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Pictures courtesy of Inside Thailand. Thai immigration authorities have arrested an Australian national at Suvarnabhumi Airport after biometric checks revealed he was wanted in connection with an armed robbery case in Phuket. At approximately 20:30 on 3 May, officers from the Immigration Division 2 (Immigration Bureau) were alerted by airport immigration officials about a suspicious traveller, identified only as Mr Mc, an Australian citizen. He had arrived in Thailand on Thai Airways flight TG432, from Denpasar, Indonesia and was scheduled to board a connecting flight to Phuket TG225. Upon verifying his identity through the immigration biometric system, officers discovered that Mr Mc was listed as a prohibited person under immigration record number A071102. The arrest follows orders from Police Lieutenant General Phanumart Boonyaluck, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau and his deputy, Police Major General Thanit Thaiwatcharamat, who instructed officers to intensify security screening of international passengers. Police Major General Cherngron Rimphadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, was assigned to oversee the enforcement operation. Initial attempts to contact the investigating officer in charge of the original case, Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasit, were unsuccessful. However, further coordination with Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaiwat Chantasuwan, Deputy Superintendent of Chalong Police Station in Phuket, confirmed that an arrest warrant had been issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The warrant, number J.326/2568 dated 2 May 2025, accuses Mr Mc of “armed robbery using a firearm and using a vehicle to commit the offence.” The suspect was taken into custody without incident and has since been handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings. Thai authorities reiterated their commitment to national security and maintaining rigorous screening procedures for all individuals entering and exiting the country. Adapted by Asean Now from Inside Thailand 2025-05-04.

British Tenant Trashes Pattaya Rental, Landlord Seeks Legal Action Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A landlord has been left devastated after a British tenant abandoned her Pattaya rental property, leaving it damaged and littered with rubbish. The home, located in Bang Lamung district of Chonburi province, was also reported to have a strong smell of cannabis throughout and signs of possible cultivation inside. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359687-british-tenant-trashes-pattaya-rental-landlord-seeks-legal-action/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A landlord has been left devastated after a British tenant abandoned her Pattaya rental property, leaving it damaged and littered with rubbish. The home, located in Bang Lamung district of Chonburi province, was also reported to have a strong smell of cannabis throughout and signs of possible cultivation inside. Mrs Chudanat Penampipinyo, 52, shared images and video footage on social media showing the appalling condition of her property, both inside and out. The rented house, once newly renovated and attractively furnished, was found in a state of disarray, with nearly every item damaged or destroyed. Over ten black bags of rubbish were left behind, decorative features were vandalised, and security cameras had been deliberately obstructed with stickers. Mrs Chudanat told reporters that she had leased the property to a British man named Alexander William and his Thai wife in December 2024 through a rental agent. The one-year contract quickly fell into difficulty when the tenant failed to pay rent on time and accrued three months of unpaid electricity and internet bills, resulting in the disconnection of services. She attempted to terminate the lease in March 2025. However, the tenant refused to vacate the property, even when she returned accompanied by police officers. Mrs Chudanat said he promised to leave by 30 April but fled the scene without notice, leaving air conditioning units and lights running. “Nothing could prepare me for what I saw,” said Mrs Chudanat. “The smell of marijuana was overwhelming. Everything was destroyed, it was as if someone had deliberately ruined every part of the house.” Following the incident, Mrs Chudanat filed a formal complaint at Nongprue Police Station and is cooperating with officers by submitting video clips, photos, contracts, and bills as evidence. After sharing her experience online, others came forward reporting similar dealings with the same tenant, although no legal action had previously been taken. Mrs Chudanat is now calling on the authorities to track down the individual and hold him accountable. “This must not happen to other landlords. We need to thoroughly vet prospective tenants, especially foreign nationals, and insist on stronger protections.” Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-04.

