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UPDATE Hospital Yet to Respond After Man Bitten by Venomous Snake Sent Home, Now in Coma Picture courtesy of Amarin. A hospital in Rayong province is under scrutiny for allegedly sending home a young man bitten by a highly venomous snake, who later fell into a coma. The hospital has yet to issue any formal explanation regarding its handling of the case. The incident came to light after a Facebook user shared a post recounting the ordeal of an 18-year-old employee, Mr. Sutat, who was bitten by a Malayan krait, a species recognised as one of Thailand’s seven medically significant venomous snakes. According to Mr. Kik, the 42-year-old employer of the victim, the bite occurred around 01:00, on 7 May while the young man was at his residence in a rubber plantation hut in Phlong Ta Iam subdistrict, Wang Chan district. He was immediately taken to a local hospital in the area for treatment. Mr. Kik reported that hospital staff conducted tests and concluded that no venom was found in the victim’s blood. The case was deemed “not serious,” and the young man was prescribed only paracetamol and antibiotics before being discharged. However, just a few hours later, around 08:00, the victim’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He struggled to breathe, experienced convulsions, and showed signs of respiratory failure, prompting his employer to rush him to a provincial hospital. There, the patient was placed on a ventilator and given two doses of antivenom. His condition remains serious but stable. Despite the widespread attention the case has received online, the original hospital has yet to issue a statement or contact the patient’s family. Mr. Kik stated that the priority now is to ensure the patient’s survival and recovery. A hospital explanation, he said, can wait. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-09.

Pattaya Authorities Launch “Operation Coconut Ghosts” to Crack Down on Foreign Prostitution Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A joint operation involving over 50 officers from multiple agencies was carried out along Pattaya Beach last night in a targeted crackdown on foreign nationals allegedly soliciting tourists for prostitution. Dubbed “Operation Coconut Ghosts”. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360189-pattaya-authorities-launch-“operation-coconut-ghosts”-to-crack-down-on-foreign-prostitution/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A joint operation involving over 50 officers from multiple agencies was carried out along Pattaya Beach last night in a targeted crackdown on foreign nationals allegedly soliciting tourists for prostitution. Dubbed “Operation Coconut Ghosts”. Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Torlap Tinamat, Superintendent of Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, Division 2, and supported by officers from Pattaya Tourist Police, Pattaya Police Station, Chonburi Immigration Bureau, the Chonburi Office of Social Development and Human Security, and Pattaya City officials, the operation focused on foreign individuals suspected of approaching tourists under the pretext of offering sexual services. According to authorities, suspects were observed loitering beneath coconut trees along the beachfront, a common area for such activities. Undercover officers monitored their behaviour, documenting incidents where they initiated conversations, attempted to befriend tourists, and offered services in exchange for money. Thirteen individuals were detained in the operation, seven from Uzbekistan and six from Uganda. Some were found to be on expired student visas or had overstayed their legal permission to remain in Thailand. Initial charges include violations of Section 5 of Thai law, which prohibits soliciting, recommending, following, or harassing others in public for the purpose of prostitution. Two individuals were also charged with remaining in the Kingdom without valid permission. All suspects were taken to Pattaya Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities plan to revoke their permission to stay and initiate deportation. Pol. Lt. Col. Tinamat stated that the crackdown was part of a national directive from Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet, aimed at bolstering safety in tourist areas and curbing crimes. The operation also followed instructions from Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuak-arm, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, who has urged all units to adopt proactive enforcement measures across key tourist destinations. Tinamat said. “Maintaining safety and a positive image is a top priority. We will continue proactive operations in collaboration with all relevant agencies to ensure Pattaya remains clean, safe, and welcoming to everyone.” Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-09.

