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The FAA Category 2 is for the country, meaning the Thai civil aviation authorities (CAAT) have been assessed as not meeting ICAO safety standards. Europe safety ratings are covered by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the UK by CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). The FAA downgraded Thailand to Category 2 (CAT2) after identifying 36 problems based on the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, in 2015 and improvements and re inspections have taken place since. CAAT was formed in October 2015 from the split of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) into two separate agencies in response to the downgrading. The other body split from the DCA is the Department of Airports (DOA) which operates airports previously managed by the DCA.

Wild Elephant ‘Plai Sun’, Stranded on Island in Rayong, is Known for Attacking Locals Picture courtesy of SiamRath. Authorities in Rayong have confirmed that Plai Sun, a notorious wild elephant, is still currently stranded on an island in the Prasae Reservoir. The elephant, known for its aggression towards humans, has been residing on the island and has previously been involved in fatal attacks on locals. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354427-wild-elephant-‘plai-sun’-stranded-on-island-in-rayong-is-known-for-attacking-locals/

Picture courtesy of SiamRath. Authorities in Rayong have confirmed that Plai Sun, a notorious wild elephant, is still currently stranded on an island in the Prasae Reservoir. The elephant, known for its aggression towards humans, has been residing on the island and has previously been involved in fatal attacks on locals. The elephant, which is one of three known to be highly aggressive, has caused the deaths of two villagers from the Pa Yub Nai subdistrict in Wang Chan district. Local officials attempted to subdue the elephant with tranquilizers, but it managed to escape and swim across to the island, where it has since remained. The island, covering an area of around 50 rai, includes several smaller islands within the reservoir, providing the elephant with ample space to move around and forage for food. Although there have been reports claiming that Plai Sun is unable to swim across the reservoir, local authorities have clarified that the elephant is capable of swimming and has chosen to remain on the island, likely because it feels safe there. Since arriving, Plai Sun has not attacked any villagers that have visited the island, although its aggressive history remains a concern. Local officials providing an update, have urged people to continue to stay away from the area, especially near the island. Plai Sun has exhibited aggressive behavior in the past, including chasing a motorbike cart carrying villagers who were rubber tapping. Recently, it was reported that drone footage, which has drawn renewed attention to Plai Sun, showed the elephant raising its trunk, seemingly asking for help, but this claim has been disputed. Authorities believe that the elephant was merely startled by the drone and was attempting to protect itself. Despite being surrounded by limited food sources, such as grass and trees, which it has almost entirely consumed from its time on the island, local officials have been providing supplementary food to the elephant once a week. However, they have discouraged public donations for this effort. Authorities are also working to fit Plai Sun with a collar to monitor its movements more easily. The local authorities continue to monitor Plai Sun’s behaviour, ensuring that it remains isolated on the island and does not pose a danger to nearby communities. Residents are reminded to avoid approaching the area to prevent any potential encounters with the elephant. The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the increasing encounters between wild elephants and humans in Thailand, with authorities seeking long-term solutions to manage these animals safely. -- 2025-03-13

Two Men Drown While Spearfishing Under Surin Bridge at Night Two men drowned while spearfishing under the Huai Thap Than Bridge in the early hours of 12 March, as their friends were unable to save them. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354425-two-men-drown-while-spearfishing-under-surin-bridge-at-night/

Picture from responders. Two men drowned while spearfishing under the Huai Thap Than Bridge in the early hours of 12 March, as their friends were unable to save them. At approximately 02:30, Pol. Lt. Rangsan Uttarasri, an investigator from Non Narai Police Station, was notified of a drowning incident at the bridge in Ban Noi Khayung, Village 10, Kham Phong Subdistrict, Non Narai District, Surin Province. Authorities, including rescue teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of two victims, identified as Mr. Thongkhao, 61, and Mr. Eksit, 60, both residents of Village 8, Boet Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin. According to police investigations, the two men had gone fishing with three other friends from Ban Mok Tao, Village 8, Boet Subdistrict, Rattanaburi. The group had set out at around 18:00, on 11 March, using a small boat from the Ban Nong Luang water pumping station. They travelled south along the waterway and reached the bridge around 01:00. Mr. Thanapon, who was rowing the boat for the group, explained that when they arrived at the bridge, Thongkhao and Eksit dove into the water to fish beneath the bridge pillars but never resurfaced. Another friend, Mr. Thong, recounted the moment, saying, “We saw them disappear right in front of us, but we couldn’t do anything. The water was too deep, and there lots of rocks.” Following the incident, the three others immediately dove in to search for their missing friends. After some time, they located Thongkhao’s body trapped beneath a rock, under the bridge and pulled him ashore on the eastern bank, but it was too late. They then rushed to alert local villagers and called emergency services. Shortly after, rescue teams from Non Narai District, along with a diving unit, arrived at the scene. After an extensive search, they recovered Eksit’s body and transported both victims to Non Narai Hospital for autopsy examinations to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities urge spear fishermen to exercise extreme caution, avoid diving in unfamiliar locations, and always carry emergency equipment. -- 2025-03-13

