Georgealbert

Russian Man Arrested for Dangerous BMW Drifting Stunt on Ban Amphur Beachfront Pictures courtesy of SiamChon. Residents of Najomtien, were left shaken after a Russian national was caught drifting a high-powered BMW in a public beachfront car park in the early hours of the morning. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362153-russian-man-arrested-for-dangerous-bmw-drifting-stunt-on-ban-amphur-beachfront/

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon. Residents of Najomtien, were left shaken after a Russian national was caught drifting a high-powered BMW in a public beachfront car park in the early hours of the morning. The incident occurred at approximately 01:00, on 29 May near Ban Amphur Beach in the Sattahip District. A widely circulated video posted on Facebook shows the black BMW 320d, registered in Bangkok, speeding recklessly and drifting, just metres from homes and shops. Local residents expressed alarm over the stunt, which took place in the heart of a residential and commercial area. Concerns were raised about public safety. Reporters visiting the scene found visible tyre marks and circular skid patterns across the public car park, confirming reports of dangerous drifting. Ms. Raphiphan Rattanaliam, the mayor of Najomtien Municipality, personally inspected the site and immediately contacted Najomtien Police to request swift legal action. She also urged the public to report any future reckless driving to help prevent accidents and injuries. Within 12 hours of the incident, Pol. Col. Pattana Robroo, Superintendent of Najomtien Police Station, ordered an investigation. Using video footage and social media evidence, investigators identified the driver as Mr. Ivan, a 36-year-old Russian citizen residing in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung District. Police located Mr. Ivan’s residence and found the black BMW parked outside. He was taken into custody and brought to Najomtien Police Station for questioning, where he admitted to the stunt. Mr. Ivan was formally charged with: Reckless driving causing potential danger to others, punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of 5,000–20,000 baht, or both. Driving in a manner likely to cause harm to persons or property, which carries a fine of up to 4,000 baht. In addition, police have contacted immigration authorities with a recommendation to revoke Mr. Ivan’s visa and deport him, citing Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act. The provision allows for expulsion of individuals deemed a threat to public order or safety. Superintendent Pattana Robroo emphasised, “Public spaces are not racetracks. Dangerous driving that endangers the public or disturbs the peace will not be tolerated and will be met with strict legal consequences.” Mr. Ivan now awaits prosecution at the Pattaya Provincial Court. His future in Thailand remains uncertain, pending immigration proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

UPDATE Pattaya Condo Confirms Structural Safety After Concrete Panel Falls into Car Park Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. The management of Unixx South Pattaya condominium has confirmed that the building’s main structure remains completely sound after a large decorative concrete panel detached from the facade and fell onto the car park area, damaging multiple motorcycles and injuring a tourist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362108-australian injured-vehicles-damaged-after-concrete-collapse-at-pattaya-condominium/#findComment-19834064

UPDATE Pattaya Condo Confirms Structural Safety After Concrete Panel Falls into Car Park Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. The management of Unixx South Pattaya condominium has confirmed that the building’s main structure remains completely sound after a large decorative concrete panel detached from the facade and fell onto the car park area, damaging multiple motorcycles and injuring a tourist. The incident occurred in the early evening of 28 May, when a section of concrete cladding came loose from the exterior of the high-rise located on Pratumnak Road in Pattaya, Bang Lamung district. The heavy panel first struck the sixth-floor swimming pool area before crashing down into the parking zone below. An Australian tourist, Mr Paul Dennis Smith, 57, sustained injuries to his head, right arm, and right leg. He was quickly transported to hospital by emergency services. Several motorcycles parked in the area were also damaged by falling debris. In response, the condominium’s senior technician, Mr Setthabut Tantrachin, led a team of reporters to inspect the scene on 29 May. He confirmed that urgent safety measures had already been implemented, including cordoning off hazardous zones and initiating insurance procedures to compensate vehicle owners affected by the incident. Mr Setthabut stated that other similar cement panels remain attached to the building and will be dismantled as a precaution, in accordance with orders from Pattaya City authorities. Contractors are currently working on plans for a safe removal process, which will begin at the front of the building and move around to the sides and pool area in phases. He further assured residents that the condominium’s structural integrity is fully intact, supported by annual structural inspections and daily building system checks conducted three times per day. Following a recent minor earthquake felt in Bangkok, the building’s management committee also ordered an immediate structural review by certified engineers. The results of this inspection have been posted publicly around the building to reassure residents. During the removal process, alternative off-site parking has been arranged for residents at no extra cost, along with a complimentary shuttle service to and from the condominium. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-29.

