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Authorities Warn of Potential Car Bomb Plot Involving Purchased Sedan Picture courtesy of Matichon. Security authorities have issued an urgent warning regarding a potential car bomb threat in the southern border provinces, after receiving credible intelligence that a group of suspects has purchased a sedan allegedly intended for use in a future attack. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365806-authorities-warn-of-potential-car-bomb-plot-involving-purchased-sedan/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Security authorities have issued an urgent warning regarding a potential car bomb threat in the southern border provinces, after receiving credible intelligence that a group of suspects has purchased a sedan allegedly intended for use in a future attack. According to reports from the Special Branch Division 1 under the Southern Border Provinces Police Operations Centre (SBPAC), all security units have been instructed to increase vigilance and monitor a “high-risk vehicle” believed to be prepared for use in a car bombing. The vehicle in question is a grey Nissan Sylphy 1.8, registration number 1กอ 397, Bangkok, with chassis number MNTBAAB17Z0000148 and engine number MRA8 301177R. Authorities have warned that the vehicle may have been repainted or fitted with false number plates to avoid detection. As such, all officers have been directed to thoroughly inspect suspect vehicles by checking both the registration plates and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). The following districts have been marked as high-risk zones where the threat is deemed most imminent: • Raman • Rueso • Mueang Narathiwat • Tak Bai • Su-ngai Padi • Su-ngai Kolok Officials have emphasised the need for heightened security checks at all checkpoints and increased surveillance across the region, given the nature of the threat. The public is urged to report any sightings of the identified vehicle or suspicious activity to the nearest authorities immediately. The situation remains under close observation as investigators work to prevent any potential attack. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-05

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Foreign Teacher Crashes Car After Night Out, Berates Rescuers Despite Damage Picture courtesy of ปลอดภัย สามหก In the early hours of 5 July, at approximately 03:50, police and emergency services responded to a traffic crash at an intersection on Phetkasem Road in the Khao Chiak subdistrict, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365797-foreign-teacher-crashes-car-after-night-out-berates-rescuers-despite-damage/

Picture courtesy of ปลอดภัย สามหก In the early hours of 5 July, at approximately 03:50, police and emergency services responded to a traffic crash at an intersection on Phetkasem Road in the Khao Chiak subdistrict, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province. A black Toyota Yaris had collided head-on with a directional road sign. The front of the car was damaged and left stationary in the road, raising immediate concerns for the driver’s safety. Upon arrival, rescuers found that the driver was a foreign national employed as a teacher at a well-known school in Phatthalung. He had reportedly been returning from a night out at an entertainment venue. Although he sustained only minor injuries and appeared visibly shaken, he became agitated with rescue workers attempting to assist him. In a bizarre outburst, the man questioned the presence of the rescue team, insisting that he had already contacted his insurance provider and did not require further assistance. Friends, also foreign nationals, were seen trying to calm him down at the scene. Officers inspecting the vehicle discovered two bottles of liquor beside the driver’s seat. The driver was taken into custody and transported to a nearby police station for a formal breath alcohol test. Police have not disclosed the result of the test or the name or nationality of the driver. Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings are underway, and the individual will face charges in accordance with traffic laws. Adapted by Asean Now from ปลอดภัย สามหก 2025-07-05

Security Guard Brutally Attacked Outside Pattaya Entertainment Venue Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A security guard was injured in the early hours of the morning of 5 July, after being viciously assaulted by a group of youths outside a nightclub in South Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365793-security-guard-brutally-attacked-outside-pattaya-entertainment-venue/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A security guard was injured in the early hours of the morning of 5 July, after being viciously assaulted by a group of youths outside a nightclub in South Pattaya. At approximately 04:05, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received an emergency call reporting a violent assault outside a popular nightlife venue in Soi Buakhao. Rescue volunteers were immediately dispatched to the scene alongside officers from Pattaya City Police Station. Upon arrival, emergency responders encountered a chaotic scene with locals and tourists gathering around the injured victim, a security guard employed by the venue. The victim had sustained multiple injuries, including a deep laceration to the face and bruises across his body. He appeared disoriented and was bleeding. First aid was administered at the scene before he was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Eyewitnesses told authorities that a group of six to seven young men approached the victim without warning and began a brutal attack, punching, kicking and throwing him to the ground. Even after the guard collapsed, the attackers continued to stomp on him without mercy. Bystanders attempted to intervene but were ignored as the attackers showed no concern for legal consequences or the law. CCTV footage from the area corroborated the witness accounts, clearly showing a group of young men assaulting the victim before fleeing the scene on motorcycles as if nothing had happened. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and have issued radio alerts based on witness descriptions and CCTV images. While the motive remains unclear, investigators suspect the attack may either have stemmed from a personal dispute, a love triangle or a road-related altercation. Investigators from the Pattaya City Police Station have been deployed to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-07-05

