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Picture from responders. A man has been found murdered under mysterious circumstances inside a tuk-tuk in Phaya Thai, Bangkok, with methamphetamine pills discovered at the scene. At approximately 06:00 on 4 March, Lt. Col. Jeeranan Kaewian, Deputy Investigator of Phaya Thai Police Station, was alerted to a fatal assault in Soi Rama 6, Soi 16, Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi District. He immediately responded to the scene, accompanied by forensic officers, medical personnel from Ramathibodi Hospital, and volunteer rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The body of the victim, 49-year-old Prasong from Roi Et Province, was found lying face up on the back seat of the tuk-tuk. He was wearing a maroon T-shirt and black shorts, with a single stab wound to the left side of his abdomen near the solar plexus. Next to his body, authorities found eight methamphetamine pills in a plastic bag, and two additional pills were located inside the tuk-tuk, along with drug paraphernalia. According to witness testimony from Samran Phaplongam, 65, the tuk-tuk driver, Prasong had been living at the tuk-tuk resting area, where drivers parked their vehicles overnight. Prasong worked collecting scrap materials for sale and was responsible for overseeing the vehicles and maintaining cleanliness around the area. That morning, Samran had arrived to drive his tuk-tuk and attempted to wake Prasong for breakfast, but when he did not respond, Samran approached the vehicle and shook him. It was then that he discovered Prasong’s lifeless body and immediately notified the police. Samran stated that Prasong had no history of conflicts with others, though he acknowledged that the victim had previously been involved with drugs. However, Samran emphasized that Prasong had not caused trouble or engaged in petty theft. He also indicated that he was unaware of how the drugs came to be at the scene and mentioned that the drugs were a private matter for the deceased. Police investigators are currently collecting evidence from the scene, gathering DNA samples from those close to Prasong, and reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine the cause of death. Authorities are continuing their investigation and will proceed with legal action accordingly. -- 2025-03-05

11-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Shoots Himself with Abandoned Speargun Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. An 11-year-old boy from Nakhon Ratchasima is in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself with a speargun, like device, he found discarded by the roadside. The incident occurred on the morning of March 4, when the child, identified as Atit, was cycling to school in the village of Ban Non Peep, Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353585-11-year-old-boy-accidentally-shoots-himself-with-abandoned-speargun/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. An 11-year-old boy from Nakhon Ratchasima is in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself with a wooden speargun device, he found discarded by the roadside. The incident occurred on the morning of March 4, when the child, identified as Atit, was cycling to school in the village of Ban Non Peep, Nakhon Ratchasima. At around 07:00, while riding along the Klong Song Nam Road, Atit came across a speargun lying by the side of the road. Curious, he picked it up and, while handling the weapon, inadvertently triggered the mechanism, causing a spearfishing dart to fire, striking him in the neck. In excruciating pain, Atit managed to cycle back to his village, where he sought help from local residents. They quickly alerted emergency responders, who arrived at the scene and administered first aid before transporting him to the local hospital. Due to the severity of the injury, he was subsequently transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for emergency surgery to remove the dart. Atit’s grandmother, 65-year-old Somchit Robru, shared her shock and concern, revealing that Atit had been on his way to his primary school, Ban Non Udom Nopdon Upatham, when the incident occurred. She mentioned that the boy’s parents work in Bangkok, and he lives with her. Somchit explained that shortly after Atit left home, she noticed commotion outside their house. When she investigated, she found her grandson, bloodied and in pain. Atit told her that he had found the abandoned speargun and, while playing with it, accidentally fired the dart into his neck. Despite the injury, Atit showed remarkable resilience, managing to return home and seek help. Medical staff are currently monitoring Atit’s condition after the surgery. Authorities are investigating how the speargun came to be abandoned by the roadside, and warnings have been issued to avoid handling potentially dangerous objects found in public spaces. -- 2025-03-05

