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Playground Incident Claims Life of 9-Year-Old Girl Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A nine-year-old girl has died in a playground incident at a school in Udon Thani Province after being struck in the abdomen by a moving piece of play equipment. The impact caused fatal internal injuries, with doctors confirming she suffered a torn liver and internal bleeding. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368577-playground-incident-claims-life-of-9-year-old-girl/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A nine-year-old girl has died in a playground incident at a school in Udon Thani Province after being struck in the abdomen by a moving piece of play equipment. The impact caused fatal internal injuries, with doctors confirming she suffered a torn liver and internal bleeding. The incident occurred on the afternoon of 30 July, shortly after school had finished. The young victim, a pupil referred to only as “A”, had been helping push a “rocking train” ride, a three rows of seats, metal apparatus commonly found in playgrounds, when it swung back and struck her in the stomach. Teachers administered CPR at the scene, and emergency services were called. The girl was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Her grandmother, 62-year-old Ms Sirita, spoke in tears. She revealed that the child had been living with her aunt in Udon Thani town, as her parents had separated, her mother now has a new family and her father runs a private business. “She was a bright, diligent girl,” said Ms Sirita. “She always said she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. This kind of playground equipment shouldn’t be in schools. I was shocked when I heard what happened, children can’t control the motion properly and anyone can get hurt.” Ms Sirita, a retired teacher herself, urged education authorities nationwide to take playground safety more seriously, calling the loss of her granddaughter “a tragedy that should serve as a warning for schools across the country”. A teacher at the school said several pupils had been playing in the playground while waiting for their parents after school. According to students who witnessed the incident, “A” was standing behind the rocking train and pushing it forward for her friends who were seated on it. As it swung back, it struck her directly in the abdomen. She collapsed, holding her stomach, with a pale face and bluish lips before losing consciousness. Emergency responders were alerted immediately and CPR was carried out before she was transported to hospital. The school has agreed to cover all funeral costs and has confirmed that the pupil was included in a group life insurance policy, which will pay out approximately 60,000 baht to the family. A formal committee will be established to investigate the incident. Police are also conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Investigators will examine who authorised the installation of the play equipment and whether it met safety standards. However, authorities emphasised that the incident appears to have been an accident, with no evidence of anyone deliberately pushing the ride at the time. All eyewitnesses are children, many of whom remain in shock. Police say they will wait before taking formal statements to allow the pupils time to recover emotionally. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-02

UPDATE Army Ordered to Shoot Down Unauthorised Drones

Army Ordered to Shoot Down Unauthorised Drones Pictures courtesy of Amarin. The Royal Thai Army has been authorised to shoot down unidentified and unauthorised drones immediately, as part of escalated national defence measures following increased surveillance activity near sensitive military sites. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368570-army-ordered-to-shoot-down-unauthorised-drones/

Pictures courtesy of Amarin. The Royal Thai Army has been authorised to shoot down unidentified and unauthorised drones immediately, as part of escalated national defence measures following increased surveillance activity near sensitive military sites. Colonel Ritcha Sukawanon, Deputy Army Spokesperson, confirmed the directive came from Army Commander-in-Chief General Phana Klaewplodthuk, who also heads the Army Operations Centre and serves as Deputy Director of Internal Security Operations. The move follows a directive issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on 29 July 2025, which bans all drone operations across the Kingdom, regardless of purpose or location, due to heightened security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border. All four regional army commands (Regions 1–4) and their respective Internal Security Operations Centres have been instructed to coordinate closely with provincial and local authorities, police and the private sector to ensure robust anti-drone defences. The army has been empowered to deploy Anti-Drone Systems and destroy drones from the ground as necessary. Local security units will form rapid response teams comprising military police, provincial officers and civil security forces to track, intercept and apprehend those operating unauthorised drones. The army outlined specific engagement protocols based on geographical area and the level of threat: •Region 1 & 2: • Frontline Areas: Both soft kill (e.g., signal jamming) and hard kill (physical destruction) measures are permitted. • Rear Areas: Soft kill must be attempted first; hard kill can only be used if necessary and must not endanger civilians. Region 3 & 4: • Priority is given to soft kill tactics. Hard kill measures may be used only when deemed essential. • Responsibility for any weapon deployment lies primarily with the police. Military personnel may only engage within their assigned zones using precision weapons that pose no threat to the general public. General Mayor Threats Nationwide: If a drone is deemed a direct threat to life, sovereignty or national interests, military personnel are authorised to use personal or unit-issued weapons to neutralise the threat immediately. The public has been urged to report any suspicious drone activity or violations of the CAAT’s ban. Tip-offs can be submitted via the national security hotline 1374, which operates 24 hours a day. This intensified readiness follows rising concerns over foreign surveillance and cross-border hostilities, particularly involving the use of long-range weapons by Cambodian forces, actions the Thai army has condemned as violations of international law. The Royal Thai Army insists these measures are vital to safeguard national sovereignty and protect military installations amid regional tensions. Related Article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368317-civil-aviation-authority-bans-all-drone-flights-nationwide-until-15-august/ Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-02

