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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. The video shows a group of six men in blue safari-style shirts and ID lanyards, believed to be school administrative staff, kicking and stomping on the teenager, who was seated on the ground in his vocational college uniform. Bystanders eventually intervened to stop the attack. The boy’s mother, Ms A (45), filed a formal complaint with Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police, stating that her son, referred to as Mr B, had called her in distress just before the assault, claiming he was being attacked. When she arrived at the scene, she found her son with visible injuries including a bleeding lip, bruises behind his left ear, and abrasions on his arm. He was later taken to hospital for treatment and remains under medical observation due to persistent headaches. Ms A condemned the violence, saying: “Even if my son had done something wrong, this level of violence is unacceptable. I will pursue justice.” According to Mr B’s account, he had parked his motorbike near the school to help a friend refuel when one of the men, a school employee, confronted him and told him to move the bike. The confrontation escalated when the man allegedly accused the boy of “staring defiantly” before returning with others to carry out the assault. In a statement released on its official social media channels, the school confirmed that the individuals involved were support staff and not teaching personnel. It stressed that the incident occurred outside school property and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward violence. The school’s director visited the injured student and his mother to express regret over the incident. The director stated that the school had suspended all six individuals seen in the video and launched an internal disciplinary investigation. Should they be found guilty, the school pledged to impose the highest disciplinary penalty, including possible dismissal. “The school does not condone violence under any circumstances,” the statement read. “We are committed to cooperating fully with authorities and providing support to the injured student.” All six staff members involved have now reported to police and formally acknowledged the charge of “jointly causing bodily harm.” When approached by the press, they declined to comment, saying only, “We accept responsibility for what happened.” As the investigation continues, public attention remains fixed on the case, with many calling for stricter oversight of private educational institutions and better protections for students. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Missing Couple Found Dead in Suspected Suicide Pact Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A peaceful morning mushroom hunt turned into a scene of horror when a local resident stumbled upon the bodies of a missing couple hanging from a tree deep within a forest in Plang Yao district, Chachoengsao province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363974-missing-couple-found-dead-in-suspected-suicide-pact/

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A peaceful morning mushroom hunt turned into a scene of horror when a local resident stumbled upon the bodies of a missing couple hanging from a tree deep within a forest in Plang Yao district, Chachoengsao province. At approximately 7:00 a.m., Pol. Lt. Chokchai Chokchayanan, Deputy Inspector of Plang Yao Police Station, received a report of two bodies found in a wooded area adjacent to Rural Highway CH.CH.3026, near a Border Patrol Police base and Bang Bo Market in Moo 4, Wang Yen subdistrict. Emergency services and investigators, led by Pol. Col. Preecha Nisaisom, Chief of Plang Yao Police Station, rushed to the scene along with rescue personnel from Phanom Sarakham Foundation. The bodies of a man and a woman were found hanged side by side from a tree approximately 300–400 metres from the main road. Parked nearby was a green Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, registration 1 กส 7735 Chachoengsao. The deceased were later identified as Mr. Arkhom (surname withheld), 48, of Ban Pho district, Chachoengsao, and Ms. Yothika (surname withheld), 25, of Kanwuan district, Khon Kaen province. Personal belongings recovered included a mobile phone, cash, cigarettes, and identification cards. Eight methamphetamine pills were also discovered in the woman’s bag, along with a bank book. A local resident, who had entered the forest in the early hours to forage for mushrooms, initially assumed the couple were fellow foragers. It wasn’t until they returned for a second round of gathering that they noticed the motionless figures and approached, only to discover the grim reality. The police were then immediately contacted. Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Amporn (surname withheld), 66, mother of the deceased man, revealed that her son and his girlfriend had gone missing on Sunday afternoon following a heated argument earlier that day. She attempted to contact them to no avail and only learned of their fate when notified by authorities. Initial investigations by Pol. Col. Preecha suggested there were no signs of struggle, supporting the theory that the pair had taken their own lives. Further examination will be carried out by forensic experts and a medical examiner from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Forensic Centre in Nakhon Nayok. Authorities have since transported the bodies for autopsy to confirm the cause of death. Once completed, the remains will be returned to the families for funeral rites in accordance with local traditions. Police have not ruled out all possibilities and are continuing their investigation. 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. Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-06-18

