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Please see update above, donations account has been closed.

Please see update above, donations account has been closed.

UPDATE Waves of Kindness: Schoolgirl Receives Over 1 Million Baht in Donations After Heartbreaking Story Goes Viral Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A flood of public generosity has changed the life of a 14-year-old schoolgirl left living alone after her mother died, her grandmother passed away and her father was imprisoned. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363962-heartbreaking-story-of-schoolgirl-living-alone-after-mother’s-death-father’s-imprisonment/page/2/#findComment-19882124

UPDATE Waves of Kindness: Schoolgirl Receives Over 1 Million Baht in Donations After Heartbreaking Story Goes Viral Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A flood of public generosity has changed the life of a 14-year-old schoolgirl left living alone after her mother died, her grandmother passed away and her father was imprisoned. The story of Thichada Yubonwat, known as “Nong Kriss”, a Mathayom 1, student at Patthamakorn Secondary School in Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province, touched the hearts of people across the country, prompting donations that have now surpassed 1.14 million baht. The heartbreaking situation came to light when a teacher from her school visited her home in the village of Bo Patum and found Kriss living alone in a dilapidated one-storey house with a leaking roof. She is occasionally visited by her older sister and aunt, but otherwise has had to fend for herself. Despite her circumstances, Kriss remains a hardworking student and earns 30–50 baht a day selling grilled chicken to support herself. After the school made her story public, the response was overwhelming. People from all over Thailand donated to support her education and well-being. Udon Thani MP Karaveer Sarakham (Pheu Thai Party), together with local officials, school representatives and community leaders, visited Kriss to offer support and help coordinate long-term care. Following the immense public response, teacher Pornnipa Laksanajan accompanied Kriss to close the donation account after it reached 1,140,500 baht. The funds are expected to cover her educational expenses and provide for the purchase of land and construction of a new home. To ensure transparency and protect the donated money, a five-member financial oversight committee has been established. Withdrawals from the account will require the approval of at least three members. Kriss will have access to the money only for essential needs and the account will remain under school supervision until she completes her education. During a community meeting, it was agreed that instead of repurchasing the grandmother’s mortgaged house, which could potentially lead to ownership disputes among relatives, a new plot of land would be purchased to build a home solely for Kriss. This decision also aims to protect her from any potential interference by distant relatives who have recently surfaced since the donation campaign went viral. One concern raised by the community was the sudden appearance of numerous relatives claiming ties to Kriss, including individuals who had not been in contact with her for years. Some claimed they had cared for her when she was younger and expressed willingness to take her in now. However, the committee has made it clear, none of the donation money is to be accessed or handled by any relatives and all funds must be used strictly for Kriss’s benefit. Speaking on behalf of the school, temple and local government, Phra Maha Suksan Uttamo, the abbot of the local temple and director of Patthamakorn School, said, “We are united in our commitment to protecting Kriss and ensuring the money is used solely for her education and future. Given her situation as a young girl living alone, we must also ensure her safety from opportunistic individuals.” The case has deeply moved people across Thailand, demonstrating the powerful impact of communal compassion. Local leaders and educators now plan to guide Kriss morally and academically, ensuring she grows into a strong, independent young woman. “This remarkable outpouring of generosity shows the heart of the Thai people,” MP Karaveer Sarakham said. “We’ll do everything we can to make sure Kriss uses this opportunity to build a better life and one day give back to society herself.” Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-19

Miracle Escape for Family of Three After Pickup Truck is Speared by Guardrail Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A family of three miraculously survived a road crash on the morning of 18 June, when their pickup truck collided with a roadside guardrail near Lampang. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364084-miracle-escape-for-family-of-three-after-pickup-truck-is-speared-by-guardrail/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A family of three miraculously survived a road crash on the morning of 18 June, when their pickup truck collided with a roadside guardrail near Lampang. Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 05:00 via the 191 emergency radio centre in Lampang province. The crash occurred on the inbound Phahonyothin Road near a curve in Moo 11, Chomphu sub-district, Mueang Lampang district. Police from Khelang Nakhon Station and Amarin Rescue Unit were dispatched to the scene. There they found a silver Toyota Vigo pickup, registered in Lamphun province, impaled by a steel guardrail that had pierced through the engine bay, steering column and cabin, before exiting through the rear of the vehicle. The damage was described as resembling a “meat skewer” , the vehicle wrecked. Inside the vehicle were a man, woman and their five-year-old son. The driver, a man aged 35, was found lying in the grass beside the vehicle, his legs injured and his right shoulder immobilised. A deep laceration was noted on his right foot. His wife, aged 30, had sustained a serious head wound and was found seated by the roadside with their son on her lap. Remarkably, the child was unhurt. A lorry driver who had been following the pickup, quickly assisted, moving the child to safety in his truck and alerting rescue personnel, who later transported both injured parents to Lampang Hospital. Initial reports indicate the family had been returning to their home in Lamphun after completing an aluminium and glass installation job in Bangkok. They had departed the capital the night before, resting intermittently at fuel stations. Their last stop was in Ko Kha district, Lampang, shortly before the crash occurred. According to the lorry driver who witnessed the crash, the pickup had been travelling steadily before the driver suddenly veered into the guardrail. The cause of the sudden manoeuvre remains unclear and is under police investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-19

