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Market Vendor Stabbed After Dispute Over Stall Placement Picture courtesy of Matichon. A shocking act of violence erupted in Si Khiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima, on the night of 13 February, when a poultry vendor, armed with a butcher’s knife, brutally attacked a fellow market trader in front of her daughter. The incident, which occurred outside a well-known shop in the local market, left the 47-year-old woman with severe injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351835-market-vendor-stabbed-after-dispute-over-stall-placement/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A shocking act of violence erupted in Si Khiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima, on the night of 13 February, when a poultry vendor, armed with a butcher’s knife, brutally attacked a fellow market trader in front of her daughter. The incident, which occurred outside a well-known shop in the local market, left the 47-year-old woman with severe injuries. The attacker, identified as 54-year-old Mr. Songkram, was swiftly apprehended by police at the scene. Reports indicate that the altercation stemmed from a long-running dispute over stall placement, with Mr. Songkram accusing the victim, Ms. Sirinya, of encroaching on his space. According to witnesses, the argument between the two had escalated earlier in the day, prompting concerned bystanders to intervene. However, the situation took a horrifying turn when Mr. Songkram later pursued Ms. Sirinya as she rode her motorcycle with her daughter to buy groceries. The suspect allegedly kicked the motorcycle, causing the pair to crash, before launching a frenzied knife attack on Ms. Sirinya. Passersby watched in horror as the assailant repeatedly stabbed the woman, striking her back, face, and limbs. Her daughter managed to flee, seeking help, but onlookers were too afraid to intervene due to the suspect’s erratic and aggressive behaviour. Emergency responders rushed Ms. Sirinya to Si Khiu Hospital before transferring her to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Speaking to reporters, the victim’s 25-year-old daughter described the terrifying ordeal: “My mother tried to escape, but he chased us. When we fell, he attacked her with a knife. I begged for help, but no one dared step in because he looked intoxicated and violent.” Relatives of Ms. Sirinya have vowed to pursue legal action against the attacker, who is now facing attempted murder charges. A cousin of the victim revealed that Mr. Songkram had been drinking prior to the attack and had boasted about his past criminal record, claiming he was unafraid of returning to prison. Police have taken him into custody and are gathering evidence to proceed with legal action. -- 2025-02-15

Irish, Brazilian, Israeli Musicians Arrested in Pai for Working Without Permits Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have arrested four foreign musicians for performing without work permits at a restaurant in Pai, in Mae Hong Son province. The arrests come amid increasing concerns from local residents about the impact of foreign visitors on their community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351834-irish-brazilian-israeli-musicians-arrested-in-pai-for-working-without-permits/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have arrested four foreign musicians for performing without work permits at a restaurant in Pai, in Mae Hong Son province. The arrests come amid increasing concerns from local residents about the impact of foreign visitors on their community. A joint operation involving Immigration Police Region 5 Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son Provincial Police, the Mae Hong Son Employment Office, and the Internal Security Command raided Jazz House Pai in Wiang Tai subdistrict on the evening of 13 February, shortly before 22:00. The raid followed reports that the venue regularly hosted unauthorised foreign performers. According to complaints, the restaurant frequently featured three foreign bands: • Walk the Dog 2 (7:00–8:00 PM) • Pink Fraud (8:00–9:30 PM) • Mizu and Branda (9:30–10:30 PM) During the raid, officers discovered four foreign musicians performing on stage. The suspects attempted to escape through the back of the venue but were quickly apprehended. The arrested individuals were identified as: • Mr Brian (Ireland, lead singer and guitarist) • Mr Matheus (Brazil, bass guitarist) • Mr Yishay (Israel, drummer) • Mr Shay (Israel, guitarist) All four were charged with working without valid permits and failing to report their employment details within the mandatory 15-day period. The venue owner is also facing charges for employing unauthorised foreign workers. This enforcement action follows a January meeting between the Mae Hong Son Immigration Office and Pai community leaders, during which residents raised concerns about the increasing number of unauthorised foreign workers and the impact on local tourism. Officials have encouraged residents to report suspected cases of illegal employment involving foreign nationals, with the exception of workers from neighbouring countries such as Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Local representatives have urged authorities to prioritise community well-being over purely economic considerations, expressing particular concerns about tourism activities that benefit business operators while disrupting local life. Immigration officials have pledged to address these issues in coordination with other relevant agencies. -- 2025-02-15