Man Rescued After Suicide Attempt in Phetchabun Amid Financial Pressure A man in Phetchabun was rescued after threatening to take his own life on the morning of March 4. The incident occurred at the Dong Tan Bridge in Lom Sak District, where the man, under severe financial stress due to escalating debts from illegal money lenders, was found sitting on the edge of the bridge. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353584-man-rescued-after-suicide-attempt-in-phetchabun-amid-financial-pressure/

Picture from responders. A man in Phetchabun was rescued after threatening to take his own life on the morning of March 4. The incident occurred at the Dong Tan Bridge in Lom Sak District, where the man, under severe financial stress due to escalating debts from illegal money lenders, was found sitting on the edge of the bridge. According to reports, the unnamed man had been struggling with his inability to meet daily loan payments and had been relentlessly pursued by creditors. The pressure extended beyond him, as his wife, who works in a government office, was also harassed by debt collectors. Feeling trapped by his circumstances, the man resolved to end his life. Upon receiving a distress call, the local rescue team from the Lom Sak Rescue Foundation, along with police officers, rushed to the scene. The rescue operation, led by volunteer officer Bandit Phongpaew, saw the team successfully negotiating with the man for over 20 minutes. Their persistent efforts resulted in the man agreeing to step away from the edge and safely descending from the bridge. Authorities later confirmed that the man, a resident of Si Thep District, had been struggling with an accumulation of debts from multiple unregulated lending sources. Unable to make the required payments, he had fallen under intense pressure, exacerbated by his wife’s involvement. The situation was averted thanks to the calm negotiation by the rescue team and police officers. This incident highlights the growing concern over the impact of illegal lending practices, with individuals increasingly feeling the strain of inescapable debt. Authorities are now focusing on the importance of providing support to those in financial distress and encouraging individuals to seek assistance rather than resorting to drastic measures. 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. -- 2025-03-05

Late-Night Arson Attack on Family Home Sparks Fears In the early hours of March 3rd, a family in Nakhon Ratchasima, narrowly avoided tragedy when an arsonist set fire to a motorcycle parked outside their home. The fire quickly took hold, but the five members of the household managed to escape unharmed after hearing their dog bark. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353583-late-night-arson-attack-on-family-home-sparks-fears/

Picture captured from CCTV. In the early hours of March 3rd, a family in Nakhon Ratchasima, narrowly avoided tragedy when an arsonist set fire to a motorcycle parked outside their home. The fire quickly took hold, but the five members of the household managed to escape unharmed after hearing their dog bark. The suspect, captured on the home CCTV footage, was seen wearing a helmet and raincoat while dousing the vehicle with petrol before setting it alight. The family live in an all wooden house and had the fire spread further, it could have ignited nearby gas cylinders, which could have turned the scene into a potential life threatening event. Fortunately, the family was awake and able to quickly extinguish the flames before they reached the cylinders or spread to the house. The homeowner, Mr. Pichit, expressed his relief, “It was incredibly dangerous, especially as the fire was near the gas cylinders,” he explained. “If the fire had continued, we may not have had time to escape.” CCTV footage shows a man carrying a petrol-filled bottle, which he used to set the fire. Mr. Pichit believes the attack may be linked to a previous misunderstanding with the assailant, who may have felt wronged over an incident from the previous year. The police are currently investigating the incident, with Mr. Pichit urging them to pursue the case fully. “It could have been a much worse situation if we had been asleep,” he said. “I want the authorities to ensure this does not happen again.” -- 2025-03-05

