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Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thai tourism police have arrested an unlicensed Russian tour guide for illegally working in the country’s tourism industry, allegedly taking jobs meant for Thai nationals. On 30 January, the Royal Thai Police Commissioner, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, ordered stricter enforcement against foreigners working illegally, particularly in the tourism sector, to protect local employment and maintain industry standards during the high season. Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuekam, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, along with Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongsayam Meekhantong, Deputy Commissioner (Investigation), issued an urgent directive on 24 January, instructing officers to conduct raids targeting foreigners working illegally and engaging in activities that could impact Thailand’s tourism sector. As part of the operation, Pol. Col. Songwut Chuephalakij and Pol. Lt. Piyapong Bukhunthot led an investigation and surveillance effort to monitor foreign nationals suspected of working illegally at key tourist sites. During their operation, officers identified a foreign woman conducting guided tours for groups of tourists at major attractions. Upon inspection, the suspect was found to be Ms. Daria Kalininskaia, a 23-year-old Russian national. She was immediately arrested and charged with two offences: 1. Acting as a tour guide without a licence, in violation of Section 86 in conjunction with Section 49 of the Tourism Business and Guide Act. 2. Working as a foreign national without a work permit or engaging in unauthorised employment, in breach of the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers. Ms. Kalininskaia was taken to Buppharam Police Station, Bangkok for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-01-31

Elderly Woman Killed by Passing Train in Bangkok’s Dusit District A 70-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a train in Bangkok’s Dusit district on the afternoon of 30 January. The collision occurred at around 12:30 near the Army Training Command on Therd Damri Road, when the Bangkok-Surin train No. 233 was passing through the area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350380-elderly-woman-killed-by-passing-train-in-bangkok’s-dusit-district/

Picture from responders. A 70-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a train in Bangkok’s Dusit district on the afternoon of 30 January. The collision occurred at around 12:30 near the Army Training Command on Therd Damri Road, when the Bangkok-Surin train No. 233 was passing through the area. According to police reports, the train had departed from Hua Lamphong station at 11:55 and was en route to its destination when the fatal incident took place. Investigators stated that the woman had been walking near the tracks when she stumbled and fell just as the train was approaching. With little time to react, the train operator was unable to stop in time to prevent the collision, with the victim being dragged under the train. Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. However, the victim had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased’s brother later informed officials that she was a retired employee of MCOT, the state-owned media organisation. He added that she lived with her sister and frequently travelled alone, often visiting hospitals and other locations. Authorities have since transferred the woman’s body to the forensic department at Ramathibodi Hospital for further examination. Railway police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials have reminded the public to exercise extreme caution when near railway tracks, particularly in areas without designated pedestrian crossings. -- 2025-01-31

Foreign Tourist Sparks Outrage by Urinating in Phuket Airport A foreign tourist has sparked outrage after being caught on video urinating in the middle of Phuket International Airport, seemingly unfazed by the presence of other passengers and airport staff. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350378-foreign-tourist-sparks-outrage-by-urinating-in-phuket-airport/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A foreign tourist has sparked outrage after being caught on video urinating in the middle of Phuket International Airport, seemingly unfazed by the presence of other passengers and airport staff. The 13-second clip, which was shared widely on social media by the Facebook page “Hod Jung Phuket,” shows the tourist relieving himself openly inside the airport terminal in Mai Khao, Thalang district, despite being warned by officials. The post was captioned: “Quality tourist. No shame, no care. Urinating in Phuket Airport. Officials warned him, but he didn’t listen!” The incident has provoked a wave of criticism online, with many Thai netizens expressing frustration over the lack of action against such behaviour. Comments on the post included: • “If it were a Thai person, they’d have been arrested the moment they unzipped.” • “They must think they can do anything in Thailand. Our laws only apply to locals.” • “Free visas, free to do anything – even urinate in public!” • “Why didn’t anyone stop him? Just standing and watching?” • “He should be fined to set an example.” The video has led to widespread calls for authorities to take strict action against the tourist, whose nationality remains unknown, with many demanding penalties to deter similar behaviour in the future. Local officials have yet to confirm whether any legal action has been taken against the individual. The incident has reignited discussions on tourist conduct in Thailand. -- 2025-01-31