Deadly Street Race: 2 Killed, 3 Critically Injured Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A high-speed motorcycle race involving over a hundred riders ended in disaster early morning on 2 August, leaving two young men dead and three others seriously injured in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368565-deadly-street-race-2-killed-3-critically-injured/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A high-speed motorcycle race involving over a hundred riders ended in disaster early morning on 2 August, leaving two young men dead and three others seriously injured in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan. Police from Bang Kaew station received reports at around 00:30 of a major motorcycle crash, on the inbound express lanes of Thepharak Road (Bang Na–Trat Highway) at kilometre marker 11, in Bang Phli Yai subdistrict. Officers rushed to the scene accompanied by emergency services from Bang Phli Hospital and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. Video footage taken by local residents showed a chaotic and distressing scene: numerous riders sprawled across the road and several motorbikes lying damaged. The noise of revving engines and roaring exhausts continued to echo through the area as traffic came to a halt. According to initial reports, five motorcycles were involved in a collision after one bike rider lost control and crashed into a central barrier. The fallen bike then obstructed others racing behind, triggering a chain-reaction crash. Two riders were thrown from their vehicles and killed instantly. They were later identified as Mr. Phubodin 21 and Mr. Chaiwat 20. Three other male teenagers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Residents confirmed witnessing the group racing recklessly from kilometre marker 13. They described a massive swarm of motorcycles hurtling down the road at breakneck speed. The crash occurred when one rider clipped a barrier, spun out, and caused multiple riders to collide. Police are investigating the incident further. Forensic officers photographed the scene. Authorities are working with investigators to identify and question other riders involved. CCTV footage from the area will be examined to determine the precise cause of the crash. The bodies of the deceased were handed over to forensic officials for autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-02

Police Arrest 3rd Vietnamese iPhone Loan Shark Gang Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Immigration police have arrested five Vietnamese nationals involved in an illegal loan shark operation in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, marking the third bust of its kind in as many months. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368549-police-arrest-3rd-vietnamese-iphone-loan-shark-gang/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Immigration police have arrested five Vietnamese nationals involved in an illegal loan shark operation in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, marking the third bust of its kind in as many months. The group, operating from a residential property, is accused of extorting fellow Vietnamese citizens by offering online loans via Facebook, then demanding iCloud credentials as “collateral.” When borrowers defaulted, the gang used Apple’s “Find My iPhone” feature to lock the victims’ devices, rendering them unusable. According to Immigration Division 3, victims were subjected to harassment, including repeated lost-device alerts and threats to delete their data or publish sensitive images on social media. Interest rates on the loans reportedly soared as high as 350% per annum. Acting on instructions from Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalaksana, officers raided the premises on 1 August. Inside, they found five Vietnamese nationals, aged between 20 and 40, along with more than 25 mobile phones, desktop computers and laptops used in the operation. The suspects confessed to being administrators for the illicit lending network, which advertised on Facebook and communicated using the Zello app. They were charged with criminal association and working without the necessary permits. Pol Maj Gen Chairit Anurit stated that Vietnamese authorities had dismantled similar networks in their own country, prompting some perpetrators to flee to Thailand. Despite two earlier operations in June and July, which saw 14 suspects arrested, police believe more network members remain at large. The five suspects were transferred to Khlong Luang Police Station for legal proceedings. Following trial and sentencing, they will be deported, have their visas revoked and be permanently blacklisted from returning to Thailand. Under Vietnamese law, offences of this nature carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Authorities emphasised their ongoing cooperation with foreign police forces and renewed their call for the public to report suspicious activity related to transnational crimes via the Immigration Bureau’s hotline. The case underscores the increasing sophistication of international digital crime syndicates that exploit smartphone technology and social media to prey on vulnerable populations across Southeast Asia. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-02

