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Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 32-year-old boxer has been arrested after allegedly assaulting his 23-year-old girlfriend with a knife and stick in a derelict property in Udon Thani, northern Thailand. The man, identified only as Mr. Suthin, also known by his ring name “Nakrob S. Yaisa,” was found hiding naked in a bathroom at the abandoned house when police arrived. The incident took place around 17:00, on 1 May in Soi Prachanimit 12, Thai Samut Community, in the Nong Samrong area of Mueang Udon Thani district. Police were alerted by an 84-year-old local resident, Mrs. Prapai, who reported seeing a man chasing and attacking a woman with weapons before fleeing into the abandoned property. Responding swiftly, officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Natthawat Ladawan, entered the premises and detained the suspect without resistance. During questioning, Suthin broke down in tears, admitting to attacking his girlfriend, referred to as “Ms. Nan” . He claimed the altercation began when she slapped him first and pleaded for another chance. Suthin revealed that he was recently released from prison in February after serving time for methamphetamine possession. He had been living in the derelict house while training for boxing matches, occasionally earning money from fight circuits. He admitted to using methamphetamine again, this time by smoking residue from used foil found in the area. Ms. Nan told police she had been living with Suthin for just 3–4 days after meeting him on Facebook. She claimed they argued daily, and on the day of the incident, he became violent due to jealousy, kicking and slapping her when he saw her chatting with others. She fled for safety and said she now plans to leave him for good, stating she would rather work to support her two young children, aged three and six months. Her former partner is currently imprisoned on drug charges. Mrs. Prapai, the woman who reported the incident, said the area used to be a family-run steakhouse before being repossessed by the bank. Since then, it has been frequently occupied by vagrants. Concerned for her safety and that of the neighbourhood, especially after seeing the man assault the woman, she called the police immediately. Police conducted a urine test on Suthin, which tested positive for drug use. He now faces charges of drug abuse and posing a danger to society. If Ms. Nan chooses to press charges, he will also face prosecution for physical assault. Further investigation revealed that Suthin operates a social media account under the name “Audi Surprise Gym,” where he had recently posted a video dedicated to Ms. Nan, as well as videos of boxing practice and commentary criticising other men who are violent or involved in drug abuse, ironically claiming, “Fake me are nothing. Come face me – I’m the real deal.” Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-03.

Man Crushed to Death by Hydraulic Arm in Samut Prakan A 41-year-old golf course employee, originally from Buriram, lost his life after being crushed by a hydraulic control arm while operating a small excavator at a golf course in Bang Phli district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359604-man-crushed-to-death-by-hydraulic-arm-in-samut-prakan/

Picture from responders. A 41-year-old golf course employee, originally from Buriram, lost his life after being crushed by a hydraulic control arm while operating a small excavator at a golf course in Bang Phli district. The fatal incident, which occurred around 09:30 on 2 May, was captured on CCTV from a nearby staff residence. Footage shows Mr Panomyong Sinsuphon, a golf course worker, seated at the rear hydraulic control station of a small tractor fitted with a bucket attachment and used for digging irrigation trenches. While operating the machinery, the control station and hydraulic arm suddenly lifted and twisted, compressing his body against the steel frame of the cabin roof. He was pinned at the neck and chest and became unresponsive. At the time of the incident, Mr Panomyong was alone. A colleague, Mr Teerawat, 35, who had briefly left to collect equipment, returned to find him trapped and immediately sought help from nearby staff. A second excavator was used in an attempt to pry the arm away and release Mr Panomyong’s body. Despite efforts to resuscitate him while emergency services were called, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation responded quickly, followed by officers from Bang Phli Police Station and a forensic team from Chakri Naruebodindra Institute of Medicine. An initial examination revealed the cause of death to be severe chest trauma due to crushing force. Mr Teerawat explained that the team had been laying water pipelines using the machinery. He believed the victim may have attempted to move the vehicle forward using the hydraulic bucket, instead of repositioning himself in the driver’s seat, leading to the fatal malfunction. Mr Sutat, 53, the site supervisor, later clarified that the machine had undergone routine maintenance and showed no signs of mechanical failure. He suggested that Mr Panomyong’s improvised method of operation, using the hydraulic bucket to push the machine forward while seated behind the control panel, likely led to the incident. The company has notified both social security and the internal insurance provider. Additional financial support will be offered to Mr Panomyong’s family. The deceased’s body has been transferred to the forensic unit at Chakri Naruebodindra Institute for post-mortem examination. Relatives have been contacted to arrange religious rites and funeral proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-03.

