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Picture courtesy of Khoasod. The Department of Tourism has announced a major nationwide initiative to improve tourist infrastructure with a budget exceeding 26 million baht. The funding will be used to renovate public toilet facilities at 63 key tourist attractions across the country in a bid to enhance visitor experience and support Thailand’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub. Mr. Jatuporn Pakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, revealed that the initiative is in line with the government’s urgent policy to elevate Thailand’s tourism standards and reinforce its image as a world-class travel destination. The renovations are part of a broader programme to standardise and upgrade public toilet facilities, ensuring they meet tourism-specific criteria of cleanliness, accessibility, and safety. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving four main government agencies: • Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (27 sites) • National Office of Buddhism (18 sites) • Department of Local Administration (17 sites) • Fine Arts Department (1 site) The Department of Tourism will also coordinate with provincial tourism and sports offices to monitor progress and ensure that improvements are completed in time for the upcoming high tourist season at the end of the year. Mr. Jatuporn emphasised that accessible and hygienic public restrooms are a key component in creating a positive experience for all visitors, including international tourists, families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. He also noted the project aligns with the government’s “Ignite Thailand” vision, which aims to boost national unity and competitiveness in global tourism. “This investment is about more than just restrooms, it’s about elevating our tourism standards and leaving a lasting impression on every visitor,” he said. The upgraded facilities are expected to reflect Thailand’s commitment to hospitality, cleanliness, and inclusivity, key attributes for sustaining growth in the nation’s vital tourism sector. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Former Monk Shoots Ex-Nun After Rejection, Then Takes Own Life Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 24 April, in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a recently defrocked monk shot a woman, his former fellow temple resident and then turned the gun on himself after she spurned his advances. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358789-former-monk-shoots-ex-nun-after-rejection-then-takes-own-life/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 24 April, in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a recently defrocked monk shot a woman, his former fellow temple resident and then turned the gun on himself after she spurned his advances. Police Colonel Thawatchai Sangkhomittakul, head of Tha Sala Police Station, led a team of investigators, forensic officers, and rescue personnel to the scene at a residence in Moo 12, Klai Subdistrict. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of 46-year-old Mr. Anon Sangthong in a second-floor bedroom. He was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head, with a .357 calibre revolver beside him. Two rounds had been fired; four more remained in the weapon. The victim of the shooting, 39-year-old Ms. Jiranan, was found critically injured with a gunshot wound to the left side of her chest and severe head trauma from being struck. She was initially rushed to Tha Sala Hospital before being transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital for urgent treatment. Initial investigations revealed that both individuals had recently left monastic life, Mr. Anon having been a monk and Ms. Jiranan a nun at the same temple in Sichon District. Sources say that Mr. Anon had developed romantic feelings for Ms. Jiranan during their time at the temple. After both had disrobed, Mr. Anon reportedly pursued her persistently, though she refused to engage with him. At approximately 01:00, Mr. Anon contacted Ms. Jiranan’s younger sibling to ask about her whereabouts. Despite being told she was not at home, he allegedly became agitated and angry when his calls went unanswered. At 03:00, Mr. Anon arrived at Ms. Jiranan’s house on a motorcycle, climbed over the fence, and broke into the home by smashing a window. He then entered her bedroom, struck her on the head, and shot her in the chest. Believing she was dead, he turned the gun on himself and died instantly. Ms. Jiranan, however, survived and managed to seek help. Her current condition is said to be critical. It has also emerged that Ms. Jiranan is married to a foreign national, who is currently overseas. Her return to lay life followed a period of ordination as a nun, during which Mr. Anon had also been a monk at the same temple. Police are continuing their investigation into the events leading up to the attack, as more details emerge about the breakdown of a relationship rooted in shared religious life. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Deranged Man Burns Down Wife’s House, Killing Elderly Mother-in-Law — Arrested After Manhunt Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A manhunt has ended in the arrest of a deranged son-in-law who allegedly set fire to his wife’s home in a fit of rage, resulting in the tragic death of his elderly mother-in-law. The horrific incident occurred in Moo 1, Nam Tan Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358521-man-sets-fire-to-estranged-wife’s-home-elderly-mother-in-law-burned-to-death/#findComment-19756855

