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Picture courtesy of Amarin. Residents in the heart of Hat Yai city were left bewildered on the morning of 19 June, after discovering an unexploded tank shell abandoned beside railway tracks near Hat Yai Station 2. Authorities swiftly sealed off the area and safely removed the shell before transporting it to a secure location for disposal. Pol. Col. Thammarat Phetnongchum, Superintendent of Hat Yai Police Station, received a report from concerned locals regarding a suspicious object that resembled heavy ordnance left near the tracks in the central municipal area. He immediately dispatched Pol. Lt. Col. Adinan Wongmathong, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, along with Pol. Capt. Uayporn Ubonphan, and the police rapid response team known as “Vihok” to investigate. An EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit was also called to the scene. The suspicious item, wrapped in a white plastic bag, was found to be a large artillery shell, later confirmed to be a 75mm tank round that had not yet been fired. As a safety measure, the area was cordoned off within a 300-metre radius while EOD officers carried out checks on the surrounding vicinity. The tank shell was carefully placed in a blue padded containment box and transported to a remote site for controlled detonation far from any residential areas. Local residents reported first noticing police officers stationed near the site around 04:30. One witness described the item as looking like “a long banana blossom” but had no idea it was a tank shell. No one reported seeing who had placed the object there. Police believe the shell may have been deliberately abandoned and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area in an attempt to identify the person responsible. Authorities have not ruled out whether the shell was stolen, misplaced or intentionally disposed of, but assured the public that there was no immediate danger once the device was safely secured. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-20

Suspected Thief Electrocuted While Attempting to Steal Wiring from Construction Camp Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A man believed to be attempting to steal electrical wiring from a construction site in Nonthaburi met a fatal end when he was electrocuted during the act. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364220-suspected-thief-electrocuted-while-attempting-to-steal-wiring-from-construction-camp/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A man believed to be attempting to steal electrical wiring from a construction site in Nonthaburi met a fatal end when he was electrocuted during the act. Police from Bang Kruai Police Station were alerted to the incident at a worker camp behind a housing development in Maha Sawat subdistrict. Officers, accompanied by forensic specialists and rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, quickly arrived at the scene. The body of a man, estimated to be between 40 and 45 years old, was discovered lying on his side in the grass behind the camp, near Khlong Khue Khwang canal. The deceased was shirtless, wearing grey shorts, and had a necklace around his neck. His left arm was heavily tattooed, and on his right forearm was a tattoo of the name “Naphatsakorn Taikan.” Visible abrasions and burns, were found on the back of his right hand and wrist. Near the body, police found a pair of wire cutters and a collapsed bamboo pole that had been used to support overhead wiring. The electrical cables showed clear signs of tampering and attempted cutting. Mr. Wichayut, 25, the construction project’s supervising engineer, said he had been informed by a site inspector that a body had been found at the rear of the camp. Upon checking the location, he noted damage to the project’s wiring and discovered the wire cutters, suggesting the man had been attempting to steal the cables. He also revealed that the site had experienced a string of thefts in recent weeks, including the loss of a crane and steel construction materials. Although security personnel had been assigned to guard the area, the crane had just been moved the previous day, leaving the site temporarily unwatched. Police are continuing to investigate and are working to confirm the man’s identity and the precise cause of death, plus any others involved in the thefts. Initial findings point strongly toward electrocution during an attempted theft. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-20

