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Cloud Seeding Operations Launched to Combat Chiang Mai Air Pollution The Northern Royal Rainmaking Operations Centre has deployed aircraft to conduct weather modification operations in an effort to alleviate severe air pollution in Chiang Mai province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353807-cloud-seeding-operations-launched-to-combat-chiang-mai-air-pollution/

File picture for reference only. The Northern Royal Rainmaking Operations Centre has deployed aircraft to conduct weather modification operations in an effort to alleviate severe air pollution in Chiang Mai province. On the morning of 6 March, a special unit dedicated to reducing PM2.5 air pollution in Chiang Mai and Phrae launched aerial operations to mitigate the haze. The operation involved four aircraft, one CN-235, two CARAVAN planes, and one CASA aircraft, carrying a total of 3,000 litres of water and 1,400 kilograms of dry ice. These were deployed at an altitude of 9,100 feet over three districts in Chiang Mai: Hot, Mae Chaem, and Doi Tao. The mission used a spiral flight pattern within a five-nautical-mile radius, employing temperature-reducing water sprays and dry ice to break atmospheric inversion layers and disperse accumulated airborne particles. The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has directed its northern and lower northern operation centres to continue weather modification efforts in Chiang Mai, Phrae, and Phitsanulok. Since 2 December 2024, nine aircraft have been assigned to support ongoing efforts to mitigate air pollution across northern Thailand. The operations employ multiple techniques, including atmospheric cooling through water spraying and dry ice dispersion, as well as cloud formation and enhancement to absorb and remove pollutants. Authorities have already carried out 534 cloud seeding flights as part of their commitment to reducing the harmful effects of air pollution on residents in northern Thailand. -- 2025-03-07

Jealous Husband Stabs Wife to Death in Bedroom as Eight-Year-Old Daughter Watches A man stabbed his wife to death in their bedroom in a jealous rage after she asked for a separation. The brutal attack took place in front of their eight-year-old daughter in Pa Mok district, Ang Thong province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353806-jealous-husband-stabs-wife-to-death-in-bedroom-as-eight-year-old-daughter-watches/

Picture from responders. A man stabbed his wife to death in their bedroom in a jealous rage after she asked for a separation. The brutal attack took place in front of their eight-year-old daughter in Pa Mok district, Ang Thong province. Police Lieutenant Amnat Meethongkham, an investigator at Pa Mok Police Station, received a report during the night of 5 March, of the murder at a house in Moo 6, Norasing subdistrict. Police officers, forensic investigators, and rescue workers rushed to the scene. The murder occurred in the downstairs bedroom of a traditional Thai stilt house. Officers discovered the body of 48-year-old Mrs Raweewan lying in a pool of blood. She was wearing a red shirt and black shorts and had been fatally stabbed in the neck. A 25cm fruit knife was found near the body. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Mr Suay, had fled the scene immediately after the attack. According to Mr Bo, 25, the victim’s son, his younger sister, who had been sleeping in the same room as their parents, came upstairs late at night to tell him that they were arguing. By the time he rushed downstairs to intervene, his stepfather had already stabbed his mother and escaped. Another family member, Mr Num, 43, stated that he had seen the couple earlier that evening at a local annual festival with their daughter. They had appeared normal and engaged in casual conversation. Hours after the murder, Mr Suay surrendered himself to Pa Mok Police Station. He was charged with murder and confessed to the crime. He told investigators that he and his wife had been arguing for several days. After returning from the festival, she told him she wanted to end their relationship, which triggered his violent outburst. He stabbed her before fleeing, but later decided to turn himself in. Mr Suay refused to participate in a crime scene reenactment. Authorities are holding him in custody and preparing to present him before the court. Meanwhile, the victim’s body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, for an autopsy. -- 2025-03-07

Patient Falls to Death from Hospital Building, Body Discovered in Storage Room A 38-year-old female patient fell to her death from the fourth floor of Si Sa Ket Hospital, with her body discovered the following morning in a cleaning staff storage room. The patient had fallen through the roof of the store room, between air conditioning units, a couple of floors below a fourth floor balcony. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353805-patient-falls-to-death-from-hospital-building-body-discovered-in-storage-room/

