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Over 20 Arrested in Krabi for Violating Election Alcohol Ban Picture courtesy if Matichon. Police in Krabi have arrested more than 20 individuals for violating election laws by selling or distributing alcohol after 18.00 on 31 January, a day before the local elections. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350539-over-20-arrested-in-krabi-for-violating-election-alcohol-ban/

Thailand and 17 Nations Unite to Combat Cross-Border Scams Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Royal Thai Police have announced the establishment of an international coordination centre to tackle cross-border scams and transnational crime, following a high-level meeting with representatives from 17 countries in Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350538-thailand-and-17-nations-unite-to-combat-cross-border-scams/

UPDATE Picture of arrest and from responders. A man has been charged on 1 February, with three serious offences, including arson and attempted murder, following a fire at Somdet Phra Yupharat Det Udom Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani on the evening of 31 January. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Phiboon, was arrested shortly after allegedly throwing a petrol bomb inside the hospital’s three-storey building, which houses the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) ward. The fire prompted an urgent evacuation of patients and took firefighters over an hour to bring under control. Phiboon claimed that his actions were motivated by anger over a land dispute six years ago, in which he lost between two to three million baht. He stated that his attack was not directed at the hospital itself and that he had never been treated there before. Ubon Ratchathani Governor, Lieutenant Colonel Adisak Noisuwan, arrived at the scene to oversee emergency efforts. Initial assessments confirmed that some medical equipment was damaged, and four hospital staff suffered minor injuries. However, all patients were safely evacuated. Authorities, including local police, border patrol units, village chiefs, and volunteers, mobilised over 100 personnel to assist in relocating patients, clearing debris, and preparing nearby hospitals to receive emergency transfers. Officials have also begun planning the hospital’s restoration to ensure it can resume full operations as soon as possible. Forensic teams have now started examining the site to collect evidence for further future prosecution. Meanwhile, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Sinchai Nimpuñgkampong, confirmed that Phiboon faces three charges: arson, attempted murder, and firearms offences. The suspect has reportedly confessed to all charges and will be taken to court for legal proceedings. Related article. https://aseannow.com/topic/1350474-arson-attack-sparks-fire-at-ubon-ratchathani’s-somdet-phra-yuppharat-hospital/ -- 2025-02-02

Picture from responders. A tourist bus on 1 February, plunged approximately 20 metres down a hillside ravine, off the Karon Hill road in Phuket, leaving seven injured foreign tourists in need of urgent medical attention. At 13:10 local time, emergency services received reports of the incident near Karon Nui Soi, Karon Subdistrict, in the Muang District of Phuket. The authorities quickly mobilised rescue teams, including high-level medical responders from Patong Hospital, local medics, and several emergency units from the Phuket Kusontham Foundation. Upon arrival, emergency teams found the tourist bus had veered off the road and tumbled into the ditch. The scene showed signs of damage to the metal barriers along the roadside, with visible evidence of the bus having struck and destroyed the crash barriers over a significant stretch. Nine individuals who had sustained injuries were swiftly transported to Patong Hospital for further treatment. There were 5 males and 4 females and were reported to be 4 Chinese tourists, 1 German, 2 Russians, 1 Thai woman, and 1 driver (later identified as Mr. Wira, aged 49). The cause of the crash is still under investigation, as authorities continue to gather evidence at the scene. Initial reports from dash-cam footage, suggests the bus driver was travelling at speed when he lost control, causing the bus to swerve, striking the crash barrier and then crashing through it and plunging into the ravine. -- 2025-02-02

Picture courtesy if Matichon. Police in Krabi have arrested more than 20 individuals for violating election laws by selling or distributing alcohol after 18.00 on 31 January, a day before the local elections. Police Colonel Chaikiat Wiriya-satitkul, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police and Acting Commander of Krabi Provincial Police, confirmed the arrests during an inspection of polling stations for the Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) election. According to Thai election law, the sale, distribution, or provision of alcohol is strictly prohibited from 18.00 the day before the election (31 January) until 18.00 on election day (1 February). Reports from various police stations across Krabi province indicated multiple violations, with nine arrests in Mueang Krabi district and two in Ao Nang, while the remaining cases were spread across other districts. Col. Chaikiat reminded business owners that, despite Krabi being a popular tourist destination in peak season, election laws must be upheld. “The law prohibits the sale, distribution, or hosting of events involving alcohol from 6 p.m. the day before the election until 6 p.m. on election day. This is to prevent vote-buying and ensure fair competition between candidates,” he stated. He urged all vendors to comply with the regulations, warning that authorities would strictly enforce the law against violators. -- 2025-02-02

