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Buddhist Monk Dies After Car Plunges Into Pond A Buddhist monk lost his life after the car he was driving veered off the road and became fully submerged in a pond in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause of the accident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351070-buddhist-monk-dies-after-car-plunges-into-pond/

Picture from responders A Buddhist monk lost his life after the car he was driving veered off the road and became fully submerged in a pond in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause of the accident. At around noon on 6 February, the Sajja Buddhatham Foundation rescue unit received a report of a car sinking into a pond near a road in Ban Nong Dum, Moo 16, Nonsee subdistrict. Police from Kabin Buri station, led by Lieutenant Teerapat Phoolchat, were dispatched to the scene alongside emergency responders. Upon arrival, officials found skid marks on the road leading to a pond, measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 30 metres long. A blue Nissan car with a Prachinburi registration plate was fully submerged in the water. Rescuers jumped in and retrieved the unresponsive driver from the vehicle and attempted CPR, but the monk was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased was identified as Phra Nakorn, 56, who had been residing at Wat Dong Bang. A sum of cash was found on his person. Authorities have retrieved the vehicle from the water to gather further evidence. Investigators plan to examine nearby CCTV footage to establish the circumstances leading up to the crash. -- 2025-02-07

DSI Raids Company Behind Multi-Billion Baht Illegal Pork Import Scheme The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched a major raid on a company suspected of illegally importing pork into Thailand, disguising the shipments as fish to evade customs duties. The scheme, which has allegedly been operating for several years, is believed to have a financial impact of over 20 billion baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351068-dsi-raids-company-behind-multi-billion-baht-illegal-pork-import-scheme/

Picture from raid. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched a major raid on a company suspected of illegally importing pork into Thailand, disguising the shipments as fish to evade customs duties. The scheme, which has allegedly been operating for several years, is believed to have a financial impact of over 20 billion baht. At 10:00 on 6 February, a DSI investigation team, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Nathaphon Disayatham, executed a search warrant at Thienkham Dairy Corporation Co., Ltd., a company located in Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province. Despite presenting the warrant, the company’s owner, Songpol Thienkham, was not present. Instead, the company’s manager, Supawadee Chakratok, received the officials, who then proceeded with the search. According to investigators, this business was allegedly a key player in the illegal pork smuggling operation. Authorities suspect that the company was forging import documents, falsely declaring pork shipments as fish to exploit a 0% import tariff. Investigations revealed that between 1 December 2020 and 13 June 2023, Songpol Thienkham and Buriboon Lawopakasin, two businessmen believed to be linked to the same political and financial network, were behind the illegal imports. Their operation involved bringing frozen pork carcasses into Thailand through Laem Chabang Port, avoiding millions in tax duties. The smuggled pork was then distributed to supermarkets and retailers nationwide. Authorities have identified at least four subsidiary companies connected to the main suspect, including: 1. The Winner Trading Co., Ltd. 2. UJ Interfood Co., Ltd. 3. Giant Trading Co., Ltd. 4. Grand Food Co., Ltd. Further investigations uncovered nearly 500 suspicious transactions between the targeted company and other firms, including several foreign suppliers of frozen pork. The company was also found to have links to at least 10 other firms already under investigation. Authorities suspect that the company laundered money through multiple accounts, with a total turnover estimated at 20 billion baht. During Thailand’s African Swine Fever outbreak in 2021–2023, when domestic pork prices surged, these companies reportedly saw an abnormal spike in revenue, raising suspicions of large-scale smuggling. Given the international nature of the operation, the DSI has requested cooperation from foreign authorities in countries including Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Brazil, all of which were listed as suppliers of the smuggled pork. Investigators will travel to these countries later this month to examine shipping invoices and customs declarations. Authorities also revealed that other companies had used similar methods to disguise frozen pork imports. Some declared shipments as polymer sheets or seafood to evade scrutiny. The DSI is currently reviewing over 6,000 shipping containers linked to these other operations. Each shipment was estimated to generate over 2 million baht in profit, meaning the total value of the fraud could exceed 10 billion baht. During today’s raid, investigators did not find physical evidence of illegal imports at the company’s premises. However, financial records suggest a direct link between the firm and the smuggling operation. Authorities have now issued a summons for Songpol Thienkham to provide an explanation regarding the company’s activities and the use of its premises for suspected illegal transactions. The DSI has vowed to continue its crackdown on smuggling networks, particularly those that manipulate import regulations to evade taxes and disrupt the local economy. -- 2025-02-07

