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Swedish Man Found Weeping Beside Girlfriend’s Body in Pattaya Condo Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Swedish man was found in deep distress after discovering his 26-year-old Thai girlfriend had taken her own life in their Pattaya condominium. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of 2 March, prompting an immediate police investigation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353343-swedish-man-found-weeping-beside-girlfriend’s-body-in-pattaya-condo/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Swedish man was found in deep distress after discovering his 26-year-old Thai girlfriend had taken her own life in their Pattaya condominium. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of 2 March, prompting an immediate police investigation. At approximately 04:05, Police Lieutenant Suthiraphan Tapasri of Pattaya City Police Station received a report of a suicide at a condominium in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Officers and rescue personnel from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found the Swedish man weeping uncontrollably beside the body of his girlfriend, identified as Ms. Sureetip, 26. She had used a pair of trousers to hang herself. In his grief, the man had lowered her body before the authorities arrived and was found lying next to her, inconsolable. A security guard at the condominium reported that the foreign man had approached him earlier that night, pleading for help after his girlfriend had locked herself inside the room, threatening to end her life. The security guard attempted to knock on the door multiple times but received no response. Out of concern, he asked the Swedish man for permission to climb onto the balcony to check on her. Upon gaining access, he was met with a devastating sight, Ms. Sureetip had already lost consciousness. Authorities were immediately alerted. A close friend of the deceased revealed that she had called earlier in the evening, distressed over her relationship. She expressed fears that her foreign boyfriend no longer loved her and mentioned taking pills in an attempt to end her life. Her final words included a heartbreaking phrase: “If you don’t see the coffin, you won’t shed tears.” Out of concern, the friend rushed to see her and also contacted the Swedish boyfriend, urging him to stay with her. However, later that night, he left the apartment to have dinner, leaving Ms. Sureetip alone. When he returned, he found the door locked and sought help from security, only to discover the tragic outcome. Police Lieutenant Suthiraphan Tapasri conducted a thorough examination of the scene, finding no signs of struggle or foul play. The body has been transferred for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. 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. -- 2025-03-03

Two Women Caught Smuggling Millions of Baht at Nong Khai Border Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Two women were arrested at the Nong Khai border crossing while attempting to bring over 3.6 million baht into the country. They later admitted to being hired to transport the cash but claimed they were unaware of the legal implications. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353342-two-women-caught-smuggling-millions-of-baht-at-nong-khai-border/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two women were arrested at the Nong Khai border crossing while attempting to bring over 3.6 million baht into the country. They later admitted to being hired to transport the cash but claimed they were unaware of the legal implications. The incident occurred on 2 March at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Nong Khai. Following orders from Theerach Atthanavanich, Director-General of the Customs Department, authorities were conducting strict inspections to prevent customs violations and related offences. Nong Khai Customs Office Director, Wannapa Phu-utsa, instructed officials, including Somsin Chitsamonuk, Director of the First Customs Service Office, and Phatthanaphong Tantiwattanakulchai, Head of Customs Service Division 1, to monitor border crossings closely. At around 15:30, officers noticed two women, later identified as Ms Suphanuch (27) from Chiang Kham, Phayao, and Ms Sasipha (39) from Phaya Mengrai, Chiang Rai, arriving from Laos on an international bus from Vientiane to Nong Khai. Each was carrying a large suitcase. Suspicious of their luggage, customs officers directed their bags through an X-ray scanner, which revealed suspicious objects stacked inside. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered large amounts of cash inside the suitcases: • Ms Suphanuch’s bag contained 2,100,000 baht in 1,000-baht notes. • Ms Sasipha’s bag contained 1,500,000 baht in 1,000-baht notes. The total amount seized was 3.6 million baht. Both women were immediately taken into custody. During questioning, the suspects confessed that they had been hired by a Hmong national to pick up the suitcases from Laos and transport them to northern Thailand. However, they claimed they had not been told which province to deliver the money to and insisted this was their first time carrying out such an operation. They also stated they were unaware that their actions were illegal. Authorities seized the cash as state property and processed the case under customs regulations. Both women agreed to pay the required fines, with penalties set at 150,000 baht and 420,000 baht, respectively. The Customs Department continues to investigate whether the case is linked to a larger smuggling operation. -- 2025-03-03

