Georgealbert

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 58-year-old man shot his nephew dead while he was eating at the dinner table, reportedly enraged that the younger man had not washed his dishes. The suspect, identified as Mr. Wai, allegedly tried to feign ignorance after the incident by buying alcohol and acting as though nothing had happened. The fatal shooting took place at approximately 20:30 on 11 March, in Ban Kiang Tai, Moo 6, Huai So Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province. Police Lieutenant Natthaphon Chanda of Bun Rueang Police Station received reports of a shooting and arrived at the scene with rescue workers from Boonchuay Uppatham Chiang Khong. The victim, 41-year-old Mr. Phongsakorn, was found dead in a half-concrete, half-wooden house near Road 4027, between Ban Kiang Tai and Ban Kaen Ban. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the right side of his face, with brain matter and blood splattered across the floor. His body lay near the doorway of the house, facing outward, with a plate of food beside him. A homemade flintlock gun was discovered near the body. Witnesses confirmed that the assailant was the victim’s uncle, who had previously argued with him. The disagreement escalated when the victim sat down to eat som tam without having washed his dishes beforehand, enraging the older man. After the shooting, the suspect reportedly rode his motorbike to buy alcohol and attempted to act as if nothing had happened. However, under police interrogation, he later confessed to the crime, admitting he was angered by his nephew’s disobedience. Police have arrested Mr. Wai, and he is now in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-13

If you read the OP, it tells you not only who posted the story, but also when.

Thailand Awaits Final FAA Inspection for Direct Flights to the US Picture courtesy of CAAT The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a final inspection to assess Thailand’s progress in addressing previous safety concerns. This step is crucial for Thailand to potentially regain its Category 1 (CAT 1) status, which would allow Thai airlines to operate direct flights to the United States. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354343-thailand-awaits-final-faa-inspection-for-direct-flights-to-the-us/

Picture courtesy of CAAT The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a final inspection to assess Thailand’s progress in addressing previous safety concerns. This step is crucial for Thailand to potentially regain its Category 1 (CAT 1) status, which would allow Thai airlines to operate direct flights to the United States. On 11 March, CAAT Director-General Air Chief Marshal Manat Choumanapreuk confirmed that FAA representatives, led by Dennis Hill, Acting Director of the Office of Air Carrier Safety Assurance, have arrived in Thailand for the final review taking place from 10 to 12 March. This review follows a November 2024 assessment, during which several safety issues were identified and highlighted for correction. If Thailand successfully resolves all outstanding issues, it will be upgraded from Category 2 to Category 1. This status means that Thailand’s aviation safety standards are aligned with international norms, allowing Thai airlines to resume direct flights to the US. In addition to restoring air services to the US, the upgrade will increase the number of flights and carriers permitted to operate on routes involving the US, fostering continued growth in Thailand’s aviation sector. The final results of this inspection will be announced within 30 days. “CAAT officials are fully committed to addressing these shortcomings to ensure a smooth final review and to restore Thailand to CAT 1 status,” Air Chief Marshal Manat said. -- 2025-03-12

Two Monks Killed in Collision with Lorry in Ubon Ratchathani Two monks were killed in a road crash in Ubon Ratchathani, after their car collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler lorry. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354342-two-monks-killed-in-collision-with-lorry-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Picture from responders. Two monks were killed in a road crash in Ubon Ratchathani, after their car collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler lorry. The incident occurred on the Trakan Phuet Phon–Si Mueang Mai Road near Ban Mon in Na Phin subdistrict, Trakan Phuet Phon district. Police received reports of the crash at around 18:00 on 11 March. Upon arrival, officers from Trakan Phuet Phon Police Station, along with medical personnel from Trakan Phuet Phon Hospital, found a blue Mitsubishi sedan with severe front-end damage in the middle of the road. Inside the wreckage, the driver, identified as Phra Phongphan, 49, was found dead at the wheel, trapped by the steering column. Beside him was the body of Phra Maha Samorn, 48, an abbot from a temple in Trakan Phuet Phon. Approximately 20 metres away, police discovered the 18-wheel lorry, carrying a full load of cassava, parked in the left lane. The rear of the vehicle showed impact damage. The lorry driver, Mr Natthaphon, 26, remained at the scene and awaited police, visibly shaken. Initial investigations suggest that the monks were travelling from Si Mueang Mai district to a temple in Trakan Phuet Phon when the driver may have been speeding, leading to the fatal crash, into the slow moving truck. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-03-12