Sa Kaeo Holds Tabletop Evacuation Exercise to Prepare for Emergency Scenario Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Sa Kaeo province have launched a large-scale Tabletop Exercise (TTX) to rehearse emergency evacuation procedures along the Thai-Cambodian border. The exercise, held annually, aims to ensure preparedness among military and civilian agencies in the event of a crisis requiring the swift relocation of residents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364219-sa-kaeo-holds-tabletop-evacuation-exercise-to-prepare-for-emergency-scenario/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Sa Kaeo province have launched a large-scale Tabletop Exercise (TTX) to rehearse emergency evacuation procedures along the Thai-Cambodian border. The exercise, held annually, aims to ensure preparedness among military and civilian agencies in the event of a crisis requiring the swift relocation of residents. The event, was held 18 June and took place in Pa Rai subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district, where a simulated evacuation was conducted. In the scenario, civilians were moved to a designated reception centre at Sa Kaeo Technical College, with the Sa Kaeo Provincial Administrative Organisation serving as the coordinating body for displaced persons. The exercise was formally opened by Maj. Gen. Benjaphon Dejchaiwong Na Ayutthaya, Commander of the Burapha Task Force, who was joined by senior officials including Mr. Chaownet Yimprasert, Deputy Governor of Sa Kaeo, Col. Suchayan Sritragoon, Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Sa Kaeo, and Col. Chainarong Kasee, Commander of the 12th Infantry Regiment. Representatives from border patrol, local government units, and various civil agencies were also in attendance. The Royal Thai Army’s Operations Centre has directed all border protection forces to coordinate closely with relevant local authorities to revise and align evacuation plans with the geographical realities of the border region. This is to ensure plans are clear, comprehensive and ready to be executed under any abnormal or emergency situation. The purpose of this TTX was to clarify roles and responsibilities, improve inter-agency coordination, and ensure a seamless integration between civil and military responses. The exercise is also designed to safeguard the lives and property of the public while supporting the objectives of Thailand’s internal security and border stability strategies. Observers from various districts within the border province were invited to witness the drill and assess operational readiness. The simulated exercise allowed participating units to rehearse step-by-step procedures and reinforce cooperation among agencies, ensuring a high level of preparedness in the event of real emergencies along the Sa Kaeo border. Adapted by Asean Now from Koaded 2025-06-20

Man Slashes Monk’s Assistant in the Neck in Front of Child Giving Alms Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a horrifying act of violence, a 42-year-old man in Buriram province launched a brutal knife attack on a monk’s lay helper in broad daylight, slashing him repeatedly in the neck in front of a terrified 12-year-old girl giving alms to monks. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364218-man-slashes-monk’s-assistant-in-the-neck-in-front-of-child-giving-alms/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a horrifying act of violence, a 42-year-old man in Buriram province launched a brutal knife attack on a monk’s lay helper in broad daylight, slashing him repeatedly in the neck in front of a terrified 12-year-old girl giving alms to monks. The incident occurred at a crossroads in Ban Plub Pla, Moo 2, Sadao subdistrict, Plubplachai district. Police were alerted to the scene, where they found 48-year-old Mr Prasert, known locally as “Tui”, lying critically injured after being attacked with a long cleaver-style knife. Residents rushed him to hospital, where he remains in serious condition. According to Pol. Lt. Wathana Atsalee and Pol. Col. Yannayong Thongbaiyai of Plubplachai Police Station, the attack took place while Mr Prasert was assisting a monk on the morning alms round, as he did every day. Eyewitnesses described the assailant, identified as Mr Yodrak or “A”, as having parked his modified tricycle motorbike at the side of the road as if lying in wait. Monk Thanin, 53, said a young girl was giving alms at the time and had just finished when Mr Prasert bent down to gather offerings. Suddenly, Mr Yodrak leapt from his vehicle and charged at Mr Prasert with a machete, slashing his neck multiple times from behind. The victim attempted to flee and collapsed in nearby bushes. Villagers quickly intervened, prompting the attacker to flee the scene on his motorbike. The child’s grandmother, Mrs Phaka, 64, told reporters that her 12-year-old granddaughter had been giving alms alone in front of the house when the assault unfolded just metres away. “It was horrifying,” she said, recalling how she screamed for the man to stop. The victim’s sister, Ms Rujirej, 49, said the two men had previous disputes despite living in separate villages. She added that Mr Yodrak had recently been seen sharpening knives late at night. Police later arrested Mr Yodrak and seized the bloodied weapon. In his confession, he claimed the motive was revenge. He alleged that a year ago, Mr Prasert had tried to stab him but failed when a passerby intervened. Since then, he said, he had harboured a deep grudge and had tried several times to attack him but never had the opportunity, until now. Shockingly, Mr Yodrak showed no remorse, stating: “I’m still not satisfied. If I see him again, I’ll do it again.” He added an apology “to the monk” for the disturbance but not to the victim. Drug tests on Mr Yodrak came back negative. Police have initially charged him with causing grievous bodily harm and are continuing their investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-20