Immigration Police Arrest Gang Leader for Gold Scam and Fake Currency Fraud Thai immigration authorities announced on 5 February, that they have arrested a 30-year-old Liberian man, identified only as Mr. Bobby, who was wanted for his role in a scam involving fake gold sales and counterfeit U.S. dollars. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351067-immigration-police-arrest-gang-leader-for-gold-scam-and-fake-currency-fraud/

Picture of arrest. Thai immigration authorities announced on 5 February, that they have arrested a 30-year-old Liberian man, identified only as Mr. Bobby, who was wanted for his role in a scam involving fake gold sales and counterfeit U.S. dollars. The suspect was apprehended under a warrant issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court (Warrant No. 128/2567, dated 5th February) for theft committed in collaboration with multiple individuals. He has been handed over to police investigators at Lumpini Police Station for prosecution. The investigation began after authorities discovered a televised news report detailing a victim’s complaint about being scammed by a group of foreign nationals on 16th January. The gang, described as African nationals, lured the victim into investing in a gold trading scheme, only to swap the real money with counterfeit U.S. dollar banknotes. The victim lost approximately 1.1 million baht in the process and subsequently filed a police report with Lumpini Police Station. Following an investigation, the Bangkok South Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two individuals based on CCTV footage: Mr. Jason and Mr. Kevin (real names and nationalities unknown). Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of Mr. Jason, also known as Mr. Kanu, a Sierra Leonean national. He was handed over to the authorities, while another suspect, Mr. Cissé a Liberian national, had his visa revoked and was transferred to the Immigration Detention Centre for deportation. Authorities were still working to identify and locate the suspect known as Kevin. Further investigations by the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division 1 revealed that Mr. Bobby closely resembled the suspect identified as Kevin in CCTV footage. When shown photographs of Mr. Bobby, the victim confirmed that he was indeed the same person who played a critical role in the scam. Mr. Bobby’s responsibilities included arranging meetings for gold transactions, escorting victims to smelting facilities for gold verification, and persuading them to exchange money into U.S. dollars for the purchase. During the actual transaction, he worked alongside Mr. Jason (Kanu) to swap the legitimate money with counterfeit notes. Authorities traced Mr. Bobby’s movements and discovered he was planning to travel to Bang Phra, Sri Racha district, Chonburi province. Officers were dispatched to the area, where they intercepted and questioned him. Initially, Mr. Bobby denied being the individual in the arrest warrant photographs. He was subsequently taken to the Immigration Bureau’s office for further verification. After cross-checking his travel records and arranging for the victim to positively identify him, officers confirmed his identity and placed him under arrest. Mr. Bobby has now been formally charged under the arrest warrant and handed over to Lumpini Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities continue to investigate other possible members of the gang and urge the public to remain cautious of similar fraudulent schemes. -- 2025-02-07

Man Killed in Motorbike Collision with Parked Truck A 50-year-old man was killed instantly after his motorcycle crashed into the back of a parked truck, in Lampang province. The victim’s elderly mother, overwhelmed with grief, attempted to close her son’s eyes at the scene, stating he still had unfinished business. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351065-man-killed-in-motorbike-collision-with-parked-truck/

Picture from responders. A 50-year-old man was killed instantly after his motorcycle crashed into the back of a parked truck, in Lampang province. The victim’s elderly mother, overwhelmed with grief, attempted to close her son’s eyes at the scene, stating he still had unfinished business. The crash occurred on the Mae Mo–Pha Lat Road in Phra Bat subdistrict, Mueang Lampang, on the morning of 5 February. Police from Mueang Lampang station, along with medical staff from Lampang Hospital and emergency rescue teams, were called to the scene. The deceased was identified as Prathuang Yosnual, a resident of Pha Lat, Lampang. His body was found near his blue Honda motorcycle, which had sustained heavy front-end damage. The impact left severe head injuries, resulting in immediate death. The vehicle had crashed into the rear of a white Isuzu six-wheel delivery truck registered in Bangkok. The truck driver, identified as 48-year-old Chaiyong from Ubon Ratchathani, remained at the scene. According to Chaiyong, he and his wife had been delivering goods to Mae Mo district and were on their way back to Khon Kaen when he stopped to rest due to drowsiness. He had parked the truck for only two to three minutes before hearing a loud crash at the rear. Upon inspection, he discovered that Prathuang’s motorcycle had slammed into the back of his vehicle. Prathuang’s 80-year-old mother, Ms Rord arrived at the scene with other relatives. She explained that her son had been riding home from Mae Mo and likely failed to see the stationary truck in time. As officials prepared to move the body, she was seen sobbing uncontrollably, lamenting that her only son was now gone, leaving no one to care for her in old age. In an emotional moment, she repeatedly stroked her son’s face and attempted to close his eyes, believing he was still burdened by unresolved concerns. Authorities have sent Prathuang’s body to Lampang Hospital for examination, as Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-02-07

