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Police & FDA Raid Chinese Rental Properties, Seize Viagra & Unsafe Food Worth 100 Million Police from the Sutthisan Police Station on 19 February, collaborated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a raid on three rental houses suspected of being used as storage for unregistered pharmaceuticals and unsafe food products, including a large quantity of Viagra and e-cigarettes. The estimated value of the seized items exceeds 100 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352322-police-fda-raid-chinese-rental-properties-seize-viagra-unsafe-food-worth-100-million/

Picture courtesy of FDA. Police from the Sutthisan Police Station on 19 February, collaborated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a raid on three rental houses suspected of being used as storage for unregistered pharmaceuticals and unsafe food products, including a large quantity of Viagra and e-cigarettes. The estimated value of the seized items exceeds 100 million baht. At approximately 14:00, Major General Noppasin Poonsawat, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, along with other senior police officials, received a tip-off regarding illegal activities occurring in the area. They executed a search warrant at a property located at 75 Soi Pracharat Bamphen 17, Bangkok, after investigations revealed that the premises were being used to store unregistered food and drugs, including substantial amounts of Viagra and e-cigarettes. Major General Noppasin stated that the operation was part of a broader initiative directed by Police General Siam Boonsom, aimed at cracking down on illegal activities in the area. The search uncovered a Chinese group renting the two-storey house as a warehouse for unregistered food and drugs, including a significant stock of Viagra and e-cigarettes, along with 300,000 baht in cash. During the investigation, police discovered two additional houses in the same soi being used for similar purposes, with Chinese workers overseeing the operations. Authorities seized all the products found for further examination and urged the public to report any illegal activities to the police at 191, available 24 hours a day. Major General Noppasin added that Bangkok police would continue to gather intelligence to investigate foreign networks involved in illegal activities in Thailand, targeting entertainment venues, warehouses, and businesses potentially linked to international crime. He encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities involving foreign nationals renting homes, opening shops, or conducting questionable businesses. Dr. Witthit Saritthichai, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, confirmed that the seized items included counterfeit drugs, unregistered herbal products, and illegal cosmetics, all of which posed significant health risks to consumers. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, Ms. Trichada Sritada, revealed that one of the counterfeit sexual enhancement products found had packaging features that differed from the legitimate product, with text orientation altered in a manner that indicated it was a replica. Such counterfeit products can be extremely dangerous if consumed. Authorities are now working to identify the true owners of the illegal warehouse operations, believed to be based in China, and are coordinating with the Chinese embassy to take legal action against those involved. -- 2025-02-20

Elderly Woman Killed by Falling Gate in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima An 80-year-old woman, a well known member of the Phimai Red Cross, lost her life after a metal gate collapsed on her at her home in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352321-elderly-woman-killed-by-falling-gate-in-phimai-nakhon-ratchasima/

Picture from responders. An 80-year-old woman, a well known member of the Phimai Red Cross, lost her life after a metal gate collapsed on her at her home in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima. Police Colonel Sitthisak Phrommuangwai, the chief of Phimai Police Station, received reports of the incident early morning on 19 February and dispatched Lieutenant Colonel Kraviika Manopsilp, the deputy investigator, to the scene along with rescue personnel from HooK 31 Korat. Upon arrival at the victim’s home in Ban Rangka, Moo 4, Rangka Yai subdistrict, authorities discovered the body of Mrs. Phee Sirikan, aged 80, lying beneath a heavy metal gate at the front of her house. She suffered severe head injuries, and her body also showed signs of bleeding, the condition of the body indicating she had likely been deceased for around 12 hours. Rescue workers transported her remains to Phimai Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. According to Mrs. Nulek Ninkhamnerd, a 70-year-old housekeeper and friend of the victim, Mrs. Phee lived alone and was in good health. On the evening of 18 February, she had called to inform Mrs. Nulek that she would pick her up to attend a relative’s funeral at Wat Ban Wang Hin, located approximately five kilometres from her home. However, when Mrs. Nulek did not see her arrive after waiting for some time, she assumed that Mrs. Phee had changed her mind and went to bed. It was not until the following morning that a nearby resident alerted Mrs. Nulek to the tragedy, revealing that Mrs. Phee had been crushed by the metal gate, which had fallen at some point during the night. Authorities suspect that she may have been attempting to close the sliding gate when it became dislodged from its track, leading to the fatal incident. -- 2025-02-20 .

