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Rescue Team Struggles to Transport 314kg Man to Hospital A volunteer rescue team faced a major challenge when attempting to transport a 30-year-old man weighing 314kg to hospital after he suffered from exhaustion, fever, and weakness. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351178-rescue-team-struggles-to-transport-314kg-man-to-hospital/

Picture from responders. A volunteer rescue team faced a major challenge when attempting to transport a 30-year-old man weighing 314kg to hospital after he suffered from exhaustion, fever, and weakness. The incident occurred on 6 February at a house in Soi Wachirathamsathit 17, Sukhumvit 101/1, in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district. The man, who has long struggled with severe obesity, required medical care at Sirindhorn Hospital and needed immediate assistance due to breathing difficulties and fatigue. Phongsit Rakkapao, a 29-year-old volunteer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s Bang Na unit, said that upon receiving the emergency call, rescuers arrived to find the man in distress. “He was extremely weak, and moving him was a huge challenge,” Phongsit explained. The team initially requested an Erawan emergency vehicle to assist, but due to his size, they were unable to lift him into the ambulance. A pickup truck was then called in as an alternative, but the patient’s condition made even minor movements difficult. As a last resort, the team asked the man’s father if he knew anyone with a truck having a sliding loading bed. Fortunately, a neighbour was able to provide one. After a gruelling rescue effort lasting four hours, the team carefully manoeuvred the patient onto the slide truck and transported him to Sirindhorn Hospital. Doctors were reportedly shocked by his condition, having never encountered a patient of his weight. However, initial reports from the hospital indicate that his condition is improving. The man’s father, Prayong, 72, revealed that his son had started gaining excessive weight at around the age of four and had never received medical treatment apart from for high blood pressure. He works from home as a craftsman making amulet frames and has led a sedentary lifestyle. Now that he has been admitted to hospital, his father hopes that he will begin a weight-loss programme, incorporating exercise and dietary control. “We are very grateful to the rescue team for their dedication and patience in getting my son to hospital,” Prayong said. -- 2025-02-08

CCTV Captures Motorbike Crashing into Police Vehicle at Junction CCTV footage has captured the moment a motorcycle crashed into a police vehicle at an intersection in Nakhon Ratchasima. Authorities rushed to assist the injured and transport them to hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351177-cctv-captures-motorbike-crashing-into-police-vehicle-at-junction/

Picture captured from CCTV. CCTV footage has captured the moment a motorcycle crashed into a police vehicle at an intersection in Nakhon Ratchasima. Authorities rushed to assist the injured and transport them to hospital. The incident occurred near Phimai Police Station on 7 February. Footage from a security camera outside a local residence recorded a police patrol pickup truck from Phimai Police Station driving through the junction, located just 20 metres from the police station. At the same time, a motorbike carrying a young man and woman, both estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old, approached from a straight road before colliding forcefully with the side of the police vehicle. Both the motorcyclist and their passenger sustained injuries in the crash. Two police officers inside the patrol vehicle immediately exited to check on the injured individuals and contacted emergency medical services from Phimai Hospital. The injured were promptly transported for medical treatment. The impact left visible damage to the police vehicle, with a dented door and a shattered side window. Meanwhile, the front of the motorbike was damaged. An investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the collision and whether any legal action will be taken. -- 2025-02-08

Fugitive Arrested After a Decade on the Run, Found Working on Fishing Boat in Phang Nga A fugitive who evaded capture for nearly a decade has been arrested while working as a crew member on a fishing boat in Phang Nga province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351176-fugitive-arrested-after-a-decade-on-the-run-found-working-on-fishing-boat-in-phang-nga/

Picture courtesy of CIB A fugitive who evaded capture for nearly a decade has been arrested while working as a crew member on a fishing boat in Phang Nga province. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Water Police Division, apprehended 38-year-old Mr. Thawatchai under an outstanding warrant issued by the Surat Thani Provincial Court on 11 August 2015 (Warrant No. 279/2558). He was wanted for drug-related offences, specifically possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, as well as illegal possession of a firearm. Authorities had been tracking Mr. Thawatchai since his time living in Surat Thani, where he was known to be involved in drug-related activities. In an attempt to evade capture, he fled the province and took up work as a fisherman in Phang Nga. Acting on intelligence, officers from Marine Police Station 2, Division 8, located a fishing vessel docked at a fishery in Ban Thap Lamu, Lam Kaen subdistrict, in the Tai Mueang district. Upon boarding the vessel for inspection, they identified Mr. Thawatchai among the crew. The suspect was informed of the outstanding warrant before being taken into custody. He has since been handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings. This arrest marks a success for law enforcement in tracking down a long-term fugitive and reinforces the commitment of Thai authorities to cracking down on drug-related crimes. -- 2025-02-08