Residents Upset as Money Lenders Block Roads with Pawned Vehicles Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. Residents of Koohasawan Subdistrict in Pattalung City have raised urgent concerns regarding a money lender who allegedly obstructs local roads with pawned vehicles, creating significant disruption and safety hazards for residents over the past four years. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353582-residents-upset-as-money-lenders-block-roads-with-pawned-vehicles/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. Residents of Koohasawan Subdistrict in Pattalung City have raised urgent concerns regarding a money lender who allegedly obstructs local roads with pawned vehicles, creating significant disruption and safety hazards for residents over the past four years. Reports indicate that numerous vehicles, both motorcycles and cars, are parked along both sides of the community road known as Chumchon Ruam Jai, covering a distance of approximately 100 metres. The vehicles are covered with tarpaulins and topped with old tyres, which not only occupy valuable road space but also pose a risk of accidents due to the narrow passage. Local residents have voiced their frustrations, stating that they have filed complaints with various authorities, including the municipality and local police, yet little to no action has been taken to resolve the issue. Many believe the money lender's influence has contributed to the lack of effective intervention. "This has been an ongoing problem for years," lamented one frustrated resident. "We have had enough of living in fear of accidents every time we use this road. It’s a vital route for many of us, connecting homes and businesses.” The blockage not only hampers traffic flow but raises serious safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists alike, with the risk of collision increasing in the cramped conditions. The residents on 4 March, called on local government officials to take decisive action to clear the road and ensure safer passage for all. They hope that by bringing attention to this grave situation, they may finally find relief from the ongoing disruption in their community. As the situation develops, the community remains hopeful that authorities will act to address their concerns and restore safety to their roads. -- 2025-03-05

Authorities Intercept Pickup Truck Smuggling Illegal Migrants, Driver Flees Into Forest Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities in Kanchanaburi intercepted a pickup truck carrying illegal Myanmar migrants in the early hours of 4 March, but the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the forest. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353581-authorities-intercept-pickup-truck-smuggling-illegal-migrants-driver-flees-into-forest/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities in Kanchanaburi intercepted a pickup truck carrying illegal Myanmar migrants in the early hours of 4 March, but the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the forest. At approximately 03:00, Chakrit Tanpirun, District Chief of Thong Pha Phum, received intelligence regarding a smuggling operation transporting illegal migrants from Myanmar into Thailand. The group had reportedly travelled by boat from Sangkhla Buri District across the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir before disembarking in Thong Pha Phum, where vehicles were waiting to take them further inland. In response, a task force comprising local officials, paramilitary forces from the Lat Ya Task Force of the Surasi Army, officers from Provincial Police Region 7, Thong Pha Phum Police Station, and Border Patrol Police Unit 135 was mobilised. They conducted patrols along key routes and forested areas near the dam’s shoreline. The operation led to the interception of a suspicious grey Isuzu pickup truck travelling along the Thong Pha Phum–Huai Khayeng Road in Ban Tha Phae, Moo 1, Tha Khanun subdistrict. When officers signalled the vehicle to stop for inspection, the driver immediately abandoned the truck and fled into the forest under the cover of darkness. Despite efforts to pursue him, he evaded capture. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered 14 illegal migrants crammed inside, 12 men and 2 women. Some were concealed in the truck bed under a black tarpaulin. The migrants admitted to entering Thailand illegally via natural border crossings from Payathonsu, Myanmar. They had boarded a boat in Sangkhla Buri before reaching Ban Tha Phae, where a pickup truck was waiting to transport them further inland. Each migrant had agreed to pay a Myanmar-based smuggler 20,000 baht, with payment due upon arrival at their final destination. Following their confession, the migrants were taken into custody and transferred to Thong Pha Phum Police Station. They face charges under Thailand’s Immigration Act for “entering the kingdom illegally.” Chakrit Tanpirun stated that Kanchanaburi Governor, Athisan Intara, had recently visited Thong Pha Phum to reinforce government policies aimed at cracking down on illegal activities, particularly drug and human trafficking. Local administration officials, military personnel, police, border patrol officers, and village leaders have been instructed to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts in line with national security directives. -- 2025-03-05

