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Suspicious Fire: Woman Claims 10 million in Cash Burned, Police Discover 6.5 million in Car Police in Nonthaburi have seized 6.5 million baht in cash hidden in a vehicle, following a woman’s report that a fire at her home destroyed 10 million baht in cash. The case has raised multiple suspicions regarding the origin of the money and possible financial crimes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352777-suspicious-fire-woman-claims-10-million-in-cash-burned-police-discover-65-million-in-car/

Picture from responders. Police in Nonthaburi have seized 6.5 million baht in cash hidden in a vehicle, following a woman’s report that a fire at her home destroyed 10 million baht in cash. The case has raised multiple suspicions regarding the origin of the money and possible financial crimes. At 17:00 on 23 February, Ms. Nittaya, 27, from Samut Prakan province, reported to Rattanathibet Police Station that a fire had broken out at her residence in Tha Sai, Mueang District. The house, a two-storey government residence for irrigation department staff, was quickly extinguished by neighbours and municipal firefighters. After the fire was put out, Ms. Nittaya claimed that 10 million baht in cash, which she had kept under her bed, had been completely destroyed. However, when police examined the burnt room, they found no remains of burned banknotes, leading to suspicions about the claim. During questioning, Ms. Nittaya admitted to having additional cash stored in her brown Mitsubishi Pajero, parked near the house. Upon inspection, officers discovered: • 5.5 million baht in 1,000-baht banknotes inside a black fabric bag • 1 million baht in 1,000-baht notes inside a brown envelope Police immediately seized the cash to investigate its origin. Further questioning revealed that Ms. Nittaya had been handling large sums of money through multiple bank accounts. She claimed the money belonged to a woman known only as “Dear,” who had asked to use accounts belonging to Ms. Nittaya and her family, including her husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. Over time, 20.5 million baht was deposited across ten accounts, with daily withdrawals of 3 million baht, spread across six different accounts at various shopping malls. Ms. Nittaya was reportedly paid 10,000 baht per transaction for withdrawing and delivering the cash. She later admitted that another woman, known only as “First,” was involved in transferring the funds. Police are now investigating whether the money is linked to illegal activities. Authorities also discovered that Ms. Nittaya had lost 6 million baht through online gambling, further raising concerns about the legality of the funds. Rattanathibet Police Chief Pol. Col. Phisut Jantrasuwan confirmed that investigators are now examining all bank accounts and financial transactions involved. The police are also working with forensic experts to determine whether the house fire was accidental or deliberately set to cover up financial crimes. “At this stage, we cannot confirm the source of the money or whether it is linked to any illegal business. A full investigation is underway to verify its legitimacy,” Col. Phisut stated. Authorities have seized the cash and are conducting forensic tests at the fire scene while tracing all financial transactions linked to the case. -- 2025-02-25

Retired Teacher Involved in Fatal Drink-Driving Crash in Chaiyaphum A retired teacher returning from a social gathering was involved in a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two motorcyclists in Chaiyaphum province. The incident occurred at approximately 21:00 on the Bamnet Narong-Chatturat Road in Ban Chuan, Bamnet Narong district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352700-retired-teacher-involved-in-fatal-drink-driving-crash-in-chaiyaphum/

Picture from responders A retired teacher returning from a social gathering was involved in a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two motorcyclists in Chaiyaphum province. The incident occurred at approximately 21:00 on the Bamnet Narong-Chatturat Road in Ban Chuan, Bamnet Narong district. According to police reports, Pol Lt Jesada Chidprathum, an investigating officer at Bamnet Narong Police Station, was alerted to the collision involving a white saloon car and a blue-black motorcycle. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the damaged car stationary on the road, its front end with visible bloodstains. The motorcycle was lodged against the front of the car, having been dragged for over 30 metres along the road. Emergency responders discovered the body of one victim, identified as Mr Suchart, 46, lying in the road. Another individual, Mr Anek, 30, was critically injured and rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the saloon car, 67-year-old Ms Praphaisri, a retired teacher, admitted she had been returning home to Bamnet Narong after attending a gathering in Chatturat district when the collision occurred. During the incident, Ms Praphaisri initially denied being intoxicated, leading to a heated argument, almost becoming a fight, with the victims' relatives at the scene. However, a breathalyser test conducted by the police confirmed that her blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. Authorities have charged Ms Praphaisri with "drink-driving causing death and property damage." She was taken into custody and will face legal proceedings accordingly. -- 2025-02-24