Polish Tourist Drowns While Swimming at Kamala Beach Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta A Polish tourist has drowned while swimming off Kamala Beach in Phuket, according to reports from local authorities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360188-polish-tourist-drowns-while-swimming-at-kamala-beach/

Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta A Polish tourist has drowned while swimming off Kamala Beach in Phuket, according to reports from local authorities. The victim, identified only as 36-year-old Piotr, was discovered in the sea near Kamala Beach, in the vicinity of Village No. 3 and the local cemetery. The incident was reported to Kamala Police Station shortly after 13:00 on 8 May. According to a statement by the duty doctor, the body was recovered from the water by local life guards. Piotr had been holidaying in Phuket with two friends and is believed to have entered the sea alone shortly before the incident occurred. He was later found floating unresponsive and pulled from the water, but declared dead at the scene. Police have confirmed that the cause of death was drowning and that there were no signs of foul play or physical assault. The deceased’s family has been informed. Piotr’s friends are currently coordinating with the Polish Embassy and his relatives to organise the repatriation of his body. Authorities issued a reminder to all visitors and residents to exercise caution when swimming, especially in unfamiliar waters, as strong currents and changing sea conditions can pose serious risks. Adapted by Asean Now from Phuketinsta 2025-05-09.

Man in Coma After Hospital Dismisses Venomous Snake Bite as ‘Non-Emergency’ Picture courtesy of Matichon. A man is in a coma after allegedly being misdiagnosed and prematurely discharged from a hospital, following a venomous snake bite. Family members are accusing medical staff of negligence and questioning the hospital’s triage procedures. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360187-man-in-coma-after-hospital-dismisses-venomous-snake-bite-as-‘non-emergency’/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A man is in a coma after allegedly being misdiagnosed and prematurely discharged from a hospital, following a venomous snake bite. Family members are accusing medical staff of negligence and questioning the hospital’s triage procedures. The incident was brought to public attention via a Facebook post from an acquaintance of the victim, who recounted how the man was bitten by a snake at around 01:00. Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors conducted a blood test and concluded that there was no venom present, prescribing only paracetamol and antibiotics. The family was told the case was not serious and that the man could return home. The doctor reportedly advised the man’s mother to bring him back to the hospital at 9:00. However, before that time, the victim’s condition deteriorated rapidly, he became non-verbal, experienced respiratory distress, and was unable to open his eyes or move his tongue. He was rushed back to the hospital, where a second blood test revealed the presence of venom. Doctors then confirmed that he had been bitten by a bungarus candidus, known locally as a “tub samingkhla” snake or Malayan krait, one of the most venomous species in Thailand. Family members criticised the hospital for failing to act urgently, despite clear signs of a venomous bite, and condemned the lack of appropriate antivenom treatment in the initial visit. “This kind of negligence is unacceptable. Every life has value, and no one should be treated as less important,” the Facebook post read. Experts describe the bungarus candidus as a highly dangerous species, identifiable by its black-and-white banded body. Although the bite may be painless or barely noticeable, the neurotoxic venom can quickly lead to respiratory failure and death, especially if the victim is bitten while asleep and unaware of the injury. Medical professionals warn that immediate medical attention and antivenom are crucial for survival following a bite from this snake. The delay in treatment can result in severe complications, including coma or death. The hospital involved has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. Calls are growing for an official investigation and a review of emergency care protocols to prevent similar cases in the future. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.

Schoolboy Fatally Stabbed in Nakhon Si Thammarat Following Dispute at Wedding Celebration Pictured courtesy of SiamNews. A 14-year-old schoolboy has died and another is in critical condition following a violent altercation between students at a local wedding celebration in Chian Yai District, southern Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360185-schoolboy-fatally-stabbed-in-nakhon-si-thammarat-following-dispute-at-wedding-celebration/

Pictured courtesy of SiamNews. A 14-year-old schoolboy has died and another is in critical condition following a violent altercation between students at a local wedding celebration in Chian Yai District, southern Thailand. Police from Karaket Police Station were alerted by staff at Chian Yai Hospital that a boy had died after being brought in with stab wounds. Officers rushed to the scene, where they confirmed the death of Surasak (nickname: F), a Matthayom 1 student. He had been stabbed twice in the chest. According to the police investigation, Surasak had attended a live music performance at a wedding reception held at Wat Tha Lipong Schoolalongside two school friends: Jirapan (Palm) and Surachet (Sun), all aged 14. During the festivities, the trio became involved in a heated dispute with another group of boys, including Pannawit (Win), a 14-year-old Matthayom 2 student from the same school, Natthanayothin (Pap), aged 14, Chaiyawat (Nice), aged 12, and an older male, Suchart (Kings), aged 22. While the initial altercation during the music performance was broken up without serious incident, tensions simmered. After the music ended, the two groups met behind the school hall near the toilets, purportedly to “settle” their disagreement. Witnesses reported that a verbal exchange quickly escalated into violence. The two central figures, Surasak and Pannawit, engaged in a physical fight, during which both reportedly pulled out short knives. Each was stabbed twice in the chest during the confrontation. In the chaos, Jirapan also sustained minor knife injuries. Local residents intervened and rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Surasak and Jirapan were taken to Chian Yai Hospital, while Pannawit was transported to Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital in the neighbouring district. Sadly, Surasak succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, unable to survive the severity of the chest wounds. Investigators later inspected the scene of the incident, discovering signs of a struggle, including large amounts of blood outside the toilet area and beside a temporary storage building. Meanwhile, Pannawit remains in critical condition due to serious internal injuries and blood loss. He was transferred from Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital to Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital for urgent treatment. Police are continuing their investigation and are expected to take further legal action following medical recovery and forensic results. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-05-09.