Young Thai-Australian Woman Found Dead in Apparent Suicide A 20-year-old Thai-Australian woman was found dead on 29 January, in what appears to be a suicide by hanging in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Police and rescue teams responded to the incident but were unable to save her. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350377-young-thai-australian-woman-found-dead-in-apparent-suicide/

Picture from responders. A 20-year-old Thai-Australian woman was found dead on 29 January, in what appears to be a suicide by hanging in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Police and rescue teams responded to the incident but were unable to save her. At around 12:00, Lieutenant Apinan Srithongrungthip, deputy investigator at Bang Lamung Police Station, along with rescue personnel from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, were called to a location near Bypass Road 36 (Krating Lai-Rayong), Moo 6, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict. At the scene, a Bangkok Pattaya Hospital ambulance was present, and officers confirmed the identity of the deceased as Ms. Pick (20), a dual Thai-Australian national. A ligature mark was found on her neck, and despite medical efforts, she had already passed away before emergency responders arrived and could not be saved. Preliminary investigations suggest that Ms. Pick hanged herself inside her home in Moo 5, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict. Family members discovered her body at around 11:00, immediately cut her down, and rushed her to meet medics near the Wat Nong Ket Noi temple. However, she was pronounced dead after arriving there. While initial reports suggest that she may have been struggling with personal issues, police have stated that a full investigation will be conducted. The deceased's body has been transferred to Pattaya Patmakul Hospital, where it will be held until relatives provide the necessary documents to arrange a religious funeral. 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. -- 2025-01-31

Uncle Kills Nephew Over Land Dispute in Sisaket Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A longstanding family dispute over land ownership ended in death on 29 January, when a 67-year-old man shot and killed his 40-year-old nephew in Kantharalak district, Sisaket province. The suspect later confessed to the crime, citing prolonged harassment and threats as his motive. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350376-uncle-kills-nephew-over-land-dispute-in-sisaket/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A longstanding family dispute over land ownership ended in death on 29 January, when a 67-year-old man shot and killed his 40-year-old nephew in Kantharalak district, Sisaket province. The suspect later confessed to the crime, citing prolonged harassment and threats as his motive. Police from Kantharalak Police Station responded to a call reporting a fatal shooting in a rice field south of Ban Ta Khruea, Village 4, Khanun Subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Mr. Wittun, 40, near an underground water pipe. He had been shot in the chest with a homemade long-barrel flintlock gun. The suspect, identified as Mr. Mun, 67, fled the scene immediately after the shooting, escaping into a nearby rubber plantation at the edge of the village. According to relatives, the victim and suspect were uncle and nephew and had been in conflict for some time. The dispute centred on a piece of land that had been passed down from their grandmother. The victim insisted that the suspect vacate the land, claiming it had been legally inherited by his mother. Mr. Mun had been living in a small hut on the land for many years, but tensions escalated when Mr. Wittun and his friends dismantled an old house on the property on 24 January. This action is believed to have been the catalyst for the fatal confrontation. A large-scale manhunt was launched, involving special task forces from the 23rd Ranger Regiment, police sniffer dogs, and drones for aerial surveillance. After four hours of searching, authorities spotted a motionless figure in a cassava field approximately 600 metres from the crime scene. On closer inspection, they found Mr. Mun lying in an exhausted state, having endured hours under the scorching sun in an attempt to evade capture. During initial questioning, Mr. Mun claimed he acted in self- defence, alleging that his nephew had repeatedly threatened him with an axe in an effort to force him off the land. Unable to endure the intimidation any longer, he fired the fatal shot. The suspect was taken into custody along with the homemade firearm and transported to Kantharalak Police Station for further investigation. He is now facing charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Authorities continue to investigate the case, urging families involved in property disputes to seek legal resolution rather than resorting to violence. -- 2025-01-31

Man Killed in High-Speed Motorbike Crash on Curve in Rayong A 33-year-old man was killed in a motorbike crash after losing control on a curve in Rayong. His devastated wife, who had repeatedly called him to return home for a local temple event, arrived at the scene in tears. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350375-man-killed-in-high-speed-motorbike-crash-on-curve-in-rayong/