Explosion at Rueso Municipality Waste Disposal Area Damages Multiple Vehicles Authorities are investigating a suspected bomb attack after an explosion occurred at on 6 February, at a waste disposal area behind the Rueso Subdistrict Municipality office, Narathiwat causing multiple vehicles to catch fire. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351064-explosion-at-rueso-municipality-waste-disposal-area-damages-multiple-vehicles/

Picture from responders. Authorities are investigating a suspected bomb attack after an explosion occurred at on 6 February, at a waste disposal area behind the Rueso Subdistrict Municipality office, Narathiwat causing multiple vehicles to catch fire. The incident took place at approximately 12:35 when local police received reports of a loud explosion near the municipality’s garbage truck parking area. The blast ignited a fire, damaging several waste collection vehicles. Emergency responders and bomb disposal teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and secure the area. According to initial reports, the fire was extinguished in approximately 45 minutes and no injuries have been recorded. Police and forensic teams the conducted a thorough investigation to gather evidence and determine the type of explosive device used. Security forces have also increased patrols in the vicinity to prevent further incidents. Narathiwat, a province in Thailand’s deep south, has experienced sporadic attacks in the past due to ongoing security concerns in the region. Authorities have not yet confirmed if this latest incident is linked to insurgent activity. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. -- 2025-02-07

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawana Prayoon Appointed New Director of CAAT Picture courtesy of Matichon. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawana Prayoon has officially been appointed as the new Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), with his term set to begin on February 17. This marks his appointment as the fourth director since the establishment of the CAAT in 2015. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351063-air-chief-marshal-manat-chawana-prayoon-appointed-new-director-of-caat/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawana Prayoon has officially been appointed as the new Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), with his term set to begin on February 17. This marks his appointment as the fourth director since the establishment of the CAAT in 2015. The signing ceremony took place on February 6 at the Ministry of Transport, where Air Chief Marshal Manat was joined by Chayatham Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and Sutthipong Kongpool, the outgoing CAAT Director. Both officials expressed their congratulations to the newly appointed director. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chawana Prayoon’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process. The recruitment for the position was announced on November 8, 2024, with interviews and vision presentations held on December 23, 2024. On December 24, 2024, the CAAT’s supervisory board approved his selection. Born on October 11, 1964, Air Chief Marshal Manat has a distinguished career in the Royal Thai Air Force. He has served in numerous high-ranking positions, including as the Chairman of the Air Force Advisory Group, Deputy Air Force Chief of Staff, and Director of the Air Force Intelligence Department. He has also served as Thailand’s military attaché in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo, as well as Commander of the 7th Air Division (Gripen) and Squadron Leader of Squadron 102 (F-16 ADF). In addition to his military career, Air Chief Marshal Manat has held several prominent positions in the aviation industry. He served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee at Airports of Thailand (AOT), a public company, and as an independent director of the same company. He was also the head of a working group responsible for preparing Suvarnabhumi Airport and its third runway for operation. Furthermore, he has served as an expert member on the Board of the Civil Aviation Institute and as an advisor to the President of the CAAT Supervisory Board. In terms of education, Air Chief Marshal Manat is an alumnus of several prestigious institutions, including Vajiravudh College, the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, the Air Force Academy, the Air War College, and the National Defence College, Class 62. He also completed the F-16 Advanced Weapons Course in the United States. His extensive background in both military aviation and civilian aviation regulation makes him a highly qualified leader for the CAAT, an organisation that oversees Thailand’s aviation safety and standards. Air Chief Marshal Manat’s appointment is expected to bring new leadership and strategic direction to the Civil Aviation Authority as Thailand continues to strengthen its aviation sector. -- 2025-02-07

Family Injured as Motorcycle Sidecar Breaks and Detaches on Pattaya Road A family of four narrowly escaped serious injury after their motorcycle sidecar broke and detached in the middle of Sukhumvit Road near Makro South Pattaya. The incident, which occurred at around 18:30, was believed to have been caused by the deteriorated condition of the sidecar attachment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351062-family-injured-as-motorcycle-sidecar-breaks-and-detaches-on-pattaya-road/