Chinese Fake Perfume Empire Collapses After Three Years Picture courtesy of Khaosod Police have dismantled a long-running counterfeit goods operation in Bangkok, seizing over 30,000 fake luxury perfume items worth more than 4 million baht during coordinated raids on 2 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359686-chinese-fake-perfume-empire-collapses-after-three-years/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod Police have dismantled a long-running counterfeit goods operation in Bangkok, seizing over 30,000 fake luxury perfume items worth more than 4 million baht during coordinated raids on 2 May. Officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division, part of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), raided five separate warehouses located in the Ratburana and Bukkhalo districts of the capital. A total of 34,806 counterfeit brand-name perfume products were seized during the operation, which officials say was part of a broader crackdown on illegal Chinese-owned businesses operating in Thailand. The action followed an earlier seizure of illicit cosmetic and perfume products from a Thai seller. Investigators traced the source of the goods to a Chinese national who had been smuggling the items into the country for wholesale distribution. Police revealed that the smuggling ring used multiple rented storage facilities to conceal operations and avoid detection. Surveillance was carried out before officers secured court-approved search warrants to enter and confiscate the goods. According to Police Major General Pattanasak Buppasuwan, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, the Chinese investor behind the scheme had been using nominee bank accounts in Cambodia to receive proceeds from illegal sales. The counterfeit products were largely sold wholesale to Thai merchants, who then resold them via online platforms and retail shops across the country. The perfumes, which were packaged to closely resemble legitimate luxury brands, were found to be of inferior quality. Investigators believe the counterfeit operation had been running for approximately three years. The suspect now faces multiple charges, including selling unregistered cosmetics, distributing products without the required Thai-language labelling, and engaging in unauthorised sales. All evidence has been transferred to the Consumer Protection Police Division for further investigation. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend the main suspect. Major General Pattanasak issued a stern warning to consumers about the dangers of buying cheap cosmetics and perfumes from unreliable sources, noting that counterfeit products may pose serious health risks such as respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, high blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. He also urged smugglers and distributors of illegal goods to cease their activities immediately, stating that police will persist in expanding their investigations and prosecutions. “Anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law,” he said. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-04.

Body Found Floating Off Rayong Coast Sparks Murder Investigation Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man with a fatal neck wound was discovered floating in the sea off Rayong province early morning on 3 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359685-body-found-floating-off-rayong-coast-sparks-murder-investigation/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man with a fatal neck wound was discovered floating in the sea off Rayong province early morning on 3 May. At approximately 07:00, local fishermen alerted officers from the Phe Police Station after spotting a body adrift roughly two nautical miles offshore, between Suan Son Beach in Klaeng Subdistrict and Samet Island in Phe Subdistrict, Mueang District. The fishermen had anchored nearby to prevent the body from drifting further due to strong currents. Rescue crews from Sawang Porakun Rayong Foundation, forensic officers, and police responded quickly, retrieving the deceased and bringing him ashore at the NS Land junction. The victim, believed to be between 50 and 60 years old and approximately 170 cm tall, was wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and black tracksuit trousers. A deep stab wound was found on the left side of his neck, leading investigators to suspect foul play. Preliminary examinations indicate the man had been dead for at least 24 hours before being discovered. According to local residents, the man was seen at Ban Phe Market two to three days earlier, though there were no known reports of conflict or altercation at the time. Officers from the Phe Police Station’s investigative division are now reviewing CCTV footage from local passenger piers and fishing docks to determine whether the man boarded a vessel voluntarily or whether his body was transported and dumped at sea post-mortem in an attempt to conceal the crime. The man’s identity has not yet been confirmed, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-04.