Armed Robber Steals Gold Worth 4.7 Million Baht in Mae Sot A daring robbery took place in Mae Sot, Tak province, when a lone thief disguised as a food delivery rider stormed into a gold shop, brandished a firearm, and stole gold worth approximately 4.7 million baht in under a minute before fleeing on a motorcycle. Police are now hunting the suspect, fearing he may attempt to escape across the border into Myanmar. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353341-armed-robber-steals-gold-worth-47-million-baht-in-mae-sot/

Picture captured from CCTV below. A daring robbery took place in Mae Sot, Tak province, when a lone thief disguised as a food delivery rider stormed into a gold shop, brandished a firearm, and stole gold worth approximately 4.7 million baht in under a minute before fleeing on a motorcycle. Police are now hunting the suspect, fearing he may attempt to escape across the border into Myanmar. At 19:12 on 2 March, Pol. Lt. Col. Sarayut Khongthong, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) at Mae Sot Police Station, received a report of an armed robbery at Orosa 5 Gold Shop, located inside a Lotus supermarket in Mae Sot Municipality. Upon arrival, officers found that the thief had seized a total of 102 baht-weight in gold necklaces, • One tray of 10-baht-weight necklaces • Two trays of 2-baht-weight necklaces The total stolen amount was valued at around 4.7 million baht, and the entire operation took just one minute. Police reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed that the suspect was a slim man, approximately 165 cm tall or taller, wearing: • A black full-face helmet • A green rider-style jacket with a camouflage-patterned inner shirt • Slim-fit black jeans • Black shoes with white laces • A large black backpack The suspect arrived alone on a motorcycle of an unknown make and parked in the motorbike area near the entrance of the shopping complex. He walked into the gold shop, where several employees and customers were browsing. Drawing a small handgun, he shouted threats at the staff, causing panic. As customers screamed in alarm, the employees fled for their safety. The robber then swiftly swept the gold into his backpack, ran back to his motorbike, and sped away along the Mae Sot-Tak road. Mae Sot police have since launched an urgent manhunt for the suspect, setting up roadblocks along the Myanmar border to prevent him from escaping into the neighbouring country. -- 2025-03-03 ScreenRecording_03-03-2025 03-16-00_1.mp4

Man Falls to His Death from Fourth Floor of Chatuchak Mall A man has died after falling from the fourth floor of a well-known shopping mall in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok. Witnesses reported that he smashed a glass screen in the car park before plummeting to the ground. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353340-man-falls-to-his-death-from-fourth-floor-of-chatuchak-mall/

Picture from responders. A man has died after falling from the fourth floor of a well-known shopping mall in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok. Witnesses reported that he smashed a glass screen in the car park before plummeting to the ground. At approximately 13:15 on 2 March, Pol Lt Weerayut Phlonong, an investigator at Bang Sue Police Station, received a report of a fatal fall at a shopping centre on Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchak. He arrived at the scene with Pol Capt Natthawat Thongthantee, an inspector from the same station, to conduct an investigation. Eyewitnesses stated that the man, estimated to be around 40 years old and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, broke a glass panel on the fourth floor of the mall’s car park before falling. Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation attempted to assist the victim, but he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from Bang Sue Police Station have contacted forensic specialists and medical examiners to determine the exact cause of death. Further inquiries are ongoing. 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. -- 2025-03-03

Japanese Man Arrested for Possessing Ecstasy in Bangkok Shopping Mall Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A Japanese national was arrested in Bangkok’s Watthana district after acting suspiciously near a shopping mall restroom, leading police to discover four ecstasy pills in his possession. The man claimed he had purchased the drugs to try but was caught before he had the chance to take them. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353339-japanese-man-arrested-for-possessing-ecstasy-in-bangkok-shopping-mall/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A Japanese national was arrested in Bangkok’s Watthana district after acting suspiciously near a shopping mall restroom, leading police to discover four ecstasy pills in his possession. The man claimed he had purchased the drugs to try but was caught before he had the chance to take them. The arrest took place at around 14:00 on 1 March 2025. According to Police Major General Witthawat Chinnakham, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5, and officers from Thonglor Police Station, the suspect was identified as 31-year-old Masato Omichi, a Japanese national. Officers were alerted by a concerned citizen who reported seeing a foreign man pacing back and forth in front of a restroom on the fourth floor of a shopping complex in Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana district. Fearing suspicious activity, the citizen called the police to investigate. Upon arrival, police found Omichi at the scene. When officers identified themselves, the suspect displayed nervous behaviour, raising suspicions. A search was conducted in a well-lit area, ensuring transparency in the process. Inside Omichi’s brown leather bag, officers discovered four ecstasy pills in a clear plastic bag. The bag also contained his passport and personal belongings. During questioning, the suspect admitted to purchasing the drugs from an unidentified man, claiming he intended to try them but had not yet consumed any. A urine test for amphetamines came back negative, confirming that he had not taken the substance. Omichi was charged with “possession of a Category 1 narcotic (ecstasy) without legal authority.” He was taken to Thonglor Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have reminded the public that drug possession carries serious legal consequences in Thailand, and police will continue to enforce strict measures against illegal substances. -- 2025-03-03

