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Picture from responders. A road crash claimed the lives of two college students in Nakhon Si Thammarat after their motorbike collided with a songthaew that was making an unsafe U-turn. The incident occurred at approximately 18:00 on 21 February at a U-turn in Moo 16, Tha Ruea subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat district. Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find both students critically injured. Despite efforts to administer CPR, one died at the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries later at Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. Their motorbike, a grey Honda with registration number from Nakhon Si Thammarat, was found severely damaged, while the songthaew was parked a short distance away. The victims, a male and female student from a local college in Nakhon Si Thammarat, were on their way home to Chian Yai district after classes. The deceased female 16, died at the scene, while the 16-year-old male, who was driving the motorbike, passed away in hospital. Witnesses reported that as the students were riding along the road, a songthaew attempted to make a U-turn without proper caution. The motorbike was unable to brake in time, resulting in a high-impact collision. Authorities are gathering evidence and witness statements to determine responsibility and proceed with legal action against the songthaew driver. -- 2025-02-23

Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to Monitor Foreigners in Thailand Picture courtesy: The Nation The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) has heightened its surveillance of areas with significant foreign populations across Thailand. This comes as a preventive measure following recent tensions involving Israeli tourists in Pai, Mae Hong Son province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352541-internal-security-operations-command-isoc-to-monitor-foreigners in-thailand/

Picture captured from video. Passengers on a flight from Khabarovsk, Russia, to Phuket, teported to be this week, but no details of the exact date is available, were left stunned after a female traveller, heavily intoxicated mid-flight, created a scene by harassing fellow passengers before stripping off her lower half and lying in the aisle. According to eyewitnesses, the incident began shortly after takeoff when the woman, seemingly eager to start her holiday early, started drinking excessively. As her alcohol consumption increased, so did her disruptive behaviour. Passengers reported that she became loud and intrusive, attempting to engage in inappropriate conversations with those seated nearby. Despite the unsettling ordeal, the aircraft continued its journey without further disruption and landed safely at Phuket International Airport. It remains unclear whether Thai authorities were informed of the incident or if any legal action was taken against the passenger upon arrival. While airline representatives have yet to issue a formal statement regarding this particular incident, several passengers have spoken out about their discomfort. Some have called for stricter measures to prevent such behaviour, including increased monitoring of alcohol consumption on flights and tougher penalties for offenders. -- 2025-02-23

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 23 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1352597-thailand-live-sunday-23-february-2025/

Police Crack Down on Illegal Hotels Aiding Scammers: Fines Total 5.5 Million Baht The Eastern Regional Police, led by Police General Yingyot Thepjumnong, have intensified efforts against illegal hotels supporting criminal activities, specifically those linked to money laundering and call centre scams. In a significant ruling, a court has imposed a hefty fine of 5.5 million baht on a hotel owner for providing accommodation to individuals involved in these illicit operations. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352581-police-crack-down-on-illegal-hotels-aiding-scammers-fines-total-55-million-baht/

Picture of Police General Yingyot Thepjumnong The Eastern Regional Police, led by Police General Yingyot Thepjumnong, have intensified efforts against illegal hotels supporting criminal activities, specifically those linked to money laundering and call centre scams. In a significant ruling, a court has imposed a hefty fine of 5.5 million baht on a hotel owner for providing accommodation to individuals involved in these illicit operations. As part of Operation “Arany 68 Seal Border,” the police are targeting illegal migrants and international criminal syndicates, particularly those using hotels as safe havens for their activities. The crackdown focuses on areas along the borders of Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat, where many of these crimes are reported to occur. General Yingyot stated that the police have successfully apprehended numerous suspects and are actively seeking to deter hotel operators from offering refuge to “mule” account holders, individuals who use bank accounts belonging to others to facilitate illegal financial transactions. He warned that any hotel found providing shelter to these individuals risks severe legal consequences. On February 17, 2025, the authorities raided a guesthouse in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province, after discovering it was housing “mule” account holders tied to call centre scams. The court subsequently sentenced the owner, identified only as Mr A (48), to three months in prison (suspended for two years) and fined him 5,000 baht, with additional penalties amounting to 5,528,000 baht for ongoing violations. General Yingyot remarked, “This serves as a costly lesson for hotel operators. Allowing criminals to use your establishment for their operations could lead to serious repercussions. Any hotel owners who knowingly provide accommodation to individuals using someone else’s bank account will face legal action.” The police chief reiterated that hotels and guesthouses found sheltering online scammers may be violating the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999). Violators could face imprisonment, hefty fines, or both. General Yingyot concluded by urging hotel operators to ensure their establishments do not become hiding places for criminals. He encouraged anyone with information regarding suspicious activities to report them to the police immediately, reinforcing the police’s commitment to combat transnational crime and the ongoing threat posed by call centre scams. -- 2025-02-22