Chinese Trio Arrested After Claiming Escape from Poipet Scam Gangs Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Three Chinese nationals were arrested in the early hours of 4 July, after illegally crossing the Thai-Cambodian border on foot. The men claimed they were fleeing from forced involvement in scam operations in Poipet, Cambodia, but Thai authorities remain unconvinced due to inconsistencies in their statements and the suspicious nature of their possessions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365780-chinese-trio-arrested-after-claiming-escape-from-poipet-scam-gangs/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Three Chinese nationals were arrested in the early hours of 4 July, after illegally crossing the Thai-Cambodian border on foot. The men claimed they were fleeing from forced involvement in scam operations in Poipet, Cambodia, but Thai authorities remain unconvinced due to inconsistencies in their statements and the suspicious nature of their possessions. The arrest took place near Ban Khok Sabaeng village in the Tha Kham subdistrict of Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, at around 02:00. Soldiers from Thailand’s Burapha Task Force, under the Royal Thai Army’s Eastern Command, apprehended the group. None of the men carried identification documents. However, a search revealed they were in possession of six mobile phones, a detail that immediately raised red flags. During initial questioning, the trio claimed to have travelled from Yunnan Province in China, passing through Myanmar before entering Thailand illegally. They alleged they had been recruited by a Thai national to work in Poipet, Cambodia. Upon arrival, they said, they realised they had been deceived and were being forced to work for a scam network, prompting their decision to flee back into Thailand. Authorities, however, remain sceptical of the story. The men were unable to provide the name of the company they were meant to work for, the nature of the job or details of who facilitated their travel. Despite claiming they had been misled, they insisted all arrangements were made on their behalf and refused to give further specifics. Officials noted that the lack of documentation, vague testimony, and possession of multiple mobile phones, typical tools used in online fraud operations, raise the possibility that the men were not victims, but rather operatives attempting to infiltrate or expand scamming activity into Thailand. The three men have been handed over to Khlong Luek Police Station for further questioning. Investigators are now working to trace their full travel route and determine whether they are connected to broader human trafficking or cyber scam networks operating in the region. Further investigation may lead to the unmasking of wider criminal operations, including those exploiting foreign nationals for fraud schemes in border areas like Poipet. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-05

Elderly Man Killed After Motorbike Pushed 50 Metres by Speeding Car Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash claimed the life of a 76-year-old man after adriver crashed his car into the rear of the victim’s motorcycle, pushing it for over 50 metres along a bypass road in Chachoengsao province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365779-elderly-man-killed-after-motorbike-pushed-50-metres-by-speeding-car/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash claimed the life of a 76-year-old man after adriver crashed his car into the rear of the victim’s motorcycle, pushing it for over 50 metres along a bypass road in Chachoengsao province. Police Lieutenant Chalermphon Satharam, a duty officer at Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station, received a report of the fatal collision on the Bang Phra bypass road, in front of a local gas station in Bang Phra subdistrict. Emergency services, including forensic doctors from Phutthasothon Hospital and Chachoengsao rescue volunteers, were dispatched to the scene. At the scene, black skid marks could be seen trailing along the road, leading to the body of the deceased, identified as Mr. Charoen, aged 76. He was found with a severe forehead wound, abrasions across his torso and a broken right leg. Approximately 50 metres from the body, a red motorbike was found lodged into the front of the car. The windscreen of the car was cracked, with strands of hair and flesh, belonging to the victim stuck in the glass. The driver of the car, 25-year-old Atichat, told police he had been driving from his home in Bang Khla district to work in Ban Pho district. According to his account, the motorbike suddenly emerged from a side road and veered abruptly into the right-hand lane. Atichat claimed he had no time to brake and struck the rear of the motorcycle with force. The impact threw Mr. Charoen onto the car’s windscreen before his body was thrown onto the road. The motorcycle became wedged in the vehicle and was pushed some distance. Rescue workers transported the victim’s body to Phutthasothon Hospital to await identification by family members. Police have confirmed that Mr. Atichat was taken for further questioning to establish the full circumstances of the incident, with legal proceedings to follow accordingly. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-05

