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Three-Metre Python Surprises Homeowner in Sattahip Picture courtesy of Daily News. A woman in Sattahip received a shock early morning on 15 June, when she opened her front door and came face-to-face with a massive python lying just outside. The unexpected visitor has since sparked a frenzy among local lottery enthusiasts, who believe the snake’s appearance is a sign of impending good fortune. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363738-three-metre-python-surprises-homeowner-in-sattahip/

Picture courtesy of Daily News. A woman in Sattahip received a shock early morning on 15 June, when she opened her front door and came face-to-face with a massive python lying just outside. The unexpected visitor has since sparked a frenzy among local lottery enthusiasts, who believe the snake’s appearance is a sign of impending good fortune. Rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Sattahip Foundation responded to a call from Ms. Vanida Thanamong, 58, the owner of the house located at 108/18, Amarin Village, Soi 3, Sattahip Subdistrict, Chonburi Province. Upon arrival, two rescue officers found a reticulated python measuring over three metres in length, had moved and was coiled motionless on a wall just three metres from the house entrance. Using a standard snake-catching pole with a loop, rescuers initially secured the snake by the head with ease. However, as the reptile woke, it began to struggle violently and broke free, slithering up onto the roof. After a brief pursuit involving climbing onto the roof, the team successfully recaptured the snake without injury. Ms. Vanida recounted the moment: “I opened the door to leave for work and was shocked to see this enormous snake lying there. I was absolutely terrified.” She further revealed that this wasn’t the first time she had seen the snake, believing it to be the same one that had entered her home on two previous occasions. However, in both earlier incidents, the reptile mysteriously disappeared before it could be located by rescuers. Given that the incident occurred so close to the next lottery draw on 16 June, Ms. Vanida now believes the python may be a bearer of luck. “It’s the third time this snake has shown up, and now it’s finally allowed itself to be caught. I think it’s trying to bring me good fortune,” she said, adding that she intends to play her house number, 108/18, in the lottery. Rescue worker Mr. Wicha Jindanin, radio call sign 142, confirmed that he had previously visited the home twice in response to snake sightings, but the creature had vanished both times. “We’re sure it’s the same python. Why it was lying there calmly this time, we can’t explain, but it certainly gave us a bit of a chase once it woke up,” he remarked. The python was later released into a safe, forested area, far from residential properties. As the story spreads across social media and local news, many were eyeing the number 10818 as a potential lucky pick, yet another example of how unexpected wildlife encounters continue to inspire belief in omens and fortune in Thai culture. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-16

Man Stabs Partner 30 Times After She Reunites with Ex-Husband Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a horrifying case of jealous rage, a 27-year-old man stabbed his partner to death with more than 30 knife wounds after she tried to end their relationship to return to her former husband. The brutal killing occurred just after midnight on 15 June in the woman’s bedroom in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363737-man-stabs-partner-30-times-after-she-reunites-with-ex-husband/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a horrifying case of jealous rage, a 27-year-old man stabbed his partner to death with more than 30 knife wounds after she tried to end their relationship to return to her former husband. The brutal killing occurred just after midnight on 15 June in the woman’s bedroom in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. Police from Mueang Kamphaeng Phet Station were called to the scene after reports of a fatal domestic dispute. The victim, identified as Ms. Somphit, 43, a local noodle shop owner, was found dead in her room with multiple stab wounds across her body, including a fatal blow to the back of her neck. The suspect, Mr. Phanu “Teh” Ponglo, a local lorry driver and the victim’s boyfriend of three years, surrendered to police shortly after the incident. During questioning, he admitted to killing Somphit after she told him she wanted to end their relationship to reunite with her ex-husband, who had recently been released from prison after serving a six-year sentence for attempted murder. According to Mr. Phanu, he had travelled from Mae Sot District in Tak Province to Kamphaeng Phet to collect his belongings and make a final attempt at reconciliation. After drinking three bottles of beer, he snuck into the victim’s home via the back door and found her asleep in the bedroom. Upon reading her private Facebook and Line messages confirming her intention to leave him for her ex, he was overcome with rage. When Somphit awoke and attempted to take back her phone, a violent struggle ensued. Phanu used a knife he claimed to be carrying for self-defence and stabbed her repeatedly, initially in the stomach and then across her body in a frenzied attack. After fleeing the scene, he contacted his mother, who later accompanied him to surrender to police. Phanu expressed remorse and admitted to the killing during police questioning. Somphit’s mother-in-law, 59-year-old Mrs. Laemthong Suraphong, revealed that her daughter-in-law had called her earlier that day to apologise and explain her intention to return to her former husband, expressing guilt over his past imprisonment. Mrs. Laemthong stated that she had no ill feelings toward Somphit and had simply hoped they would part ways peacefully. Police have charged Phanu with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and night-time home invasion. Due to concerns over his safety, he has declined to participate in a crime reenactment, citing previous conflicts with the victim’s associates. Authorities are continuing their investigation and gathering further evidence to proceed with prosecution. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-16