Body Found Floating in Nakhon Si Thammarat Canal Identified as Missing Hospital Patient A body found floating in a canal in central Nakhon Si Thammarat has been identified as a 72-year-old Thai man who had disappeared from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352320-body-found-floating-in-nakhon-si-thammarat-canal-identified-as-missing-hospital-patient/

Picture from responders. A body found floating in a canal in central Nakhon Si Thammarat has been identified as a 72-year-old Thai man who had disappeared from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. On 18 February, authorities were alerted to the discovery of a male body floating face-down in Tha Wang Canal, near Phatthanakan Khukwang Road, Tha Wang Subdistrict, Mueang District. The deceased, initially believed to be a foreign national, was fully clothed and showed no visible injuries. However, further investigation revealed that the man was actually Mr. Sak, a 72-year-old resident of Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. His relatives identified him after learning of the discovery and confirmed that he had been missing from Maharaj Hospital since 16:00 on 17 February. His son had reported his disappearance at Mai Riang Police Station in Chawang. Following the discovery, police investigators reviewed CCTV footage from a nearby electrical appliance store, which captured Mr. Sak walking alone at night before he disappeared into the canal. Pol. Col. Kittichai Krai-nara, superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station, stated that it is believed the deceased wandered away from the hospital and ended up at the canal, where he ultimately fell into the water. His family has now collected his body for funeral rites in Mai Riang Subdistrict, Chawang District. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances of his death. -- 2025-02-20

Fire Destroys Floating Home of Family of Young Student in Lamphun A young girl and her family have been left homeless after a catastrophic fire destroyed their floating house on 18 February. Fortunately, all family members escaped without injury. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352319-fire-destroys-floating-home-of-family-of-young-student-in-lamphun/

Picture from responders. A young girl and her family have been left homeless after a catastrophic fire destroyed their floating house on 18 February. Fortunately, all family members escaped without injury. The fire broke out at approximately 17:30 near to the floating classroom of Ban Ko Settlement School, located in Li District. The home belonged to the family of Charanya Laobuawong, affectionately known as “Frame,” a Kindergarten 3 student at the school’s floating branch. The incident came to light when Kru Noi, a teacher at the floating school, shared a video of the blaze on Facebook. The footage shows young Frame being carried to safety, visibly distressed as she watches her home and belongings engulfed in flames. While Frame and her family managed to escape unharmed, the fire completely destroyed their residence, leaving them without shelter or possessions. Ban Ko Settlement School (Floating Branch) is a distinctive educational institution situated on a lake above Bhumibol Dam, at the intersection of three provinces: Lamphun, Chiang Mai, and Tak. It is the only floating school of its kind in Thailand and has served as a filming location for the popular Thai movie “Teacher’s Diary” (Kid Tueng Wittaya). Local authorities, including officials from Li District and Ko Municipality, have been informed of the incident and are working to provide emergency assistance to the family. Efforts are also being made to secure long-term housing and support to aid in their recovery. -- 2025-02-20

Teenage Boy Killed After Fleeing from Dog on Motorbike in Ayutthaya A 14-year-old boy has died after being hit by a pickup truck while trying to escape a chasing dog on his motorcycle in Ayutthaya. A second truck following closely behind was unable to stop in time, running over the victim. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352317-teenage-boy-killed-after-fleeing-from-dog-on-motorbike-in-ayutthaya/

