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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 52-year-old woman has been arrested in Khon Kaen province after she snatched a gold necklace from a gold shop and buried it in the ground near her home in a desperate attempt to evade arrest. Police said the woman, identified as Sriamporn was captured within 24 hours of the theft, which occurred in Chum Phae district. Officers were able to trace her movements using CCTV footage and tracked her down to her home in Si Chomphu district, about 40km from the crime scene. Upon arrest, Sriamporn confessed to the crime and led police to the buried gold necklace, weighing one baht. It had been wrapped in a baby’s nappy and sealed in a plastic bag before being buried beside her house. According to Pol Col Rakchat Rueangcharoen, chief of Chum Phae police station, the suspect said she had been struggling with debts of nearly one million baht, including an 800,000 baht loan from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). This month alone, she was due to pay 40,000 baht in interest. Driven by desperation, she said she had planned the robbery for three months, choosing the particular gold store because it was the only one that was open fronted and had female staff. She told officers she was inspired by crime scenes from television dramas and tried to replicate the tactics she had seen, though admitted she failed to consider the omnipresence of CCTV cameras. Before stealing the necklace, she circled the shop three times to assess the situation. When the moment seemed right, she entered the store posing as a customer and pretended to be interested in buying a gold necklace. She then grabbed one and attempted to light a small canister filled with paper to cause a distraction, but the paper failed to ignite. She quickly fled the scene, changed her clothes, and rode a motorbike with a sidecar back to Si Chomphu. She thought she had successfully evaded capture, buried the gold in the yard and planned to wait for the attention to die down before selling it. During the police re-enactment of the crime, which covered three locations including the shop, the suspect apologised to the shop owner. However, police moved the proceedings along quickly due to the large number of onlookers gathered outside. Police noted that Sriamporn was cooperative during the investigation and admitted to planning the crime out of financial desperation. She also revealed that, prior to committing the theft, she had even contemplated suicide due to the burden of debt, but ultimately could not go through with it. The case has been submitted to Chum Phae Provincial Court for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-17

Former Provincial Councillor Surrenders After Fatal Karaoke Bar Shooting Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A former provincial councillor from Lopburi has turned himself in to police after a fatal shooting at a karaoke bar in Sri Thep district, Phetchabun province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363863-former-provincial-councillor-surrenders-after-fatal-karaoke-bar-shooting/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A former provincial councillor from Lopburi has turned himself in to police after a fatal shooting at a karaoke bar in Sri Thep district, Phetchabun province. The incident occurred at approximately 23:10 on the night of 15 June, at a karaoke establishment in Khok Sa-at subdistrict. Police from Sri Thep Police Station responded to reports of a violent altercation involving firearms that resulted in one man being fatally shot. The deceased was identified as Mr. Witthaya Yaemkhon, 40, who sustained a gunshot wound from a .45 calibre handgun. The bullet entered just below his left rib and exited through his back. Emergency responders confirmed his death shortly after the incident. At the scene, police recovered two spent bullet casings and a pistol magazine with additional rounds. A white Toyota vehicle bearing Lopburi registration plates, believed to belong to the suspect was found parked outside the venue and has since been impounded for further examination. Initial investigations revealed that two groups of patrons, one led by the suspect and the other by the victim, were dining separately at the bar when a verbal dispute escalated. A physical altercation ensued after the victim’s younger brother allegedly struck a member of the suspect’s group with a bottle. Mr. Sanan Phromsuk, the former Lopburi provincial councillor, then reportedly drew a firearm. In the ensuing struggle, the victim attempted to wrestle the weapon away, resulting in the fatal shot. CCTV footage from the bar has reportedly captured the incident in detail. Following the shooting, Mr. Sanan fled the scene. However, he has since surrendered himself to investigators at Sri Thep Police Station. Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings are now underway. The investigation continues as police gather further evidence and eyewitness accounts to determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatal confrontation. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-06-17

