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Picture courtesy of Matichon. A recent independent survey led by Associate Professor Dr Tamrongsak Petchlertanan from Rangsit University shows that 35.89% of Bangkok residents are “highly satisfied” with the performance of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt over the past three years. Governor Chadchart, who assumed office as Bangkok’s 17th governor on 1 June 2022 after winning the May 2022 election as an independent with over 1.38 million votes (51.84%), has implemented his vision of a “livable city for all” through 216 policies across nine key areas. The poll, based on 1,557 respondents between 5–24 April 2025, was conducted by political science students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The question posed was: “How satisfied are you with Governor Chadchart’s performance over the past three years?” The results were as follows: • Highly satisfied – 35.89% (557 respondents) • Satisfied – 34.60% (537) • Moderately satisfied – 23.39% (363) • Slightly dissatisfied – 3.74% (58) • Very dissatisfied – 2.38% (37) This means that over 70% of respondents expressed positive satisfaction, while just over 6% were dissatisfied. The survey was complemented by additional research conducted by final-year undergraduate student Pracharat Phoanoi, also of Rangsit University. His study, titled “Public Satisfaction with the Administration of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt”, focused on specific performance areas: • Environment (average score 3.80/5): Residents were most pleased with waste collection, public cleanliness, and communication about PM2.5 pollution. • Transport (3.75): Top praise went to sidewalk maintenance and public lighting. • Administration (3.65): Efforts to reduce flooding and disaster response drew particular approval. The only area that scored at a “moderate” satisfaction level was the fight against corruption within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), with an average of 3.36. Demographic breakdown of the 1,557 respondents included: • Gender: 53.1% female, 41.9% male, 4.9% did not state. • Age: Gen Z (18–28) made up the largest group at 47.85%, followed by Gen Y (29–45) at 27.75% • Education: Most respondents (61.85%) held a bachelor’s degree • Occupation: Students (34.36%), private sector employees (19.97%), and government workers (12.91%) were the leading groups • Income: The largest segment (26.4%) earned between ฿10,001 and ฿20,000 per month, while 17.8% reported having no income It is important to note that the Tamrongsak Poll is an independent research initiative and is not affiliated with any academic institution or government body. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.

Police Officer Dies in Bomb Attack While Investigating Murder Picture courtesy of Amarin. A police officer has died and two others were injured following a bomb blast in Narathiwat province on 4 May, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack linked to an ongoing murder investigation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359736-police-officer-dies-in-bomb-attack-while-investigating-murder/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A police officer has died and two others were injured following a bomb blast in Narathiwat province on 4 May, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack linked to an ongoing murder investigation. The explosion occurred at approximately 13:30 in the village of Ai Rakho (also referred to as Ban Yoi and Ban Ai Ro So), Moo 5, Chang Phueak subdistrict, Chanae district. The officers, part of the Narathiwat provincial police’s investigative unit, were in the area to retrieve CCTV footage related to a separate, shocking incident in which a blind disabled woman and her son were gunned down on 2 May. As the officers approached an electricity pole to collect surveillance equipment, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted at the site detonated. The blast injured three officers: • Police Sub-Lieutenant Phakaphong Suwannachana, sustained shrapnel wounds to the face and left wrist. Initially reported as conscious but in critical condition. • Police Sergeant Major Satit Khamhaeng, wounded in the head by shrapnel, remained conscious. • Police Sub-Lieutenant Theepakorn Chusing, injured in the right leg, also remained conscious. Sub-Lieutenant Phakaphong Suwannachana, who had been rushed to Narathiwat Hospital in a critical state, succumbed to his injuries at around 16:50. Initial investigations suggest the attack was a deliberate attempt to thwart the investigation into the double murder earlier this week. The explosive was concealed near the power pole, a location the perpetrators may have known would be visited by police collecting surveillance footage. The incident comes amid a renewed wave of violence in Thailand’s deep south, including recent bombings in Pattani and a motorcycle bomb near a military outpost. These events have prompted senior military officials to call for a reassessment of security protocols in the region. The death of Sub-Lieutenant Phakaphong underscores the ongoing danger faced by security personnel working in the restive provinces in the southern, where separatist violence has persisted for nearly two decades. Authorities continue to investigate the bombing and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359597-violence-flares-again-in-the-deep-south-gunmen-kill-elderly-woman-in-narathiwat-attack/ Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-05.