Clever Crocodile Evades Capture in Prachinburi Pond Authorities in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, are struggling to capture a cunning crocodile that has been spotted in a large pond on private company property. Despite several attempts using nets and bait, the reptile has successfully evaded capture. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350537-clever-crocodile-evades-capture-in-prachinburi-pond/

House Fire Suspected to Be Started by Drug-Addicted Son: Urine Test Positive for Narcotics A devastating fire engulfed a two-storey house in Photharam district, Ratchaburi province, with authorities suspecting that the homeowner’s drug-addicted son was responsible. Despite a positive drug test, the suspect denies any involvement in the blaze. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350536-house-fire-suspected-to-be-started-by-drug-addicted-son-urine-test-positive-for-narcotics/

Illegal Chinese Owned Recycling Factory Raided: 4,000 Tonnes of Scrap Wiring Seized Authorities have raided an illegal recycling factory in Ban Phaeo district, Samut Sakhon, uncovering over 4,000 tonnes of old electrical wiring believed to be hazardous waste. The Chinese-owned facility was abandoned following a recent fire at a nearby plastics factory. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350535-illegal-chinese-owned-recycling-factory-raided-4000-tonnes-of-scrap-wiring-seized/

Delivery Driver Crashes into Traffic Pole and Police Motorcycle Before Attempting to Flee Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 40-year-old delivery driver from a well-known logistics company was caught drunk driving after crashing his pickup truck into a traffic light control box and a police motorcycle in Bangkok. The driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended shortly after. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350533-delivery-driver-crashes-into-traffic-pole-and-police-motorcycle-before-attempting-to-flee/

Lorry Driver Takes His Own Life Amid Financial Struggles in Chonburi A 32-year-old lorry driver struggling with financial difficulties was found dead in the bathroom of his home in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, after reportedly taking his own life with a firearm. His grief-stricken father expressed deep sorrow, saying he wished he could have died in his son's place. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350532-lorry-driver-takes-his-own-life-amid-financial-struggles-in-chonburi/

Mother’s Heartbreak as Toddler Drowns in Fishing Net in Chachoengsao A 26-year-old mother was left devastated after discovering her two-year-old son had drowned in a canal near their home in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao. The child was found entangled in a fishing net approximately 100 metres from the house, after many hours-long search involving police, rescue teams, and local residents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350531-mother’s-heartbreak-as-toddler-drowns-in-fishing-net-in-chachoengsao/

Gas Leak Triggers Explosion in Townhouse, Injuring Homeowner A 47-year-old homeowner narrowly escaped death after an undetected gas leak caused an explosion when he switched on the lights upon returning home. The powerful blast shook neighbouring houses and left him with flash burn injuries to his face, head, and arms. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350530-gas-leak-triggers-explosion-in-townhouse-injuring-homeowner/

Intensifying Battle for 7-Eleven Reaches Thailand as CP Group Joins Bid The ongoing corporate battle over the future of the 7-Eleven convenience store empire has taken a new turn, with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group reportedly entering talks to assist Japan’s Seven & i Holdings in fending off a takeover bid from Canadian retail giant Alimentation Couche-Tard. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350528-intensifying-battle-for-7-eleven-reaches-thailand-as-cp-group-joins-bid/

Pictures courtesy of Fisheries Department. Authorities in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, are struggling to capture a cunning crocodile that has been spotted in a large pond on private company property. Despite several attempts using nets and bait, the reptile has successfully evaded capture. The crocodile was first spotted on 27 January by local residents in Moo 6, Yanree Subdistrict. Concerned about public safety, the Prachinburi Provincial Fisheries Department ordered a team from the Freshwater Fisheries Protection and Suppression Unit at Naruebodindrachinta Reservoir to capture the animal. Under the leadership of Nakhon Prayongkham, four officers arrived at the site on 31 January equipped with nets and bait. Their initial plan was to lure the crocodile using raw chicken carcasses tied to the nets. However, the intelligent reptile managed to snatch the bait without getting trapped and swiftly swam away. The elusive crocodile continues to surface periodically for air before disappearing underwater. Despite efforts to relocate the nets and adjust their positioning, the reptile remains wary of the traps, carefully assessing the situation before swimming away. On 31 January, officers observed the crocodile approaching the nets but retreating at the last moment, indicating its awareness of the capture attempt. It was also seen basking in the sun in the middle of the pond, remaining at a safe distance from authorities. Mr Kamon Leesi, a senior river patrol officer, confirmed that the team has been stationed at the site since the crocodile was first reported. However, their methods have so far been unsuccessful due to the animal’s intelligence and cautious behaviour. Authorities are now awaiting further instructions from the Provincial Fisheries Department on how to proceed with the capture operation. Meanwhile, residents remain on high alert as officials continue their efforts to remove the crocodile from the area safely. -- 2025-02-02