Three Dead in Crash as Pickup Truck Crosses Central Reservation Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash on Phetkasem Road in Nakhon Pathom Province has left three people dead and one critically injured after a pickup truck crossed the central reservation and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363862-three-dead-in-crash-as-pickup-truck-crosses-central-reservation/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash on Phetkasem Road in Nakhon Pathom Province has left three people dead and one critically injured after a pickup truck crossed the central reservation and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. The crash occurred near a petrol station in Moo 4, Tha Taman subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District. Police and rescue workers were alerted to the incident around midday, on 16 June. Officers from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station, along with volunteers from the Suksaranurak Foundation, rushed to the scene. Authorities arrived to find a silver Toyota Vigo 4-door pickup (registration from Bangkok) wrecked across the inbound lane towards Nakhon Pathom. The male driver was trapped inside the mangled vehicle and was later pronounced dead at Nakhon Pathom Hospital. A female passenger, Ms. Siriporn, 41, who was seated in the front seat, was seriously injured and rushed to Nakhon Chai Si Hospital. In the opposite lane, a black Toyota 4-door pickup (registration from Bangkok) was discovered with severe front-end damage. Two male occupants were found dead inside. One of the deceased, the driver, was estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old and was not carrying any identification. A mobile phone was found in the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Mr. Phakphon 18, also died at the scene. Both bodies were extracted using hydraulic rescue tools and sent to a local hospital for further examination. Eyewitness Mr. Boonmee, a 63-year-old fruit vendor, told police he had a clear view of the incident from his stall opposite the crash site. According to his account, the black pickup truck was travelling at high speed from Nakhon Pathom toward Bangkok when it suddenly mounted the central reservation and veered into oncoming traffic, smashing into the vehicle head-on. Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Forensic evidence and witness statements are being reviewed, and both vehicles will undergo mechanical inspections. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-17

Man Shoots Brother Dead After Violent Confrontation at Rented Home in Mukdahan Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 56-year-old man has been arrested for fatally shooting his younger brother nine times during a violent altercation at a rented home in Dong Luang district, Mukdahan province. The victim had reportedly been released from prison just two days earlier and had been causing repeated disturbances, according to the suspect’s wife. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363861-man-shoots-brother-dead-after-violent-confrontation-at-rented-home-in-mukdahan/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 56-year-old man has been arrested for fatally shooting his younger brother nine times during a violent altercation at a rented home in Dong Luang district, Mukdahan province. The victim had reportedly been released from prison just two days earlier and had been causing repeated disturbances, according to the suspect’s wife. The fatal shooting occurred on 16 June at a house in Moo 8, Nong Bua subdistrict. CCTV footage captured the victim, Mr. Surasit, 46, approaching the home armed with a metal pipe. Moments later, loud shouting was heard, followed by nine gunshots. Neighbours quickly alerted authorities. Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find Mr. Surasit dead on a bed near the front door. He had been shot multiple times in the torso with a 9mm firearm. The alleged shooter, Mr. Nikorn, the victim’s elder brother and resident of the house, confessed to firing the weapon. Investigators discovered signs of a struggle inside the home, with scattered belongings, spent bullet casings, a homemade metal pipe weapon and a large machete left at the scene. According to Mr. Nikorn’s wife, Mrs. Saeng, she had fled the house before the shooting out of fear her brother-in-law would attack her. She revealed that since being released from prison, where he had served a nine-month sentence for drug use and property damage, Mr. Surasit had continually harassed the couple. On the day of the incident, he reportedly demanded 500 baht from her husband, who could only offer 300 baht. This led to an argument that escalated into physical violence and ultimately the shooting. A friend of the suspect, Mr. Krai, told reporters that Mr. Nikorn had previously moved out of the family home due to the constant harassment from his younger brother. Despite relocating, the victim continued to pursue and provoke him, culminating in the incident. Police have taken Mr. Nikorn into custody and are holding him at Dong Luang Police Station. He faces an initial charge of homicide. The weapon used in the crime was an unregistered firearm and further legal action regarding firearms offences may follow pending investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-17