UPDATE Deranged Man Burns Down Wife’s House, Killing Elderly Mother-in-Law — Arrested After Manhunt Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A manhunt has ended in the arrest of a deranged son-in-law who allegedly set fire to his wife’s home in a fit of rage, resulting in the tragic death of his elderly mother-in-law. The horrific incident occurred in Moo 1, Nam Tan Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. The suspect, 38-year-old Mr Anek, is said to have committed the act following a domestic dispute with his wife, Ms Anchalee. During the blaze, Ms Anchalee’s 79-year-old mother, Mrs Rai-ai, who suffered from hearing impairment, was unable to escape and died from severe burns. According to investigators, Mr Anek had previously threatened to burn down the house. On 22 April, he allegedly followed through on the threat, dousing the bedroom in thinner and setting it alight before fleeing the scene by car. Authorities finally apprehended Mr Anek at a temple in Takli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, after he drove directly into a police checkpoint. He was taken into custody by officers from In Buri Police Station and Sing Buri Provincial Police for questioning. Following an hour-long interrogation, police escorted Mr Anek back to the crime scene to conduct a re-enactment of the events. As he was brought to the location, grieving relatives of the deceased gathered, shouting curses at him, with some attempting to break through police lines to confront him physically. During the re-enactment, Mr Anek demonstrated how he parked his car, entered the house, and poured thinner in the bedroom before igniting the fire. Witnesses reported that he shouted “Darling, I’m sorry” during the act. After the demonstration, he raised his hands in a wai and said he wished to apologise to his wife and the deceased’s family. His apology was met with an angry outcry from relatives, including shouts of “I will never forgive you,” to which Mr Anek responded, “I already gave you a chance.” Investigators revealed that after the arson, Mr Anek removed his vehicle’s licence plates in Nong Soi Thong Subdistrict, Takli, then stayed at a local resort. He later borrowed a staff member’s phone to call a relative in Ayutthaya, which helped police track and arrest him. Mr Anek is currently in custody awaiting formal charges, including arson and murder. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-25.

Suspected Poacher Killed by Wild Elephant in Chanthaburi Forest Picture courtesy of NBT. A man was found dead in a forest area in Chanthaburi province, with evidence suggesting he may have been killed by a wild elephant during an alleged illegal hunting trip. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358788-suspected-poacher-killed-by-wild-elephant-in-chanthaburi-forest/

Picture courtesy of NBT. A man was found dead in a forest area in Chanthaburi province, with evidence suggesting he may have been killed by a wild elephant during an alleged illegal hunting trip. Mr. Tantikorn Puangsakul, head of Rapid Response Unit 9 at the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, reported that at approximately 17:00 on April 23, officials from Rapid Response Unit 9 and the Khlong Khrok Forest Protection Unit were conducting a wild elephant population survey in Ban Khlong Khrok, Moo 10, Phawa Subdistrict, Kaeng Hang Maeo District. The operation was part of an ongoing census and demographic study of wild elephants in the Eastern Forest Complex, overseen by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. During the operation, the team was alerted to the discovery of a body in a nearby forested area in Ban Bo Maduea, Moo 9, also in Phawa Subdistrict. Officials from the sanctuary, local administration, and Kaeng Hang Maeo police inspected the scene, located within the proposed boundary extension of the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary and Khun Chong National Forest Reserve, about 600 metres from a known elephant trench. The deceased was identified as Mr. Anan, 68, a resident of Phawa Subdistrict. Around the body, officers discovered a backpack, a headlamp, a compass, and a gun-mounted scope, but notably, no firearm was found. Authorities suspect that villagers or relatives of the deceased, who arrived at the scene before officials, may have removed the weapon. Evidence around the body, including wild elephant tracks, suggests that the man may have been killed by an elephant. Authorities believe Mr. Anan was engaged in illegal hunting at the time of his death. He reportedly had a prior conviction for wildlife poaching in 2023, for which he had received a suspended sentence. The body has been transferred to Kaeng Hang Maeo Hospital for autopsy. Officials continue to investigate the incident while reinforcing the importance of wildlife conservation and legal enforcement in protected forest areas. Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-04-25.