Anyone wanting further details, they are at the end of this Thai news article. https://www.khaosod.co.th/around-thailand/news_9807564

UPDATE Lorry Driver Surrenders After Fatal Stabbing in Road Rage Incident Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 61-year-old ten-wheel lorry driver has surrendered to police following a fatal road rage incident in which he stabbed a fellow truck driver to death in front of the victim’s wife. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363964-lorry-driver-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-wife-after-traffic-dispute-in-samut-sakhon/#findComment-19880201

UPDATE Lorry Driver Surrenders After Fatal Stabbing in Road Rage Incident Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 61-year-old ten-wheel lorry driver has surrendered to police following a fatal road rage incident in which he stabbed a fellow truck driver to death in front of the victim’s wife. The suspect, identified as Mr Wasan, turned himself in to Thanyaburi Police Station in Pathum Thani province after fleeing the scene of the crime earlier on the 17 June. He later admitted to police that the altercation began after he was allegedly cut off in traffic by the victim, sparking a violent confrontation. The incident took place near the entrance to Wat Kaset Phantararam in Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon province. The suspect reportedly exited his vehicle and stabbed Mr Narongsak Homchan, a 39-year-old six-wheel truck driver, multiple times before fleeing the scene. Mr Narongsak died from his injuries at the scene, in full view of his wife. Authorities swiftly launched a manhunt, using CCTV footage to track the suspect’s escape route. Investigators later discovered the ten-wheel truck abandoned in a soi in Khlong Maduea, approximately 5–6 kilometres from the scene. Mr Wasan had then taken refuge at his sister’s home in Pathum Thani before voluntarily contacting police. Upon surrendering, Mr Wasan was transferred to Krathum Baen Police Station, where he was officially charged with murder and carrying a weapon in public without just cause, based on an arrest warrant issued by the Samut Sakhon Provincial Court. According to police, Mr Wasan confessed that both lorries had been travelling along Bang Bon 5 Road when the six-wheel truck allegedly cut in front of his vehicle and repeatedly braked, seemingly trying to provoke a rear-end collision. Enraged, Mr Wasan sounded his horn and pulled over, prompting a confrontation that ended in the fatal stabbing. During questioning, Mr Wasan told officers he had no prior acquaintance with the victim and that his actions were not premeditated. When approached by reporters, he responded to questions with a nod when asked if the incident stemmed from being cut off in traffic and shook his head when asked whether the attack had been deliberate. He is currently in custody pending further investigation and formal legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Eight Soldiers Injured After Army Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Ubon Ratchathani Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Eight Royal Thai Army personnel have been safely transported to hospital following a hard emergency landing by a military helicopter, during a supply mission in Na Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364000-eight-soldiers-injured-after-army-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Eight Royal Thai Army personnel have been safely transported to hospital following a hard emergency landing by a military helicopter, during a supply mission in Na Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident occurred while the helicopter was delivering supplies and rotating personnel at a remote operations base in the area. According to reports, a mechanical fault caused the aircraft to become unstable in flight, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in the Ruang Phueng area of Na Yuen district. At 20:30 on 17 June, all eight soldiers on board were confirmed to have reached Na Yuen Hospital for initial medical assessment. Doctors classified three of the soldiers as suffering from moderate injuries, while the remaining five were deemed to have sustained minor injuries. All were reported to be in stable condition. Later in the evening, medical teams from Sappasitthiprasong Camp Hospital, under the 22nd Military Circle in Warin Chamrap district, dispatched ambulances to transfer the injured personnel for further treatment. The Royal Thai Army has not yet issued a formal statement on the cause of the technical failure and an internal investigation is expected to follow. The actions of the pilot, plus the prompt response by emergency units and military medical teams was praised for ensuring the safety of the soldiers and preventing a more serious outcome. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Police body cam footage from the raid.