CIB Dismantles Illegal Pod K Production Operation Using New Synthetic Drugs, Sold Online Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has successfully dismantled a major illegal operation producing and selling Pod K e-cigarette products laced with a new synthetic drug. The operation, which was running through an online network, involved a 38-year-old man who reportedly sourced the drug mixture while traveling abroad. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354341-cib-dismantles-illegal-pod-k-production-operation-using-new-synthetic-drugs-sold-online/

Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has successfully dismantled a major illegal operation producing and selling Pod K e-cigarette products laced with a new synthetic drug. The operation, which was running through an online network, involved a 38-year-old man who reportedly sourced the drug mixture while traveling abroad. At 14:30 on 11 March, Police General Chira Phuridej, Commissioner of the CIB, and Police Major General Sopon Sarapatt, Deputy Commissioner of the CIB, instructed Police Major General Phattanasak Buppasuwan and his team to arrest Mr. Kanachai Ruksansuk, aged 38, and seize items connected to the illicit activities, valued at approximately 3.05 million baht. The confiscated goods included: 1. 335 Pod K units with e-liquid, valued at 737,000 baht. 2. Gold jewellery, valued at 600,000 baht. 3. A gold bar, worth 1 million baht. 4. Five branded handbags, valued at 200,000 baht. 5. A black Honda City car, worth 450,000 baht. 6. A bankbook with 70,000 baht in the account. The arrest took place at a condominium on Ratchada-Ram Inthra Road, in the Khan Na Yao district of Bangkok. Following an investigation into illegal e-cigarette sales through an online platform, police uncovered a Line Open Chat group called “PARTY777,” where more than 2,300 members were discussing and ordering Pod K units containing Etomidate, a synthetic drug. The group, which had 420 followers, advertised e-cigarettes through the platform and shipped orders nationwide via private couriers. Authorities traced the operation to a condominium on Ratchada-Ram Inthra Road, where they discovered large quantities of Pod K units and other illegal items. Mr. Kanachai, the owner of the e-cigarette sales operation, admitted to producing and distributing Pod K for the past four months, primarily targeting night-time partygoers. He stated that the recipe for mixing the drug into the e-cigarette pods was obtained during a trip to Cambodia, where he learned the formula from fellow travellers. He reported daily earnings of around 20,000 baht from the sales. Mr. Kanachai was charged with selling banned products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquid, which are prohibited under Thailand’s Consumer Protection Act. The authorities have initiated legal proceedings. Etomidate, a short-acting sedative first developed in 1964, is typically used in medical settings to induce anaesthesia. It works quickly and is often employed for pain management and inducing a temporary state of unconsciousness. However, misuse of Etomidate, particularly when combined with e-cigarettes, has emerged as a dangerous trend. The drug can cause side effects such as hand tremors, loss of balance, and potentially long-term nerve damage. In severe cases, it may result in respiratory failure. The drug has gained popularity in certain regions, notably China, as an illicit substance mixed with e-cigarettes. The misuse of Etomidate is now a growing public health concern. -- 2025-03-12

Flaming Stir-Fry: Chef’s Fiery Cooking Sparks Panic at Floating Restaurant Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic scene unfolded at a well-known floating restaurant on the Ping River in Wiang Nong Long district, Lamphun, on 11 March, when a chef’s attempt to prepare the popular dish pad pak boong fai daeng (stir-fried morning glory) resulted in an accidental fire, setting the restaurant’s thatched roof alight. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354340-flaming-stir-fry-chef’s-fiery-cooking-sparks-panic-at-floating-restaurant/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A dramatic scene unfolded at a well-known floating restaurant on the Ping River in Wiang Nong Long district, Lamphun, on 11 March, when a chef’s attempt to prepare the popular dish pad pak boong fai daeng (stir-fried morning glory) resulted in an accidental fire, setting the restaurant’s thatched roof alight. The incident occurred at 14:10, while the restaurant was packed with tourists enjoying their meals and cooling off in the river. Witnesses reported that as the chef flambéed the dish, an unexpected surge in flames ignited the dried grass roof, causing some chaos and panic among diners. Customers fled in all directions, while some with cooler heads, rushed to fetch water to douse the flames. Thanks to their swift action, the fire was brought under control before spreading too far and did not effect other parts of the structure. The chef, visibly shaken by the ordeal, fainted in shock but was treated by those at the scene. Despite the scare, no injuries were reported, and the restaurant remains intact and able to continue operating. -- 2025-03-12