Police Chief Orders Raid on Newly Opened Dragon-Tiger Gambling Den in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Amarin. A newly opened illegal gambling den operating in the heart of a local market in Nonthaburi Province was shut down by police on 14 June, with 29 gamblers arrested at the scene. The raid came just two days after the venue had secretly opened, taking advantage of law enforcement being occupied with unrelated operations in the area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363860-police-chief-orders-raid-on-newly-opened-dragon-tiger-gambling-den-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A newly opened illegal gambling den operating in the heart of a local market in Nonthaburi Province was shut down by police on 14 June, with 29 gamblers arrested at the scene. The raid came just two days after the venue had secretly opened, taking advantage of law enforcement being occupied with unrelated operations in the area. The operation was personally ordered by Pol. Maj. Gen. Kittithanet Thanananthaweesin, Commander of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police. He instructed officers from Bang Yai Police Station, including Pol. Col. Siraphop Anusiri, Pol. Lt. Col. Wiwan Kaewphun, and Pol. Lt. Col. Surachet Changsarn, to coordinate with investigation and tactical units to launch the raid. The target was a gambling house operating on the second floor of a building in Moo 6, Sao Thong Hin subdistrict, Bang Yai district. The raid followed several days of surveillance, during which officers observed a steady stream of individuals entering the premises. When the police made their move, they found an active Dragon-Tiger gambling table with dozens of people gathered around it. Authorities arrested 29 individuals and seized substantial evidence including: • 1 gambling table • 11 decks of cards • 8 card storage boxes • 1 card shuffler • 2 Dragon-Tiger signage boards • 1 bell used during play • THB 98,200 in cash Preliminary investigations revealed that the gambling den had only been in operation for two days. Organisers had reportedly timed their opening to coincide with a police crackdown on illegal migrant workers in the area, assuming law enforcement resources would be diverted. Maj. Gen. Kittithanet has ordered strict legal action against all those involved and emphasised that if any financial irregularities indicate money laundering, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) will be brought in to pursue further prosecution. This venue marks the third illegal gambling operation dismantled in Nonthaburi in recent days. Previous raids included a hi-lo den under the jurisdiction of Bang Mae Nang Police Station and another Dragon-Tiger gambling operation in the Plaibang area. All of these establishments violate the directives of the Royal Thai Police and the Region 1 Provincial Police Bureau. Police are now working to identify and prosecute the organisers, including the property owner and any influential figures behind the scenes. Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-17

Two Delivery Riders Arrested for Modifying & Selling Illegal Firearms Online in Pattaya Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Two food delivery riders have been arrested in central Pattaya for illegally modifying blank guns into live firearms and selling them online. Police seized multiple weapons and tools used in the illegal operation, with a third suspect later apprehended in Sriracha following a sting operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363859-two-delivery-riders-arrested-for-modifying-selling-illegal-firearms-online-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Two food delivery riders have been arrested in central Pattaya for illegally modifying blank guns into live firearms and selling them online. Police seized multiple weapons and tools used in the illegal operation, with a third suspect later apprehended in Sriracha following a sting operation. Pol. Col. Man Rotthong, Chief Investigator of the Tourist Police Bureau, alongside Pol. Lt. Col. Kritporn Saengsura, led an operation that resulted in the arrest of Mr. Te, 24 and Mr. Pleng, 21. The pair were caught in possession of several modified firearms, including a Colt MMK4 and a Kimber pistol, both .380 calibre, along with seven rounds of ammunition, magazines and various tools such as drills, grinders, clamps and spare parts. Investigators had earlier detected suspicious activity on Facebook, where a Kimber handgun was being advertised for 15,000 baht. Undercover officers arranged a meeting at Soi 1, Pattaya Second Road, where a suspect named Mr. Worakan arrived to deliver the weapon and was immediately detained. Further investigation led to a parked motorcycle nearby, guarded by Mr. Warasin, where another modified firearm was discovered hidden in the suspect’s waistband and inside the vehicle. The two men reportedly confessed to modifying blank guns into real firearms for a fee of 2,500 baht per unit. Both work as delivery riders for a popular app, but claimed their regular income was insufficient, prompting them to take up illegal weapons modification as a side business. They insisted the guns were not intended for violent purposes. A subsequent search of their rented accommodation uncovered a cache of equipment used in the firearm conversion process, all of which was seized as evidence. The suspects now face multiple charges including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without permission, and manufacturing and selling firearms without a licence. In a related development, police were able to lure and arrest a third individual, Mr. Tom 50, in Sriracha. He had allegedly listed a Kimber Stainless Ultra Raptor II with .45 calibre ammunition for sale via Facebook. The weapon was handed over during a prearranged meeting, and Mr. Tom was apprehended on the spot. He has been transferred to Sriracha Police Station to face prosecution. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the online firearms trade and have urged the public to report suspicious activity via official channels. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-17