Pattaya Tests New Drainage System to Prepare for Future Flooding Picture courtesy of Sophon. Pattaya City is ramping up its efforts to mitigate urban flooding ahead of the upcoming rainy season, with city officials testing the first phase of a major drainage system along the eastern railway road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358787-pattaya-tests-new-drainage-system-to-prepare-for-future-flooding/

Picture courtesy of Sophon. Pattaya City is ramping up its efforts to mitigate urban flooding ahead of the upcoming rainy season, with city officials testing the first phase of a major drainage system along the eastern railway road. Led by Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai, City Clerk Kiattisak Sriwongchai, and Director of Sanitation Engineering Anuwat Thongkham, the team inspected the progress of the drainage system currently under construction. The test took place at the Khao Noi pumping station, situated on the railway-side road between Khao Noi and Khao Talo on the route to Sattahip. According to Mayor Poramet, the project represents a key strategy in resolving chronic flooding problems in Pattaya. The construction, while already underway, faced delays due to obstacles such as the high-speed railway viaduct. The system includes a 1.80-metre diameter high-pressure water pipeline spanning 2,500 metres, and a 2-metre drainage pipe running 3,000 metres. The objective is to collect and pump excess water from the Nong Prue Municipality area near Soi Khao Noi towards Khlong Suea Phaew and Khlong Naklua, thereby preventing inner-city areas like Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya South Junction, and Soi Bongkot from flooding. The first phase features a pumping station with a 7,000-cubic metre holding capacity, equipped with six pumps capable of displacing 1 cubic metre of water per second. This phase is now fully operational. Mayor Poramet outlined the city’s broader anti-flooding plan, which is divided into two phases. The second phase of the project, set slightly further along the same eastern railway road, involves constructing another pumping station with a 5,400-cubic metre capacity. This will be supported by four pumps, each handling 0.75 cubic metres per second, a 1.20-metre pressure pipe running 3,500 metres, and drainage pipes measuring between 1.60 and 2.20 metres in diameter over a 2,800-metre stretch. This phase is designed to divert water from Soi Khao Talo in the Nong Prue area to Khlong Huai Yai, protecting the railway road and Sukhumvit Road near the Pattaya South Junction. The second phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Once both phases are finished, city officials plan to evaluate the system’s effectiveness in preventing floodwaters from Nong Prue from inundating Pattaya’s inner city. It is notable that Pattaya City has opted not to follow the extensive drainage strategy developed by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning in collaboration with the National Water Resources Office (ONWR), which carries a price tag of 9.5 billion baht. Instead, the city has pursued a more localised and less invasive approach that avoids road excavation and minimises disruption to residents. This marks a significant step in Pattaya’s long-term flood management efforts, aiming to provide lasting relief to residents and businesses frequently affected by seasonal downpours. Adapted by Asean Now from Spohon 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Royal Thai Police Statement Confirm 6 Dead The Police plane crashed after taking off at approximately 08:00, during a reported test flight, preparing for later parachuting training, in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. All 6 officers onboard died. 1. Pol. Lt. Col. Panathep Maniwachirangkun (pilot) died. 2. Police Lieutenant Thanawat Mekprasitsuk (Engineer) died. 3. Police Lieutenant Chaturong Wattanapraisan, the pilot, was injured and taken to Hua Hin Hospital. He later died at the hospital. 4. Police Senior Sergeant Major Prawit Phonhongsa, (mechanic) died. 5. Police Senior Sergeant Major Jiravat Maksakha, (mechanic) died. 6. Pol. Col. Prathan Khiawkham, (pilot) died. Flight over the crash scene.

Thai media footage from the scene.

UPDATE Thai media sources are now reporting that the death toll is now 5 with 1 survivor. Bystanders captured the moment the plane crash. The aircraft involved. Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter, 6.5 years old, produced in Canada and operated by the Royal Thai Police since October 2020, having been operated by IKHANA Aircraft Services, previously from May 2020. Aircraft registration 36964.