Local Man Dies After Tree Falls on Him While Cutting Wood in Nan An incident unfolded on March 3, in the Chumchon community of Phu Kha District, Nan, when a 51-year-old man, identified as Khom was killed after a tree fell on him while he was cutting and collecting firewood. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353578-local-man-dies-after-tree-falls-on-him-while-cutting-wood-in-nan/

Picture from responders. An incident unfolded on March 3, in the Chumchon community of Phu Kha District, Nan, when a 51-year-old man, identified as Khom was killed after a tree fell on him while he was cutting it and collecting firewood. Khom had gone out to cut wood, but when his family could not contact him, for over a day, his father, Mr. Som set out to search. The father discovered his son’s body trapped beneath a tree. It was later confirmed that Khom had been dead for over 24 hours when his body was finally found. Emergency services and police were immediately alerted and responders were able to recover the body from beneath the cut tree. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as injuries sustained from the falling tree, with no signs of foul play. Authorities documented the site, took photographs, and created a detailed map for the ongoing investigation. The family was allowed to take the body away for a funeral. Authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident, but have stated that there is no evidence of anything other than accidental death, with the victim being struck by the tree he was cutting down. -- 2025-03-05

Teenager Fatally Stabbed in Chiang Mai Market Brawl A brutal brawl between rival youth gangs at Chiang Mai Gate Market ended in tragedy early morning on 4 March, when an 18-year-old Thai teenager was fatally stabbed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353576-teenager-fatally-stabbed-in-chiang-mai-market-brawl/

Picture captured by bystanders. A brutal brawl between rival youth gangs at Chiang Mai Gate Market ended in tragedy early morning on 4 March, when an 18-year-old Thai teenager was fatally stabbed. At around 04:00, a group of eight young men, all dressed in black and armed with knives and wooden sticks, stormed the market in Phra Singh subdistrict. Their target, a rival group, attempted to flee, with one teenager desperately seeking refuge on the second floor of a market office. Eyewitness footage captured the chaotic scene, showing the two groups engaging in a violent altercation as vendors pleaded for them to stop and urged bystanders to call the police. The victim was ultimately caught on the second floor and stabbed in the right side of his torso, suffering critical injuries. Following the attack, the assailants fled the market, reportedly threatening vendors and witnesses, warning them to delete any recordings of the incident. A market trader, who saw the events unfold, recounted how the attackers chased the victim across the street before one, allegedly a member of a Shan youth gang, ordered his accomplices to “catch up with him.” The teenager’s attempt to escape upstairs proved futile as his attackers overwhelmed him. Police from Mueang Chiang Mai Station arrived swiftly after being alerted and transported the severely injured teenager to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds. By the afternoon of 4 March, police had apprehended six suspects linked to the attack, all identified as members of the Shan youth gang known as 575. Two more suspects remain at large, with authorities actively tracking their whereabouts. Speaking at a press conference, Pol. Col. Prachaya Thisala, superintendent of Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, stated that the suspects, originating from various districts including San Sai and Saraphi, had no fixed meeting spot but would gather in different locations. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack stemmed from a dispute over a mere exchange of glances. The victim, who had no intention of fighting, attempted to evade the gang but was relentlessly pursued and attacked. Police are currently analysing CCTV footage and checking the registration details of the motorcycles used in the escape. Some suspects were tracked down and arrested in San Sai and Saraphi districts. Authorities have also launched a search operation to recover the murder weapon, which the suspects claim was discarded in the Ping River near Mengrai Bridge. Divers have been deployed to locate the knife. The six arrested suspects have been charged with murder, while efforts to apprehend the remaining two fugitives continue. Chiang Mai police have assured the public that the situation is under control, urging residents not to panic. “We have arrested most of the perpetrators, and we are confident the remaining two will be in custody soon,” said Pol. Col. Prachaya. -- 2025-03-05

Man Arrested for Deliberately Setting Fire in National Park A man has been arrested for illegally starting a forest fire in Sri Lanna National Park, Chiang Mai, in an apparent attempt to harass park officials and local villagers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353575-man-arrested-for-deliberately-setting-fire-in-national-park/