Off-Road Biker Found Dead After Hornet Attack in Forest Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A 38-year-old off-road motorcyclist was found dead after falling into a ravine while attempting to escape a swarm of hornets during a trail ride on a remote mountain. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359684-off-road-biker-found-dead-after-hornet-attack-in-forest/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A 38-year-old off-road motorcyclist was found dead after falling into a ravine while attempting to escape a swarm of hornets during a trail ride on a remote mountain. Noppadol Nakayot, a resident of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, was reported missing after he and a group of dirt bike riders ventured into the forested area of Khao Huai Phi Lok in Saraburi province on the afternoon of 1 May. According to local authorities and rescue volunteers, the group of around 20–30 bikers had entered the mountainous terrain in Moo 10, Cham Phak Phaeo subdistrict, Kaeng Khoi district, a restricted area where off-road riding is prohibited. While riding deep into the forest, they were reportedly attacked by a swarm of hornets, prompting the group to flee in different directions. Noppadol became separated from the group during the chaos. His friends initially attempted to locate him without success and contacted rescue teams the following morning. A joint search effort involving the Department of National Parks, volunteer rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, and local authorities was launched early on 2 May. Due to muddy, rough terrain and obstructed paths, only off-road motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles could access the area. The search team found Noppadol’s white dirt bike abandoned around 13:00, approximately five kilometres from the foot of the mountain. His body was discovered 30 minutes later, having fallen roughly 10 metres into a ravine. He was found lying on his back, with his body already stiffened, indicating he had been dead for several hours. It took until 23:30 for rescuers to safely retrieve his body due to the challenging terrain. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Prayoon Lawakul, the village headman of Moo 10, confirmed that despite an annual presence of dirt bikers in the area, the mountain is a designated no-entry zone for such vehicles. He acknowledged the difficulty of transporting the body due to the inaccessible landscape. A fellow rider, who had joined the outing with Noppadol, said that the group had been riding through the forest around 13:00 on 1 May when they were suddenly attacked by a swarm of hornets. The riders dispersed in panic. Noppadol, who was known to have a severe allergy to stings, was last seen riding off alone. Authorities are continuing to urge off-road enthusiasts to respect restricted zones and be mindful of wildlife risks in forested areas. The deceased’s family has been informed, and an autopsy will be carried out to confirm the exact cause of death. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-05-04.

UPDATE Three Cows Die in Loei – Nylon Rope Ingestion Suspected Picture courtesy of Workpoint. The sudden deaths of three cows in Dan Sai district, Loei province, have been preliminarily linked to intestinal blockage caused by ingestion of nylon rope, according to the provincial livestock office. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359593-villagers-fear-anthrax-outbreak-after-three-cows-die-mysteriously-in-loei/#findComment-19778376

UPDATE Three Cows Die in Loei – Nylon Rope Ingestion Suspected Picture courtesy of Workpoint. The sudden deaths of three cows in Dan Sai district, Loei province, have been preliminarily linked to intestinal blockage caused by ingestion of nylon rope, according to the provincial livestock office. Concerns were initially raised after images and reports circulated on 2 May showing three cows belonging to Mr. Jut Rittisak, a resident of Ban Kaeng Tao, Moo 6, Na Dee Subdistrict, had died without any apparent cause. Fears of a possible anthrax outbreak quickly spread among the local population. In response, a joint investigation was launched by the Loei Provincial Livestock Office, the Dan Sai District Livestock Office, the local quarantine station, and community leaders. Officials visited the scene on the morning of 2 May and discovered the decomposing remains of two cows, while a third, a calf, had gone missing. Samples from the carcasses and blood from other cows in the herd were collected and sent for laboratory analysis at the Upper Northeastern Veterinary Research and Development Centre. Meanwhile, the dead animals were buried following veterinary protocols to prevent any potential health risks. Initial inspections suggested that the deaths were unlikely to have been caused by a contagious animal disease. The remaining cows were found to be in good health, with normal behaviour and no signs of illness. However, investigators noted the presence of dry straw bales tied with nylon rope scattered across the pen. This led to the hypothesis that the animals may have ingested the rope, resulting in gastrointestinal obstruction, a known and potentially fatal issue in livestock. Authorities are awaiting confirmation from laboratory tests before issuing a final cause of death. In the meantime, livestock officers have advised local farmers to avoid using synthetic materials around feeding areas. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-04.