Finance Chief Arrested in Her Office for Embezzling ฿9 Million in Local Government Funds Picture courtesy of Matichon. A senior finance officer at a local administrative office in Yasothon province has been arrested at her workplace for embezzling more than 9 million baht in public funds. The suspect allegedly siphoned the money into personal and family bank accounts under the guise of legitimate budget disbursements. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364217-finance-chief-arrested-in-her-office-for-embezzling-฿9-million-in-local-government-funds/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A senior finance officer at a local administrative office in Yasothon province has been arrested at her workplace for embezzling more than 9 million baht in public funds. The suspect allegedly siphoned the money into personal and family bank accounts under the guise of legitimate budget disbursements. At approximately 11:30 on 18 June, a team led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankeaw, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Chalempun, Commander of the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), together with officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), arrested Ms. Wanida 46, Director of the Finance Division of the Kham Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Thai Charoen District, Yasothon. She was detained in her office under an arrest warrant issued by the Region 3 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The charges include: • Misappropriation of public funds by a government official • Wilful misconduct or dereliction of duty • Abuse of public office for personal gain According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Jaroonkiat, the ACD launched an investigation following a complaint that Wanida had misused her authority to embezzle local government funds. As finance director, she had full access to and oversight of the disbursement of the organisation’s budget. Investigators found that Wanida had systematically submitted false financial requests using her own name and the names of other civil servants, including those who had retired or been transferred, to approve budget disbursements. These funds were then transferred directly into her personal bank account or to accounts belonging to relatives and close associates. A financial audit of the office’s records from 2024 to the present uncovered 27 suspicious transactions amounting to over 9 million baht. Of this, approximately 6 million baht was traced directly to Wanida’s account, with a further 3 million baht distributed to people in her close circle. During interrogation, Wanida confessed to the embezzlement, claiming she had been under severe financial pressure due to debts from unregulated loan apps and being a victim of a call-centre scam. She stated she needed funds to pay exorbitant interest rates and cover financial losses from the scam. However, investigators expressed doubt over the full truth of her explanation and have proceeded with formal charges. Wanida is now in custody and will face legal proceedings in accordance with anti-corruption laws. Authorities have vowed to continue investigations to determine whether other officials may have been complicit and to recover the misappropriated funds. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-20

Son Discovers Mother’s Body After Fall From Apartment Balcony Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The scene unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 19 June, when a 19-year-old son discovered the lifeless body of his mother after she apparently fell from the fifth floor of their apartment building in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364215-son-discovers-mother’s-body-after-fall-from-apartment-balcony/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The scene unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 19 June, when a 19-year-old son discovered the lifeless body of his mother after she apparently fell from the fifth floor of their apartment building in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani. Police Lieutenant Colonel Montri Rattanaphan, deputy inspector at Khu Khot Police Station, received the emergency call at approximately 02:00 and responded to the scene alongside forensic officers from Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital and members of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The woman, aged 54 and originally from Bua Yai district in Nakhon Ratchasima province, was found face down in a pool of blood at the rear car park of the building. Her head had suffered a severe impact, and her legs were visibly broken. A gold necklace remained intact around her neck. Initial investigations confirmed that she had fallen from her fifth-floor room. Officers found no signs of struggle or forced entry in the apartment and none of the woman’s belongings appeared to have been stolen. According to the building’s security guard, the deceased’s son returned home to find the apartment empty. Thinking his mother had gone out for dinner, he called her mobile several times without response. After unlocking the apartment with a spare key and confirming she was not inside, he stepped out onto the balcony and was horrified to see a body lying motionless near a car below. The guard was alerted and immediately contacted emergency services. The son later told police that his mother had been battling depression for the past six to seven months and had previously attempted to take her own life by ingesting bathroom cleaner. She had been saved in time on that occasion. She earned a living selling clothes at a local market and lived in the apartment with her youngest son, while her three older children lived separately with their own families. On the evening of her death, the son had visited her at her clothing stall to collect a key card. His mother had asked where he was going and he replied that he was meeting a friend. A female relative who often visited had reportedly left around 22:00. Police are treating the case as a likely suicide but have sent the body to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital for a formal post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-20