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Royal Thai Police have announced the establishment of an international coordination centre to tackle cross-border scams and transnational crime, following a high-level meeting with representatives from 17 countries in Bangkok. The initiative, led by Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre, aims to enhance cooperation between nations and facilitate the rapid exchange of intelligence. Countries including the United States, China, Russia, and several Southeast Asian nations have pledged their support for the project. “This centre marks a crucial step in our fight against transnational crime,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai. “By working together, we can prevent criminals from exploiting international borders and protect vulnerable individuals from becoming victims of scams.” As part of the initiative, the Royal Thai Police have introduced seven new measures to strengthen border security, including tighter airport screening and stricter immigration checks at land crossings. One key measure requires officials at border checkpoints, such as Mae Sot, to alert embassies if foreign nationals attempt to enter high-risk areas without a clear travel itinerary. “The embassies have expressed strong willingness to cooperate,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai. “Foreigners entering Mae Sot will be questioned in the same way as those arriving at airports, ensuring their travel plans are legitimate.” Authorities also discussed strategies to combat international call centre fraud, which remains a growing problem not only in Thailand’s neighbouring countries but across the world. The announcement follows several recent high-profile operations, including the rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing from a human trafficking gang. In response, National Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kitt-rat Panpetch has ordered tighter enforcement of immigration laws and increased surveillance in tourist areas. The coordination centre, which will operate 24/7, began work on 1 February. Daily situation assessment meetings will be held each morning at 08:30 , with additional support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. -- 2025-02-02

Picture from responders. A devastating fire engulfed a two-storey house in Photharam district, Ratchaburi province, with authorities suspecting that the homeowner’s drug-addicted son was responsible. Despite a positive drug test, the suspect denies any involvement in the blaze. The incident occurred at 18:30 on 31 January, when emergency services responded to a house fire in Moo 9, Ban Sing Subdistrict, near Wat Kamphaeng Tai temple. District chief Suphachai Krutdam, along with officers from Photharam Police Station and firefighters from Ban Sing Municipality, rushed to the scene. Firefighters battled intense flames engulfing the two-storey wooden and concrete home, calling in over 10 fire engines from neighbouring areas to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent houses. It took approximately 50 minutes to bring the fire under control, but by then, the house was completely destroyed. A motorcycle parked nearby was also burnt, and a neighbouring house sustained damage to its roof. The homeowner, 62-year-old Mrs. Chortip, told authorities that she and her husband had left to sell goods at a local temple fair, while their eldest son was out with friends. Only their younger son, Peeranont, was home alone at the time of the fire. According to Mrs. Chortip, Peeranont struggles with drug addiction, leading her to believe he intentionally set the house on fire. Neighbours called the couple back after discovering the fire, but by the time they arrived, their home was already reduced to ashes. She urged authorities to arrest her son and force him into rehabilitation, even stating she was willing to accept the use of force if necessary. Following the fire, Peeranont was found hiding in the darkness near the house, armed with a knife. Police officers attempted to coax him out peacefully, but after prolonged negotiations, he refused to surrender. Authorities then devised a strategy, instructing firefighters to prepare water jets, while plainclothes officers approached from behind to engage him in conversation. Meanwhile, a tactical unit armed with restraining poles moved in to subdue him. The plan was successfully executed, and Peeranont was taken into custody. A urine test revealed traces of narcotics, confirming drug use, and he was held in police custody. However, despite suspicions and circumstantial evidence, Peeranont denied any involvement in setting the house on fire. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze and whether criminal charges will be filed against him. -- 2025-02-02