Single Mother Shot Dead While Waiting to Send Daughter to School Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A young single mother was shot and killed in a suspected case of mistaken identity while waiting to send her five-year-old daughter to school outside her home in the insurgency-hit province of Pattani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363858-single-mother-shot-dead-while-waiting-to-send-daughter-to-school/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A young single mother was shot and killed in a suspected case of mistaken identity while waiting to send her five-year-old daughter to school outside her home in the insurgency-hit province of Pattani. The shooting occurred around 08:00 on 16 June, in Moo 5, Pakur subdistrict, Thung Yang Daeng district. Two women were shot while standing and conversing near the front of a house. The victims have been named as Ms. Nureesan 29, who later died from her injuries, and Ms. Achura 24, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is in stable condition. Ms. Nureesan, who was raising her daughter alone, was reportedly waiting with her friend for a school transport vehicle when two assailants on a Honda Wave motorcycle approached from behind and opened fire. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen fired two to three shots before speeding away. One of the attackers was heard muttering, “Wrong person,” as they fled the scene. Neighbours rushed to assist the victims and transported them to Thung Yang Daeng Hospital. Ms. Nureesan, who sustained critical injuries to her upper body, was later transferred to Pattani Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Local police, led by Superintendent Pol. Col. Alamt Mekharat and investigating officer Pol. Lt. Col. Adisak Monsin, are now conducting a full investigation. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and exploring all possible motives, including personal disputes and links to ongoing regional unrest. No angle is being ruled out. The identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear and police believe the gunmen disguised themselves in traditional Islamic robes to obscure their appearance. The victim’s family is devastated. Speaking through tears, a relative said, “She raised her daughter alone. Every morning, she would send her off to school. She was even building a small house near where she was killed. It’s heartbreaking. Her little girl is only five years old and still doesn’t understand what’s happened.” Authorities have vowed to bring those responsible to justice and are appealing to the public for any information that might aid the investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-17

