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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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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/ -
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. On 9th February at 14:00 local reporters received confirmation from Opas’s family that he had died at midnight. His wife and children stated they did not suspect foul play, as he had pre-existing health conditions. He had been receiving treatment at Ban Khai Hospital since 5th February due to low blood sugar. Plans were in place to transfer him to Bangkok-Rayong Hospital for further treatment, but he passed away before this could happen. The family is expected to hold funeral rites at Wat Huai Pong in Mueang Rayong district. Opas Boonchan had been sentenced by Rayong Provincial Court for illegally possessing hazardous substances and contaminating public water sources. He was convicted under five criminal charges, including three counts of violating the Hazardous Substances Act of 1992 and two counts of releasing toxic waste into a public waterway under Sections 228 and 237 of the Thai Penal Code. On 5th February 2025, he was sentenced to a total of 5 years and 15 months in prison. Despite multiple bail requests, all were denied, leading to his incarceration at Rayong Central Prison. Opas was the owner of the chemical waste storage facility in Ban Nong Phawa, Bang But subdistrict, Ban Khai district, Rayong, which had been the site of a major fire. His passing marks the end of a case that had drawn significant public attention due to environmental and health concerns surrounding the factory’s operations. Related articles; Fire Sparks Arson Concerns at Rayong Chemical Warehouse https://aseannow.com/topic/1325863-fire-sparks-arson-concerns-at-rayong-chemical-warehouse/ Win Process ordered to pay Bt1.7bn for environmental rehabilitation https://aseannow.com/topic/1337111-win-process-ordered-to-pay-bt17bn-for-environmental-rehabilitation/ Fire Again Engulfs Warehouse in Rayong’s Win Process Facility, Thick Smoke Linger https://aseannow.com/topic/1350057-fire-again-engulfs-warehouse-in-rayong’s-win-process-facility-thick-smoke-lingers/ -- 2025-02-10
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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Woman Found Dead in Irrigation Canal in Chiang Rai A routine trip to inspect a rice field took a grim turn when a local farmer spotted what appeared to be a human hand in an irrigation canal. Upon closer inspection, he was horrified to discover a body submerged in the water. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351310-woman-found-dead-in-irrigation-canal-in-chiang-rai/ -
Picture from responders. A routine trip to inspect a rice field took a grim turn when a local farmer spotted what appeared to be a human hand in an irrigation canal. Upon closer inspection, he was horrified to discover a body submerged in the water. The incident occurred on the morning of 9th February, when officers from Pong Pha Police Service Station received a report of a body found in a public irrigation canal near the Baan Ua Arthorn housing project in Pong Pha Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a blue and white Honda Scoopy motorcycle, bearing Chiang Rai registration number, submerged in the canal. However, the body was not immediately visible, as it had drifted approximately 300 metres downstream. A large crowd had gathered around the site where the body was eventually discovered. The deceased was identified as 43-year-old Boonyanuch, who had reportedly been in the water for several hours. Witnesses described her body as stiff and lying face-up in the water. The first person to spot the body was local farmer Sanong Phrompanya, who recounted the shocking moment. “I was walking along the irrigation canal to check my rice fields when I noticed something that looked like a human hand. When I realised it was a body, I was terrified and immediately called for help,” he said. At the scene, police spoke to the victim’s husband, Thongsuk, 58, a resident of Ban San Sai Moon, Moo 6, Pong Pha. He explained that his wife suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes. According to Thongsuk, Boonyanuch typically left for work as a housemaid in Pong Pha at around 07:20 each day and returned home by 17:00. On the evening before her death, he had not been concerned when she did not return, as she sometimes stayed overnight at her workplace or failed to come home after drinking with friends. A security guard at a local school reported seeing Boonyanuch riding her motorcycle past the school at around 23:00, but as she often travelled this route, nothing seemed unusual. Police investigators examined the area where the motorcycle was found and observed skid marks indicating that the rider had veered off the road and into the canal. It is suspected that Boonyanuch lost control of her motorcycle, fell into the water, and lost consciousness, ultimately drowning. The overnight current is believed to have carried her body to the spot where it was later discovered. Her husband stated that he did not suspect foul play in her death. Authorities have sent the body for further examination before releasing it to the family. -- 2025-02-10
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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Fisherman’s Misfortune as Pickup Truck Rolls into 10-Metre-Deep Reservoir A fishing trip took an unfortunate turn for an angler when his pickup truck mysteriously rolled into a reservoir, sinking to a depth of 10 metres, despite his insistence that the handbrake was engaged. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351308-fisherman’s-misfortune-as-pickup-truck-rolls-into-10-metre-deep-reservoir/ -