End of an Era: Mae Taman Elephant Camp Closes After 30 Years Amid Floods and Earthquake Picture courtesy of Matichon One of northern Thailand’s most iconic eco-tourism attractions, the Mae Taman Elephant Camp in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, has officially closed its doors after over three decades in operation. The closure, which took effect on 1 May, comes in the wake of severe natural disasters and a sharp decline in tourism. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359682-end-of-an-era-mae-taman-elephant-camp-closes-after-30-years-amid-floods-and-earthquake/

Picture courtesy of Matichon One of northern Thailand’s most iconic eco-tourism attractions, the Mae Taman Elephant Camp in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, has officially closed its doors after over three decades in operation. The closure, which took effect on 1 May, comes in the wake of severe natural disasters and a sharp decline in tourism. The announcement has sparked widespread sadness among locals and long-time visitors. Mae Taman was not only a popular destination for tourists seeking a natural and cultural experience with elephants, but also a vital source of income for hundreds of mahouts and workers. According to a letter sent to tour companies by Mrs. Ampaipan Thapthong, Mayor of Mae Rim Municipality and owner of the camp, the business had struggled to stay afloat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the camp reopened following the easing of restrictions, the number of tourists remained critically low, leading to significant financial losses. Then, in October 2024, the camp suffered major damage during a devastating flood that swept through the region. Before full recovery was possible, an earthquake struck the area, causing further disruption. The combined impact of these events led to mass cancellations by tourists and left the camp in an unsustainable position. “The Mae Taman Elephant Camp is therefore forced to close temporarily from 1 May onwards,” the letter read, thanking tour operators for their trust and support over the past 30 years. In a personal Facebook post, Mrs. Ampaipan reflected on the closure with a heavy heart, quoting, “Carrying it is heavy, but setting it down is light.” She shared a message from a tour company lamenting the loss of Mae Taman as a nature-based tourist attraction that had supported both elephants and staff for decades. The post further criticised the government’s portrayal of the tourism situation, stating, “Tourist numbers have dropped alarmingly in all markets, yet the government continues to deceive itself and the public that we are fine and can endure. But for how much longer can we really endure?” Established more than three decades ago, the Mae Taman Elephant Camp had become a staple of Chiang Mai tourism, known for promoting human-elephant relationships and environmental awareness. Its closure leaves a significant void in the local tourism industry and raises questions about the long-term sustainability of similar attractions in the face of economic downturns and climate-related disasters. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-04.

Bank Worker Shot Dead by Close Friend After Drunken Argument in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 39-year-old bank employee was fatally shot by a close friend following a heated argument during a night of drinking in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of 3 May, has left the local community reeling. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359681-bank-worker-shot-dead-by-close-friend-after-drunken-argument-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 39-year-old bank employee was fatally shot by a close friend following a heated argument during a night of drinking in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of 3 May, has left the local community reeling. Police from Pak Kret Station responded to a call at approximately 01:00 regarding a fatal shooting in a vehicle in Soi Tonsorn 15, Pak Kret District. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of Mr. Weerawat Sakajan, known as “Noom”, slumped in the driver’s seat of a black Haval Jolion. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, six to the right side of his torso and two to his right arm. Bullet casings were found inside and around the vehicle. Witnesses reported that the suspect, 41-year-old Mr. Sitthiphong, known as “Max”, had earlier been drinking with the victim and a group of friends at a bar along the Pak Kret bypass road. An argument reportedly broke out when the suspect asked the victim to continue drinking elsewhere, which the latter declined. The dispute escalated into a fistfight outside the bar, during which Mr. Sitthiphong suffered a facial injury. Following the altercation, the victim left in his car, only to be pursued by Mr. Sitthiphong, who was driving a white Honda Civic. The suspect allegedly rammed the back of the victim’s vehicle before getting out and opening fire, killing Mr. Weerawat instantly. A bystander, Mr. Atthaphon, 28, said he heard 7–8 gunshots while sitting with friends near the entrance to the soi. He saw the suspect’s damaged vehicle speed away before attempting to follow it on a motorcycle, but lost track of the car. Ms. Naw, 30, a bank colleague of the victim, confirmed that the two men were close friends who often socialised together. “They had been drinking and arguing, but I never imagined it would end like this. They were like brothers,” she said, adding that the cause of the fight did not appear to involve a romantic dispute. Volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation arrived at the scene to find the victim unresponsive. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Forensic examiners later counted a total of 13 bullet wounds and recovered 18 shell casings and two bullets at the scene. Police have questioned several friends who were with the victim earlier in the evening and are examining CCTV footage along suspected escape routes. The suspect remains at large, and investigators are working to determine whether the motive was solely the argument at the bar or if other factors were involved. The body of Mr. Weerawat was sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy. Later, at 14:00 on May 3, the police officers of Investigation Division 1 under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Worachat Saenkam, Commander of Investigation Division 1, Pol. Col. Prathan Nantkobkun, Deputy Commander of Investigation Division 1, led by Pol. Col. Poonsuk Techaprasitphon, Commander of Investigation Division 1, Investigation Division 1, together with the investigation officers of Dem Bang Nang Buat Police Station arrested Mr. Sitthiphong Singhan, or Max, age 41, the perpetrator according to the arrest warrant of the Nonthaburi Provincial Court No. 614/2568 dated May 3. The arrest was made in front of the Nang Buat Resort Hotel, Tambon Nang Buat, Amphoe Dem Bang Nang Buat, Suphan Buri Province, while the perpetrator's father was about to pick up the perpetrator. The charges were murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in a public area without permission. The suspect remains in police custody. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-04.