UPDATE Thailand and Cambodia Reach Agreement on Fruit Truck Dispute, Chanthaburi Shipments Still Blocked Picture courtesy of Matichon. Cambodian authorities have agreed to allow Thai fruit trucks to enter Koh Kong province via the Had Lek permanent border crossing, following a temporary ban. However, shipments from Chanthaburi remain barred, in what appears to be a retaliatory move linked to import restrictions on Cambodian mangoes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363682-cambodia-bans-thai-fruit-agricultural-imports-disrupting-trade-in-trat/#findComment-19874474

UPDATE Thailand and Cambodia Reach Agreement on Fruit Truck Dispute, Chanthaburi Shipments Still Blocked Picture courtesy of Matichon. Cambodian authorities have agreed to allow Thai fruit trucks to enter Koh Kong province via the Had Lek permanent border crossing, following a temporary ban. However, shipments from Chanthaburi remain barred, in what appears to be a retaliatory move linked to import restrictions on Cambodian mangoes. On the afternoon of 15 June, Thai officials in Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, confirmed a resolution had been reached after negotiations with Cambodian counterparts. The ban, first enforced at midday on 14 June, saw dozens of Thai trucks carrying fruit stranded at the Had Lek border checkpoint, awaiting clearance to cross into Koh Kong. Initially, Cambodian customs officials stated that trucks carrying fruit and agricultural products would not be permitted entry, citing a directive from Phnom Penh. Even Cambodian traders pushing carts to collect fruit at the border were barred. However, by 09:30. on 15 June, following urgent talks, authorities from both sides reached a compromise. Fruit trucks from most parts of Thailand were allowed to enter and cross-border pushcart trade was also reinstated. An exception was made for trucks originating in Chanthaburi Province, which remain prohibited from entering Koh Kong. Cambodian authorities cited Thailand’s own restrictions on importing certain Cambodian fruits, particularly Keo Romeat mangoes, a popular variety cultivated extensively in Cambodia. These fruits are typically exported through the Ban Laem checkpoint in Chanthaburi, where Thai rules have reportedly limited their entry. Officials acknowledged that such disputes occur almost annually at the Ban Laem checkpoint due to regulatory frictions over cross-border agricultural trade. Although enforcement at other checkpoints, such as Had Lek, can be difficult, the issue has broader implications for regional trade. Customs authorities in Khlong Yai and Koh Kong, together with other relevant agencies, eventually brokered the agreement, allowing the resumption of most agricultural exports. Major Thai produce markets, such as Talaad Thai in Pathum Thani, have already been informed and adjusted their logistics accordingly. Mr. Cherdsak Chumnasiew, District Chief of Khlong Yai, stated that negotiations began shortly after the issue emerged on 14 June. “We were in contact with provincial security and border coordination units to de-escalate the situation. Thai fruit exports into Koh Kong are significant, over 30 trucks daily, and increasing due to growing demand from Cambodian and Vietnamese buyers,” he said. He added that the root cause of the dispute was Cambodia’s frustration over Thai import controls, which prompted a temporary switch in their sourcing strategy toward Vietnamese suppliers. Despite the brief trade disruption, Mr. Cherdsak emphasised the strong and cooperative relationship between Trat and Koh Kong. “We are neighbours and we work closely together. Whenever disagreements arise, we seek local dialogue and resolution.” Meanwhile, Cambodian daily workers are still permitted to cross the border for employment as usual. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-16