Picture from responders. A family of four narrowly escaped serious injury after their motorcycle sidecar broke and detached in the middle of Sukhumvit Road near Makro South Pattaya. The incident, which occurred at around 18:30 on 5 February, was believed to have been caused by the deteriorated condition of the sidecar attachment. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit were dispatched to the scene in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Upon arrival, they found 50-year-old Preecha the motorcycle driver, suffering from a deep laceration on his left hand and in a semi-conscious state. His wife, 40-year-old Payom, sustained facial abrasions and complained of neck and back pain. Their two children suffered minor scrapes and bruises. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting all four to hospital for further treatment. The vehicle involved was a Yamaha Nuvo motorcycle with a sidecar attachment, registered in Chonburi. The sidecar’s metal frame had broken away at the connection point, causing the vehicle to lose balance and crash. Upon inspection, authorities found that the sidecar was in poor condition due to years of use. Speaking in a dazed state, Preecha recalled that he had been taking his family out for dinner when the sidecar suddenly detached, leading to the crash. He lost consciousness upon impact and could not remember further details. A witness who was standing on the pavement at the time of the crash reported seeing the motorcycle and sidecar moving normally before the structure began to separate. The vehicle then veered off course, mounted the pavement, and threw everyone off. Authorities have urged motorcyclists using sidecar attachments to ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained to prevent similar incidents in the future. -- 2025-02-07

15 Undocumented Foreign Workers Arrested at Chinese Restaurant in Chiang Mai Immigration authorities have arrested 15 foreign nationals working illegally at a Chinese restaurant in Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong district. The group included nine Myanmar nationals working as waiters and six Chinese nationals employed as managers and chefs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351061-15-undocumented-foreign-workers-arrested-at-chinese-restaurant-in-chiang-mai/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Immigration authorities have arrested 15 foreign nationals working illegally at a Chinese restaurant in Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong district. The group included nine Myanmar nationals working as waiters and six Chinese nationals employed as managers and chefs. The arrests took place on 4 February during a joint operation led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sutheerathep Phonarit, Chiang Mai Immigration’s investigative unit, in coordination with officers from Immigration Division 5. The inspection targeted businesses suspected of employing illegal workers in Nong Kwai Subdistrict, Hang Dong District. The nine Myanmar nationals admitted that they had been hired as waitstaff at the restaurant, earning 300 baht per day. However, they had only been working for a week and had not yet received their wages or applied for proper work permits. Meanwhile, the six Chinese nationals stated that they had entered Thailand under a visa exemption but had taken up work as restaurant managers and chefs without obtaining the necessary work permits. All 15 individuals have been detained and face charges of working without a valid permit, in violation of Thailand’s labour and immigration laws. Further legal proceedings will follow, and authorities have urged businesses to comply with employment regulations to avoid penalties. Officials are continuing their crackdown on illegal employment and urge the public to report any suspected violations. -- 2025-02-07

Thai Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Signal Transmission to Myanmar Thai authorities have launched Operation “Bridge Bomber” at the Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi, arresting a suspect at their residence for illegally extending telecommunications signals into Myanmar. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351060-thai-authorities-crack-down-on-illegal-signal-transmission-to-myanmar/

Picture from raid. Thai authorities have launched Operation “Bridge Bomber” at the Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi, arresting a suspect at their residence for illegally extending telecommunications signals into Myanmar. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, was carried out in coordination with Police Colonel Sarayut Chunwat, Acting Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 2, and Colonel Niwat Bunthup, Assistant Director of the Coordination Centre 3 of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). Investigators discovered that internet and mobile phone signals, as well as electrical wiring, had been illegally extended across the Thai-Myanmar border. Intelligence reports suggested that some of these services were being used to support call centre scam operations in Phaya Tongsu, a border town in Myanmar. A raid was conducted on the morning of 6 February at a residence in the Three Pagodas Pass area, where the suspect was apprehended. Initial reports indicate that the suspect has confessed to the offence, with substantial evidence supporting the allegations. Further investigation is ongoing to catch others possibly involved. -- 2025-02-07

Teacher Dies in Car Crash on Way to Collect Documents A 52-year-old English language teacher lost her life after the car she was driving veered off the road and overturned, crashing into a roadside ditch. The incident occurred on the Chokchai–Det Udom Road, about 5 kilometres from the district of Prakhon Chai in Buriram Province, Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351059-teacher-dies-in-car-crash-on-way-to-collect-documents/

