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Picture from responders. A 20-year-old technical college student lost his life in a crash after his motorcycle crashed into the front of a parked lorry in Khlong Khuean district, Chachoengsao. Police from Khlong Khuean Station received a report at around 13:00 of a fatal collision on the road alongside the irrigation canal, near a bamboo shop. Upon arrival, officers found a small four-wheeled lorry parked by the roadside and a severely damaged white and orange PCX motorcycle at the front of it. The rider, identified as Mr. Phongsak Butsalee (known as Oat), was found deceased at the scene with severe head injuries and a broken right leg. According to his friends, Phongsak was a second-year vocational student at Chachoengsao Technical College. Earlier in the day, he had taken leave from class to visit the dentist for a tooth extraction. He was on his way back to college when the crash occurred. His friends revealed that he was due to graduate in February and had planned to ordain as a monk for his mother in April. Mr. Suphachai, 46, the owner of the parked lorry, stated that he had left the vehicle in that spot, off the road, for over two hours. Normally, he parked inside the shop’s premises, but on this occasion, he had to leave it outside as another lorry was unloading goods. He was away making a delivery at the time of the crash and only returned to find the fatal scene. Ms. Lamjuan, 42, a witness, said she did not see the moment of impact but heard a loud crash while waiting for customers. She rushed outside and was shocked to see the aftermath. Passing motorcyclists stopped to check on the victim but quickly realised he had not survived. Police have collected evidence and statements from witnesses as part of their investigation and will proceed with legal procedures if necessary. -- 2025-02-05

Fire Erupts at Scrap Yard After Gas Torch Ignites Fuel Tank A fire broke out at a second-hand auto parts yard in Buriram when a mechanic attempting to dismantle an old car inadvertently set it alight. The fire quickly engulfed the vehicle, destroying it and spreading to nearby cars and parts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350846-fire-erupts-at-scrap-yard-after-gas-torch-ignites-fuel-tank/

Picture and video from responders. A fire broke out at a second-hand auto parts yard in Buriram when a mechanic attempting to dismantle an old car inadvertently set it alight. The fire quickly engulfed the vehicle, destroying it and spreading to nearby cars and parts. The incident occurred on 4 February at a scrap yard located in the Nong Hin area of Prakhon Chai district. According to authorities, the mechanic, 45-year-old Mr. Prasit Tangprakorn, was attempting to remove a fuel tank from an old car. He was using a gas torch to heat the bolt holding the tank in place when the hose from the fuel tank came loose, causing the torch to ignite the escaping fuel vapour. The fire quickly spread, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Local firefighters responded promptly, managing to control the blaze after about 20 minutes. Despite the flames, no one was injured in the incident. Mr. Prasit, who has been dismantling cars for years, admitted that he had never encountered such a dangerous situation before. He recounted how the fire erupted suddenly, forcing him to flee to safety. Mr. Sommat Phimwong, the 39-year-old owner of the shop, explained that typically, the fuel tanks of older cars are empty due to the evaporation of fuel over time. However, in this case, the fuel tank still contained some fuel, which led to the unexpected fire. He stressed that this incident should serve as a cautionary tale for others working with old vehicles. The estimated damage to the car and parts is around 100,000 Thai Baht. -- 2025-02-05 ScreenRecording_02-04-2025 18-31-09_1.mp4

Man Electrocuted While Attempting to Steal Live Power Cables in Udon Thani A man was found dead beneath a power pole in Ban Non Wattana, Kumphawapi district, Udon Thani, early morning on 4 February, after reportedly being electrocuted while attempting to steal live electrical cables. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350845-man-electrocuted-while-attempting-to-steal-live-power-cables-in-udon-thani/

Picture from responders. A man was found dead beneath a power pole in Ban Non Wattana, Kumphawapi district, Udon Thani, early morning on 4 February, after reportedly being electrocuted while attempting to steal live electrical cables. Local police from the Huai Koeng patrol unit responded to the incident and discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified man lying on the ground near a bamboo ladder. The body had suffered burns from the electrocution. Against the post was a push bike, believed to belong to the decreased. Initial investigations suggest that the man had climbed the pole using a bamboo ladder in an attempt to cut cables from a pole mount transformer. However, he appears to have been electrocuted in the process, causing him to fall to his death. Authorities suspect the deceased was attempting to steal copper wiring, a common target for thieves due to its high resale value. Power theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure have been persistent issues in rural areas, often leading to dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences. Emergency responders secured the scene, and forensic officers were called in to conduct a detailed examination. The body has been transported to a local hospital for an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death. Officials have urged residents to report suspicious activity near power lines and warned of the extreme risks involved in tampering with electrical systems. Investigations are ongoing identifying and to determine whether the deceased was acting alone or as part of a larger network involved in cable theft. -- 2025-02-05