Cambodia Deports 119 Thais Linked to Call Centre Gangs Picture courtesy of Thai Enquirer. Cambodian authorities have deported 119 Thai nationals found working for call centre gangs in Poi Pet, following a large-scale crackdown on illegal operations. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353284-cambodia-deports-119-thais-linked-to-call-centre-gangs/

Picture courtesy of Thai Enquirer. Cambodian authorities have deported 119 Thai nationals found working for call centre gangs in Poi Pet, following a large-scale crackdown on illegal operations. The raids, conducted at two suspected locations, led to the arrest of 230 individuals, including 61 Thai men and 58 Thai women. After questioning, Cambodian officials confirmed that all 119 Thais admitted to illegally entering the country to work for the call centre gangs. However, they stated that they had not been coerced, detained against their will, or physically harmed, nor had they sought assistance from the authorities. Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Center, revealed that eight of the deported individuals had outstanding arrest warrants, while ten others were linked to 46 online crime cases. Thai authorities are now investigating their involvement further as part of ongoing efforts to combat transnational fraud and human trafficking. -- 2025-03-02

Former Boxer Murders His Mother in Drug-Fuelled Rage, Posts Gloating Message on Facebook A former boxer, allegedly addicted to drugs, brutally assaulted and killed his own mother in their home before fleeing the scene. In a shocking turn of events, he later posted a photograph of her lifeless body alongside an image of his own hand, tauntingly referring to himself as a messenger of death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353283-former-boxer-murders-his-mother-in-drug-fuelled-rage-posts-gloating-message-on-facebook/

Picture from responders. A former boxer, allegedly addicted to drugs, brutally assaulted and killed his own mother in their home before fleeing the scene. In a shocking turn of events, he later posted a photograph of her lifeless body alongside an image of his own hand, tauntingly referring to himself as a messenger of death. Police in Yan Ta Khao district, Trang province, received a report at approximately 12:30 on 1 March. Officers, along with forensic teams and emergency responders, rushed to the house in Koh Taew village, Koh Pia subdistrict, where they discovered the lifeless body of Sudarat 46, a local market vendor. Sudarat was found face down in a pool of blood near the bathroom in the central living area of her single-storey home. Nearby, police found a pair of glasses, a hairband, and a single shoe. A preliminary examination revealed that she had suffered severe blunt-force trauma, with her skull fractured on the left side and a deep wound under her left eye. The injuries suggested she had been punched or struck with a hard object. Authorities estimated she had been dead for approximately 24 hours. The primary suspect in the case is Nattapon, 28, the victim’s eldest son. According to police, he fled the scene on his mother’s Honda Wave 110 motorcycle (white and red, Trang registration plate). Law enforcement has issued an alert across Trang and neighbouring provinces in an attempt to apprehend him. Nattapon, a former boxer, is said to be addicted to drugs and unemployed. He had a history of violent behaviour towards his mother and other family members. Suthathip, 23, the victim’s youngest daughter, recounted that her mother had four children and had been living with the suspect at the time of the murder. She revealed that her brother had frequently abused their mother under the influence of drugs. On the night of 28 February, Suthathip attempted to call her mother, but there was no response. Concerned, she contacted her mother’s friends at the market, who also had not seen her. By midday on 1 March, she rushed home, only to find her mother dead. “I knew immediately that my brother had killed her. He had attacked her many times before. He was completely addicted to drugs,” she said. She also revealed that her brother had a criminal past, having previously been imprisoned for drug-related offences and arson. According to her, the murder was likely the result of a dispute over money. Nattapon often demanded cash from their mother to buy drugs, and she usually gave in. However, on the day of the incident, Sudarat, exhausted from work, had likely refused him. This refusal may have triggered a violent outburst, leading to her death. Somchai, 70, the victim’s father, broke down in tears as he recounted his grandson’s troubled past. “He has been on drugs for years. He even set fire to our family home when his grandmother, a bedridden patient, was inside. He was imprisoned before, but after his parents separated, his drug use spiralled out of control.” Somchai had warned neighbours and family members to avoid Nattapon, fearing he could become dangerous. His worst fears were realised when he received news of his daughter’s death. “I can’t accept what has happened. He must be caught before he hurts someone else,” he pleaded. Adding to the horror, Nattapon took to Facebook to post a chilling image of his mother’s dead body alongside his hand, with the caption: “The Grim Reaper. Unstoppable Fury. Done.” Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area and tracking possible escape routes. Police are also questioning Nattapon’s close associates in an effort to locate him. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have vowed to bring the suspect to justice. -- 2025-03-02