Police Colonel Flees Scene After Crashing into Vehicle & Stall in Chonburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A senior police officer recently transferred to an administrative post in the Region 2 Provincial Police Operation Centre has caused outrage after crashing his white pickup truck into a roadside stall and a parked vehicle before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred on 12 June, at the Hua Phai traffic lights in Phanat Nikhom district, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363735-police-colonel-flees-scene-after-crashing-into-vehicle-stall-in-chonburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A senior police officer recently transferred to an administrative post in the Region 2 Provincial Police Operation Centre has caused outrage after crashing his white pickup truck into a roadside stall and a parked vehicle before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred on 12 June, at the Hua Phai traffic lights in Phanat Nikhom district, Chonburi. The suspect, reportedly a well-known police colonel, was driving a four-door white pickup, when he lost control and rammed into a food stall and a black pickup parked nearby, causing damage. Eyewitnesses described the vehicle as speeding before crashing into the restaurant’s seating area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. After the crash, the driver reversed and attempted to flee. However, local residents managed to intercept the vehicle briefly and captured photos of the suspect’s identification cards, including his national ID and a police hospital card. Despite this, he drove off again and has not made contact with any of the affected parties in the two days since the incident. The owner of the damaged black pickup, 41-year-old Mr. Bandasak, recounted the moment of the crash. Returning from Nakhon Nayok with his family, he had just parked at a convenience store near the intersection and exited the vehicle to smoke when he had an odd feeling and returned inside. Within moments, the white pickup ploughed into his vehicle, shoving it forward. Mr. Bandasak attempted to pursue the fleeing vehicle, which stopped briefly. The driver, dressed in khaki trousers and a plain t-shirt, identified himself as a police superintendent in Sa Kaeo province. When asked for official identification, the man first produced an ATM card before eventually revealing his government and police hospital cards. Mr. Bandasak managed to photograph these before urging the man to report the incident at a nearby police booth. However, the suspect allegedly refused, saying, “There’s no point talking, these police are my people,” before driving off again. Mr. Bandasak then reported the incident to Phanat Nikhom Police Station and filed an official complaint. Subsequent verification confirmed that the suspect is indeed a serving officer with the rank of Police Colonel. Records show that on 7 March, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjamnong, Commissioner of Region 2 Police, had ordered the officer to be transferred to an inactive post due to dereliction of duty. Mr. Bandasak has since called on both Phanat Nikhom police and senior commanders to take immediate and decisive disciplinary action, warning that if the roles were reversed, swift justice would have already been served on an ordinary citizen. The case is drawing increasing attention online, with many questioning police accountability and transparency. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-16

