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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

Customer Argument Over Motorbike Leads to Shooting in Bang Phli A dispute between two customers at a motorbike repair shop in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, escalated into violence when one man opened fire, leaving the other injured Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354328-customer-argument-over-motorbike-leads-to-shooting-in-bang-phli/

Picture from responders. A dispute between two customers at a motorbike repair shop in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, escalated into violence when one man opened fire, leaving the other injured. The incident took place at a repair shop in Bang Phli Yai on the morning of March 10. According to police reports, the altercation began when 30-year-old Rojaksak “Tik” Phusawat brought his motorcycle to the shop for custom modifications. While a mechanic was moving Tik’s bike, its footrest accidentally scraped against the carbon-fibre exhaust cover of another customer, Thanakorn Khamasawat, 28. Thanakorn, who claimed the carbon-fibre design was a one-of-a-kind custom order, became enraged, leading to a heated argument between the two men. The situation escalated into a physical fight, prompting shop employees to intervene and send Tik home in an attempt to defuse the situation. However, Tik soon returned to the shop, and another fight broke out. This time, he drew a firearm and fired two shots at Thanakorn, hitting him in the left leg and causing a fractured bone. Thanakorn also sustained a head injury during the altercation. Tik then fled the scene. Police from Bang Kaeo Police Station launched an immediate investigation. CCTV footage showed Tik and three associates arriving at the scene on motorbikes prior to the shooting. Officers later tracked him down near his home in Soi Triumph, Bang Phli Yai, where he was arrested along with the firearm and ammunition used in the attack. During questioning, Tik claimed he acted in self-defence, alleging that Thanakorn had attempted to stab him with a pair of scissors. He insisted that he only fired at the ground, but the bullet accidentally struck Thanakorn. Tik admitted to purchasing the firearm illegally in Chachoengsao for 10,000 baht. Police have charged him with attempted murder and firearms offences, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and carrying a firearm in public without authorisation. Investigators are also reviewing evidence to determine whether any of Tik’s associates were involved in the incident. Authorities have noted that Tik has a criminal history, having previously faced an attempted murder charge in 2013, though he was acquitted on self-defence grounds. The case remains under investigation as police work to verify the origins of the firearm and identify any additional suspects. -- 2025-03-12

Driver’s Panic Leads to Car Crashing Through Office In an incident in Khon Kaen, a 65-year-old man crashed his car into an office building after a moment of panic. The driver, who has been behind the wheel for 40 years without incident, was ordered to move a green car that had been blocking a black van. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354325-driver’s-panic-leads-to-car-crashing-through-office-building/

Picture captured from CCTV. In an incident in Khon Kaen, a 65-year-old man crashed his car into an office building after a moment of panic. The driver, who has been behind the wheel for 40 years without incident, was ordered to move a green car that had been blocking a black van. According to reports, the driver, Mr. Thanakorn, was instructed to reverse the green car to allow the black van to exit. As he moved the car forward and attempted to steer it, he pressed the accelerator, causing the vehicle to surge forward into the office building. The car crashed through the front windows, but fortunately, no one was seriously injured. The incident occurred on March 10th at an office building in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, where the car collided with the building and destroyed two large office windows. While the vehicle suffered only minor damage, the office area was slightly damaged, and a television was broken. However, the people in the office, including the business owner, were unharmed. The business owner, a man referred to as ‘Mr. Seuy’ in reports, was seated at his desk when the car crashed into the building. He was forced to jump out of his chair in a panic. Despite the shock, he later confirmed that he was unscathed. Mr. Thanakorn admitted he had never experienced an accident in his decades of driving. “I’ve been driving for 40 years and have never had an accident before,” he said. “I was shocked, but I quickly put the car into neutral and turned off the engine.” He added that the incident had left him worried about his boss possibly docking his pay. The owner of the building, Mrs. Wadi expressed relief that no one was injured. “The total damage to the office is estimated at around 60,000 baht, which includes two broken windows and one damaged television,” she said. Mr. Thanakorn urged other drivers of automatic vehicles to remain alert and cautious when driving. “Always make sure the car is in park before getting out, and be careful with the accelerator.” -- 2025-03-12