Thailand Gears Up for National Tsunami Response Drill Across Six Andaman Provinces Thailand is intensifying its preparations for potential tsunami disasters with a large-scale national crisis management exercise, C-MEX 25, set to take place across six Andaman coastal provinces. The initiative, led by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) under the Ministry of Interior, aims to enhance the country’s readiness to respond effectively to such natural calamities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351175-thailand-gears-up-for-national-tsunami-response-drill-across-six-andaman-provinces/

Picture courtesy of DDPM Thailand is intensifying its preparations for potential tsunami disasters with a large-scale national crisis management exercise, C-MEX 25, set to take place across six Andaman coastal provinces. The initiative, led by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) under the Ministry of Interior, aims to enhance the country’s readiness to respond effectively to such natural calamities. At a preparatory meeting held in Phuket on 7 February, senior officials, including DDPM Director-General Phasakorn Boonyalak, emphasised the importance of maintaining up-to-date and practical emergency response plans. The drill will involve Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Ranong, and Satun provinces, testing their evacuation strategies and coordination capabilities in the event of a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has placed significant emphasis on disaster preparedness, particularly in tsunami-prone areas. Under his directive, the DDPM is working closely with provincial authorities, local government bodies, and national security agencies to refine evacuation plans, upgrade warning systems, and ensure a swift response to emergencies. Phasakorn highlighted the necessity of continuous plan revisions to reflect geographical and infrastructural changes. “A tsunami can strike without warning. Our plans must be actionable and effective, with clearly defined evacuation routes and safety procedures that local communities can follow,” he stated. The C-MEX 25 drill will integrate various national disaster management strategies, including the 2024–2030 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan and the 2023–2027 National Crisis Management Plan. These frameworks mandate regular simulation exercises to refine Thailand’s disaster response mechanisms. Thailand has invested in modernising its tsunami warning infrastructure, including early detection sensors and public alert systems. The National Disaster Warning Centre has also been updating hazard maps for Andaman coastal areas to ensure more precise risk assessments. A critical component of the exercise will be the evaluation of evacuation procedures. Officials will assess the readiness of designated evacuation centres, emergency signage, and escape routes. “Our goal is to evacuate people from danger zones as quickly and safely as possible while ensuring proper shelter and support services,” Phasakorn added. The meeting in Phuket brought together key stakeholders, including provincial governors, local administrative officials, disaster response experts, and academics from leading Thai universities. Discussions centred on improving coordination between national and local agencies to ensure a seamless disaster response. Professor Dr. Seree Supharatid, Director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University, underscored the importance of community engagement. “Educating residents and tourists about tsunami preparedness is crucial. Public awareness can significantly reduce casualties during a real emergency,” he said. The full-scale drill, scheduled for June–July 2025, will include functional exercises and live evacuation simulations. These activities will test Thailand’s ability to issue rapid warnings, deploy emergency responders, and manage large-scale evacuations effectively. Beyond safeguarding lives, the initiative aims to bolster public confidence in Thailand’s disaster readiness, particularly in its tourism-dependent regions. “Preparedness reassures both locals and international visitors. A well-executed response plan minimises economic disruptions and enhances Thailand’s reputation as a safe destination,” Phasakorn concluded. With the threat of tsunamis ever-present, C-MEX 25 represents a crucial step in ensuring that Thailand is not only prepared but also resilient in the face of natural disasters. -- 2025-02-08

Giant King Cobra Startles Krabi Residents Amid Drought Residents of a village in Krabi were left in shock when a massive king cobra, measuring 4.5 metres in length, slithered into the front yard of a house, seemingly in search of water. The dramatic encounter took place in Moo 5, Khlong Ya, Ao Luek district, as drought conditions continue to impact the region. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351174-giant-king-cobra-startles-krabi-residents-amid-drought/