Frequent Power Outages, Mayor & Residents Apprehend Suspected Wire Thief in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Myanmar national was apprehended early morning after residents and the mayor of Bang Rak Phatthana joined forces to catch a suspected electricity cable thief, following a series of unexplained power outages in the area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359724-frequent-power-outages-mayor-residents-apprehend-suspected-wire-thief-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Myanmar national was apprehended early morning after residents and the mayor of Bang Rak Phatthana joined forces to catch a suspected electricity cable thief, following a series of unexplained power outages in the area. The incident occurred around 05:00 on 4 May, near Chanthong Iam Alley, close to the Wat Phai Luang intersection in Village 4, Bang Rak Phatthana subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district. The suspect, identified as Mr Aun 23, a resident of nearby Bang Yai district, was caught in possession of several lengths of electrical cable, a motorbike with no licence plate, tools, and drug paraphernalia. Mayor Pitak Yusuk, who was alerted by locals, arrived at the scene and assisted in detaining the suspect while police were called. Residents had previously complained about frequent failures of street lighting in the area, prompting the mayor to encourage them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. According to Mayor Pitak, repeated thefts of public lighting cables had plunged sections of the community into darkness. On this occasion, two men were reportedly spotted arriving by motorcycle in the early morning hours. When confronted by locals, one suspect fled by jumping into a nearby canal, while the other was successfully detained. Officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station later arrived to take custody of Mr Aun. A preliminary drug screening revealed a positive result for methamphetamine. The suspect was subsequently transferred to Bang Bua Thong Hospital for drug testing confirmation and then taken into police custody for further questioning. During interrogation, Mr Aun confessed to using drugs shortly before the attempted theft and named his accomplice as Mr Natthaphon, also known as “Nut”, who escaped the scene. Mr Aun also admitted that some of the wires in his possession had likely been stolen from elsewhere, as they did not match municipal cables. Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking the second suspect. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.

Football Gambling Dens Raided in Surat Thani – Computers and Betting Slips Seized Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities in Surat Thani have raided two illegal football betting operations in the city centre, confiscating dozens of computers and hundreds of betting slips. The crackdown follows complaints about youth involvement in gambling activities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359723-football-gambling-dens-raided-in-surat-thani-–-computers-and-betting-slips-seized/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities in Surat Thani have raided two illegal football betting operations in the city centre, confiscating dozens of computers and hundreds of betting slips. The crackdown follows complaints about youth involvement in gambling activities. The raids were carried out under the directive of Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supawiboonphon, who tasked Captain Chatchai Rakranarong, commander of the 1st Volunteer Defence Company, along with a special task force known as “Chor Por Tha Phet”, to coordinate with the local police force and district officials. At the first location, a two-storey commercial building in Bang Kung subdistrict, officers found evidence of football betting being conducted both online and via handwritten slips. Seized items included: • 16 desktop computers • 53 betting payment slips • THB 35,660 in cash Two individuals were detained: Mr Chanin, aged 25, and Ms Oranich, aged 20. Both were charged with managing and facilitating illegal football gambling operations. A second raid was conducted at another two-storey commercial building in Talad subdistrict. There, police arrested Ms Patcharin, aged 26, who was overseeing operations. Items confiscated included: • 16 desktop computers • 1 photocopier • 250 betting slips • THB 30,190 in cash She faces the same charge of operating and managing illegal foreign football gambling activities. Governor Theerut confirmed the raids were part of an intensified crackdown on activities that negatively impact children and young people, particularly football betting dens and the sale of kratom-based products. He cited repeated complaints from parents and warned that some offenders had resumed illegal operations even after previous arrests. He has requested the provincial prosecutor’s office take a firm stance, especially with repeat offenders, to prevent youth from being drawn into harmful environments. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.