Picture from responders. A 38-year-old female patient fell to her death from the fourth floor of Si Sa Ket Hospital, with her body discovered the following morning in a cleaning staff storage room. The patient had fallen through the roof of the store room, between air conditioning units, a couple of floors below a fourth floor balcony. At approximately 07:00, on 6 March, police officers from Si Sa Ket Provincial Police Station received a report of a deceased individual inside the hospital’s cleaning staff storage room on the ground floor of Building 9A. Upon arrival, authorities found the patient’s body lying head-first on the floor, with severe bleeding from the head. She was still wearing the hospital’s light blue patient uniform. Hospital Director Dr. Kattariya Tensit arrived at the scene alongside forensic teams. The area was immediately cordoned off to prevent distress among other patients and visitors. According to a hospital porter on night duty, around 02:30, he heard a loud noise, which he assumed was either a door slamming or an object falling. Thinking nothing of it, he continued his duties. It was only in the morning that a cleaning staff member made the horrifying discovery and alerted hospital authorities. Dr. Kattariya confirmed that the deceased patient, a resident of Wang Hin District, Si Sa Ket, had been transferred from Wang Hin Hospital due to heart issues and pulmonary edema. She had also a history of substance abuse, but her condition had improved significantly and she was due to be discharged for further recovery at home. However, at 02:30 on 6 March, hospital staff discovered she was missing from the female internal medicine ward on the fourth floor. A search was immediately conducted, and CCTV footage was reviewed, but there were no signs of her leaving the building. The hospital’s emergency command centre was then alerted. Her body was only discovered hours later at 07:00 by a cleaning staff member. The patient’s family has not expressed suspicions over the death. Si Sa Ket Hospital has provided financial assistance for funeral arrangements, and her body has been released to relatives for religious rites. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, but with no CCTV covering the area it will be difficult to determine if the cause was accidental or deliberate. The hospital will assess any necessary improvements to safety measures. -- 2025-03-07

Grandmother and Six-Year-Old Grandson Killed by Wall Collapse A family has been left devastated after an incident in which a grandmother and her six-year-old grandson were crushed to death when a concrete wall collapsed on them at their home in Nong Bua Lamphu province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353803-grandmother-and-six-year-old-grandson-killed-by-wall-collapse/

Picture from responders A family has been left devastated after an incident in which a grandmother and her six-year-old grandson were crushed to death when a concrete wall collapsed on them at their home in Nong Bua Lamphu province. The incident occurred at around 15:40 on 5 March, at a single-storey house in Ban Non Sawang, Na Mafueang Subdistrict, Mueang District. The wall collapsed in one piece and was approximately two metres wide and 2.5 metres high and had been constructed as part of the home built over 30 years ago. The deceased have been identified as Duangjai Sriphalan, 63, and her grandson, who had been staying with her after school. Prasert Sriphalan, 65, the husband of the deceased woman, returned home from running errands in town and was met with a shocking sight, his wife trapped beneath the heavy concrete wall, with only her head and shoulders visible. In a panic, he rushed to call for help. His younger brother, who works as a janitor at a nearby school, ran over with a neighbour to assist. Together, they managed to lift the wall slightly and pull Duangjai’s body free, but she had already succumbed to her injuries. Moments later, Prasert’s son arrived and frantically searched for his own child, fearing he had been with his grandmother. Lifting the wall again, they discovered the young boy unconscious in a plastic basin, where he had likely been having a bath when the wall collapsed. The family quickly pulled him out and called emergency services. Rescue teams arrived and found that the boy still had a faint pulse. He was rushed to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital, but despite doctors’ efforts, he later passed away from his injuries. Investigators believe the collapse was due to a combination of factors. The house had been built over three decades ago, and the wall was in poor condition, with minimal cement reinforcement and no steel bars anchoring it to the supporting columns. Additionally, recent road expansion works outside the home, involving heavy machinery, may have contributed to structural instability. Prasert also noted that the wall had a clothesline attached, where his wife regularly hung laundry. It is suspected that she had been reaching for a towel to dry her grandson after bathing him when the already weakened wall gave way. Duangjai’s younger brother, Suchart Chantra, who had helped in the rescue attempt, described the heartbreak of finding his sister crushed under the massive concrete slab. He explained that she had been caring for her grandson after school every day while the parents were at work. Following police and forensic examinations, the family has accepted the cause of death as accidental and will hold a joint funeral for the grandmother and grandson at their home. -- 2025-03-07

UPDATE Wife and Her Son Arrested for Murdering Husband and Dumping Body in Forest A woman and her son have been arrested for the brutal murder of her husband, whose body was found dumped in a forest in Chonburi province. The victim’s sister revealed she had long suspected the wife’s involvement. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353569-decomposed-body-found-dumped-in-forest-near-chonburi-road/#findComment-19638911