Picture captured from CCTV. A 14-year-old boy has died after being hit by a pickup truck while trying to escape a chasing dog on his motorcycle in Ayutthaya. A second truck following closely behind was unable to stop in time, running over the victim. The fatal crash occurred at around 19:05 on 18 February on Chompol P. Road in Khung Lan Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya. CCTV footage showed a black dog running after passing motorcycles, causing riders to swerve to avoid it. Unfortunately, as 14-year-old Chatcha tried to evade the dog, a pickup truck travelling straight down the road struck him head-on, throwing him over the bonnet and onto the road. A second pickup truck following closely behind, was unable to brake in time, resulting in a secondary impact. Rescue volunteers from the Phutthaisawan Foundation rushed to the scene after being alerted to a severely injured victim. They found Chatcha unconscious and unresponsive, with no vital signs. The team immediately performed CPR while coordinating with Uthai Hospital’s emergency medical team. Despite all efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. At the scene, the second pickup truck was inspected, showing damage to its front left bumper, while Chatcha’s red motorcycle lay overturned in the middle of the road. The driver of the second truck, still in shock, stated that he had been driving behind another pickup when the first vehicle hit the motorcycle and fled the scene. He explained that he was unable to stop in time and unintentionally ran over the boy. Authorities from Bang Pa-in Police Station have launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage that clearly captured the sequence of events. Officers are now working to locate the first pickup driver, who fled after the initial collision. Meanwhile, the driver of the second truck will be questioned further. The victim’s body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Pathum Thani, and his family has been notified. -- 2025-02-20

Man Detained After Throwing Firecracker at School, Claims Son Was Bullied A 40-year-old man has been taken into custody by police after causing a disturbance outside a primary school in Phatthalung province. The incident occurred when the man allegedly fired a firecracker at the school, claiming it was a response to his son being bullied. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352316-man-detained-after-throwing- firecracker-at-school-claims-son-was-bullied/

Picture of arrest. A 40-year-old man has been taken into custody by police after causing a disturbance outside a primary school in Phatthalung province. The incident occurred when the man allegedly fired a firecracker at the school, claiming it was a response to his son being bullied. Police officers, led by Sub-Lieutenant Kamnueng Chai Phet, responded to reports of chaos at the school in Khao Chaiak sub-district. Witnesses described hearing sounds resembling gunfire, prompting immediate police intervention. Upon arrival, authorities seized a cannabis pipe, a short knife, and a quantity of cannabis from the man’s sidecar motorcycle, a Honda Wave 110. The man was identified as a local resident from Khok Chaiyai sub-district. In initial questioning, the suspect claimed he did not fire a gun but only set off a firecracker, which produced a loud noise similar to gunfire. He explained that his actions were motivated by his 10-year-old son, who had returned home from school complaining that classmates were teasing him about his father’s alleged drug addiction. The man expressed frustration over the bullying, stating he wanted to make a point about the accusations. He admitted to smoking cannabis but denied any involvement with methamphetamine, insisting he was not experiencing any hallucinations as suggested. However, police records revealed that the man has a history of erratic behavior linked to drug use, having previously been detained for similar incidents in his former residence in Baan Khae Daeng before moving to Khok Chaiyai with his family. Following the incident, the police transported the man to Phatthalung Hospital for a drug screening and treatment. If the school decides to file a formal complaint, charges for disturbing the peace will be pursued against him. -- 2025-02-20

Fire Breaks Out at Thai Massage Shop, Owner Rescued by Responders A fire erupted at a two-storey traditional Thai massage shop in Sa Nam Chai Khet, Chachoengsao, trapping the owner inside, but thanks to the quick actions of responders she was rescued safely. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352315-fire-breaks-out-at-thai-massage-shop-owner-rescued-by-responders/

