cast their ballots. The commission reported a mirror image of the presidential races: 1.49 million invalid ballots (5.63%) and 1.80 million no-vote ballots, making up 6.81%. On the brighter side, the northern province of Lamphun boasted the highest voter engagement, with 73.43% of eligible voters turning out for the PAO elections, a silver lining in a cloud of disenchantment. Adding a historic twist to the night’s proceedings, the opposition Peoples Party celebrated a landmark victory, clinching the PAO presidency for the first time, reported Bangkok Post. Their success has marked a watershed moment in local governance, potentially shaking up the political landscape. Unofficial results indicate that 39 year old Weeradej defeated Anusorn Wongwan, a four-time veteran from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, in the election held on Saturday, February 1. The PP presented 17 candidates for PAO president roles across 47 provinces but it was only in this northern province that the party secured a victory. As the dust settles over this election drama, authorities will undoubtedly be keen to address the voting blunders and ensure that future elections run smoother and free from such mishaps. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-03

Thai sex creator retires and warns fans of impersonation scam By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Sajeera Theeranetr A female Thai sex content creator announced her retirement and warned her followers to beware of scammers releasing livestream videos while posing as her. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350707-thai-sex-creator-retires-and-warns-fans-of-impersonation-scam/