Excitement as Bryde’s Whale Trio Spotted Near Bang Saen Beach Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Tourists were left in awe as a mother Bryde’s whale and her two calves were spotted frolicking in the waters near Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi province. The rare sighting, captured in a video posted by Facebook user Eaksak Soemsri, shows the majestic whales chasing fish close to shore, accompanied by large flocks of seagulls swooping down to catch fish leaping out of the water to escape the whales. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365778-excitement-as-bryde’s-whale-trio-spotted-near-bang-saen-beach/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Tourists were left in awe as a mother Bryde’s whale and her two calves were spotted frolicking in the waters near Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi province. The rare sighting, captured in a video posted by Facebook user Eaksak Soemsri, shows the majestic whales chasing fish close to shore, accompanied by large flocks of seagulls swooping down to catch fish leaping out of the water to escape the whales. The footage, credited to a local crab netting boat near Ang Sila, was widely. According to local reports, the sighting involved three whales: a mother, her older calf from the previous year and a newly born pink-coloured calf still riding on its mother’s back. Observers believe the mother was teaching her young how to “lunge feed”, a hunting technique used to catch fish. Following the viral video, reporters visited the Bang Saen seafront and spoke to local beach operator Ms. Waree Nimthongplod 68, who said, “Whales do come to Bang Saen every year, usually in the winter. However, they are rarely seen this close to the beach, more often appearing near Laem Thaen. Still, they can sometimes be spotted from Bang Saen.” Mr. Pinyoh Photikun 26, who operates a banana boat rental business, added, “Whales tend to gather near Laem Thaen because it’s calmer and there’s less boat traffic. It’s quite rare to see them this close. They’re beautiful animals, but it’s important not to approach them too closely, it could be dangerous.” He also shared a whale-watching tip: “Look for areas where seagulls are circling. It usually means whales are feeding nearby. Many sightings come from reports by fishing boats further out at sea.” Local seafood vendor and sea rescue volunteer Mr. Eaksak Soemsri, 48, who first shared the clip, said, “We were informed by fishing boats in the morning about the whales, and we took tourists out in the afternoon. Initially, we expected to see two, but then we spotted a third, a newborn calf, pink in colour, around 3 metres long.” Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources are expected to conduct a survey on 5 July, to create identification records and name the whales. According to Mr. Eaksak, the mother may be a well-known whale named “Paphan,” with a large male reportedly seen nearby around Koh Sichang. In total, 3–4 whales have been observed in the Bang Saen–Sriracha–Koh Sichang area in recent days. He warned that whale-watching boats should keep a distance of 50–100 metres, as engine noise can disrupt feeding behaviour. With food sources increasing in Thai waters, whale sightings may also become more frequent. Irrawaddy dolphins and bottlenose dolphins have also been spotted around Khao Sam Muk recently. One excited visitor, Mr. Anupap Kaewmahawong, 40, from Kamphaeng Phet, said, “I’ve heard stories of whales being spotted here, but I’ve never seen one in person, only dolphins. It’s thrilling to know they’re this close to our shores.” The appearance of the Bryde’s whales has sparked renewed interest in marine conservation and eco-tourism in Chonburi, with locals hopeful that responsible tourism will allow more people to experience the majesty of Thailand’s marine life. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-05