Picture from responders. Residents of a village in Krabi were left in shock when a massive king cobra, measuring 4.5 metres in length, slithered into the front yard of a house, seemingly in search of water. The dramatic encounter took place in Moo 5, Khlong Ya, Ao Luek district, as drought conditions continue to impact the region. The homeowner, 54-year-old Mr Watin Kaewsuwan, was left stunned when he spotted the enormous serpent approaching his house. Believed to have descended from a nearby hillside, the snake was likely drawn into the residential area due to the scarcity of natural water sources following a prolonged dry spell. Local rescue volunteers from the Khlong Ya unit of the Ao Luek Sawang Kharakun Foundation swiftly responded to Mr Watin’s call for help. Upon arrival, they discovered the giant cobra hiding in the grass near a roadside drainage ditch. The reptile attempted to escape but was safely captured within 15 minutes using expert handling techniques. The snake measured an astonishing 4.5 metres in length and weighed approximately 15 kilograms. It was carefully placed in a sack before being released back into a remote forested area, far from human habitation. Rescue teams have urged residents to exercise caution, warning that more snakes may venture into villages in search of water due to the ongoing drought. They advised people to avoid approaching venomous reptiles and to immediately contact wildlife experts or rescue teams if a sighting occurs. The drought, which has left many natural water sources dried up, is not only affecting human communities but is also forcing wild animals to venture beyond their usual habitats in search of sustenance. -- 2025-02-08

Pattaya Police Raid Villa, Arrest 12 Chinese Nationals Running Cross-Border Loan Sharking Op Thai authorities have arrested 12 Chinese nationals in Pattaya for operating an illegal cross-border online loan business. The group, which had been running its operation from a pool villa, was caught in a raid led by senior police officers from Chonburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351172-pattaya-police-raid-villa-arrest-12-chinese-nationals-running-cross-border-loan-sharking-op/

Pictures from raid. Thai authorities have arrested 12 Chinese nationals in Pattaya for operating an illegal cross-border online loan business. The group, which had been running its operation from a pool villa, was caught in a raid led by senior police officers from Chonburi province. The operation was conducted under a search warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. More than 20 officers, including tourist police and immigration officials, searched a lavish villa spanning over one rai in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung district. The property comprised a large two-storey house and two smaller buildings. During the raid, police arrested 11 men and one woman, all Chinese nationals. Officers seized 10 computers, 61 mobile phones, passports, electronic banking cards, and a sum of cash. A search of the computers revealed an active online loan business with a large turnover. One of the suspects, speaking through a translator, admitted that they had been renting the villa for 150,000 baht per month since August 2024. Their scheme involved offering high-interest loans via the WeChat application to customers in China, with loan amounts ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 yuan (approximately 10,000–15,000 baht). The group charged an exorbitant interest rate of 30%. Employees reportedly earned monthly salaries between 15,000 and 20,000 baht, plus commissions. Before relocating to Thailand, the group had operated in Dubai for five years but moved due to the high cost of living. Police Colonel Chatree Suksiri, Deputy Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, stated that most of the suspects had entered Thailand on tourist and student visas. Two individuals were found to have overstayed their visas. They now face charges of working illegally in Thailand, with further investigations ongoing to uncover additional offences and identify the leaders behind this transnational fraud scheme. -- 2025-02-08

Woman Killed in Crash as Pickup Slams into Tree A crash in Nakhon Ratchasima claimed the life of a 25-year-old woman and left a man seriously injured after a pickup truck, fully loaded with jujube fruit, veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Authorities suspect the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351170-woman-killed-in-crash-as-pickup-slams-into-tree/

Picture from responders. A crash in Nakhon Ratchasima claimed the life of a 25-year-old woman and left a man seriously injured after a pickup truck, fully loaded with jujube fruit, veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Authorities suspect the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The crash occurred on Mittraphap Road near Don Chomphu Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital in Non Sung District. Police from Non Sung Station and rescue workers from Hook 31 Rescue Unit were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency responders found a white Isuzu pickup truck with its front end crushed against a tree. The vehicle was severely damaged, with debris and scattered fruit covering the area. Inside, a man and a woman were trapped, requiring hydraulic cutting tools to extract them. The injured man, identified as 30-year-old Anon, was suffering from severe pain in his right leg and ribcage. The deceased, 25-year-old Rungarut Muang-ngam, was pronounced dead at the scene. Both were residents of Phitsanulok province. Rescue workers transported the injured man and the victim’s body to Non Sung Hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have dozed off, leading to the crash. Authorities are continuing their inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident. -- 2025-02-08