Man Fatally Stabbed in Bangkok Shopping Mall A man has been fatally stabbed in a well-known shopping mall at Ratchaprasong Intersection. The incident occurred on the fifth floor outside a massage chair store, on 23 February, with authorities responding swiftly to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352698-man-fatally-stabbed-in-bangkok-shopping-mall/

Picture from responders. A man has been fatally stabbed in a well-known shopping mall at Ratchaprasong Intersection. The incident occurred on the fifth floor outside a massage chair store, on 23 February, with authorities responding swiftly to the scene. Emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation in Pathumwan received a distress call at around 22:00 regarding a man who had sustained severe stab wounds. Upon arrival, they found the victim lying face down in a pool of blood, unconscious but still breathing. Authorities later identified the victim as Mr Prayot, a 40-year-old resident of Nakhon Phanom. Despite immediate medical attention, officers later confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries, in hospital. Initial investigations led the police to identify the suspect as Mr Sorasak, a 27-year-old man from Nakhon Nayok. Officers were able to apprehend him at the scene and took him into custody at Pathumwan Police Station for further questioning. Preliminary findings suggest that the victim and the suspect were known to each other and were colleagues. However, police are continuing their inquiries to determine the precise motive behind the attack and take the necessary legal actions. -- 2025-02-24

Indian Restaurant Owner in Pattaya Calls for Action Against Rental Bike Operators Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A distressed Indian restaurant owner in Pattaya has come forward to highlight an ongoing dispute with local motorbike rental operators, accusing them of obstructing access to her business and intimidating her over parking issues. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352697-indian-restaurant-owner-in-pattaya-calls-for-action-against-rental-bike-operators/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A distressed Indian restaurant owner in Pattaya has come forward to highlight an ongoing dispute with local motorbike rental operators, accusing them of obstructing access to her business and intimidating her over parking issues. At 23:15 on 23 February, Ms. Thanya, 33, owner of Sharmaji Pure Veg Indian restaurant on Pattaya Beach Road near Soi 13/4, made a formal complaint to local media. She claims that for over a year, she has been facing harassment from a group of local vehicle rental operators, who continuously obstruct parking spaces in front of her restaurant, causing significant damage to her business. The harassment has reached such an extent that she has been left in tears. As evidence, she has provided CCTV footage capturing the alleged actions of the group. According to Ms. Thanya, she has run her restaurant for over a year and initially attempted to negotiate with the rental operators. She proposed allowing them to park their motorbikes in front of her restaurant during the day while requesting that they vacate the space in the evening when her business operates. However, the operators refused to comply, even preventing her from parking her own restaurant's vehicles in the area. She has sought assistance from various authorities, and Pattaya City officials have intervened on multiple occasions, suggesting a compromise by using an electric pole as a boundary marker. Despite this, the rental operators have continued to park their motorbikes in front of her establishment. When she tried to reserve space for her customers by parking her own vehicle there, the rental operators would immediately occupy the spot once she moved her vehicle for deliveries. Attempts to park nearby have resulted in her vehicle being boxed in and even damaged. The situation escalated when a foreign tourist parked their motorbike in the public space in question. Although the area is public property, the rental operators have been treating it as their private domain, forcibly moving other vehicles to park their own. In this particular instance, they moved the tourist’s motorbike into the middle of the road, leading to the police towing it away for obstructing traffic. Initially fearing theft, the tourist later discovered the vehicle had been impounded, incurring a fine to retrieve it. Ms. Thanya clarified that she does not fault the police for their actions. She reiterated that she does not operate a vehicle rental business and only parks her vehicle in front of her restaurant to prevent rental operators from occupying the space. However, the ongoing conflict has led to a loss of customers, as many are unable to find parking. She also revealed that the rental operators have openly boasted that authorities would not take action against them, further adding to her distress. Ms. Thanya insists that tourists should be free to park in public spaces but opposes the rental operators monopolising these areas. She also expressed concern over their claims of having connections within Pattaya City authorities, arguing that such behaviour damages the city's reputation as a tourist destination. This issue highlights the broader problem of rental vehicle operators dominating public parking spaces in Pattaya, making it difficult for tourists and local businesses to operate freely. Ms. Thanya is appealing to Pattaya City officials and law enforcement to take firm action against such practices to ensure a fair business environment for all. -- 2025-02-24