Orchard Owner Electrocuted by High Voltage Power Line While Pruning Durian Tree Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 28-year-old orchard owner was electrocuted on the evening of 16 June, after accidentally coming into contact with a high-voltage power line while pruning a durian tree in his plantation in Makham district, Chanthaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363973-orchard-owner-electrocuted-by-high-voltage-power-line-while-pruning-durian-tree/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 28-year-old orchard owner was electrocuted on the evening of 16 June, after accidentally coming into contact with a high-voltage power line while pruning a durian tree in his plantation in Makham district, Chanthaburi. The victim, Mr Natthanan, was found lifeless, suspended in the branches of a durian tree approximately 6 metres above the ground. The fatal incident occurred in Moo 4, Chaman subdistrict, prompting an emergency response by police and rescue teams from the Sawang Katanyu Dharma Rescue Association. According to police investigator Pol Lt Pramot Khongnantha of Makham Police Station, the man had been working alone in a large section of his family’s orchard when the incident occurred. He had reportedly used a long aluminium ladder to reach the upper branches of the tree, situated dangerously close to 22,000-volt overhead power lines. Rescue workers, after coordinating with the Provincial Electricity Authority to cut off the power supply, climbed the tree to recover the body. The operation was described as difficult and hazardous. The victim had visible burn marks on his arms, legs, torso and his hair had been singed, with strands fused to nearby branches. A four-metre-long aluminium pruning hook and a hand saw were found at the base of the tree, both showing signs of electrical burn damage. His sister told police that she and her brother had worked in separate parts of the orchard earlier in the day and returned home for lunch together. Mr Natthanan had then gone to trim trees in the larger orchard plot. By 19:00, their mother became worried when he hadn’t returned home and went out to search for him. She discovered his body atop the tree, causing her to collapse in shock. Investigators believe that while pruning, the victim accidentally touched or brought the aluminium tool too close to the high-voltage wires, resulting in a fatal electric shock. The use of metal equipment near power lines is suspected to have triggered the electrocution. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the death. The body has been transferred to Makham Hospital for an autopsy to formally confirm the cause of death. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by working near high-voltage lines and the need for increased safety awareness and equipment precautions. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Thailand Launches Social Media Monitoring Centre to Combat Cybercrime Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Royal Thai Police has officially launched the “Social Listening and Monitoring Center”, a dedicated hub for tracking and monitoring online activities, as part of an intensified national effort to combat cybercrime and enhance inter-agency coordination. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363972-thailand-launches-social-media-monitoring-centre-to-combat-cybercrime/

Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Royal Thai Police has officially launched the “Social Listening and Monitoring Center”, a dedicated hub for tracking and monitoring online activities, as part of an intensified national effort to combat cybercrime and enhance inter-agency coordination. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the CIB; Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and Ms. Yupaporn Sirikijpanichkul, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). The newly established centre will serve as a digital patrol unit, tasked with monitoring social media and other online platforms to detect criminal activities. Information and intelligence gathered will be centralised by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), which will coordinate with relevant law enforcement bodies to initiate legal proceedings against offenders. Speaking at the launch, Lt. Gen. Jiraphop stated that the initiative represents a significant leap in modernising crime suppression capabilities, particularly in the face of rising online threats. “This centre allows us to monitor and respond swiftly to criminal behaviour in the digital space,” he said. “We are building a stronger, more responsive framework for cyber policing in Thailand.” The centre will also act as a joint operations platform, bringing together agencies such as the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. The goal is to streamline operations, promote information-sharing, and foster collaborative investigations. Officials expressed their hope that the Social Listening and Monitoring Center would become a crucial mechanism in reducing cybercrime and enhancing national security in the digital age. The launch reflects Thailand’s broader push to improve digital law enforcement infrastructure amid growing concerns over cyber scams, online drug trafficking and misinformation campaigns. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-06-18