Suicide of 49-Year-Old Man in Uthai Thani After Struggles with Mental Health A 49-year-old man ended his life on the 6th of February, in the quiet rural village of Ban Manaw Wan, Uthai Thani province. Police were called to the scene at approximately 12:30, where they discovered the lifeless body of Sakda Phan-on lying in a pool of blood beside his home at No. 10, Moo 14, Ban Manaw Wan, in the district of Thap Than. A shotgun was found by his side, with a gunshot wound to the chest. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351169-suicide-of-49-year-old-man-in-uthai-thani-after-struggles-with-mental-health/

Picture from responders. A 49-year-old man ended his life on the 6th of February, in the quiet rural village of Ban Manaw Wan, Uthai Thani province. Police were called to the scene at approximately 12:30, where they discovered the lifeless body of Sakda Phan-on lying in a pool of blood beside his home at No. 10, Moo 14, Ban Manaw Wan, in the district of Thap Than. A shotgun was found by his side, with a gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities, including forensic specialists, medical personnel, and local rescue workers, arrived shortly after to conduct an examination of the scene and confirm the cause of death. Sakda's mother, 67-year-old Choo-Sri Phan-on, shared that her son had often expressed feelings of hopelessness, mentioning his desire to end his life. She revealed that Sakda had been undergoing treatment for a brain disorder, which he had struggled with for some time. On the day of the incident, Choo-Sri had just returned from working on the family farm when she found her son's body. Shocked, she removed the gun from his hand and placed it nearby before alerting the local village head and neighbours. The village head, Mr. Saroj Phakdeesuk, explained that Sakda had a history of substance abuse and had been undergoing treatment for rehabilitation at a hospital. His course of treatment was set to end later this year. Along with ongoing psychiatric medication, Sakda had quit smoking and drinking, but despite these efforts, he had repeatedly voiced frustration over his lack of progress in recovering. 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. -- 2025-02-08

Drunk Myanmar Man Beaten to Death After Knocking on Woman's Door & Requesting Sex A 25-year-old Myanmar national succumbed to his injuries after being brutally beaten by a group of his compatriots in a boarding house in Bo Win, Si Racha. The assault occurred after he drunkenly knocked on a woman's door and asked to sleep with her. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351168-drunk-myanmar-man-beaten-to-death-after-knocking-on-womans-door-requesting-sex/

Picture from responders. A 25-year-old Myanmar national succumbed to his injuries after being brutally beaten by a group of his compatriots in a boarding house in Bo Win, Si Racha. The assault occurred after he drunkenly knocked on a woman's door and asked to sleep with her. Emergency responders from the Pure Yeang Tai Rescue Foundation rushed to the scene, where they found the victim-identified only as Mr. A, unconscious with severe injuries. He had a deep one-inch gash on his forehead, bruising around his eyes, and multiple contusions across his body. Rescue workers performed CPR before urgently transporting him to Laem Chabang Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. According to police investigations, Mr. A had been heavily intoxicated and was knocking on multiple doors in the building. When he encountered a room occupied by a Myanmar woman, he allegedly requested to sleep with her. Frightened, the woman immediately locked her door, but the man continued to peer through the gap under the door. Feeling threatened, she called a group of five to six Myanmar men for help. Upon arrival, the group wasted no time in dragging Mr. A outside and severely beating him until he lost consciousness. The building's caretaker then alerted the police and emergency services. Bo Win Police Station is reviewing CCTV footage and working to identify those involved in the attack. Authorities have vowed to take legal action against all responsible parties. -- 2025-02-08

Porter Collapses and Dies While Carrying Goods Up Phu Kradueng An incident occurred on Phu Kradueng, Loei, as a local porter collapsed and died while carrying goods up the mountain, on 7 February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351167-porter-collapses-and-dies-while-carrying-goods-up-phu-kradueng/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred on Phu Kradueng, Loei, as a local porter collapsed and died while carrying goods up the mountain, on 7 February. Mr. Adisorn Hemthanont, head of Phu Kradueng National Park, reported that the park’s tourist assistance centre received an emergency alert about a porter who had lost consciousness while ascending the mountain. The incident took place near Sam Kok Wa, approximately 2.5 km from Sri Than Tourist Service Centre. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, along with rangers from the Sam Kok Don checkpoint. Upon arrival, they found the unconscious man being attended to by a tourist who happened to be a nurse. Despite performing CPR and assessing his vital signs, the man showed no response and had no pulse. Tragically, he could not be revived and the rescue teams carried the body back down the mountain. The deceased was identified as Mr. Saneh, a 57-year-old resident of Phu Kradueng district. He was a vendor who regularly transported goods to sell to tourists at the summit. He collapsed while carrying his load up the trail and passed away shortly thereafter. Authorities from Phu Kradueng Police Station and Phu Kradueng Hospital were notified to inspect the scene. The deceased’s relatives were present and raised no concerns or suspicion over the cause of death, but police arranged for the transportation of his body to the hospital for further procedures. Phu Kradueng National Park officials have pledged to assist the family in arranging funeral rites. -- 2025-02-08