CCTV Footage Shows Young Schoolgirl Killed in Motorcycle Collision with Lorry Picture from responders. A road crash claimed the life of a 13-year-old schoolgirl on the morning of 29 May,in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, when a motorcycle she was riding pillion on collided with a lorry. CCTV footage captured the incident, which occurred at approximately 07:00 on Noen Rai Song Road in Moo 10, Thung Sukhla subdistrict. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362148-cctv-footage-shows-young-schoolgirl-killed-in-motorcycle-collision-with-lorry/

Picture from responders. A road crash claimed the life of a 13-year-old schoolgirl on the morning of 29 May,in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, when a motorcycle she was riding pillion on collided with a lorry. CCTV footage captured the incident, which occurred at approximately 07:00 on Noen Rai Song Road in Moo 10, Thung Sukhla subdistrict. The young victim, Kanokorn Sochada, a student at Laem Chabang Municipal School 3, was on her way to school with her mother, Ms. Wiphanee Nawanlueksakorn, 47, who was driving the motorcycle. While attempting to navigate around a roadside rubbish bin, their black Honda Wave 125 clipped the lorry, causing them to lose control and crash. Warning CCTV shows the crash. Ms. Wiphanee sustained minor injuries and was seen in a state of profound distress at the scene, crying inconsolably while holding her daughter’s lifeless body. The young girl was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered severe head trauma after being run over by the lorry’s rear wheels. She was still dressed in her Girl Scout uniform. Emergency services from Sawang Prateep Si Racha Rescue Centre responded swiftly, and police investigators led by Pol. Lt. Col. Peerapong Noochana from Laem Chabang Police Station were dispatched to the scene. Mr. Sochada, the girl’s father, arrived shortly afterward, having rushed from work upon being notified by school staff. Visibly heartbroken, he stood in silence over his daughter’s body. He later explained that under normal circumstances, he would take his daughter to school, but as he was working this morning, her mother had taken her instead. Eyewitness Ms. Sukanya Kaewsot, 35, a local resident, said she heard a loud crash and came outside to find the devastated mother cradling her daughter. “Someone told me to call emergency services. When the mother turned, I saw the girl’s condition and knew she had died on the spot,” she said. CCTV footage confirmed that the motorcycle had been riding parallel to the lorry before veering slightly to avoid an obstacle and making contact. The collision caused both riders to be thrown from the vehicle, the mother to the left side of the road, and the child into the path of the lorry. Police have launched a formal investigation, collecting evidence and witness statements at the scene. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-29.

