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Pickup Truck Smashes into Lamp Post and Bridge Railing, Driver Killed A 42-year-old man lost his life after his pickup truck veered off the road, crashing into a streetlight and bridge railing in Phetchaburi early morning. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351053-pickup-truck-smashes-into-lamp-post-and-bridge-railing-driver-killed/

Picture from responders. A 42-year-old man lost his life after his pickup truck veered off the road, crashing into a streetlight and bridge railing in Phetchaburi early morning. The fatal accident occurred at around 08:00 on 6 February, on Phetkasem Road (southbound) in front of Sahasin Furniture Store, Tha Yang District. Officers from Tha Yang Police Station, emergency responders from Tha Yang Hospital, and rescuers from Sawang Sanphet Dhamma Sathan Foundation rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a heavily damaged Mitsubishi pickup truck, registered in Suphan Buri, wedged against the bridge railing. Its front end was completely wrecked, and fuel was leaking onto the road. A streetlight had been knocked down across the carriageway. Inside the vehicle, the driver was discovered unconscious and critically injured, trapped behind the wheel. Rescue teams worked urgently to extract him from the wreckage and transported him to Tha Yang Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. CCTV footage from the area revealed that the vehicle had been travelling in the right-hand lane before the driver suddenly lost control, mounting the central reservation, crashing into the streetlight, and slamming into the bridge concrete railing. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, but preliminary findings suggest that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. -- 2025-02-07

UPDATE Six Teenagers Arrested After Armed Robbery and Phone Theft in Pattani Six teenagers, including four 14-year-olds, have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a store in Panare district, Pattani, followed by a mobile phone theft from a group of youths on the roadside. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350947-gang-of-six-robbers-target-mini-big-c-and-steal-mobile-phones-in-pattani/#findComment-19567658

UPDATE Six Teenagers Arrested After Armed Robbery and Phone Theft in Pattani Picture of arrest. Six teenagers, including four 14-year-olds, have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a store in Panare district, Pattani, followed by a mobile phone theft from a group of youths on the roadside. The incident took place in the early hours of 5 February when the suspects, armed with weapons, stormed a Mini Big C store in Panare subdistrict. They forced staff to hand over money from the store’s safe, escaping with 4,492 baht before fleeing the scene. As they made their getaway, the group encountered a group of young people drinking by the roadside in Nam Bo subdistrict, Panare. Spotting them using mobile phones, the suspects proceeded to threaten them and stole four mobile phones before continuing their escape. Following the incident, Police Colonel Prayong Khotsakha, Deputy Commander of Pattani Provincial Police, ordered an immediate investigation. Officers tracked the suspects using CCTV footage, identifying their escape route towards Sai Buri district. At 14:00 on 5 February, a tip-off from a local resident led police to a house in Sai Buri where the suspects were hiding. A team of officers moved in and successfully arrested all six individuals. The suspects, all juveniles, include four 14-year-olds and two 16-year-olds. Authorities also recovered the four stolen mobile phones and some of the cash, though part of the money had already been spent. During questioning, the teenagers confessed to the crimes. They now face charges of armed robbery, with police compiling evidence to proceed with prosecution in the Juvenile and Family Court. -- 2025-02-06

UPDATE Horrific Incident in Pattaya: American Motorcyclist Killed in High-Speed Crash In a shocking incident on the morning of 6 February, an American motorcyclist lost his life in a high-speed crash on Thappraya Road in Pattaya. The crash, which occurred at 04:35, left onlookers in shick and horror at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350959-foreign-motorcyclist-killed-in-early-morning-crash-in-pattaya/#findComment-19567271