Man Jumps to His Death from Seventh Floor of Bangkok Mall Picture courtesy of Matichon. A family meal at a popular Bangkok shopping mall ended in tragedy on the morning of 2 May, when a 41-year-old man jumped to his death from the seventh floor. The incident occurred at a department store on Ratchadamri Road in the city’s Pathum Wan district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359603-man-jumps-to-his-death-from-seventh-floor-of-bangkok-mall/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A family meal at a popular Bangkok shopping mall ended in tragedy on the morning of 2 May, when a 41-year-old man jumped to his death from the seventh floor. The incident occurred at a department store on Ratchadamri Road in the city’s Pathum Wan district. According to Pol Lt Col Pongphan Polhan of Lumpini Police Station, the man jumped from the upper level and landed on the third-floor terrace, where he was found unresponsive. He was wearing a green collared shirt and grey shorts. His body bore severe injuries, including a fractured skull and broken limbs. Witness Ms Piyawadee, who was inside the mall at the time, said she heard a loud noise resembling something heavy falling. When she went to investigate, she discovered the man’s lifeless body and immediately alerted the authorities. Emergency services, including forensic officers, doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital, and a local rescue foundation, quickly arrived at the scene. Upon investigation, they traced the incident back to the seventh floor, where they found the man’s father waiting. The father reported that he had been dining with his son on the fifth floor when the latter excused himself, saying he wanted to pay respects at the shrine of Lord Shiva located on the seventh floor. When his son did not return, the father began searching for him, only to learn moments later that his son had fallen. Police believe the man took his own life, citing that he had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for depression. His body has been sent to Chulalongkorn Hospital’s forensic unit for autopsy. 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 Matichon 2025-05-03.

Man Fatally Stabbed by Younger Brother in Front of Mother After Row at Ordination Ceremony Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident unfolded in Buriram province when a 28-year-old man fatally stabbed his older brother following an argument that erupted after an ordination ceremony. The altercation ended with the younger sibling walking to the village headman and calmly stating, “I’ve killed my brother.” Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359602-man-fatally-stabbed-by-younger-brother-in-front-of-mother-after-row-at-ordination-ceremony/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident unfolded in Buriram province when a 28-year-old man fatally stabbed his older brother following an argument that erupted after an ordination ceremony. The altercation ended with the younger sibling walking to the village headman and calmly stating, “I’ve killed my brother.” Pol. Col. Manaswut Banyong, Superintendent of Lahan Sai Police Station, confirmed that the incident occurred around 20:00 on 1 May at a house in Ban Nong Bot, Ta Chong Subdistrict, Lahan Sai District. Officers arrived to find a pool of blood near a water jar in front of the house. The victim, 37-year-old Mr Anan, had been stabbed once in the chest. Though rushed to Lahan Sai Hospital by rescue personnel, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The suspect, identified as Mr Santi, the victim’s younger brother, was detained by the village head and other residents after he confessed to the killing at the ordination ceremony, approximately 200 metres from the scene. His hands were reportedly covered in blood, causing panic among attendees. According to police, Santi was intoxicated at the time and was taken into custody to sober up before questioning. Upon being interviewed on 2 May, he admitted to stabbing his brother with a fruit knife, claiming he acted out of anger after being confronted and told to leave the event. The brothers allegedly had a history of physical altercations. Santi explained that after returning home, a verbal argument ensued, during which he feared his brother might attack him, as he had reportedly been violent in the past. Acting on impulse, Santi grabbed a knife and stabbed his brother once before leaving to report the incident. Their 56-year-old mother, Mrs Saengaroon, witnessed the killing and said she had been eating dinner when the altercation occurred. Her older son had gone to retrieve his brother from the ordination celebration out of concern he might cause trouble due to intoxication. She was left shocked and devastated by the fatal escalation. “Never did I think he would actually kill his brother,” she said tearfully. “They worked together cutting wood almost every day.” Village headman Mr Watcharin Chit-ek described how Santi approached him at the event and said, “Village head, I stabbed my brother to death.” Initially disbelieving him, the headman was stunned when he saw the blood and later confirmed the stabbing had taken place. Police have charged Santi with “assault causing death” and are preparing to conduct a crime scene reenactment before taking further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-03.

