Georgealbert

Picture courtesy of CPD It was announced on 10 February, that a joint operation between the Thai Police’s Consumer Protection Division (C.P.D.) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led to the dismantling of an illegal factory producing medical supplies, including alcohol-soaked cotton for hospitals. The authorities seized goods worth over 2 million baht. The operation, which took place at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), was announced by Colonel Phattanask S. Buppasuwan, Acting Chief of C.P.D., and Colonel Veeraphong Klaithong, Head of C.P.D. Unit 4, alongside Lertchai Lertwuth, the FDA Deputy Secretary-General. The factory, located in Nonthaburi province, was manufacturing illegal medical supplies, including alcohol-soaked cotton with 70% ethyl alcohol under the brand name “Dara Plus”, which had been falsely registered with the FDA as an imported product. An investigation by authorities revealed that the products were being illicitly produced locally in a warehouse in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi. If these products were used in hospitals, they could compromise the sterilisation of medical instruments, leading to potential infections, putting patients at risk. On January 31st, police, with FDA officials, executed a search warrant and discovered the illegal production in progress. The seized items included 22 products with a total value of over 2 million baht, which were subsequently handed over to police investigators. The seized products included: • 2,830 packs of Dara Plus 70% alcohol-soaked cotton. • 6,400 pieces of Cheddy-brand 70% alcohol-soaked cotton. • Raw materials such as 89 bags of dry cotton and 5 gallons of alcohol (18 litres and 5 ml sizes). • Equipment such as alcohol mixing machines, cotton-soaking machinery, and sealing devices. • Over 47,500 packaging boxes and labels. Authorities confirmed that the factory was operating without approval from the FDA or the Provincial Public Health Office, thus producing counterfeit medical equipment. The products, which claimed to contain 70% ethyl alcohol, were found to be diluted with water to cut production costs. This poses significant risks to the effectiveness of sterilisation. During the search, 10 suspects were arrested and interrogated, with investigations continuing into the masterminds behind the operation. The FDA will send samples of the seized products to the Department of Medical Sciences for further testing. If contamination or substandard quality is detected, additional charges will be filed. The illegal goods had been distributed to over 12 hospitals and medical facilities across the country between October 2024 and January 2025, amounting to over 88,000 packs. The action was in violation of the Medical Device Act 2007, including failure to register the manufacturing facility and the production of counterfeit medical devices. The FDA thanked the C.P.D. for their thorough investigation. -- 2025-02-11

Driver Discovers Large Python Under Car Bonnet A man got the shock of his life when he opened his car bonnet to check the engine oil, only to find a massive python coiled inside. The snake later slithered under the vehicle, prompting a rescue operation by local wildlife responders. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351412-driver-discovers-large-python-under-car-bonnet/

Picture from responders. A man got the shock of his life when he opened his car bonnet to check the engine oil, only to find a massive python coiled inside. The snake later slithered under the vehicle, prompting a rescue operation by local wildlife responders. The incident occurred on the evening of 9 February in Ban Krot Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya. The Ayutthaya Ruamjai Rescue Foundation received a distress call regarding a large python hiding in the engine bay of a Mitsubishi Pajero. The car’s owner, Mr Suwat 64, had made the discovery while conducting routine maintenance. Rescue officers arrived at the scene and found the vehicle, registered in Bangkok, parked near a residential estate. Mr Suwat, visibly shaken, pointed out where the snake had vanished under the vehicle. Responders carefully inspected the underside of the car and spotted the python tightly coiled around the chassis. After 15 minutes of careful manoeuvring, the snake began to loosen its grip and emerge. The team successfully pulled it free, revealing an impressive specimen measuring around 3 metres in length and weighing approximately 8 kilograms. The snake was safely placed in a transport container and later released into a natural habitat. Mr Suwat later explained that he had driven the vehicle from Lopburi, where it had been parked for a week. He believes the snake may have hitched a ride from there. “I tried to remove it myself, but it escaped under the car. I couldn’t find it, so I called the rescue team,” he said. Despite the frightening encounter, Mr Suwat saw the event in a positive light, believing the snake’s appearance, especially its connection to his car registration number, could bring good fortune. -- 2025-02-11