UPDATE Man, 32, Arrested for Fatal Shooting at Petrol Station After Hiding in Krabi A 32-year-old man wanted for the fatal shooting of a truck driver at a petrol station in Surat Thani has been arrested after fleeing to Krabi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351833-man-32-arrested-for-fatal-shooting-at-petrol-station-after-hiding-in-krabi/

UPDATE Picture of arrest. A 32-year-old man wanted for the fatal shooting of a truck driver at a petrol station in Surat Thani has been arrested after fleeing to Krabi. At around 08:00 on 14 February, a team of investigators from Surat Thani police, along with officers from Khao Phanom Police Station in Krabi, apprehended Jakree, 32, at a small hut in a rubber plantation in Moo 7, Na Khao Subdistrict, Khao Phanom District, Krabi. He was wanted for the shooting of Aphirak Rakbuhnga at a petrol station on a bypass road in Makham Tia, Mueang Surat Thani. Aphirak later succumbed to his injuries at Surat Thani Hospital on 13 February. Following the shooting, Jakree fled the scene on a motorbike to a rented room in Khun Thale Subdistrict, where he hid the firearm in tall grass outside a row of rental units. He then called his father, who picked him up in a red Toyota Vios before they fled to Phanom District, Surat Thani. As police intensified their efforts to track him down, Jakree escaped again to Khao Phanom, Krabi, where his parents live. The Surat Thani Provincial Court subsequently issued a warrant for Jakree’s arrest on charges of murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and carrying a firearm in public without a valid reason. In the early hours of 14 February, a joint police force surrounded a house in Moo 7, Na Khao, Khao Phanom, belonging to Jakree’s parents. Officers found his father standing outside, while a legally registered 9mm handgun was discovered on a wooden shack in front of the house. Jakree’s mother was inside. As police questioned the father, he attempted to take photos of the officers and send them to Jakree as a warning. However, police intervened, confiscated the phone, and took him to lead them to Jakree’s hideout in the rubber plantation. There, officers found Jakree sitting inside the small hut and took him into custody. Police later recovered the firearm used in the shooting, along with a spent shell casing, from the grassy area outside Jakree’s rented room. He was then transferred to Surat Thani Police Station for legal proceedings. During interrogation, Jakree confessed to the crime, claiming that he had an ongoing dispute with the victim, who allegedly harassed him and openly expressed his dislike. The day before the shooting, the two had a heated argument. On the day of the incident, Jakree carried his gun in his shoulder bag as he went to work. At the petrol station, while sitting on his motorbike, Aphirak called him over. As he approached, Aphirak allegedly grabbed him by the neck and tried to pin him to the ground. Jakree retaliated by elbowing him, causing Aphirak to fall. He then took out his firearm, at which point Aphirak attempted to grab it. A struggle ensued, leading Jakree to fire a single shot into Aphirak’s abdomen before fleeing. Jakree is now in police custody and faces prosecution in accordance with the law. Related article: Fuel Tanker Drivers’ Brawl Ends in Fatal Shooting https://aseannow.com/topic/1351731-fuel-tanker-drivers’-brawl-ends-in-fatal-shooting/ -- 2025-02-15

Senior Female Army Officer Seriously Injured in Expressway Crash A senior female army officer was seriously injured after reportedly dozing off at the wheel, causing her vehicle to crash into a barrier on the Burapha Withi Expressway. The impact caused her car to flip, ejecting her onto the road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351832-senior-female-army-officer-seriously-injured-in-expressway-crash/

Picture from responders. A senior female army officer was seriously injured after reportedly dozing off at the wheel, causing her vehicle to crash into a barrier on the Burapha Withi Expressway. The impact caused her car to flip, ejecting her onto the road. Police Lieutenant Sunriya Phumwat, an investigator at Bang Pakong Police Station in Chachoengsao province, received a report on 14 February, of the crash at kilometre marker 49+500 on the outbound lane of the expressway towards Bang Pakong toll gate. Upon arrival, officers discovered a damaged Mitsubishi Pajero blocking the left and middle lanes. Personal belongings were scattered across the road. Nearby, the driver, identified as Colonel Sutthathip Phan-iam, aged 50, from the Development Military Unit, was found lying unconscious on the road with severe injuries. Rescue teams provided emergency first aid before transporting her to Chularat 11 Hospital. A witness reported that the driver appeared to have fallen asleep while driving, causing the vehicle to veer off course and strike the expressway barrier before flipping over. The impact ejected her from the vehicle. Passersby rushed to assist before emergency responders arrived. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-02-15