Picture from responders. A 33-year-old man was killed in a motorbike crash after losing control on a curve in Rayong. His devastated wife, who had repeatedly called him to return home for a local temple event, arrived at the scene in tears. Police from Pak Nam Prasae Police Station, Rayong, responded to a fatal motorbike crash on Burapha Chonlathit Road in Khlong Poon, Klaeng District. At the scene, officers found a black motorbike severely damaged at the roadside. The rider, identified as Mr. Phitsanu Puangngern (33), was found lying on the road, wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, with his helmet thrown across the road and one shoe missing. A friend of the deceased, who arrived with Mr. Phitsanu’s wife, explained that the victim had visited him in Na Yai Am, Chanthaburi, to catch shrimp. His wife had called multiple times, urging him to return home so they could attend a local temple ordination ceremony. The victim, known for his fast riding, eventually left but crashed on the way back. A local resident, Ms. Thanarada (45), was about to cross the road, when she witnessed the motorbike rider speeding towards the curve, losing control, and crashing into a kilometre marker. “It was a loud crash. I turned and saw him lying in the middle of the road, bleeding heavily. His head was covered in blood, and though he was still breathing at first, rescue workers attempted CPR without success. He died at the scene,” she recalled. CCTV footage confirmed that at 18:38 on 29 January, the motorbike rider was travelling at high speed when he failed to navigate the sharp curve, collided with a road sign, and spun about five times, skidding 50 metres. -- 2025-01-31

Major Online Pricing Error Sees 20,000 Orders for Discounted Shoes A well-known Bangkok based footwear brand, Hello Polo, has made headlines after an online pricing mistake saw thousands of customers snap up shoes at an unbelievably low price. The company has confirmed that despite the error, all orders will be honoured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350373-major-online-pricing-error-sees-20000-orders-for-discounted-shoes/

File picture for reference only. A well-known Bangkok based footwear brand, Hello Polo, has made headlines after an online pricing mistake saw thousands of customers snap up shoes at an unbelievably low price. The company has confirmed that despite the error, all orders will be honoured. With online shopping now the preferred choice for many consumers, competitive promotions and discounts are commonplace. However, pricing mistakes can sometimes occur, leading to either exorbitantly high prices or, in this case, a shockingly low bargain. Hello Polo, a popular brand specialising in rubber footwear, mistakenly priced several shoe models on Shopee, at just 3 baht instead of their usual price of 179 baht. As a result, over 20,000 pairs were ordered, leading to financial losses running into millions of baht. Despite the substantial losses, Hello Polo has pledged to fulfil all orders rather than cancelling them. The company released an official statement, saying: “Dear Valued Customers, We sincerely apologise for the pricing error on some of our products listed on Shopee, including models HP8009, HP8035, and HP8037. The regular price of 175 baht was mistakenly set at just 3 baht, leading to an unexpected surge of over 20,000 orders, which has caused significant financial impact on our company. However, in the spirit of integrity and customer appreciation, Hello Polo will honour all orders at the listed price. We deeply value the support and understanding of our customers and are committed to providing the best possible shopping experience. If you have any questions, please contact us via our chat service. Best regards, Hello Polo” The company also assured customers that it would improve its internal pricing controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Many customers took to social media to praise Hello Polo’s decision, applauding the company’s commitment to fairness. Others saw it as a marketing triumph, with the brand now receiving widespread attention and goodwill. While pricing mistakes can be costly, Hello Polo’s swift and customer-friendly response has cemented its reputation as a trustworthy and ethical brand in the competitive e-commerce market. -- 2025-01-31

Ambulance Crashes into Motorbike, Killing Two in Roi Et A rescue ambulance transporting a patient to hospital collided with a speeding motorbike, resulting in two fatalities. The driver claimed the motorbike overtook another vehicle at high speed and veered into his lane, making the crash unavoidable. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350372-ambulance-crashes-into-motorbike-killing-two-in-roi-et/