Picture from responders. A 52-year-old English language teacher lost her life after the car she was driving veered off the road and overturned, crashing into a roadside ditch. The incident occurred on the Chokchai–Det Udom Road, about 5 kilometres from the district of Prakhon Chai in Buriram Province, Thailand. The victim, identified as Mrs. Narumon Klongkhoy, a teacher at Prakhon Chai Phitthayakhom School, was on her way home to collect some documents when the vehicle she was driving, a Honda City, skidded off the road and rolled on its side. The car was severely damaged, and the teacher was found lifeless at the scene. Local authorities were alerted by a passerby and dispatched rescue teams to the area. Upon arrival, they discovered the car in a ditch. Inside the vehicle, Mrs. Klongkhoy was found without a pulse. It is believed that she may have fallen asleep at the wheel, as no other vehicle was involved, and the location of the crash was on a straight stretch of road. Rescue personnel confirmed that no signs of life were found upon arrival. The cause of the crash is suspected to be driver fatigue, leading to the fatal crash. Mrs. Klongkhoy’s colleagues and students at the school have expressed sorrow and following her untimely death. Her family is now being contacted to arrange for the funeral and religious rites. -- 2025-02-07

UPDATE Daughter Confesses to Setting Fire to Father’s Hut in Kalasin Murder Case A 26-year-old woman has confessed to killing her 73-year-old father by setting fire to his hut after a heated argument over money. The incident occurred on the night of 31 January in Khong Chai district, Kalasin province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351057-daughter-confesses-to-setting-fire-to-father’s-hut-in-kalasin-murder-case/

UPDATE Daughter Confesses to Setting Fire to Father’s Hut in Kalasin Murder Case

UPDATE Picture from responders. A 26-year-old woman has confessed to killing her 73-year-old father by setting fire to his hut after a heated argument over money. The incident occurred on the night of 31 January in Khong Chai district, Kalasin province. The charred remains of Boonliang were discovered in his hut next to a rice mill in Non Sila Loeng village. Initial investigations raised suspicions of foul play, as the victim’s hands were found bound with wire. Police quickly classified the case as a homicide. Provincial police commander Pol. Col. Sirasan Yuen-Sanguanchai personally took charge of the investigation, directing officers to gather evidence and question those close to the victim. The primary suspect, Boonliang’s youngest daughter, Boontiwa was the last person seen with him. On 5 February, the Kalasin Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for Boontiwa, charging her with murder of her parent, concealment of a body, and arson causing death and property damage. She was taken into custody for questioning at Khong Chai Police Station. According to Pol. Col. Korraphop Netthaisong, head of Khong Chai Police Station, Boontiwa admitted to the crime. She explained that she had gone to her father’s hut to demand to borrow money for her and her half-brother, Anucha 49. When Boonliang refused, stating he had already lent her money multiple times in the past, an argument ensued. In a fit of rage, Boontiwa pushed her father to the ground, knocking him unconscious. Believing he was dead, she tied his hands with an electrical cord and set fire to the hut before fleeing on her motorcycle. Police are continuing their investigation and plan to conduct further questioning to ensure she acted alone. Related article. https://aseannow.com/topic/1350548-elderly-man-found-burned-to-death-in-suspected-murder/ -- 2025-02-07

Ammonia Leak at Ice Factory Causes Chaos in Khon Kaen An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Mueang Khon Kaen district has caused widespread disruption, with local residents reporting severe irritation and a local resort guests hastily checking out due to the overwhelming odour. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351056-ammonia-leak-at-ice-factory-causes-chaos-in-khon-kaen/

Picture from responders. An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Mueang Khon Kaen district has caused widespread disruption, with local residents reporting severe irritation and a local resort guests hastily checking out due to the overwhelming odour. Emergency response teams were deployed to the factory in Ban Tao Nor, Sila subdistrict, following complaints from locals about a strong ammonia smell that made breathing difficult and caused eye, throat, and nasal irritation. Officials from the Silala Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre Region 6 sprayed water mist over the factory to reduce airborne ammonia vapours levels, before shutting off the gas valve, to isolate the leak. The leak, which occurred during a shift change in the early hours of 6 February, spread across a 500-metre radius, exacerbated by strong winds. Authorities later visited the factory, located along the Khon Kaen bypass road, to assess the situation. According to local official Phairat, the factory has been in operation for four to five months with the necessary permits. However, this is the first reported ammonia leak. He stated that discussions are underway with the provincial industry office to determine whether production should be temporarily halted to address the issues. Village headman Satit Chantasorn, 57, confirmed that residents had been suffering from the intense ammonia fumes since the early morning. Factory workers reported the leak at shift change, but site technical staff were not immediately available to shut down the system or close the valve. The leak also caused panic among guests at a nearby resort. A housekeeper, identified only as Aom, 56, described the situation: “The smell was unbearable. It was hard to breathe, and my eyes and throat were burning. Resort guests were alarmed, trying to find the source of the odour, and ultimately decided to check out en masse.” Residents and business owners are urging authorities to take swift action to prevent further incidents. Investigations are ongoing into the incident. -- 2025-02-07