Chaiyaphum: Child Drowns as Flash Floods Persist Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Chaiyaphum province have issued an urgent warning to parents to closely supervise their children during the school holidays, following the drowning of a young boy in a flash flood-swollen stream. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359680-chaiyaphum-child-drowns-as-flash-floods-persist/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities in Chaiyaphum province have issued an urgent warning to parents to closely supervise their children during the school holidays, following the drowning of a young boy in a flash flood-swollen stream. The incident occurred in Ban Bung Wian, Village 4, Pong Nok subdistrict, Thep Sathit district. A primary school pupil, currently on school break, reportedly slipped away from home to play in the water with friends near a weir where flash floodwaters were flowing. The child was swept away and drowned despite efforts to rescue him. This incident comes as the Thai Meteorological Department has issued repeated warnings about ongoing summer storms and heavy rainfall throughout May, particularly in northeastern provinces including Chaiyaphum. Flash floods from the Phang Hoei mountain range have continued to surge through several districts, including areas in and around Sai Thong National Park in Nong Bua Rawe district. Local authorities report that runoff from the mountains has caused water levels to rise dangerously in nearby villages. The weir where the child drowned had been affected by this flooding, making the area particularly hazardous. Provincial officials are now appealing to all parents and guardians to be extra vigilant during the school holiday period, especially in areas prone to flash flooding. The recent fatality marks the first child drowning in Chaiyaphum this term brea, and officials fear more could follow if precautions are not taken. “Please ensure that children do not go near rivers, streams, or flooded areas unattended,” a spokesperson for the province said. “The danger is very real and ongoing.” Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-04.

UPDATE Narathiwat Mass Shooting: Army Commander Condemns Brutal Attack, Urges Calm Picture courtesy of Matichon. A brutal mass shooting in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, has left three people dead, including a nine-year-old girl and two others seriously injured. The attack, carried out by three separate groups of assailants using motorcycles and military-grade firearms, is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the troubled Deep South. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359606-shooting-in-tak-bai-3-dead-including-9-year-old-girl/#findComment-19778345