Death of Teen Motorcyclist After High-Speed Crash Into Barrier in Chachoengsao Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 17-year-old boy was killed instantly in a motorcycle accident late night on 18 June, after losing control of his bike and crashing into a concrete barrier in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364213-death-of-teen-motorcyclist-after-high-speed-crash-into-barrier-in-chachoengsao/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 17-year-old boy was killed instantly in a motorcycle accident late night on 18 June, after losing control of his bike and crashing into a concrete barrier in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province. Police Lieutenant Weerawat Khunsuk, deputy investigation officer at Bang Pakong Police Station, said he received reports of the crash at around 22:30. The incident occurred on the inbound side of Bang Na–Trat Road at kilometre marker 43 in Moo 2, Bang Samak subdistrict. Emergency services and police arrived at the scene to find the body of the teenager, identified only as “A” for privacy reasons, lying face-up in a pool of blood in the middle of the road. His Honda Giorno motorcycle was found approximately 100 metres away, damaged with scrape marks across its left side body work. Skid marks and a large scrape on a roadside barrier indicated the point of impact. A nearby sedan, which was also involved in the incident, had minor damage and the female driver was waiting to give her statement to police. The driver of the car, Ms. Rudeekorn 34, said she was driving home and travelling in the right lane when she caught a glimpse of the motorcycle approaching from behind at high speed. Moments later, the bike veered out of control, crashed into the barrier and slid into her vehicle. Initial investigations suggest that the motorbike struck the barrier at high speed, causing the rider to be thrown from the vehicle and suffer fatal injuries on impact. Police documented the scene and took photographs for the case record. Ms. Rudeekorn was taken to the police station for further questioning. The body of the deceased was transferred by rescue workers to the Police General Hospital. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-20

Kanchanaburi Monastery Head Arrested in Illegal Migrant Smuggling Operation Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Kanchanaburi have arrested the abbot of a local Buddhist monastery retreat in connection with a human smuggling operation, uncovering a group of 33 illegal migrants who had been hiding within temple grounds. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364212-kanchanaburi-monastery-head-arrested-in-illegal-migrant-smuggling-operation/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Kanchanaburi have arrested the abbot of a local Buddhist monastery retreat in connection with a human smuggling operation, uncovering a group of 33 illegal migrants who had been hiding within temple grounds. The arrests came after highway police operating along Route 323, heading towards Kanchanaburi town, flagged two suspicious vehicles, a white Isuzu pickup truck registered in Bangkok and a Toyota car registered in Kanchanaburi. The vehicles were intercepted near Wang Yai village, in Tha Sao subdistrict of Sai Yok district, a known surveillance zone for illicit cross-border activities. Officers from Kanchanaburi Highway Police, supported by local administrative authorities, pursued the vehicles and tracked them to Wat Phuttha Phrom Panyo, a forest monastery located in Ban Nong Chok, Kaeng Sian subdistrict, Mueang district. Upon arrival, the suspects were seen unloading several individuals and guiding them into the monastery’s Dhamma practice pavilion. Police quickly moved in and detained all 33 undocumented migrants, along with two handlers and seized the two vehicles used in the operation. Investigations revealed that the temple was being used as a temporary safehouse by a migrant smuggling network. Once the migrants had entered Thailand via natural border crossings, vehicles would transport them to the monastery where they would remain hidden before being moved to other provinces. Authorities arrested two monks: Phra Rattanaporn, 44, who was found to be an unregistered person without any official identity documents and Phra Noppadon, 50, the monastery’s abbot and a Kanchanaburi local. Both were defrocked before being taken into custody. The suspects and illegal migrants were handed over to Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected as authorities work to dismantle the broader human trafficking network operating in the region. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-20

Desperate Son Attempts Bank Robbery to Pay for Mother’s Kidney Treatment Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 38-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to rob a bank in Buriram province with a kitchen knife, claiming he was driven to the act out of desperation to pay for his mother’s life-saving kidney treatment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364211-desperate-son-attempts-bank-robbery-to-pay-for-mother’s-kidney-treatment/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 38-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to rob a bank in Buriram province with a kitchen knife, claiming he was driven to the act out of desperation to pay for his mother’s life-saving kidney treatment. Police in Non Suwan district responded swiftly to an emergency alarm from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) branch in Non Suwan, Buriram, where the suspect, later identified as Mr Somporn, was detained by security staff before officers arrived at the scene. Mr Somporn had entered the bank carrying a backpack and wielding a kitchen knife. He was overpowered by the bank’s security guard, Mr Somphop Chansirisuk, 59 and male staff members after a brief struggle. No injuries were reported. According to police, the suspect arrived on a Honda motorbike without a registration plate and carried no other weapons apart from the knife. He was taken into custody and brought to Non Suwan Police Station for questioning. During the interrogation, Mr Somporn admitted to the attempted robbery. He claimed it was not premeditated and that he had only decided to carry out the act earlier that day. He explained that his mother suffers from kidney disease and requires weekly dialysis treatments, each costing approximately 20,000 baht. He said his family could not afford the treatment and that the government’s universal healthcare scheme, known as the “gold card,” did not cover dialysis. Mr Somporn’s father, Mr Khamman, 72, confirmed his wife’s illness and explained that the family had been preparing to raise funds for treatment. However, after being informed by neighbours that the 20,000 baht fee would only cover one session and with dialysis needed weekly, they abandoned the plan. He said he was unaware that his son had taken such drastic action. Mr Somphop, the security guard praised for his quick thinking, said that he had become suspicious of the man upon entering the bank due to his behaviour, wearing a hat and a mask. When asked to remove them, Mr Somporn left, only to return shortly afterwards. Mr Somphop had already alerted staff and prepared to act in case of an incident. “When he pulled out the knife and said, ‘This is a robbery,’ I grabbed the hand holding the knife and dragged him outside,” Mr Somphop recounted. “We wrestled for a few minutes before another male employee came to help me subdue him.” Following his arrest, Mr Somporn underwent a urine test which returned positive for methamphetamine. He now faces charges of attempted robbery and drug use. Mr Somyot Yosachan, director of the BAAC in Buriram province, visited the branch to personally commend Mr Somphop for his bravery and effective response during the incident. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and Mr Somporn remains in custody pending legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-20