Picture from responders. A rescue ambulance transporting a patient to hospital collided with a speeding motorbike, resulting in two fatalities. The driver claimed the motorbike overtook another vehicle at high speed and veered into his lane, making the crash unavoidable. At 09:10 on 29 January, police in Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province, were alerted to a fatal road crash involving an ambulance from the Na Yai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) and a motorbike. The incident occurred near Ban Hang Yai, Moo 6, on a four-lane road still under construction, where vehicles were temporarily allowed to travel in both directions. Upon arrival, police found the ambulance with damage to its front, while a modified racing-style motorbike lay wrecked in the middle of the road, approximately 20 metres away. Tragically, the two motorcyclists, later identified as Mr. Weerapon (31) and Mr. Chanchai (18), were pronounced dead at the scene. The ambulance driver, Mr. Amporn (53), stated that he was transporting a patient to Suwannaphum Hospital when he saw the oncoming motorbike overtaking two pickup trucks at high speed. The bike swerved into his lane, and despite his efforts to steer away, a collision was inevitable, with the motorbike striking the front-left side of the ambulance. Authorities noted that the ambulance lacked a dashboard camera, making it challenging to verify events. Police will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances of the crash. -- 2025-01-31

Loan Shark Throws Bomb at Debtor’s House in Nakhon Ratchasima A violent loan shark threw a ping-pong bomb at a debtor’s house in Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima, after failing to collect repayment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350370-loan-shark-throws-bomb-at-debtor’s-house-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Picture of the suspect’s vehicle captured from CCTV. A violent loan shark threw a ping-pong bomb at a debtor’s house in Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima, after failing to collect repayment. The incident occurred at approximately 16:50 on 29 January, when police from Phimai Police Station were alerted to an explosion in front of a residential property in Phimai Municipality. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found scattered bomb fragments in front of the house but confirmed that no injuries or fatalities had resulted from the attack. Investigators collected evidence from the site to aid in their inquiry. The homeowner, Mr. Thanasit, 63, told police that he had rented the house to Mrs. Wasiraporn, who had only moved in a month earlier. He was shocked to learn that an explosive had been thrown at the property and rushed to inspect the damage. Neighbours informed police that Mrs. Wasiraporn had taken out a high-interest loan from an unlicensed lender. The lender had reportedly visited the house to demand repayment, but when he found that she was not home, he assumed she had fled. In retaliation, he threw a homemade bomb at the property, seemingly as a threat rather than an attempt to harm anyone. A neighbour living opposite the house reported seeing a white pickup truck park in front of the house on the afternoon of 29 January. A man exited the vehicle, and moments later, an explosion was heard. The suspect then quickly fled the scene in the pickup. Phimai Police have launched an investigation to track down the loan shark responsible for the attack. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness testimonies to bring the perpetrator to justice. Residents are urged to report illegal lenders and to exercise caution when borrowing money from unlicensed sources. -- 2025-01-31

University Student Killed in Bus Collision on Phahon Yothin Road, Bangkok A collision occurred late night in Bang Khen district, when an air-conditioned bus collided with a motorcycle, causing the death of a 20-year-old university student. The victim, a second-year film communication student at a well-known private university, was thrown from her motorcycle and fatally crushed under the bus's wheels. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350369-university-student-killed-in-bus-collision-on-phahon-yothin-road-bangkok/

Pictures from responders. A collision occurred late night on 29 January, in Bang Khen district, when an air-conditioned bus collided with a motorcycle, causing the death of a 20-year-old university student. The victim, a second-year film communication student at a well-known private university, was thrown from her motorcycle and fatally crushed under the bus's wheels. The crash happened on Phahon Yothin Road (inbound), opposite Bang Bua restaurant, in a three-lane section of the road. Police from Bang Khen Police Station, forensic doctors from Bhumibol Hospital, and emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the incident. The victim, identified as Miss Kanyanath 20, was found lying face down in a pool of blood. She had suffered multiple injuries, including fractured arms and a fatal head wound. Notably, she was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Her red Honda PCX motorcycle was found five metres away, while the bus involved in the collision, an air-conditioned Route 522 bus (Rangsit - Victory Monument), was parked in the left lane. Examination of the bus's rear left wheel revealed impact marks and biological evidence from the crash. The bus driver, identified as Miss Areeya, stated that she had been driving from Rangsit towards Victory Monument. She claimed that while changing into the left lane, the bus clipped the motorcycle, leading to the fatal crash. Authorities have taken the bus driver in for further questioning and are currently reviewing CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events. The victim's body has been sent to the Bhumibol Hospital Forensic Institute and her family has been notified. Following the incident, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the incident. The statement confirmed that the accident occurred at 23:55 on 29 January 2025, near the 11th Infantry Regiment on Phahon Yothin Road (inbound). BMTA officials have since dispatched accident investigators to the scene and are working with Muang Thai Insurance and Dhipaya Insurance to provide financial compensation and support to the victim's family. In response to the tragedy, BMTA has ordered stricter safety measures for its drivers and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising passenger and road safety. Authorities continue to investigate the crash. -- 2025-01-31

