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Terrifying Flight as AirAsia Plane Slammed by Hailstorm – Nose Crumpled, Cockpit Damaged Picture courtesy of Amarin A Thai AirAsia flight carrying 147 people endured a terrifying ordeal after being battered by a hailstorm while descending into Chongqing, China. The Airbus A320 suffered significant damage, including a crumpled nose cone and a damaged cockpit windshield, but landed safely without any injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367268-terrifying-flight-as-airasia-plane-slammed-by-hailstorm-–-nose-crumpled-cockpit-damaged/

Picture courtesy of Amarin A Thai AirAsia flight carrying 147 people endured a terrifying ordeal after being battered by a hailstorm while descending into Chongqing, China. The Airbus A320 suffered significant damage, including a crumpled nose cone and a damaged cockpit windshield, but landed safely without any injuries. The incident occurred on 17 July 2025 during flight FD552 from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. According to a post by aviation monitoring page Outsider’s Aviation, the aircraft, registered HS-BBA, encountered severe turbulence and was pummelled by hailstones while descending into Chongqing. Passengers described the aircraft violently shaking as it flew through the extreme weather. Despite the frightening conditions, the pilots managed to land the aircraft safely. Once on the ground, the damage was clearly visible, the aircraft’s nose cone was visibly crushed and parts of the cockpit windshield was cracked Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 147 people on board, including crew members. Due to the extent of the damage, the return flight (FD553) from Chongqing to Bangkok was delayed. Thai AirAsia issued a statement confirming the incident and emphasising that passenger safety remained the airline’s top priority. The airline provided affected passengers with food, accommodation, and ground support services during the delay. A replacement aircraft was later arranged, and passengers arrived safely back in Bangkok on 18 July. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-20

Drunken Russian Man Jumps to His Death from Phuket Villa Roof Picture courtesy of Amarin A 36-year-old Russian national has died after jumping from the roof of a villa in the Nai Harn area of Phuket while reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367267-drunken-russian-man-jumps-to-his-death-from-phuket-villa-roof/

Picture courtesy of Amarin A 36-year-old Russian national has died after jumping from the roof of a villa in the Nai Harn area of Phuket while reportedly under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred at approximately 15:50 on 19 July, when Chalong Police Station received an emergency call from their operations centre reporting that a foreigner had fallen from the roof of a villa inside the NBC Nai Harn condominium complex in Rawai subdistrict, near Nai Harn Beach. Police investigator Pol. Lt. Kiangkrai Daokrachai, together with officers from Chalong Police Station, medical staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital, and volunteers from the Kusoldharm Foundation, rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of a man identified as Mr Khushang Bakiev, a Russian national. He was found naked, lying in a pool of blood on the ground beneath the villa. According to witnesses, including a close friend of the deceased who was present at the scene, Mr Bakiev had been heavily intoxicated and was acting in a highly agitated and irrational manner. At one point, he allegedly assaulted a friend without clear provocation. As others attempted to calm him down, he fled upstairs and climbed onto the roof of the villa, from which he ultimately jumped to his death. Preliminary examination by forensic staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital confirmed multiple injuries consistent with a fall from height. His body has been transferred to the hospital for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Chalong police have informed the Russian embassy in Bangkok, who will now contact the deceased’s next of kin to arrange the repatriation of his body and religious rites. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Electric vehicle giant BYD Rêver has officially announced its sponsorship of the Thailand national football team and all levels of the Thai League, marking a bold new chapter for both Thai football and the promotion of clean energy in sport. In a high-profile press conference held at CentralWorld, BYD unveiled its campaign, “BYD Charges Thai Football”, positioning itself not just as a corporate partner, but as a driving force behind the development of the sport and its connection to sustainable energy. The event was attended by prominent figures including Yu Bin Ke, General Manager of BYD (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Prathanwong Phornprapha, CEO of Rêver Group; Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand; as well as Thai League officials and players from Thai League 1, 2, and 3 who added colour and excitement to