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Panic as 10-Year-Old Boy Starts Fire Inside Phatthalung Shopping Mall Picture courtesy of Matichon. Shoppers were sent fleeing after a fire broke out in a prominent shopping mall in the heart of Phatthalung province, reportedly sparked by a 10-year-old boy who ignited cardboard using a lighter. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366052-panic-as-10-year-old-boy-starts-fire-inside-phatthalung-shopping-mall/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Shoppers were sent fleeing after a fire broke out in a prominent shopping mall in the heart of Phatthalung province, reportedly sparked by a 10-year-old boy who ignited cardboard using a lighter. According to local reports, the incident occurred on 7 July at a well-known shopping centre in Mueang district. Authorities confirmed that two separate fires ignited within a short period, causing some panic among staff and customers and prompting a full-scale evacuation. The first fire began on the ground floor in the mall’s DIY zone. Witnesses stated that a 10-year-old boy, identified as a child with special needs, was visiting the mall with his guardian. While the guardian was occupied at a cashier counter, the child reportedly entered an employee-only area with a lighter and set fire to a stack of cardboard. Fortunately, a staff member spotted the blaze and extinguished it before it could spread further. However, shortly after the initial incident, a fire alarm sounded again as flames erupted at a separate location within the store, this time on a shelving unit. Smoke quickly filled the area and fire spread more rapidly than in the first incident. Emergency services, including Phatthalung Municipality Firefighters, provincial disaster prevention officials and local rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene. Fire crews worked for nearly 30 minutes to bring the situation under control and secure the area to prevent any further incidents. No injuries have been reported, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage. Initial investigations are underway to determine whether the two fires were connected or coincidental. Police took the boy and his guardian to Mueang Phatthalung Police Station for questioning. Officers are also reportedly in discussions regarding potential compensation for damages caused during the incident. The mall was able to resume operations in non-affected areas, though safety checks and repairs are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-08

Swedish Man & Thai Woman Arrested for Cocaine Possession & Distribution in Phuket Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two individuals, a Swedish national and a Thai woman, have been arrested in Phuket on suspicion of cocaine trafficking, following a police operation that led to the seizure of narcotics and associated drug paraphernalia. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366051-swedish-man-thai-woman-arrested-for-cocaine-possession-distribution-in-phuket/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two individuals, a Swedish national and a Thai woman, have been arrested in Phuket on suspicion of cocaine trafficking, following a police operation that led to the seizure of narcotics and associated drug paraphernalia. The arrests were carried out by officers from Patong Police Station. The suspects, identified as a 41-year-old Swedish man and a 32-year-old Thai woman, were initially detained in front of a convenience store on Rat Phatthana-Nusorn Road, located in the Patong subdistrict of Kathu district. Following the arrest, police conducted a follow-up search at a condominium unit on Soi Samakki 2 in the Rawai subdistrict of Mueang Phuket district. Additional evidence was seized at the premises. In total, authorities confiscated 15.37 grams of cocaine, 80 resealable plastic bags commonly used for packaging drugs, a digital weighing scale, two iPhones and a yellow MG5 automobile believed to have been used in the commission of the offence. Police have charged the pair with joint possession and trafficking of a Category 2 narcotic, cocaine, with intent to distribute, in violation of The Narcotics Act. “The amount of cocaine and the presence of distribution materials, including the resealable bags and weighing device, strongly suggest intent to supply rather than personal use,” said a senior officer involved in the case. Both suspects are currently being held at Patong Police Station while legal proceedings continue. Their names have not yet been disclosed as the investigation is ongoing. Authorities confirmed that the case will be referred to the Phuket Provincial Court. If found guilty, the accused could face significant prison terms and heavy fines, in accordance with strict anti-narcotics laws. The arrests form part of an ongoing crackdown targeting the illegal drug trade in Phuket’s tourist zones, where officials have voiced increasing concern about narcotics trafficking involving foreign nationals. The Royal Thai Police have reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on drug offences, urging all residents and visitors to adhere to the nation’s laws. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-08