UPDATE Narathiwat Mass Shooting: Army Commander Condemns Brutal Attack, Urges Calm Picture courtesy of Matichon. A brutal mass shooting in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, has left three people dead, including a nine-year-old girl and two others seriously injured. The attack, carried out by three separate groups of assailants using motorcycles and military-grade firearms, is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the troubled Deep South. At a press conference held at the Pattani Islamic Committee Office on Saturday, Lt. Gen. Paisarn Nusang, Commander of the Fourth Army Region and Director of Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, confirmed the urgency of the manhunt for the perpetrators. He was joined by Dr. Waedueramae Mamingji, Chairman of the Pattani Islamic Committee, and other regional and religious leaders who expressed deep concern over the escalation in violence. According to survivor Chalermsri, the assault began when six armed men on three motorcycles stopped outside her home. One gunman, seated pillion, opened fire with an M16 assault rifle through a partially open door. Her daughter, Sasita and a neighbour, Mr. Daeng, were fatally struck. Two others, her husband and another man, were seriously wounded. Chalermsri narrowly escaped. Moments later, a second group of assailants arrived outside an adjacent house and shot the owner, Mr. Dam multiple times as he fled, killing him on the spot. A third group targeted a neighbouring home belonging to a man named Job, firing nine-millimetre rounds at the empty residence. Fortunately, no one was home at the time. Initial investigations at the three crime scenes revealed multiple shell casings: 10 M16 cartridges at Chalermsri’s home, 8 at Mr. Dam’s, and 9 from a handgun at Mr. Job’s residence. Lt. Gen. Paisarn, who personally visited the affected families and funeral sites at Wat Kokkayang and Wat Kok Muang, condemned the shootings as “barbaric, inhumane, and utterly devoid of morality.” He pledged intensified efforts to bring the culprits to justice. He also revealed that the violence is part of a disturbing trend, with continuous attacks in Narathiwat since 18 April. These include the targeted shooting of religious leaders, police stations, and Buddhist clergy. He alleged that some groups are attempting to sow division by blaming state actors for the violence. Security measures have since been heightened. All leave for security personnel has been suspended, local leaders have been instructed to collaborate more closely with security forces, and additional forces have been deployed in under-resourced zones, particularly during the evening prayer hour (19:00–20:00), which has been exploited by attackers in the past. Dr. Waedueramae Mamingji appealed to all communities to pursue peace and reject violence. He reiterated the message of the Chularatchamontri, Thailand’s top Islamic authority, that the southern border provinces must not be treated as a war zone. He urged government agencies and civil society to work together to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further bloodshed. As authorities continue their search for the assailants, officials called for public cooperation and urged both Buddhist and Muslim residents to remain calm and support the ongoing peace-building efforts. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-04.

Man Kills Neighbour with Machete in Drug-Fuelled Rage in Sa Kaeo Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 40-year-old man has been arrested after fatally attacking his 64-year-old neighbour with a machete in a fit of rage in the Khao Chakan district of Sa Kaeo province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359679-man-kills-neighbour-with-machete-in-drug-fuelled-rage-in-sa-kaeo/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 40-year-old man has been arrested after fatally attacking his 64-year-old neighbour with a machete in a fit of rage in the Khao Chakan district of Sa Kaeo province. The incident took place on the afternoon of 2 May in Moo 10, Ban Mai Pattana, Phra Phloeng Subdistrict. The victim, identified as Mr. Sompong Chanbunheuang, known locally as “Ta Pong”, lived next door to the suspect, Mr. Somchai Srisanok. According to initial reports, the two men had a long-standing feud stemming from their close proximity and ongoing disputes. Mr. Somchai allegedly consumed illegal drugs the day before the attack. On the day of the incident, tensions flared when Mr. Sompong reportedly told neighbours that Somchai had threatened to kill him and had become increasingly aggressive. In a sudden outburst, Mr. Somchai used a curved machete, commonly used for cutting grass, to strike Mr. Sompong multiple times. The victim was seriously injured and later died at Khao Chakan Hospital. Local administrative officials, including the Phra Phloeng Subdistrict chief and the special operations unit known as “Team Moo Loom”, responded quickly and apprehended the suspect. Police later recovered the 94 cm-long weapon from the suspect’s bedroom. Mr. Somchai, who had visible wounds and bloodstains on his abdomen and left thigh at the time of arrest, confessed to the killing. He claimed Mr. Sompong had previously harassed his wife and persistently insulted him, which he said pushed him over the edge. Police Colonel Montri Chu Ying, acting chief of Khao Chakan Police Station, confirmed that Mr. Somchai has been charged with causing bodily harm resulting in death. He has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. The case has shocked the local community and reignited concerns about mental health and drug abuse in rural areas. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-04.