the launch. Yu Bin Ke expressed BYD’s commitment to contributing positively to Thailand beyond clean mobility: “This partnership is more than a business decision. It is a pledge to energise Thai football and create meaningful experiences for fans across the nation.” Rêver Group CEO Prathanwong Phornprapha echoed this vision, describing the collaboration as part of the company’s broader mission of promoting sustainability across all aspects of Thai society, not just in environmental terms, but also in social and sporting dimensions. Madam Pang highlighted the significance of BYD’s involvement: “This is a historic moment. BYD is the first brand to sponsor all tiers of Thai League football. Their support will elevate the quality and intensity of the 2025/26 season and help bring Thai football to the next level.” In a unique move, BYD has rebranded the Thai professional leagues with names inspired by its best-selling EV models: • Thai League 1 becomes “BYD SEALION 6 League One” – named after the high-performance AWD electric SUV, reflecting the power and precision of top-tier football. • Thai League 2 is now “BYD SEAL 5 League Two” – symbolising balance and ambition, like BYD’s sporty and efficient electric sedan. • Thai League 3 takes the name “BYD DOLPHIN League Three” – reflecting agility, community spirit, and clean energy, aligning with the grassroots nature of the league. This branding approach aims to link modern EV innovation with the energy and evolution of Thai football. BYD’s sponsorship goes beyond traditional branding. Under the slogan “More than a sponsor, a new energy for every match”, the campaign will include a range of fan engagement and social impact initiatives: • Energising the Crowd: BYD will launch interactive matchday and online activities to boost fan experience and bring excitement to every game. • Empowering Players: Campaigns will promote athlete lifestyles, connect fans with national players, and inspire youth through exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities. • Giving Back to Communities: BYD will also provide sports equipment and scholarships to underprivileged children across Thailand throughout the season. The “BYD Charges Thai Football” campaign is positioned as the beginning of a New Energy, New Era for the sport in Thailand. With BYD’s support spanning national teams, professional clubs and grassroots communities, the partnership promises to elevate the footballing landscape while promoting a cleaner, smarter future. Fans are invited to follow the campaign and upcoming events throughout the season via Facebook on: • BYD Thailand • Chang Suek – Thailand National Football Team • Thai League 1 / 2 / 3 Official Pages BYD’s bold step into Thai football marks a fusion of sport, technology and sustainability, powering passion, progress, and a new generation of play. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Department of Disease Control has revealed detailed plans for new prototype indoor smoking rooms at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The move comes in response to repeated incidents of passengers illegally smoking in airport restrooms and other unauthorised areas, raising concerns about second-hand smoke exposure and public safety. Dr Chayanan Sithibus, Director of the Tobacco Product Control Committee Office at the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed that two locations within the airport have been approved for the new facilities. The smoking rooms will be installed in the SAT-1 satellite terminal (1 room) and on the 4th floor of the main international departure terminal (3 rooms). Outdoor smoking zones will remain in designated areas on the 2nd floor, outside the main terminal. Dr Chayanan explained that the initiative is aimed at accommodating transit passengers who are unable to leave the airport between connecting flights. “Previously, smokers were forced to seek out private areas such as toilets, which is illegal and harmful to others,” he said. “By creating these controlled environments, we are prioritising safety and reducing public exposure to second-hand smoke.” The design of the prototype rooms will follow international best practices, functioning similarly to infectious disease isolation units. Each room will feature a double-door entry system, negative air pressure, and a high-efficiency ventilation system to prevent smoke leakage. No specific size has been mandated, but the technical standards for air quality management are strict. The smoking rooms are expected to be completed by the end of July, followed by a safety assessment and trial period in August. Feedback from this pilot will be reviewed in a future meeting of the National Tobacco Products Control Committee. The Ministry of Public Health has also advised that all future airport construction projects include designated indoor smoking areas that comply with these new safety and ventilation standards. “The Minister of Public Health has been clear, any smoking area must be entirely safe for non-smokers,” said Dr Chayanan. “This includes ensuring that second-hand smoke is fully contained and eliminated through proper design and engineering.” The initiative marks a shift in Thailand’s approach to public smoking, balancing public health concerns with practical solutions for air travellers. Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A domestic incident unfolded in Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai on the night of 18 July, when a 43-year-old man fatally shot his third wife before turning the gun on himself. The couple was found lying lifeless side by side inside a nursery greenhouse where they lived with his other two wives. Police were alerted to the shooting at approximately 22:15 and arrived at the scene, an unregistered seedling nursery located in Moo 7, Kong Khaek Subdistrict, Mae Chaem District. Investigating officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Manop Chitjaroonpan and Pol. Col. Satitchai Nitiyawan, along with forensic teams and medical staff from Thepparat Hospital, found two deceased individuals at the scene. The victims were identified as Mr. Phak 43, from Pai District in Mae Hong Son Province and Ms. Thiprada 36, from Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai. The two were husband and wife in practice, though not legally married. A 9mm CZ pistol was recovered at the scene, along with 10 live rounds and two spent shell casings, which were collected as evidence. Initial investigations revealed that Ms. Thiprada was Mr. Phak’s third wife and all three of his wives resided together in the same household. According to police, the fatal shooting followed an argument when Ms. Thiprada expressed her desire to return to her family home in Chom Thong and no longer live with Mr. Phak and his other two wives. In response to this, Mr. Phak allegedly became enraged and shot her dead with the pistol before committing suicide. Authorities have launched a formal investigation, although the case appears to be a clear murder-suicide driven by domestic conflict. Local officials and social workers are expected to provide support to the surviving members of the household. Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Daily News. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is awaiting clarification from five key government agencies regarding a controversial private airstrip in Pak Chong District that has allegedly been built illegally over public land. The case, dubbed the “VIP Runway” scandal, revolves around a privately owned airstrip in Khanong Phra subdistrict, suspected of encroaching on public roadways and state-managed land without the proper authorisation. Aerial images and complaints suggest the 1,000-metre-long runway crosses a public road long used by local residents, raising questions about land rights, safety, and official approvals. The DSI launched its investigation following a formal complaint from lawyer Phattharaphong Supakson, known publicly as “Lawyer Aun,” who questioned the legality of converting public infrastructure into an aircraft runway. The DSI’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, led by Pol Lt Col Nathaphon Ditthayatham and Pol Lt Col Nimit Phromma, held a fact-finding meeting with local officials on 17 July to assess the situation. Initial findings revealed that the disputed area falls under the jurisdiction of the Lamtakhong Self-Development Community, not the Khanong Phra Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO). While the SAO is responsible for granting construction permits under the 1979 Building Control Act, it claimed no record exists of a permit being issued for the airstrip, either now or in the past, dating back to 2007. The runway, according to investigators, is approximately 19 metres wide and spans 1 kilometre. It cuts across a 450-metre-long section of public road, 3.5 metres wide, that eventually leads into a private golf course. The end of the public road appears to have been converted into lawn within the golf course, reportedly preventing vehicle access. Although local authorities acknowledge this was once a thoroughfare, its status as a road appears to have been gradually erased. DSI officers are now awaiting documentation from five government bodies before proceeding with further site visits and interviews: 1. Khanong Phra SAO – To clarify whether any public hearings or temporary landing approvals were held regarding the airstrip. 2. Department of Lands – To confirm the legal land status and boundary demarcations. 3. Lamtakhong Self-Development Community – To provide a timeline of the runway’s construction and any internal approvals. 4. Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) – To verify whether the site has aviation clearance or registration as a private airport. 