UPDATE Wife and Her Son Arrested for Murdering Husband and Dumping Body in Forest Picture from responders. A woman and her son have been arrested for the brutal murder of her husband, whose body was found dumped in a forest in Chonburi province. The victim’s sister revealed she had long suspected the wife’s involvement. The Pattaya Provincial Court issued arrest warrants for Ms Rattikarn (46) and her son, Mr Worayut (30), and they confessed to killing Mr Watchara (52), the woman’s husband. Authorities discovered the victim’s body in a patch of acacia forest near kilometre marker 25/100-200 along the inbound road to Sattahip, Pong Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The body had been concealed under a fertiliser sack in an attempt to cover up the crime. The victim’s elder sister, Ms Sudjai (54), travelled from Ratchaburi province to give her statement to the police. She revealed that she had suspected her sister-in-law from the moment she heard about the case. “When the police called me about my brother’s death, I immediately felt something was wrong,” she said. “His wife showed no shock or distress. Then, when I saw the note found near his body, I knew it wasn’t my brother’s handwriting.” Ms Sudjai further disclosed that her brother had always been devoted to his wife and her son. He worked tirelessly and handed over all his earnings to support them. “Our family had warned him before, but he refused to listen. Now, he has paid the ultimate price,” she said. “I will never forgive them, and I want the police to ensure they face the full force of the law.” The police continue their investigation, with both suspects facing serious charges related to murder and evidence tampering. -- 2025-03-06

UPDATE Elderly Canadian Tourist Found Dead on Phuket Beach Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have identified the body of a female tourist found face-down on a Beach in Karon, as an 80-year-old Canadian woman. Initial forensic examinations suggest she may have died due to heat-related complications. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353706-foreign-woman-found-dead-on-karon-beach-phuket/#findComment-19638833

UPDATE Elderly Canadian Tourist Found Dead on Phuket Beach Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have identified the body of a female tourist found face-down on a Beach in Karon, as an 80-year-old Canadian woman. Initial forensic examinations suggest she may have died due to heat-related complications. On 5 March, passersby discovered the woman’s lifeless body near the Karon Municipality Office in Mueang District, Phuket. Police found no signs of struggle, injury, or foul play at the scene. A hotel key card was found near her body, which led authorities to her accommodation. Investigations revealed that the deceased was Mrs Karen, a Canadian national. She had checked into a local hotel alone on 3 March and was scheduled to check out on 6 March. CCTV footage from the hotel showed that at 10:23 on 5 March, she left her room and asked hotel staff for directions to the beach. She appeared in normal health and showed no signs of illness before departing. A preliminary examination by doctors at Vachira Phuket Hospital determined that she had been dead for several hours before being found. Initial findings suggest that heat exhaustion or heatstroke may have been the cause. It is believed that her body temperature rose to a critical level, preventing her system from cooling down, ultimately leading to her death. The authorities have recorded the incident and transferred the body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a more detailed autopsy. Meanwhile, the Canadian Embassy has been contacted to inform her family and assist with further procedures. -- 2025-03-06

Rescue Team Helps Man After Steel Ring Gets Stuck on Genitals in Pattaya A 47 year old Thai man had to be assisted by emergency responders after a stainless steel ring became tightly stuck around the base of his genitals, causing severe swelling and infection. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353719-rescue-team-helps-man-after-steel-ring-gets-stuck-on-genitals-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A 47-year-old Thai man had to be assisted by emergency responders after a stainless steel ring became tightly stuck around the base of his genitals, causing severe swelling and infection. At around 21:00 on 5 March, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation’s radio centre received a distress call from a private hospital in Pattaya, requesting urgent assistance. Upon arrival, the rescue team found the man in extreme pain, with a two-layered stainless steel ring, constricting the base of his penis. The prolonged pressure had led to severe inflammation, swelling, and open wounds, with signs of infection starting. Rescue personnel, equipped with specialised tools, worked with great care to cut through the metal ring. The man writhed in agony throughout the procedure, requiring both rescuers and hospital staff to restrain him. After 45 grueling minutes, the team successfully removed the ring, bringing relief to the patient. When questioned, the man admitted that he had worn the ring a few days prior in an attempt to enhance his sexual performance and prolong endurance. However, once in place, the ring became impossible to remove, tightening progressively and leading to the emergency. Medical professionals have urged individuals to avoid such risky methods, warning of potential complications, including permanent tissue damage and, in extreme cases, amputation. -- 2025-03-06