Villager Killed by Wild Elephant While Foraging in Forest A local villager searching for forest produce in a military area of Chanthaburi province was killed by a wild elephant, authorities confirmed on 1 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353282-villager-killed-by-wild-elephant-while-foraging-in-forest/

Picture from responders. A local villager searching for forest produce in a military area of Chanthaburi province was killed by a wild elephant, authorities confirmed on 1 March. The incident took place at approximately 16:00 in Phaya Kampuch village, Pong Nam Ron district. Emergency responders from the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Foundation’s Pong Nam Ron unit were alerted to the fatal encounter deep within a forested area controlled by the military. Upon receiving the report, police officers, local administrative officials, forestry personnel, marines from the 4th Marine Ranger Control Unit, and a specialist elephant response team joined forces with villagers to investigate the scene. Due to the remote location, approximately three kilometres from the nearest settlement, authorities had to proceed on foot, navigating an area known for its resident wild elephant population. After reaching the site, officials discovered the lifeless body of Mr Thongdee lying on his back in a grassy clearing. Preliminary examinations revealed severe injuries to his chest and head, consistent with an elephant attack. Rescue personnel wrapped the body in a hammock, secured it to a wooden pole, and carefully transported it out of the forest. His remains were then sent to Pong Nam Ron Hospital for an official autopsy. According to police inquiries, Mr Thongdee had gone into the forest with a friend after finishing work for the day. The pair decided to split up to cover more ground and planned to reunite at a designated meeting point. When the friend returned, he found Mr Thongdee’s lifeless body, bearing wounds from an attack by a wild elephant. Authorities have warned villagers to exercise extreme caution when entering forested areas known for elephant activity, as human-wildlife conflicts continue to be a growing concern in the region. -- 2025-03-02

Police Vehicle Crashes After Driver Faints, Three Injured A police vehicle transporting two detainees was involved in a crash early morning, when the driver fainted behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn. The incident occurred on Mittraphap Road, Khon Kaen Province, at 08:00 on March 1. Three people, the police officer and two detainees, were injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353281-police-vehicle-crashes-after-driver-faints-three-injured/

Picture from responders. A police vehicle transporting two detainees was involved in a crash early morning, when the driver fainted behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn. The incident occurred on Mittraphap Road, Khon Kaen Province, at 08:00 on March 1. Three people, the police officer and two detainees, were injured. The vehicle, a Honda Accord belonging to the Highway Police, was left severely damaged after the crash, with the car overturned and a front wheel detached. The vehicle collided with the road’s guardrail, causing further destruction. It then hit a streetlight, knocking it down. The debris was scattered across the road, creating a significant hazard for other drivers. Rescue teams from Non Sila Hospital quickly arrived at the scene and transported the injured to Khon Kaen Hospital for treatment. The three individuals involved in the crash were: Police Officer Piyapong Khwanmuang, who suffered minor injuries to his forehead; a male detainee named Songkran, who was also slightly injured; and a female detainee, Phimlada, who sustained more serious injuries, particularly to her chest. She remains under medical observation. According to Colonel Samnao Kruiyakhatok, the officer in charge of Non Sila Police Station, the crash occurred when Officer Khwanmuang, who was transporting the detainees from Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen, suddenly fainted while driving, losing control of the vehicle. Investigations are ongoing, and appropriate legal actions will be taken regarding the damage to government property. Local resident Kimrong, 72, who was nearby when the crash happened, described the moment of impact: “I heard a loud sound, like a tyre bursting, and turned to see the police car spinning out of control before it hit the guardrail. If the guardrail hadn’t been there, it could have been much worse.” Kimrong, along with other villagers, rushed to help. They assisted in collecting scattered car parts and helped direct traffic to prevent further accidents. Kimrong also described how he spoke with Officer Khwanmuang, who was unharmed except for a minor forehead wound. As of now, Phimlada’s condition remains under observation, while the other two individuals involved are recovering from minor injuries, after being released from hospital. -- 2025-03-02