Shocking Incident in Jomtien: Man Chases Tourist, with Large Knife A shocking incident in Jomtien has sparked widespread discussion on social media after a video emerged showing a man chasing a foreign tourist, with a large knife in broad daylight. The event occurred near the Cabana Hotel on Jomtien Second Road and was captured on a vehicle’s dashboard camera. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352567-shocking-incident-in-jomtien-man-chases-tourist-with-large-knife/

Picture captured from dash-cam below. A shocking incident in Jomtien has sparked widespread discussion on social media after a video emerged showing a man chasing a foreign tourist, with a large knife in broad daylight. The event occurred near the Cabana Hotel on Jomtien Second Road and was captured on a vehicle’s dashboard camera. A Facebook user posted about the alarming incident, questioning whether the aggressor was a food delivery rider. The footage, from 21 February, shows a Thai man wearing a short-sleeved blue shirt, black arm sleeves, cream trousers, and a full-face black helmet. He was seen holding a long-bladed weapon in his right hand while pursuing a foreign tourist dressed in black, who ran frantically across the road to escape, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic. The individual who uploaded the footage, identified as Ms Nam, recounted her experience, stating that she was driving to Bang Saray in Sattahip to deliver a customer when she encountered the incident. The sudden occurrence, forced her to brake abruptly in shock as the fleeing tourist dashed in front of her vehicle. She also witnessed the man in blue wielding the large knife in pursuit. Concerned for her own safety and that of her female passengers, she honked her horn in an attempt to deter the aggressor. She later shared the footage in a social media group as a warning, stressing that such behaviour damages the city's image and instils fear among tourists. The video has since raised concerns about the impact on Pattaya’s tourism reputation. Authorities are now awaiting further details from the victim, who has yet to file a formal police complaint. The case remains under investigation, with officials urging any witnesses or involved parties to come forward to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event. -- 2025-02-22 ScreenRecording_02-23-2025 13-21-18_1.mp4

Road Rage Incident in Samut Prakan Leaves One Seriously Injured A violent road rage incident on Srinagarindra Road, Samut Prakan, resulted in a man being stabbed and left in critical condition following an altercation between two drivers. The incident, which occurred at approximately 20:30 on 21 February, is believed to have been triggered by aggressive driving and an exchange of obscene gestures. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352546-road-rage-incident-in-samut-prakan-leaves-one-seriously-injured/

