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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

UPDATE Man Arrested for Dumping Myanmar Migrant’s Body by the Roadside After Death in Smuggling Attempt Picture courtesy of Khoasod.. 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. On 8 February, police responded to reports from local residents who discovered a decomposing body on the side of the Asia Highway near a rubber plantation in Bang Klam district, Songkhla province. The body had a cloth tied around the wrist, which had initially appeared to have been binding, but now appears to have been just decorative. The body was also emitting a strong odour, suggesting it had been left there for several days. Following an investigation, officers apprehended 56-year-old Wisetsak, a resident of Samut Sakhon, near a resort in Rattaphum district, Songkhla. He was identified as the driver of a vehicle transporting undocumented Myanmar workers into Thailand. During questioning, Wisetsak admitted to transporting the migrant workers and stated that the victim had collapsed inside the vehicle before passing away. Fearing legal consequences, he decided to dump the body at the roadside on 6 February before continuing his journey. Authorities are now conducting further investigations into the smuggling operation and any additional individuals involved. Police now believe this has no connection with the brutal triple murder in the same area two years ago. -- 2025-02-10

Tourist Bus Catches Fire in Sattahip, Passengers Escape in Panic A group of foreign tourists had a narrow escape when their tour bus caught fire on a highway in Chonburi province. The driver managed to stop the vehicle in time, allowing all passengers to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the engine. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351319-tourist-bus-catches-fire-in-sattahip-passengers-escape-in-panic/

Picture from responders. A group of foreign tourists had a narrow escape when their tour bus caught fire on a highway in Chonburi province. The driver managed to stop the vehicle in time, allowing all passengers to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the engine. The incident occurred at approximately 10:05 on 9th February along Highway 7, section 5, near kilometre marker 142 in the Plutaluang subdistrict of Sattahip. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ratthaphon Wanna, Deputy Superintendent of the Highway Police Division, received a report of a burning tour bus carrying international tourists and immediately dispatched officers and rescue teams to the scene. On arrival, emergency crews found a Hino tour bus with its engine compartment ablaze. Firefighters battled the flames for over 30 minutes before bringing the situation under control. The bus had been transporting 11 foreign tourists, who had arrived on a cruise ship docked at Laem Chabang, along with a tour guide and the driver, bringing the total number on board to 13. Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, and another vehicle was arranged to take them to their destination. The driver explained that he had picked up the tourists from Laem Chabang and was en route to Sattahip when he noticed oil leaking onto the road. Moments later, flames erupted from the engine compartment. Reacting swiftly, he pulled over and instructed everyone to exit the vehicle before the fire spread. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire, but initial reports suggest a fuel leak may have been the source. -- 2025-02-10

Security Guard Killed After Domestic Dispute Turns Violent An early morning altercation between a security guard and his estranged wife ended in tragedy when he was fatally stabbed during a heated argument in a car park in Lak Si district. The suspect, his 49-year-old wife, was arrested at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351317-security-guard-killed-after-domestic-dispute-turns-violent/

Picture from responders. An early morning altercation between a security guard and his estranged wife ended in tragedy when he was fatally stabbed during a heated argument in a car park in Lak Si district. The suspect, his 49-year-old wife, was arrested at the scene. At approximately 00:30 on 9 February, officers from Thung Song Hong Police Station responded to reports of a fatal stabbing at an apartment complex in the Thung Song Hong area of Lak Si, Bangkok. Upon arrival, they were joined by forensic investigators, medical examiners from Chulabhorn Hospital, and volunteer rescue workers. Police discovered the body of 44-year-old Mr. Sitthichai a security guard, lying in a pool of blood. He was dressed in a security uniform with a motorcycle taxi vest over it. A deep stab wound to the neck was identified as the cause of death. A search of the victim's belongings revealed a single bullet in his trouser pocket. Nearby, officers found a firearm, an unused shotgun cartridge, and a bloodstained knife inside a basket. Also present at the scene was a woman, later identified as Ms. Somphit, the victim's estranged wife. She was visibly intoxicated and suffering from a head injury. During initial questioning, Ms. Somphit admitted to stabbing her husband. She explained that they had separated over three months ago and had not been living together. According to her statement, the victim arrived at the apartment's car park at around 23:00 on 8 February, a place where she often cooked meals. When he did not find her there, he called her to meet him. Their conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument. At one point, the victim allegedly insulted her with a derogatory term and struck her on the head with a gun. In response, she grabbed a nearby knife and stabbed him in the neck, killing him. Following the incident, police took Ms. Somphit to the hospital for treatment before transferring her into custody for further questioning. She is expected to face criminal charges as investigations continue. -- 2025-02-10

UPDATE Myanmar National Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Throwing Dog Into the Sea Immigration police have arrested a 19-year-old Myanmar national for animal cruelty after a video of him repeatedly throwing a dog into the sea surfaced on social media, sparking widespread public outrage in Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351223-cyber-police-to-take-legal-action-against-man-who-threw-dog-into-the-sea/#findComment-19575758