Flash Flood Claims Lives of Two University Students in Pattani Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A flash flood struck without warning in a national park in Pattani province on the afternoon of 3 May, sweeping away two young women in front of shocked witnesses. Both were later found dead, their bodies recovered more than a kilometre apart in a desperate rescue effort hampered by the force of nature. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359722-flash-flood-claims-lives-of-two-university-students-in-pattani

Monk Arrested in Ubon Ratchathani for Illegal Gun Trade and Drug Dealing Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a shocking case of criminal activity behind monastic robes, a 60-year-old monk has been arrested in Ubon Ratchathani for manufacturing and selling illegal firearms, with proceeds allegedly used to fund a methamphetamine distribution operation targeting local youths. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359721-monk-arrested-in-ubon-ratchathani-for-illegal-gun-trade-and-drug-dealing/

Man Dies Instantly in Wrong-Way Motorcycle Crash with Pickup Truck in Pathum Thani Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man riding a motorcycle against traffic was killed instantly after a head-on collision with a pickup truck in Khlong Luang district on the evening of 3 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359720-man-dies-instantly-in-wrong-way-motorcycle-crash-with-pickup-truck-in-pathum-thani/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a shocking case of criminal activity behind monastic robes, a 60-year-old monk has been arrested in Ubon Ratchathani for manufacturing and selling illegal firearms, with proceeds allegedly used to fund a methamphetamine distribution operation targeting local youths. Police from Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Investigation Division, acting on intelligence from concerned villagers, raided Wat Ban Khaen in Don Mot Daeng district on 3 May. There, they apprehended Phra Somporn, also known as Mr Somporn, a resident monk, who was found in possession of a cache of homemade firearms and ammunition hidden inside his kuti (monk’s residence). The seized items included: • Three homemade long-barrelled guns • One pipe-barrelled improvised rifle • One homemade revolver • One break-action gun • One unidentified improvised firearm • Ammunition: .38 calibre (3 rounds), .22 calibre (4 rounds), 9mm (3 rounds), and 7 blank rounds The raid followed repeated reports from locals who claimed that the monk frequently displayed illegal weapons outside his kuti and was suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. Upon arrival, police noted that the monk appeared startled and suspicious, prompting an immediate search of the premises. Phra Somporn confessed during questioning that he had manufactured the weapons for sale, primarily to local villagers and youths in surrounding communities. He further admitted that profits from gun sales were used to purchase methamphetamine pills, which he then resold to teenagers in the area. Police also revealed that the monk had a prior criminal record, having previously served time for receiving stolen goods. He was immediately defrocked and taken into custody along with the seized weapons and ammunition. Formal charges have been laid, including illegal possession and manufacturing of firearms and ammunition, under The Firearms Act. The suspect was transferred to Don Mot Daeng Police Station for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A flash flood struck without warning in a national park in Pattani province on the afternoon of 3 May, sweeping away two young women in front of shocked witnesses. Both were later found dead, their bodies recovered more than a kilometre apart in a desperate rescue effort hampered by the force of nature. The victims were identified as Miss Nimusleeha, aged 21, and Miss Firdaus, aged 17, both reportedly university students. According to friends and eyewitnesses, the two had just finished swimming and were walking along the stream when a sudden torrent of mountain runoff surged through the area. Rain had been falling for hours, saturating the hills above the park. As they tried to flee, the girls slipped on rocks and were pulled into the fast-moving current, disappearing from sight as stunned friends and park officials looked on helplessly. A total of around 30 tourists had been in the area, but most had already left due to weather warnings. Emergency response teams from the Pho Ngoen Rescue Foundation, national park authorities, police from Na Pradu Station, and additional support units launched an urgent search. The rescue operation was extremely difficult, with officials abseiling into the stream and deploying drones and thermal detection equipment. Miss Nimusleeha’s body was located at approximately 16:40 while Miss Firdaus was found over an hour later, about one kilometre downstream. Both were declared dead at the scene, and their bodies were transported to Khok Pho Hospital for post-mortem examination before being returned to their families for funeral rites. Rescue teams stated that warnings had been issued earlier in the day advising against swimming due to heavy rainfall, but the victims may not have been fully aware of the danger. The incident has prompted authorities to issue renewed warnings to the public, urging caution during the rainy season, especially in mountainous or forested national parks, where flash floods can strike suddenly and lethally. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-05.