Two Prachinburi Steel Plants Found in Violation of Multiple Laws Picture courtesy of Matichon. Two steel manufacturing plants in Prachinburi province have been found in violation of several environmental and industrial regulations following inspections by a multi-agency task force. The government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on substandard steel production and questionable business operations that undermine industrial safety and fair competition. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359601-two-prachinburi-steel-plants-found-in-violation-of-multiple-laws/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Two steel manufacturing plants in Prachinburi province have been found in violation of several environmental and industrial regulations following inspections by a multi-agency task force. The government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on substandard steel production and questionable business operations that undermine industrial safety and fair competition. Mr. Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, confirmed that he authorised Ms. Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, his chief advisor and head of the Ministry’s “Final Mile Task Force” (also known as Team Sudsoi), to lead the inspections. The operations were carried out in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Works, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the Trade Competition Commission, the Consumer Protection Police Division, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The inspections targeted Thai Xing Steel Co. Ltd. and Yongxing Steel (Thailand) Co. Ltd., located in Hua Wa Subdistrict, Si Maha Phot District. The investigation aimed to determine whether the facilities were operating in compliance with environmental standards, licensing regulations, and industrial product specifications. Initial findings revealed a range of violations at both facilities. Environmental issues were among the top concerns, with improper waste handling and unauthorised use of machinery reported. Additionally, both companies were found to be operating outside their permitted zones by processing scrap metal and electronic waste. TISI has collected steel samples for further quality testing in collaboration with the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand. Ms. Thitiphat elaborated that Thai Xing Steel Co. Ltd., which manufactures wire rods and structural steel with a production capacity of 5,873 tonnes per day, was found to have waste sludge from its coolant system improperly stored, contrary to its approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Authorities issued a formal order for corrective action. At Yongxing Steel (Thailand) Co. Ltd., which produces billets and wire-based products such as welding rods, nails, and wire mesh (with a capacity of 3,060 tonnes per day), inspectors discovered unapproved changes to machinery and unauthorised industrial waste operations. These breaches carry potential penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both under Thailand’s Factory Act. More alarmingly, Yongxing Steel was also found to have imported over 40,000 tonnes of scrap metal contaminated with electronic waste and plastic residues from abroad. This material, classified as hazardous under Type 3 of the Hazardous Substances Act, was seized by authorities. The company faces criminal charges for illegal possession of dangerous waste. All seized materials have been documented at the Rabo Phai Police Station in Prachinburi. Ms. Thitiphat reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing legal standards and eliminating unsafe or unregulated practices in the steel industry. “These inspections serve not only to enforce compliance but to signal that substandard steel production and shady ‘zero-value’ business operations will no longer be tolerated. We aim to protect public safety, ensure transparency, and modernise our industrial sector for a sustainable and competitive future,” she said. The results of the steel quality tests are expected in due course. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-03.