UPDATE Horrific Incident in Pattaya: American Motorcyclist Killed in High-Speed Crash Picture from responders. In a shocking incident on the morning of 6 February, an American motorcyclist lost his life in a high-speed crash on Thappraya Road in Pattaya. The crash, which occurred at 04:15, left onlookers in shock and horror at the scene. The Pattaya Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received an emergency call reporting that a big bike motorcycleist had lost control, mounted the central island, and crashed into trees. The incident took place on Thappraya Road, near Soi Thappraya 9, in the Nong Prue sub-district of Bang Lamung, Chonburi province. Upon arrival, rescue teams and police officers, led by investigative officer Pol. Lt. Col. Charnan Ketsomboon of the Pattaya City Police Station, discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Leo Williams, a 53-year-old American national. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood on the central island, with severe injuries including a gaping chest wound, creating a gruesome sight for witnesses. Two betel nut trees on the central island were also found uprooted and broken due to the force of the impact. The motorcycle involved, a black Kawasaki Z1000 with the registration number from Bangkok, was found approximately 300 metres away from the crash site. A long trail of engine oil indicated the bike had skidded at high speed before coming to a stop. According to eyewitness accounts provided by a foreign national, the victim was riding at an excessive speed when he failed to navigate a curve, causing the bike to mount the central island and collide with the trees. The motorcycle continued to travel a significant distance before eventually falling to the ground. Local residents immediately alerted rescue services, who rushed to the scene. Pol. Lt. Col. Charnan confirmed that CCTV footage captured parts of the incident, showing the moment the victim crashed into the trees at high speed. The footage has been preserved as evidence for further investigation. The victim’s body has been transported to Pattaya Hospital for preservation, pending the arrival of relatives to complete necessary documentation. -- 2025-02-06

Foreign Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Crash in Pattaya A foreign motorcyclist lost his life in the early hours of the morning of 6 February, after crashing into a tree on a central reservation of a road in Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350959-foreign-motorcyclist-killed-in-early-morning-crash-in-pattaya/

Picture and video from responders. A foreign motorcyclist lost his life in the early hours of the morning of 6 February, after crashing into a tree on a central reservation of a road in Pattaya. Emergency services were alerted to the accident at approximately 04:15, near the entrance of Soi 9, Thappraya Road, Pattaya. Upon arrival at the scene, responders found a damaged big bike and the lifeless body of a foreign male rider, who had suffered fatal injuries upon impact. No identification documents were found on the deceased, and authorities are working to establish his identity. The body has been transported to a local hospital, where it will be kept pending contact with the victim’s family. The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation and officials have not yet determined whether speed, alcohol, or other factors played a role in this crash. -- 2025-02-06 ScreenRecording_02-06-2025 09-58-46_1.mp4

Driver Aged 15 Crashes Pickup Truck into Three Shops in Chachoengsao A 15-year-old boy lost control of his pickup truck, crashing through three roadside shops. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though the driver sustained minor injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350953-driver-aged-15-crashes-pickup-truck-into-three-shops-in-chachoengsao/

Picture from responders. A 15-year-old boy lost control of his pickup truck, crashing through three roadside shops. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though the driver sustained minor injuries. Police from Mueang Chachoengsao Station were alerted to the incident, which took place on the evening of 5 February, on a road near the Chuk Ka Cher watergate bridge, heading towards Wat Saman Rattanaram in Khlong Chuk Ka Cher subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers discovered a Toyota pickup truck, registration number from Chachoengsao, embedded in a plant pot and ceramics shop. The force of the crash had also damaged two other neighbouring stores. In addition to the extensive damage to the shops, the crash caused damage to a parked pickup truck, a motorcycle, and a saloon car. The driver, a 15-year-old boy identified as “Phu” suffered minor injuries but was otherwise unharmed. According to the young driver, he was attempting to overtake a motorcycle when he lost control. “I moved to overtake and then eased off the accelerator, but when I touched the brake, the steering wheel suddenly veered left. I tried to regain control, but I couldn’t,” he explained. He insisted he was driving at only 90 km/h and remembered everything that happened. Ms. Jantima, 44, one of the shop owners affected, recalled the terrifying crash. “I was eating nearby when I heard a loud bang and the screech of brakes. The truck came ploughing through the shop at high speed. It was incredibly powerful. We were so lucky no one was hit or seriously injured,” she said. Police have documented the damage and summoned the teenager’s parents to Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station for further legal proceedings. Investigations will continue to determine whether charges will be filed against the underage driver or his guardians. -- 2025-02-06

Son in Drug-Fuelled Frenzy Murders His Own Mother in Samut Prakan A shocking crime unfolded in Phra Pradaeng district when a man, reportedly high on drugs, fatally stabbed his mother with a box cutter during a violent outburst. The suspect then attempted to attack neighbours before being subdued by police. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350952-son-in-drug-fuelled-frenzy-murders-his-own-mother-in-samut-prakan/