Buriram: Woman Crushed to Death by Road Roller That Fell from Trailer Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 53-year-old woman was killed instantly when a road roller fell from a trailer and crushed her while she was tending buffaloes near her home in Buri Ram province. The incident occurred at a sharp bend near Ban Janieng School, on the road between Ban Janieng and Ban Song Chan in Krasang District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363734-buriram-woman-crushed-to-death-by-road-roller-that-fell-from-trailer/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 53-year-old woman was killed instantly when a road roller fell from a trailer and crushed her while she was tending buffaloes near her home in Buri Ram province. The incident occurred at a sharp bend near Ban Janieng School, on the road between Ban Janieng and Ban Song Chan in Krasang District. Police and rescue teams from Sawang Chanyatham Foundation were called to the scene, where they found the body of Mrs. Choei Phonrong, a resident of Buriram, lying in a roadside paddy field. Her body was severely mangled from the impact of the heavy machinery. Nearby, officers found a Sany trailer truck, bearing Buriram registration plates, parked on the roadside. The trailer was transporting two pieces of road construction equipment: a paver and a 7-tonne Sakai steel-wheeled road roller. While the paver remained secured, the roller had dislodged and rolled into the bushes, causing the fatal collision. The driver, Mr. Sawat Pimchan, 60, told police he had been hired to transport the machinery to a construction site for the new Buriram Hospital 2, located within the government complex. He claimed that while driving slowly along the narrow road, a cow suddenly ran in front of the truck, forcing him to swerve. The sudden manoeuvre reportedly caused the trailer to tilt and the road roller fell off due to the momentum. Mr. Sawat insisted that he had properly secured both machines using standard methods and suggested that the force of the turn was likely responsible for the incident. He appeared shaken but cooperative with authorities. Ms. Laddarat Phonrong, 32, the daughter of the deceased, was devastated by the loss. Tearfully recounting the moment she received the news, she said her mother regularly took care of the family’s six buffaloes. Initially, she assumed the incident was minor, only to arrive at the scene and discover the heartbreaking truth. Police have launched a full investigation into the accident. This includes checking nearby CCTV footage to determine the truck’s speed, examining the integrity of the vehicle’s safety restraints and testing the driver for drugs or alcohol. Authorities will determine whether charges are warranted once all evidence is gathered. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-16

Ice Cream Vendor Shooting Suspect Arrested in Prachinburi – Revenge Motive Revealed Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a 64-year-old man who allegedly shot a fellow ice cream vendor during a bitter feud over territory and personal grievances. The incident, which took place on the evening of 14 June, left the 49-year-old female vendor critically injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363733-ice-cream-vendor-shooting-suspect-arrested-in-prachinburi-–-revenge-motive-revealed/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a 64-year-old man who allegedly shot a fellow ice cream vendor during a bitter feud over territory and personal grievances. The incident, which took place on the evening of 14 June, left the 49-year-old female vendor critically injured. The victim, Ms. Phattaranarin Chaoliesan, was riding her ice cream motorcycle-sidecar near Kabin Chaloem Ratch Park in Nong Pla Khaeng, Kabin Buri, Prachinburi, when she was attacked. A grey Toyota saloon car pulled alongside her vehicle on Suwannason Road and the driver opened fire, hitting her under the right armpit. The bullet lodged inside her body and she was rushed to Kabin Buri Hospital by emergency responders. Following a rapid investigation, officers from Kabin Buri Police Station identified and apprehended the suspect just five hours later in Bo Thong Subdistrict, around 10 kilometres from the crime scene. He was named as Mr. Sommai Kaewsang, a fellow ice cream vendor from the same district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somchai Pruekpaiboonkit, the case officer, led the interrogation in the presence of legal counsel. Mr. Sommai confessed to the shooting, citing long-standing resentment and repeated verbal abuse by Ms. Phattaranarin. He claimed the victim had insulted and threatened him on four separate occasions and even warned that someone would be sent to “deal with him.” Consumed by anger and frustration, Mr. Sommai said he seized the opportunity when he saw her leaving Wat Rat Temple to begin selling at the park. He followed her in his vehicle and, upon catching up on Highway 33 (Kabin Buri–Sa Kaeo), used a vintage revolver to fire two shots. He could not confirm how many struck the victim. Mr. Sommai admitted to illegally purchasing the gun from Cambodia for 2,000 baht. After the shooting, he fled the scene and discarded the weapon in dense undergrowth near his home in Ban Na Tai village. Police later accompanied him to the area, using metal detectors to locate the firearm. He now faces multiple charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a weapon in public and attempted murder. Police Colonel Siwatchanat Khumsap, Superintendent of Kabin Buri Police Station, confirmed that Ms. Phattaranarin’s condition had stabilised and that she was conscious and able to communicate with medical staff. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-16