Picture from responders A violent road rage incident on Srinagarindra Road, Samut Prakan, resulted in a man being stabbed and left in critical condition following an altercation between two drivers. The incident, which occurred at approximately 20:30 on 21 February, is believed to have been triggered by aggressive driving and an exchange of obscene gestures. Police from Samrong Nuea Police Station responded to reports of a stabbing near Soi Srinakarin 5, where they found Mr. Thanathat 27, suffering from a stab wound to the right side of his chest. He had lost a significant amount of blood and was struggling to breathe. Emergency responders rushed him to Samut Prakan Hospital for urgent medical treatment. At the scene, officers discovered two vehicles involved in the altercation, a closed-bed pickup truck driven by the injured man and a black SUV belonging to the suspect. A bloodstained fruit knife was found on the ground and collected as evidence. Police arrested Mr. Suthikul 56, the SUV driver, who was identified as the attacker, but he also required hospital treatment. Helmet camera footage from a passing food delivery rider captured part of the incident. The footage showed the pickup truck aggressively tailing and then overtaking the SUV before swerving to block its path. The driver of the pickup truck then exited his vehicle and approached the SUV. However, the camera footage ended before the stabbing took place. A witness, identified only as Mr. A, who was riding behind the vehicles, reported seeing the pickup truck driver get out and confront the SUV driver, who had lowered his window. After a heated exchange, the pickup truck driver threw the first punch, leading to a physical altercation between both men. The witness, who did not stop at the scene, later returned to find that one of the men had been stabbed. Ms. Wichuda, the injured man’s girlfriend, who was in the pickup truck at the time, provided her account of the events. She claimed that the SUV driver had been tailgating them before overtaking and making an obscene gesture through his open window. This angered her boyfriend, who shouted for the other driver to stop. When the SUV driver did not comply and instead drove away, her boyfriend pursued him, eventually forcing him to a stop in the middle of the road. She stated that she only realised what had happened when she saw her boyfriend collapse from the stab wound. Colonel Wiroj Tatsao, Chief of Samrong Nuea Police Station, confirmed that both men were injured in the altercation. The suspect, Mr. Suthikul, had sustained knife wounds to his shoulder and neck. Initial investigations suggested that the injured pickup truck driver had been carrying a fruit knife in a cross-body bag when he exited his vehicle. During the struggle, Mr. Suthikul allegedly managed to seize the knife and stab his opponent in self-defence. At this stage, police have not filed charges against either party as both require medical treatment. Investigators are in the process of questioning witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage before determining the appropriate legal action, which may involve charges against both individuals. -- 2025-02-22

I don’t think there is a lack of first responders. Locals are always going to be first on the scene at any incident, as there is always going to be a response time for responders to get to an incident. I am from the UK, and there are more fire truck and ambulances ready to respond to incident in Thailand than the UK. Response times in the UK are always getting longer and resources less, due massive cuts in emergency services funding, from governments that think public services are a waste of money, until something goes wrong.

Police Raid Fake Coffee and MSG Network Authorities have dismantled a major counterfeit food production network, seizing fake coffee and monosodium glutamate (MSG) during coordinated raids across multiple locations. Nine suspects, including eight Cambodian nationals and one Thai citizen, have been arrested in connection with the operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352544-police-raid-fake-coffee-and-msg-network/

Picture courtesy of CIB Authorities have dismantled a major counterfeit food production network, seizing fake coffee and monosodium glutamate (MSG) during coordinated raids across multiple locations. Nine suspects, including eight Cambodian nationals and one Thai citizen, have been arrested in connection with the operation. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), under the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), carried out the raids at seven locations across Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, and Pathum Thani. The suspects were found manufacturing counterfeit products under well-known brand names such as Nescafé, Ajinomoto, and RosDee. The arrested individuals were: 1. Mr. Surath Sat, 31, Cambodian 2. Mr. Pharub Bun, 26, Cambodian 3. Ms. Nyta Ren, 30, Cambodian 4. Ms. Dong San, 36, Cambodian 5. Mr. Yeang Uch, 38, Cambodian 6. Mr. Mon Hak, 25, Cambodian 7. Miss Sam Vet, 27, Cambodian 8. Miss Bun Channa, 28, Cambodian 9. Mr. Ekachai, 44, Thai Authorities seized large quantities of counterfeit instant coffee, fake Ajinomoto MSG, and imitation RosDee seasoning powder. These products were being produced and distributed to markets across the country. The police operation targeted key production and distribution sites, including: • A residence in Lam Pho Soi 21, Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi – used for producing fake Ajinomoto and RosDee. • A warehouse in Muen Sap Land Village, Kok Krabue, Mueang, Samut Sakhon – used for producing counterfeit coffee. • Several retail shops and distribution centres in Maha Chai, Samut Sakhon, selling the counterfeit products. The raid followed the arrest of a suspect in October 2024, who was charged with violating the Trademark Act of 1991 and fraud. Further investigations led authorities to the larger counterfeiting network. Police believe the group had been operating for an extended period, manufacturing counterfeit products and distributing them nationwide. The seized items have been sent for further analysis, and the suspects face legal proceedings under Thailand’s intellectual property and consumer protection laws. Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down additional members of the network and prevent further distribution of fake food products in the market. -- 2025-02-22