UPDATE Anthrax Scare: 2 More Test Negative as Health Officials Monitor 36 at-Risk Individuals Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Health authorities in Mukdahan province are continuing to monitor a group of 36 individuals who were involved in the slaughtering of a dead cow, following the confirmation of one fatal anthrax case and one further confirmed infection. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359368-anthrax-death-reported-in-mukdahan-province/#findComment-19778335

UPDATE Anthrax Scare: 2 More Test Negative as Health Officials Monitor 36 at-Risk Individuals Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Health authorities in Mukdahan province are continuing to monitor a group of 36 individuals who were involved in the slaughtering of a dead cow, following the confirmation of one fatal anthrax case and one further confirmed infection. Dr Narong Chankaew, Chief Public Health Officer of Mukdahan, provided an update on the situation on 3 May, revealing that two additional individuals who had undergone lab testing for anthrax have tested negative. Laboratory results used the RT-PCR method to detect the presence of Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes the disease. The current outbreak emerged after a local man died from anthrax following the slaughter and consumption of raw beef. A close friend of the deceased also tested positive and is currently undergoing treatment. The group under surveillance comprises 36 people who were directly involved in handling or processing the carcass of the infected cow. One additional individual remains under close observation while awaiting test results. Local health volunteers have been assigned to visit those under monitoring at their homes daily. Dr Narong stressed that the situation remains under control, and public health teams are maintaining strict precautions to prevent further spread of the disease. Anthrax is a rare but serious illness that typically affects livestock and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated meat. The current monitoring effort aims to ensure early detection and swift intervention to contain any potential risk. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-04.

International Bus Driver Caught Smuggling 4,200 E-Cigarettes in Hidden Compartment Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A driver of an international bus operating between Mukdahan, Thailand, and Savannakhet, Laos, was caught attempting to smuggle 4,200 electronic cigarettes hidden in a concealed compartment beneath the vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359678-international-bus-driver-caught-smuggling-4200-e-cigarettes-in-hidden-compartment/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A driver of an international bus operating between Mukdahan, Thailand, and Savannakhet, Laos, was caught attempting to smuggle 4,200 electronic cigarettes hidden in a concealed compartment beneath the vehicle. The incident occurred at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II border checkpoint in Mukdahan. Officers from the 2105th Ranger Special Task Force, the Surasak Montri Task Force, and the Wildlife Checkpoint were carrying out routine inspections of cross-border buses when they found six large cardboard boxes in the luggage compartment of a Mukdahan–Savannakhet bus, registered in Mukdahan. Upon opening them, officers discovered 1,200 e-cigarettes. However, before a full inspection of the upper cabin could be carried out, customs officials at the checkpoint informed the military personnel that they had already searched the passenger area and found only snack boxes. They then allowed the vehicle to pass through the checkpoint. Later, senior military officers, having been briefed on the partial discovery and aware of the government’s strict ban on illegal e-cigarette imports, ordered a full re-inspection. Military and police units, including immigration officers, border patrol police, city police investigators, and the marine police, tracked the vehicle to the rear of Mukdahan provincial bus terminal. A thorough search of the bus’s interior revealed a hidden compartment at the rear of the passenger cabin, which contained 15 additional boxes with 3,000 more e-cigarettes. Authorities also found large quantities of raincoats and snack products, all undeclared and not cleared by customs. The bus driver, identified as Mr. Sombat Khotsongkram, a resident of Moo 13, Nikhom Kham Soi subdistrict, was detained. Customs officials stated that he would initially be treated as a witness while the case is further investigated. This seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to crack down on illegal imports, particularly the smuggling of e-cigarettes, which are banned in Thailand and subject to heavy enforcement. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-04.