Picture from responders. A fire erupted at a two-storey traditional Thai massage shop in Sa Nam Chai Khet, Chachoengsao, trapping the owner inside, but thanks to the quick actions of responders she was rescued safely. The incident occurred due to incense sticks that had been lit for a worship ritual, leading to a blaze that took approximately 60 minutes to bring under control. On the morning of 19 February, residents alerted the local fire department about the flames coming from the commercial building, located opposite the Sa Nam Chai Khet police station. Upon arrival, firefighters and police officers joined forces with volunteers from the local rescue team to combat the fire. The owner of the massage shop, Ms. Somjai, aged 40, was trapped and shouting from a window on the second floor, where the fire had originated. The rescue team faced difficulties initially due to thick smoke billowing from the building and live electrical wires restricting external access to the trapped casualty. However, they managed to enter and reach the second floor internally using breathing apparatus and successfully evacuate Ms. Somjai. During the rescue, a responder slipped and fell down the stairs, sustaining injuries. The rescue team provided first aid and transported the injured individual to Sa Nam Chai Khet Hospital for further treatment. Firefighters worked for about an hour before they were able to contain the blaze. Preliminary investigations by local police revealed that several items, including a refrigerator, electrical appliances, a wardrobe, a fan, and ceiling materials, had been damaged in the fire. Authorities believe that the cause was the incense sticks lit at the Buddhist altar located on the second floor. Fortunately, the flames did not spread to adjacent premises, averting a potentially larger disaster. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident while reminding the public to exercise caution when using incense in enclosed spaces. -- 2025-02-20

Myanmar Man Arrested for Murder of Woman Found in Woodland Next to Road A 23-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested for the brutal murder of a 44-year-old woman, whose body was discovered abandoned in woodland near a roadside in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352314-myanmar-man-arrested-for-murder-of-woman-found-in-woodland-next-to-road/

Picture from responders. A 23-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested for the brutal murder of a 44-year-old woman, whose body was discovered abandoned in woodland near a roadside in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon. The suspect, identified as Mr. Aung, was apprehended after police found him at the crime scene. According to authorities, he admitted to strangling the victim after she refused his advances and slapped him in the face. At approximately 08:00 on 19 February, officers from Ban Phaeo Police Station received reports of a woman’s body found in a dense area of acacia trees, just two metres from the Ban Phaeo–Phra Phathom Road. The deceased, identified only as Ms. A, was a petite woman with short, dyed-blonde hair. She was found partially undressed, with her top pulled up, her lower garments torn, and her neck showing severe bruising, indicating strangulation. A bite mark was also observed on her left thigh. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a blonde-haired woman walking alone in the area around midnight, but they were unsure whether she was Thai or a migrant worker. Earlier that morning, a local motorcycle taxi driver noticed a motorcycle lying overturned by the roadside, with a man lying nearby. Believing the man to be injured from a crash, the driver called for emergency services. However, when medics arrived, the man, who appeared intoxicated and spoke only Burmese, suddenly stood up and began searching for his keys. Moments later, responders discovered the woman’s body in the nearby undergrowth, leading to immediate police intervention. The man, later identified as Mr. Aung, was taken into custody and confessed during interrogation. He claimed to have taken the victim to a hotel, after which they left together on his motorcycle. When he attempted to engage with her again, she refused and slapped him, triggering his violent reaction. Authorities are now conducting further investigations before proceeding with legal action. -- 2025-02-20

Japanese Tourist Pickpocketed on First Day in Pattaya, Frustrated by Police Response Picture courtesy of TMN. A 78-year-old Japanese tourist visiting Pattaya for the first time was left frustrated after falling victim to pickpocketing on his first day in the city. He reported the crime to local police but was told to find evidence himself before officers would take further action. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352313-japanese-tourist-pickpocketed-on-first-day-in-pattaya-frustrated-by-police-response/