Man Burnt to Death as Car Crashes into Utility Pole and Bursts into Flames in Lopburi A 23-year-old man lost his life when he lost control of his car, crashed into a concrete utility pole, flew off the road into a field and burst into flames in Lopburi’s Phatthana Nikhom district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352543-man-burnt-to-death-as-car-crashes-into-utility-pole-and-bursts-into-flames-in-lopburi/

Picture from responders. A 23-year-old man lost his life when he lost control of his car, crashed into a concrete utility pole, flew off the road into a field and burst into flames in Lopburi’s Phatthana Nikhom district. The crash occurred at approximately 17:50 on 21 February, on Highway 21, near the Sunflower Field Curve, before reaching the Sais 4 traffic intersection in Chong Sarika subdistrict. Emergency services, including firefighters and rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. Upon arrival, they discovered a Toyota Vios car, off the road and engulfed in flames. Witnesses reported that the vehicle had veered off the road at high speed before crashing into the utility pole and flipping over, triggering an intense fire that rapidly consumed the car. Firefighters battled the blaze for around 20 minutes before managing to extinguish the flames. The driver was found inside the burnt-out vehicle. He was later identified as Mr. Weerapong Meesomjit, a 23-year-old resident of Klong Luang district in Pathum Thani province. His body was severely burned, and rescue workers had to use hydraulic rescue tools to extract him from the wreckage. Police officers from Phatthana Nikhom Police Station conducted an initial investigation at the scene, gathering evidence and photographing the wreckage to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that excessive speed contributed to the driver losing control of the vehicle on the curve. The victim’s body was transported to Phatthana Nikhom Hospital for further examination before being sent to the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Centre for a detailed autopsy. -- 2025-02-22 .

Phayao: Woman Drowns While Collecting Flowers In an incident in Phayao province, a 56-year-old woman drowned while gathering flowers near her home. The incident occurred on the evening of 20th February at a pond in the village of Thung Pong, Tambon Maena Ruea Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352542-phayao-woman-drowns-while-collecting-flowers/

Picture from responders. In an incident in Phayao province, a 56-year-old woman drowned while gathering flowers near her home. The incident occurred on the evening of 20th February at a pond in the village of Thung Pong, Tambon Maena Ruea. At approximately 20:00, local authorities received reports of a drowning incident and quickly dispatched officers from the Maekha Police Station, along with medical examiners and rescue teams. Upon arrival at the scene, they found a deep pond, measuring over five metres in depth, surrounded by some trees bearing flower buds. Witnesses reported that the woman, identified as Phimphan, had been collecting flowers when she slipped and fell into the water. A search team worked for over an hour to locate her, finally discovering her body submerged in the pond. She was dressed in a blue shirt, three-quarter trousers, and blue rubber boots, with signs suggesting she had been in the water for several hours. Local officials have arranged for a thorough examination of her body at Phayao Hospital before returning her remains to her grieving family for funeral rites. Her husband was seen in deep distress, overwhelmed with grief over the loss of his beloved wife in such a manner. -- 2025-02-22

Collision Involving Minibus in Suphanburi Leaves Multiple Injured A minibus transporting passengers from Suphanburi to Bangkok was involved in a crash early morning on 21 February, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 05:45 on Highway 340 in Moo 2, Takhak, Bangpla Ma District, Suphanburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352540-collision-involving-minibus-in-suphanburi-leaves-multiple-injured/