Double-Decker Bus Operators Again Protest Ban on Seven High-Risk Routes Picture courtesy of NBT. A group of double-decker bus operators gathered in symbolic protest on Highway 304 in Prachinburi province, calling for the Ministry of Transport to reconsider a newly imposed ban on seven steep and accident-prone routes across the country. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363983-double-decker-bus-operators-again-protest-ban-on-seven-high-risk-routes/

Picture courtesy of NBT. A group of double-decker bus operators gathered in symbolic protest on Highway 304 in Prachinburi province, calling for the Ministry of Transport to reconsider a newly imposed ban on seven steep and accident-prone routes across the country. Staging a peaceful act of stated “civil disobedience”, members of the Thai Double-Decker Bus Operators Association parked at a rest area near the ascent to Wang Nam Khiao in Na Di district to demonstrate their opposition. They argue that the ban is unjust, hastily implemented and severely detrimental to both transport operators and the broader tourism industry. The controversial ban followed a serious double-decker bus accident on Highway 304 in the aftermath of the Songkran festival. It prohibits the operation of double-decker buses on roads with a gradient exceeding 8% for more than five continuous kilometres and with a recorded history of more than five accidents in the past year. Initially introduced as a request for cooperation, the policy has since escalated into a strict prohibition covering seven major routes spanning the northern, central, northeastern, and southern regions, including the contentious Highway 304. Operators argue that several of these routes do not meet the ministry’s defined risk criteria and view the blanket ban as excessive and harmful. Operators maintain that modern double-decker buses are safe, equipped with GPS tracking, advanced safety devices, and subject to rigorous annual inspections by the Department of Land Transport. During the demonstration, some operators showcased their vehicles climbing the Wang Nam Khiao route to demonstrate their performance and safety in real conditions. According to the association, approximately 7,000 double-decker buses are registered in Thailand. They warn that the ban could have wide-ranging economic impacts, including on hotels, shops and restaurants along the affected routes. The prohibition was issued by the Central Land Transport Committee, chaired by a deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and with the Department of Land Transport acting as secretary. As of now, the Ministry of Transport has not issued any formal response to the demands for review or repeal of the ban. Operators have hinted that they may escalate their campaign if the ministry fails to engage in dialogue. The situation continues to evolve, with stakeholders across the transport and tourism sectors closely watching the next steps. Related articles: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362718-bus-operators-protest-ministry’s-ban-on-double-decker-coaches-along-‘risky’-routes/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1362946-ministry-of-transport-backs-down-over-double-decker-bus-ban-on-khao-phap-pha-route/ Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-06-18

Gun-Wielding Robbery Suspect Arrested After Failed Hold-Up & Mobile Phone Theft in Sattahip Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Bang Lamung district after previously attempting to rob a woman at gunpoint and later stealing five mobile phones and an iPad from a local grocery store in Sattahip, Chonburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363982-gun-wielding-robbery-suspect-arrested-after-failed-hold-up-mobile-phone-theft-in-sattahip/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Bang Lamung district after previously attempting to rob a woman at gunpoint and later stealing five mobile phones and an iPad from a local grocery store in Sattahip, Chonburi province. The suspect, identified as Mr Teerawut Supaput, was apprehended by officers from Sattahip Police Station with support from local investigation and crime suppression teams. The arrest followed a dramatic overnight manhunt after a series of crimes on 16 June. According to police reports, the first incident occurred at around 23:00 in the Bang Saray area. A woman, 29-year-old Miss Yupha Sareenak, was riding her motorcycle near Nong Jab Tao when a man on another motorcycle pulled up alongside her and attempted to rob her at gunpoint. Fortunately, a vehicle approached from behind, startling the attacker, who fled the scene. Shortly afterward, a second incident was reported by 32-year-old Miss Nitchawee Thanyanitivet, owner of a grocery shop in Moo 3, Sattahip. She reported that a suspicious man entered her shop under the pretence of buying goods, then slipped into the side of the building and stole five mobile phones and an iPad that were charging. He fled the scene swiftly. CCTV footage captured the suspect’s actions, and GPS tracking from one of the stolen iPhones led authorities to a noodle shop near a 7-Eleven and the Chumphon Navy School intersection. Locals recognised the man from the footage and attempted to detain him, but he escaped during the commotion, abandoning a black Yamaha motorcycle. A search of the bike’s seat compartment revealed all five stolen phones. A coordinated police effort led to his eventual capture the next morning in front of a convenience store in Bang Lamung. Mr Teerawut later confessed to the crimes, telling officers he had committed the offences in both Najomtien and Sattahip for the first time and had used a fake gun (a BB gun) in the attempted robbery. He explained that he initially went to buy cigarettes before asking to use a toilet behind the shop, where he spotted the unattended devices and stole them. Following the failed robbery attempt, he fled into a nearby grassy area, discarded the fake firearm and hid until morning before taking a ride-hailing service to Pattaya, where he was finally arrested. While in custody, the suspect received a message from a friend warning him that police were actively searching for him and that the story had made the news. Officers later recovered the discarded BB gun based on his confession. Police confirmed that Mr Teerawut faces multiple charges, including attempted armed robbery, theft and possession of a weapon (albeit fake) with intent to commit a crime. Additional charges are expected to be filed by Najomtien Police for the initial hold-up attempt. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-18