Picture from responders. A shocking crime unfolded in Phra Pradaeng district when a man, reportedly high on drugs, fatally stabbed his mother with a box cutter during a violent outburst. The suspect then attempted to attack neighbours before being subdued by police. The incident occurred on the evening of 5 February, in a residential area off Soi Suk Sawat 70, where police were called to reports of a man attacking his mother and threatening locals. Officers from Phra Pradaeng Police Station, along with emergency responders, arrived at the scene to find 67- year-old Somporn Pansanga lying in a pool of blood. She had suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck and severe facial injuries. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Supachai Pheama, was the victim's own son. Witnesses stated that he had been arguing violently with his wife before his mother intervened. In a fit of rage, he allegedly struck her with a chair, knocking her to the ground, before grabbing a box cutter and slashing her face and throat multiple times. As nearby residents rushed to stop the attack, Supachai reportedly turned his weapon on them, forcing many to flee. His own son, who attempted to intervene, was also chased. The suspect continued his rampage through the community before police and locals managed to surround and apprehend him. Still in a state of drug-induced delirium, Supachai had to be forcibly restrained, with officers securing his hands behind his back to prevent further violence. Given the rising tensions, authorities rushed him from the scene to prevent an attempted lynching by furious neighbours. During the operation, police attempted to subdue Supachai using a taser, but in a mishap, an officer was accidentally struck in the back, sustaining minor injuries. Authorities later confirmed that the suspect had a history of drug- related offences and had been imprisoned three times before. He had only recently been released from jail three months ago and is believed to have relapsed into drug use, leading to his violent breakdown. Supachai is currently in police custody and will be interrogated once he regains coherence. Investigators are gathering further evidence and statements from witnesses to press appropriate charges. -- 2025-02-06

There has been no updates reported in the Thai media. Which normally means 2 things, it is either going to court, which can take months or years or it was resolved with a compensation payment, which may only later appear in the home country press, if at all.

Bangkok to Discuss Emergency Vehicle Regulation to Address Foundation Conflicts The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to convene a meeting to regulate emergency response vehicles to address issues arising from disputes between charitable foundations. The discussion will aim to foster better understanding and cooperation regarding operational areas among the eight foundations involved. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350950-bangkok-to-discuss-emergency-vehicle-regulation-to-address-foundation-conflicts/

File picture for reference only. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to convene a meeting to regulate emergency response vehicles to address issues arising from disputes between charitable foundations. The discussion will aim to foster better understanding and cooperation regarding operational areas among the eight foundations involved. On 5th February, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Ms. Tawida Kamolvej, revealed that due to the complexity and traffic congestion in the city, the emergency medical response system must be enhanced to ensure faster access to patients. This requires a network of emergency vehicles, a topic that has not been broadly addressed in the past. The upcoming 9th National Local Government Emergency Medical Conference, taking place from 13th to 15th March, will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and building a network to improve the emergency medical system in Bangkok. Although several issues have been discussed before, many, particularly coordination between agencies in different operational areas, remain unresolved. In an effort to improve response times, the BMA has introduced technology to assist, including motorcycles equipped with basic medical equipment and telemedicine systems linking physicians from hospitals to remotely assess patients’ conditions. This technology helps reach patients faster, even during heavy traffic. An online map system is also being developed to track the location of all emergency vehicles in the city, including those from the Erawan Emergency Medical Centre and the 11 BMA-affiliated hospitals. The meeting will also focus on finding solutions and exchanging ideas with other local agencies to improve the emergency medical service system. The BMA will discuss the standards for hiring and training personnel, particularly for emergency vehicles, ensuring proper regulation of vehicle operation, patient pickup, area boundaries, and worker care. The BMA oversees a network of eight foundations, including Poh Tek Tung Foundation, Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Rom Sai Foundation, Jitaklim Foundation, Hoo Kok Tung (Phrun) Foundation, Assa Nong Jok Foundation, Siam Ruam Jai Foundation (Poo In), and Koo Cheep Gub Daeng. Together, these foundations operate 1,100 emergency vehicles, coordinated with the Department of Land Transport, the Royal Thai Police, and the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand. While the BMA has sufficient emergency vehicles, additional coordination may be necessary during peak traffic hours. The BMA is open to including additional foundations in the emergency medical network, provided they meet certain standards, including vehicle specifications, skills, and operational regulations. Discussions will also focus on ensuring smooth cooperation between teams from different areas to avoid conflicts and improve patient care. -- 2025-02-06