One Dead, Three Injured in Head-On Collision Involving Pickup Trucks A crash occurred on the Wang Tapin-Saphan Si Road in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, at 13:00 on 11 March, when a white pickup truck driver lost control and veered into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with a black pickup truck. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354339-one-dead-three-injured-in-head-on-collision-involving-pickup-trucks/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred on the Wang Tapin-Saphan Si Road in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, at 13:00 on 11 March, when a white pickup truck driver lost control and veered into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with a black pickup truck. According to police reports, CCTV footage captured the white pickup truck speeding before it crossed the median and collided with the black pickup. The resulting crash left one person dead and three others injured. The driver of the white pickup, identified as 33-year-old Anuchit suffered severe injuries and was trapped in the wreckage. Rescue workers took 15 minutes to extricate him, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, Anuchit succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. The black pickup truck contained three other injured individuals, two men and one woman, all of whom sustained minor injuries. Police arrived at the scene to investigate, with the officers documenting the scene and then seized the vehicles for further inspection. Authorities will conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to proceed with legal actions. -- 2025-03-12

Man Arrested After Killing In-Laws in Cold Blood and Fleeing North A 46-year-old man has been arrested while attempting to flee north after allegedly shooting and killing his former father-in-law and mother-in-law. His ex-wife and her young son were also injured in the attack. Despite the brutality of his crimes, the suspect showed no remorse upon his capture. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354338-man-arrested-after-killing-in-laws-in-cold-blood-and-fleeing-north/

Picture of arrest. A 46-year-old man has been arrested while attempting to flee north after allegedly shooting and killing his former father-in-law and mother-in-law. His ex-wife and her young son were also injured in the attack. Despite the brutality of his crimes, the suspect showed no remorse upon his capture. The suspect, identified as Mr Songphon from Ayutthaya, reportedly went to his former in-laws’ house in Uthai subdistrict, Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, early morning on 11 March. He claimed he wanted to give gold to his ex-wife, but his in-laws refused to let him in. Frustrated, he climbed over the fence and entered the house, where a heated argument broke out. When his former in-laws intervened, Songphon allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot them both, killing them instantly. He also fired at his ex-wife and her five-year-old son, injuring them before fleeing the scene. After the attack, Songphon initially fled in his car before abandoning it at his workplace, about 25 kilometres away. He then switched to a six-wheeled truck belonging to his employer and began driving north along the Asian Highway. Police launched a manhunt and coordinated with highway authorities. At 07:10, officers from Sing Buri and Chainat Highway Police, along with local police from Mueang Chainat Police Station, intercepted and arrested Songphon on the Asian Highway near the Chainat elevated bridge. Despite the gravity of his crimes, police reported that Songphon remained calm and expressionless during questioning. He openly admitted to the killings and the attempted escape but showed no remorse, even claiming he needed to complete a delivery before turning himself in. The suspect has been transferred to the police station overseeing the case and now faces charges of double murder and attempted murder. -- 2025-03-12

Six-Wheel Lorry Crashes into 22-Wheel Truck in Chonburi, Killing One A six-wheel lorry crashed into the rear of a 22-wheel truck on the motorway in Chonburi, leaving one dead and another injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354337-six-wheel-lorry-crashes-into-22-wheel-truck-in-chonburi-killing-one/

Picture from responders. A six-wheel lorry crashed into the rear of a 22-wheel truck on the motorway in Chonburi, leaving one dead and another injured. The accident occurred on 11 March at kilometre 76 of the Bangkok-bound motorway in Nong Khankok, Mueang Chonburi district. Rescue teams from the Thammarat Mani Rat Foundation and medical personnel from Chonburi Hospital rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. At the site, emergency responders found a white Isuzu six-wheel lorry had collided with the back of a white Hino 22-wheel truck. The front of the smaller vehicle was completely destroyed, trapping the occupants inside. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting tools to free the victims, discovering one fatality, Mr. Teerayut who was seated in the passenger seat. He suffered severe chest injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the six-wheel lorry, Mr. Chakree, survived the crash and provided an account of the incident. He stated that he was transporting goods from Pinthong Industrial Estate to Lat Krabang when he suddenly lost consciousness. “I was talking normally with my colleague just moments before the crash. The next thing I knew, my truck had already hit the vehicle in front,” he explained. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and will question all involved parties to determine the exact cause of the crash before proceeding with any legal action. -- 2025-03-12