Police Committee Probes Aircraft Crashes That Killed 9 File picture for reference only. The House of Representatives’ Police Commission convened on 1 August, to address two fatal aircraft crahes involving Royal Thai Police aircraft that occurred within a 30-day period, resulting in the deaths of nine officers. The incidents have raised serious concerns about inadequate maintenance budgets and insufficient pilot training. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368548-police-committee-probes-aircraft-crashes-that-killed-9/

Pictures courtesy of Naewna The House of Representatives’ Police Commission convened on 1 August, to address two fatal aircraft crashes involving Royal Thai Police aircraft that occurred within a 30-day period, resulting in the deaths of nine officers. The incidents have raised serious concerns about inadequate maintenance budgets and insufficient pilot training. The meeting, chaired by Ms Sunatcha Losathapornpipit, Democrat MP for Trang and Chair of the Police Commission, focused on a motion submitted by Mr Chuan Leekpai, former Prime Minister and Democrat list MP, who urged a thorough review into the circumstances surrounding the back-to-back crashes. Two Tragedies in 30 Days The first crash occurred on 25 April, when a DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft used for parachute training crashed, killing all six onboard, including pilots and technicians. Less than a month later, on 4 May, a Bell 212 police helicopter went down during an operational flight, resulting in the deaths of three experienced pilots. “These incidents have resulted in the loss of highly skilled personnel,” Ms Sunatcha stated. “We must understand what led to these tragedies and how to prevent similar occurrences.” Shocking Revelations Mr Chuan highlighted a disturbing message reportedly sent by one of the deceased pilots to a colleague, warning that the helicopter was not airworthy and could crash at any moment. He expressed alarm at the state of the police aviation fleet, revealing that the Royal Thai Police own 71 aircraft, but only 24 are currently operational, while 27 are undergoing repairs and 24 have been decommissioned. “One of the 24 operational aircraft was involved in the recent crash,” Mr Chuan noted. “If we continue without reviewing the fleet’s condition, more lives could be lost.” He also raised the issue of whether future aircraft acquisitions should be standardised by type to improve training, maintenance and safety. Budget Constraints and Training Shortfalls Pol Col Khajornyut Anannap, Deputy Commander of the Police Aviation Division, acknowledged the profound loss and grief over the crashes. He admitted that the annual maintenance budget of 950 million baht is insufficient. However, any request for increased funding must be approved by the Royal Thai Police’s budget screening committee, which could affect allocations to other departments. Pol Lt Col Nitiwut Liabma, a flight instructor and aviation accident investigator, said that the investigation has yet to determine the full cause of the crashes. Preliminary analysis, based on wreckage, CCTV footage and black box data, reviewed with the aircraft manufacturer, suggests that in the April crash, the left propeller blade automatically shifted into a high-drag position three seconds after take-off, likely due to a mechanical failure. The pilots were unprepared to respond as they had never trained for such a failure scenario, as there is also a shortfall in the available, ongoing training. Next Steps The committee resolved to reconvene and pursue further investigations into the causes of the crashes, review the training protocols for police pilots and examine procurement and maintenance policies. “The loss of life is unacceptable,” Mr Chuan concluded. “We owe it to these officers to ensure that no such tragedy happens again.” Related articles: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358781-police-aircraft-crashes-into-sea-off-cha-am-leaving-four-dead/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1361652-helicopter-crash-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/ Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-02

Governor Gets 2,000 Flags to Boost Pedestrian Safety Picture courtesy of Naewna. In a move to enhance road safety, particularly for schoolchildren and pedestrians, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has accepted the donation of 2,000 red pedestrian crossing flags from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368547-governor-gets-2000-flags-to-boost-pedestrian-safety/