Police Arrest Suspect in Pattaya Beachfront Theft Targeting Russian Tourist A Russian tourist who had his belongings stolen while swimming at a Pattaya resort has expressed gratitude to Thai police after they successfully tracked down and arrested the suspect. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351166-police-arrest-suspect-in-pattaya-beachfront-theft-targeting-russian-tourist/

Picture captured from CCTV. A Russian tourist who had his belongings stolen while swimming at a Pattaya resort has expressed gratitude to Thai police after they successfully tracked down and arrested the suspect. The incident occurred on 3 February at Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa, located in Na Jomtien, Sattahip district, Chonburi. The victim, Mr Igor Lysenko, had left his belongings, including a Google Pixel 8 smartphone, a driving licence, two credit cards, and a hotel key card, on a table by the beach while he went for a swim. Upon returning, he discovered that his possessions had been stolen. Following the theft, police launched an investigation led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Arut Saphanon, Deputy Superintendent of Investigations at Na Jomtien Police Station. Officers reviewed CCTV footage from the scene and interviewed witnesses, eventually identifying the suspect’s vehicle, a white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with the registration from Bangkok. The suspect, identified as Mr Thitiphan Karaneeramarangkul, a 40-year-old resident of Samut Prakan province, was found hiding in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Officers on 7 February, planned and executed a successful arrest operation, seizing the pickup truck used in the crime. Additionally, they discovered a quantity of methamphetamine (yaba) and crystal meth in his possession. Mr Thitiphan was taken into custody at Na Jomtien Police Station, where he now faces multiple charges, including theft and drug-related offences. Following the arrest, Mr Lysenko personally visited the police station to thank the investigation team for their swift action. He praised their efforts in ensuring justice and reaffirming safety for foreign tourists visiting the area. -- 2025-02-08

Factory Worker Dies in Fatal Crash After Car Overtakes on Narrow Road in Samut Sakhon A road crash occurred early morning on 7 February, in Samut Sakhon province, resulting in the death of a 38-year-old factory worker. At around 05:30 a white Ford car collided with a motorcycle in the district of Ban Phaew, on the Sawan Som-Klong Tan Road. Police were notified and immediately arrived at the scene, alongside medical teams and local rescue services. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351164-factory-worker-dies-in-fatal-crash-after-car-overtakes-on-narrow-road-in-samut-sakhon/

Picture from responders. A road crash occurred early morning on 7 February, in Samut Sakhon province, resulting in the death of a 38-year-old factory worker. At around 05:30 a white Ford car collided with a motorcycle in the district of Ban Phaew, on the Sawan Som-Klong Tan Road. Police were notified and immediately arrived at the scene, alongside medical teams and local rescue services. The police discovered the car, with a damaged front and a detached licence plate, near the wreckage of a Honda Click motorcycle. The motorcycle, which had been travelling in the opposite direction, was severely damaged, and the rider was found dead at the scene. The victim was identified as Ms. Pikuljan Chawana, a 38-year-old woman from Nakhon Pathom. She was dressed in a factory uniform and had sustained severe head injuries, with significant blood loss. According to the driver of the Ford, they had been travelling from the Khlong Tan area and were attempting to overtake an 18-wheeler truck. Unfortunately, they failed to complete the manoeuvre, resulting in a direct head on collision with the oncoming motorcycle. Police have begun an investigation, collecting evidence and taking statements from the driver of the Ford. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is also being reviewed to determine the exact circumstances of the crash. The driver has been taken to the Ban Phaew police station for further questioning. The body of the deceased has been transferred to the Samut Sakhon Forensic Institute for post-mortem examination, after which it will be returned to the family. Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings will follow. -- 2025-02-08