Picture from responders. A minibus transporting passengers from Suphanburi to Bangkok was involved in a crash early morning on 21 February, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 05:45 on Highway 340 in Moo 2, Takhak, Bangpla Ma District, Suphanburi. According to Lieutenant Colonel Rittipong Mapakhe, Deputy Investigating Officer of Bangpla Ma Police Station, authorities were alerted to the crash involving the overturned minibus, which had obstructed both lanes of the road. Emergency rescue personnel promptly arrived at the scene to assist the 11 individuals, including passengers and the driver, who sustained injuries. They received initial first aid before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Upon inspection, officials discovered a pickup truck loaded with cargo parked nearby, with a damaged front-right tyre, as well as a green car that had flipped onto its roof. Additionally, a trailer truck carrying steel rods had veered off the road and ended up in the central reservation, with significant front-end damage. One tree was reported downed as a result of the collisions. The incident caused severe traffic congestion in both directions, leading to lengthy delays for motorists travelling into Bangkok and back to Suphanburi. Mr. Somsak, the 59-year-old driver of the minibus, stated that he was driving at approximately 80 kilometres per hour while carrying 10 passengers when he encountered a concrete road work barrier, protruding onto the road. Unable to evade the obstruction, he crashed into it, causing the minibus to overturn and injure those on board. He remarked that if he had been driving any faster, the consequences could have been fatal. Furthermore, a secondary collision, involving the trailer truck occurred. The driver, Mr. Boonsong, 40, reported that he saw the minibus crash into the barrier, leading him to brake suddenly. However, he was unable to stop in time and subsequently crashed into the barrier, causing his vehicle to lose control and end up in the central reservation, after hitting the pickup and green car, which flipped over. Mr Boonsong suffered minor injuries to his left hand, while the pickup and car drivers, who were not named, only had minor cuts and bruises. Highway 340, which connects Bangkok and Suphanburi, is currently undergoing road repairs, resulting in frequent crash in the area. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash. -- 2025-02-22

Shocking Murder: Curry Shop Owner Shot Dead While Opening Shop A 69-year-old curry shop owner was shot dead while unloading food to open his shop in Ratchaburi province early morning on 21 February. His devastated daughter, who witnessed the horrifying incident, was in shock. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352539-shocking-murder-curry-shop-owner-shot-dead-while-opening-shop/

Picture from responders. A 69-year-old curry shop owner was shot dead while unloading food to open his shop in Ratchaburi province early morning on 21 February. His devastated daughter, who witnessed the horrifying incident, was in shock. At approximately 04:25, Pol. Lt. Charoon Mahaphon of Pak Tho Police Station received a report of a fatal shooting at a curry shop in Yang Hak sub-district, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province. He arrived at the scene with senior officers, forensic investigators, and rescue personnel. The crime scene was a single-storey house with a food shop at the front, located along the roadside. The victim, identified as Mr. Wiwat aged 69, was found lying on his back in a pool of blood. A preliminary examination revealed that he had suffered a fatal gunshot wound, with a single round hitting his right back and exiting through his neck. A spent shell was found nearby and collected as evidence. The victim’s daughter, Ms. Prakaideun aged 43, described the horrifying moment. She and her father had left home as usual at around 04:00, driving a Toyota Fortuner to their shop, about 4 kilometres away, to prepare for the morning rush. Upon arriving, they began unloading food when a single gunshot rang out. Her father collapsed instantly. In panic, she ran inside the shop to hide and called her partner for help. She stated that the area was extremely dark at night, with no streetlights, and she did not see the gunman. The motive remains unclear. Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage from nearby locations. The footage shows the victim arriving at the shop at 04:12, unloading items from his car. At 04:20, an unidentified male figure is seen crossing the road from the opposite side before quickly fleeing the scene. Later that evening, officers from Pak Tho Police Station arrested the suspect, Mr. Liang 72, at his home in Nong Ya Plong district, Phetchaburi. The arrest followed an investigation that revealed ongoing tensions between the victim and the suspect, both of whom had worked as land brokers. Police recovered a gun believed to have been used in the attack, along with the clothing the suspect was wearing at the time of the shooting. Forensic officers were also called in to check for gunshot residue on the suspect’s hands and clothing. During questioning, Mr. Liang confessed to the crime, stating that he had harboured resentment against the victim for nearly a year. According to his statement, he had introduced a potential buyer to Mr. Wiwat in early 2024 for a land deal exceeding 100 rai. However, he later discovered that the sale had gone through without his involvement, and the victim had allegedly kept the entire commission, believed to be worth millions of baht, for himself. Mr. Liang claimed that he had confronted the victim about the matter, but was met with dismissive remarks. Seeing the victim’s apparent newfound wealth, including the purchase of a new car, intensified his anger. After much deliberation, he took his gun and walked nearly four kilometres to the victim’s shop, where he waited in ambush. When Mr. Wiwat arrived, Mr. Liang crossed the street and fired a single shot before fleeing the scene. Police have charged Mr. Liang with illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm in public without a permit, discharging a firearm in a public area without justification, and murder. He has admitted to all charges. -- 2025-02-22