Online Lottery Ring Busted in Kalasin Picture courtesy of Amarin. A cybercrime crackdown in Kalasin province has exposed a large-scale online lottery operation with money laundering links and over 100 million baht in financial transactions, according to reports from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365777-online-lottery-ring-busted-in-kalasin/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A cybercrime crackdown in Kalasin province has exposed a large-scale online lottery operation with money laundering links and over 100 million baht in financial transactions, according to reports from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. The operation, spearheaded by Division 4 of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3 (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of additional suspects connected to the network, along with the seizure of high-value assets allegedly acquired through illicit funds. The investigation originated from the arrest of Ms. Mananya, also known as “Yam” 31, on 29 May 2025. She had been advertising online lottery services through Facebook. Digital evidence from her messages and financial transactions led authorities to Ms. Sudaporn, also known as “Yu”, 35, who was identified as a central figure in the illegal gambling network operating in Kalasin. Authorities noted that Sudaporn frequently posted screenshots of large financial transfers on social media, some amounting to hundreds of thousands of baht. Investigators followed the money trail, uncovering over 20 million baht in circulation through her network. On 10 June, police apprehended Sudaporn and seized assets valued at more than 6 million baht. Further investigations uncovered evidence implicating two additional suspects: Ms. Priyalak, known as “Noey” 29 and Mr. Trakarn, known as “Ton” 41. The pair allegedly laundered lottery profits by investing in legitimate businesses, including night markets, artificial turf football pitches, cafés, beauty clinics and restaurants. Authorities discovered that the duo’s bank accounts had processed over 100 million baht in the last four to five years. Armed with this evidence, police obtained search warrants from the Kalasin Provincial Court. Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Mit Konchum and Pol. Lt. Col. Winai Sukhopuet, officers raided the suspects’ residences in Mueang Kalasin District. While the suspects were not present during the searches, officers seized valuable items believed to be proceeds of crime, including cars, designer handbags and other assets worth over 20 million baht. Shortly thereafter, both suspects turned themselves in to the TCSD Division 4 office in Khon Kaen. Police have formally charged both individuals with “organising, promoting, or inducing others to engage in illegal online lottery gambling” and “conspiring with two or more persons to commit money laundering.” While the suspects admitted to involvement in the gambling operation, they denied the money laundering charges. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the network, including possible links to other criminal enterprises. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1363281-online-lottery-ringleader-arrested-in-kalasin-assets-worth-over-6-million-baht-seized/ Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-05

Fugitive Arrested After 13 Years for Execution-Style Killing Over Unpaid Wages Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a man wanted for the cold-blooded murder of a temple layman 13 years ago, following a dispute over unpaid wages worth more than 500,000 baht. The suspect had been hiding in a remote durian orchard in the hills of Surat Thani Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365776-fugitive-arrested-after-13-years-for-execution-style-killing-over-unpaid-wages/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a man wanted for the cold-blooded murder of a temple layman 13 years ago, following a dispute over unpaid wages worth more than 500,000 baht. The suspect had been hiding in a remote durian orchard in the hills of Surat Thani Province. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, ordered the arrest operation through Pol. Col. Phattarawut Onchuay and Pol. Lt. Col. Sarit Chamnikrai from Crime Suppression Division 5. Officers apprehended the suspect, Mr. Narit 58, at a secluded hut in Moo 3, Ban Rai Nuea, Thung Tao Subdistrict, Ban Na San District. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by Pattani Provincial Court (Warrant No. จ.343/2555 dated 6 November 2012) for charges of murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and carrying a firearm in public without a permit or justifiable reason. Mr. Narit was listed as a high-priority suspect, number 199 on the Royal Thai Police’s 2025 Most Wanted List. According to police reports, in 2012 the suspect was working as a rubber plantation labourer for a temple in Na Pradu Subdistrict, Khok Pho District, Pattani. A conflict arose between him and Mr. Winai, a waiyawatchakorn(temple lay steward), who oversaw payment for the plantation work. Mr. Narit claimed he was never paid the 500,000 baht owed to him for his labour. The dispute escalated into a heated argument, during which Mr. Narit drew a .38 calibre handgun and shot Mr. Winai in the head three times at point-blank range, killing him instantly. He then fled the scene and vanished without a trace. Investigators now discovered that the suspect had taken refuge deep in the mountains of Surat Thani, working quietly as a hired hand at a durian plantation in Thung Tao. He had remained undetected for over a decade. Upon arrest, Mr. Narit confessed to the crime and was transported to Na Pradu Police Station in Pattani for prosecution. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-05