15-Year-Old Boy Drowns While Swimming with Friends During School Holidays Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 15-year-old boy has drowned after swimming with a group of friends at a weir in Nong Phak Pang, Phu Khiao District, during the ongoing school holidays. This marks the second fatal drowning of a child in the province in recent weeks, prompting officials to call for stricter parental supervision. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360184-15-year-old-boy-drowns-while-swimming-with-friends-during-school-holidays/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 15-year-old boy has drowned after swimming with a group of friends at a weir in Nong Phak Pang, Phu Khiao District, during the ongoing school holidays. This marks the second fatal drowning of a child in the province in recent weeks, prompting officials to call for stricter parental supervision. The incident occurred around 16:00 on 7 May, when police from Phu Khiao Police Station and rescue volunteers from the Sawang Kunatham Chaiyaphum Foundation were alerted to the disappearance of a teenager who had been swept underwater while swimming in the overflow weir. A total of five boys, all students on their school break, had reportedly gone swimming together. According to reports, the 15-year-old victim was suddenly pulled under in front of his friends, who screamed for help from nearby residents. Rescue teams from both Phu Khiao and nearby Kaeng Khro districts were mobilised to search the weir. After more than two hours of underwater searching, the boy’s body was recovered just before 18:00. His body was handed over to his family for religious rites. The weir where the drowning occurred is known for its treacherous conditions, with water depths ranging from 1 metre at the edges to over 25 metres at the centre. This marks the second child drowning in Chaiyaphum province during the current school holiday period, following a similar incident in Thep Sathit District earlier this month. In response, provincial authorities have issued renewed warnings to all village and community leaders to closely monitor children during the school break. Parents are being urged to supervise their children and discourage unsupervised swimming, especially in natural water bodies. “Every year during the school holidays, we see a tragic rise in drowning incidents involving children,” a provincial spokesperson said. “We implore all parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children and strictly prohibit them from swimming alone or without adult supervision.” Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-09.

Police Arrest Social Media Star for Running Explicit Content Network Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 19-year-old woman with a massive social media following has been arrested for operating a network selling explicit video clips online, earning up to 90,000 baht per month. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360183-police-arrest-social-media-star-for-running-explicit-content-network/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 19-year-old woman with a massive social media following has been arrested for operating a network selling explicit video clips online, earning up to 90,000 baht per month. Miss Kanpharawi was arrested at her residence by officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on 2 May 2025. She is charged with “importing obscene content into a computer system accessible by the public,” in violation of Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. Police allege that the woman was behind several accounts on the X platform (formerly Twitter), including a popular one under the name “JINJIA”, which featured sexually explicit content involving various male partners. She is also accused of running private subscription groupswhere the videos were sold. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to producing and distributing the clips herself. She told officers that she gained a large following and then profited by selling access to exclusive content. The account with the highest following had over 300,000 followers, she revealed, and although it was later sold, the income from her video sales reached between 70,000 to 90,000 baht per month. Authorities have taken her into custody and will proceed with legal action in accordance with cybercrime laws. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09.