Picture courtesy of Park Rangers. A man has been arrested for illegally starting a forest fire in Sri Lanna National Park, Chiang Mai, in an apparent attempt to harass park officials and local villagers. On 4 March, officials from Sri Lanna National Park, including rangers from the Pang Ma Yao patrol unit and central inspection teams, carried out a proactive patrol in response to reports of illegal forest burning. A concerned citizen had alerted authorities to a fire breaking out in the eastern forest near Ban Kiew Hai, Ping Khong subdistrict, Chiang Dao district. Upon reaching the area, officers discovered a man actively setting fire to the forest. He was immediately apprehended and later identified as Mr Ainam, 33. During questioning, Mr Ainam admitted that he had deliberately started the fire as an act of defiance against a provincial ban on burning, which has been in effect from 1 January to 31 May 2025. He claimed his intention was to cause problems for both park officials and villagers. When officers arrived, the fire had already begun to spread, and he was found in possession of a lighter. Reports indicate that the suspect appeared calm and cooperative during the arrest, showing no signs of mental illness. Park officials handed Mr Ainam over to Chiang Dao Police Station, where he faces multiple charges under the National Park Act, the Forest Act, and the National Reserved Forest Act. His offences include illegally setting fire to the forest without permission and violating Section 19(9), which prohibits disposing of flammable materials that could cause wildfires. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing strict measures against forest fires, particularly during the burning ban period, as Chiang Mai continues to struggle with seasonal air pollution and wildfire risks. -- 2025-03-05

Body of Missing Fourth-Year University Student Found in Nan River The body of Suphakorn, known as “Man,” a fourth-year student at Naresuan University, has been found in the Nan River, eight kilometres from where he jumped from Naresuan Bridge in Phitsanulok on 1 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353573-body-of-missing-fourth-year-university-student-found-in-nan-river/

Picture from responders. The body of Suphakorn, known as “Man,” a fourth-year student at Naresuan University, has been found in the Nan River, eight kilometres from where he jumped from Naresuan Bridge in Phitsanulok on 1 March. Rescue teams had been conducting an extensive underwater search since the 22-year-old went missing in the early hours of 1 March. At approximately 08:00 on 4 March, authorities were notified of a male body floating face down in the Nan River near a floating home in Moo 8, Tha Thong subdistrict, close to Wat Sawang Arom. The body was dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, matching the description of the missing student. Emergency responders, police officers, and Man’s relatives arrived at the scene, where his family confirmed his identity. The body was taken to the pier at Wat Jung Nang before being sent to Naresuan University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. At Sawan Chom Nan Park in Phitsanulok, Sumarn, 49, the student’s mother, who had travelled from Nakhon Sawan, had been camping in the park for three nights, hoping for news of her son. Upon learning that a body had been found, she appeared visibly devastated. Man’s grandfather, Prasert, 64, expressed his gratitude to the rescue teams, local authorities, and residents of Phitsanulok who had assisted in the search. He specifically thanked a local massage shop that had provided a fan and electricity to support the family while they waited in the park. The cause of death will be determined following the post-mortem examination. 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. -- 2025-03-05