Escalator Incident in Nakhon Si Thammarat: Pupil’s Foot Trapped in Shopping Mall Pictured courtesy of ThaiRath A student suffered injuries after his right foot was trapped in an escalator at a major shopping centre in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the evening of 14 June. The incident occurred at around 19:00 on the third floor of Sahathai Plaza, located on Sriprach Road in the city centre. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363731-escalator-incident-in-nakhon-si-thammarat-pupil’s-foot-trapped-in-shopping-mall/

Pictured courtesy of ThaiRath A student suffered injuries after his right foot was trapped in an escalator at a major shopping centre in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the evening of 14 June. The incident occurred at around 19:00 on the third floor of Sahathai Plaza, located on Sriprach Road in the city centre. Local police from the Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station, along with rescue volunteers from the Tai Tek Tung Foundation, were called to the scene and found the 12-year-old boy with his foot caught in the metal teeth of the escalator step. He was wearing standard canvas school shoes at the time. Rescue workers and the mall’s maintenance team used specialised cutting tools to carefully free the boy’s foot, a process that took considerable time due to the complexity of the entrapment. After being extricated, the boy was given first aid at the scene before being rushed to Nakhon Hospital. Initial reports indicate that the boy had come to the mall to visit his mother, who works there. While ascending from the third to the fourth floor to meet her, the front of his right foot reportedly slipped and became lodged in the edge of the escalator. Fortunately, the escalator’s built-in safety mechanism activated automatically, halting its movement when it detected an obstruction. While this may have prevented further damage, the strength of the machinery still caused injuries, including several fractured toe bones and torn ligaments. Medical staff later confirmed that surgery would be required to assess and repair the damage. The boy’s canvas school shoes offered a little protection. Authorities have warned parents and children to exercise caution when using escalators and to remain aware of safety risks. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-06-16

Tattoo Artist Fatally Stabbed at Temple Fair in Nakhon Ratchasima Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A well-known local tattoo artist was stabbed to death in a frenzied knife attack during a temple fair, shocking onlookers and causing widespread panic among festivalgoers. Police have arrested the suspected attacker, who is reportedly a notorious figure in the local community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363729-tattoo-artist-fatally-stabbed-at-temple-fair-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A well-known local tattoo artist was stabbed to death in a frenzied knife attack during a temple fair, shocking onlookers and causing widespread panic among festivalgoers. Police have arrested the suspected attacker, who is reportedly a notorious figure in the local community. The incident occurred at approximately 22:15 on 14 June during a celebration at Wat Ban Khumuang in Banlang Subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima. The festival was held in honour of Buddhist scriptural studies. The victim, identified as Mr. Opas, 37, a tattoo artist in the area, was found lying in a pool of blood near a vendor stall, having sustained five stab wounds, three to the left rib cage, one below the right breast and one to the neck. According to police, Mr. Opas had been in conversation with the suspect, known as Mr. Tu from Ban Kradan village, outside the temple hall. The meeting was reportedly intended to resolve a personal dispute, but quickly escalated into a heated argument. Mr. Tu allegedly placed the victim in a chokehold and stabbed him multiple times with a knife he had brought with him. Despite his injuries, Mr. Opas managed to break free and run, collapsing in front of a food stall as horrified villagers screamed in panic. Mr. Tu fled the scene, discarding the weapon about 20 metres away from the site before escaping on a motorcycle. Police and rescue personnel from Hook 31 emergency services responded swiftly. Forensic officers collected the bloodstained knife as evidence. Within hours, investigators from Non Thai Police Station tracked Mr. Tu to his home in Banlang and took him into custody. During interrogation, Mr. Tu confessed to the murder, telling police he acted out of deep resentment, claiming that Mr. Opas, once a friend, had betrayed him, leading to their fallout. He now faces charges of murder and carrying a weapon in a public place. Investigators also revealed that Mr. Tu has a criminal record, having served prison time for a previous homicide conviction in 2010. After his release, he briefly joined the military before returning home, where he gained a reputation as a local troublemaker. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-16