Gunman Opens Fire on Ex-Wife's Home, Police Hunt Underway Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man armed with a 9mm handgun fired multiple rounds at his ex- wife's house in Phatthalung, leaving the property riddled with bullet holes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police are now searching for the suspect. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351411-gunman-opens-fire-on-ex-wifes-home-police-hunt-underway/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man armed with a 9mm handgun fired multiple rounds at his ex- wife's house in Phatthalung, leaving the property riddled with bullet holes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police are now searching for the suspect. The attack occurred in the evening of 9 February at a house in Phanom Wang Subdistrict, Khuan Khanun District. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and screams as the suspect, identified as Mr Somchai 50, opened fire on the home of his ex-wife, Ms Yuwadee, 42. Ms Yuwadee's youngest child reportedly shouted, "Mum, run! Dad is going to shoot you!" as the gunman fired multiple shots, threatening to kill everyone inside. Terrified, Ms Yuwadee and her three children fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. When officers from Nakayad Police Station arrived at the scene, they found the house's front windows, doors, and walls riddled with bullet holes. Spent 9mm shell casings were scattered across the front yard, with nearly 10 found at the scene. Police sealed off the area for forensic examination. According to Ms Yuwadee, she and Mr Somchai had been married for six years before divorcing two months ago due to his increasingly violent temper. She had two children from a previous marriage, whom she brought to live in the newly built home, something that angered her ex-husband. "The arguments became more intense, and at one point, he even broke my arm. I endured it for a time, but eventually, I couldn't take it anymore," she said. Although divorced, Mr Somchai continued to provide financial support for his son and would occasionally visit. On the day of the incident, Mr Somchai had messaged Ms Yuwadee, saying he wanted to take their son out for a barbecue. He arrived at the house in his Isuzu D-Max pickup truck and called the boy outside. Before the child got into the vehicle, Mr Somchai asked, "Who's in the house?" Upon hearing that only Ms Yuwadee and her other two children were inside, he allegedly declared, "I'll shoot everyone in there, before drawing his firearm. The youngest child screamed a warning to his mother before shots rang out. The family scattered in fear, escaping the gunfire. Authorities are now actively searching for Mr Somchai, who fled the scene. Police have urged him to surrender but have yet to locate him. Investigations are ongoing. -- 2025-02-11

Russian Airline Flight Makes Emergency Landing at BKK After Circling for 3 Hours Picture courtesy of Flightradar24. A Russian airline flight that encountered technical difficulties, was forced to circle above the Andaman Sea for nearly three hours before successfully landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351410-russian-airline-flight-makes-emergency-landing-at-bkk-after-circling-for-3-hours/

Pictures from Flightradar24. A Russian airline flight that encountered technical difficulties, was forced to circle above the Andaman Sea for over three hours before successfully landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Aeroflot flight SU277, travelling from Phuket to Moscow departed at 16.35, but experienced a mechanical issue shortly after take-off, prompting concerns over its ability to land safely. The aircraft involved was a 6 year old, Boeing 777-300 (ER) with registration Ra-73158. The aircraft choose not to return to Phuket and instead diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, where emergency response teams were on standby. Mr. Montchai Tahanod, Director of Phuket International Airport, explained that the flight developed a technical fault involving its front landing gear, which failed to retract properly. As a safety measure, the aircraft needed to perform an emergency landing. Before landing, the aircraft had to burn off fuel to reduce its weight to a safe level, a standard safety procedure aimed at minimising the risk upon touchdown and reducing potential environmental hazards. Suvarnabhumi Airport was chosen over Phuket Airport because of its better-equipped emergency support facilities. Officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport confirmed that emergency teams were deployed to ensure a safe landing. Mr. Kittipong Kittikhachorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, reported that the aircraft landed safely on Runway 01R, at 21.10, with no reported injuries. Thai Airways is now assisting over 300 passengers from flight SU277 in continuing their journey to Moscow. File picture of the aircraft involved. -- 2025-02-11

Pick-up Truck Driver Drunk, Crashes into School Bus, Leaving Over 20 Students Injured A pick-up truck, driven by an intoxicated driver, crashed into the rear of a school bus in Sukhothai on the morning of 10 February, causing the bus to overturn and injuring more than 20 students, with three in critical condition. The incident occurred at approximately 07:30 near Wat Nong Ya Plong, Ban Dan Lan Hoi District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351407-pick-up-truck-driver-drunk-crashes-into-school-bus-leaving-over-20-students-injured/