Picture courtesy of TMN A 78-year-old Japanese tourist visiting Pattaya for the first time was left frustrated after falling victim to pickpocketing on his first day in the city. He reported the crime to local police but was told to find evidence himself before officers would take further action. At 00:40 on 19 February, Mr. Yoshiki Matsuura, accompanied by his Thai female friend, filed a complaint with Pattaya City Police Station, reporting that he had been pickpocketed near a jewellery store in front of Walking Street, Pattaya. Mr. Matsuura explained that while he was exploring Pattaya’s nightlife, a Thai man approached him, engaged in small talk, and stayed nearby for 5–10 minutes. Shortly after, he realised his bag had been unzipped and several valuable items were missing, including: 1. 1,400 baht in cash 2. Two credit cards linked to a Japanese bank 3. Two driving licences Realising the theft, he immediately contacted his Thai friend, who accompanied him to the police station to report the incident, particularly concerned about his stolen credit cards and licences. However, upon filing the report, Mr. Matsuura was only given a single sheet of paper as confirmation and was told by investigators to find evidence himself. Officers reportedly advised him to check CCTV footage on his own and, if he identified a suspect, to report back so police could make an arrest. Adding to his frustration, the incident occurred just a few metres from a Pattaya Tourist Police service point, but when he sought help there, he was simply advised to report the crime at the main police station. Deeply disappointed by the lack of support, Mr. Matsuura is urging police to take action to locate the suspect and recover his stolen property. -- 2025-02-20

Headteacher Shot by Husband in Attempted Murder-Suicide in Buriram A 52-year-old headteacher was critically wounded after being shot in the head by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself, in an incident in Buriram Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352312-headteacher-shot-by-husband-in-attempted-murder-suicide-in-buriram/

Picture from responders and captured from CCTV. A 52-year-old headteacher was critically wounded after being shot in the head by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself, in an incident in Buriram Province. The shooting took place on the morning of 19 February in Ban Khu Khat, Khu Mueang District, with eyewitnesses reporting hearing gunshots and a car horn blaring before the attack. At 09:30, police officers from Khu Mueang Police Station and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a silver Isuzu pickup truck parked on the roadside. Inside, Mrs. Nahathai, a school principal in Lam Thamenchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, was found slumped over the steering wheel, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of her head, with the bullet exiting through the side of her mouth. She was still breathing and was rushed to Khu Mueang Hospital in critical condition. On the front passenger seat, officers discovered the body of Mr. Somsak 46, the victim’s husband, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the right temple. Spent shell casings were found inside the vehicle, and a bullet had also struck a nearby house. CCTV footage from a nearby home captured the couple’s vehicle sounding its horn continuously as it drove through the village before stopping. Moments later, two gunshots rang out. A 71-year-old retired police officer, who witnessed the incident, reported that Mr. Somsak lowered the car window and said, “She wants to die,” before immediately shooting his wife. He then closed the window and, moments later, shot himself. It is believed that Mrs. Nahathai may have honked the horn to attract attention before she was shot. The victim’s elder brother, Mr. Somphan (60), revealed that the couple had been married for years but had no children. His sister worked as a school principal, while Mr. Somsak ran a grilled pork skewer business. He stated that his brother-in-law was known to be highly jealous, especially when teachers from her school messaged her late at night. Although she repeatedly reassured him that there was nothing inappropriate, his suspicions persisted. Additionally, Mr. Somsak had been battling colon cancer for over five years, and his deteriorating health may have contributed to his emotional distress, ultimately leading to this tragic outcome. Police continue to investigate the case, but all evidence suggests that the incident was an attempted murder-suicide motivated by jealousy and personal struggles. -- 2025-02-20

Minibus Explodes in Chonburi: Driver Escapes as Flames Consume Vehicle A dramatic explosion and fire consumed a minibus, leaving only charred remains and a stunned driver. The vehicle, recently repaired and meant for transporting factory workers, erupted in flames shortly after leaving the garage, fortunately with no passengers on board at the time. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352311-minibus-explodes-in-chonburi-driver-escapes-as-flames-consume-vehicle/