Veteran Thai Actor Tan Chantrawirot Found Dead in Bangkok Condo Picture courtesy of Matichon. Veteran Thai actor Tan Chantrawirot, best known for his roles in 1980s films and television dramas, has been found dead in his condominium in the Suan Phlu area of Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354336-veteran-thai-actor-tan-chantrawirot-found-dead-in-bangkok-condo/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Veteran Thai actor Tan Chantrawirot, best known for his roles in 1980s films and television dramas, has been found dead in his condominium in the Suan Phlu area of Bangkok. Police from Thung Maha Mek Police Station were called to the scene on 11 March following reports of a suspected suicide. Upon arrival, officers discovered the 74-year-old actor’s body seated in a chair with a gunshot wound to the temple. A revolver was found at the scene. Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind his death. Tan Chantrawirot rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, starring in numerous well-known productions such as Khao Chue Kan, Nang Nuan, and Nam Soa Sai. Authorities will conduct further inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding his passing. 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. -- 2025-03-12

Plans Unveiled for 900 Million Overpass Project in Prachuap Khiri Khan to Ease Traffic Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Department of Highways has revealed plans to build a 3.4-kilometre elevated overpass at the Prachuap Khiri Khan junction, set to improve traffic flow across 14 southern provinces. The project, which carries an estimated cost of 900 million baht, is scheduled to begin later this year. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354335-plans-unveiled-for-900-million-overpass-project-in-prachuap-khiri-khan-to-ease-traffic/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. The Department of Highways has revealed plans to build a 3.4-kilometre elevated overpass at the Prachuap Khiri Khan junction, set to improve traffic flow across 14 southern provinces. The project, which carries an estimated cost of 900 million baht, is scheduled to begin later this year. On 11 March, Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sittichai Sawatsan chaired a meeting to discuss the overpass project, which will be located at the intersection of Highway 4 (Phet Kasem Road) and Highway 326 (Prachuap Khiri Khan Junction). The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of Highways, local engineers, and over 80 members of the public. The project will involve the construction of a 3.4-kilometre elevated road with six lanes, three for northbound traffic and three for southbound traffic. Each lane will be 3.5 metres wide, and the structure will include an underpass with a clearance of 5.5 metres and a U-turn point beneath the overpass. The starting point of the project will be at the Highway Police Station, and it will end near the Lotus supermarket in Prachuap Khiri Khan, approximately 500 metres from the Koh Lak intersection. According to the Department of Highways, the overpass will address traffic congestion at the Prachuap Khiri Khan junction, a critical route for travellers heading to and from the south. The current traffic volume exceeds 36,000 vehicles daily, with 29,534 vehicles using Phet Kasem Road and 7,184 vehicles on the Nong Suea-Prachuap Khiri Khan route. The junction experiences significant congestion, especially during peak holiday periods, making this project essential for improving both safety and convenience for motorists. During the meeting, concerns were raised about the potential impact on businesses along Phet Kasem Road, particularly regarding reduced sales due to changes in traffic patterns. There were also worries about dust pollution affecting local health and the possible disruption of drainage systems during construction. In response, civil engineers from the Department of Highways assured that they would consider public feedback in refining the project design and implement measures to minimise negative impacts. Construction is expected to commence between August and September 2025, with a projected completion time of three years. Additionally, the Department of Highways has plans for further improvements along the Phet Kasem Road in the future, including the construction of more overpasses at key junctions such as Koh Lak, Nong Hin, and others, to enhance the efficiency of the region’s transport network. -- 2025-03-12

Lorry Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Crashes onto Pickup Truck A lorry driver who fell asleep behind the wheel caused a serious crash on the Asian Highway, leading to a six-wheel truck overturning and crushing a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup was trapped and severely injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354332-lorry-driver-falls-asleep-at-the-wheel-crashes-onto-pickup-truck/