Fugitive Attempted Murder Suspect Found Hiding in Wrecked Boat on Songkhla Lake Picture courtesy of CIB. A man wanted for attempted murder was arrested after being found hiding in the wreckage of a boat on a lake in Songkhla. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365775-fugitive-attempted-murder-suspect-found-hiding-in-wrecked-boat-on-songkhla-lake/

Picture courtesy of CIB. A man wanted for attempted murder was arrested after being found hiding in the wreckage of a boat on a lake in Songkhla. Officers from the Marine Police Division of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) apprehended Mr. Sarawut, who had been on the run following a violent domestic incident in Mueang District, Songkhla Province. According to initial reports by Pol. Lt. Col. Suchart Songsom, an investigator from Songkhla City Police Station, the suspect had entered a local shop and fired a homemade handgun at his former partner, Ms. Rattiya. Although the gun misfired and she was not hit, the suspect reportedly chased her and attempted to shoot again. When the firearm failed a second time, Mr. Sarawut used it to strike her in the head. Bystanders intervened and managed to disarm him, after which the suspect fled the scene on a red-black Honda MSX125SF motorcycle without a license plate. The victim was taken to Songkhla Hospital for treatment. At the scene, police recovered: • 13 shotgun pellets • 2 green shotgun shells • 1 homemade shotgun handgun The suspect’s motorcycle was later recovered from his residence. Police launched a manhunt and intelligence gathering operation which led them to believe the suspect had fled via longtail boat, borrowed from his older brother and was hiding near derelict boats in Hua Khao Subdistrict, Singhanakhon District. A police team, under the command of senior officers including Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridej (CIB Commissioner), Pol. Maj. Gen. Setsiri Niphaya (Marine Police Commander), and Pol. Col. Wanpichit Wattanasakmanta (Superintendent of Marine Police Division 7), coordinated a search of the area. On arrival, officers discovered a longtail boat matching the description abandoned near the wrecks. A sweep of the area revealed the suspect lying beside one of the derelict vessels, attempting to remain hidden. Officers identified themselves, presented the arrest warrant, and confirmed the suspect’s identity. Mr. Sarawut admitted he was the person named in the warrant and had not been previously arrested on this charge. He was taken into custody without resistance and transported to Songkhla City Police Station. He now faces legal proceedings for attempted murder and illegal possession and use of firearms. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-07-05

Two Men Killed as Motorcycle Cuts Across Path of Truck in Nakhon Pathom Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A traffic collision claimed the lives of two men on the morning of 4 July, when their motorcycle suddenly cut across a major intersection in front of an oncoming 10-wheeled truck, leaving their bodies crushed beneath the vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365773-two-men-killed-as-motorcycle-cuts-across-path-of-truck-in-nakhon-pathom/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A traffic collision claimed the lives of two men on the morning of 4 July, when their motorcycle suddenly cut across a major intersection in front of an oncoming 10-wheeled truck, leaving their bodies crushed beneath the vehicle. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 09:50, at the intersection of Borommaratchachonnani and Phetkasem Roads in Moo 4, Tha Tamnak subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si district. Pol. Lt. Col. Chawalit Phupaniet, deputy inspector at Nakhon Chai Si Police Station, responded to the incident along with rescue personnel from the Suksalanukroh Foundation. At the scene, police discovered the bodies of two Myanmar nationals lying in the middle of the road, their bodies severely crushed. Around 50 metres from the impact site, officers found a 10-wheeled truck parked with a red motorcycle lodged beneath its front end. Debris including the bike’s seat and helmets were scattered along the road. The truck driver, who was transporting soil to Salaya, told police he had noticed the motorcycle travelling in the left-hand lane and believed it was going to turn left onto Borommaratchachonnani Road. However, at the last second, the motorbike swerved right to cross into Phetkasem Road, cutting directly into the path of his truck. He attempted to brake but was unable to stop in time, resulting in a fatal collision. “I thought they were turning left, but they suddenly darted across in front of me. I couldn’t stop the truck in time,” he said, visibly shaken. Emergency services confirmed both the motorcycle rider and the pillion passenger died at the scene. Their remains were taken to Nakhon Chai Si Hospital for examination. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Legal proceedings against the truck driver, if any, will follow upon conclusion of the investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-05