Minibus Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Crashes into Barrier, Utility Pole & Dies A minibus driver lost control and crashed into a barrier and utility pole after falling asleep at the wheel. The driver was initially found unconscious at the scene and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350844-minibus-driver-falls-asleep-at-the-wheel-crashes-into-barrier-utility-pole-dies/

Picture from responders. A minibus driver lost control and crashed into a barrier and utility pole after falling asleep at the wheel. The driver was initially found unconscious at the scene and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. At approximately 18:50 on 4 February, rescue teams from Sawang Sa Kaeo Foundation, Khao Chakan unit, were alerted to a crash on Highway 317, Sa Kaeo–Chanthaburi, in front of Chok Wattana shop in Khao Chakan district, Sa Kaeo province. Upon arrival, officials found a white minibus, believed to be operating as a private passenger service, that had crashed into a concrete barrier before colliding with a streetlight pole. Initial investigations suggested that the driver, who was travelling at high speed, had fallen asleep. Fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time of the collision. The driver, later identified as Mr. Pisit Achirathamsak, a 45-year-old resident of Moo 6, Khao Chakan, Sa Kaeo, was found unconscious behind the wheel. Despite wearing a seatbelt, he was unresponsive, unable to open his eyes, and did not react to verbal prompts. However, emergency responders detected a pulse and immediately extracted him from the vehicle for medical assistance. Rescue personnel provided first aid and transported Mr. Pisit to Khao Chakan Hospital. However, upon arrival, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he went into cardiac arrest. Medical staff performed CPR in an attempt to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. -- 2025-02-05

Car Fire Outside Yi-ngo District Office Caused by Electrical Fault, Not Bomb Attack A vehicle fire broke out in the car park of Yi-ngo District Office in Narathiwat province on the morning of 4 February, prompting initial concerns of a potential security threat, as it occurred just after a car bomb at Sri Sakhon Police Station, Narathiwat. However, authorities have since confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault rather than an explosive device. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350842-car-fire-outside-yi-ngo-district-office-caused-by-electrical-fault-not-bomb-attack/

Picture from responders. A vehicle fire broke out in the car park of Yi-ngo District Office in Narathiwat province on the morning of 4 February, prompting initial concerns of a potential security threat, as it occurred just after a car bomb at Sri Sakhon Police Station, Narathiwat. However, authorities have since confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault rather than an explosive device. The incident occurred in front of the Yi-ngo Volunteer Defence Company headquarters at around 09:20. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the vehicle, an MG electric car, was engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly responded and managed to contain the blaze, preventing damage to surrounding property. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and government assets remained unharmed. Investigators revealed that the car belonged to the Yi-ngo District Chief and had recently been retrieved from a repair shop after the vehicle had sustained damage. The preliminary assessment suggests that a problem in the electrical system, was responsible for the fire. Authorities have confirmed that the vehicle’s structure remained intact, showing no signs of external explosive damage, reinforcing the conclusion that the incident was not an act of violence. Forensic police conducted a thorough examination of the scene to verify the findings, as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues. -- 2025-02-05

Car Bomb Explosion Outside Sri Sakhon Police Station in Narathiwat A car bomb exploded outside the Sri Sakhon Police Station in Narathiwat province on the morning of 4 February, causing damage to the vehicle involved, a pickup, but fortunately resulting in no injuries. Authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350841-car-bomb-explosion-outside-sri-sakhon-police-station-in-narathiwat/