UPDATE Myanmar National Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Throwing Dog Into the Sea Picture courtesy of immigration. Immigration police have arrested a 19-year-old Myanmar national for animal cruelty after a video of him repeatedly throwing a dog into the sea surfaced on social media, sparking widespread public outrage in Thailand. The viral clip, which showed a young man hurling a dog into the sea multiple times, caused significant distress among Thai social media users. In response, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet ordered an urgent investigation, instructing Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, to track down the individual and ensure swift legal action. On 9 February at 11:00 the suspect, identified as Mr Thi Ha Aung, also known as “Nut,” aged 19, voluntarily presented himself at Samut Prakan Police Station alongside representatives from the Watchdog Thailand Foundation, confirming that he was the person seen in the video. Under the supervision of Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak and Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanarot, immigration officials, along with officers from the Investigation Division of the Immigration Bureau (IDIB), questioned the suspect. During the interrogation, Mr Thi Ha Aung admitted that the incident actually occurred in late 2023 in Pak Nam Beach, Chumphon Province. At the time, he was 17 years old and had been drinking with a companion, identified as Mr Leutsouphanh, also known as “Ouan”. In a state of intoxication, they encountered a dog on the beach, and Mr Thi Ha Aung proceeded to throw it into the sea multiple times. The suspect claimed that he later fell out with Mr Leutsouphanh, whom he believed had created a fake Facebook page under the names “Myanmar Orphan” and “Shepherd Boy”, where the video was uploaded to expose him. In response, Mr Thi Ha Aung contacted the Watchdog Thailand Foundation to explain his actions, apologise to the public, and express his willingness to face legal consequences. The suspect has now requested to travel to Chumphon Province to formally surrender to the authorities handling the case. Coordination is underway between Chumphon Immigration and Pak Nam Chumphon Police Station, where the crime took place. Police have confirmed that Mr Thi Ha Aung will face legal charges under Thailand’s animal cruelty laws, and his right to remain in the country is expected to be revoked. Further legal proceedings are ongoing as authorities continue their investigation. -- 2025-02-10

Man Shot Dead While Trying to Break Up Fight at Funeral in Phayao A 49-year-old man was fatally shot while attempting to stop a fight between two men at a funeral in Phayao. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351316-man-shot-dead-while-trying-to-break-up-fight-at-funeral-in-phayao/

Picture from responders. A 49-year-old man was fatally shot while attempting to stop a fight between two men at a funeral in Phayao. The shooting occurred at around 23:30 on 8th February at a funeral in Ban Sri Boonchum, Lo Subdistrict, Chun District. Police from Chun Police Station, along with rescue teams, rushed to the scene after receiving a report of the incident. At the scene, emergency responders found the victim, identified as Mr. Khan Thewi, 49, lying on the ground with a severe gunshot wound to the left side of his chest. The bullet, fired from a .357- calibre homemade handgun, had passed through his body. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at Chun Hospital. According to initial investigations, the altercation began when Mr. Komkrit Boonwong, 29, and Mr. Phiphat Phonphrommuang, 48, got into a heated argument and physical fight during the funeral. Mr. Phiphat reportedly attempted to shoot Mr. Komkrit but the gun misfired. He then struck Mr. Komkrit in the face and head with the firearm before reloading and preparing to fire again. It was at this moment that Mr. Khan intervened, questioning Mr. Phiphat's actions. In response, the gunman turned and shot him in the chest before continuing his attack on Mr. Komkrit outside the funeral, leaving a trail of blood on the street. Following the shooting, Mr. Phiphat fled the scene but later surrendered to the police. Authorities confiscated the .357-calibre homemade handgun and formally charged him with murder, illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm in a public place without a valid reason, and assault with intent to kill. Mr. Komkrit, who sustained injuries from the assault, has since filed a formal complaint against Mr. Phiphat, seeking further legal action. The suspect remains in police custody and will be taken to court for further proceedings. -- 2025-02-10

Fisherman Found Dead in Water After Suspected Alcohol-Related Fall A 42-year-old fisherman was found dead in an irrigation ditch in Huay Yai, Chonburi, on 9 February, after what is believed to have been a fall while intoxicated. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351314-fisherman-found-dead-in-water-after-suspected-alcohol-related-fall/