Picture from responders. A pick-up truck, driven by an intoxicated driver, crashed into the rear of a school bus in Sukhothai on the morning of 10 February, causing the bus to overturn and injuring more than 20 students, with three in critical condition. The incident occurred at approximately 07:30 near Wat Nong Ya Plong, Ban Dan Lan Hoi District. Authorities from the Ban Dan Lan Hoi Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the collision. Upon arrival, they found the overturned bus, which was transporting students in what appeared to be a livestock truck commonly used in the area. The students, all of whom were injured, were quickly assisted by emergency response teams and transported to Ban Dan Lan Hoi Hospital. Among the injured, three students were reported to be in a serious condition. Nearby, authorities located the pick-up truck involved in the crash. The vehicle’s driver, later identified as a man from Phitsanulok, was seen standing at the scene, appearing intoxicated. A breathalyser test revealed a blood alcohol content significantly above the legal limit. The driver was taken into custody and was questioned at the Ban Dan Lan Hoi Police Station. A witness to the crash, Kanjana Mekjaeng, reported that the pick-up truck driver was speeding when he suddenly swerved left and collided with the rear of the school bus, causing it to overturn. She immediately ran to assist the victims and contacted emergency services for help. The authorities continue their investigation into the incident, while the injured students are receiving medical care. The pick-up truck driver now faces charges related to driving under the influence and causing the crash. -- 2025-02-11

UPDATE Mystery Deepens in Rayong Suitcase Murder as Witness Reports Suspicious Conversation A crucial witness has come forward in the shocking case of a woman’s body found stuffed inside a suitcase in Ban Chang district, Rayong. CCTV footage and witness testimony suggest that a group of men may have been involved in the crime, prompting police to intensify their investigation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351161-body-of-woman-found-stuffed-in-suitcase-in-rayong/page/2/#findComment-19577746

UPDATE Mystery Deepens in Rayong Suitcase Murder as Witness Reports Suspicious Conversation Picture from responders. A crucial witness has come forward in the shocking case of a woman’s body found stuffed inside a suitcase in Ban Chang district, Rayong. CCTV footage and witness testimony suggest that a group of men may have been involved in the crime, prompting police to intensify their investigation. Security cameras captured footage from 27 January at 17:50, showing a suspicious white Toyota Fortuner and a white pickup truck repeatedly circling the entrance to the area where the body was later discovered. A woman who provided a tip-off reported seeing three men in the area around 18:00 PM, engaged in a conversation. She recalled hearing one of them ask, “Is this spot okay?” to which another replied, “Yes, but wait until it gets darker.” The witness, who was collecting vegetables near a rubbish disposal area at the time, said she left immediately due to a sense of fear. Ban Chang police have confirmed that forensic teams have successfully extracted DNA from the victim. However, they are now working to locate relatives to compare DNA samples and confirm the victim’s identity. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. A fisherman named Udorn, who frequently visits the area, revealed that he had noticed the suitcase as early as 29 January but did not suspect anything unusual at the time. It was only on 7 February, when a strong odour emerged, that he and others decided to investigate, leading to the grim discovery. On 9 February, Police Lieutenant Colonel Siri Sirimi, Deputy Head of Investigations at Ban Chang Police Station, described the case as “exceptionally difficult.” Authorities are now focusing on forensic evidence, including a distinctive suitcase brand that is unavailable in Rayong but is commonly sold in major shopping malls in Pattaya, Chonburi. Investigators plan to visit these locations to determine whether the suitcase was purchased locally or ordered online. Additionally, the suitcase contained two 10-kilogram weight plates, which police initially suspected were from a local gym. However, after checking fitness centres in the area, no matches were found. The victim has been identified as an Asian woman aged between 30 and 40, approximately 155 cm tall. She had black hair with some brown highlights and had undergone cosmetic surgery on her nose and breasts. No visible tattoos or signs of physical assault were found, though police have not ruled out the possibility that any tattoos may have been removed before her death. With investigators from Region 2, Rayong provincial police, and Ban Chang police station working together to narrow down suspects, officials remain tight-lipped about key details to prevent tipping off the perpetrator. -- 2025-02-10

Canadian Man Found Dead in Car in Phuket, Leaves Farewell Letter About Beloved Cat A 53-year-old Canadian man has been found dead in his car in Phuket, having left behind a poignant farewell letter, expressing his deep sorrow and concern for his beloved cat. The discovery was made by local police on 10 February, after receiving a report from a member of the public at 09:15. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351357-canadian-man-found-dead-in-car-in-phuket-leaves-farewell-letter-about-beloved-cat/