Pictures from responders A car bomb exploded outside the Sri Sakhon Police Station in Narathiwat province on the morning of 4 February, causing damage to the vehicle involved, a pickup, but fortunately resulting in no injuries. Authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the incident. The explosion occurred at approximately 09:00 in the parking area of the police station, located in Sako Village, Sri Sakhon District. The vehicle, a Yala-registered pickup, was parked by Police Senior Sergeant Major Zulkifli, 32, who works at the station. It was found that Zulkifli had parked the car there after his usual morning routine, which included dropping his children off at school and his wife at work. Zulkifli had parked the vehicle at around 07:30 after completing his errands. The car was later targeted with the bomb, which detonated near the left rear wheel arch, causing damage to the vehicle but leaving no casualties. The police station immediately sealed off the area around the blast site, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was deployed to investigate the explosion. Forensic experts have also begun reviewing CCTV footage from Zulkifli’s residence and nearby roads to identify any potential leads. Initial reports suggest the vehicle had been parked at Zulkifli’s private residence the night before the attack, before being driven to the police station on the morning of February 4. Authorities are working to determine the exact motive behind the attack and who may be responsible. The investigation is ongoing, and the incident has prompted heightened security measures across Narathiwat province, with police stations on high alert. This attack adds to the ongoing security concerns in the southern border provinces, where attacks targeting police and military personnel have been a persistent challenge. -- 2025-02-05

Coyote Dancer Caught Smuggling Ketamine Across Thai-Cambodian Border Thai authorities at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a 29-year-old coyote dancer attempting to smuggle ketamine from Poipet, Cambodia into Thailand. The suspect was also found to be under the influence of multiple drugs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350840-coyote-dancer-caught-smuggling-ketamine-across-thai-cambodian-border/

Picture of arrest. Thai authorities at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a 29-year-old coyote dancer attempting to smuggle ketamine from Poipet, Cambodia into Thailand. The suspect was also found to be under the influence of multiple drugs. The arrest took place at the permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet district, on February 4, where a joint task force comprising the 1201st Ranger Company, the 12th Ranger Regiment, the Burapha Task Force, Sa Kaeo Immigration Police, Klong Luek Police Station, and Aranyaprathet Customs was conducting a routine narcotics and contraband checkpoint. Authorities stopped the suspect, later identified as Ms. Bowornlak Phonlap, after noticing her suspicious behaviour. A female ranger, identified as Private First Class Paijit Sudso, conducted a search and discovered a red paper packet containing ketamine, which had been concealed inside a black envelope and further hidden inside a white shoulder bag. During questioning, Ms. Bowornlak, a resident of Maha Sarakham province, admitted to travelling to Poipet on 20 January, initially for tourism. However, she was later recruited by a Thai acquaintance to work as a coyote dancer and PR staff at a nightclub called KTV, earning ฿1,500 per hour. According to her statement, on 2 February, while working at the nightclub, a Malaysian customer distributed red packets containing money as part of a traditional gift. He also secretly slipped a black envelope into her white handbag, telling her it was a “special package.” Ms. Bowornlak insisted she did not know its contents. Authorities conducted a urine drug test, which confirmed the presence of methamphetamine (yaba), ecstasy (MDMA), and ketamine in her system. Following further interrogation, Ms. Bowornlak admitted to owning the confiscated drugs. She was transferred to Kok Soong Police Station in Sa Kaeo for further investigation and will face legal proceedings for drug possession and smuggling. Authorities are also investigating potential links to drug networks operating across the Thai-Cambodian border. -- 2025-02-05

Man Drowns After Jumping from Ferry Off Koh Tao A 52-year-old man struggling with alcohol addiction took his own life by jumping from a night ferry into the sea off Koh Tao. His body was recovered a day later near a seafood restaurant in Surat Thani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350838-man-drowns-after-jumping-from-ferry-off-koh-tao/

Picture from responders. A 52-year-old man struggling with alcohol addiction took his own life by jumping from a night ferry into the sea off Koh Tao. His body was recovered a day later near a seafood restaurant in Surat Thani. The victim, Mr. Anucha Boonjit, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, was travelling on the Koh Charoen ferry from Koh Tao to Bang Bai Mai, Surat Thani. At approximately 04:50 on 2 February, while the ferry was still 5 kilometres from shore, he jumped overboard near Tha Lae Je So in Tha Thong Mai, Khanom District. The ferry crew immediately alerted authorities, and police launched a search with marine rescue teams. However, no trace of him was found until 16:00 on 3 February, when his body was discovered floating near Bang Kung, Surat Thani. According to Ms. Orawan, a friend of the deceased, Mr. Anucha had battled severe alcohol addiction for years. He had originally planned to quit drinking on Koh Tao but was unsuccessful. Determined to recover, he decided to return to his hometown for treatment. Ms. Orawan arranged for his journey back, and he boarded the ferry at 23:30 on 1 February, but he took his own life before reaching shore. Authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased and are conducting further investigations. The body has been sent for autopsy before being released to his family for funeral arrangements. 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. -- 2025-02-05