Pictures from responders. A dramatic explosion and fire consumed a minibus on the night of 18 February, leaving only charred remains and a stunned driver. The vehicle, recently repaired and meant for transporting factory workers, erupted in flames shortly after leaving the garage, fortunately with no passengers on board at the time. The incident occurred around 21:30 on Route 331, near the “Khao Ruea Taek” curve in Khlong Kiew subdistrict, Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders from Khlong Kiew Police Station, along with firefighters and rescue teams from the Si Thammasamakhom Foundation, rushed to the scene, where they found the minibus engulfed in flames. Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately 30 minutes before bringing it under control, but the vehicle was utterly destroyed. The driver, known as “Uncle Lek,” aged 60, was the sole occupant of the minibus and suffered only minor injuries. He declined hospital treatment after the ordeal. “I had just collected the minibus from the repair shop and was driving it back for its usual worker transport duties,” Uncle Lek recounted. “Suddenly, I heard a loud explosion from the rear. I had no idea what caused it until I smelled something burning and saw flames spreading rapidly. I stopped the vehicle and ran for my life. Before I knew it, the entire bus was ablaze.” Local police are now working alongside forensic investigators from Region 2 to determine the cause of the explosion. Initial investigations are focusing on a potential leak in the gas fuel system, which may have triggered the catastrophic event. Authorities will examine the burnt remains of the vehicle and collect evidence to establish whether mechanical failure, electrical faults, or other factors contributed to the fire. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing flames leaping from the engine compartment, indicating a possible malfunction that led to the explosion. “It all happened so fast. One minute we were minding our own business, and the next, there was this massive explosion,” said a local resident who saw the flames from a distance. -- 2025-02-20

Two Dead After Chinese Nationals’ Car Collides with Cement Truck in Chonburi A collision on the Motorway 7 frontage road in Chonburi has left two Chinese nationals dead and two others injured after their car suddenly cut in front of a cement truck. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352272-two-dead-after-chinese-nationals’-car-collides-with-cement-truck-in-chonburi/

Pictures from responders. A collision on the Motorway 7 frontage road in Chonburi has left two Chinese nationals dead and two others injured after their car suddenly cut in front of a cement truck. The crash occurred at kilometre marker 110+900 in Takhiantia Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, during the morning of 19 February. According to reports, a white Ford car with four Chinese passengers exited a tunnel under the motorway, before abruptly pulling in front of the truck, leaving the truck driver unable to brake in time. The impact was severe, trapping the car’s occupants inside. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya and medical personnel from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya arrived swiftly at the scene. Despite their efforts, two passengers suffered critical injuries and could not be revived, while the other two were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. The force of the crash also caused the Ford sedan to spin out of control, striking a black Toyota Yaris parked by the roadside and then back into the path of the braking truck. The car’s owner, Mr. Koppon 43, stated that he had been stopping for a meal when he saw the Ford emerge from the tunnel just before the collision with the truck. Mr. Sombat 56, the driver of the cement truck, explained that he had been transporting cement from Saraburi to Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate when the Ford suddenly appeared in his path. He insisted that he had no time to brake, leading to the devastating crash. Officers from Bang Lamung Police Station examined the scene and gathered evidence, initially suspecting that the Ford’s sudden manoeuvre caused the fatal collision. However, a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause and any potential legal actions. -- 2025-02-19

Any aircraft making a squawk 7700 code, will see it come up as an automatic alert on the Flightradar24 app. and similar. There is a set of 3 squawk codes created by the ICAO that are used when an aircraft is facing safety or emergency concerns. Squawk 7700, is the emergency squawk code, and indicates that the aircraft is in distress or has an incident onboard and needs priority handling from air traffic control. Squawk 7500: This code indicates that the aircraft is subject to unlawful interference (hijack). Squawk 7600: This code indicates that the aircraft has experienced a radio failure and is unable to transmit or receive messages. So no leaks, just it is in the public domain. That is why most airlines will or should be proactive and issue a statement as soon as possible to clear up and avoid any misunderstandings.