Fathers Shoot Drug-Crazed Sons in Two Separate Incidents Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two separate provinces witnessed harrowing domestic incidents on the evening of 28 May, where fathers, pushed to the brink by their drug-addicted sons, resorted to firearms in self-defence. One son remains hospitalised with gunshot wounds, while another died at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362143-fathers-shoot-drug-crazed-sons-in-two-separate-incidents/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Two separate provinces witnessed harrowing domestic incidents on the evening of 28 May, where fathers, pushed to the brink by their drug-addicted sons, resorted to firearms in self-defence. One son remains hospitalised with gunshot wounds, while another died at the scene. Father Shoots Son in the Legs to Stop Violent Rampage in Phatthalung At around 22:00 in Chumphon Subdistrict, Srinakarin District, Phatthalung Province, police from Srinakarin Police Station responded to reports of a shooting involving a family member. Upon arrival, the injured party had already been transported to hospital by emergency services. The shooter, 57-year-old Mr. Sompong, a village assistant headman, admitted to shooting his son, 31-year-old Mr. Atsadawut, with a legally issued shotgun used in his role with the Village Defence Volunteers. According to Mr. Sompong, his son, long known to struggle with drug addiction and recently showing increasingly violent tendencies, had gone into a drug-induced frenzy. Armed with a metal pipe, the son allegedly smashed the roof of the house and destroyed property while shouting incoherently. Mr. Sompong claimed he had tried to calm his son down, but the latter ran at him aggressively. Fearing for his life, the father fired at both of his son’s legs to stop the attack. He said that after the son collapsed, he immediately rendered aid and called emergency services. Police have taken Mr. Sompong into custody along with the shotgun and five cartridges, pending legal proceedings. Son Killed by Father After Brutal Attack in Lopburi An even more tragic scene unfolded in Kaeng Phak Kut Subdistrict, Tha Luang District, Lopburi Province, at approximately 21:05. Local police, forensic officers, medical staff, and rescue volunteers arrived at a private residence to find 60-year-old Mr. Thongbai Pan-ud severely injured and his son, Mr. Bird Pan-ud, 30, dead from a single gunshot wound to the head. Preliminary investigations revealed that the son, reportedly suffering from drug addiction and psychosis, had approached his sister to ask for money. When their father, Mr. Thongbai, intervened and reprimanded him for his behaviour, an altercation ensued. Witnesses stated that Mr. Bird became enraged, grabbed a hoe and began striking his father, leaving him with serious head injuries. In an act of apparent desperation, the father managed to escape, retrieved a .38 calibre revolver and shot his son in the forehead at close range. The son died instantly in the courtyard of their home. Due to the father’s injuries, he was unable to provide a statement at the time. The police have documented the crime scene, collected evidence, and intend to pursue legal action. The victim’s body has been sent for autopsy at Tha Luang Hospital. These cases have reignited debate over the growing social crisis surrounding drug addiction and mental health, particularly within rural communities, where access to sustained rehabilitation and psychiatric care remains limited. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Police Called After Indian Tourist Climbs Onto Taxi in Pattaya Picture courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา A bizarre scene unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 29 May, when a Indian tourist was found lying on the roof of a white electric taxi in central Pattaya, prompting a swift police response and drawing a large crowd of onlookers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362138-police-called-after-indian-tourist-climbs-onto-taxi-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา A bizarre scene unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 29 May, when a Indian tourist was found lying on the roof of a white electric taxi in central Pattaya, prompting a swift police response and drawing a crowd of onlookers. The incident occurred on Pattaya Beach Road near Soi 12. Officers from Pattaya City Police Station were alerted to the situation and dispatched patrol units to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a white GAC Aion electric taxi stopped in the middle of the road with its hazard lights flashing. To the astonishment of both locals and tourists gathered nearby, an Indian national was sprawled across the car’s roof. The man appeared to be intoxicated and was incoherently muttering to himself. Despite repeated efforts, police and concerned citizens spent a considerable amount of time coaxing the man down. Eventually, he agreed to descend from the vehicle and lay down on the pavement, where he began vomiting heavily. Officers provided water and assisted him in cleaning up before he was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. According to the taxi driver, he had been en route to pray at the Phra Tamnak Hill temple when the foreigner suddenly ran up to his vehicle, frantically banging on the windows in a plea for help. Alarmed and unsure of the man’s intentions, the driver chose not to unlock the doors. The tourist then clambered onto the roof of the vehicle and refused to come down, prompting the driver to call the police. Police are continuing to investigate the matter and are expected to question the tourist once he recovers. It remains unclear what substance, if any, the man had consumed prior to the incident. The unusual episode has once again highlighted the challenges authorities face in dealing with intoxicated or erratic behaviour by tourists. Adapted by Asean Now from ที่นี่ พัทยา2025-05-29.