Man Killed as Oil Tanker Reverses Over Him A man was killed instantly after an oil tanker reversed over him in Roi Et province. The victim, who had reportedly been intoxicated, had laid down on the roadside near his home before the incident occurred. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352696-man-killed-as-oil-tanker-reverses-over-him/

Picture from responders A man was killed instantly after an oil tanker reversed over him in Roi Et province. The victim, who had reportedly been intoxicated, had laid down on the roadside near his home before the incident occurred. The incident took place on 23 February in a village lane in Kaset Wisai district. Police Lieutenant SomSak Liga, an investigator from Kaset Wisai Police Station, responded to the scene along with medical staff from Kaset Wisai Hospital and a local rescue team. At the site, authorities found a six-wheeled oil tanker with Roi Et registration plates. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Mr Manas, was present at the scene. The body of the victim, Mr Chanta, 59, was discovered lying on his back beside the truck. He had been crushed by the vehicle’s left rear wheel, suffering fatal injuries to his midsection. According to an initial investigation, the victim had been drinking with neighbours before returning home intoxicated. He had laid down by the roadside under the shade of a tree. Family members had attempted to wake him, and he briefly returned inside his house before coming back to the same spot. Meanwhile, the driver of the oil tanker was reversing into the narrow, three-metre-wide lane to deliver fuel to a storage tank opposite the victim’s home. Unaware that Mr Chanta was lying on the road, the driver accidentally ran over him. Police have charged Mr Manas with reckless driving causing death and will proceed with further legal action. -- 2025-02-24

Buddhist Monk Suspended Amid Scandal Over Inappropriate Video Call A Buddhist monk in Rayong province has been suspended from his duties following the release of a controversial video clip allegedly showing him engaging in inappropriate behaviour during a video call with a woman. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have called for his permanent removal from the monastery. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352695-buddhist-monk-suspended-amid-scandal-over-inappropriate-video-call/

Picture of some of the protesters at the temple. A Buddhist monk in Rayong province has been suspended from his duties following the release of a controversial video clip allegedly showing him engaging in inappropriate behaviour during a video call with a woman. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have called for his permanent removal from the monastery. On 22 February, a large gathering of nearly 100 residents assembled at a temple in Ban Chang District to demand answers regarding the viral video. Reports suggest that the clip, which has been widely circulated, shows a monk in a senior position engaging in lewd behaviour, masturbating, while on a video call with a woman using a cucumber in an act of mutual stimulation. The controversy has prompted an official investigation by the provincial Buddhist authorities. The district monastic chief confirmed that the Office of National Buddhism had received the footage and launched an inquiry, leading to the temporary suspension of the monk in question. During questioning, the monk admitted to being the individual in the video and acknowledged his misconduct. According to sources, the woman involved had allegedly befriended the monk via a messaging app before initiating the explicit video call. She later used the recorded footage to blackmail the monk, initially demanding THB 50,000, which he paid. However, when she later demanded an additional THB 200,000, the monk refused, leading to the public release of the footage. The monk has since reported the blackmail attempt to the police in Ban Chang District, seeking legal recourse against the woman involved. Local resident Mrs. Relai, 64, expressed her disappointment, stating, "We are relieved that senior monastic officials have stepped in to investigate. However, we do not want this monk to return to our community under any circumstances. If he does, we will ensure that the evidence is presented to higher authorities." Officials from the monastic governing body have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted before a final decision is made regarding the monk’s status. The case will be reviewed at the provincial level, with potential disciplinary actions to follow. -- 2025-02-24

Former Husband Fatally Attacks Ex-Wife's New Partner in Bangkok A violent attack occurred in Bangkok when a man fatally stabbed his ex-wife’s new partner, citing provocation via a messaging app. The incident took place late at night on 22 February in Soi Bang Bon 3, Bangkok, leading to the death of a 32-year-old tomboy woman. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352694-former-husband-fatally-attacks-ex-wifes-new-partner-in-bangkok/