Monk Found Dead in Monastic Cell with Plastic Bag Over Head and Pillow on Face Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police are investigating the mysterious death of a 70-year-old Buddhist monk whose body was found in his monastic quarters with a black plastic bag over his head, secured with a five-coloured sacred thread, and a pillow pressed against his face. The monk’s family has expressed serious doubts over the circumstances of his death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360182-monk-found-dead-in-monastic-cell-with-plastic-bag-over-head-and-pillow-on-face/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police are investigating the mysterious death of a 70-year-old Buddhist monk whose body was found in his monastic quarters with a black plastic bag over his head, secured with a five-coloured sacred thread, and a pillow pressed against his face. The monk’s family has expressed serious doubts over the circumstances of his death. The deceased, Phra Bunman Santajitto, had been a monk for over two decades. His body was discovered beneath the main ordination hall of Wat Phraya Yat (Pak Ngam) in Amphawa District, where living quarters had been constructed for monks. He was found lying on his back, still wearing his saffron robes, with one arm across his abdomen and the other by his side. However, authorities noted: a plastic bag covering his head, tied tightly with a sacred string (sai sin), and a pillow covering his face. There were no signs of a struggle, and no property was missing from the room. Pol Lt Col Khomsan Promsiri, the investigating officer from Amphawa Police Station, along with local forensic officers and Dr Sitthichok Jitthiwong, Director of Amphawa Hospital, were present at the scene. The monk’s body was later transferred to Ratchaburi Hospital’s Forensic Department for a detailed autopsy to determine the cause of death. Grieving relatives, including Mrs Phanthip, the monk’s 72-year-old sister, and her daughter, were at the scene. Mrs Phanthip broke down in tears, embracing her brother’s body and urging him to “come home with us.” She told reporters that Phra Bunman had recently recovered from a series of serious health conditions, including lymphatic cancer and a strokethat had left his left side weakened. He had been treated and subsequently returned to the monastery earlier this year. Due to lingering health concerns, he was granted permission to install an air conditioner in his monastic cell. Mrs Phanthip refuted suggestions that her brother had taken his own life due to illness. “If he had wanted to die from being sick, he would have done it long ago, not now that he’s recovering,” she said. She added that her brother had been under psychological stress since his return to the temple, alleging that he had been harassed and bullied by another monk. According to her, after the air conditioner was installed, one monk had mocked Phra Bunman to devotees, claiming the monk was wealthy and didn’t need donations. Later, the compressor was sabotaged with a wooden stick, disabling the air conditioning. Despite repeated repairs, the system remained unreliable. Phra Bunman reportedly asked, “Will they mess with it again?” in conversation with his sister. Mrs Phanthip expressed anger and suspicion, saying she wanted answers: “If that monk caused my brother’s death by pushing him to the edge, I want to know. And if he has any remorse, he should come and pay his respects.” Pol Col Phichayatom Kosum, chief of Amphawa Police, confirmed that initial investigations found no signs of forced entry or violence. While suicide is a possible explanation, he stressed that investigators were not ruling out foul play. Forensic evidence and autopsy results will be used to establish the cause of death and address public concerns. The investigation is ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.

Woman Electrocuted on Flooded Street Dies Peacefully in Hospital Picture courtesy of Matichon. A woman who received an electric shock, while walking her motorcycle through floodwaters in Surat Thani has died peacefully in hospital, three days after the incident. Her grieving parents said they are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and devastating loss. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360181-woman-electrocuted-on-flooded-street-dies-peacefully-in-hospital/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A woman who received an electric shock, while walking her motorcycle through floodwaters in Surat Thani has died peacefully in hospital, three days after the incident. Her grieving parents said they are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and devastating loss. The victim, 23-year-old Manthana Phongphiw, known affectionately as “Mint,” was a private company employee. On the evening of 5 May, she was returning home when her motorcycle stalled in deep water near a bypass road adjacent to a petrol station at the Bang Yai intersection, an area severely affected by flash flooding after heavy rain. As she attempted to push the vehicle past a streetlight pole, she came into contact with what authorities later confirmed was an electrical leak. She received an electric shock and collapsed face down into the water. Bystanders were unable to assist due to the risk of further electrocution. Rescue personnel were forced to use ropes to retrieve her body from the danger zone, a process that took over 30 minutes. They immediately performed CPR before rushing her to Surat Thani Hospital. Despite emergency treatment, Mint remained unconscious and in critical condition. On the morning of 8 May, her parents confirmed that she had passed away peacefully at 07:30. “We still can’t accept what’s happened,” her father said through tears. “We’ve lost our daughter so suddenly. For now, we just want to focus on her funeral. We’ll deal with everything else later.” The incident has reignited public concern over electrical safety in flood-prone areas, with many calling for urgent investigations and infrastructure improvements to prevent future tragedies. Authorities have yet to comment on any official inquiry or liability. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.