Soldier Killed in Ambush During Patrol in Yala Province Picture courtesy of Matichon. A soldier has died following an ambush by insurgents while on patrol in Yala’s Bannang Sata district, one of the most volatile regions in the country’s deep south. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363971-soldier-killed-in-ambush-during-patrol-in-yala-province/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A soldier has died following an ambush by insurgents while on patrol in Yala’s Bannang Sata district, one of the most volatile regions in the country’s deep south. The incident occurred at approximately 13:45 on Monday, 17 June, when armed assailants opened fire on a military patrol unit travelling along a route in Ban Wang Hin, Village 8, Bannang Sata subdistrict. Private Pakom Suden, a member of the 1st Infantry Battalion Task Force, sustained critical injuries in the attack. He was immediately rushed to Bannang Sata Hospital but was pronounced dead while en route. In response to the attack, regional security forces have issued heightened security directives to all units operating in the area. Measures include increased caution during school protection duties and route patrols, with all personnel ordered to maintain full operational readiness. Authorities have urged troops to remain vigilant for suspicious individuals, vehicles and objects and to ensure communication devices, weapons and related equipment are in optimal condition to facilitate an immediate response in the event of further attacks. Officials reiterated the importance of not underestimating the security situation in the troubled southern provinces, which continue to experience sporadic violence linked to longstanding separatist tensions. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-18

Teenage Boy Stabs Another After Alleged Assault in Hat Yai Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody after a violent altercation in Songkhla province resulted in one young man being seriously injured in a stabbing. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363969-teenage-boy-stabs-another after-alleged-assault-in-hat-yai/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody after a violent altercation in Songkhla province resulted in one young man being seriously injured in a stabbing. At approximately 08:30 on 17 June, officers from Hat Yai Police Station received a report of a knife attack near Moo 4, Ban Klang, in the Khuan Lang area. The incident occurred near a kratom drink stall across from a local municipal nursery school. Upon arriving at the scene, police found traces of blood and a discarded knife sheath. The victim, identified as Mr. Adisorn Suwannamala, 19, sustained stab wounds to the chest and right arm. He was discovered approximately 400 metres away alongside two motorcycles and emergency responders from Khuan Lang Rescue Unit rushed him to Hat Yai Hospital. The alleged assailant, a 16-year-old boy known only as “Zah”, works at the kratom stall opposite the scene. He too sustained head injuries and was later found about 500 metres from the incident, on Fueang Pracha Road. Rescue workers transported him to the hospital, where he handed over the knife to authorities. Hat Yai Police investigators later escorted the teenager to the station for questioning. He has been charged with attempted murder while officers continue to determine the precise circumstances of the incident. According to police, statements from witnesses and those involved contain inconsistencies that are being investigated further. One friend of the victim claimed that he and three others went to buy kratom tea and were preparing to leave when Zah called out to Adisorn by name. Adisorn, reportedly upset at not being addressed respectfully, returned to question Zah. A physical confrontation ensued, eventually escalating into a group scuffle. During the melee, Zah allegedly stabbed Adisorn before fleeing. However, Zah offered a different account. He stated that he was working when Adisorn and his friends approached and dragged him outside. He claimed that one of them brandished a firearm and chambered a round, prompting him to run in fear. He said he was then attacked by the group of four. During the struggle, a knife fell to the ground, which he picked up and used to stab in self-defence before escaping and asking a local resident to call for help. Police say both parties are being investigated thoroughly. Once the case file is complete, charges will be formally submitted and the case forwarded to the juvenile court, given the suspect’s age. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-18

Drunk Driver Runs Red Light and Crashes into SUV in Pattaya, Injuring Six Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing her pickup truck into an SUV at a traffic light junction in Pattaya, causing it to overturn and injuring six people, including a South Korean tourist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363967-drunk-driver-runs-red-light-and-crashes-into-suv-in-pattaya-injuring-six/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing her pickup truck into an SUV at a traffic light junction in Pattaya, causing it to overturn and injuring six people, including a South Korean tourist. The incident occurred at around 04:05 on 17 June at the Nong Phong traffic light intersection on Second Road, Jomtien, Chonburi Province. Police and rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV registered in Bangkok flipped upside down. Six individuals were injured in the collision, the 