Police Aircraft Crashes Into Sea Off Cha-am, Leaving Four Dead An incident unfolded off the coast of Cha-am on the morning of 25 April, when a small police aircraft crashed into the sea, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring one more. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358781-police-aircraft-crashes-into-sea-off-cha-am-leaving-four-dead/

Pictures from responders. An incident unfolded off the coast of Cha-am on the morning of 25 April, when a small police aircraft crashed into the sea, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring one more. At approximately 08:15, Phetchaburi’s Emergency Response Centre 191 received a report from a member of the public alerting authorities to a light aircraft that had plunged into the sea, about 100 metres offshore in front of the Baby Grand Resort in Cha-am district. Police from Cha-am station, including the Huai Sai Tai patrol unit, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Rescue units found the wreckage of a small aircraft partially submerged, with multiple casualties inside. Emergency medical teams rushed to the site to assist and transport the injured to a nearby hospital. One person was reported seriously injured, while five others were confirmed deceased at the scene. Initial reports indicate that the aircraft, believed to be operated by the police, C/S RTP964 DHC6 aircraft had taken off from Hua Hin Airport on a TEST FLIGHT mission and after a technical issue, ended up in the sea. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash and are currently gathering witness statements and evidence from the scene. The operation to recover the aircraft and fully investigate the incident is ongoing, made more difficult by the location of the wreckage offshore. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-04-25.

Jealous Rage: Man Shoots Dead Ex-Wife Before Taking His Own Life in Uthai Thani Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A murder-suicide shocked the local community in Thap Than District on the morning of 24 April, when a 44-year-old man fatally shot his former wife at her home before returning to his own residence and turning the gun on himself. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358778-jealous-rage-man-shoots-dead-ex-wife-before-taking-his-own-life-in-uthai-thani/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A murder-suicide shocked the local community in Thap Than District on the morning of 24 April, when a 44-year-old man fatally shot his former wife at her home before returning to his own residence and turning the gun on himself. At approximately 09:30, police were called to a house in Moo 1, Thung Na Thai subdistrict, where they discovered the body of 45-year-old Ms. Nonglak beneath the stilted wooden home. She had been shot once in the forehead at close range while lying in a hammock. Blood pooled beneath her as concerned neighbours gathered at the scene. Pol. Lt. Man Pho-You, the duty officer from Thap Than Police Station, led the initial investigation. Witnesses and family members quickly identified the suspect as Mr. Monchai 44, the victim’s ex-husband. According to the victim’s mother, Mrs. Malai, 66, the couple had divorced around a year ago, but Mr. Monchai had a history of violent jealousy and had continued to harass Ms. Nonglak since their separation. Ms. Nonglak had previously worked as a health assistant at Thung Na Thai Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital under the Ministry of Public Health. However, she resigned from her position on 3 April this year, reportedly due to Mr. Monchai’s relentless jealousy and frequent confrontations with her colleagues. Her mother stated that just the day before the incident, he had issued death threats against both her and her daughter. Despite being urged to relocate for her safety, Ms. Nonglak refused, citing concern for her ageing parents and her children, fearing that Mr. Monchai might harm them if she fled. Following the murder, police visited Mr. Monchai’s home, located approximately two kilometres away in Moo 6, Khao Khi Foi subdistrict. There, they discovered his lifeless body lying in a hammock beside the house. He had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right temple, using what is believed to be the same .38 calibre revolver used to kill his ex-wife. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was motivated by obsessive jealousy. In the hours before the incident, Mr. Monchai had reportedly posted a series of emotionally charged messages on social media, expressing possessiveness and resentment over Ms. Nonglak’s interactions with colleagues. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, gathering further evidence to determine whether other factors may have contributed to the deadly sequence of events. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-04-25.