Fire Breaks Out at School, Funeral Gathering Helps Prevent Major Damage A fire broke out at a school in Buriram, on the evening of 3 March, but swift action from villagers attending a nearby funeral prevented widespread destruction. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353572-fire-breaks-out-at-school-funeral-gathering-helps-prevent-major-damage/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out at a school in Buriram, on the evening of 3 March, but swift action from villagers attending a nearby funeral prevented widespread destruction. The blaze erupted at around 19:30 at Ban Nong Khrok School in Thung Wang subdistrict, Satuek district. The fire started in the school’s public announcement (PA) system room before spreading to the medical room, which contained audio equipment, sports gear, and student dance costumes. Mr Nit Yonram, 52, an assistant village headman, was among the over 100 people attending a funeral next to the school when the fire broke out. Spotting the flames, villagers, teachers, and local police officers at the ceremony rushed to contain the fire while others called for fire engines. Their quick intervention ensured the blaze was brought under control before it could engulf the entire building. Mr Nit said: “If no one had been around at that moment, the fire could have destroyed the entire building.” Mr Saritphon, the school director, confirmed that the fire originated in the PA system room before spreading. The damage is estimated to be around 100,000 baht. Several teachers who had been attending the funeral reported smelling something burning beforehand but initially dismissed it as rubbish being burned nearby. They only realised the seriousness of the situation when they saw smoke rising from the school building. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire to determine whether it was accidental or due to negligence. -- 2025-03-05

Former Village Head Shot Dead by Friend in Sakhon Nakhon Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A former village headman in Sakhon Nakhon was shot dead by a close friend using a gun from the upper floor of a house. The suspect, who made no attempt to flee, waited for the police and stated he had been overcome with emotions before pulling the trigger Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353570-former-village-head-shot-dead-by-friend-in-sakhon-nakhon/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A former village headman in Sakhon Nakhon was shot dead by a close friend using a gun from the upper floor of a house. The suspect, who made no attempt to flee, waited for the police and stated he had been overcome with emotions before pulling the trigger. The incident occurred on the evening of 3 March, in Ban Dong Noi, Dong Mafai subdistrict, Mueang district. Emergency responders from Sakhon Nakhon Hospital’s 1668 command centre were alerted to an unconscious person, but upon arrival, they found the victim had already died at the scene. The deceased was identified as Mr. Them, 51, a former village headman of Ban Dong Noi. His body was found lying on his back, wearing a jacket and long trousers, with a gunshot wound to the right side of his torso, which had penetrated his chest. Nearby, officers discovered a gun leaning against a water jar and a spent shell on the ground. The gunman, Mr. Pholsak, 47, was the owner of the house where the incident took place. He called the police himself and was found sitting underneath the house, waiting to surrender. He admitted to shooting the victim from the upper floor, hitting him in the back as he walked towards the bathroom, from a distance of around 12-15 metres. Emergency responder Thanatorn, who arrived at the scene, reported that the suspect insisted he would not flee and repeatedly stated that the incident was a result of emotional distress he could no longer contain. As tensions ran high, police quickly took him to Dong Mafai Police Station, fearing reprisals from the victim’s family and local villagers. The victim’s wife, 46, said her husband and the suspect had been cutting tree branches together earlier that day after a storm had caused damage near the suspect’s house. They had lunch and continued drinking together, while she returned home about 100 metres away. She later heard a loud gunshot and was called back to the scene by a relative, only to find her husband lying motionless. She was shocked by the killing, as the two men had been close friends. While rumours suggested the shooting stemmed from jealousy over alleged messages between her husband and the suspect’s wife, she dismissed these claims, stating there was no evidence to support them. A witness, 18-year-old Mr. Hai, who had been helping with the tree cutting, said the suspect appeared heavily intoxicated before firing the shot. After shooting, he allegedly turned to Hai and asked, “Shall I fire another?”, prompting the young man to flee on his motorbike in fear. Neighbours also noted that the suspect had been jealous of the victim’s friendship with his family, leading to mounting tensions. At Dong Mafai Police Station, forensic officers collected gunpowder residue samples from the suspect’s hands as part of the investigation. When questioned about his motive, he remained silent. Police have charged Mr. Pholsak with murder, while the gun used in the attack is being examined further. -- 2025-03-05

Decomposed Body Found Dumped in Forest Near Chonburi Road Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Thai police are investigating the discovery of a corpse covered with a fertiliser sack and plastic bags in a wooded area near a highway. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353569-decomposed-body-found-dumped-in-forest-near-chonburi-road/