Picture from responders. A lorry driver who fell asleep behind the wheel caused a serious crash on the Asian Highway, leading to a six-wheel truck overturning and crushing a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup was trapped and severely injured. The crash occurred at around 11:30 on 11th March in the Krung district of Chumphon. According to police reports, the driver of the red lorry, registered in Samut Prakan, was en route from Chonburi to Surat Thani with a delivery of goods. After having taken several rest stops, he admitted to feeling drowsy during the journey, which ultimately led to the crash. The truck veered off the road and collided with a grey Isuzu pickup truck. The impact flipped the lorry onto its side, crushing the pickup truck beneath it. The pickup driver, identified as 62-year-old Athorn Samran, was trapped inside, with the roof of the truck crushed down onto him. Rescue teams arrived at the scene to assess the situation. First aid was given to the trapped driver. Fearing that the overturned truck could slide and cause further injury to the driver and responders, they stabilised the vehicle with a crane, before extracting the driver. Due to the severity of Mr. Athorn’s injuries, the rescue team had to use cutting equipment to extricate him from the wreckage. He sustained serious injuries, including head trauma, a dislocated left arm and severe ankle wounds. Despite the extensive damage, the operation took less than 10 minutes, once the lorry had been secured and Mr. Athorn was transported to Sawi Hospital for treatment. The driver of the lorry, 37-year-old Sanchai, told police that he had set off from Chonburi around 01:00 on the same day. Along the way, he had stopped to rest and freshen up but had continued driving without sufficient sleep. He admitted that he became drowsy and eventually lost control of the vehicle. Sanchai was taken to Sawi Police Station for further questioning. He has been initially charged with reckless driving causing injury and damage to public property. Authorities will continue to monitor Mr. Athorn’s condition and may press additional charges depending on the severity of his injuries. -- 2025-03-12

Land Department to Rule on Legality of ‘Waterfront’ Land Title Amid Ongoing Pattaya Dispute The long-running controversy surrounding the abandoned 53-storey Waterfront condominium project near Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier remains unresolved, as authorities await a crucial decision from the Department of Lands regarding the legality of the land title deed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354330-land-department-to-rule-on-legality-of-‘waterfront’-land-title-amid-ongoing-pattaya-dispute/

File picture for reference only. The long-running controversy surrounding the abandoned 53-storey Waterfront condominium project near Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier remains unresolved, as authorities await a crucial decision from the Department of Lands regarding the legality of the land title deed. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has provided an update on 10 March, on the case, which has been mired in legal and bureaucratic uncertainty for over a decade. According to the latest developments, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has issued an official statement suggesting that the land title on which the Waterfront building stands may have been issued unlawfully. In response, Pattaya City has referred the matter to the Department of Lands for further investigation and a final ruling. “If the Department of Lands determines that the title deed was indeed issued illegally, the land will be deemed public property,” Mayor Poramet explained. “In that case, Pattaya City and Bang Lamung District will take responsibility for the area, and the project’s owners will be required to demolish the building.” Should the project developers fail to act, the city will undertake the demolition itself and charge the costs to the owners. The mayor also noted that if the land title is found to be illegitimate, the developers may have legal recourse against those who originally sold them the land. However, if the Department of Lands concludes that the title deed was issued correctly, the project’s developer, Bali Hai Co. Ltd., will have the right to proceed with construction. In such a scenario, the company would need to submit revised plans to Pattaya City in compliance with building control regulations. One key issue would be the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements, which have been a point of contention in the past. Additionally, the status of the adjacent road, whether private or public, remains a legal matter that must be addressed before any further development can take place. The mayor confirmed that if the project does go ahead, the height of the building would need to be reduced to meet legal requirements. The case has gained further attention in parliament, with a question raised by a senator prompting a response from the Minister of the Interior. Deputy Minister of the Interior has been tasked with addressing the matter, while Pattaya City has prepared a full report on the issue. The minister has instructed the Department of Lands to expedite its ruling so that the next steps can be determined without further delay. The outcome of this decision will finally determine the fate of the unfinished skyscraper, which has stood as an eyesore on Pattaya’s coastline for years. -- 2025-03-12