Picture from responders. A shocking scene unfolded in Bangkok's Soi Bang Bon 3, where a love triangle ended in bloodshed. Fueled by jealousy, 46-year-old Mr. Saw launched a violent attack on his ex-wife's tomboy lover, leaving horror in his wake. The fatal encounter happened late at night on February 22. Mr. Saw ambushed 32-year-old Ms. Xin Oo, a Myanmar national, stabbing her in the chest. Despite swift medical intervention, she tragically lost her battle at the hospital. Witnesses reported the couple's return home when Mr. Saw struck. Ms. Noi, his ex-wife, had ended their 15-year relationship due to his volatile behavior. Their romance had soured, yet Mr. Saw’s violent jealousy lingered. Mr. Saw had reportedly harassed the pair in the past. On this fateful night, he lay in wait, launching his attack when the duo were near their workplace.Police caught up with Mr. Saw later, arresting him after he returned to the crime scene. In custody, he alleged provocation from messages on an app sparked his rage. However, he dodged questions about premeditation and denied ever hitting his ex. Bang Bon Police Station has charged Mr. Saw with murder. The case heads to Thonburi Criminal Court as the investigation continues. This tragic tale of jealousy gone awry emphasizes the destructive power of unresolved emotions, as reported by The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Hunter See Shadows, Thinks Wild Chicken, Fatally Shoots Villager A hunting incident has claimed the life of a villager in Lampang after a hunter mistakenly fired at what he believed to be a wild chicken, only to discover he had shot a fellow resident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352693-hunter-see-shadows-thinks-wild-chicken-fatally-shoots-villager/

Picture from responders. A hunting incident has claimed the life of a villager in Lampang after a hunter mistakenly fired at what he believed to be a wild chicken, only to discover he had shot a fellow resident. Authorities from Ban Ueam Police Station responded to the incident late night on 22 February, in a forested area near Ton Hang Pattana village, Moo 7, Ban Kha subdistrict, Mueang district, Lampang province. Police Lieutenant Sanoh Kamphiraphan, the investigating officer, reported the case to Police Colonel Praphas Ubonsri, the station chief. Forensic investigators, medical examiners from Lampang Hospital, and emergency responders from Maetui Rescue Association were also called to the scene. At the location, officers discovered the body of a 35-year-old man, identified as Narong, also known as "Mac," a resident of Ban Kha subdistrict. He was found lying face down with a gunshot wound and a pool of blood surrounding him. The alleged shooter, a 37-year-old villager named Sumet, surrendered himself to the police. During questioning, Sumet recounted that he had been walking through the bamboo forest near a stream when he heard the call of a chicken. He stopped to observe and saw movement and shadows, on a bamboo branch, partially obscured by leaves. Believing it to be a wild chicken, he fired a shotgun loaded with pellet rounds at the movement. Immediately after pulling the trigger, he heard a human cry. Rushing to the scene, he discovered that he had shot someone he knew from the village. At that moment, Narong was still alive. In a desperate attempt to save him, Sumet ran back to his parked motorcycle and alerted the victim’s relatives, urging them to help transport him to the hospital. However, by the time they returned, Narong had succumbed to his injuries. Police and forensic teams examined the scene, while medical professionals conducted an examination of the body at the scene. The victim's body was then sent to Lampang Hospital for an autopsy. Authorities have taken Sumet into custody and are proceeding with legal action in accordance with the law. -- 2025-02-24

Birthday Celebration Turns to Disaster as Fire Damages Seven Homes in Maha Sarakham A birthday celebration took a devastating turn when a fire broke out, engulfing seven homes in Ban Wang Bua, Moo 12, Kham Thao Phatthana subdistrict, Kantharawichai district, Maha Sarakham. The inferno, which started around 13:30 on 23 February, led to chaos as residents scrambled to save their belongings and escape the flames. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352692-birthday-celebration-turns-to-disaster-as-fire-damages-seven-homes-in-maha-sarakham/