Python Startles Woman in Market Toilet in Sa Kaeo Province Picture courtesy of kaoded. A 52-year-old woman had a terrifying encounter when a large python appeared in a toilet at the Rong Kluea Market, located near the Thai-Cambodian border in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363980-python-startles-woman-in-market-toilet-in-sa-kaeo-province/

Picture courtesy of kaoded. A 52-year-old woman had a terrifying encounter when a large python appeared in a toilet at the Rong Kluea Market, located near the Thai-Cambodian border in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. The incident occurred when Mrs. Chomyong Srikodon, a food vendor at the market, entered the restroom behind her restaurant, “Paa Toi Thai Kitchen & Noodle Shop”, near Gate 1 of the Rong Kluea border market. She was startled to find a massive snake lurking inside, narrowly escaping a bite as the reptile struck and hissed at her. Rescue workers from the Aranyaprathet Rescue Foundation, including the specialised “Eastern Region Snake Team”, were immediately called to the scene. Led by Mr. Boontham Anusit, the team arrived quickly and located the snake, which measured over three metres in length and was attempting to escape down the toilet. Using rescue tools, the team successfully captured the python after a brief struggle and carefully extracted it from the plumbing. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. According to Mrs. Chomyong, the snake’s sudden appearance was terrifying, especially given its size and aggressive behaviour. The reptile was eventually released safely back into the wild. Authorities urged the public to remain cautious, especially during the rainy season when snakes are more likely to seek shelter in dry and warm areas such as buildings and restrooms. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-18

Gold Shop Owner’s Son Opens Fire on Police During Raid in Trang Province Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A dramatic early-morning police raid in Trang province nearly turned deadly when the son of a local gold shop owner opened fire on officers, mistaking them for intruders despite multiple warnings that they were acting under lawful authority. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363979-gold-shop-owner’s-son-opens-fire-on-police-during-raid-in-trang-province/

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A dramatic early-morning police raid in Trang province nearly turned deadly when the son of a local gold shop owner opened fire on officers, mistaking them for intruders despite multiple warnings that they were acting under lawful authority. A narcotics suppression team, accompanied by Trang Provincial Police investigators, arrived in Moo 4, Na Mueang Phet subdistrict, Sikao district, to execute a search warrant on a house suspected of harbouring illegal activities. However, as officers moved in to secure the property, 31-year-old Mr Phanuphong, the son of a nearby gold shop owner, opened fire from his family’s premises using a pump-action shotgun. Despite police announcing their presence and confirming they were acting under a legal warrant, Mr Phanuphong allegedly fired several shots, claiming later that he believed his life was in danger. Officers were forced to take cover as shots rang out. Reinforcements, including the local subdistrict head officer, attempted to calm the situation, but Mr Phanuphong reportedly fired at them as well. The situation was defused only after officers contacted Mr Phanuphong’s family by phone, leading to his eventual surrender. In total, the suspect discharged seven rounds. Remarkably, no injuries were reported. According to police, Mr Phanuphong claimed he had woken to take his child to school and became alarmed when he saw unfamiliar individuals near his property. Although officers had identified themselves repeatedly, the suspect said he neither heard nor understood them. During a subsequent search of the property, police seized a significant cache of firearms and ammunition, including: • One 12-gauge shotgun (used in the incident) • One 11mm handgun with 55 rounds of ammunition • Twenty-one 12-gauge shotgun shells • Two magazines containing eight rounds each (total 16 rounds) • Twenty-nine .45 calibre bullets • Thirty-nine .380 calibre bullets • Four 7.65mm rounds • Eleven 9mm rounds and one magazine with six rounds • Three leather holsters • Seven gun cases Mr Phanuphong now faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, obstructing official duties and discharging a firearm in a public area without just cause. He has been taken into custody pending further legal proceedings. Police have reiterated that all protocols were followed and that officers clearly announced themselves before approaching the premises. Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-06-18