Armed Robber Who Stole Gold Worth Over 4.7 Million Baht from Mae Sot Shopping Mall Arrested Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thai police have arrested the suspect behind a high-profile armed gold heist in Mae Sot that took place on 2 March, during which a man disguised as a food delivery rider stole gold jewellery weighing 102 baht valued at over 4.7 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359600-armed-robber-who-stole-gold-worth-over-47-million-baht-from-mae-sot-shopping-mall-arrested/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thai police have arrested the suspect behind a high-profile armed gold heist in Mae Sot that took place on 2 March, during which a man disguised as a food delivery rider stole gold jewellery weighing 102 baht valued at over 4.7 million baht. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Somchai, allegedly carried out the robbery at a well-known gold shop inside a shopping centre on Asia Road in Mae Sot district. Dressed in a green delivery rider’s uniform with a camouflage inner shirt and black jeans, the man brandished a handgun, threatening staff before fleeing with three trays of gold ornaments. The theft shocked local residents and gold retailers across the district, prompting a major police operation. Pol Col Rang Daodung, superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station, ordered an intensive investigation. The case also drew national attention, with Pol Gen Thanayut Wutthicharatthamrong, Assistant National Police Chief, travelling to the area to personally oversee the operation. After weeks of surveillance and evidence gathering, police secured an arrest warrant from Mae Sot Provincial Court and apprehended Mr. Somchai. At the time of arrest, police recovered a 20-baht gold chain in a woven pattern and one amulet encased in gold. Authorities believe more of the stolen jewellery remains unaccounted for and suspect additional accomplices. Mr. Somchai has been charged with robbery using disguise or other means to conceal identity, with a firearm, and using a vehicle to commit the offence or aid escape; illegal possession of a firearm; and carrying a firearm in public without permission. Investigations revealed that his wife, Ms. Araya, was also involved in the crime. She allegedly booked a hotel room in Mae Sot on the night of the robbery to provide a hideout for her husband after the heist. She was subsequently arrested and charged with jointly committing armed robbery under similar aggravated circumstances. Although some of the stolen items have been recovered, police believe others may be in possession of further accomplices. Officers are continuing their investigation and interrogating the suspects to trace the remaining gold and uncover the full extent of the criminal operation. Related article. https://aseannow.com/topic/1353341-armed-robber-steals-gold-worth-47-million-baht-in-mae-sot/ Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-03.

Teen Shot Dead in His Bed After Returning From Wedding in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 19-year-old man was brutally murdered while on his bed at home just hours after attending a local wedding. The victim, Mr. Parinya was found dead in his bedroom after two armed assailants stormed his house in the early hours of 2 May in Ron Phibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359599-teen-shot-dead-in-his-bed-after-returning-from-wedding-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 19-year-old man was brutally murdered while on his bed at home just hours after attending a local wedding. The victim, Mr. Parinya was found dead in his bedroom after two armed assailants stormed his house in the early hours of 2 May in Ron Phibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Police were alerted to the incident at approximately 00:30. Deputy Inspector Lt. Anuchart Borisut of Ron Phibun Police Station arrived at the scene alongside forensic officers, medical personnel from Ron Phibun Hospital, and volunteers from the Pracharuamjai Foundation. At the single-storey residence in Hin Tok subdistrict, authorities discovered the victim lying on his bed with his hands resting over his head, a haunting pose that conveyed no awareness of the horror that followed. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the front of his head at close range. The gruesome scene showed severe cranial trauma, with brain matter scattered across the room and blood pooling heavily around the body. According to a close friend who had been with the victim earlier that evening, the pair had attended a wedding celebration in the neighbouring Khuan Chum subdistrict. Upon returning to Parinya’s home, the victim relaxed inside while his friend briefly stepped away. At that moment, two suspects, identified as Mr. Somyot (28) and Mr. Natthaphong (20), arrived on a motorcycle and called for the door to be opened. Witnesses say Mr. Somyot forced his way into the house armed with a firearm and immediately shot Parinya in his room before the pair fled the scene on their motorcycle. Police believe the murder may have been motivated by a confrontation between Parinya and Somyot at the wedding earlier that evening. Investigators suspect the altercation escalated after the event, prompting the alleged gunmen to follow Parinya home and carry out the attack. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects and have already begun gathering witness statements and forensic evidence. Arrest warrants are expected to be issued soon, with officers expressing confidence in their ability to apprehend both individuals swiftly. Following a post-mortem examination, Parinya’s body has been released to his family for funeral rites in accordance with local tradition. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-03.