Woman Discovers Hidden Spy Camera in Pool Villa Near Pattaya A 25-year-old woman has reported a disturbing case of illegal surveillance after discovering a hidden camera disguised as a pen inside her rented pool villa in Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Concerned that footage may be leaked online, she has taken legal action against the accommodation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350837-woman-discovers-hidden-spy-camera-in-pool-villa-near-pattaya/

Picture of device. A 25-year-old woman has reported a disturbing case of illegal surveillance after discovering a hidden camera disguised as a pen inside her rented pool villa in Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Concerned that footage may be leaked online, she has taken legal action against the accommodation. The woman, who had checked into the villa in Huai Yai with her younger sister and four friends on 1 February at 14:00, but later became suspicious with a black pen placed upright next to a teddy bear near the dressing table, directly facing the bed. Upon closer inspection, she found a memory card inside the pen, revealing it to be a hidden camera. Fearing she and her companions had been secretly recorded, she immediately contacted the Pavena Foundation for Women and Children, which helped her report the incident to the police. The victim is pursuing legal action against the villa management, citing a serious violation of privacy. She expressed deep concern that the footage might be misused or shared online and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. Police are now investigating the case and inspecting the villa’s premises for further evidence. Authorities have urged tourists to remain vigilant when staying in private accommodations. -- 2025-02-05

Motorcyclist Swerves to Avoid Speed Bump, Pillion Passenger Crushed by Lorry A road crash in Bang Pu Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, claimed the life of a 42-year-old woman after a motorcyclist lost control and she fell off, under a six-wheel lorry. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350836-motorcyclist-swerves-to-avoid-speed-bump-pillion-passenger-crushed-by-lorry/

Picture from responders. A road crash in Bang Pu Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, claimed the life of a 42-year-old woman after a motorcyclist lost control and she fell off, under a six-wheel lorry. The incident occurred in Soi Nikom Usahakam Bang Pu 1C, Phraeksa Subdistrict, Bang Phli District. Police officers from Bang Pu Police Station, along with Ruamkatanyu Foundation emergency responders, arrived at the scene following reports of the crash. Upon arrival, they found a 54-year-old male motorcyclist with minor injuries. Nearby, the body of Ms. Oytip Mongkolthong, 42, from Pathum Thani, lay on the road. A white Honda Wave motorbike with a yellow Samut Prakan licence plate was found overturned with minor damage. A white Hino six-wheel lorry, also registered in Samut Prakan, was parked at the roadside a short distance away. Investigations revealed a deep pothole near the scene, with skid marks and evidence of the crash leading up to where the motorbike had fallen. Mr. Tik, a municipal worker who had been driving a pickup truck behind the lorry, recounted the events leading to the fatal crash. According to his testimony, the lorry had turned into the industrial estate from Soi Sam Huang, with the motorbike riding parallel to it. Upon encountering a speed bump, the motorcyclist veered towards the shoulder of the road to avoid it, inadvertently hitting a pothole. The impact caused the rider to lose control, sending the pillion passenger tumbling into the path of the lorry, which tragically ran over her. Authorities have documented the scene, taken photographs, and recorded statements from witnesses. The deceased’s body has been transferred to Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital. Both the lorry driver and the motorcyclist have been taken to the police station for further questioning as part of the legal proceedings. -- 2025-02-05

Devastating Fire Destroys Home in Chachoengsao, Burning ฿200,000 in Cash A woman was left in tears after a fire completely destroyed her home in Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao, in the early hours of 4 February. Along with the house, a large sum of cash, totalling ฿200,000, was reduced to ashes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350835-devastating-fire-destroys-home-in-chachoengsao-burning-฿200000-in-cash/

Pictures from responders. A woman was left in tears after a fire completely destroyed her home in Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao, in the early hours of 4 February. Along with the house, a large sum of cash, totalling ฿200,000, was reduced to ashes. Police Lieutenant Suniyan Pilli, an investigator from Tha Takiap Police Station, received reports of a house fire in Krabok Khu Village, Moo 18, Khlong Takrao Subdistrict, and immediately dispatched officers to the scene. Firefighters, local officials, and village leaders worked to extinguish the flames, which had rapidly spread from an upstairs storage room. It took around 50 minutes to bring the fire under control. The homeowner, Ms. Phitsamai Suesat, 39, recounted the terrifying moment the blaze erupted. She had been asleep in another room when she heard crackling sounds from a room used for storage. She and her husband scrambled to salvage their belongings, but the fire spread too quickly. The storage room contained old mattresses and clothing, which acted as fuel, intensifying the flames. The fire completely destroyed the two-storey half-wood, half-concrete house, valued at ฿1 million, leaving only a small carport standing. Other losses included: • ฿200,000 in cash, which was burnt beyond recognition. • One Vivo mobile phone, valued at ฿10,000. • One old iPad, valued at ฿5,000. Remains of the burnt cash. Investigators suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the storage room, where Phitsamai had left a mobile phone charging overnight. She confirmed that she does not suspect foul play and that the house was not insured against fire damage. District Chief Amnuay Kasetsinnukul, along with local police and village officials, visited the site to assess the damage and arrange temporary shelter for the affected family. Phitsamai, overwhelmed by the loss, stood staring at charred banknotes, wondering how she would rebuild her life after losing everything. -- 2025-02-05