Motorcycle Bomb Explodes Outside Security Post, Injuring Seven A motorcycle bomb exploded outside a paramilitary ranger post in Waeng district, Narathiwat province, injuring seven people, including security personnel and local residents. The blast caused significant damage to the building’s structure and several parked motorcycles. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351831-motorcycle-bomb-explodes-outside-security-post-injuring-seven/

Pictures from responders. A motorcycle bomb exploded outside a paramilitary ranger post in Waeng district, Narathiwat province, injuring seven people, including security personnel and local residents. The blast caused significant damage to the building’s structure and several parked motorcycles. At approximately 19:00 on 14 February Police Colonel Heraman Chedee, Superintendent of Waeng Police Station, received a report of an explosion near the perimeter wall of the Volunteer Defence Corps Company. The attack took place 700 metres from Waeng Police Station. Officers and military personnel were immediately deployed to secure the area and assist the wounded. The force of the explosion destroyed a section of the perimeter wall and damaged several security personnel’s motorcycles. Parts of the building’s structure were also impacted by the blast. Emergency responders transported seven injured individuals to Waeng Hospital. Among them were three Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) officers: • VDC Officer Muhamad Daniel Rusman • VDC Officer Anyan Awae • VDC Officer Mahusen Kariya Four civilians were also injured: • Asman Porsa • Pathavee Suwanchailert • Weena Suwanchailert • Pranee Chanphet Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by militants operating in the region. Earlier in the day, threatening messages targeting security forces had been painted on roads in Pattani province, warning officers to resign from their posts. Officials believe the explosion in Waeng was linked to these threats. Security forces are investigating the attack and have increased patrols in the area to prevent further incidents. In an Earlier Attack Militants Throw Grenade at Security Forces in Narathiwat, but Attack Fails A grenade attack on a local security outpost in Narathiwat province failed during the night of 13 February, after the explosive landed on the roof of a dormitory instead of hitting its intended target. The blast damaged several vehicles but, fortunately, caused no injuries. At around 19:55, two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at the Tambon Protection Unit (Chor Kor Tor) base in Manang Tayor subdistrict. However, the grenade missed the target and landed on the roof of the dormitory before falling onto a parked Isuzu pickup truck, where it detonated. The explosion damaged the truck, three nearby motorcycles, and the dormitory’s walls, but no personnel were harmed. Authorities from Muang Narathiwat Police Station, explosive ordnance disposal units, and forensic investigators arrived at the scene on the morning of 14 February to assess the damage. They discovered grenade shrapnel scattered around the area, a trigger from the explosive, and a large impact hole near the truck’s front left tyre. According to an initial investigation, the attackers had approached the outpost from Rangae district and parked near the local health promotion hospital adjacent to the security base. As officers gathered inside the outpost for a routine assembly, one of the attackers dismounted and hurled the grenade towards them. However, the grenade struck the dormitory roof instead, causing an unintended detonation with the ground. The suspects immediately fled the scene, riding their motorcycle against traffic to escape. Security officials believe the attack was carried out by insurgents who have recently shifted tactics, replacing traditional pipe bombs with hand grenades. These smaller explosives are easier to conceal and transport, making them more difficult for authorities to detect. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. -- 2025-02-15

Fire Destroys Three Homes in Pattaya, Families Left With Nothing A fire swept through a residential area in Pattaya, Chonburi, on the afternoon of 14 February, reducing three homes to ashes and leaving families homeless. The fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out in a densely populated community behind the Pattaya Housing Estate on Thepprasit Soi 5, Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351829-fire-destroys-three-homes-in-pattaya-families-left-with-nothing/