Drug-Crazed Man Kills Disabled Neighbour by Stuffing Him Into Drain Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 63-year-old disabled man has died in a horrifying incident in Suphan Buri Province after allegedly being assaulted and forced into a roadside drain by a neighbour who was reportedly under the influence of drugs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366048-drug-crazed-man-kills-disabled-neighbour-by-stuffing-him-into-drain/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 63-year-old disabled man has died in a horrifying incident in Suphan Buri Province after allegedly being assaulted and forced into a roadside drain by a neighbour who was reportedly under the influence of drugs. The victim, Mr Suthep, who suffers from reduced mobility and use of his arms and legs, was discovered unresponsive inside the drain outside a house in Moo 4, Suan Taeng Subdistrict, Mueang District. A passerby spotted his body and alerted emergency services, who attempted CPR, but were unable to save him. Police later arrested 36-year-old Mr Anucha, a neighbour of the deceased, who was behaving erratically and making incoherent statements. A urine test confirmed the presence of illegal substances in his system. According to Pol. Col. Wanchai Khawram, Superintendent of Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station, Mr Anucha initially gave a bizarre account of events. He claimed that Mr Suthep had told him he was a member of Thailand’s elite Navy SEAL unit and dared him to “put him to the test.” Mr Anucha alleged that Mr Suthep willingly entered the drainpipe while he simply watched. Police, however, dismissed this version of events, noting Mr Anucha’s drug-addled state and the victim’s physical disabilities, which would have made independent movement into the pipe virtually impossible. Investigations revealed that the two men had argued prior to the incident, though the cause of the dispute remains unclear. It is now believed that Mr Anucha forcibly placed Mr Suthep into the pipe, where he later died. Authorities charged Mr Anucha with causing the death of another person through assault and drug use, and have taken him into custody for further questioning. He was also escorted to the crime scene to assist in reconstructing the events leading up to the victim’s death. Mr Phet 52, the homeowner where the incident took place, said Mr Suthep had been living there with his younger brother. Both were unemployed and survived by collecting recyclables and occasionally receiving food donations from neighbours or local temples. The motive for the fatal act remains under investigation, with police continuing to interrogate Mr Anucha in an effort to determine what sparked the deadly altercation. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-08

Stepfather Confesses to Fatal Assault on Child in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old stepfather has confessed to fatally injuring his two-year-old stepson in a case that has shocked the local community. The young boy, referred to as “A”, died after suffering a severe head injury when his stepfather allegedly pushed him, causing him to fall and strike the back of his head on the floor. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366047-stepfather-confesses-to-fatal-assault-on-child-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old stepfather has confessed to fatally injuring his two-year-old stepson in a case that has shocked the local community. The young boy, referred to as “A”, died after suffering a severe head injury when his stepfather allegedly pushed him, causing him to fall and strike the back of his head on the floor. The incident occurred in a home in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi. Police were alerted by staff at Sai Noi Hospital, where the child was pronounced dead on arrival. Medical personnel noted multiple bruises on the child’s body, prompting an investigation by officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station. The suspect, identified as Mr Thanawat, was taken in for questioning alongside the boy’s mother, Ms Sirinya 24. Mr Thanawat initially denied involvement but eventually admitted to pushing the child with force, leading to the fatal injury. This confession aligned with forensic evidence and CCTV footage, which showed no other individuals entering or leaving the property at the time of the incident. Ms Sirinya told investigators she had long suspected her partner was abusing her son. She described how she took time off work to observe her child, noting that the bruises stopped appearing during those periods. However, the bruising would return whenever she resumed work, leaving her son in Mr Thanawat’s care. Although she had never witnessed drug abuse, Ms Sirinya said her partner frequently consumed a mixture of green and yellow pills dissolved in water, which kept him awake through the night and disrupted her own sleep. Despite this, she had trusted him to care for her child, insisting through tears that she had never so much as hit her son herself. “Why did he kill my baby?” she cried during the police reconstruction of the crime. Mr Thanawat’s father, who was present during the police-led reenactment, tearfully apologised to Ms Sirinya for his son’s actions. Superintendent Pol. Col. Phrut Chamruensat of Bang Bua Thong Police stated that Mr Thanawat initially admitted only to physically assaulting the child, not intending to kill. However, forensic examination confirmed that the fatal injuries were consistent with a violent push causing the child’s head to strike the bare floor with significant force. The investigation concluded that the stepfather acted alone. The police are preparing to file charges of causing grievous bodily harm resulting in death. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-08