Long-Running Feud Turns Deadly: Man Killed in Ayutthaya Shooting Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A bitter ten-year feud between neighbours ended in tragedy on Monday when a 35-year-old man fatally shot his neighbour outside an appliance repair shop in Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363857-long-running-feud-turns-deadly-man-killed-in-ayutthaya-shooting/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A bitter ten-year feud between neighbours ended in tragedy on Monday when a 35-year-old man fatally shot his neighbour outside an appliance repair shop in Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Police and emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after 13:00 on 16 June, following reports of a violent altercation and shooting in Moo 1, Thanu subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mr. Theptat aged 52, lying motionless outside his shop with gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Despite receiving CPR and emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead after being rushed to Rajthanee Hospital. The suspect, identified as Mr. Weerayut, lives next door to the victim and was found hiding in his house after the incident. Police apprehended him without resistance and recovered a .38 calibre revolver, along with five spent cartridges discarded in a rubbish bin. According to investigators, the two men had been involved in ongoing disputes for more than a decade, stemming from issues related to shared access and noise from revving motorcycle engines. Tensions finally boiled over on the day of the shooting. Mr. Weerayut told police that while returning from a car repair shop with his wife, the victim allegedly hurled obscene insults at him. An argument ensued, during which Mr. Theptat allegedly brandished a knife and attempted to attack him. The suspect claims he fled to his home, retrieved the firearm and returned to fire five shots in self-defence. However, the victim’s wife, Mrs. Pranee, gave a conflicting account through tears. She said her husband was sitting in front of their shop singing karaoke when the suspect arrived on a motorbike. An argument broke out and Mr. Weerayut drew his weapon and shot multiple times. She added that her husband was unarmed and posed no threat. “I was too scared to intervene,” she said. “When the shooting stopped, I ran to my husband and found him lying in a pool of blood. I called for help immediately.” Police have detained the suspect and his wife for further questioning at Uthai Police Station. Charges are expected to include murder and illegal possession and use of a firearm. Authorities are continuing their investigation and collecting evidence, including witness statements and CCTV footage, to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-17

Drug-Fuelled Driver Rams Police Checkpoint in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 35-year-old man high on methamphetamine led police on a dramatic 20-kilometre car chase through the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat after crashing through a police checkpoint and attempting to run down officers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363856-drug-fuelled-driver-rams-police-checkpoint-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 35-year-old man high on methamphetamine led police on a dramatic 20-kilometre car chase through the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat after crashing through a police checkpoint and attempting to run down officers. Police identified the suspect as Mr Supachai who was apprehended as part of “Operation Fast74”, a coordinated effort between the Highway Police, Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police and Tourist Police. According to authorities, the incident began when Mr Supachai, driving a heavily modified white-and-black Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, accelerated through a crime suppression checkpoint set up on Highway 4103 (outbound) in Pak Phun subdistrict. Officers were forced to leap out of the way as the suspect ploughed through traffic cones and government property, including warning batons and flashlights, debris from which struck nearby personnel. The suspect then sped toward Tha Sala district, making a series of evasive turns through Bang Poo and Baan Klang intersections before heading back towards Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, the location of another checkpoint. Officers had deployed a “Stop Stick” tyre-deflation device at the checkpoint, which the driver ran over in another apparent attempt to ram law enforcement. Despite punctured tyres, Mr Supachai continued to flee until his vehicle became immobile near the airport, where officers surrounded and arrested him. A search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm handgun, nine rounds of ammunition, a black leather holster and a camouflage backpack in the backseat. The gun was loaded and fully operational. Investigators later found that the vehicle’s chassis number did not match its licence plates, which were confirmed to be counterfeit. The tax disc on display was also forged. During questioning, Mr Supachai confessed to having recently used methamphetamine and admitted that both the vehicle and firearm had been acquired through illicit means. He claimed to have purchased the pickup for 200,000 baht in 2024 from a woman known only as “May” in Thung Song district, while the firearm had been bought for 25,000 baht from a man named “Den” in Chang Klang district. A background check revealed that Mr Supachai is a repeat offender with seven previous criminal cases involving drugs, firearms, and violence. Police have filed multiple charges including: • Possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition • Carrying a weapon in public without permission • Attempted murder of a law enforcement officer • Dangerous driving causing damage to public property • Resisting and assaulting a police officer • Driving under the influence of methamphetamine • Forgery and use of counterfeit official documents Mr Supachai has been remanded in custody and transferred to Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station for formal legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-17