Elderly Man, 94, Falls from Sugar Palm Tree in Chonburi A 94-year-old man suffered serious injuries after falling from a 15-metre-tall sugar palm tree while attempting to collect fruit. Rescue workers were called to the scene after locals spotted him lying motionless beneath the tree. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350949-elderly-man-94-falls-from-sugar-palm-tree-in-chonburi/

Picture from responders. A 94-year-old man suffered serious injuries after falling from a 15-metre-tall sugar palm tree while attempting to collect fruit. Rescue workers were called to the scene after locals spotted him lying motionless beneath the tree. At around 14.00 on 5 February, the Traikhunatham Foundation rescue unit was alerted to the incident, which occurred in Soi Phrom Sunthorn Monastery, Samet Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to provide aid. Upon arrival, they found the elderly man, identified as “Chai”, lying at the base of the palm tree with a broken right thigh. The makeshift wooden nailed steps, used to climb the tree, had snapped, causing the fall. Rescue workers administered first aid and secured the injured limb before transporting him to Chonburi Hospital for further treatment. According to witnesses, Chai regularly climbed the tall palm trees to collect fruit, as he had done for years. On this occasion, he had gone out early in the morning, but when he failed to return, villagers became concerned. A worker tending to a nearby fishpond was the first to discover him. “I was checking the pond when I noticed him lying under the tree. He looked badly hurt, so I rushed out to call for help,” the worker explained. Chai was found with a bundle of freshly cut palm fruit beside him, suggesting that he had been working at the time of the fall. The broken wooden step on the tree indicated that it had likely given way beneath him, causing the fall. -- 2025-02-06

Fire at Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 11, No Injuries Reported A fire broke out at a hotel, located at 171 Sukhumvit Soi 11 in the Watthana District, Bangkok, on the afternoon of 5 February. The incident occurred at approximately 13:05 with fire crews from Phayathai Fire Station promptly responding to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350948-fire-at-hotel-in-sukhumvit-soi-11-no-injuries-reported/

Pictures from responders. A fire broke out at a hotel, located at 171 Sukhumvit Soi 11 in the Watthana District, Bangkok, on the afternoon of 5 February. The incident occurred at approximately 13:05 with fire crews from Phayathai Fire Station promptly responding to the scene. The building is a seven-story concrete building and the blaze was reported to have started on the second floor. The fire ignited in a former spa area, which had been closed for business. The fire completely destroyed one room, but caused some smoke logging throughout the floor. Fortunately, the fire was contained and extinguished swiftly by the firefighting team using water hose-lines from the building’s fire mains system. Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in a wall-mounted power outlet. There were no injuries or fatalities reported, and all guests and staff were safely evacuated from the hotel. The hotel staff and emergency responders ensured that the building was thoroughly checked for any signs of further danger. The smoke was cleared by using positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans. Despite the damage to the spa room, the rest of the hotel, including guest areas, remained undamaged and hotel operations were not significantly affected after the fire was extinguished. The hotel management has assured the public that the fire will not impact bookings or guest services in the coming days. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with fire officials focusing on the electrical system as the likely origin of the blaze. The authorities will continue their efforts to determine the exact cause, ensuring that all safety measures are reviewed. -- 2025-02-06

Gang of Six Robbers Target Mini Big C and Steal Mobile Phones in Pattani A gang of six armed robbers carried out two brazen robberies in a single night on the early hours of 5 February, targeting a Mini Big C convenience store in Panare district and later stealing mobile phones from a group of teenagers in Sai Buri district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350947-gang-of-six-robbers-target-mini-big-c-and-steal-mobile-phones-in-pattani/

Picture captured from CCTV. A gang of six armed robbers carried out two brazen robberies in a single night on the early hours of 5 February, targeting a Mini Big C convenience store in Panare district and later stealing mobile phones from a group of teenagers in Sai Buri district. The first incident occurred at around 02:30, when officers at Panare Police Station were alerted to an armed robbery at a Mini Big C branch in the Panare municipal area. Witnesses reported that six suspects, all with their faces covered, arrived on two motorbikes before storming the store. According to two male employees on duty, the robbers, some of whom jumped over the counter, brandished firearms and threatened them, demanding cash from the tills. Fearing for their safety, the employees handed over 4,492 baht in cash before the suspects fled on motorbikes. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Shortly after fleeing the first scene, the same gang struck again in Ban Nam Bo subdistrict, Sai Buri district, where they robbed a group of teenagers at gunpoint, stealing four mobile phones. To deter pursuit, the suspects fired two shots into the air before speeding away. Following the incidents, police launched an urgent operation to track the suspects. Rapid-response units were deployed along possible escape routes, and investigators have begun reviewing CCTV footage from the Mini Big C store and surrounding areas to identify the culprits. As of 09:00 on 5 February, officers from Panare Police Station had returned to the crime scene to gather further evidence and interview witnesses. Authorities have obtained preliminary leads and are working to piece together additional evidence to apprehend the suspects. -- 2025-02-06