Picture courtesy of Naewna. In a move to enhance road safety, particularly for schoolchildren and pedestrians, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has accepted the donation of 2,000 red pedestrian crossing flags from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). The handover ceremony took place at the Irawat Pattana Building at Bangkok City Hall in Din Daeng. The flags were presented by Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Director of ThaiHealth, and Ms. Kongkarn Thakheeranrit, Director of the Bureau of Social Risk Factor Control. Governor Chadchart expressed his gratitude to ThaiHealth and its partnering networks, including the Foundation for Children, Youth and Families and the Network of Road Accident Victims, for initiating this vital safety campaign. “Road accidents represent a major loss for Thailand, costing us around 3% of our GDP, not to mention the devastating personal toll on families and communities,” he said. “In Bangkok, we’ve taken steps to improve physical infrastructure, enhance zebra crossings, upgrade lighting, and reduce speed limits from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. These measures have contributed to a 10% reduction in road deaths in the capital. Introducing the red flag initiative is a promising next step.” The governor emphasised that the flags will first be deployed outside Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) schools, where zebra crossings are already in place and city inspectors (Tessakit officers) assist with traffic safety. The programme will later expand to other key locations across the city. Under the campaign, titled “Raise Your Hand to Cross – Stop for Pedestrians”, students and pedestrians are encouraged to raise the red flags while crossing roads to increase their visibility and remind drivers to stop. The aim is to instil a road safety culture from a young age and significantly reduce pedestrian-related incidents. The flags received on 1 August will be distributed to BMA schools and relevant municipal departments to promote safer pedestrian crossings throughout Bangkok. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-02

Man Shoots Bedridden Mom While Aiming at Drug-Addict Son Picture courtesy of Workpoint. In a shocking domestic incident in Udon Thani’s Nong Wua So District, a 61-year-old man attempting to shoot his drug-addicted son accidentally injured his elderly bedridden mother instead, police have confirmed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368546-man-shoots-bedridden-mom-while-aiming-at-drug-addict-son/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. In a shocking domestic incident in Udon Thani’s Nong Wua So District, a 61-year-old man attempting to shoot his drug-addicted son accidentally injured his elderly bedridden mother instead, police have confirmed. The incident took place in Village 5, Nam Phon subdistrict. Police from Nong Wua So Police Station, along with rescue volunteers, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a violent altercation. Upon arrival, they found Mrs. Pao 80, suffering from shotgun pellet wounds to both legs. She had been bedridden in the living room of the family home and was struck by stray gunfire. Although her condition is serious, she remained conscious and was able to speak with emergency personnel. Also found at the scene was Mr. Komphet 30, the son of the alleged shooter, who sustained a minor gunshot wound to his right hand. Both victims were rushed to Nong Wua So Hospital for urgent treatment. Mrs. Pao was later transferred to Udon Thani Central Hospital for further care. The alleged shooter, Mr. Luang, immediately surrendered himself to the village headman after the incident. He handed over the 12-gauge shotgun used in the shooting, which he said was a family heirloom. He was later taken into custody at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station to calm down before being questioned. Police have charged Mr. Luang under the Firearms Act and with discharging a firearm in a residential area without just cause. They stated that charges of attempted murder may be considered if the victims, his mother and son, formally file a complaint. In a statement made to police, Mr. Luang said he had lost control after a decade of dealing with his youngest son’s methamphetamine addiction. He claimed his son had been stealing items from the house to fund his drug habit and on the morning of the incident, was attempting to sell the family’s washing machine. An argument ensued, during which Mr. Luang retrieved his father’s old shotgun, intending to shoot his son. However, when Mr. Komphet ran towards his grandmother’s bed, the shot hit her instead. “I was so angry I just wanted it to end. I wanted him dead. But I ended up hurting my mother,” Mr. Luang said, reportedly filled with regret. Mr. Thanet Phakdeepanya, the village headman, told reporters that the family was known to local authorities. The son had frequently caused disturbances, and Mr. Luang had often sought advice on how to cope. “He once told me he wanted to end his own life to escape the situation. I reminded him that if he were gone, who would care for his mother? I truly feel for him,” Mr. Thanet said. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-08-02

