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Fatal Collision on Motorway Near Pattaya, Man Killed in Crash with Lorry A crash occurred in the early hours of the morning of 1 March, on the motorway near Pattaya, resulting in the death of a male driver after his car collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler lorry. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353226-fatal-collision-on-motorway-near-pattaya-man-killed-in-crash-with-lorry/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred in the early hours of the morning of 1 March, on the motorway near Pattaya, resulting in the death of a male driver after his car collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler lorry. The fatal crash took place at approximately 03:00 on a motorway bridge. Emergency responders, including rescue teams and local police, rushed to the scene following reports of a severe collision. Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered a heavily damaged car lodged into the back of the lorry. The driver, a male whose identity has not yet been released, was found deceased, trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue teams worked for an extended period to extract the body from the crumpled vehicle. The lorry driver, who remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities, was uninjured. Initial reports suggest that the car was travelling at high speed before colliding with the slow-moving lorry. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to determine the exact cause of the crash. The victim’s body has been transported to a local hospital for further examination. Police will continue their investigation to establish whether factors such as driver fatigue, impairment, or road conditions contributed to the incident. -- 2025-03-01 .

Simba the Lion Rescued in Wildlife Raid, but Escaped Tiger Cub Dies Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have successfully rescued a three-year-old lion named Simba during a raid on an illegal wildlife operation in Chanthaburi province. However, the operation was marred by tragedy when a tiger cub, also seized in the raid, escaped from its cage and was fatally struck by a vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353225-simba-the-lion-rescued-in-thai-wildlife-raid-but-escaped-tiger-cub-dies/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have successfully rescued a three-year-old lion named Simba during a raid on an illegal wildlife operation in Chanthaburi province. However, the operation was marred by tragedy when a tiger cub, also seized in the raid, escaped from its cage and was fatally struck by a vehicle. The raid took place on 26 February after the Central Investigation Bureau received intelligence about the illegal transportation of a tiger cub to a residence in Moo 11, Khlong Nararat sub-district, Mueang district, where it was being kept by Chinese nationals. Acting on a court warrant, officials searched the property and discovered both the tiger cub and Simba the lion. While transporting the seized animals, an incident occurred. According to wildlife officials, the tiger cub managed to chew through its restraining ropes, and wind dislodged a tarpaulin covering the cage, causing the latches to come loose. The cub escaped from the vehicle and was struck by an oncoming car. A veterinary examination determined that the six-to-eight-month-old cub suffered a broken left hind leg and severe internal injuries, which led to its death. A Chinese man identified as Mr An Yi, who resided at the property, admitted to being the caretaker of both animals. He was charged with the illegal possession of protected wildlife under Thai law. As for Simba, authorities initially left him at the residence due to his size. However, he has now been relocated to a licensed lion farm in Bang Suan, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province. Veterinary checks confirmed that Simba had an implanted microchip linked to a legal permit, but his registered location did not match the address where he was found, indicating a breach of regulations. Officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation are continuing their investigation to determine whether the Chinese nationals involved are part of an international wildlife trafficking network. -- 2025-03-01

Newborn Baby Found Dead in Rubbish Bin in Rayong Police are investigating after the body of a newborn baby boy was discovered inside a cardboard box dumped in a rubbish bin in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong. The shocking discovery was made by a waste collector, who initially mistook the contents of the box for animal remains before realising it was a human infant. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353224-newborn-baby-found-dead-in-rubbish-bin-in-rayong/