Local Council Candidate Dies in Road Crash Days Before Election Picture courtesy of Khaosod of the vehicle being recovered. A local council candidate lost his life in a road crash just days before the municipal election, after his pickup truck overturned and landed upside down in a roadside ditch in Lamphun province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359598-local-council-candidate-dies-in-road-crash-days-before-election/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod of the vehicle being recovered. A local council candidate lost his life in a road crash just days before the municipal election, after his pickup truck overturned and landed upside down in a roadside ditch in Lamphun province. The incident occurred on the morning of 2 May, when police at Mueang Lamphun Station were alerted to a fatal crash on the Rim Ping–Pa Heo Road in Ban Nong Chang Khun, Village 4, Nong Chang Khun subdistrict. Officers and rescue personnel rushed to the scene. They discovered a blue pickup truck overturned in a three-metre-deep roadside ditch. Inside the vehicle, in the driver’s seat, was the body of Mr. Jaran aged 57, who had been campaigning as candidate number 6 in the municipal council elections for Prupa Subdistrict Municipality. According to relatives, Mr. Jaran had spent the evening of 1 May delivering grass-cutting equipment to workers at several longan orchards. He was not seen or heard from again after that. It wasn’t until the next morning that a passerby noticed the wrecked vehicle and alerted authorities. Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash. It remains unclear whether the crash was due to driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or other factors. Mr. Jaran’s body was recovered and transported for autopsy, with funeral arrangements now being coordinated by his family. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-03.

Violence Flares Again in the Deep South: Gunmen Kill Elderly Woman in Narathiwat Attack Picture courtesy of Matichon. Renewed violence has struck the troubled southern provinces, as armed assailants opened fire on civilians in the district of Chanae, Narathiwat, leaving a 76-year-old woman dead and her son seriously injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359597-violence-flares-again-in-the-deep-south-gunmen-kill-elderly-woman-in-narathiwat-attack/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Renewed violence has struck the troubled southern provinces, as armed assailants opened fire on civilians in the district of Chanae, Narathiwat, leaving a 76-year-old woman dead and her son seriously injured. The incident occurred at approximately 15:25 on 2 May in the area between the villages of Ai So and Ai Bue Ta, located in Chang Phueak subdistrict. Authorities were alerted by the village head of Moo 4, Ai Bue Ta village, who reported that two people had been shot. The fatal victim has been identified as Mrs. Sanga 76, a blind resident of Su-ngai Kolok district in Narathiwat province. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured individual, Mr. Tasnai a local resident of Moo 4 in Chang Phueak, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting and have yet to identify the perpetrators or determine a motive. Security in the area has been heightened, with additional patrols deployed to prevent further violence and to reassure the local population. The incident has reignited fears of escalating unrest in the region, where fragile peace talks between the Thai government and insurgent factions have shown only limited progress in recent years. Local officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated calls for unity and cooperation from the community in the face of ongoing threats. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-03.

Loan Shark Targeting Women Arrested in Ratchaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a notorious illegal moneylender known for targeting female borrowers and charging extortionate interest rates under the guise of a loan business called “Ban Sia Note” (“House of Sia Note”). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359595-loan-shark-targeting-women-arrested-in-ratchaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a notorious illegal moneylender known for targeting female borrowers and charging extortionate interest rates under the guise of a loan business called “Ban Sia Note” (“House of Sia Note”). Acting on orders from Police Major General Tasanapoom Jaruprach, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) detained 30-year-old Sirinar at his residence in Tha Pha subdistrict, Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi province. He faces multiple charges including operating an unlicensed personal loan business, charging interest beyond the legal limit, and using intimidation and threats during debt collection. Authorities seized evidence from his home, including promotional flyers advertising “Ban Sia Note revolving funds for trade,” debtor record books, and loan agreement documents. The arrest followed numerous complaints filed with the ECSD from victims in Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. The lender allegedly operated for three to four years, amassing a client base of thousands. Victims reported being subjected to aggressive debt collection methods and annual interest rates as high as 1,825%, far exceeding the legal limit. The loan process was disturbingly simple: applicants needed only a national ID card, with no guarantor required. Upon approval, the funds were transferred directly. If borrowers failed to repay on time, they were publicly shamed on social media and faced in-person intimidation. Sirinar confessed to the allegations, admitting he preferred lending to women as they were “easier to negotiate with” and “more emotionally vulnerable.” He has been handed over to investigators from ECSD Division 5 for legal proceedings. The case highlights the ongoing issue of predatory lending in Thailand, particularly among vulnerable groups. Authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting such abuses and have vowed to crack down on illegal loan operations across the country. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-03.