Gunman Sneaks Into Home, Cuts Power, and Shoots Owner Dead in Phatthalung Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A gunman crept into a house through the back entrance, cut the power, and shot the owner dead in a chilling execution-style murder in Phatthalung province. The victim, a 38-year-old man was shot three times and died at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354424-gunman-sneaks-into-home-cuts-power-and-shoots-owner-dead-in-phatthalung/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A gunman crept into a house through the back entrance, cut the power, and shot the owner dead in a chilling execution-style murder in Phatthalung province. The victim, a 38-year-old man was shot three times and died at the scene. At 00:05 on March 12, officers from Khuan Khanun Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Athipat Maisuk, were alerted to the shooting of a 38-year-old man, identified as Mr. Wutthichai, at his home in Moo 1, Makok Nuea Subdistrict, Khuan Khanun District. The police and emergency responders rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found Mr. Wutthichai’s body slumped against a wall inside the house. He had been shot three times, once in the head and twice in the chest, with a .38 calibre firearm. Investigators recovered a bullet casing near the body as evidence. The victim’s 37-year-old wife, Ms. Piyaporn, told police that she had been asleep in a bedroom while her husband was sitting in the house’s main room. She heard the electrical switch being turned off, followed by her husband shouting, “Why did you turn off the lights?” Moments later, three gunshots rang out. When she rushed out, she found her husband had been shot dead. Neighbours and relatives revealed that Mr. Wutthichai had been released from prison two years ago after serving time for drug-related offences. Since then, he had kept to himself, and those close to him were unaware of any ongoing conflicts. However, police investigations uncovered a history of drug involvement, firearm-related offences, and violent behaviour, including past incidents where he had destroyed property and disturbed his neighbours. Authorities suspect that his past criminal activities may have led to his murder. Police believe the gunman was someone who knew the victim well. Investigators are now questioning the victim’s wife and acquaintances to determine the exact motive and identify the perpetrator. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to bring the gunman to justice. -- 2025-03-13

Fire Breaks Out at Phai Tan Temple Crematorium in Bangkok A fire broke out at the crematorium of Phai Tan Temple in Phaya Thai district during the morning of 12 March, prompting an emergency response from local fire crews. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354422-fire-breaks-out-at-phai-tan-temple-crematorium-in-bangkok/

Pictures from responders. A fire broke out at the crematorium of Phai Tan Temple in Phaya Thai district during the morning of 12 March, prompting an emergency response from local fire crews. The incident occurred at approximately 11:25 at Wat Phai Tan, located at 15 Phahonyothin Road, Phaya Thai, Bangkok. The temple, which regularly hosts religious ceremonies, experienced a fire originating inside the crematorium. The blaze affected an area of the roof, primarily damaging the heat insulation around the furnace/incinerator. Firefighters from Dusit Fire and Rescue Station arrived promptly at the scene and managed to extinguish the flames using water hose-line and cutting away parts of the roof and insulation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. According to initial assessments, the fire was likely caused by excessive heat accumulation from the cremation furnace, which led to ignition in the surrounding insulation material, which some of which had fallen and covered the furnace, then spreading to the underside of the roof. Authorities have urged temple staff to remain vigilant and conduct regular safety inspections of cremation facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future. Further investigations will be carried out to confirm the exact cause of the fire. Local officials reassured the public that the situation has been controlled and that there was no significant structural damage to the temple premises. -- 2025-03-13