DDPM Launches Nationwide ‘Stop Burning, Stop Dust’ Campaign to Combat PM2.5 Pollution Picture courtesy of DDPM. Thailand has officially launched a nationwide campaign, “Stop Burning, Stop Dust,” to tackle the ongoing problem of PM2.5 air pollution. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), aims to enforce strict bans on open burning and raise public awareness about the dangers of air pollution. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350767-ddpm-launches-nationwide-‘stop-burning-stop-dust’-campaign-to-combat-pm25-pollution/

Pictures courtesy of DDPM. Thailand has officially launched a nationwide campaign, “Stop Burning, Stop Dust,” to tackle the ongoing problem of PM2.5 air pollution. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), aims to enforce strict bans on open burning and raise public awareness about the dangers of air pollution. At 10:00 on 3 February, Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of DDPM, chaired a high-level meeting at the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre in Bangkok, to assess the current wildfire, haze, and PM2.5 situation. Representatives from various government agencies attended to coordinate efforts in enforcing the burning ban across the country. As part of the initiative, officials and volunteers have begun door-to-door visits, urging residents to refrain from burning agricultural waste, weeds, or household rubbish. Public awareness efforts are being intensified through local radio stations, community loudspeakers, and mobile broadcasting units to ensure compliance. Those who violate the ban will face legal action, as authorities take a strict approach to controlling air pollution. “Today, we are launching the ‘Stop Burning, Stop Dust – For You, For Us’ campaign nationwide,” said Deputy Director-General Saharat. “The response from provinces, districts, and local authorities has been overwhelmingly positive. We are encouraging people to take responsibility by avoiding all forms of burning that contribute to air pollution.” According to DDPM data, air quality across Thailand improved slightly on 3 February, compared to the weekend, particularly in Bangkok, where southerly winds have brought increased humidity, reducing dust levels. However, meteorologists warn that the weather conditions will fluctuate in the coming days: • 4–5 February: A cold air mass from China will move over northeastern Thailand and Bangkok, bringing strong winds that may temporarily clear some pollutants. • 6–8 February: Weaker winds will cause PM2.5 levels to rise again, requiring close monitoring. • 10 February: Another cold air mass is expected, which could improve air quality once more. Currently, 43 provinces have implemented strict burning bans, with local authorities mobilised to enforce regulations. The government is using village chiefs, district officers, disaster response teams, and health officials to educate communities on health risks and legal consequences. Citizens are urged to report violations to the Dhamrongtham Centre, police, district offices, or local leaders. The Prime Minister has expressed gratitude to all agencies involved, emphasising that nationwide cooperation is essential in mitigating the impact of air pollution. The DDPM, in line with the government’s six-point strategy, has deployed disaster response teams, equipment, and aerial support to areas affected by wildfires and haze. The agency, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Army, has stationed a KA-32 firefighting helicopter at the 7th Infantry Division base in Chiang Mai to assist 17 northern provinces in wildfire suppression efforts. The DDPM will continue to provide real-time updates on PM2.5 levels via its Facebook page and X (@DDPMNews). Citizens can report burning violations or request assistance through the 1784 safety hotline or the DDPM LINE account (@1784DDPM), available 24/7. With a strong multi-agency collaboration and public participation, authorities hope that the “Stop Burning, Stop Dust” campaign will bring tangible improvements in air quality and public health across Thailand. -- 2025-02-04

Israeli Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested in Pattaya After Fleeing Tel Aviv Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thai immigration authorities have arrested a 27-year-old Israeli man wanted for a brutal murder in Tel Aviv, after he fled to Thailand in an attempt to evade justice. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350756-israeli-attempted-murder-suspect-arrested-in-pattaya-after-fleeing-tel-aviv/