Kanchanaburi: Woman Killed After Tree Falls on Motorcycle Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 43-year-old woman was killed on the morning of 16 June, when a large tree toppled over and crushed her as she rode her motorcycle to a nearby farm. The incident occurred around 06:00, in the village of Kaeng Pralom, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363855-kanchanaburi-woman-killed-after-tree-falls-on-motorcycle/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 43-year-old woman was killed on the morning of 16 June, when a large tree toppled over and crushed her as she rode her motorcycle to a nearby farm. The incident occurred around 06:00, in the village of Kaeng Pralom, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province. Local police from Sai Yok Police Station, together with rescue volunteers from the Pitak Karn Foundation and medical personnel from Somdet Phra Phiyamaharaj Rommaneyakhet Hospital, rushed to the scene following reports of a fatal accident. Upon arrival, authorities found a massive Teak tree, collapsed across a rural road, completely blocking access. Trapped underneath the fallen trunk was a black Yamaha Filano motorcycle, severely damaged. Near the wreckage lay the body of Mrs. Somkid, the victim, whose neck and both arms were broken in the impact. According to relatives, Mrs. Somkid had left her home around 05:30, despite heavy rainfall throughout the night, intending to check on crops at her nearby farm. It was during this early morning journey that she encountered the tree. Initial investigations suggest that the continuous overnight rain had saturated the soil, weakening the roots of the massive tree. Gusty winds in the early morning likely caused the tree to collapse just as Mrs. Somkid was passing by on her motorcycle, leading to the fatal accident. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-17

Three Chinese Nationals Arrested in Chiang Mai for Running Online Gambling Operation Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Three Chinese men have been arrested in Chiang Mai after allegedly using student visas as a cover to operate an illegal online gambling website targeting fellow Chinese nationals. Authorities say the trio were running a sophisticated operation from a rented house in a well-known housing estate in San Sai district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363854-three-chinese-nationals-arrested-in-chiang-mai-for-running-online-gambling-operation/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Three Chinese men have been arrested in Chiang Mai after allegedly using student visas as a cover to operate an illegal online gambling website targeting fellow Chinese nationals. Authorities say the trio were running a sophisticated operation from a rented house in a well-known housing estate in San Sai district. The arrests were led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Krittapol Yeesakhorn, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, alongside officers from the Region 5 Technology Crime Suppression Centre, Immigration Police, and the Tourist Police. The operation followed a tip-off about suspicious activities at the residence. During the raid, officers apprehended three Chinese men aged between 29 and 30. Seized at the scene were three laptop computers, seven mobile phones, internet equipment and various digital devices. Examination of the computers revealed they were operating an international gambling website called “GO 1818,” presented entirely in Chinese and designed to lure Chinese users into online gambling. Initial investigations showed that the suspects had originally entered Thailand on tourist visas, later enrolling in educational institutions to obtain student visas. Since September 2024, they had been renting the house for 22,000 baht per month. Acting as administrators for the gambling site, each earned a reported monthly salary of 50,000 baht. Police confirmed that the overall operation was being directed by a ringleader based in China. The investigation was sparked by complaints from neighbours and local residents who noticed the foreign occupants rarely left the house for weeks, behaviour inconsistent with typical tourists or students. This led to the court-approved search warrant and subsequent arrests. The suspects have been charged with “organising or promoting gambling via electronic media without permission,” a serious offence under the law. Pol. Lt. Gen. Krittapol stated that the operation was highly organised and believed to be part of a wider transnational gambling network. He raised concerns about the abuse of student visa channels by foreign nationals seeking to establish illicit operations in Thailand. He urged educational institutions to carefully review and consider revoking the student visas of individuals who may be using enrolment as a cover for illegal activities. Immigration authorities will now conduct a full review of visa issuance procedures and perform thorough background checks on foreign nationals holding student visas in the country. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-17