Sa Kaeo Launches Health Screening for Public Drivers Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Sa Kaeo Province have launched a health screening initiative aimed at assessing the physical and mental fitness of public transport drivers, in an effort to improve road safety and reduce the risk of health-related incidents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368545-sa-kaeo-launches-health-screening-for-public-drivers/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Sa Kaeo Province have launched a health screening initiative aimed at assessing the physical and mental fitness of public transport drivers, in an effort to improve road safety and reduce the risk of health-related incidents. The project was officially opened at the Sala Pansuk building of Somdet Phra Yuparat Sa Kaeo Hospital by Dr. Wittaya Homchun, Deputy Director for Primary Care Services at the hospital. The programme, part of the 2025 fiscal year plan, is being jointly organised by the hospital’s Occupational Medicine Clinic, the Sa Kaeo Provincial Transport Office, the local Social Security Office, and other relevant government agencies. The aim is to screen 120 public transport drivers operating in Sa Kaeo Province. Health assessments will be carried out between 31 July and 19 August 2025, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 08:30 to 16:30 at the hospital’s Occupational Medicine Clinic. The medical evaluation includes screening for a range of conditions that could impair driving ability, including: • Depression and psychiatric disorders • Heart disease • Uncontrolled epilepsy • Vision and hearing impairments • Uncontrolled diabetes • Substance abuse (drug testing) Examinations will be conducted by certified occupational medicine doctors and specialised nurses. Officials say the programme is a proactive step to minimise preventable incidents caused by undiagnosed or unmanaged health issues in public transport drivers, which can endanger passengers, fellow road users and property. The project reflects a growing commitment among provincial authorities to prioritise public safety through medical oversight and cross-agency cooperation. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-08-02

Woman Duped by Younger Man Who Stole Cash & Gold Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A 41-year-old woman from Chonburi has issued a public warning to other women after falling victim to a younger man who charmed his way into her life, only to flee with gold and cash. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368544-woman-duped-by-younger-man-who-stole-cash-gold/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A 41-year-old woman from Chonburi has issued a public warning to other women after falling victim to a younger man who charmed his way into her life, only to flee with gold and cash. The victim, Ms. Phinyaphat, recounted the ordeal to reporters at her home in Moo 3, Samet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. She showed the exact location in her bedroom where the stolen valuables, including Thai currency, Taiwanese dollars and gold, had been kept before being stolen. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Suea, a smartly dressed, well-groomed younger man, had approached her with romantic intentions and eventually asked to become her boyfriend. Ms. Phinyaphat, who lives with her 13-year-old son, allowed him to visit the house and stay, especially since she was due to leave for Taiwan for work. According to her account, just one month into the relationship, Mr. Suea offered to take care of her home while she was overseas, a proposal she accepted, unaware of his true intentions. Roughly two weeks after departing for Taiwan, she returned home to find her money and gold missing. When she confronted Mr. Suea, he admitted to taking the items but soon became aggressive and cut off all communication. Ms. Phinyaphat reported the crime to Samet Police Station, who have since confirmed that the suspect has a criminal record and is linked to similar past offences. She later took to Facebook to raise public awareness, posting images of Mr. Suea, including one of him in a naval uniform and urging others to beware. Her post quickly went viral, with many users sharing and commenting, warning women to be cautious when getting involved with new partners. “I trusted him because we were in a relationship, or so I thought,” Ms. Phinyaphat said. “I just want to warn other women: be careful before letting someone into your life, especially into your home.” She believes the suspect is currently residing in the Mueang District’s Mueang Subdistrict and has called on the police to act swiftly to prevent further victims. “I’m confident the police have the ability to find him. He shouldn’t be allowed to deceive anyone else,” she added. The case has struck a chord with many online, highlighting a worrying trend of romantic scams and trust-based theft. Police investigations are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-08-02

Abbot & 2 Monks Defrocked After Testing Positive for Drugs Picture courtesy of Matichon. Three Buddhist monks, including the abbot of a temple in Non Sang district, Nong Bua Lamphu, have been defrocked after testing positive for illegal drugs. The case came to light following complaints from local residents who raised concerns about suspicious activities at the temple. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368543-abbot-2-monks-defrocked-after-testing-positive-for-drugs/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Three Buddhist monks, including the abbot of a temple in Non Sang district, Nong Bua Lamphu, have been defrocked after testing positive for illegal drugs. The case came to light following complaints from local residents who raised concerns about suspicious activities at the temple. Villagers had reported to the Damrongdhama Centre (a local government complaint unit) that groups of teenagers were frequently seen entering and exiting the back of the temple on motorcycles, prompting fears that monks may be involved in drug-related activities. In response, police officers conducted drug tests on all six monks residing at the temple, including the abbot. The results revealed that three monks, including the abbot himself, had traces of narcotics in their systems. The individuals identified were: • Phra Chairat aged 47 • Phra Kamta aged 53 • Phra Suwinai aged 31 All three confessed to having taken drugs three days earlier. They also admitted to purchasing the substances from local youths who had brought the drugs into the temple grounds. Following the confession, the monks were formally defrocked (laicised) in accordance with Buddhist monastic protocol and handed over to the Non Sang Police Station for further legal proceedings. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter oversight and protection of religious institutions from the spread of narcotics. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-02