Picture from responders. A fire swept through a residential area in Pattaya, Chonburi, on the afternoon of 14 February, reducing three homes to ashes and leaving families homeless. The fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out in a densely populated community behind the Pattaya Housing Estate on Thepprasit Soi 5 in Pattaya, Bang Lamung District. The Pattaya City Disaster Relief Centre received the emergency call at 15:05 and immediately dispatched firefighters, police, and rescue personnel to the scene. Upon arrival, they found flames engulfing a cluster of wooden and metal construction homes, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Residents were quickly evacuated as firefighters battled to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire spread rapidly due to the wooden structures acting as fuel. Local volunteers also assisted by bringing water trucks to help extinguish the flames. After an hour of firefighting, authorities managed to bring the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading further. However, the damage was already severe, with three homes completely destroyed. A heart-wrenching scene unfolded as homeowners returned to find their belongings reduced to ashes. One resident, 34-year-old Ratri Nuyiam, was inconsolable upon seeing the remains of her home. She revealed that she was away when the fire started and had no idea what caused it. Her family, along with three others, had lived in the affected houses, leaving multiple families homeless. Police and forensic investigators were called in to examine the site and determine the exact cause of the fire. Initial assessments suggest that an electrical short circuit may have been to blame, though further investigations are ongoing. Authorities are now working with local organisations to provide emergency assistance to those affected, as residents struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss of their homes and possessions. -- 2025-02-15

Chinese Fraud Gang Arrested After Scamming Thai Elderly Woman of Gold and Cash Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A gang of Chinese fraudsters has been arrested in Yala after deceiving an elderly Thai woman into handing over a substantial amount of gold and cash in an elaborate scam. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351828-chinese-fraud-gang-arrested-after-scamming-thai-elderly-woman-of-gold-and-cash/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A gang of Chinese fraudsters has been arrested in Yala after deceiving an elderly Thai woman into handing over a substantial amount of gold and cash in an elaborate scam. Police confirmed that the gang had swindled 17 baht of gold jewellery, worth approximately 800,000 baht, along with 150,000 baht in cash by posing as fortune tellers. The fraudsters were apprehended at a hotel in Yala city after a police investigation. The scam came to light on 13 February, when Jiraporn, a 71-year-old resident of Betong, reported the incident to the police. She explained that she had been standing outside an electronics shop in Betong district when a woman, estimated to be in her 50s, approached her and struck up a conversation, asking about someone named Wang Tai Si. Shortly after, two more women joined the conversation and persuaded Jiraporn to sit down for a meal. One of them claimed to be a fortune teller and, in an effort to gain her trust, accurately described personal details about her family, including the number of children she had and which ones had passed away. The so-called fortune teller then warned Jiraporn that her daughter was facing severe misfortune and urgently needed a spiritual cleansing ritual to remove bad luck. To perform this, she was instructed to place all her valuables in a bag for the ritual. Jiraporn, believing the fraudsters, returned home to collect gold jewellery, cash, and some foreign currency, and placed them into a bag as instructed. The fraudsters told her not to open it for one month. However, when she became suspicious and checked the bag the next day, she discovered that her valuables had been replaced with dishwashing liquid bottles and water bottles. After receiving the complaint, officers from Betong Police Station and Yala Provincial Police launched an investigation, analysing CCTV footage to trace the suspects’ movements. Once their location was identified, officers raided a hotel in Yala city, where they successfully arrested the entire gang and recovered some of the stolen assets. Authorities revealed that similar scams had been reported in Yala in previous years, and police suspect the criminals had inside knowledge of their victims’ personal details. Investigators believe local accomplices may have provided information to the fraudsters, helping them gain victims’ trust. Police are urging anyone who has been scammed in a similar manner to come forward. The case is now under further investigation, with the fraudsters set to face legal proceedings. -- 2025-02-15

Road Roller Overturns, Crushing 63-Year-Old Driver to Death in Chiang Rai An incident occurred on the morning of 14 February, in Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai, when a 63-year-old man operating a road roller lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn and fatally crush him. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351826-road-roller-overturns-crushing-63-year-old-driver-to-death-in-chiang-rai/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred on the morning of 14 February, in Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai, when a 63-year-old man operating a road roller lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn and fatally crush him. At approximately 10:45, Pol. Lt. Col. Surapong Wannakhan, an investigator from Phaya Mengrai Police Station, received a report of a road roller overturning on Highway 1174 in Ban San Pa Sak, Mengrai Subdistrict. The incident took place at a construction site where road expansion was underway, near the boundary between Ban San Pa Sak, Village 3, and Ban Nong Sao, Village 6. Emergency responders from Siam Chiang Rai Rescue Foundation (Khun Tan Unit) were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a yellow road roller overturned on the roadside, with its cabin crushed. The driver was found trapped beneath the wreckage. After a long and extremely difficult extraction, the victim was identified as Mr. Parinya, 63. His body was later transported to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital for examination. A co-worker at the site reported that the victim had been operating the road roller in reverse, following other vehicles in the construction convoy. However, for unknown reasons, he suddenly lost control, veered off course, and overturned, pinning him beneath it. Following the post-mortem examination, the body will be transported to the victim’s hometown at Wat Ban Pi, Village 7, Ngaw Subdistrict, Thoeng District, Chiang Rai. Police gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses at the scene, as the investigation is ongoing. -- 2025-02-15