SRT to Procure 184 Modern Railcars in 24 Billion Baht Overhaul The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved a 24.15 billion baht procurement plan for 184 new air-conditioned diesel railcars, replacing ageing rolling stock that has been in service for over three decades. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350368-srt-to-procure-184-modern-railcars-in-24-billion-baht-overhaul/

Picture courtesy of SRT. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved a 24.15 billion baht procurement plan for 184 new air-conditioned diesel railcars, replacing ageing rolling stock that has been in service for over three decades. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala confirmed that the project will replace 10 long-distance passenger trains and introduce 52 new trains, 46 for medium-range routes and six for long-distance travel. The procurement includes 92 railcars with driver cabins and 92 without, each costing 131.25 million baht. The SRT will fund the project through a loan guaranteed by the Finance Ministry. A total of 62 upgraded trains will be introduced under the plan. These will replace special express services on key routes, including Sawanaklok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani. Additionally, new express services will be launched on routes serving Phitsanulok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Chumphon, and Nong Khai. The new fleet will consist of Hybrid Diesel-Electric Multiple Units (Hybrid DEMU), powered by both diesel engines and battery-operated electric motors. Each train will feature air-conditioned first and second-class carriages, 239 seats, and dedicated spaces for disabled passengers. Additional passenger amenities will include: • Wi-Fi connectivity • Adjustable seating • Hygienic closed-system toilets • LED information screens • Onboard food and beverage counters The first batch of 60 railcars is expected to enter service by 2030, with projected ridership of 4.81 million passengers per year, generating an estimated 3.47 billion baht annually. The SRT will submit the project for Cabinet approval, with contractor selection set for July 2026 and full implementation by April 2030. This timeline aligns with the completion of Thailand’s double-track railway in 2028 and the opening of new railway lines in 2029. The initiative marks a significant step in modernising Thailand’s railway network, improving travel comfort and efficiency for passengers across the country. -- 2025-01-31

Police Officer Dies in Car Crash on Way to Election Duty in Lampang A 21-year-old police officer lost his life after his vehicle crashed into a tree while en route to work at the local government elections in Lampang. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350367-police-officer-dies-in-car-crash-on-way-to-election-duty-in-lampang/

. Picture from responders. A 21-year-old police officer lost his life after his vehicle crashed into a tree while en route to work at the local government elections in Lampang. The incident occurred on the Phahonyothin Road, near the U-turn point at Ban Wang Yao, in the district of Sop Prap, Lampang, at approximately 06:30 on January 30. Authorities were alerted to the crash and rushed to the scene, where they found a silver Isuzu D-Max pickup truck that the driver had veered off the road and collided with a tree. The front of the vehicle was extensively damaged, with the engine compartment crushed. Inside the vehicle, the body of a man was discovered slumped over the steering wheel. Emergency responders and police identified the victim as Police Corporal Swit, aged 21, who was stationed at the Thoen Police Station in Lampang. Preliminary investigations suggest that the officer was on his way to work in preparation for his election duties as a member of the Electoral Commission for the upcoming provincial elections in Lampang. Authorities suspect that the crash may have been caused by fatigue or drowsiness, though an official investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause. -- 2025-01-31

Man Jumps to Death from Condo in Nonthaburi, Three Rare Snakes Found Dead at Scene A 22-year-old man died after jumping from a high-rise condominium in Nonthaburi, with both his ankles severed upon impact. In a shocking discovery, three rare and valuable pythons were found dead at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350366-man-jumps-to-death-from-condo-in-nonthaburi-three-rare-snakes-found-dead-at-scene/