On June 18th, the DGCA stated, that the inspection of Air India's Dreamliners did not find safety deficiencies. Aircraft and maintenance were found in compliance with existing safety standards.

Police Arrest 23 Illegal Chinese Workers Masquerading as Tourists in Pattaya & Rayong Pictures courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา Tourist Police have arrested 23 Chinese nationals working illegally, under the guise of tourists, following a crackdown on illegal foreign labour by the Royal Thai Police. The workers, who were found on construction sites in Rayong and Pattaya, were earning between 20,000 and 40,000 baht per month without valid work permits. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364100-police-arrest-23-illegal-chinese-workers-masquerading-as-tourists-in-pattaya-rayong/

Pictures courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา Tourist Police have arrested 23 Chinese nationals working illegally, under the guise of tourists, following a crackdown on illegal foreign labour by the Royal Thai Police. The workers, who were found on construction sites in Rayong and Pattaya, were earning between 20,000 and 40,000 baht per month without valid work permits. The operation, launched under the directive of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, is part of an intensified effort to rid the country of foreign nationals violating labour and immigration laws. The raids were led by the Tourist Police Bureau under the supervision of Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am, with senior support from Major General Phongsayam Meekhantong, Major General Krit Warit, and Major General M.L. Santhikorn Worawan. Rayong Construction Site Raid – 11 Arrests In the first operation, Tourist Police investigators received a tip-off about illegal foreign workers at a construction site in Map Yang Phon subdistrict, Pluak Daeng district, Rayong province. The site, operated by a company whose name was withheld, was reportedly employing several undocumented workers. Upon inspection, police discovered 11 Chinese nationals engaged in construction work. All had entered Thailand on tourist visas/exemptions and were earning around 25,000 baht per month. They were promptly arrested and charged under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 for engaging in employment without permission and under the Foreign Workers Management Royal Decree B.E. 2560 (2017), which prohibits foreign nationals from working without a permit. Pattaya South Site – 12 Detained The second case involved a coordinated raid on a construction project located near South Pattaya Soi 1. Following an investigation, officers obtained a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court (Warrant No. 124/2568, dated 17 June 2025). On 18 June, Tourist Police executed the warrant and searched the premises, uncovering 12 Chinese nationals working illegally. These individuals also entered Thailand as tourists and were found to be earning between 20,000 and 40,000 baht monthly, depending on their roles at the site. They were similarly charged with working without authorisation and for violating immigration law. All suspects were informed of their legal rights and charges in accordance with due process and reportedly confessed to the offences during the arrest proceedings. They have since been handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action. Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Labour Tourist Police have reiterated their commitment to continued enforcement against illegal foreign workers operating under false pretences. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities via the 24-hour Tourist Police hotline at 1155. This operation reflects an increasingly firm stance by authorities against the misuse of tourist visas for employment purposes, particularly within the construction sector. Authorities stress that legal employment in Thailand requires strict compliance with immigration and labour laws, including valid work permits issued by the Ministry of Labour. Adapted by Asean Now from ที่นี่ พัทยา 2025-06-19