Wrecking Spree in Pattaya: Woman Crashes into Multiple Vehicles, Flees Scene Picture courtesy of SiamChon In the early hours of the morning of 29 May, chaos erupted on Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya when a white Mazda CX-30 went on a destructive rampage, crashing into multiple vehicles and leaving a trail of damage before finally being stopped by concerned citizens. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362137-wrecking-spree-in-pattaya-woman-crashes-into-multiple-vehicles-flees-scene/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon In the early hours of the morning of 29 May, chaos erupted on Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya when a white Mazda CX-30 went on a destructive rampage, crashing into multiple vehicles and leaving a trail of damage before finally being stopped by concerned citizens. Police at Pattaya City Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Saijai Kamchulla, received a report of a collision at 05:15 involving a car and a modified motorcycle and sidecar. The crash occurred on the lanes heading towards Sattahip. Emergency rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the sidecar overturned at the roadside, with bottles of yoghurt and fermented milk drinks scattered across the road. A 44-year-old woman, Ms. Thitipan, the vendor riding the motorcycle, was found lying injured on the ground. She had sustained abrasions on her arms and back. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting her to a local hospital. The motorist responsible for the collision, driving a white Mazda CX-30 with registration plate งษ 7638 Chonburi, had fled the scene, leaving the injured vendor in the road. Fortunately, a good Samaritan stopped to assist and moved the victim to safety, preventing further injury. Reports soon came in that the same car had sideswiped two taxis belonging to Pattaya Transport Cooperative while continuing at high speed. Undeterred, the driver crossed over into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a municipal street cleaning vehicle belonging to the Pattaya City Department of Public Health and Environment. The cleaning vehicle suffered damage in the crash. The erratic driver, later identified as Ms. Supiraya, aged 50, appeared to be in a dazed, incoherent state and initially attempted to flee on foot. However, bystanders quickly intervened and detained her until authorities arrived. Eyewitnesses provided differing accounts. One stated they did not witness the initial collision but saw the injured vendor lying in the middle of the road and rushed to help. Another described the Mazda speeding erratically before crashing into the cleaning vehicle, adding that they narrowly avoided being hit themselves. Pol. Lt. Col. Saijai confirmed that Ms. Supiraya was taken into custody and underwent an alcohol test. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Legal proceedings will follow. Police are urging any further witnesses or victims of the crash to come forward to assist with the case. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-29.

Fire Guts Two Tourist Boats at Anantara Riverside Pier in Bangkok Pictures from responders. A early morning fire broke out on 29 May, at the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s private pier on Charoen Nakhon Road in Thonburi district, engulfing two tourist boats in flames and prompting a swift emergency response. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or persons trapped during the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362134-fire-guts-two-tourist-boats-at-anantara-riverside-pier-in-bangkok/