Village Head Accuses Chief of Tree-Felling Corruption Picture courtesy of Matichon. A village headman in Krabi has filed a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accusing a local government leader of unlawfully authorising the felling and sale of trees on public land. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368542-village-head-accuses-chief-of-tree-felling-corruption/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A village headman in Krabi has filed a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accusing a local government leader of unlawfully authorising the felling and sale of trees on public land. Mr Decha Prabphet, head of Village 3 in Taling Chan Subdistrict, Nuea Khlong District, submitted the complaint to the NACC’s Krabi office. He called for an investigation into Mr Wahet Rawangcha, the Mayor of the Taling Chan Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), over his alleged role in hiring a contractor to cut down and sell valuable trees without public consultation. The trees, eucalyptus, white samet and other mixed hardwoods, were located on more than 50 rai of communal land in the Nong Thale area. Mr Decha claimed that the contractor removed the felled trees under the cover of night, raising suspicions of corruption and potential profit-sharing between the contractor and the mayor. According to Mr Decha, prior discussions about improving the land had never included cutting down large trees. He argued that clearing the site in this manner violated the public interest and undermined community consensus. In response, Mr Wahet defended the project as a legitimate land improvement initiative. He said the SAO had allocated a budget of 90,000 baht to hire a contractor to convert the area into a public park for recreation and exercise. Mr Wahet insisted he had coordinated with local leaders, including the village headman and had informed them that the contractor would be removing the trees. He stated that the felled timber was sold to a local sawmill for approximately 40,000 baht. After deducting transportation costs, the contractor reportedly handed over 19,000 baht to the SAO. However, the project is currently on hold, as community leaders have since barred the contractor from re-entering the site. The case is now under review by the NACC as calls grow for greater transparency and accountability in local development projects. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-02

House Panel Demands Clarity in Money Laundering Case Picture courtesy of SiamRath. The House Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics has intensified its scrutiny into a high-profile case involving alleged financial crimes linked to online gambling, amid growing public concern over inconsistent legal outcomes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368541-house-panel-demands-clarity-in-money-laundering-case/

Picture courtesy of SiamRath. The House Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics has intensified its scrutiny into a high-profile case involving alleged financial crimes linked to online gambling, amid growing public concern over inconsistent legal outcomes. At a meeting held on 31 July in Room CB 308 of the Parliament Building, the committee, chaired by Mr Lertsak Phattanchaiyakul, with deputies Mr Danuporn Punnakanta and Mr Non Paisanlimcharoenkij, convened to assess the status of proceedings against a former president of Nakhon Si United Football Club, who is suspected of involvement in an extensive online gambling network. The network is believed to be engaged in criminal activities constituting predicate offences under Anti-Money Laundering Act. Representatives from the Royal Thai Police and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) were invited to clarify several outstanding issues, in particular, the controversial decision by prosecutors not to indict, despite police recommendations to proceed and charges having been laid under money laundering laws. During the session, Dr Poramet Chaipatcharakulpong, the committee secretary, questioned relevant agencies on several key matters: • the procedures used to trace financial transactions of suspects, • whether assets had been frozen or seized in connection to the alleged offences, • the strength of the evidence gathered by investigators, • and the rationale behind prosecutorial discretion exercised by the Office of the Attorney General. A major point of contention highlighted in the meeting was the disparity in enforcement. In a similar case involving the former president of Lamphun Warriors Football Club, authorities had successfully seized 221 assets worth over 671 million baht. Yet, in the Nakhon Si United case, there has been no asset seizure or formal indictment, despite comparable circumstances. Committee Chairman Lertsak stated: “Many citizens have suffered due to the unchecked expansion of online gambling networks. Clear, equitable law enforcement is not just a matter of criminal justice, but of restoring the public’s faith in the rule of law.” In pursuit of a full and transparent explanation, the committee resolved to invite representatives from the Office of the Attorney General to its next session. The objective is to gain insight into the legal reasoning behind the non-prosecution decision and to help the public understand the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in sensitive financial crime cases. The issue continues to attract public interest, especially given the growing social and economic harm caused by illicit online gambling platforms. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-08-02