Former National Business Champion Arrested for Leading Vehicle Rental Scam Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Police have arrested a former national business project champion and online influencer at the centre of a criminal ring that fraudulently leased dozens of vehicles before smuggling them across the border. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360180-former-national-business-champion-arrested-for-leading-vehicle-rental-scam/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Police have arrested a former national business project champion and online influencer at the centre of a criminal ring that fraudulently leased dozens of vehicles before smuggling them across the border. The arrest was announced during a press conference at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters as part of the operation codenamed “Fast Fraud Furious: Hunt for the Young Mastermind”. Four suspects were detained in total, with the alleged ringleader identified as Mr. Pattharjarin aged 27. Also arrested were Ms. Mananchaya (36), who arranged lease contracts; Ms. Pornphan (37), who acted under power of attorney to execute the agreements; and Ms. Nawarat (42), who handled financial transactions for vehicle rentals. All four are charged under arrest warrants issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court for “jointly committing theft through deception.” Police said the group fronted a fake business registered as a poultry meat processing company, claiming to need vehicles to deliver meat to customers. In March 2025, a Bangkok-based car rental company reported suspicious behaviour after leasing six small trucks to the group at 19,000 baht per vehicle per month for a five-year term. To build credibility, the suspects brought company representatives to a legitimate-looking premises in the Lam Phak Chi area before signing contracts and paying one month’s rent in advance. However, soon after the handover, the rental company discovered that the GPS systems had been removed from all vehicles, and attempts to reach the so-called poultry company were ignored. Police later found that the vehicles had likely been transported to neighbouring countries. Further investigation revealed that the group had approached at least four other rental companies in Bangkok, attempting to acquire a total of 24 vehicles. Fourteen had already been delivered, but authorities managed to intercept the final 10 before handover. According to Pol Col Phakkaphon Suchon, the group operated as an organised scam, exploiting the guise of legitimate businesses to repeatedly lease and resell vehicles. Authorities believe the ring had been active for over two years, acquiring at least 50 vehicles through deception. The investigation revealed the structure of the criminal network: • Mr. Pattharjarin: Mastermind of the operation, who posed as a company employee and negotiated with rental firms. • Ms. Mananchaya: Company director who created the impression of legitimacy and signed lease agreements. • Ms. Pornphan: Legal representative who signed contracts and received vehicles. • Ms. Nawarat: Responsible for making advance payments via over-the-counter deposits to obscure financial trails. At the time of arrest, all suspects denied the charges. Pol Lt Col Krit added that Mr. Pattharjarin had previously enjoyed notoriety as an online influencer and business competition winner, frequently posting photos with celebrities to boost his profile. In recent years, he began recruiting others to invest in various business ventures, which may have helped him establish trust with co-conspirators. Police are continuing to investigate the network, believing it was formed through connections made on social media platforms, and may have involved further victims and accomplices. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09.

Drug-Intoxicated Man Sets His Own House on Fire, Blaze Spreads to Neighbour’s Home Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 59-year-old man, reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine, has been arrested after deliberately setting fire to his own home, which then spread to a neighbouring house, destroying both. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360178-drug-intoxicated-man-sets-his-own-house-on-fire-blaze-spreads-to-neighbour’s-home/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 59-year-old man, reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine, has been arrested after deliberately setting fire to his own home, which then spread to a neighbouring house, destroying both. Emergency services received reports of a house fire at approximately 17:20 on 7 May, in Ban Nong Krathum, Mueang District, and quickly deployed fire engines from the Nong Krathum Subdistrict Administrative Organisation and Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. The fire began at House No. 533, Moo 1, and engulfed two adjoining semi-concrete, semi-wooden houses. Both were completely destroyed. Police from Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Station arrested the suspect, Mr. Phattarakorn Taewjorhor, 59, who was identified as the owner of the house where the fire began. Officers reported that Mr. Phattarakorn was incoherent and highly agitated, appearing to be under the influence of drugs. Local witnesses told investigators that Mr. Phattarakorn was a former monk who had been defrocked after being caught using methamphetamine. Since returning home, he reportedly continued abusing drugs regularly and had become increasingly erratic and violent. On the evening of 7 May, while in an apparent drug-induced psychosis, Mr. Phattarakorn dragged a cooking gas cylinder out of his kitchen, released gas, and intentionally ignited it, setting fire to his own home. The flames rapidly spread to the adjacent property, resulting in its complete destruction as well. Authorities detained Mr. Phattarakorn for questioning, though he remained incoherent. A urine drug test revealed a positive result for methamphetamine, turning purple in the standard screening. He now faces multiple charges, including arson, property damage, and illegal drug use. No injuries were reported, but residents in the area remain shaken by the incident, which highlights the ongoing dangers posed by drug abuse in the community. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-09.