Two Police Officers Injured in Phuket Motorcycle Crash After Duty Two police officers from Kamala Police Station were injured in a motorcycle crash while returning to their accommodation after completing an assignment. Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported them to Thalang Hospital for treatment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352538-two-police-officers-injured-in-phuket-motorcycle-crash-after-duty/

Picture from responders. Two police officers from Kamala Police Station were injured in a motorcycle crash while returning to their accommodation after completing an assignment. Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported them to Thalang Hospital for treatment. The incident occurred on the Khao Lan–Bang Jo Road, near Ko Beng Market, in Si Sunthon subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. At approximately 22:40 on 20 February. Lieutenant Kittiphong Khongkaew, an investigating officer at Thalang Police Station, received a report of a motorcycle losing control and colliding with a streetlight pole, leaving two people injured. Upon receiving the report, Police Colonel Nikorn Chuthong, Thalang Police Chief, was notified, and officers were dispatched to the scene. They found the injured officers identified as: • Police Lance Corporal Annop Mankarn, 25 years old, who suffered a head wound and a fractured left leg. • Police Lance Corporal Phasakorn Thongthueng, 30 years old, who sustained a fractured left arm. Both officers remained conscious and were able to communicate. Rescue teams from the Kusoldharm Foundation and Si Sunthon Municipality provided first aid before transporting them to Thalang Hospital. According to initial reports, the two officers had just completed a duty outside their usual jurisdiction. They were riding a Honda ADV160, grey-black in colour, with Police Lance Corporal Annop Mankarn driving and Police Lance Corporal Phasakorn Thongthueng riding pillion. Both were wearing helmets. As they approached the curved section of road near Ko Beng Market, the motorcycle rider lost control and crashed into a streetlight pole, causing injuries to both officers. Authorities have recorded the incident for further investigation and will assess insurance and medical coverage under the Road Accident Victim Protection Act. -- 2025-02-22

UPDATE Wild Elephant Electrocuted: Authorities Launch Investigation Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has launched an urgent investigation following the electrocution of a wild elephant in Chachoengsao province. A post-mortem examination confirmed burn marks and signs of sudden cardiac arrest, prompting authorities to track down those responsible. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352432-mystery-as-wild-elephant-found-dead-on-rural-road-in-chachoengsao/#findComment-19607045

UPDATE Wild Elephant Electrocuted: Authorities Launch Investigation Picture courtesy of DNP Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has launched an urgent investigation following the electrocution of a wild elephant in Chachoengsao province. A post-mortem examination confirmed burn marks and signs of sudden cardiac arrest, prompting authorities to track down those responsible. The male elephant, weighing 6,060 kilograms and standing 3.1 metres tall, was discovered on 20 February in Ban Thammarat, Klong Takrao subdistrict, Tha Takiap district—outside the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary. The elephant had a single left tusk, measuring 110 cm in length along the outer curve and 38 cm in circumference at the base. Upon receiving the report, Mr. Kongkiat Temthamman, Director of Protected Areas Office 2 (Si Racha), dispatched a rapid response team from Chonburi, a military unit from Khao Yai Special Task Force, and wildlife sanctuary officers to investigate. A team of veterinarians, led by Dr. Siriwich Supanake from the Wildlife Conservation Division, conducted an autopsy at Khao Yai Forest Protection Unit in Bo Thong district, Chonburi. The examination revealed burn marks beneath the trunk and on the roof of the mouth, along with fluid accumulation around the heart and internal bleeding, consistent with electrocution-induced cardiac arrest. The elephant’s stomach contents included fibrous plant material with a molasses-like scent, suspected to be sugarcane, suggesting the animal had been foraging near agricultural land before its death. Vital organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys, appeared normal. Officials have secured the elephant’s tusk at the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary and buried the remains following conservation protocols. Authorities have also filed an official police report at Bo Thong Police Station and pledged to identify those responsible. The DNP is now working with local agencies to prevent further incidents and ensure stricter protections for wild elephants venturing outside protected areas. -- 2025-02-22