Picture from responders. A 32-year-old lorry driver struggling with financial difficulties was found dead in the bathroom of his home in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, after reportedly taking his own life with a firearm. His grief-stricken father expressed deep sorrow, saying he wished he could have died in his son's place. The incident occurred at around 05:10 on 1 February, when police from Huai Yai Police Station received a report of a suspected suicide at a house in Soi Thetsaban 1, Soi 20. Officers, along with forensic experts and rescue workers, arrived at the scene to investigate. The house, a steel-framed structure with a metal sheet roof, had a modified pickup truck parked outside, along with parts of a trailer and water tanker. In the bathroom, officers found the body of Pichitchai Kaewampai, a resident of Chachoengsao province, lying in a pool of blood. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the right temple, with the bullet exiting through the top of his head. A firearm was found near his left knee, and his mother and wife were seen weeping uncontrollably beside him. His father, overwhelmed with grief, tearfully pleaded that he should have died instead of his son. According to his 25-year-old wife, Narisa Saetang, Pichitchai worked as a lorry driver. The night before the incident, he had been drinking heavily while having dinner with his family. As the night progressed, he reportedly fired a gunshot into the air before entering the bathroom, where he took his own life. Narisa revealed that her husband had been deeply distressed about his lorry, which had been undergoing repairs for several months, leaving him without an income. She believed this financial strain was the primary reason for his mental distress. A witness, 21-year-old Chayanat Onmek, a friend of the deceased's wife, stated that he saw Pichitchai holding a gun to his head moments before he entered the bathroom. He immediately called out to Pichitchai's mother for help, but before she could intervene, a single gunshot rang out, and Pichitchai collapsed. Police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Prakasit Paladej, conducted a thorough examination of the scene and sent the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for an official autopsy. 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. -- 2025-02-02

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 40-year-old delivery driver from a well-known logistics company was caught drunk driving after crashing his pickup truck into a traffic light control box and a police motorcycle in Bangkok. The driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended shortly after. The incident occurred at 23:45 on 31 January at an intersection on Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Road in the Nong Khang Phlu district of Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Phumiphat Ropkhob, Deputy Inspector at Nong Khang Phlu Police Station, received a report of a suspected drink-driving crash and rushed to the scene. Investigators identified the suspect as Saichon aged 40, an employee of a major delivery company. It was revealed that he had been drinking after work at the company’s sorting centre before getting behind the wheel of a covered pickup truck registered in Bangkok. As he approached the Phutthamonthon Sai 3 intersection, the driver attempted to make a sharp right turn upon seeing the yellow traffic light, losing control of his vehicle. The truck crashed into a Bangkok CCTV pole and a government-registered police motorcycle, which were stationed near the traffic signal control booth. Rather than stopping to assist or report the incident, Saichon fled the scene, running 100 metres away before being intercepted by authorities. At the time, Lieutenant Phumiphat had just finished investigating a separate case and happened to witness the crash. He, along with an assistant investigator, gave chase and successfully apprehended the suspect. A breathalyser test revealed that Saichon’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. He was taken to Nong Khang Phlu Police Station, where he now faces legal action for drink-driving, reckless driving causing damage, and fleeing the scene of an accident. Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings will be pursued in accordance with Thai law. -- 2025-02-02

Picture courtesy of NEB. Authorities have raided an illegal recycling factory in Ban Phaeo district, Samut Sakhon, uncovering over 4,000 tonnes of old electrical wiring believed to be hazardous waste. The Chinese-owned facility was abandoned following a recent fire at a nearby plastics factory. On 31 January, Police Colonel Arun Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), along with Police Colonel Apisan Chairat, and officials from Samut Sakhon’s Industry Office, conducted an inspection of Theng Da Plastic & Metal Co., Ltd. This followed a fire on 29 January at an unregistered plastics factory in the same area. After extinguishing the fire, authorities discovered scrap electrical wires and burnt plastic materials, leading them to suspect a connection with another factory 500 metres away. Upon arrival at the Theng Da factory, officials found matching scrap materials, but the premises were locked and no one came forward to claim ownership. Local residents stated that the factory was operated by Chinese nationals who fled the site following the fire at the nearby plastics plant. Inside, authorities discovered a massive stockpile of old electrical wiring, some of which appeared to have been imported from abroad. Many of the wires were already packed into large industrial bags, with the total weight estimated at 3,600 tonnes. Officials confirmed that the facility was operating without a licence and that the materials stored there classified as hazardous waste. Authorities have determined that the factory was an illegal operation, lacking proper permits. The Samut Sakhon Industry Office has now filed a formal complaint with Ban Phaeo Police Station, seeking legal action against the owner for operating without a licence and possessing hazardous materials without authorisation. Further investigations will continue to determine the full extent of the illegal recycling operation and whether additional environmental violations have been committed. Related article; https://aseannow.com/topic/1350253-massive-fire-engulfs-plastic-warehouse-in-samut-sakhon/ -- 2025-02-02