Cable Technician Electrocuted in Chanthaburi Picture courtesy of Workpoint. An incident claimed the life of an 18-year-old cable technician in Chanthaburi on the afternoon of 3 May, after he was electrocuted while working on a power pole and fell to the ground. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359719-cable-technician-electrocuted-in-chanthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man riding a motorcycle against traffic was killed instantly after a head-on collision with a pickup truck in Khlong Luang district on the evening of 3 May. At approximately 19:30, Police Sub-Lieutenant Pornpatcharin Narkkee of Khlong Luang Police Station received reports of a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a covered pickup truck on Chiang Rak–Bang Khan Road, near the elevated Bang Khan interchange heading towards Khlong Luang in Khlong Nueng subdistrict, Pathum Thani province. Authorities from Khlong Luang traffic police, doctors from Thammasat University Hospital, and rescue personnel from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were dispatched to the scene. They found the body of an unidentified man, estimated to be between 40 and 45 years old, wearing only boxer shorts and carrying no identification documents. Nearby lay a damaged Honda Wave motorcycle, licence plate from Bangkok, and a Toyota covered pickup truck, licence plate also front Bangkok, with its front also damaged. The driver of the pickup truck, 39-year-old Mr Thanakorn Phadungsak, told police he had been travelling from Nonthaburi to Khlong Luang. As he approached the scene of the crash, he spotted the motorcycle riding the wrong way down the road, swerving erratically and nearly colliding with other vehicles. “He suddenly veered into my lane on the right side of the road. I had no way to avoid him, and the collision was very forceful,” Mr Thanakorn said. Police documented the crash scene, and the body was sent to Thammasat University Hospital’s forensic unit for further examination. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and contact his family for funeral arrangements. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-05.

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. An incident claimed the life of an 18-year-old cable technician in Chanthaburi on the afternoon of 3 May, after he was electrocuted while working on a power pole and fell to the ground. The incident occurred at 14:15, at the entrance of Soi 99, Ban Khom Bang, Moo 9, Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang Chanthaburi District. The victim, later identified as Narongsak, was climbing a ladder to install cable lines when he came into contact with a live electrical wire. Witnesses said he cried out, still attached to the live wire, before falling and hitting the ground hard. Colleagues promptly called emergency services and attempted CPR on Narongsak, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police investigator Lt. Ploypan Arunrat from Mueang Chanthaburi Police Station and a physician from Phra Pokklao Hospital were dispatched to the scene to conduct a preliminary investigation and examine the body. Mr. Marut, 47, a colleague who was working alongside the victim at the time, described the harrowing moment: “We were both working up the pole and had just finished. I climbed down first, and he was following. He had only just begun his descent when he shouted that he was being electrocuted and then he fell.” Ms. Sureerat, 31, another co-worker, said Narongsak had been working with the team for around five months. “He was diligent, very tidy, and safety-conscious. He wouldn’t even work in light rain. I don’t know what went wrong this time.” The cause of the electrocution remains under investigation. Authorities are expected to conduct further enquiries to determine whether safety protocols were followed and if any negligence was involved. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-05.

Chinese Tourist in Critical Condition After Incident in Pattaya Hotel Pool Pictures courtesy Khaosod. A Chinese tourist is in a critical condition after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Pattaya in the early hours of the morning of 4 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359726-chinese-tourist-in-critical-condition-after-incident-in-pattaya-hotel-pool/

Collision in Rayong Claims Lives of Two Children, Leaves Four Injured A high-speed collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle with sidecar during the night of 3 May, in Klaeng District has left two children dead and four adults seriously injured, including their parents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359708-collision-in-rayong-claims-lives-of-two-children-leaves-four-injured/

Foreign National Slaps Driver & Rams Van in Phuket Road Rage Incidents Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A foreign national is under police investigation in Phuket after road rage incidents on 4 May, saw him slap another driver and intentionally ram a passenger van before fleeing both scenes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359717-foreign-national-slaps-driver-rams-van-in-phuket-road-rage-incidents/

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 5 May 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1359725-thailand-live-monday-5-may-2025/

Pictures courtesy Khaosod. A Chinese tourist is in a critical condition after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Pattaya in the early hours of the morning of 4 May. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 02:30, after receiving reports of a foreign national drowning in a pool at a hotel located on Jomtien Second Road. Rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation arrived promptly and found the woman unresponsive and without a pulse. Emergency CPR was administered at the scene, and the woman was successfully revived before being rushed to Bangkok Hospital for further treatment. The victim has been identified as Miss Chechen Li, 30, a Chinese national. According to friends who were present, the group had been swimming together when the incident occurred. They quickly ran to alert hotel staff, who then contacted emergency services. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-04.