Picture from responders. A 53-year-old Canadian man has been found dead in his car in Phuket, having left behind a poignant farewell letter, expressing his deep sorrow and concern for his beloved cat. The discovery was made by local police on 10 February, after receiving a report from a member of the public at 09:15. The man, identified as Ian Donald Macaulay, was found deceased in his vehicle near the entrance to Nui Beach, on the Kata-Saiyuan road in the Karon area of Phuket. Authorities were intially unable to open the car door and also called for forensic experts and medical staff to examine the scene. Upon investigation, police found a letter written in English addressed to someone named Naza. The contents of the letter outlined Macaulay’s deep personal struggles, revealing the torment he had been enduring, including constant headaches, ear issues, and uncertainty about the number of surgeries he required. Macaulay, who was 53 years old, also mentioned the financial difficulties caused by the collapse of his business and the strain it placed on his family. In his emotional farewell, Macaulay expressed his wish to have his body cremated within one day, with his ashes scattered in the ocean at Kamala Beach. He also urged the recipient of the letter to ensure that his cat be given a loving home, stating: “The most important thing is the cat, so please make sure they have a good home.” The letter further expressed his gratitude towards those who had supported him and conveyed apologies for the difficulties he had caused. He acknowledged that those around him may not have known him during a time when he was not under stress and pain, thanking them for being there for him during his struggles. Police investigations revealed that Macaulay was the owner of a company that operated a booking platform, which appeared to have faced financial difficulties. He had also been dealing with chronic health issues, as referenced in his letter. The authorities have sent Macaulay’s body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a thorough autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The Canadian Consulate has been informed, and authorities are in the process of contacting his family abroad to arrange for further actions. 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. -- 2025-02-10

This can be a very dangerous junction, with 3 roads converging into the Y junction and many drivers ignoring the road marking and rights of way.

UPDATE Watermelon Vendor Dies After Being Set on Fire in Shocking Attack A Bangkok watermelon vendor who was doused in petrol and set on fire in a shocking attack at a temple in the Rama III area has died from his injuries. Mr Rachen, 52, suffered severe burns covering more than 80% of his body and was rushed to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed his death on 10 February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351239-man-sets-victim-on-fire-in-alleged-jealousy-fuelled-attack/#findComment-19576905

UPDATE Watermelon Vendor Dies After Being Set on Fire in Shocking Attack Picture from responders. A Bangkok watermelon vendor who was doused in petrol and set on fire in a shocking attack at a temple in the Rama III area has died from his injuries. Mr Rachen, 52, suffered severe burns covering more than 80% of his body and was rushed to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed his death on 10 February. Police investigations identified the suspect as Mr Ploen, approximately 50 years old, a former driver for the temple's abbot. The victim, who also worked as a caretaker at the temple, reportedly had a long-standing feud with the suspect over a romantic rivalry. Around a month ago, Mr Ploen ended a relationship with his girlfriend, only to later discover that she had become involved with Mr Rachen, sparking jealousy and resentment. On the day of the attack, Mr Rachen was selling watermelons at the temple as usual. Witnesses say Mr Ploen approached him carrying a plastic bag filled with petrol, which he threw over the victim before immediately setting him alight. The suspect then fled the scene. Mr Rachen's son revealed that his father had been living with a new partner, Ms Kai, aged 45, for around three months. She had repeatedly received threatening phone calls from Mr Ploen, leading her to file a police complaint at Lumpini Police Station. The victim's family strongly believes the attack was motivated by the ongoing love triangle dispute. Meanwhile, officers from Lumpini Police Station are actively hunting for Mr Ploen, who remains at large. Authorities have urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward as they seek to bring him to justice. -- 2025-02-10

Man Seriously Injured in High-Speed Motorbike Collision with British National in Pattaya A serious road crash occurred at approximately 20:10 on 8 February when a motorcycle travelling at high-speed crashed into a saloon car at a Y-junction in Soi Nongkrabok, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung. Local police from Nong Prue station, along with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation and medical personnel from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, responded urgently to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351342-man-seriously-injured-in-high-speed-motorbike-collision-with-british-national-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A serious road crash occurred at approximately 20:10 on 8 February when a motorcycle travelling at high-speed crashed into a saloon car at a Y-junction in Soi Nongkrabok, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung. Local police from Nong Prue station, along with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation and medical personnel from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, responded urgently to the scene. At the site of the crash, officers found a black Honda Wave 125i motorcycle (registration from Chonburi) damaged after careering into roadside bushes. Two injured individuals lay on the road. The rider, identified as Thanathon Khamhaeng, 46, a Makro supermarket employee, sustained chest injuries and was semi-conscious. His passenger, an unidentified Thai man, suffered critical injuries. Rescue teams provided immediate first aid before rushing both victims to hospital. The other vehicle involved, a black Toyota saloon (registration from Chonburi), sustained damage to its front right side, including a shattered windshield. The driver, Mr Verahramian Hormoz, 57, a British national, remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities. A witness reported that they had been driving behind the Toyota when it slowed down at the Y-junction. Suddenly, the motorcycle, travelling at high speed, collided head-on with the front of the car, sending the riders flying in different directions. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-02-10