Foreign Woman Found Dead on Karon Beach, Phuket A foreign woman, believed to be in her 50s, has been found dead on Karon Beach, Phuket. The discovery was made at approximately 13:20 on March 5, when lifeguards reported the woman’s body found face down on the sand near the Karon Municipality office. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353706-foreign-woman-found-dead-on-karon-beach-phuket/

Picture from responders. A foreign woman, believed to be in her 50s, has been found dead on Karon Beach, Phuket. The discovery was made at approximately 13:20 on March 5, when lifeguards reported the woman’s body found face down on the sand near the Karon Municipality office. Authorities were alerted to the scene, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanya Suksawat, Deputy Investigation Officer at Karon Police Station, arrived at the beach along with additional officers, including Phuket Tourism Police and the Phuket Tourist Assistance Centre. Upon arrival, they found the body of a foreign woman lying on a beach towel. She appeared to have been dead for some time and was wearing a swimsuit. Her back and legs had visible red rashes, though there were no signs of any external injuries or foul play. The woman did not show any signs of struggle or trauma, and no injuries from an assault were found. In the initial investigation, medical staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital conducted a preliminary examination of the body. Further investigations and a detailed autopsy will be carried out at the hospital to determine the exact cause of death. Srawut Somboon, a lifeguard at Karon Beach, explained that it was common to see tourists lounging on the beach, but it was a concerned beach vendor who first noticed the woman lying face down. He suspected that she may have passed away, as her body appeared slightly discolored. After notifying the authorities, the area was secured for further investigation. The identity of the woman remains unclear, with no immediate confirmation of her nationality. It is believed that she may have been from Russia or another European country, but further details are yet to be confirmed. She was reportedly alone, with no relatives accompanying her, and no personal information has been found to shed light on her background. The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing, with police seeking to uncover more details about the woman’s identity and circumstances leading to her death. -- 2025-03-06

School Boy Killed in Pedestrian Crossing Collision Outside Hospital A road collision outside Somdej Phra Yupparat Sa Kaeo Hospital has left a young schoolboy dead and another pedestrian seriously injured, prompting local residents to demand urgent safety measures. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353705-school-boy-killed-in-pedestrian-crossing-collision-outside-hospital/

Pictures from responders. A road collision outside Somdej Phra Yupparat Sa Kaeo Hospital has left a young schoolboy dead and another pedestrian seriously injured, prompting local residents to demand urgent safety measures. At approximately 10:45 on 4 March, a black Mazda car, driven by a 49-year-old woman, struck two pedestrians as they attempted to cross the road on a zebra crossing in front of the hospital. Emergency responders from the Sawang Sa Kaeo Foundation rushed both victims to Sa Kaeo Hospital. The injured were identified as Mr Chaiyaporn, aged 50, and his nephew, Prawut aged 11. Despite doctors’ efforts, Master Prawut succumbed to his injuries at 18:00, while Mr Chaiyaporn remains in the ICU after surgery. His issued an urgent appeal for blood donations to assist with his treatment. Following the incident, local residents have called on the Sa Kaeo governor, the provincial administrative organisation, the city mayor, and the highways department to construct a pedestrian bridge in front of the hospital. They argue that collisions occur frequently at this location and immediate action is needed to prevent further tragedies. Additionally, social media users have highlighted that large advertising billboards placed on the central reservation obstruct drivers’ views, making it difficult to see pedestrians crossing the road. Many are urging authorities to relocate these signs to improve visibility and enhance road safety. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and reviewing possible safety improvements in the area. -- 2025-03-06

UPDATE Financial Investigation Links Nittaya to Arson Case and Alleged Illegal Transactions Authorities have uncovered financial irregularities linked to Ms Nittaya following the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with a house fire that allegedly destroyed 10 million baht in cash. The investigation has raised further suspicions regarding her financial activities, with police now pursuing leads on her whereabouts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352777-suspicious-fire-woman-claims-10-million-in-cash-burned-police-discover-65-million-in-car/#findComment-19637669