Bartender Drowns in Mekong River After Falling from Beneath a Balcony A 24-year-old bartender drowned in the Mekong River after accidentally falling from beneath a balcony while urinating. Despite efforts to swim to safety, the strong currents ultimately claimed his life. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353279-bartender-drowns-in-mekong-river-after-falling-from-beneath-a-balcony/

Picture from responders. A 24-year-old bartender drowned in the Mekong River after accidentally falling from beneath a balcony while urinating. Despite efforts to swim to safety, the strong currents ultimately claimed his life. The incident occurred in the early morning of 1 March, just after sunrise, near the Viking Moo Kratha restaurant in the Tha Kwai community, Nakhon Phanom. Local residents reported seeing a young man lose his balance and fall into the river while relieving himself from under the restaurant’s balcony. Witnesses described how he initially managed to swim approximately 50 metres but was ultimately swept away by the powerful current. Authorities were alerted, and the Underwater Demolition Unit of the Mekong Riverine Patrol (NRKC) was called in to assist in the search. A rescue team of 10 divers and two patrol boats scoured the area for hours before discovering the victim’s body submerged approximately 50 metres from the fall site. The deceased was identified as Thanawit, 24, a resident of Nong Buek, Nakhon Phanom Municipality. His body was recovered by the Sawangnawa Rescue Team and transported to Nakhon Phanom Hospital for an official autopsy. Two local farmers who were watering crops along the riverbank in the morning reported witnessing the incident. They stated that they saw a young man walking down from the Viking Moo Kratha restaurant to relieve himself near the balcony supports. Moments later, he appeared to lose his footing and tumble down the steep riverbank, which drops 7–8 metres. He managed to stay afloat for a short distance before disappearing beneath the water. Thanawit’s mother, Mrs. Khan, 55, expressed disbelief at the news, stating that her son was a strong swimmer. She recounted that after finishing work at a local bar, he had gone to watch a Mor Lam concert at a nearby temple festival before heading to the restaurant with friends. Initially, she refused to believe her son had drowned, citing his experience as a former Air Force conscript in Ubon Ratchathani, where he had trained extensively. Following the autopsy, doctors confirmed that Thanawit had died from drowning. With no suspicion of foul play, the family was permitted to retrieve his body for traditional funeral rites. -- 2025-03-02

Factory Worker Dies After Car Plunges into Pond in Rayong A factory worker lost his life after he veered his car off the road, crashed through a barrier, and plunged into a large pond in Rayong. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353277-factory-worker-dies-after-car-plunges-into-pond-in-rayong/

Picture from responders of the car after being recovered. A factory worker lost his life after he veered his car off the road, crashed through a barrier, and plunged into a large pond in Rayong. The crash occurred at approximately 19:00 on 1st March. Police Lieutenant Kawiwut Boonruang, an investigating officer at Mueang Rayong Police Station, received a report of a car crash on Laem Makham Road, Soi 12, in Thap Ma, Mueang Rayong District. The vehicle had lost control, crashed through a roadside barrier, and submerged in a large pond, trapping the driver inside. Emergency services, including rescue divers and medical personnel from Rayong Hospital, were dispatched to the scene. At the site, a large pond spanning over 20 rai, there were found skid marks and broken barrier posts indicated where the car had left the road before sinking. Construction workers from a nearby camp reported hearing a loud crash followed by a splash. “We rushed over and saw a white car already halfway submerged. We shouted for help, but within moments, the car disappeared completely beneath the water, leaving only air bubbles on the surface. The vehicle was about 20 metres from the shore,” one worker recounted. Rescue divers spent an hour searching before locating the vehicle and retrieving the driver’s body. The deceased was identified as a male factory worker, still wearing his company ID badge. There were no visible external injuries, and drowning was suspected as the cause of death. A crane was later used to recover the vehicle, identified as a white Honda car with registration number from Rayong. The front of the car was heavily damaged from the impact. Authorities have sent the body for autopsy and are working to contact the victim’s family for further investigation. -- 2025-03-02

Elderly Man Fatally Injured After Being Gored by Bull in Lampang A 78-year-old man has died after being critically injured when a bull charged at him while he was tending to his cattle. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353276-elderly-man-fatally-injured-after-being-gored-by-bull-in-lampang/