Bangkok Police Raid Illegal Poker Game at Chinese Restaurant: 13 Arrested Bangkok Metropolitan Police have arrested 13 individuals, including 12 foreign nationals, following a raid on an illegal poker game at a high-end Chinese restaurant in the Yan Nawa district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351825-bangkok-police-raid-illegal-poker-game-at-chinese-restaurant-13-arrested/

Picture from raid. Bangkok Metropolitan Police have arrested 13 individuals, including 12 foreign nationals, following a raid on an illegal poker game at a high-end Chinese restaurant in the Yan Nawa district. The operation took place on the evening of 13 February at approximately 22:30, after police received intelligence regarding unlawful gambling activities at the Bitcoin Club, located on the third floor of the Galaxy Place building on Nonsi Road, Chan Nontri. The raid, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, uncovered an active poker game in progress. The arrested individuals include nine Chinese nationals, two Singaporeans, and one Indian citizen, all aged between 28 and 46. A Thai national, identified as Ms. Chatchaya, 31, was allegedly responsible for organising and facilitating the illegal gambling operation. Authorities seized substantial evidence from the scene, including: • 319,400 Thai Baht • 5,308 Singapore Dollars • 7,035 Chinese Yuan • 12,074 Hong Kong Dollars • 100 Euros • 70 Macau Patacas • Two sets of poker chips with cases • Four decks of playing cards • One poker table All confiscated items have been transferred to Bang Phongphang Police Station as evidence. The suspects have reportedly admitted to participating in the gambling activities for financial gain. Ms. Chatchaya has been charged with organising and facilitating illegal gambling, while the 12 foreign nationals face charges of engaging in unauthorised gambling. The case remains under investigation by local authorities. Bangkok police continue to crack down on illicit gambling operations across the city, warning that such activities will not be tolerated. -- 2025-02-15

Elderly Woman Falls to Her Death While Picking Mangoes An elderly woman tragically fell to her death while attempting to pick mangoes from a tree outside her home in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram province. The 68-year-old, identified as Mrs. Somsri (surname withheld), had climbed a bamboo ladder to reach the fruit when she lost her footing and fell approximately three metres, suffering fatal head injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351823-elderly-woman-falls-to-her-death-while-picking-mangoes/

Picture from responders. An elderly woman tragically fell to her death while attempting to pick mangoes from a tree outside her home in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram province. The 68-year-old, identified as Mrs. Somsri (surname withheld), had climbed a bamboo ladder to reach the fruit when she lost her footing and fell approximately three metres, suffering fatal head injuries. The incident occurred at around 09:00 on 14 February, with police and emergency responders arriving at the scene shortly after. Upon their arrival, officers from Amphawa Police Station, led by Sub-Inspector Komson Promsiri, found Mrs. Somsri lying beneath an eight-metre mango tree, her husband, 74-year-old Mr. Montree sitting nearby. According to initial reports, Mrs. Somsri had been distressed that squirrels were eating the mangoes and was determined to collect them before they were spoiled. Despite having mobility issues and relying on a walking aid, she had climbed the tree before, confident in her ability due to her past experience harvesting coconut sugar in her younger years. Her husband, who also struggles with mobility, was sitting at the base of the tree when the incident occurred. “She told me she was going up to pick the mangoes and asked me to watch from below,” he recounted. “Then suddenly, she fell.” Investigators believe Mrs. Somsri lost her balance while climbing, falling from the ninth rung of the ladder. Family members have accepted the cause of death as an unfortunate accident, and her body has been released for religious rites. -- 2025-02-15