Man with Heart Condition Drowns After Trying to Retrieve Fishing Basket A 30-year-old man tragically drowned in a Chonburi pond after swimming out to retrieve a tangled fishing basket, despite warnings from friends. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351333-man-with-heart-condition-drowns-after-trying-to-retrieve-fishing-basket/

Picture from responders. A 30-year-old man tragically drowned in a Chonburi pond after swimming out to retrieve a tangled fishing basket, despite warnings from friends. At approximately 15:00 on 9 February, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received reports of a drowning incident at a village pond in Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders arrived to find a large crowd gathered along the shore of the large pond. On the bank lay the unconscious body of the victim, identified as Nattaphon Sributdee, 30. Rescue teams attempted CPR in a desperate effort to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His grieving mother was present and visibly distraught as she received the news. Kritsada Phlutasai, 32, a close friend of the victim, recounted the events leading to the tragedy. He explained that the group had gone fishing at the pond when Nattaphon’s bait basket became entangled in underwater vegetation. Determined not to lose the equipment, he ignored his friends’ warnings and decided to swim out to retrieve it. After successfully freeing the basket, he began swimming back but appeared to run out of strength. Witnesses suspect that his pre-existing condition caused him to suddenly lose energy. Struggling to stay afloat, he grabbed onto the vegetation and shouted for help. Kritsada and another friend immediately jumped in to rescue him. However, due to Nattaphon’s larger build, the weight and force of his movements caused all three men to momentarily sink. They finally managed to bring him back to shore and alerted emergency services, but tragically, their efforts were in vain. Nattaphon’s mother later confirmed that he suffered from a heart valve disorder, which often left him easily fatigued. She explained that he was advised to avoid strenuous activities, suggesting that the effort of swimming may have caused him to suddenly collapse. Authorities from the Nong Prue Police Station have sent the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-02-10

Construction Worker Killed in Crane Incident in Bangkok A construction worker has lost his life after a piece of crane equipment fell and struck him at a building site in Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351332-construction-worker-killed-in-crane-incident-in-bangkok/

Picture of responders at the site. A construction worker has lost his life after a piece of crane equipment fell and struck him at a building site in Bangkok. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 12:00 on 9 February after reports of a fatal incident at a construction site on Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Road, Soi 16, in the Thawi Watthana district of Bangkok. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the lifeless body of the victim, identified as Sittakorn, lying face-up on the ground, covered in blood. A large steel component from a crane was found resting on top of him. Medics at the scene confirmed that he had suffered fatal injuries. Workers on-site reported that the crane, which was actively being used in the construction project, appeared to malfunction. This resulted in a heavy piece of attached equipment detaching and plummeting to the ground, striking Sittakorn, who was working in the vicinity. “We heard a loud noise and saw the metal piece fall. It all happened so quickly. There was nothing he could do to escape,” said one worker, visibly shaken by the tragedy. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with forensic experts called in to determine the exact circumstances leading to the equipment failure. Authorities restricted access to the scene to official personnel only. While authorities have found no initial signs of foul play, they are examining whether safety protocols were properly followed and whether negligence played a role in the incident. In the wake of the fatality, officials have ordered a temporary halt to all construction activities at the site while inquiries continue. Investigators will assess the condition of the crane, the maintenance records, and whether safety measures were adequately implemented. Sittakorn’s family has been notified of his passing, and arrangements are being made for his funeral. -- 2025-02-10

It is what the driver told police, so I can only report his statement. The police investigation is ongoing, so you would hope these questions will be asked.

UPDATE Man Arrested for Dumping Myanmar Migrant’s Body by the Roadside After Death in Smuggling Attempt Authorities have arrested a man in Samut Sakhon for abandoning the body of a Myanmar migrant worker by the roadside after the victim reportedly collapsed and died inside a vehicle while being smuggled into Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351236-body-found-stuffed-in-fertiliser-sack-police-investigate-possible-link-to-triple-murder/#findComment-19576352