Lampang Airport Holds Security Drill Simulating Terrorist Attack & Hostage Situations Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Lampang have conducted a full-scale emergency response exercise at Lampang Airport, simulating a terrorist attack and hostage situation inside the passenger terminal. The drill was held under the leadership of Mr. Chutidet Meechan, Governor of Lampang Province and involved a wide array of security, emergency and medical response teams. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365772-lampang-airport-holds-security-drill-simulating-terrorist-attack-hostage-situations/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Lampang have conducted a full-scale emergency response exercise at Lampang Airport, simulating a terrorist attack and hostage situation inside the passenger terminal. The drill was held under the leadership of Mr. Chutidet Meechan, Governor of Lampang Province and involved a wide array of security, emergency and medical response teams. The exercise was carried out in compliance with regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which categorises Lampang Airport as a Level 5 facility, requiring regular and comprehensive security exercises to ensure preparedness and adherence to international safety standards. The simulation included multiple high-stakes scenarios: a staged terrorist incident within the terminal building, a hostage-taking situation, crisis negotiations, a tactical rescue operation and real-time media management. Participants followed established emergency protocols throughout the operation, ensuring a systematic and coordinated response. At the conclusion of the drill, officials held a press conference to explain the scenario and formally declare the exercise completed. The event not only tested the readiness and inter-agency coordination of all involved but also aimed to reinforce public confidence in the airport’s security infrastructure. The Governor of Lampang praised all agencies for their professionalism and emphasised the importance of such drills in preparing for unexpected emergencies. Lampang Airport authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all passengers and staff, with the capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-05

Phatthalung: Village Deputy Chief Found Dead After Car Plunges into Canal Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 59-year-old assistant village headman has died after he veered his car off a winding road and overturned into a canal in Phatthalung Province. His body was discovered by local residents on the morning of 4 July, still seated behind the wheel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365771-phatthalung-village-deputy-chief-found-dead-after-car-plunges-into-canal/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 59-year-old assistant village headman has died after he veered his car off a winding road and overturned into a canal in Phatthalung Province. His body was discovered by local residents on the morning of 4 July, still seated behind the wheel. At around 07:00, Pol. Lt. Wutthichai Saengchatri, the duty investigator at Khuan Khanun Police Station, was notified by a local resident of an overturned car submerged in the canal near the entrance to a slaughterhouse in Moo 1, Makok Nuea Subdistrict. The tip-off came after a morning jogger noticed the rear wheels of a car protruding from the water. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found a gold Toyota Vios, registration number from Phatthalung, overturned and submerged. Only the rear wheels were visible above the waterline. Rescue personnel spent over 30 minutes carefully recovering the vehicle, fearing there might be a body trapped inside. They discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Alongkorn, still gripping the steering wheel in his full official uniform. His hands were stiff, and he appeared to have died in the exact posture of driving. Identification documents and confirmation from relatives verified his identity. Mr. Alongkorn served as assistant village headman of Moo 9, Sai Liap Village, in the same subdistrict. It is believed he was driving to visit his wife in Chai Buri Subdistrict, Mueang District, after finishing official duties, using a poorly lit, winding road that runs alongside the railway. Initial investigations revealed no signs of braking at the scene. Authorities suspect he may have either fallen asleep or failed to negotiate a sharp bend, causing the vehicle to plunge into the canal and overturn. The site has no guardrails or bridge embankments. Relatives told police they had tried to contact him repeatedly throughout the night after he left home in the evening but received no response. Concern grew when he failed to return home as usual. They began searching local routes but found nothing until the discovery was made in the morning by a passerby. Authorities have stated that further inquiries will be conducted to determine the precise cause of the crash, including reviewing any nearby CCTV footage, examining the condition of the vehicle and interviewing anyone who had seen him earlier in the evening. Mr. Alongkorn’s body has been sent to Khuan Khanun Hospital for autopsy before being released to the family for funeral rites. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-05