Authorities Raid Illegal Gambling Den in Nonthaburi, Arrest 54 Suspects Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a crackdown on illegal gambling, a combined force of local administrators and police officers raided a clandestine Dragon-Tigergambling den in Bang Yai district on the afternoon of 18 June, arresting 54 individuals and seizing substantial evidence. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364099-authorities-raid-illegal-gambling-den-in nonthaburi-arrest-54-suspects/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a crackdown on illegal gambling, a combined force of local administrators and police officers raided a clandestine Dragon-Tigergambling den in Bang Yai district on the afternoon of 18 June, arresting 54 individuals and seizing substantial evidence. The operation was led by Mr. Kiattisak Tongsiri, Governor of Nonthaburi, along with Pol. Maj. Gen. Kittithanet Thanananthaweesin, Chief of Nonthaburi Provincial Police and senior officers from Bang Yai Police Station. The team also included district officials and members of the Bang Yai Volunteer Defence Corps. At approximately 15.00 the authorities stormed a large, air-conditioned warehouse, approximately one rai in size, located in Soi Kaeo-In, Moo 5, in the Saothonghin subdistrict. The site was surrounded by a corrugated iron fence over three metres high to conceal the operation. Officers scaled the perimeter and entered the building, where they discovered dozens of gamblers engaged in a game of Dragon-Tiger, a fast-paced card game popular in illegal circles. Startled by the raid, many attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended, as all exit points had been secured. A total of 54 suspects were arrested, comprising 15 Thai men, 31 Thai women, and 8 foreign workers, both male and female. Seized at the scene were gambling paraphernalia and 218,340 baht in cash. The governor stated that the raid followed intelligence received around 14.00, regarding ongoing illegal gambling in the area. Following verification, he ordered immediate action. “This raid is in line with the province’s policy to suppress gambling operations, which often lead to economic damage, social problems and debt among citizens,” Mr. Kiattisak explained. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage to determine how long the operation had been running and to verify the exact nature and extent of the gambling activities. Initial reports indicate the presence of at least two gambling tables dedicated to Dragon-Tiger. This is not the first such incident in Bang Yai. Officials confirmed that similar operations had been discovered in the area previously, though this particular venue had not yet been linked to a specific duration of operation due to conflicting accounts from those arrested. Mr. Kiattisak warned, “Let this be a clear message to anyone considering opening gambling dens in Nonthaburi. We have informants across every district and will take firm action, especially against organisers and operators.” Pol. Maj. Gen. Kittithanet echoed the sentiment, stating that this was the second raid on an illegal gambling venue in Bang Yai within a single week. He praised the collaboration between police and local administrators, reiterating that such activities defy national police directives and Ministry of Interior policy. He added that if any financial links to the operation’s organisers are discovered, the authorities are prepared to pursue charges under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. “All involved parties will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he concluded. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-19

Policeman’s Son Steals Father’s Gun, Shoots Man in Phatthalung Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 30-year-old man was shot and injured on the morning of 18 June, after being attacked at his home in Phatthalung province by the son of a police officer. The shooting, believed to be drug-related, took place in Moo 7, Charat subdistrict, Kong Ra district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364097-policeman’s-son-steals-father’s-gun-shoots-man-in phatthalung/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 30-year-old man was shot and injured on the morning of 18 June, after being attacked at his home in Phatthalung province by the son of a police officer. The shooting, believed to be drug-related, took place in Moo 7, Charat subdistrict, Kong Ra district. Police from Kong Ra Police Station responded to the incident at approximately 06:10 and found the victim, identified as Mr Theeraphong, also known as “Naw”, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his leg. He was rushed to Kong Ra Hospital by family members. The alleged shooter, Mr Ariphong or “Boom”, aged 30, was swiftly apprehended by police shortly after fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. CCTV footage showed him wearing a white shirt, shorts and a motorcycle helmet and armed with a 9mm handgun. He was seen opening fire on the victim from outside the house before fleeing. Investigators led by Pol. Lt. Col. Pakorn Chaiprom and forensic officers recovered 13 spent 9mm shell casings at the scene. Initial findings confirmed the weapon used had been stolen from Mr Ariphong’s father, a serving police officer with the Phatthalung Provincial Police. Mr Ariphong, who has a known history of drug involvement, was reportedly incoherent when detained. Witnesses said he arrived at the victim’s home appearing intoxicated and speaking unintelligibly before opening fire without warning. Police are continuing to question the suspect, who has yet to provide a coherent account of his actions. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact motive behind the attack. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-19