Man Killed After Car Slams into Parked Truck in Phuket Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 55-year-old man has died in a crash after his Honda City sedan ploughed into the rear of a parked 22-wheeled truck in Phuket in the early hours of morning of 25 April. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358776-man-killed-after-car-slams-into-parked-truck-in-phuket/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 55-year-old man has died in a crash after his Honda City sedan ploughed into the rear of a parked 22-wheeled truck in Phuket in the early hours of morning of 25 April. The incident occurred at approximately 01:50 on Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road inbound to Phuket Town, in Ratsada Subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Saruta Phumduang, an investigator at Muang Phuket Police Station, responded to the call alongside doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital and local emergency services. At the scene a large truck with Chumphon plates was found parked on the roadside. The heavily damaged white Honda City, registered in Phuket, had collided with the back of the truck and remained lodged beneath it. The driver of the sedan, identified as Mr. Preecha, 55, was found dead behind the wheel, slumped toward the passenger seat. He had suffered severe head trauma and facial injuries. Notably, the car’s speedometer was frozen at 180 km/h, raising suspicions that the vehicle may have been travelling at high speed at the time of impact. The lorry driver, Mr. Somporn, 52, was uninjured and remained at the scene. He told police the truck had been legally parked at the roadside. An eyewitness, Mr. Khajornsak, 31, who had been driving a pickup truck recounted: “I was driving along the road and saw the car come out of a side road at high speed. Not long after, there was a massive crash, it just went straight into the truck, like it didn’t try to swerve or brake.” Authorities transferred Mr. Preecha’s body to Vachira Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination. Police are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash and will review CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Authorities Suspect Lorry Driver Fell Asleep Picture from responders. The incident took place in the lane of a designated rest area. A white Chevrolet Captiva SUV had pulled over behind a white fuel tanker to attend to a child passenger. The SUV was carrying ten individuals, both adults and children, en route to visit relatives in Rayong province. A lorry crashed into the back of the SUV at speed. The SUV was completely crushed in the impact. The force of the collision pushed the SUV into a fuel tanker parked ahead it. Eight fatalities were confirmed at the scene, and two individuals with serious injuries were transported to hospital by emergency crews. Preliminary investigations suggest that the lorry driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel and veered off the motorway into the SUV. Police are continuing to examine CCTV footage and are conducting a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Uzbek Man Arrested in Pattaya for Attempting to Exchange Counterfeit US Dollars Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya have apprehended a 31-year-old man from Uzbekistan after he attempted to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange outlet in central Pattaya. Fulls story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358758-uzbek-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-attempting-to-exchange-counterfeit-us-dollars/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya have apprehended a 31-year-old man from Uzbekistan after he attempted to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange outlet in central Pattaya. Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, confirmed that the suspect, identified as Mr. Iskandarkhuja, was arrested at a hotel in city. The arrest followed a tip-off from a currency exchange shop in the city which reported that a foreign tourist, described as a fair-skinned male, had exchanged US dollars for Thai baht amounting to approximately 80,000 baht. Upon inspection, the dollar bills were found to be counterfeit. CCTV footage and documentation identifying the foreign suspect were handed over to Pattaya police investigators. Officers quickly traced Mr. Iskandarkhuja to room 2202 on the second floor of the hotel where he was staying. A search of the room uncovered two money exchange slips placed on a bedside table, as well as $3,000 in counterfeit US currency concealed inside a shoulder bag. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to bringing the counterfeit banknotes from Turkey with the intention of using them for daily expenses. He claimed he had planned to exchange the dollars for Thai baht or other foreign currencies to fund his stay in Thailand. Mr. Iskandarkhuja was taken into custody along with the counterfeit currency and the CCTV footage, which captured evidence of the crime. He faces charges of possession and intent to circulate counterfeit US currency, fully aware of its falsified nature. Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu urged local business operators, particularly those in the currency exchange sector, to remain vigilant. He invited any additional victims or witnesses to come forward and file complaints with Pattaya City Police Station. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-04-25.