Pictures from responders. A early morning fire broke out on 29 May, at the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s private pier on Charoen Nakhon Road in Thonburi district, engulfing two tourist boats in flames and prompting a swift emergency response. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or persons trapped during the incident. At approximately 05:30 emergency services received an alert from the Phra Phuttha Yodfa Command and Control Centre, reporting a blaze at the hotel’s riverside pier. The Talat Phlu Fire and Rescue Station, along with the Special Operations and Water Rescue Division fire boats, were immediately dispatched to the scene. By 05:47, firefighters arrived to find two moored tourist boats ablaze. Flames had fully engulfed the vessels, creating intense heat and heavy smoke that threatened nearby structures and boats. Fire crews swiftly launched operations to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. At 05:50, fire officials confirmed that the flames had been surrounded brought under control within a limited area, effectively halting any risk of the fire spreading to adjacent piers or buildings. However, fire suppression efforts continued as officials worked to ensure the complete extinguishment of remaining hotspots. By 06:40 firefighting teams were using foam to tackle residual fires, particularly in hard-to-reach compartments within the hulls of the damaged vessels. Officials were especially concerned about the stern section of one boat, which contained stored fuel, posing a potential reignition risk. At 06:55 the fire was declared fully extinguished. However, firefighters and rescue personnel remained on site to conduct monitoring operations, wary of flare-ups due to the presence of residual fuel. Water was being pumped from the second boat to prevent it from sinking due to damage sustained in the blaze. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, early indications suggest it originated on one of the boats, not the pier, before quickly spreading to the adjacent vessel. The Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, a prominent riverside hotel catering to both domestic and international tourists, uses its private pier to launch daily river cruises and boat transfers. The fire is likely to disrupt river transport services temporarily. Officials are continuing their examination of the scene and will review CCTV footage in the area to determine the exact cause of the fire. No passengers or crew were reported aboard the boats at the time of the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Autistic Boy 11, Guards Deceased Father’s Body for 3 Days, Believing He Was Asleep Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a heartbreaking incident, an 11-year-old autistic boy sat beside the body of his deceased father for three days inside a parked vehicle, unaware that his father had passed away. The child believed his father was merely asleep. The incident occurred near the seafront in the Khlong Wan subdistrict of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362118-autistic-boy-11-guards-deceased-father’s-body-for-3-days-believing-he-was-asleep/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a heartbreaking incident, an 11-year-old autistic boy sat beside the body of his deceased father for three days inside a parked vehicle, unaware that his father had passed away. The child believed his father was merely asleep. The incident occurred near the seafront in the Khlong Wan subdistrict of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. On 28 May, Pol. Lt. Charan Suksawat, an investigator from Khlong Wan Police Station, was alerted by local residents who discovered a corpse inside a pickup truck parked by the seaside. The vehicle was located about 200 metres from the King Mongkut Science Park at Waghor. Rescue personnel from Sawang Prachuap Foundation and on-call physician Dr. Thidaporn Plengudomkit from Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital were dispatched to the scene. Police arrived to find a Nissan pickup truck with a covered bed, registered in Samut Sakhon, parked by the beach. Inside the truck bed, they found the body of Mr. Ekaphon Changsap, 59, a local resident of Prachuap Khiri Khan. His body, dressed only in shorts, had started to decomposed and showed signs suggesting he had been dead for at least three days. No signs of injury were observed. Mr. Ekaphon’s 11-year-old autistic son was found sitting beside his father’s body, unaware of his death. The child believed his father was simply sleeping and had remained by his side, surviving on limited food they had brought with them on the trip. The father had taken both of his sons, aged 11 and 7, on a fishing trip to the beach. Fishing rods, water containers and a pair of red sandals believed to belong to the deceased were found in the vehicle. Police learned from the younger son, aged 7, that they had gone fishing and stayed in the truck. When their father stopped moving, the elder son stayed behind in the belief that he was still alive. Meanwhile, the younger child eventually returned to the rented house alone. The landlord, concerned after the tenant had not returned for three days, asked the boy about his father. The child replied, “Dad died, came back to life, then died again,” prompting initial disbelief. After further delay and concern, the landlord went to the local police and filed a report. He then accompanied the younger boy to the beach, where they discovered the father’s body. Dr. Thidaporn stated that the cause of death could not be confirmed at the scene. The body was transferred to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital for an autopsy. There were no initial signs of foul play. Police have contacted the deceased’s relatives to arrange for religious rites and to take custody of the two children. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Teen Dies After Being Stabbed by Friend Over Motorcycle Dispute in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Kaoded A 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed by a friend during a heated argument over a motorcycle in a residential complex in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362116-teen-dies-after-being-stabbed-by-friend-over-motorcycle-dispute-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded A 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed by a friend during a heated argument over a motorcycle in a residential complex in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi. At approximately 13:00 on 27 May, officers from Pak Kret Police Station received a report from security guards at Muang Thong Thani that a stabbing had occurred outside Building C7. Motorcycle patrol officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, police found the victim, identified as Mr. Sorntep 16, with stab wounds to his face and right side of his torso. The attacker had fled, and emergency responders rushed the critically injured teen to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Shortly afterward, local residents informed police that a man matching the attacker’s description had been seen entering Building C3 nearby. Police coordinated with building security to search the premises and successfully located the suspect, later identified as Mr. Wanchai Samakkhetkit, 22. Mr. Wanchai complied with officers’ requests to disarm and allowed himself to be searched. Police recovered a knife, a screwdriver and a pair of pliers from his person. He was taken into custody and brought to Pak Kret Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings. At the scene, blood stains were still visible on the ground and on a motorcycle believed to be at the centre of the dispute. According to witnesses, both the victim and the suspect were friends and residents of the complex, the former in Building C7 and the latter in Building C3. They were known to frequently gather and smoke cannabis. The conflict reportedly stemmed from the suspect’s repeated unauthorised use of the victim’s motorcycle, which had caused previous tensions. On the day of the incident, the victim confronted the suspect once again, prompting Mr. Wanchai to lash out with a knife he carried regularly. After being stabbed, the victim managed to run to the building’s housekeeping staff to seek help before collapsing. Meanwhile, the suspect calmly returned to his own room, where he was later apprehended. A security guard stationed at the complex told reporters, “The boy ran to me covered in blood, asking for help. I immediately called the police. They arrived quickly with rescue teams and took him to hospital.” Authorities are continuing their investigation and have confirmed that legal action will be taken against the suspect. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-29.