Mentally Ill Man Attacks Woman with Machete Over Alleged Theft A 49-year-old woman is in critical condition after being attacked with a machete on 12 March, by a man suffering from mental illness, who accused her of stealing rubber scraps. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354421-mentally-ill-man-attacks-woman-with-machete-over-alleged-theft/

Picture from responders. A 49-year-old woman is in critical condition after being attacked with a machete on 12 March, by a man suffering from mental illness, who accused her of stealing rubber scraps. Police Lieutenant Sanon Kaewsorn and officers from the Srinakarin Police Station’s rapid response unit were called to a roadside drink stall on the Khuan Din So–Tonton Road in Moo 5, Ang Thong Subdistrict, Srinakarin District, Phatthalung. Upon arrival, officers found a pool of blood next to a stone table near the drink stall. A plastic bottle containing white liquor was discovered under the table. The injured woman, identified as Ms. Thip Nudam, had sustained severe machete wounds to her head and back. Medics from Ang Thong Municipality rushed her to Srinakarin Hospital for emergency treatment. Investigators identified the attacker as Mr. Jay, 38, who lives next to the drink stall. According to eyewitnesses, Ms. Thip had been drinking white liquor at the stone table when Mr. Jay approached her, wielding a machete. He allegedly accused her of stealing rubber scraps from his property. When she denied the accusation, he struck her three times with the machete before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Mr. Jay’s 68-year-old mother confirmed her son was responsible for the attack, explaining that he suffers from a psychiatric condition and is on medication. She claimed he had been angered by Ms. Thip’s alleged theft of rubber scraps from their family’s plantation. However, Ms. Thip’s husband, Mr. Teerayut, 50, denied the accusation, stating that his wife had taken the rubber scraps from their own land. He acknowledged that she had a history of stealing rubber in the past but insisted that, on this occasion, she was wrongly accused. He added that local leaders had already investigated the matter and confirmed that no theft had occurred. Village headman Mr. Athikom Makchuay noted that Ms. Thip had a reputation for theft, which had caused problems for the community. He speculated that Mr. Jay, upon seeing her near his home, became enraged and attacked her. He also confirmed that Mr. Jay’s family had been providing him with ongoing medical treatment for his psychiatric condition. Police have arrested Mr. Jay and seized the machete used in the attack. He has been handed over to investigators at Srinakarin Police Station for legal proceedings. The case is under further investigation. -- 2025-03-13

Motorbike Rider Killed in Collision with Pickup Truck Near Pattaya A motorcyclist lost his life following a collision with a pickup truck on the night of 11 March. The incident was captured on CCTV and occurred at approximately 23:00 near the entrance of the market on Soi 7, Moo 1, Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354420-motorbike-rider-killed-in-collision-with-pickup-truck-near-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A motorcyclist lost his life following a collision with a pickup truck on the night of 11 March. The incident was captured on CCTV and occurred at approximately 23:00 near the entrance of the market on Soi 7, Moo 1, Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. At the scene, a white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with registration plates from Rayong was found in the middle of the road with damage to its left side. The driver, 49-year-old Mr. Weerasak Mulsombat, was unharmed. Approximately 10 metres from the truck, a red Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, without a license plate, was severely damaged. Nearby, the lifeless body of 37-year-old Mr. Somchai Kumdee, the motorbike rider, was found, having been thrown from his bike upon impact. According to Mr. Weerasak, he was driving towards the market entrance and had signalled to turn right when the motorcycle, travelling at high speed, collided with the left side of his vehicle. The impact caused Mr. Somchai to be thrown from his motorcycle, landing near a noodle shop. Mr. Weerasak immediately called emergency services for assistance. Police have secured evidence from the scene and are questioning Mr. Weerasak further at Huay Yai Police Station. The body of Mr. Somchai has been taken to Patmakhun Hospital and authorities are in the process of contacting his family. Legal procedures are ongoing, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing. -- 2025-03-13

Uncle Shoots Nephew Dead Over Dirty Dishes in Chiang Rai 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354418-uncle-shoots-nephew-dead-over-dirty-dishes-in-chiang-rai/

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

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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/