Woman Killed After Car Plunges Off Road in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Matichon. A woman has died after her car veered off the Srinakarin-Romklao Road in Bangkok during the early hours of the morning. Authorities are urgently reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine the cause of the tragic accident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363728-woman-killed-after-car-plunges-off-road-in-bangkok/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A woman has died after her car veered off the Srinakarin-Romklao Road in Bangkok during the early hours of the morning. Authorities are urgently reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine the cause of the tragic accident. The incident occurred at approximately 03:00 on 15 June, when police at Prawet Station were alerted to a serious crash involving a white Suzuki Swift that had careened off the road in the Thap Chang area of Saphan Sung district. Police officers, along with rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, arrived at the scene to find a badly damaged vehicle near a restaurant. The front bumper had detached, the windscreen was shattered, and the roof of the car had collapsed. A section of the iron perimeter fence was also found destroyed. The 38-year-old female driver was discovered outside the vehicle, having been ejected by the force of the impact. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity is being withheld until next of kin are notified. Initial investigations suggest that the car may have been travelling at high speed before the driver lost control, causing it to crash through the fence and tumble off the roadside. However, police have not ruled out the possibility of another vehicle being involved and are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area to determine whether a collision or external factor contributed to the crash. The victim’s body has been transferred to the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-16

Neighbour Shoots Motorcycle Repairman Over Late-Night Noise in Khon Kaen Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A long-running dispute over noise between neighbours turned violent in the early hours of morning of 15 June, when a 57-year-old man shot his neighbour in the head following a confrontation over loud noise from a motorcycle repair shop. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363727-neighbour-shoots-motorcycle-repairman-over-late-night-noise-in-khon-kaen/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A long-running dispute over noise between neighbours turned violent in the early hours of morning of 15 June, when a 57-year-old man shot his neighbour in the head following a confrontation over loud noise from a motorcycle repair shop. The incident occurred at 03:15 in Village 9, Ban Kong Subdistrict, Nong Ruea District, Khon Kaen Province. CCTV footage captured the dramatic scene outside a local motorbike repair shop where the gunman, identified as Mr. Udomwit, approached the premises armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. He appeared visibly agitated and confronted the shop’s owner about the late-night noise, reportedly caused by drinking and talking loudly. According to witnesses, including the victim’s wife and friends, an argument quickly escalated. The victim, Mr. Noppadon, 30, allegedly responded defiantly, stating that he was armed as well. The verbal exchange became increasingly heated, culminating in Mr. Udomwit firing two shots, one of which struck Mr. Noppadon in the head, leaving him critically injured. He collapsed to the ground in front of his terrified wife. Emergency services were called immediately and Mr. Noppadon was rushed to Khon Kaen Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. In a surprising turn, the suspect did not flee the scene. Instead, he waited calmly and surrendered to officers from Nong Ruea Police Station. Police Colonel Yutthana Ngamchat, Superintendent of the station, confirmed that Mr. Udomwit handed over the weapon, a black CZ-brand 9mm semi-automatic pistol registered under licence number KT39122871, still loaded with rounds in the magazine. During police questioning, Mr. Udomwit admitted to the shooting, saying he had lost his temper due to repeated disturbances from the adjacent repair shop, which often hosted late-night drinking sessions that disrupted his sleep. He has been charged with attempted murder and illegal use of a firearm. The case has sparked renewed debate over noise pollution and vigilante justice, with local residents expressing concern over how simmering neighbourhood disputes can spiral into violence. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-16