51-year-old driver, Mr. Watcharapong, one South Korean male tourist and four Thai women. All were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The other vehicle involved, a Toyota Revo pickup truck, fled the scene. However, parts of the vehicle, including the front bumper and a Bangkok-registered licence plate, were left behind at the crash site. With the help of witnesses and CCTV footage, police located the suspect at a hotel approximately 500 metres from the scene. The driver, identified as Ms. Thanchanok appeared intoxicated and was arrested on the spot. A preliminary breathalyser test revealed a blood alcohol concentration well over the legal limit. Mr. Watcharapong, the Pajero driver, also tested positive for alcohol but at a lower level. Ms. Thanchanok claimed she was returning to her accommodation with a foreign companion and had been talking while driving when the crash occurred. She admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening and said she had intended to brake but failed to do so in time. Eyewitnesses reported that the Pajero was heading towards Jomtien Beach when the pickup truck ran a red light and slammed into it. Following the collision, the pickup driver did not stop but fled the scene. CCTV footage captured the moment of impact, which police have since collected as evidence. Investigators are now proceeding with legal action against Ms. Thanchanok. Charges may include driving under the influence, reckless driving causing injury and leaving the scene of a crash. Police have stated that the case will be handled fairly for both parties involved. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Lawyer Devastated After Drug Party & Theft Wreck Home in Udon Thani Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A well-known lawyer was left in shock after discovering his home in central Udon Thani had been broken into, looted, and turned into a drug den, leaving the property ransacked and virtually unrecognisable. Estimated damage to the property is believed to exceed 1.5 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363966-lawyer-devastated-after-drug-party-theft-wreck-home-in-udon-thani/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A well-known lawyer was left in shock after discovering his home in central Udon Thani had been broken into, looted, and turned into a drug den, leaving the property ransacked and virtually unrecognisable. Estimated damage to the property is believed to exceed 1.5 million baht. Police from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station were alerted to the break-in at a two-storey detached house in the Non Khamin community of Nong Bua subdistrict. Upon arrival, they were met by the homeowner, Mr. Apisit, a 50-year-old lawyer, who led them through the devastated property. Once a high-end residence, the house had been completely trashed. Thieves had removed virtually everything of value, including aluminium fixtures, electrical wiring, air conditioning units, car parts and even wheels. Every room had been turned upside down, with the bedroom particularly ravaged. Investigators also found clear signs of illegal drug use inside the home, with evidence indicating the intruders had used the space to host a drug-fuelled party. Mr. Apisit speculated that the criminals may have rested and consumed methamphetamine before systematically tearing apart the property. “This place was once a beautiful home,” Mr. Apisit said emotionally. “Now, there’s nothing left. It breaks my heart.” The lawyer revealed that he had purchased the home in 2020 and had briefly used it as a sales office for a property venture, but the business folded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, he had relocated and only visited the house occasionally. His most recent visit left him stunned and devastated. “The entire house has been stripped bare. Not a single valuable item remains. I’m heartbroken. I hope karma catches up with whoever did this.” He has urged local police to act swiftly in tracking down those responsible, warning that “thieves in Udon are more ruthless than I ever imagined.” Police are currently gathering evidence and reviewing CCTV footage in nearby areas in the hope of identifying the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Lorry Driver Fatally Stabbed in Front of Wife After Traffic Dispute in Samut Sakhon Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A heated altercation between two lorry drivers turned fatal, on the morning of 17 June, when a 39-year-old man was stabbed to death in front of his wife following a suspected road rage incident in Krathum Baen district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363964-lorry-driver-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-wife-after-traffic-dispute-in-samut-sakhon/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A heated altercation between two lorry drivers turned fatal, on the morning of 17 June, when a 39-year-old man was stabbed to death in front of his wife following a suspected road rage incident in Krathum Baen district. Police were alerted at around 06:00 to a violent confrontation near the entrance of Wat Kaset Phantararam in Moo 2, Khae Rai subdistrict. Officers from Krathum Baen Police Station, forensic investigators and medical personnel from Krathum Baen Hospital rushed to the scene, where they discovered the body of Mr Narongsak, lying in a pool of blood approximately 100 metres from the main road. The victim was dressed in a black t-shirt and denim shorts, barefoot and had sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest and clavicle area. His six-wheeled Hino truck, registered in Nakhon Pathom, was found parked nearby. Blood spatters were visible across the road surface, and a pair of slip-on sandal, believed to belong to the assailant, were recovered near the crime scene. According to the victim’s wife, who witnessed the attack, the couple had driven from Bang Bua Thong to collect plastic goods from a factory in the area. While en route, they were travelling alongside a ten-wheeled box truck, which had turned into the same side road moments before the incident. After a brief exchange in which the victim allegedly overtook the ten-wheeled truck, its driver appeared to become enraged, sounding his horn repeatedly and pursuing the six-wheeled vehicle. When both trucks reached the entrance of the temple, the ten-wheeled lorry stopped behind the victim’s vehicle and the driver emerged, reportedly carrying a knife resembling a fruit-cutting blade. Mr Narongsak exited his truck to confront the man, but before he could defend himself, the larger man allegedly put him in a chokehold and stabbed him multiple times. The attacker then fled the scene in his truck, leaving behind his sandals. The victim’s wife, paralysed by fear, was unable to intervene. She said her husband attempted to walk back to their truck but collapsed and died before he could reach it. Police investigators have obtained CCTV footage from a nearby traffic light showing both lorries travelling closely together. Authorities are reviewing additional footage along nearby roads in an effort to identify the ten-wheeled box truck and its driver. The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination at the forensic department and police have vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice swiftly. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Heartbreaking Story of Schoolgirl Living Alone After Mother’s Death & Father’s Imprisonment Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A home visit by teachers has uncovered a deeply moving story of a 14-year-old girl in Udon Thani who has been living alone since the death of her mother and the incarceration of her father. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363962-heartbreaking-story-of-schoolgirl-living-alone-after-mother’s-death-father’s-imprisonment/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A home visit by teachers has uncovered a deeply moving story of a 14-year-old girl in Udon Thani who has been living alone since the death of her mother and the incarceration of her father. The girl, identified as Miss Kriss is a Mathayom 1 student at Wat Pattamakorn Secondary School in Ban Bo Pattam, Sa Baeng Subdistrict, Nong Han District. Her plight came to light after a local Facebook page, Nong Han Ban Hao, shared her story, prompting shock and sympathy across the community. Teachers visiting her home were astonished to find that Kriss lives entirely on her own in a dilapidated one-storey concrete house with a leaking metal roof. Her mother died two years ago, followed by her grandmother the year after. Her father is currently imprisoned in Surat Thani Province and had previously been abusive to both Kriss and her mother. Kriss survives by cooking for herself and occasionally receives visits from her older sister or a distant aunt. In the evenings after school, she earns a modest income, around 30 to 50 baht per day, by skewering grilled chicken at a local stall. The home she lives in technically belongs to her late grandmother, who had mortgaged it with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) a decade ago. The current status of the mortgage remains uncertain, raising fears that the house could be repossessed at any time. Local authorities, including Mr Grawi Sarakham, Member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party and district officials, have since visited the girl. They offered food supplies and a cash donation and pledged to provide Kriss with a monthly stipend of 3,000 baht to support her education through to university or as far as she wishes to study. “I was moved after hearing about her situation,” said Mr Grawi. “She is a bright student with great potential. No child should have to face life alone like this, especially a young girl.” Assistant school director Mr Natthawut Phonyiem, who led the original visit, described how the teaching staff were left stunned. “We didn’t expect this. Kriss is practically alone. Her house is falling apart, and she barely has support,” he said. Kriss’s resilience and maturity have touched many. “When I lived with my mother and father in Koh Samui, my father was abusive. My mother fled with me here. After she passed away, I stayed with my grandmother until she died too,” she shared. “Now, I live alone. I used to dream of opening a flower shop. Even though I’m alone, I’ll keep fighting for my mother.” Ms Bua, 60, Kriss’s great-aunt and the sister of her late grandmother, confirmed that Kriss has refused offers to live with relatives. “She’s a brave child,” she said. “But she’s all alone. Her mother mortgaged the house ten years ago, and we don’t know if it has been seized or sold yet.” Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Refuge Collector Killed After Being Hit by Pickup Truck While Collecting Rubbish Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A road crash in Ratchaburi province has claimed the life of a municipal sanitation worker on the morning of 17 June, after he was struck by a pickup truck while carrying out his duties. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363961-refuge-collector-killed-after-being-hit-by-pickup-truck-while-collecting-rubbish/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A road crash in Ratchaburi province has claimed the life of a municipal sanitation worker on the morning of 17 June, after he was struck by a pickup truck while carrying out his duties. The incident occurred at approximately 07:00 on the Ban Kum–Don Yai Road in Moo 2, Bang Phae sub-district. Police investigator Pol Lt Suttipong Suwannano of Bang Phae Police Station and rescue volunteers from Sawang Ratchaburi Foundation were dispatched to the scene following reports of a fatal collision. Emergency responders arrived to find the body of Mr Manop, a refuse collector employed by Bang Phae Subdistrict Municipality, lying lifeless at the rear of a municipal garbage truck. Nearby, a silver Isuzu pickup truck with Ratchaburi registration, which had been transporting workers to a fishing site, was found with front-end damage. The municipal six-wheeled orange rubbish lorry had sustained damage to its rear right side. Initial investigations revealed that the garbage truck had parked temporarily at a designated collection point when the deceased was standing behind the vehicle, preparing to lift a bin to empty into the truck. At that moment, the pickup truck driver reportedly veered into the rear of the garbage truck, striking Mr Manop with fatal force. Two passengers in the pickup suffered minor injuries but declined hospital treatment. Authorities have transferred the victim’s body to the forensic department at Ratchaburi Hospital. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18

Chinese-Backed Criminal Base Raided in Pattaya, Gambling Den & Call Centre Busted Picture courtesy of Naewna. Immigration and police forces have dismantled a large-scale illegal operation in central Pattaya believed to be backed by Chinese criminal networks. The eight-storey apartment building in Soi Sukhumvit 36 was found to house a casino, a cyber scam base and illegal foreign workers. Multiple suspects were arrested. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363959-chinese-backed-criminal-base-raided-in-pattaya-gambling-den-call-centre-busted/

Pictures courtesy of Naewna. Immigration and police forces have dismantled a large-scale illegal operation in central Pattaya believed to be backed by Chinese criminal networks. The eight-storey apartment building in Soi Sukhumvit 36 was found to house a casino, a cyber scam base and illegal foreign workers. Multiple suspects were arrested. The coordinated raid was led by Police Major General Chairit Anurith, Commander of Immigration Division 3, alongside senior officers from the Pattaya City Police Station and Bang Lamung district officials. Acting on solid intelligence, the team stormed the apartment complex suspected to be a “one-stop” hideout for various illicit activities run by foreign nationals. During the raid, officers discovered more than 50 units in the building had been transformed into zones for criminal operations. These included: • A gambling area complete with mahjong tables, poker chips and other gambling equipment • A high-tech call centre used in online scams • A karaoke room catering to VIP guests • A reception lobby designed to maintain the facade of a legitimate residence Authorities identified three main groups of offenders: 1. Illegal Gamblers: 20 foreign nationals were arrested for gambling, including 16 Chinese, 3 Vietnamese, and 1 Singaporean. Officers seized poker tables, mahjong sets and large quantities of chips used in place of cash. 2. Immigration Violators: 24 people were charged with immigration and labour law violations. These included 16 Chinese and 2 Singaporeans (both violating visa terms), 1 Cambodian working illegally, and 5 Myanmar nationals (2 visa overstays and 3 illegal entries). 3. Call Centre Fraudsters: On the top floor, six Chinese nationals were caught operating a sophisticated online scam. Authorities discovered they were distributing ransomware links disguised as corporate content to targets in China. Computers, 15 mobile phones and 9 laptops were seized. They face charges of belonging to a secret criminal society, working without permits and cybercrime-related offences. The raid followed a tip-off from a local resident who noticed unusual night-time activity involving foreign nationals at the site, known as the Antai Holiday Hotel in Central Pattaya. Undercover agents conducted surveillance before the full-scale operation was launched. All suspects have been formally charged and handed over to investigative officers for legal proceedings. Deportation orders have also been issued and the individuals will be blacklisted permanently, banning them from re-entering Thailand. Authorities said the successful bust was the result of close coordination between the Immigration Bureau, Pattaya Police and district officials. It underscores growing concerns over the infiltration of transnational crime syndicates into Thai cities, particularly in tourist hubs like Pattaya. Further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the network and potential financial backers. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-18

Woman 52, Caught After Snatching Gold in Khon Kaen Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 52-year-old woman has been arrested in Khon Kaen province after she snatched a gold necklace from a gold shop and buried it in the ground near her home in a desperate attempt to evade arrest. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363864-woman-52-caught-after-snatching-gold-in-khon-kaen/