Crackdown on Fake Medics: 8 Bogus Doctors, 3 Fake Pharmacists & TikToker Arrested Picture courtesy of Amarin. Authorities have launched a major operation across several provinces to crack down on unlicensed medical practitioners, rogue clinics and illegal pharmacies, resulting in the arrest of 12 suspects, including a popular TikTok influencer who posed as a bone specialist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362115-crackdown-on-fake-medics-8-bogus-doctors-3-fake-pharmacists-tiktoker-arrested/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. Authorities have launched a major operation across several provinces to crack down on unlicensed medical practitioners, rogue clinics and illegal pharmacies, resulting in the arrest of 12 suspects, including a popular TikTok influencer who posed as a bone specialist. The coordinated raids, conducted between 21–26 May, followed a series of complaints filed by the Department of Health Service Support, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), provincial public health offices in Nonthaburi and Chonburi, and the Thai Traditional Medical Council. Members of the public also raised concerns about non-medical personnel providing cosmetic treatments and selling medication without licences. Raids Uncover a Network of Medical Fraud Investigations uncovered widespread malpractice involving individuals posing as doctors and pharmacists operating in Chonburi, Nonthaburi, and Bangkok. Authorities discovered unregistered clinics offering general treatment, vitamin injections, laser procedures, and traditional Thai massage therapies, all performed without proper licences. Key arrests include: • Chonburi Province: A 55-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were caught practising general medicine without registration. Two women, aged 33 and 31, were charged for offering unauthorised vitamin injections at a beauty clinic. • Nonthaburi Province: A 40-year-old woman was arrested for administering injectable products at an unregistered clinic, while a 38-year-old woman was found operating an entirely fake medical facility. Both face charges for practising medicine without a licence. • Bangkok: A 44-year-old male TikTok influencer with over 180,000 followers was arrested for providing unauthorised physical therapy, including joint manipulation. He faces charges for unlicensed practice of Thai traditional medicine. Other arrests in Bangkok included a 33-year-old woman performing laser hair removal without medical credentials and a 30-year-old woman running an illegal clinic in the Bang Khun Thian area. In total, eight locations were raided, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals. Authorities confiscated 176 items, including unauthorised medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and other evidence, all submitted to the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) for further legal action. Illegal Pharmacies and Fake Cough Syrup Factories Targeted In a related operation, police and the FDA raided three pharmacies in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on 21 May. These shops were linked to the illegal sale of cough syrup, commonly misused by youths in combination with kratom to create a narcotic cocktail known as “4X100”. Some pharmacies used incentive schemes encouraging repeat purchases, such as point-based VIP membership plans, to boost sales of the controlled substances. Authorities also found expired and substandard medications being sold to the public. Three unqualified individuals were arrested for practising pharmacy without a licence: a 27-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, and a 35-year-old woman. Two of them had only completed secondary education and the third had only completed Year 9. None were qualified pharmacists and the pharmacies lacked any licensed professionals on-site. A total of 3,378 illegal or substandard pharmaceutical products were seized, including 317 bottles of counterfeit cough syrup. All evidence has been submitted to CPPD investigators. The crackdown follows earlier raids in January and April this year, which led to the closure of two illicit cough syrup factories. Authorities have pledged to continue pursuing those endangering public health through unauthorised medical and pharmaceutical practices. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-29.