Chinese Tourist Dies After Fall from 21st Floor Hotel in Central Pattaya Picture courtesy of SiamChon A 22-year-old Chinese tourist fell to his death from the 21st floor of a hotel located on Pattaya Second Road in central Pattaya early morning on 15 June. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363701-chinese-tourist-dies-after-fall-from-21st-floor-hotel-in-central-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon A 22-year-old Chinese tourist fell to his death from the 21st floor of a hotel located on Pattaya Second Road in central Pattaya early morning on 15 June. At approximately 08:05, Pol. Lt. Col. Suchart Dusadee of Pattaya City Police Station received a report of a fatal fall from height. Upon being notified, he informed Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu and promptly dispatched a team of investigators along with volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation to the scene. The victim was discovered lying on the road in a pool of blood at the side of the hotel, having suffered fatal injuries consistent with a high fall. The body was immediately covered with a white sheet, and the area was cordoned off to prevent unauthorised access. Initial investigations revealed that the tourist had been staying alone in a room 2107, on the 21st floor. There were no signs of a struggle or theft and nothing inside the room appeared to have been disturbed. A security guard on duty at the time reported hearing a loud impact before rushing to investigate, where he found the lifeless body. He immediately alerted the authorities. According to Pol. Sub-Lt. Sakkayapat Chaidet, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya Police, CCTV footage from the hotel, showed the man leaving his room and speaking to hotel staff to ask for the location of a convenience store. He then returned to the 21st floor alone. Moments later, he had fallen from the building. The body has been sent to the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bangkok for a full autopsy. Authorities have contacted the Chinese consulate and are awaiting relatives to provide documentation to claim the body. Police are continuing their investigation but currently believe there was no signs of foul play involved. 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. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-06-15

UPDATE Indian civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced, that the central government is establishing a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 Ongoing Investigations The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) commenced a formal investigation into the crash on the same day of the crash. A five-member GO Team, led by the Director General of AAIB, was dispatched immediately and later augmented with forensic and medical experts. A significant breakthrough was achieved with the recovery of the aircraft’s black box on June 13 around 5 PM. The decoding process is expected to offer critical insights into the flight’s final moments. High-Level Committee for Multi-Dimensional Review A High-Level Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Home Secretary to conduct an independent and comprehensive inquiry. The committee includes officials from: Ministry of Civil Aviation Ministry of Home Affairs Government of Gujarat DGCA, BCAS, Indian Air Force, Intelligence Bureau State Disaster Response Authority National and State-level forensic experts Key Objectives of the Committee: Examine the incident from technical, operational, and regulatory standpoints Identify any systemic or institutional gaps Submit a consolidated report within three months Recommend long-term reforms to strengthen aviation safety, including certification systems, emergency response protocols, crew training, and air traffic management systems The Minister informed that while the AAIB investigation will handle the technical aspects, this high-level committee will provide a holistic, policy-oriented roadmap for future safeguards. The committee is scheduled to begin its deliberations on Monday, June 16. Aircraft Maintenance and Surveillance Measures The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has directed Air India to undertake immediate technical inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with Genx engines. Of the 33 Dreamliners currently in service across Indian carriers, 8 have already undergone inspection. The remaining aircraft are being checked on an urgent basis. The DGCA has also intensified ongoing surveillance of maintenance protocols and airworthiness procedures for all wide-body aircraft operating in India. UK response to investigation. A team of four investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has arrived in India. They have expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data. Their role is to provide additional support and expertise to the safety investigation being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The UK AAIB has ‘Expert’ status in the Indian safety investigation. In accordance with international protocols, release of information on the investigation rests solely with the Indian authorities. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/aaib-update-air-india-flight-ai171 Adapted by Asean Now 2025-06-15

Tourist Fined 5,000 Baht After Driving Jeep Onto Kamala Beach & Getting Stuck Picture courtesy of Daily News. A Middle Eastern tourist, from UAE, found himself in an embarrassing situation after recklessly driving a white jeep onto Kamala Beach, only to become hopelessly stuck in the soft sand. The incident occurred in front of the Hyatt Regency Kamala Resort in Kathu District, Phuket. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363698-tourist-fined-5000-baht-after-driving-jeep-onto-kamala-beach-getting-stuck/