DSI Raids Bang Khae Warehouse in Major Trademark Violation Crackdown The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has seized nearly 100,000 counterfeit goods, including clothing and other items, in a major raid on three warehouses in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok. The operation on 5 February, was carried out with court-approved search warrants, aims to dismantle a large-scale network involved in the illegal distribution of trademark-infringing products. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350946-dsi-raids-bang-khae-warehouse-in-major-trademark-violation-crackdown/

Picture courtesy of DSI. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has seized nearly 100,000 counterfeit goods, including clothing and other items, in a major raid on three warehouses in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok. The operation on 5 February, was carried out with court-approved search warrants, aims to dismantle a large-scale network involved in the illegal distribution of trademark-infringing products. At 10:30 under the direction of Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the DSI, and Pol. Lt. Col. Wisanu Chimtrakun, Deputy Director-General, officers from the Intellectual Property Crime Division and Special Operations Division led the raid. The team, including Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Tangkolap and other senior officers, targeted three interconnected locations suspected of being storage and distribution centres for counterfeit goods. Representatives of affected trademark owners were also present to observe the operation. The investigation, registered under case 168/2024, uncovered a vast quantity of counterfeit products violating trademarks owned by leading international companies. Items included clothing and accessories featuring well-known characters such as My Melody, Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and Bad Badtz-Maru—all trademarks of Sanrio Company Limited, Japan. Additionally, counterfeit Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh merchandise, violating trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc., USA, was also discovered. Authorities estimate that about 100000 items were seized, requiring five large trucks to transport them to DSI headquarters for further inspection. The goods, which are believed to have been illegally imported into Thailand, were confiscated as evidence in accordance with the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and the Special Case Investigation Act B.E. 2547 (2004). Officials are now working to trace the supply chain and identify key figures behind the smuggling operation. The DSI has reiterated its commitment to combat intellectual property violations, emphasising that counterfeit goods harm both consumers and the economy. By intensifying its enforcement efforts, the DSI aims to enhance Thailand’s reputation in intellectual property rights protection and bolster economic stability. -- 2025-02-06

FBI-Wanted American Man Arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for Overstaying Visa Thai immigration authorities have arrested a 57-year-old American man, identified only as Mr. Negri, in Nakhon Ratchasima for overstaying his visa. Subsequent investigations revealed that he is wanted by the FBI and the state of Georgia for child exploitation and the distribution of child pornography. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350945-fbi-wanted-american-man-arrested-in-nakhon-ratchasima-for-overstaying-visa/

Picture of arrest. Thai immigration authorities have arrested a 57-year-old American man, identified only as Mr. Negri, in Nakhon Ratchasima for overstaying his visa. Subsequent investigations revealed that he is wanted by the FBI and the state of Georgia for child exploitation and the distribution of child pornography. The arrest was carried out by officers from the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division 4. Acting on intelligence from a confidential informant, officials were alerted to the presence of a suspicious foreign national residing in the Nong Bua Sala subdistrict of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima. Further surveillance led to his location near a bypass road in the same district, where he was apprehended. When questioned, Mr. Negri was unable to present a valid passport, claiming it had been sent to the U.S. Embassy in Thailand for renewal. He was taken to the Nakhon Ratchasima Immigration Office, where biometric fingerprint scans confirmed his identity. Records indicated that his visa had expired, making him unlawfully present in the country. He was immediately charged with overstaying his visa and taken into custody. Following the arrest, Thai authorities coordinated with the U.S. Embassy and the FBI, uncovering that Mr. Negri was subject to an outstanding arrest warrant in Georgia for child exploitation offences, including the production and distribution of child pornography. After legal proceedings in Thailand are completed, immigration officials will arrange for his deportation to the U.S., where he is expected to face trial. This arrest underscores Thailand’s continued efforts to crack down on foreign fugitives and those violating immigration laws. -- 2025-02-06