Pictures from respinders. A birthday celebration took a devastating turn when a fire broke out, engulfing seven homes in Ban Wang Bua, Moo 12, Kham Thao Phatthana subdistrict, Kantharawichai district, Maha Sarakham. The inferno, which started around 13:30 on 23 February, led to chaos as residents scrambled to save their belongings and escape the flames. Local authorities were alerted by concerned citizens, prompting Pol. Lt. Itthidet Chinwong of Kantharawichai Police Station to request immediate assistance from local fire services. Muliple fire engines from the Kham Thao Phatthana Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) and nearby municipalities were dispatched to contain the blaze. Firefighters battled the flames for over an hour before gaining control, but they continued dousing the area to prevent reignition. Eyewitnesses reported frantic efforts by residents to salvage whatever they could. Household items such as clothing, refrigerators, televisions, and gas cylinders were hastily removed. Some, however, were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. One resident, unable to save any possessions, managed to rescue only her pet cat. The fire completely destroyed three homes, while four others sustained partial damage. The house where the fire originated, No. 148/1, belonged to 68-year-old Ms. Joomthong Phimsaen. At the time, no one was at home as family members were gathered next door for lunch. Witnesses recalled hearing a loud crackling noise before flames rapidly engulfed the property, spreading to neighbouring houses despite desperate attempts to extinguish them. Among those affected was 60-year-old Ms. Wilawan Kaewmala, the sister of Ms. Joomthong. Ms. Wilawan, who lives next door, was dining with family to celebrate her grandchild’s birthday when the fire erupted. She recounted the terrifying moment of realisation: “Someone shouted ‘fire!’ and I ran outside to see the flames raging. My first thought was to rescue my bedridden 35-year-old son. The strong winds carried the fire to my home, and within moments, everything was gone. I fled with only the clothes I was wearing, even my shoes were left behind.” Another resident, Ms. Puangphet Detphukaew, described how she initially mistook the noise for someone lighting a fire. Upon realising the severity of the situation, she rushed to retrieve essential documents, including her land title deed and house registration. In the ensuing panic, she fainted, requiring assistance from neighbours who revived her. Fortunately, her home escaped the flames, but she remains deeply shaken. Ms. Joomthong, the owner of the house where the fire started, was inconsolable and had to be closely monitored by relatives. Two of her family members suffered burns while attempting to extinguish the fire, sustaining injuries when embers fell onto their arms. Maha Sarakham Deputy Governor Mr. Kanok Sriwichainan visited the scene to assess the damage. He confirmed that three homes were completely destroyed while four others were partially damaged. Immediate relief measures include financial aid of approximately 50,000 baht for each household that lost their home entirely. Partially damaged properties will be assessed by SAO officials to determine appropriate compensation. In addition, emergency survival kits will be distributed to affected families. Initial investigations suggest an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the fire. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident while providing support to those impacted. -- 2025-02-24

Man Shot Dead in Rubber Plantation Hut Amid Personal Conflict – Police Hunt for Gunman A middle-aged man was shot in the face and killed in a rubber plantation hut, with authorities suspecting a personal dispute as the motive. Police are now in pursuit of the gunman. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352690-man-shot-dead-in-rubber-plantation-hut-amid-personal-conflict-–-police-hunt-for-gunman/

Picture from responders. A middle-aged man was shot in the face and killed in a rubber plantation hut, with authorities suspecting a personal dispute as the motive. Police are now in pursuit of the gunman. At approximately 11:30 on 23 February, Pol. Lt. Supharuek Chanhyu, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Phipun Police Station, was alerted to the discovery of a body in a hut within a rubber plantation in Moo 6, Phipun Subdistrict, Phipun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. After receiving the report, he informed his superiors before proceeding to the scene with Pol. Col. Luechai Thongsin, Superintendent of Phipun Police Station, along with an investigative team, a doctor from Phipun Hospital, and a rescue unit. Upon arrival, the authorities found the body of the deceased, later identified as Mr. Hasadee Wongsawat, 46 years old. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the face, chin, and head from a shotgun. Blood covered the floor of the hut, while the perpetrator's identity remains unknown. According to Pol. Col. Luechai Thongsin, initial investigations revealed that Mr. Hasadee had been residing in the hut. The exact motive behind the killing is still unclear. However, witnesses reported that he had engaged in a heated argument with a friend the day before, 22 February. Authorities suspect that personal animosity could have been the driving force behind the murder. Police are currently working to locate and question the individual who had argued with the deceased, while continuing to gather evidence and testimony to establish a clear motive. The hunt for the gunman remains a priority, with the goal of bringing the perpetrator to justice in accordance with the law. -- 2025-02-24