Promising Student Dies in Collision with Cement Truck A bright young vocational student lost his life in a motorcycle crash after colliding with a cement truck in Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram. The student, Ananda Khiewkalae, 20, was riding his motorbike to check on coursework before the term break when the fatal collision occurred. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351821-promising-student-dies-in-collision-with-cement-truck/

Picture from responders. A bright young vocational student lost his life in a motorcycle crash after colliding with a cement truck in Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram. The student, Ananda Khiewkalae, 20, was riding his motorbike to check on coursework before the term break when the fatal collision occurred. Police from Yisarn Police Station and emergency responders arrived at the crash scene on Khlong Khut Lek–Plai Phongphang Road. They found Ananda’s body lying in the middle of the road, still wearing his college uniform from Amphawa Vocational College. His injuries included a fractured skull and a deep wound on his right hip. Nearby, his red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle was badly damaged. The other vehicle involved was a white and yellow cement mixer truck, driven by Pairoj 46. He remained at the scene and told police that he was leaving a cement factory en route to Lat Yai when Ananda’s motorcycle crashed into the back of his truck. However, as officers inspected the scene, Ananda’s father and relatives rushed forward in anger, attempting to physically confront the truck driver. They accused him of failing to yield to the motorcycle, despite seeing it approaching. The situation became so tense that an ambulance had to rush Ananda’s father to hospital after he collapsed upon hearing of his son’s death. Arthika Yueiam, one of Ananda’s teachers, described him as an exceptionally responsible and hardworking student. He had consistently earned nearly perfect grades and was ranked first in his class. His plan after graduating Vocational Certificate Level 3 was to continue his studies in automotive bodywork and painting at the Higher Vocational level, aiming for a stable career to support his family. On the day of the crash, Ananda had just completed his final exam and was on his way to double-check his coursework before the semester break. Initial police investigations suggest that the cement truck was leaving the factory just as Ananda was passing, resulting in the high-speed impact. However, his family has now chosen not to pursue further legal action, and his body has been released for Islamic funeral rites. The truck driver, Pairoj, has been taken for further questioning at Yisarn Police Station, and both the truck and motorcycle have been impounded for forensic examination. Authorities will determine whether charges will be filed against the driver. -- 2025-02-15

Indian Paraglider Rescued After Cliff Fall in Nong Khai Province A rescue operation took place on 13 February, at Wat Pha Tak Suea in Nong Khai province after an Indian paraglider crashed into a cliff during an international competition. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351748-indian-paraglider-rescued-after-cliff-fall-in-nong-khai-province/

Picture from responders. A rescue operation took place on 13 February, at Wat Pha Tak Suea in Nong Khai province after an Indian paraglider crashed into a cliff during an international competition. The incident occurred during the FAI CIVL Paragliding Accuracy World Cup 2025 Thailand event, a precision paragliding competition held at the scenic viewpoint in Sangkhom District. The pilot, identified only as competitor number 42 from India, encountered difficulties shortly after take-off when his wing appeared to have failed to fully deploy. As a result, he lost control and plummeted approximately 20 metres down the cliffside before becoming entangled in a tree. Despite the harrowing fall, the paraglider miraculously escaped without injury. Emergency responders from Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre 14, were swiftly dispatched to the scene. A specialised rope rescue team descended down the cliff to reach the stranded athlete, securing both him and his equipment before carefully hoisting him back to safety. Officials confirmed that the rescue operation was completed successfully, and the paraglider was brought back to stable ground without further incident. The event organisers are expected to review safety protocols following the accident. Wat Pha Tak Suea, known for its stunning views over the Mekong River, is a popular location for extreme sports enthusiasts, but incidents like this highlight the risks involved in high-altitude activities. This event is organised by the Royal Thai Air Force Sports Association (RASAT), Nong Khai Flying Club, and local government agencies in Nong Khai Province, with the event supported by the government, sports authorities of Thailand No official statement has yet been released by the competitor or his team. -- 2025-02-14

Fire at Cannabis Cultivation Facility Sends Smoke Through Jomtien Neighbourhood A fire broke out at a cannabis cultivation facility in Jomtien on the night of 13 February, sending clouds of smoke through a nearby residential area. The incident left some locals feeling dizzy, while some foreign tourists reportedly found the situation amusing. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351737-fire-at-cannabis-cultivation-facility-sends-smoke-through-jomtien-neighbourhood/