Picture from responders. A 42-year-old fisherman was found dead in an irrigation ditch in Huay Yai, Chonburi, on 9 February, after what is believed to have been a fall while intoxicated. At around 11:00 Lt. Col. Mintrathat Thongsai, Deputy Investigator at Huay Yai Police Station, along with rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Foundation, arrived at the scene in Moo 9, Huay Yai subdistrict, to investigate the discovery of the body. The deceased, identified as Sonthi Seubsont, was found in a newly dredged waterway. Preliminary investigations suggested that he had likely been dead for no more than 24 hours. No signs of foul play were evident. According to initial reports, Sonthi was known to be a regular drinker and often fished in the same area. It is suspected that on the day of the incident, he had been drinking heavily before falling into the water. Unable to escape, he drowned. Authorities have ruled out foul play and have advised locals to exercise caution when drinking near bodies of water. Sonthi’s family has been notified. -- 2025-02-10

Pickup Truck Driver Killed in Collision with 18-Wheeler in Phatthalung A 34-year-old man lost his life after the pickup truck he was driving crashed into the rear of a stationary 18-wheel lorry on the southbound Phetkasem Road in Mueang Phatthalung district on 9 February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351313-pickup-truck-driver-killed-in-collision-with-18-wheeler-in-phatthalung/

Picture from responders. A 34-year-old man lost his life after the pickup truck he was driving crashed into the rear of a stationary 18-wheel lorry on the southbound Phetkasem Road in Mueang Phatthalung district on 9 February. At approximately 15:10, Pol Lt Prasert Duangiat, duty officer at Mueang Phatthalung Police Station, along with rescue personnel, responded to reports of a fatal collision in Moo 9, Tha Khae subdistrict. At the scene, officers discovered a severely damaged Isuzu D-Max pickup truck wedged tightly into the back of an 18-wheel lorry carrying a full load of steel pipes. Inside the wreckage was the lifeless body of the driver, later identified as Thanawut Phuwawimon, 34. Rescue workers had to use hydraulic cutting tools to free his body, a process that took approximately 20 minutes. The driver of the lorry, 39-year-old Arthit Boonchan, told police that he had been transporting steel pipes from Chonburi to Songkhla when he stopped at a roadside restaurant for a meal. As he was about to enter the restaurant, he heard a loud crash and initially thought someones tyres had exploded. However, upon checking, he found that a pickup truck had slammed into the back of his vehicle with great force. Noticing that the driver was trapped inside, he immediately called for emergency assistance. Rescue workers transported Thanawut’s body to Phatthalung Hospital, where relatives will be required to complete formalities before collecting the remains. Police are investigating the cause of the crash and have reminded motorists to remain vigilant when driving at high speeds, particularly on highways where large vehicles frequently stop along the roadside. -- 2025-02-10

Two Injured in Ambush Shooting in Rubber Plantation, Narathiwat Two men searching for forest products were ambushed and shot while riding a motorcycle through a rubber plantation in Rueso district, Narathiwat, on the night of 8th February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351312-two-injured-in-ambush-shooting-in-rubber-plantation-narathiwat/

Picture from responders. Two men searching for forest products were ambushed and shot while riding a motorcycle through a rubber plantation in Rueso district, Narathiwat, on the night of 8th February. At around 21:40, Rueso Hospital reported to local police that two individuals had arrived with gunshot wounds. Officers from Rueso Police Station, led by Police Colonel Supachai Supakitjarak, rushed to the hospital to investigate. The injured men were identified as cousins: • Suchart Kaewmek, 32, the motorcycle rider, sustained a gunshot wound from an M16 rifle to the middle of his back. • Sitthichok, 16, who was riding pillion, was struck twice in the back by bullets of the same calibre. After initial treatment, both victims were transferred to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital for further medical care. According to police investigations, the victims approached a village security checkpoint near To Nae Pa Mosque in Moo 6, Samakkhi subdistrict, seeking urgent help. They reported being ambushed by unidentified gunmen while riding along a forested road between Ban Mue Laeh and Ban To Nae Pa in Sao subdistrict. Assistant village head Asree Lomae immediately contacted Rueso Hospital, which dispatched an ambulance to transport the injured men. At 09:30 on 9th February, forensic teams and bomb disposal officers examined the scene, discovering three spent M16 shell casings hidden in dense undergrowth within the rubber plantation. The evidence was collected for further analysis. Authorities suspect that the attack was carried out by members of an armed insurgent group. It is believed that the assailants may have targeted the victims under the suspicion that they were informants providing intelligence to security forces. The region has witnessed several similar attacks in the past, resulting in casualties among both security personnel and civilians. Police have yet to interview the injured men as they are awaiting their recovery. Meanwhile, security measures in the area have been heightened to prevent further incidents. -- 2025-02-10

Owner of Chemical Waste Factory Dies in Hospital After Transfer from Prison Picture from responders of the fire from 2024. Opas Boonchan, the 67-year-old director of Win Process Co. Ltd., the company behind the chemical waste facility that caught fire in Rayong province, has passed away due to a bloodstream infection. He had been transferred from Rayong Central Prison to Ban Khai Hospital for medical treatment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351311-owner-of-chemical-waste-factory-dies-in-hospital-after-transfer-from-prison/