Picture from responders. A fishing trip took an unfortunate turn for an angler when his pickup truck mysteriously rolled into a reservoir, sinking to a depth of 10 metres, despite his insistence that the handbrake was engaged. At approximately 10:00 on 9th February, rescue officials from Pluak Daeng received a report of a pickup truck that had rolled into the Nong Pla Lai Reservoir in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong province. A team of divers was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, rescue personnel discovered clear tyre tracks leading into the water. Divers entered the reservoir and attached a cable to the submerged vehicle to facilitate its retrieval using a tow truck. The vehicle’s owner, a 26-year-old man identified only as Mr A recounted the incident. He stated that he had been fishing at the reservoir the previous day and was preparing to leave at around 08:00 when he heard a sudden ‘clunk’ sound. To his shock, his vehicle began rolling into the water. He maintained that the handbrake had been properly engaged and was uncertain as to how the incident had occurred. Rescue official Mr Saiyan Yothina, 47, confirmed that the location where the truck had submerged was approximately 10 metres deep, with a floating plastic drum marking the spot. Rescue teams worked to recover the vehicle. Following the incident, officials issued a warning to anglers visiting Nong Pla Lai Reservoir, urging them to ensure their vehicles are securely parked on stable ground to prevent similar incidents. -- 2025-02-10
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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13-Year-Old Boy Dies in Motorbike Crash After Making Merit A 13-year-old boy lost his life after his motorcycle hit a road sign on his way home from making merit at a local temple. Full stoty:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351307-13-year-old-boy-dies-in-motorbike-crash-after-making-merit/ -
Picture from responders. A 13-year-old boy lost his life after his motorcycle hit a road sign on his way home from making merit at a local temple. The fatal crash occurred on 8th February, on the Si Racha – Nong Kho Road in Moo 9, Nong Kham Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi. Police from Nong Kham Police Station, led by Pol. Capt. Setthaphon Singnok, responded to the scene along with emergency rescue personnel from the Pheua Yeang Tai Si Racha Foundation. At the scene, emergency responders found Master Peerawit, aged 13, lying unconscious on the roadside. Rescue workers immediately performed CPR in an attempt to save his life, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. According to a witness, the young victim had visited Wat Khao Tabak to make merit earlier in the day. On his way home, his motorcycle reportedly hit a loose rock, causing him to lose control and crash into a road sign. The impact with the signpost resulted in fatal injuries. Authorities have documented the incident and are investigating further. The boy’s family has been notified. -- 2025-02-10
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 February 2025
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Drug-Fuelled Suspect Rams Police Checkpoint, Killing One Officer and Injuring Another A high-speed police chase in Sungai Kolok turned deadly when a suspect, allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, crashed through a checkpoint and deliberately rammed into two pursuing officers, killing one and seriously injuring the other. The suspect was later tracked down and arrested at a local hotel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351306-drug-fuelled-suspect-rams-police-checkpoint-killing-one-officer-and-injuring-another/ -
Picture from responders. A high-speed police chase in Sungai Kolok turned deadly when a suspect, allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, crashed through a checkpoint and deliberately rammed into two pursuing officers, killing one and seriously injuring the other. The suspect was later tracked down and arrested at a local hotel. The incident began late on the night of 8 February when officers from Sungai Kolok Police Station set up a pop-up checkpoint at the Orakan intersection in the municipality of Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat province. The operation, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Rorpha Dahama, was part of a routine inspection to prevent criminal activity in the area. At approximately 23:10 a suspicious Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with Narathiwat registration approached the checkpoint. Officers signalled the driver to stop for inspection, but instead, he accelerated and sped through the barricade, prompting officers to give chase on motorcycles. The suspect attempted to evade capture by turning into Pracha Wiwat 17 Alley, a dead-end street approximately 700 metres from the checkpoint. Two pursuing officers on a police motorcycle, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai Saengngam, the driver, and Pol. Sgt. Sahacha Limwongsawat, the pillion passenger, followed him into the alley. However, the suspect suddenly reversed at high speed, colliding directly with the officers’ motorcycle. The impact knocked Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai to the ground, pinning him under the vehicle, while Sgt. Sahacha was thrown clear. The suspect then continued reversing, dragging Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai and his motorcycle to the main road before speeding off towards the bypass road. Both officers sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Sungai Kolok Hospital. Despite the doctors’ efforts, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai succumbed to his injuries, while Pol. Sgt. Sahacha suffered bruises and is now recovering at home. The suspect abandoned his vehicle near a local landfill before fleeing on foot. Inside the vehicle, police found 15 methamphetamine pills and a mobile phone. A wallet containing an ID card belonging to a 36-year-old man, identified as Mr. Saheedi was discovered approximately 100 metres from the abandoned truck. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and tracked the suspect to a hotel in Sungai Kolok municipality, approximately two kilometres from the landfill. At 05:20 on 9 February, police raided the hotel room and arrested the suspect. During questioning, Mr. Saheedi confessed to being the driver of the vehicle and admitted to using methamphetamine. He was immediately taken for drug and alcohol testing. Authorities extended their investigation to a rented property linked to the suspect in Sungai Kolok, where they discovered 7.4 kilograms of compressed cannabis intended for sale. The suspect now faces multiple charges, including: • Murder of a law enforcement officer • Resisting and obstructing police • Drug possession and consumption • Driving under the influence of narcotics The case has sparked concerns about drug-related crime and the risks law enforcement officers face while on duty. Authorities have vowed to continue crackdowns on narcotics and violent offenders to prevent further incidents. -- 2025-02-10