Kasikornbank: Verify SIM card name by April 30 by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Kasikornbank has announced that mobile banking customers need to ensure their registered name matches their mobile SIM card name by April 30. The bank outlined two conditions for this requirement. Customers who have not been contacted need not take any action. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350552-kasikornbank-verify-sim-card-name-by-april-30/

Thaksin Pushes for Single-Party Rule, Faces Coalition Criticism Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a recent development raising eyebrows across the Thai political spectrum, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra called on voters to back the Pheu Thai Party exclusively. Thaksin argues that a single-party majority could fast-track government initiatives, suggesting that the current coalition governing structure is cumbersome and inefficient. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350488-thaksin-pushes-for-single-party-rule-faces-coalition-

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 2 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350526-thailand-live-sunday-2-february-2025/

File picture for reference only. The ongoing corporate battle over the future of the 7-Eleven convenience store empire has taken a new turn, with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group reportedly entering talks to assist Japan’s Seven & i Holdings in fending off a takeover bid from Canadian retail giant Alimentation Couche-Tard. Seven & i Holdings, which owns the global 7-Eleven brand, has been under pressure from Alimentation Couche-Tard, which has made a takeover bid worth approximately ¥7 trillion (USD 47 billion). In response, the founding family of Seven & i Holdings is seeking support from strategic investors to take the company private, ensuring continued control and preventing the acquisition by the Canadian firm. According to reports from Japanese media outlet NHK, CP Group has emerged as a potential investor in this effort, with discussions focusing on securing several hundred billion yen in funding. Negotiations are ongoing to determine the exact level of CP Group’s financial commitment. CP Group is the latest major player to enter discussions, following previous talks with Japanese trading house Itochu Corporation, as well as leading banks and investment funds. The ambitious plan aims to raise over ¥8 trillion (USD 54 billion), a figure that would surpass Alimentation Couche-Tard’s offer and secure the privatisation of Seven & i Holdings. The founding family originally planned to finalise the deal by the end of the current fiscal year on February 28. However, delays in securing funding have led to an accelerated push to attract additional investors, including CP Group and other global financial institutions. If successful, this move would strengthen ties between Seven & i Holdings and CP Group, a dominant force in Thailand’s retail and consumer goods industry. CP Group already operates thousands of 7-Eleven stores in Thailand, making it one of the largest franchisees of the brand outside Japan. Its potential involvement in the privatisation effort signals a deepening commitment to the long-term expansion of the convenience store chain in Asia. Meanwhile, Alimentation Couche-Tard remains determined in its pursuit of Seven & i Holdings. The Canadian company, which operates over 14,000 convenience stores worldwide, has been looking to expand its footprint in the lucrative Asian market. As negotiations continue, the fate of one of the world’s most recognisable convenience store brands hangs in the balance. With the clock ticking towards the end of February, Seven & i Holdings must finalise its financing strategy quickly to avoid a takeover by Couche-Tard. Whether CP Group’s involvement will tip the scales remains to be seen, but its entry into the high-stakes corporate battle underscores Thailand’s growing influence in global retail. -- 2025-02-02

Picture from responders. A 47-year-old homeowner narrowly escaped death after an undetected gas leak caused an explosion when he switched on the lights upon returning home. The powerful blast shook neighbouring houses and left him with flash burn injuries to his face, head, and arms. The incident occurred in a two-storey townhouse, on the evening of January 31, in a residential area on Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi province. Local police and forensic teams were dispatched to the scene alongside rescue workers after receiving reports of a gas explosion. Upon arrival, authorities found extensive damage inside the house. The explosion had blown out the front windows, shattering glass across the ground. The kitchen was devastated, with household items scattered everywhere. Even the second floor suffered damage, with sections of the ceiling collapsing due to the force of the blast. A black pickup truck parked outside sustained minor damage. The injured man, Mr Kamon, 47, had just returned from work and was unaware that gas had leaked and accumulated inside the house. As he switched on the lights, a spark ignited the gas, triggering the explosion. He sustained burns to his face, head, and arms before emergency responders rushed him to hospital for treatment. A nearby resident, who was tidying their home at the time, described the explosion as so loud and powerful that it shook their house. Initially, they thought a neighbour was unloading heavy items, but soon realised the seriousness of the situation when they saw people rushing outside to check. Emergency services are investigating the cause of the gas leak to prevent further incidents. The homeowner remains in hospital, receiving treatment for his injuries. -- 2025-02-02