Police Dismantle Illegal Digital Asset Exchange Network Worth Over 14 Billion Baht Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched a major crackdown on an illicit digital asset exchange network, unravelling a complex web of unlicensed cryptocurrency transactions valued at more than 14 billion baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358757-police-dismantle-illegal-digital-asset-exchange-network-worth-over-14-billion-baht/

Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched a major crackdown on an illicit digital asset exchange network, unravelling a complex web of unlicensed cryptocurrency transactions valued at more than 14 billion baht. Dubbed Operation Crypto Phantom, the high-profile investigation targeted illegal over-the-counter crypto trading operations catering primarily to foreign clients. Coordinated raids were carried out at eight locations across Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, and Bangkok, leading to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of critical evidence. According to authorities, the suspects operated underground cryptocurrency exchanges that converted Thai baht into digital assets such as USD Tether (USDT) and vice versa. These transactions took place outside of legally sanctioned trading platforms, thereby evading regulatory scrutiny. The “hand-to-hand” nature of these exchanges, often conducted in person and off-record, allowed for discreet financial movements across borders and facilitated large-scale money laundering. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) discovered over 1,000 suspicious transactions linked to transnational criminal networks. Investigators confirmed that the total transaction volume exceeded 425 million USDT, the equivalent of more than 14 billion baht. The funds were allegedly funneled into illegal operations, including drug trafficking and international call centre scams. During the raids, police confiscated numerous items including computers, mobile phones, bank passbooks, hardware wallets, and extensive financial transaction records. The operations were authorised through multiple court warrants and executed under the supervision of senior CIB officers. The illegal exchanges operated under business fronts and were located in areas such as Chalong, Cherngtalay, and Patong in Phuket; Nong Prue in Chonburi; and residential districts in Huai Khwang and Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok. Businesses involved included Ex24.pro, Cryptopida, and Money Markets, allegedly posing as legitimate digital asset platforms while operating without licences from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand. Officials have warned that providing digital asset exchange services without SEC approval is a serious offence, even for licensed money changers. At present, only 33 entities in Thailand hold official licences to operate cryptocurrency exchanges. Authorities are continuing investigations and pursuing legal action against those involved in the sprawling network. The CIB underscored the dangers of unregulated crypto transactions, highlighting the risks they pose not only to financial transparency but also to public safety, given their frequent ties to organised crime. “This operation sends a strong message: unlicensed digital asset trading will not be tolerated,” said Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and asset seizures anticipated in the weeks ahead. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-04-25.

Road Crash Claims Life of Municipal Worker, Multiple Injured in Chain Collision A fatal road crash occurred outside a local municipal office in Khlong Saen Saep Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, leading to a female municipal employee being killed in a three-vehicle collision during her morning commute. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358756-road-crash-claims-life-of-municipal-worker-multiple-injured-in-chain-collision/

Picture from responders. A fatal road crash occurred outside a local municipal office in Khlong Saen Saep Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, leading to a female municipal employee being killed in a three-vehicle collision during her morning commute. Police Lieutenant Sakchai Jantana, an investigator at Bang Khana Police Station, received reports of a crash involving multiple vehicles on the Bang Nam Priao–Bang Khana Road, Moo 3, Bang Khana Subdistrict. Emergency responders from Chachoengsao Rescue Unit were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a black sedan with damage to both the front and rear, positioned in the middle of the road. The driver, a 41-year-old woman and municipal employee, was critically injured and rushed to Bang Nam Priao Hospital, but she later succumbed to her injuries. Nearby, a white Toyota commuter van, registration from Chonburi, had veered off the road into a grassy area. The van was transporting five employees of an energy drink company, all of whom sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. Also involved in the incident was a white Isuzu delivery pickup truck with a closed cargo compartment, which suffered front-end damage. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had been waiting to turn into the municipal office when her stationary sedan was struck from behind by the speeding delivery truck. The force of the impact propelled her vehicle into the path of the oncoming van, resulting in a devastating head-on collision. Mr Thawatchai, 38, the van driver, told police he had just picked up night-shift workers from a factory to take them home. He recalled seeing the sedan waiting to turn when the delivery truck smashed into it, pushing it into his lane and leaving him no time to react. Authorities have launched a full investigation and will proceed with legal action. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.