Schoolteacher Behind Student Van Attack Issues Public Apology, Cites Stress & Exhaustion Picture courtesy of Matichon. A man who shocked a student transport van full of children by smashing its front window has turned himself in, revealing he is a contract teacher at a school in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. The incident, which took place on 12 June, had caused widespread concern among parents and educators. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363853-schoolteacher-behind-student-van-attack-issues-public-apology-cites-stress-exhaustion/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A man who shocked a student transport van full of children by smashing its front window has turned himself in, revealing he is a contract teacher at a school in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. The incident, which took place on 12 June, had caused widespread concern among parents and educators. The suspect, identified as Mr. Rinn 43, confessed to Mae Sai Police Station on 16 June after a CCTV investigation traced the suspect’s escape route. The footage showed a man in a yellow shirt and full-face helmet riding a motorcycle, making an obscene gesture and then forcefully striking the windscreen of the student van with his hand, cracking the glass. The van was in the process of dropping off students at the time. The driver had already filed a formal complaint on 15 June, citing the trauma caused to the children and the damage to the vehicle. Mr. Rinn claimed his actions were triggered by a misunderstanding. He had recently purchased a new motorcycle and believed the school van had dangerously cut him off, causing him to fall. Coupled with fatigue, heat and mounting work pressure, he admitted he lost control of his emotions. “I had just fallen. I was exhausted and hot. I tried to speak with the driver calmly, but he wouldn’t engage and I snapped,” Mr. Rinn told officers, adding that he brought the motorcycle, helmet and yellow shirt used during the incident to the station as part of his surrender. He expressed deep remorse for his actions: “I sincerely apologise. I should have handled things better and controlled my anger. I wasn’t thinking clearly. If I could go back in time, I would never have done this, even if my bike was more damaged.” Mr. Rinn also appealed for public understanding, saying the viral footage did not fully capture the context or his original intention, which was to seek a civil conversation. “I was trying to get home to my wife and child. I was overwhelmed with responsibilities and stress. I didn’t intend for it to end like this,” he said. Mae Sai Police Superintendent, Pol. Col. Technik Jansi, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Officers have been assigned to gather further evidence and take formal statements from all parties involved. Some parents of the students affected have also indicated they will file additional complaints. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-17

Two Malaysians Arrested Near Sadao Border with Suspected Call Centre Equipment Picture courtesy of Naewna. Two Malaysian nationals have been arrested, after allegedly smuggling illegal telecommunication equipment, which is believed to be destined for a Thai-based call centre scam operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363852-two-malaysians-arrested-near-sadao-border-with-suspected-call-centre-equipment/

Picture courtesy of Naewna. Two Malaysian nationals have been arrested, after allegedly smuggling illegal telecommunication equipment, which is believed to be destined for a Thai-based call centre scam operation. The arrests were carried out by the Songkhla Immigration Bureau in collaboration with Border Patrol Police 437 and Sadao Provincial Police, following an intensified national crackdown on transnational crime and cross-border threats, as ordered by Police General Kittirat Phanpet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. The suspects, identified as Eugene 37, and Tan 25, both Malaysian nationals, entered Thailand via the Sadao Immigration Checkpoint on 12 June. Acting on intelligence, officers detained the two men separately at a local 7-Eleven store in Ban Dan Nok and at a condominium in the Sadao district of Songkhla. Seized from the suspects were eight SIM box devices and eight internet routers fitted with SIM cards, equipment classified under Thai law as radio communication devices, which require official authorisation to possess or operate. According to investigators, the devices were in full working condition and not commercially available within Thailand, leading authorities to believe they had been smuggled from a neighbouring country. The suspects claimed the equipment was intended for CCTV data storage, but this explanation was contradicted by technical inspections. As a result, both men were charged under Section 246 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and Section 6 of the Radio Communications Act B.E. 2498 (1955) for unlawful possession and importation of communication devices. Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 6, stated that the operation reflected successful inter-agency cooperation. It also underscored the immigration bureau’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the cross-border activities of foreign nationals involved in illegal enterprises, particularly those linked to call centre syndicates targeting victims in Thailand and abroad. The suspects and confiscated equipment have been handed over to investigators at Sadao Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities emphasised that the crackdown is part of a broader directive led by senior Royal Thai Police officers to tighten border security and bolster public confidence by suppressing foreign-led criminal networks. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-17