UPDATE Financial Investigation Links Nittaya to Arson Case and Alleged Illegal Transactions Picture from responders. Authorities have uncovered financial irregularities linked to Ms Nittaya following the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with a house fire that allegedly destroyed 10 million baht in cash. The investigation has raised further suspicions regarding her financial activities, with police now pursuing leads on her whereabouts. Pol. Col. Pisut Chantasuwan, superintendent of Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi, provided an update on the case, confirming that arrest warrants had been issued for Ms Nittaya and her husband, Mr Ritthikorn. The couple faces charges of arson and filing a false police report after claiming that a fire at their government-provided residence within the Royal Irrigation Department compound had destroyed 10 million baht in cash. Following the warrant’s issuance, police teams were deployed to track down the suspects. Recent intelligence suggests that Ms Nittaya and her family were seen travelling towards the Thai-Cambodian border in Trat province. However, checks with the Immigration Bureau indicate that the couple has not officially crossed any border checkpoints. Authorities are now investigating whether they may have used illegal routes to leave the country. Further scrutiny of Ms Nittaya’s bank accounts has revealed significant financial activity. Records show thousands of linked accounts, with daily transactions ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of baht. Despite this high volume of movement, her accounts had never been flagged or frozen before the investigation. Police believe these transactions resemble those associated with online gambling operations. The investigation suggests that Ms Nittaya’s accounts may have been used to receive money from numerous individuals depositing funds for online betting. She is suspected of transferring these funds as digital credits to gambling clients before funnelling cash withdrawals to family members, who would then consolidate the funds for the real gambling syndicate operators. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend Ms Nittaya and Mr Ritthikorn as investigations into their financial activities continue. -- 2025-03-06

Pipe Bomb Attack in Yala Injures Several Picture captured from CCTV. A pipe bomb attack rocked central Yala on the evening of 5 March, injuring several and prompting an urgent security response. The attack, which took place in the Siro-Rot Road area of Yala Municipality, was reportedly carried out by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353704-pipe-bomb-attack-in-yala-injures-several/

Picture captured from CCTV. A pipe bomb attack rocked central Yala on the evening of 5 March, injuring several and prompting an urgent security response. The attack, which took place in the Siro-Rot Road area of Yala Municipality, was reportedly carried out by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle. At approximately 19:15 attackers threw two pipe bombs near a police checkpoint at the railway intersection. The first device exploded, causing injuries to at least two people and damaging a passing lorry. The second device failed to detonate and was later discovered in the middle of the road. Emergency responders from rescue teams Maetubtim Yala and Maekor Nia Yala provided immediate medical assistance before transferring the injured to Yala Hospital. Police and bomb disposal units swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and launched an investigation into the attack. The motive remains under scrutiny, though authorities suspect it may be the work of insurgents seeking to demonstrate their operational capabilities. Yala Provincial Police Chief, Pol Maj Gen Nathakorn Kanchanaporn, has since ordered heightened security measures across the province. All checkpoints and operational bases have been instructed to increase vigilance, particularly in patrol operations, to ensure a rapid response to potential threats. Authorities continue to gather evidence at the scene, with forensic teams and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit working to examine the unexploded device. The attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Thailand’s southern border provinces, where violent incidents linked to separatist movements have been ongoing for decades. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as investigations continue. -- 2025-03-06

Worker Shocked by Live Wire Falls from 5-Metre Pole in Buriram A 35-year-old telecommunications technician was seriously injured after being shocked by a live wire while working on an electric pole in Buriram. The incident occurred on March 5, near the Nang Rong Police Station in Nang Rong District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353703-worker-shocked-by-live-wire-falls-from-5-metre-pole-in-buriram/

Picture from responders. A 35-year-old telecommunications technician was seriously injured after being shocked by a live wire while working on an electric pole in Buriram. The incident occurred on March 5, near the Nang Rong Police Station in Nang Rong District. The worker, identified as Mr. Panya was installing communication cables on a power pole when he contacted a live wire. He fell from a height of five metres and landed on the ground below. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find him lying unconscious but breathing and without any apparent broken bones. He was quickly transported to Nang Rong Hospital for further treatment. Mr. Kampanat, a 32-year-old colleague, witnessed the incident. He explained that he had been on the ground, handing tools up to his friend when he saw him twitching uncontrollably on the pole. “I heard a soft cry and looked up to see my friend convulsing. I called out to him, but he didn’t answer. Then, he fell,” Mr. Kampanat said. Initial investigations suggest that an electric shock caused the technician to lose control and fall. It is believed that Mr. Panya may have accidentally touched it while working, leading to the shock. Local authorities have contacted the Provincial Electricity Authority to investigate further. -- 2025-03-06

Police Raid 6 Warehouses, Seize 46 Million Worth of Illegal Cosmetics and Chinese Food Picture courtesy of CPPD. Authorities have carried out a large-scale operation to dismantle a network of warehouses illegally distributing imported cosmetics and Chinese food products. The raids, conducted by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), resulted in the seizure of nearly 477,000 items worth over 46 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353701-police-raid-6-warehouses-seize-46-million-worth-of-illegal-cosmetics-and-chinese-food/