Chinese Tourist in Critical Condition After Incident in Pattaya Hotel Pool Pictures courtesy Khaosod. A Chinese tourist is in a critical condition after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Pattaya in the early hours of the morning of 4 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359726-chinese-tourist-in-critical-condition-after-incident-in-pattaya-hotel-pool/

Foreign National Slaps Driver & Rams Van in Phuket Road Rage Incidents Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A foreign national is under police investigation in Phuket after road rage incidents on 4 May, saw him slap another driver and intentionally ram a passenger van before fleeing both scenes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359717-foreign-national-slaps-driver-rams-van-in-phuket-road-rage-incidents/

Picture and video courtesy of Khaosod. A foreign national is under police investigation in Phuket after road rage incidents on 4 May, saw him slap another driver and intentionally ram a passenger van before fleeing both scenes. The incidents occurred in Patong district and has drawn widespread attention after video footage emerged online showing the man’s aggressive behaviour. According to police reports, the suspect, described as a white male, was driving a Toyota Yaris bearing Satun province licence plates. The first victim, a 47-year-old Thai van driver named Wisit, filed a complaint at Patong Police Station following the altercation. Wisit recounted that while travelling from Kathu to Patong, the foreign driver aggressively overtook his van on Phisit Karani Road, suddenly braking in front of him on multiple occasions. Although Wisit managed to avoid a collision, the erratic behaviour continued. The situation escalated when both vehicles stopped at a red light near Patong Hospital. The tourist reversed his car without warning, crashing into the front of Wisit’s van. He then fled the scene despite Wisit’s efforts to flag him down. Later, in a video circulated on social media showing the same man getting out of his car on Phra Barami Road and slapping another motorist who had stopped behind him. The tourist was also seen shouting abuse out of the window at drivers in the opposite lane. Patong police have confirmed they are actively seeking the suspect, who may face multiple charges related to assault, dangerous driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with additional footage to come forward as part of the investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-04. ScreenRecording_05-04-2025 17-46-18_1.mp4

Collision in Rayong Claims Lives of Two Children, Leaves Four Injured Pictures from responders. A high-speed collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle with sidecar during the night of 3 May, in Klaeng District has left two children dead and four adults seriously injured, including their parents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359708-collision-in-rayong-claims-lives-of-two-children-leaves-four-injured/

Pictures from responders. A high-speed collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle with sidecar during the night of 3 May, in Klaeng District has left two children dead and four adults seriously injured, including their parents. At approximately 22.30, police at Klaeng Police Station received a report of a serious crash on Road 3648 near Moo 10, Tambon Thang Kwian. Pol. Sub Lt. Natthawat Ngobutda and emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene. Emergency personnel arrived to find four injured individuals, two men and two women and the lifeless bodies of an 11-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, both of whom had been thrown from the sidecar during the impact. The white pickup truck involved was found nearby with severe front-end damage. About 60 metres away, a six-wheel lorry stood at the roadside, with the crushed motorcycle jammed into its rear. Initial investigations revealed that the pickup, driven by a man in his forties, was travelling at high speed along Sukhumvit Road towards the Thang Kwian intersection. The road, currently under construction and narrowed by concrete barriers to a single lane, became the site of the collision when a motorcycle with sidecar carrying the family members attempted a U-turn. As the motorcycle manoeuvred across the narrowed stretch, the pickup driver was reportedly unable to brake in time, crashing violently into the sidecar and sending its passengers flying. The sidecar was thrown more than six metres from the impact site. The motorcycle itself continued forward, colliding with the rear of a lorry that had just passed ahead. The injured were transported to Klaeng Hospital for emergency treatment. The pickup driver, who also sustained injuries, is being monitored and will be questioned by authorities once his condition improves. Police confirm legal proceedings will follow pending a full investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-04.