FBI-NA Alumni Association Hosts Seminar on Combating Transnational Crime in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Matichon. The FBI National Academy Alumni Association of Thailand (FBI-NA) held a high-level seminar on 17:June, on the prevention and resolution of threats posed by transnational crime, aiming to enhance knowledge, share expertise and promote international collaboration among law enforcement professionals. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363978-fbi-na-alumni-association-hosts-seminar-on-combating-transnational-crime-in-bangkok/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. The FBI National Academy Alumni Association of Thailand (FBI-NA) held a high-level seminar on 17:June, on the prevention and resolution of threats posed by transnational crime, aiming to enhance knowledge, share expertise and promote international collaboration among law enforcement professionals. The seminar, held at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club Polo Club on Witthayu Road in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district, brought together top police officials and security experts from across Thailand. It focused on modern techniques, up-to-date intelligence and strategies for tackling various forms of transnational crime threatening the region. A key highlight of the event was a keynote address by Mr. Benjamin G. Virtue, Legal Attaché of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. His presentation was warmly received by an audience of senior Thai police leaders and security specialists. Distinguished attendees included: • Pol. Gen. Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, President of the FBI-NA Alumni Association of Thailand • Pol. Gen. Wichien Pojphosri, former National Police Commissioner • Pol. Lt. Gen. Udon Yomcharoen, Commissioner of the Special Branch Bureau • Pol. Lt. Gen. Anucha Romyanan, Commissioner of the Office of Police Commission • Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, Commissioner of the Personnel Bureau • Pol. Maj. Gen. Rungroj Thakornpunyasiri, Deputy Commissioner of the Border Patrol Police • Pol. Maj. Gen. Niwet Arpavasin, Deputy Commissioner of the Technology Crime Suppression Division The FBI National Academy (FBI-NA), headquartered in Quantico, Virginia, is a prestigious professional training programme run by the FBI. It brings together mid- to senior-level law enforcement officials from the United States and over 150 countries, with the goal of setting global standards, advancing knowledge, and fostering cross-border collaboration in law enforcement. Thailand is one of the countries with the highest number of graduates from the programme in Asia. Many alumni now hold key leadership positions in various national law enforcement agencies and have applied their training to develop Thai policing capabilities. The Thai FBI-NA Alumni Association serves as a central hub for coordination, knowledge exchange and international liaison. Its mission includes strengthening ties with global partners, enhancing the skills of its members and playing an active role in addressing the global challenge of transnational crime. As transnational threats continue to evolve, such initiatives underscore the importance of international cooperation and shared expertise in maintaining peace and security both in Thailand and the broader region. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-18

Man’s Toes Severed After Foot Caught in Motorcycle Chain Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 24-year-old man from Lampang suffered injury when several of his toes were severed after his foot became entangled in the chain and sprocket of a motorcycle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363977-man’s-toes-severed-after-foot-caught-in-motorcycle-chain/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 24-year-old man from Lampang suffered injury when several of his toes were severed after his foot became entangled in the chain and sprocket of a motorcycle. Emergency responders from the Sawang Lampang Rescue Unit rushed to the entrance of Suksawat Village, located along the Lampang–Mae Tha road in Phra Bat subdistrict, following reports of a crash. Upon arrival, they found the injured man, referred to as Mr A (name withheld), bleeding heavily from his right foot. According to rescuers, his big toe through to his ring toe (fourth toe) were badly torn, with the tips of several toe completely severed. The index and middle toes were nearly fully detached. Despite an immediate search by the rescue team and accompanying friends, the missing toe fragment could not be located. First aid was promptly administered before Mr A was rushed to Lampang Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Initial reports indicate that Mr A had been riding his motorcycle when it ran out of fuel. He called a friend for assistance. Upon arrival, the friend sat on the broken down bike while Mr A rode the second motorcycle, using his foot to push the first bike along. After about 100 metres, the leading motorbike braked and slowed to avoid a parked pickup truck at the roadside. The unexpected deceleration caused Mr A’s foot to slip into the spinning rear chain and sprocket mechanism of the bike he was pushing, resulting in the injuries. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-18

Six Private School Staff Suspended After Beating 16-Year-Old Student in Ayutthaya Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Six employees of a prominent private school in Ayutthaya have been suspended following a shocking assault on a 16-year-old vocational student outside the school grounds on the morning of 17 June. The incident, caught on video and widely circulated online, has sparked national outrage and prompted swift legal and disciplinary actions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363976-six-private-school-staff-suspended-after-beating-16-year-old-student-in-ayutthaya/