Phitsanulok and Krabi Airports Achieve Certification as DoA Pushes for Further Approvals Picture courtesy of Matichon. Two regional airports, Phitsanulok and Krabi, have officially received public airport operating certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), marking a significant step towards raising national aviation standards and passenger safety. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366046-phitsanulok-and-krabi-airports-achieve-certification-as-doa-pushes-for-further-approvals/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Two regional airports, Phitsanulok and Krabi, have officially received public airport operating certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), marking a significant step towards raising national aviation standards and passenger safety. The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri, who confirmed that the Department of Airports (DoA) was awarded the certification for Phitsanulok Airport on 1 July and for Krabi Airport on 4 July. These are the fourth and fifth DoA-operated airportsto receive such certification, following Betong, Buriram and Surat Thani. The certification process complies with Section 45 of the amended Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954) and B.E. 2558 (2015), which requires all government-operated public airports to undergo safety assessments before being allowed to continue operations. Minister Monporn emphasised that all five certified airports must strictly adhere to CAAT standards and the conditions outlined in their certificates. This includes maintaining up-to-date airport operation manuals, ensuring accurate Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) and conducting annual internal safety audits. Compliance with aviation regulations is to be closely monitored, and the DoA has been instructed to accelerate certification procedures for other airports still undergoing assessment. According to Danai Rueangsorn, Director-General of the DoA, the department is currently seeking certification for an additional 19 airports, which are at various stages of a five-phase certification process: • Phase 1 (Preparation): Internal groundwork • Phase 2 (Formal Application): Includes Phetchabun Airport • Phase 3 (Document Review): Includes Pai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Chumphon, Ranong, Narathiwat, and Phrae • Phase 4 (Operational Assessment): Includes Hua Hin, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang, Sakon Nakhon, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Lampang, and Roi Et • Phase 5 (Final Certification): Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is expected to be the next to receive certification Minister Monporn highlighted that achieving certification demonstrates that these airports meet both physical and procedural safety standards, boosting confidence among passengers and airline operators. She also stated that it will enhance air transport connectivity and support the government’s ambition to develop regional airports into aviation hubs. The DoA aims to secure certification for at least two more airports by 2026, aligning with Thailand’s broader strategy to modernise and internationalise its regional aviation infrastructure. Section 45 of the Air Navigation Act as amended, stipulates that: • All public airports, including those operated by government agencies (such as the Department of Airports (DoA)), must receive certification from the CAAT to continue commercial operations. • The certification ensures compliance with ICAO standards(International Civil Aviation Organization) related to airport safety, infrastructure, operations, emergency response and air navigation services. • Airports already operating prior to this amendment are allowed to continue, but must seek certification and inspection by CAAT, under a planned timeline. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-08

