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Picture of reenactment. A case of mistaken identity led to the fatal shooting of a village headman in a remote area of Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai, after a local farmer mistook him for a wild chicken. The suspect, who immediately turned himself in, insists the shooting was accidental. Police from Mae Chaem Station, along with district chief Mr. Surawut Channam and a medical examiner from Theprattana Vajjanukul Hospital, responded on 4 February, to the incident in Ban Pok, Moo 4, Ban Thap subdistrict. The remote location, deep in the forest, required a three-hour journey on foot to reach the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Mr. Somsak, 42, the village headman, lying face down approximately 200 metres from a makeshift shelter. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head from a homemade shotgun. The suspect, Mr. Weerapon, 35, was waiting to surrender at the scene. During questioning, he stated that he had gone to guard his farm the previous night, which bordered the village headman’s onion field. Meanwhile, the village headman had also been staying in the area to monitor his crops and watch for potential wildfires. At dawn, both men reportedly heard the sound of a chicken. The headman crouched down to investigate, while Mr. Weerapon, believing he had spotted a wild chicken or a civet, fired his shotgun. When he rushed forward and realised he had shot the village headman, he was overcome with shock. Regaining composure, he climbed a nearby hill to find a mobile signal and called his family, instructing them to notify the police. He waited at the scene until officers arrived, stressing that he had no intention of harming the village headman. Following his confession, police escorted Mr. Weerapon to the site for a crime scene reenactment before taking him into custody. He has been charged with causing death by negligence. The body of the village headman was transported to Theprattana Vajjanukul Hospital for an autopsy before being released to his family. -- 2025-02-05

Construction Worker Shocked After Metal Beam Touches Power Line in Krabi A construction worker in Krabi narrowly escaped death after receiving a massive electric shock when a metal beam he was lifting accidentally made contact with a power line. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350849-construction-worker-shocked-after-metal-beam-touches-power-line-in-krabi/

Picture from responders. A construction worker in Krabi narrowly escaped death after receiving a massive electric shock when a metal beam he was lifting accidentally made contact with a power line. Rescue workers from the Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation were called to the scene in Soi Nakorn Tham, Krabi Municipality, where a house was undergoing renovation. Upon arrival, they found the injured worker, identified as Mr. Pathompong, 36, from Bangkok, lying on the fourth floor of the building. He had sustained burn injuries but remained conscious. Emergency responders quickly transported him to Krabi Hospital for urgent medical treatment. According to Mr. Bird, a member of the rescue team, the incident occurred while Mr. Pathompong and three other workers were installing a steel beam on the fourth floor of the structure. As they lifted the beam, one end accidentally touched a power line, causing an electric shock that threw Mr. Pathompong onto the roof and left him injured. Doctors have since confirmed that the worker is out of immediate danger but remains under close medical supervision. Authorities have urged contractors and workers to exercise extreme caution when working near power lines to prevent similar incidents in the future. -- 2025-02-05

Mystery Fire Claims Life of Former Civil Defence Leader in Sakon Nakhon A fire at a photocopying business in Sakon Nakhon resulted in the mysterious death of a former Civil Defence volunteer leader. The incident occurred early on the morning of 4 February, when a fire broke out at a three-storey commercial building on Sukkasem Road, Sakon Nakhon. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350848-mystery-fire-claims-life-of-former-civil-defence-leader-in-sakon-nakhon/

Picture from responders. A fire at a photocopying business in Sakon Nakhon resulted in the mysterious death of a former Civil Defence volunteer leader. The incident occurred early on the morning of 4 February, when a fire broke out at a three-storey commercial building on Sukkasem Road, Sakon Nakhon. Emergency services received the distress call at around 04:30 and quickly responded. Upon arrival, fire crews found flames engulfing the ground floor of the building, where several photocopy machines were located. Thick black smoke poured from the building, and it took almost an hour for firefighters to bring the blaze under control. After the fire was extinguished, authorities discovered the body of 45-year-old Mr. Phinyo Luedee inside the building. His body showed has suffered severe burns, particularly to his face and upper body, with possible lacerations found on his left cheek. Mr. Luedee’s friend, Mr. Surasak Samakrit, who owned the building, explained that Mr. Luedee had been visiting him that night. The two had planned to go to a religious ceremony together in the morning. Mr. Surasak recalled that they had spent some time talking before going to bed. After about an hour, Mr. Surasak awoke to a strange sensation of heat on his face and saw Mr. Luedee holding a pink towel engulfed in flames, seemingly trying to approach him. In a state of shock, Mr. Surasak fled to the upper floor, leapt out of a window onto a nearby roof, and ran to a neighbouring business to seek help. Firefighters soon arrived and extinguished the flames, but Mr. Luedee was found dead at the scene. Mr. Surasak noted that Mr. Luedee had shown signs of being unwell before the incident, behaving differently than usual, possibly due to doing prolonged periods of solitary meditation in the forest. Mr. Surasak speculated that this may have contributed to Mr. Luedee’s altered state of mind, leading to the incident. The family of Mr. Luedee, however, raised concerns over the circumstances of his death. As a former president of the Civil Defence volunteer group, Mr. Luedee had undergone firefighting training, which led his relatives to question how he could have died in such a manner. Authorities have ordered a thorough investigation and post-mortem examination at Srinakharin Hospital in Khon Kaen to determine the exact cause of death and to clarify the mysterious events surrounding this fire. -- 2025-02-05

Student Killed in Motorbike Crash After Dental Appointment 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350847-student-killed-in-motorbike-crash-after-dental-appointment/

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/