Four Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Border Crossing from Cambodia into Thailand Security forces in Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo, have arrested four Chinese nationals for illegally crossing the border from Cambodia into Thailand. The group was intercepted in Ban Huai Khrai Nuea, Benchakorn Subdistrict, following a tip-off from local residents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354323-four-chinese-nationals-arrested-for-illegal-border-crossing-from-cambodia-into-thailand/

Picture of arrest. Security forces in Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo, have arrested four Chinese nationals for illegally crossing the border from Cambodia into Thailand. The group was intercepted in Ban Huai Khrai Nuea, Benchakorn Subdistrict, following a tip-off from local residents. On 10 March, a joint operation was launched by the Khlong Hat Mobile Task Force of the Burapha Forces, in coordination with the 1303rd Border Patrol Company, the 13th Border Patrol Command, and Sa Kaeo Immigration Police. Acting on information from villagers who reported suspicious individuals, authorities conducted a patrol in the area and discovered four Chinese men near a shop. The individuals were immediately taken into custody and transported to Khlong Hat Police Station for further questioning. The four men were later identified as: 1. Li Xingshan, 27 2. Li Zhiwei, 34 3. Chen Jiahao, 26 4. Su Dongdong, 30 Each was found carrying a mobile phone, but none possessed valid identification or travel documents. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had travelled from Cambodia, where they had been picked up by an unidentified car from a casino. A fellow Chinese national had arranged and paid for their transport. However, instead of being taken to their accommodation, they were transferred onto a motorcycle taxi, which escorted them to the Thai-Cambodian border. Upon arrival at an unmarked crossing, they proceeded on foot into Thailand, where another vehicle was meant to collect them. Upon nearing a roadside shop, the group claimed they had asked the driver to stop, saying they needed to use the restroom. They then left the vehicle and were later discovered by authorities. During questioning, the four men stated that they believed they had been deceived while in Cambodia and had chosen to escape the vehicle. However, after a full investigation, authorities charged them with violating Thai immigration laws under the offence of “illegally entry and remaining in the Kingdom without permission.” The suspects admitted to the charges and were handed over to investigators at Khlong Hat Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-12

Undercover Police Sting Catches Man Selling Illegal Firearms Online Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 20-year-old man has been arrested in Nonthaburi for illegally modifying and selling blank guns online. His operation had become so successful that even his own mother reportedly reprimanded him. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354322-undercover-police-sting-catches-man-selling-illegal-firearms-online/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 20-year-old man has been arrested in Nonthaburi for illegally modifying and selling blank guns online. His operation had become so successful that even his own mother reportedly reprimanded him. The suspect, identified as Mr Jiraphan, was apprehended in a police sting operation at a convenience store in Khlong Phlab, Pak Kret district, on 10 March. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation division conducted the operation after learning about an illegal online firearms trade. Authorities seized a modified blank gun, a .380 Model 1911 pistol, along with two magazines and a black plastic gun case. Police had been monitoring a network of young individuals in Om Noi, Krathum Baen district, Samut Prakan, who were allegedly involved in modifying and selling firearms through Facebook. The undercover team arranged to buy a weapon from Jiraphan, who unknowingly delivered it to the agreed location before being immediately arrested. During questioning, Jiraphan confessed that he had been modifying blank guns at home for the past year. With his technical knowledge, he adapted the weapons and sold them via social media. He claimed to have sourced each blank gun for 8,000 baht and sold them for 16,000 baht, doubling his profits. Jiraphan’s mother had reportedly criticised him for the high demand for his illegal business. However, his activities ultimately drew police attention, leading to his capture. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the wider network involved in the illicit trade of modified firearms, with further arrests expected. -- 2025-03-12