5. Nakhon Ratchasima Office of Agricultural Land Reform (Sor Por Kor) – To confirm if any parts of the airstrip or golf course encroach on land designated for agricultural reform. Notably, Lamtakhong officials have already filed a police report on 4 June, asserting that the airstrip was constructed over a road in Moo 12, Khanong Phra, without authorisation from the Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, in violation of Section 15 of relevant regulations. The disputed land area totals 294 square wah. Adding to the complexity, the DSI uncovered preliminary evidence linking the airstrip’s construction to a prominent political figure. It appears that paperwork formalising the project only surfaced long after the runway had already been built, reportedly completed in 2012 based on aerial imagery. Additionally, a related public hearing appears to have occurred post-construction. The investigation will soon expand to include interviews with two individuals: 1. The airstrip owner, whose name appears on later-stage approval documents linked to a well-known politician. 2. The golf course owner, reportedly the sister of the same politician, as her property connects directly to the runway and sits on land in question. DSI investigators have flagged three major issues: • The airstrip was built over land managed by a state agency (Lamtakhong). • The golf course appears to occupy part of a public road. • No official construction permits for the runway have been found, despite its presence on aerial maps dating back over a decade. Investigators emphasise that further clarification, particularly from the Department of Lands, will determine whether public land was unlawfully appropriated for private aviation and leisure purposes. The DSI has pledged to return to the site and pursue formal legal action once all requested documentation has been received. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367068-dsi-probes-alleged-illegal-runway-built-over-public-land-at-private-airport/ Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a shocking and unusual scene outside Pattaya City Police Station on the evening of 18 July, a dishevelled woman in possession of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia openly displayed the items in front of senior police officers and journalists preparing for the upcoming Pattaya Marathon 2025. The incident occurred as Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Khratchamat, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and members of the press were gathered outside the station. A woman, estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old, arrived wearing a t-shirt and shorts, with visible dirt and a bleeding wound on her right knee. Carrying a plastic bag, she proceeded to dramatically empty its contents in front of the officers and media personnel, revealing a plastic zip-lock bag containing crystal meth and various drug-taking equipment. Her erratic behaviour and incoherent speech stunned those present. When questioned by police, the woman was unable to provide clear answers, instead rambling and displaying signs of mental instability. She reportedly explained how to use the paraphernalia, disclosed prices and even named sources for the illicit drugs. However, she did not carry any form of identification. The police immediately confiscated the illegal substances and equipment as evidence. Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu requested assistance from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation, whose volunteers provided first aid for the woman’s injuries. She was then transferred into a treatment programme for both medical care and drug rehabilitation. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Thailand is preparing to repatriate four illegally trafficked orangutans to Indonesia by the end of the year, as part of an intensified campaign to combat transnational wildlife crime and mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Mr Sadudee Phanpakdee, Director of the CITES Wildlife and Flora Protection Division under The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, confirmed the development following the Second Thailand–Indonesia Security Dialogue held on 17 July. The Thai delegation, led by National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad, met with their Indonesian counterparts headed by Lt Gen Mohammad Hasan from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. During the dialogue, Mr Sadudee addressed the issue of cross-border wildlife crime, proposing two main strategies to enhance cooperation: (1) closer exchange of intelligence and communication between relevant agencies and (2) a stronger commitment to returning confiscated wildlife to their natural habitats, even when the species are not listed under CITES, in pursuit of sustainable conservation. The orangutans in question were seized in separate law enforcement operations earlier this year. Three were intercepted in Chumphon Province on 21 January, while two more were rescued in Bangkok during a sting operation at a PTT petrol station in the Kaset–Nawamin area on 14 May, led by Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division. Sadly, one of the five animals died. The four surviving orangutans, classified under CITES as protected wildlife, are now being prepared for repatriation to Indonesia, expected to take place before the end of 2025. “This act of returning the orangutans is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a symbol of friendship and goodwill between Thailand and Indonesia, especially as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties,” Mr Sadudee stated. Beyond wildlife trafficking, the bilateral meeting also addressed broader regional and national security issues. Discussions included terrorism and extremism, cyber security, maritime security and broader transnational crime. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to strategic cooperation in tackling these shared challenges. Officials from both countries hope the agreements and momentum generated by the dialogue will lead to concrete actions and a new phase of joint operations to dismantle international wildlife trafficking networks. Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Daily News A 39-year-old drug dealer was apprehended following a dramatic attempt to flee a police checkpoint in Ayutthaya, during which he rammed a police officer and caused injuries before crashing his motorcycle and being arrested. Pol Col Arthit Simcharoen, superintendent of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station, confirmed the incident occurred around 20:00 on 18 July. Pol Lt Col Narit Chansoda and his team had been manning a routine anti-crime checkpoint in front of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal in Pratu Chai subdistrict when the suspect approached on a Yamaha Filano motorbike, registration plate from Ayutthaya. Upon seeing the checkpoint, the suspect, later identified as Mr Wuttichai Thadsongkool, a resident of Pratu Chai, abruptly turned his bike around in an attempt to escape. Police gave chase through the city, with Mr Wuttichai eventually circling back and returning to the checkpoint area, where he pretended he was about to stop. As Pol L/Cpl Palawat Kaenthiang moved in to carry out a search, the suspect suddenly accelerated and crashed directly into the officer, sending him airborne and leaving him with abrasions across his body. Mr Wuttichai lost control of his motorbike shortly after and attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly captured. A body search revealed 20 methamphetamine pills and 0.57 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden on his person. A urine test later confirmed the presence of illegal narcotics in his system. The suspect reportedly admitted to police that he had recently taken drugs and fled the checkpoint out of fear of arrest. Mr Wuttichai sustained injuries during the crash and was treated at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a dislocated shoulder and a broken arm, requiring a cast. Police have charged him with multiple offences, including drug possession, assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. Further legal proceedings are underway. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The dramatic saga of one of western Thailand’s most elusive drug traffickers came to an end on the night of 18 July, when police arrested Prawit “Keng Dan Chang”, following a gun battle in Kanchanaburi province. Keng, who had repeatedly evaded previous attempts to capture him, was wounded in the leg during the confrontation and taken into custody alongside two accomplices. The joint operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Prasopdee, Chief of Suphan Buri Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Peera Asawapiboonphon, Superintendent of the Provincial Investigation Division. Acting on intelligence, police units from Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi coordinated a raid on a house in Moo 9, Yang Muang Subdistrict, Tha Maka District, where Keng was believed to be hiding. Keng, wanted on multiple drug-related charges, opened fire on officers in an attempt to escape. Police returned fire in self-defence, hitting him in the right leg. Officers arrested him and two alleged associates, identified only as Sarawut (alias “Ko”) and Apichat (alias “Ta”) and seized 8,800 methamphetamine pills and a firearm. Keng Dan Chang has long been considered a major figure in the regional drug trade, with suspected links to a wide-reaching narcotics network operating in Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and nearby provinces. Previous efforts to detain him were unsuccessful, allegedly due to insider tip-offs and a local network of up to 80 drug users and runners. In June, officers raided a house in Moo 2, Nikom Krasaeo Subdistrict, Dan Chang District, where they seized over 32,000 meth pills, 102.82 grams of crystal meth and 13 firearms, but Keng escaped, leaving behind his 61-year-old mother, who was arrested at the scene. On 6 July, police attempted to intercept Keng again on Highway 333 in Suphan Buri during a suspected drug drop. Despite three police teams blocking the road, Keng allegedly shot at officers and fled into nearby forested hills. One of his men was shot and injured during that encounter. Authorities recovered 4,000 meth pills, a large packet of ketamine and two guns, including an Uzi-style submachine gun. After years of evading justice, Keng Dan Chang’s luck finally ran out. He is now receiving medical treatment under police custody, pending prosecution. His arrest marks a major success for narcotics suppression forces in the region. Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Daily News. A long-standing land dispute spanning over a decade ended in tragedy when a 44-year-old man from Singhanakhon District shot and killed his uncle in a moment of rage. The suspect later surrendered to police, admitting he had “lost control” after years of provocation. Pol Sub Lt Marut Nilkosee, an investigator with Singhanakhon Police Station, received a report of a fatal shooting on a rural road behind Khao Khiew School in Moo 1, Sathing Mo subdistrict, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla province. Officers from multiple investigation units responded to the scene. The victim, Mr Phinyoh, aged 60, was found lying face down on a disputed plot of land. Nearby, police recovered four 9mm shell casings. Roughly 200 metres away, officers located additional evidence. Shortly after, the suspect, Mr Wirat 44, the victim’s nephew, turned himself in at Singhanakhon Police Station. He led officers to the site where he had discarded the murder weapon, revealing that he had thrown the pistol into a well structure beside a small shack, while separating the magazine and hiding it under the same shelter. According to Mr Wirat, the land had been under his father’s care for many years. After working in Bangkok, he returned home and was shown the boundaries of the land by his father. Following his father’s death in 2014, Mr Wirat claimed he took over stewardship of the land. However, his uncle allegedly began excavating and selling soil from the property and later sold off sections to local villagers. Mr Wirat also stated that he filed legal complaints over the issue but was continually harassed and provoked by his uncle, including threats from villagers allegedly brought in by the deceased. The land in question, he said, now totals around 10 rai. In his confession, Mr Wirat admitted to becoming enraged during a confrontation on the day of the shooting. He said the victim continued to provoke him, pushing him into a state of uncontrollable anger. From a shack about 200 metres away, he fired four to five shots at his uncle, killing him instantly. “I just couldn’t take it anymore,” Mr Wirat told police. “I’ve endured this for over 10 years. It even cost me my job. I want to apologise to my uncle’s family.” Police have charged Mr Wirat with murder and seized the firearm as evidence. He is now in custody and awaiting further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-20

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Bueng Kan province have arrested a 49-year-old man for the brutal murder of a local resident, whose body was found dumped in a village pond late last month. The suspect initially denied any involvement, but after a night of intense interrogation, he confessed to the shocking crime, which was corroborated by DNA evidence. The arrest was made on 17 July following an investigation led by Pol. Col. Yanathat Chaipacharachot, Superintendent of Sriwilai Police Station, Pol. Col. Kritsakorn Chueasing, Head of Provincial Investigation and their team. The suspect, Poonsub, from Na Saeng Subdistrict, Sriwilai District, was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Bueng Kan Provincial Court (No. 146/2568) for the murder of Banjong 51. The case began on the morning of 25 June when police received reports of a body floating face-down in a pond behind a village in Na Sabaeng Subdistrict. The deceased, identified as Banjong, had a deep gash across his throat and a caved-in left cheekbone. Bloodstains were discovered on a bamboo bed inside a nearby hut, roughly 500 metres from where the body was recovered. Two machetes were also found at the scene and collected for forensic analysis. The victim’s 60-year-old brother told investigators he witnessed the attack but was too frightened to intervene. He saw the assailant beating his brother and then loading the body onto a rubber-carting trolley. Rather than confront the attacker, he ran to notify his sister-in-law, who called the police. Forensic teams later confirmed that DNA found on the machetes and other items at the crime scene matched that of the suspect, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant. Poonsub was apprehended soon after but initially denied all charges. However, after an overnight interrogation session, he confessed in the afternoon of 18 July. According to his statement, he first struck the victim on the head with a wooden club until he stopped moving, then slit his throat with a rubber tapping knife to ensure death. He then placed the body in the rubber trolley, covered it with a mat and wheeled it to the pond where he dumped it. A background check revealed that Poonsub has a history of mental illness and had previously been involved in a fatal assault. He now faces charges of murder and concealment of a corpse, as authorities proceed with legal action. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364832-man-51-slaughtered-and-dumped-in-village-pond/ Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20