Relative Arrested for Threatening to Kill Debtor’s Family in Loan Dispute A man has been arrested in Krabi on 23 February, after allegedly threatening to kill a debtor’s family and abduct their daughter in an attempt to reclaim a loan. The suspect, identified as Mr Phairot, 35, was taken into custody at a petrol station in Khlong Phon, Khlong Thom District, Krabi Province, under a warrant issued by the Krabi Provincial Court. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352689-relative-arrested-for-threatening-to-kill-debtor’s-family-in-loan-dispute/

Picture of arrest. A man has been arrested in Krabi on 23 February, after allegedly threatening to kill a debtor’s family and abduct their daughter in an attempt to reclaim a loan. The suspect, identified as Mr Phairot, 35, was taken into custody at a petrol station in Khlong Phon, Khlong Thom District, Krabi Province, under a warrant issued by the Krabi Provincial Court. The case came to light when Ms Rattanakorn, 31, a mother of three, sought legal assistance from the Krabi Lawyers' Council. She claimed that Mr Phairot, her lender and a relative, had issued chilling threats, including the abduction and sexual assault of her daughter. He also allegedly posted a video outside her child’s school and demanded excessive interest rates, leaving her family in fear. Following an urgent police investigation, officers from the Crime Suppression Division and Krabi Provincial Investigation Unit tracked down and arrested the suspect. Senior officers, including Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Khajornklin and Pol Maj Gen Lertchai Champathong, had ordered an expedited response due to the severity of the case and public concern. Upon his arrest, Mr Phairot admitted to lending money to Ms Rattanakorn but insisted it was an informal arrangement between relatives. He claimed that he only demanded the repayment of THB 40,000 and denied being a professional moneylender. He also admitted to using an image of a firearm from the internet to intimidate the debtor, stating it was merely a scare tactic. In his defence, Mr Phairot refuted allegations that he charged hourly interest rates. While he confessed to threatening Ms Rattanakorn, he maintained that he never intended to physically harm her or her family. His partner corroborated this account, stating that they had initially lent money to help the debtor invest in an oil business. However, when Ms Rattanakorn struggled to repay the loan, tensions escalated, leading to further borrowing requests. The suspect’s partner argued that the exaggerated claims of excessive interest rates and multiple victims were false, stating that the couple had only ever lent money to this one individual out of sympathy. Police searched the suspect’s home for further evidence before transferring him to Sai Khao Police Station for formal charges. Mr Phairot now faces four serious offences: Charging illegal interest rates – lending money at rates exceeding legal limits. Operating an unauthorised moneylending business – providing loans without a licence. Extortion – threatening violence to force repayment. Intimidation- Instilling fear through threats and making statements that caused distress to the victim. Authorities have denied bail at this stage due to the gravity of the allegations. -- 2025-02-24

Highway Police Arrest Human Trafficking Gang, Discover Drugs and Explosive Highway Police have arrested a human trafficking gang transporting illegal foreign workers and discovered drugs concealed in a stuffed toy, along with explosives. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352687-highway-police-arrest-human-trafficking-gang-discover-drugs-and-explosives/

Picture of arrest. Highway Police have arrested a human trafficking gang transporting illegal foreign workers and discovered drugs concealed in a stuffed toy, along with explosives. The Highway Police Division 1, in coordination with the Immigration Bureau’s Division 1, had been tracking a suspicious vehicle believed to be smuggling migrant workers from Tak province to Bangkok. At approximately 19:00 on 22 February, officers identified the suspect vehicle, a speeding pickup truck exhibiting erratic lane changes. When signalled to stop, the driver attempted to flee, prompting police to activate flashing red lights, sirens, and loudspeaker commands. The vehicle was eventually intercepted. Upon inspection, the driver, Mr. Keng, 21, was found transporting two Taiwanese men without passports. His wife, a Filipino national, also lacked proper documentation. However, a Chinese man and two Filipino women in the vehicle possessed valid passports. A search of the vehicle's luggage revealed 22 methamphetamine pills and nearly four grams of ketamine hidden inside a stuffed toy. Additionally, a grenade was discovered. During initial questioning, Mr. Keng admitted to being paid 5,000 baht per person to transport the migrants from Tak to Bangkok but denied any connection to the drugs or explosive device. One of the migrants disclosed that they had each paid 200,000 baht to an unidentified Chinese financier for entry into Thailand. All individuals denied ownership of the contraband. The police have taken the suspects and evidence into custody, transferring them to Phrom Buri Police Station in Sing Buri province for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-02-24