Gunshot Shocks Playground: Elderly Man, 80, Found Dead with Head Wound Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A shocking scene unfolded on the morning of 2 May, at a playground in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, as a loud gunshot drew the attention of nearby residents. Rushing to the site, witnesses were horrified to discover the lifeless body of an 80-year-old man seated slumped forward on a bench, having suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359594-gunshot-shocks-playground-elderly-man-80-found-dead-with-head-wound/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A shocking scene unfolded on the morning of 2 May, at a playground in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, as a loud gunshot drew the attention of nearby residents. Rushing to the site, witnesses were horrified to discover the lifeless body of an 80-year-old man seated slumped forward on a bench, having suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Police and forensic teams arrived at the scene shortly after 10:30, led by Pol. Lt. Kritsada Sangsimma, an investigator from Wang Thonglang Police Station. They were accompanied by forensic officers, medical examiners from the Police General Hospital, and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The deceased, identified only as Mr. A, was wearing a red sleeveless vest and white shorts. A .38 calibre revolver was found on the ground beside him and has been collected as evidence. Initial enquiries revealed that the man had a routine of taking morning walks in the area. Lately, however, he had appeared to be in declining health. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot from the rear of the park before finding the victim. Relatives told police that the man had frequently complained of abdominal pain but had refused to seek medical attention. Investigators suspect ongoing health problems may have contributed to what they believe was a suicide. The body has been taken for a post-mortem examination at the Police General Hospital. Authorities have requested the family to coordinate arrangements for religious rites following the autopsy. 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 Khaosod 2025-05-03.

Villagers Fear Anthrax Outbreak After Three Cows Die Mysteriously in Loei Picture courtesy of Amarin. Residents of a rural village near the Thai-Laos border are gripped with fear following the sudden and unexplained deaths of three cows, sparking concerns of a possible anthrax outbreak. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359593-villagers-fear-anthrax-outbreak-after-three-cows-die-mysteriously-in-loei/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. Residents of a rural village near the Thai-Laos border are gripped with fear following the sudden and unexplained deaths of three cows, sparking concerns of a possible anthrax outbreak. Mr. Samai Rittisak, village headman of Kaewtaw Village, Moo 6, Na Di Subdistrict, Dan Sai District, received a report from local resident Mr. Jad Rittisak, 60, who had taken his cows to graze in forested land not far from the Hueang River, which lies near the Thai-Lao border. Shockingly, three female cows aged between three and five years old were found dead, each in separate spots no more than 20 metres apart. None of the animals showed any external wounds, and the cause of death remains unknown. News of the incident spread rapidly through the village, raising fears among locals of a potential anthrax outbreak. In response, district authorities acted swiftly. At 10:30 on 2 May, Dan Sai District Chief Mr. Thanayut Yaikaew deployed administrative officers, medical personnel, and livestock officials to investigate. Veterinary officials collected swab samples from the deceased animals and promptly buried the carcasses. While initial inspections did not reveal signs typically associated with anthrax, such as bleeding from natural orifices, the stiffness of the bodies raised some concern. Experts cautioned that only lab results from tissue samples would confirm the actual cause of death. As a precaution, livestock officials disinfected the area where the cows were found and urged villagers to closely monitor their cattle for unusual symptoms. Locals have also been advised to temporarily refrain from consuming raw meat. The community now awaits the test results with a mixture of anxiety and hope, as officials work to rule out the deadly zoonotic disease. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359368-anthrax-death-reported-in-mukdahan-province/ Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-03.