Gunmen Launch Attack on Narathiwat Police Station: One Officer Killed, One Seriously Injured Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a brazen and deadly assault on the morning of 28 May, a group of approximately ten armed insurgents launched a coordinated attack on Chanae Police Station in Narathiwat province, resulting in the death of one police officer and serious injury to another. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362114-gunmen-launch-attack-on-narathiwat-police-station-one-officer-killed-one-seriously-injured/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a brazen and deadly assault on the morning of 28 May, a group of approximately ten armed insurgents launched a coordinated attack on Chanae Police Station in Narathiwat province, resulting in the death of one police officer and serious injury to another. The attack occurred at 08:40, when Pol. Sgt. Maj. Teerasak Ontong, commander of a security checkpoint outside Chanae Police Station, was overseeing eight officers on duty. The assailants, armed with military-grade weapons including AK-47s and M16 rifles, concealed themselves in an alley opposite the station before opening fire on the officers. The initial volley of gunfire injured Pol. Lance Corporal Jetsada Promrat, who was hit in the back with the bullet exiting through his abdomen. At the same time, Pol. Sgt. Abdulloh Makasang, stationed in a meeting room on the third floor of the police building, attempted to return fire to support his colleagues but was shot in the head by the attackers. Narathiwat District Chief Pichit Rungprasert quickly mobilised volunteer defence forces and coordinated with military and police reinforcements, who engaged the attackers in a firefight lasting more than 15 minutes. Once the gunfire ceased, police moved in to secure the area. Sgt. Abdulloh was found critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries at Chanae Hospital. Lance Corporal Jetsada, after receiving emergency treatment, was transferred to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital for further care. Deputy Narathiwat Governor Wichan Chaisaithip, Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pol. Col. Direk Chomyong, explosive ordnance disposal teams and forensic officers inspected the scene. They found bullet holes in the ground floor windows of the complaints room and in the third-floor meeting room, along with pools of blood. Spent shell casings from M16 and AK-47 rifles, were discovered behind a nearby closed shop, believed to be the attackers’ firing position. Eyewitness reports confirmed that the gunmen had used their knowledge of the area to strike from behind the shop at a corner opposite the station. As Sgt. Abdulloh attempted to assist his fellow officers from above, he was fatally shot through the window. The insurgents fled the scene using their familiarity with the terrain, as reinforcements arrived and intensified the counterattack. Authorities are now continuing their investigation, and additional security has been deployed in the area. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Chinese National Arrested in Pattaya Over Multi-Million Baht Money Laundering Scam Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a Chinese national in Pattaya for alleged involvement in an international money laundering and online fraud scheme linked to a fake e-commerce platform. Police seized assets worth over 9 million baht during the operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362113-chinese-national-arrested-in-pattaya-over-multi-million-baht-money-laundering-scam/

Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a Chinese national in Pattaya for alleged involvement in an international money laundering and online fraud scheme linked to a fake e-commerce platform. Police seized assets worth over 9 million baht during the operation. The arrest, led by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), followed an investigation into complaints from victims who were defrauded through a fake Facebook page and online marketplace called World Market Dealing, posing as a legitimate second-hand goods trading platform. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Li, a Chinese national, was apprehended at a condominium in Naklua, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. He faces multiple charges, including: being part of a criminal association, fraud by impersonation and computer-related crimes. Police confiscated 35 items from the suspect, including: • THB 746,530 in Thai currency • CNY 7,513 in Chinese currency • Three vehicles: a white BMW, a black Mercedes-Benz, and a white Toyota • Five mobile phones • Two bank books • Several luxury brand handbags and jewellery The case emerged when a victim reported entering a Facebook page called World Market Dealing, which claimed to facilitate second-hand goods trading. The victim joined a LINE OpenChat group with over 200 members and was convinced of its legitimacy due to frequent posts by what appeared to be other active sellers. An admin then requested the victim transfer THB 189 as a group entrance fee (later refunded), followed by a link to a fake e-commerce platform mimicking a legitimate retail interface. The victim was instructed to make three money transfers, totalling THB 20,700, to activate a trading account. Upon attempting to withdraw funds, the victim was told an additional THB 50,000 was needed to “fix the system,” raising suspicion of fraud. The victim then filed a complaint with police. Investigators traced the illicit transactions to a money mule withdrawing funds at a shopping mall in Pattaya. CCTV footage showed the mule handing the cash to a Chinese man, later identified as Mr. Li, prompting a court-issued arrest warrant and subsequent raid. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau; Police Major General Athip Phongsivapai, Commander of TCSD; and Police Colonel Chitsanupong Waiwadee, Superintendent of TCSD Subdivision 3. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against online scams and to verify platforms and payment requests before transferring funds. Investigations into further links to transnational crime syndicates are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-29.

Jealous Husband Arrested After Shooting Wife Dead in Sa Kaeo Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A manhunt launched after a shocking domestic murder in Sa Kaeo province has ended in the arrest of a 35-year-old man, who allegedly shot his wife in the back of the head following a jealous outburst. Police confirmed the suspect was apprehended in Aranyaprathet District less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362112-jealous-husband-arrested-after-shooting-wife-dead-in-sa-kaeo/