Myanmar Man Arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for Running Illegal Phone Resale Operation Picture courtesy of Matichon Police on Pha Ngan have arrested a 33-year-old Myanmar national for operating an illegal mobile phone repair and resale business that involved purchasing stolen or locked devices, unlocking them, and reselling them primarily to members of the local Myanmar community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360177-myanmar-man-arrested-on-koh-pha-ngan-for-running-illegal-phone-resale-operation/

Picture courtesy of Matichon Police on Pha Ngan have arrested a 33-year-old Myanmar national for operating an illegal mobile phone repair and resale business that involved purchasing stolen or locked devices, unlocking them, and reselling them primarily to members of the local Myanmar community. Authorities launched an investigation following reports that a foreign national was advertising mobile phone repair, iCloud unlocking, and data wiping services via Facebook in Moo 3, Koh Pha Ngan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province. The man, identified only as Mr Kyaw, was found operating a makeshift repair station where officers seized 49 mobile phones and various repair tools. Tourist police, in coordination with local police and administrative officials, arrested the suspect on 7 May. He now faces three charges: 1. Operating a business without the proper permit as a foreign national, 2. Working outside the conditions of his legal work status, and 3. Drug use (Category 1 narcotics). According to police, many tourists had reported phones stolen from beaches or while left unattended in bags, which prompted closer surveillance of suspicious individuals on the island. Investigators eventually identified Mr Kyaw as the key figure in receiving and reselling stolen phones. In his statement to authorities, the suspect admitted he bought locked phones at low prices, then unlocked or wiped them before reselling. In some cases, he offered instalment payment plans while retaining the buyer’s iCloud or Gmail credentials, allowing him to remotely lock the phone if payments were missed. He also provided screen replacement services starting at 1,000 baht per device. Mr Kyaw claimed the operation generated around 25,000 baht per month, with most of his customers being fellow Myanmar nationals living or working in the area. Officials said further investigations are ongoing to determine whether others are involved in the theft and resale network. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.

High-Speed Crash Kills Truck Driver as Car Vaults Median in Chai Nat Picture courtesy of Matichon. A crash at a three-way junction in Chai Nat province claimed the life of a 57-year-old truck driver after a speeding car flew over the central reservation and collided head-on with his stationary lorry. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360175-high-speed-crash-kills-truck-driver-as-car-vaults-median-in-chai-nat/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A crash at a three-way junction in Chai Nat province claimed the life of a 57-year-old truck driver after a speeding car flew over the central reservation and collided head-on with his stationary lorry. CCTV footage captured the dramatic moment at Wang Kra Chai junction in Wang Kai Thuean subdistrict, Hankha district. A Nissan Almera driver, travelling at high speed from central Hankha, lost control while negotiating the curve, jumped the central barrier, and struck a stationary truck loaded with hay that was waiting at a red light. Emergency services from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation responded swiftly. They found Mr Manit, the 57-year-old truck driver from Lopburi province, dead at the scene. His body was severely crushed in the driver’s seat. The car’s driver, a 40-year-old man known only as Mr A, from Sisaket province and now residing in Sankhaburi district, was seriously injured and rushed to Hankha Hospital. Mr A has been taken into police custody and will face charges of reckless driving causing death and property damage. Police have also ordered a blood alcohol test, and further charges will be added if results show he was over the legal limit. Local residents expressed little surprise at the incident, claiming the car’s driver is well-known in the area for drinking and speeding. “Everyone around here knows he drives fast and often drinks,” said one local. “It was only a matter of time.” Police are continuing their investigation and have contacted the victim’s family to arrange funeral proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.