Tragedy in Forest as Wild Elephant Kills Mother and Injures Adult Son Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A mother has been killed and her son seriously injured after they were attacked by a wild elephant in a remote forested area in Kanchanaburi. The tragic incident occurred while the pair were foraging for local fruits in a mountainous area near their village. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366045-tragedy-in-forest-as-wild-elephant-kills-mother-and-injures-adult-son/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A mother has been killed and her son seriously injured after they were attacked by a wild elephant in a remote forested area in Kanchanaburi. The tragic incident occurred while the pair were foraging for local fruits in a mountainous area near their village. The victims, identified as 61-year-old Mrs Wannana and her 37-year-old son Mr Nantapop, were reportedly returning from collecting ma waengberries when they unexpectedly encountered the elephant. According to officials, the two were unable to flee in time and were violently attacked. Mrs Wannana was pronounced dead at the scene, while her son sustained serious injuries, including a fractured leg and back pain. Although conscious, he was in considerable distress when rescuers reached him. He was later transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The pair’s motorcycle was also heavily damaged during the incident. Authorities said the remote location of the incident, deep within a steep and rugged forested mountain, posed significant challenges to the rescue operation. Reaching the victims required a 4WD vehicle, followed by travel on motorbike and then a three-kilometre trek on foot. The rescue team also had to contend with the absence of mobile phone or radio signal in the area, severely hampering communication. It reportedly took over five hours for rescue personnel to extract Mr Nantapop and retrieve his mother’s body. Local officials have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of encounters between humans and wild elephants in rural Thailand, as habitat loss continues to push wildlife closer to agricultural and residential areas. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-08

Hit-and-Run Horror: Motorcyclist and Pillion Killed as Pickup Driver Flees Scene Picture courtesy of SaimNews. A Thai man and a Cambodian woman were killed in the early hours of morning after their motorcycle was struck by an orange box pickup truck, whose driver fled the scene without offering assistance or taking responsibility. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366044-hit-and-run-horror-motorcyclist-and-pillion-killed-as-pickup-driver-flees-scene/

Picture courtesy of SaimNews. A Thai man and a Cambodian woman were killed in the early hours of morning after their motorcycle was struck by an orange box pickup truck, whose driver fled the scene without offering assistance or taking responsibility. The incident occurred at approximately 04:20 on 6 July, on the Wang Taphin–Map Toei Road, near the notorious “Heaven’s Bend” curve, Rayong Province. CCTV footage captured the moment the box truck veered into the curve, colliding with the motorcycle which was entering the same section of road. The impact was severe, causing both riders to be violently thrown to the ground. Rescue workers from the Pluak Daeng unit rushed to the scene and found two victims critically injured and lying in pools of blood. The motorbike rider, identified as 22-year-old Kritsichai and his passenger, a 21-year-old Cambodian national named Sophorn, were both transported to Pluak Daeng Hospital but were later pronounced dead. Initial police investigations at the scene revealed two vehicles involved: the motorcycle and the orange box pickup truck, which had been abandoned by its driver. The pickup was seized by police along with the motorcycle as part of the forensic investigation. Authorities from Pluak Daeng Police Station confirmed that a full examination of evidence, including vehicle damage and CCTV footage, is underway. Efforts are now focused on identifying the registered owner of the truck and locating the driver responsible for the fatal crash. In a heartbreaking scene at the hospital morgue, the mother of the deceased rider, 43-year-old Ms. Suchanan, spoke to reporters in tears. “I’ve lost my beloved son,” she said. “What the driver did is unforgivable. Whether you’re right or wrong, you don’t just run away. Please, come forward and take responsibility. Think how you’d feel if it was your own child lying there dead.” Ms. Suchanan added that she did not know the identity of the Cambodian passenger and had never met her before. Police are urging any witnesses or those with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-07-08

Broke Thai Gamblers Pawn Passports for Casino Cash, Arrested Attempting to Sneak Back Across Picture courtesy of Amarin. Five Thai nationals were arrested after attempting to illegally cross back into Thailand from Cambodia, having allegedly lost all their money gambling at a casino in Poipet. Four of the men had reportedly pawned their passports to continue gambling before deciding to return home without documents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366043-broke-thai-gamblers-pawn-passports-for-casino-cash-arrested-attempting-to-sneak-back-across/