Picture from responders. Police are investigating after the body of a newborn baby boy was discovered inside a cardboard box dumped in a rubbish bin in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong. The shocking discovery was made by a waste collector, who initially mistook the contents of the box for animal remains before realising it was a human infant. At 11:05 on 28 February, Pol. Lt. Chama Thongyu, an investigator from Pluak Daeng Police Station, was alerted to the incident by a local municipal waste collector from Map Yang Phon Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO). Upon arrival at the scene, police officers, doctors from Pluak Daeng Hospital, and emergency responders found a decomposing baby boy wrapped in a plastic bag and towel, inside a cardboard box. The body, though still intact, showed early signs of decomposition and was covered in ants. Ms. Kusuma, the waste collector who discovered the body, described the harrowing moment she opened the box while sorting rubbish outside a rented apartment complex. “At first, I thought it was just an abandoned pet,” she said. “But when I unwrapped the plastic, I was horrified to see it was a newborn baby. Ants were crawling all over the body, so I tried to brush them off before immediately calling the authorities.” Initial examinations suggest that the baby had been dead for several days. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area and surrounding streets in an attempt to identify who abandoned the infant. -- 2025-03-01

Shocking Knife Attack on Koh Phi Phi: Street Food Vendor Killed in Front of Tourists Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A street food vendor was brutally stabbed and had her throat slit in front of shocked tourists on Koh Phi Phi, following a dispute over construction noise. The suspect, a 27-year-old drinks vendor, was arrested at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353223-shocking-knife-attack-on-koh-phi-phi-street-food-vendor-killed-in-front-of-tourists/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A street food vendor was brutally stabbed and had her throat slit in front of shocked tourists on Koh Phi Phi, following a dispute over construction noise. The suspect, a 27-year-old drinks vendor, was arrested at the scene. The attack took place on the evening of February 27 at a food stall in Krabi province. The victim, a 41-year-old woman known only as Ms A, was preparing food when Mr Kananat “Krit”, 27, entered her shop and launched a frenzied knife attack. CCTV footage captured the chilling moment the suspect walked directly up to the victim, stabbed her multiple times, and slit her throat, causing panic among staff and customers. Tourists at the scene fled in terror as the attack unfolded. The victim was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. The victim’s 20-year-old daughter said her mother had opened the food stall just a year ago and had recently been carrying out renovations. She believes the noise from the construction work angered the suspect, who ran a neighbouring drinks stall. However, she insisted there had been no argument immediately before the attack. “I heard that after the attack, he just sat there calmly as if nothing had happened,” she said. “I want the police to ensure justice is served.” Police from Koh Phi Phi Station quickly arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, recovering a one-foot-long knife used in the attack. According to Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee, head of Koh Phi Phi Police, the suspect and victim had a history of conflicts over their businesses being located close to each other. They had engaged in heated arguments in the past, and this long-standing tension is believed to have escalated into violence. The suspect remains in custody at Koh Phi Phi Police Station as investigations continue. -- 2025-03-01

Renewed Calls to Phase Out Double-Decker Buses After Fatal Prachin Buri Crash A fresh push to discontinue double-decker buses has emerged following a series of serious road crashes, including a devastating crash in Prachin Buri earlier this week that claimed 19 lives and injured 32 others. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353222-renewed-calls-to-phase-out-double-decker-buses-after-fatal-prachin-buri-crash/

Picture from responders. A fresh push to discontinue double-decker buses has emerged following a series of serious road crashes, including a devastating crash in Prachin Buri earlier this week that claimed 19 lives and injured 32 others. The renewed debate also comes in the wake of a bus fire in October last year that resulted in 23 fatalities. Surachai Liengboonlertchai, chairperson of the parliamentary road safety subcommittee, stated that a proposal to ban double-decker buses, first raised in 2016, was revisited in a recent meeting with relevant agencies. He explained that double-decker buses, which exceed four metres in height, pose significant safety risks due to their higher centre of gravity, making them more prone to accidents, especially on sloping or uneven roads. While laws introduced in 2016 prevent the registration of new double-decker buses, between 6,000 and 7,000 older models remain in service, meaning such incidents are likely to continue. Sorapong Paitoonphong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, added that the Department of Land Transport has already banned double-decker buses from regular public transport. However, around 1,000 chartered buses are still under review for possible cancellation. He noted that any legal changes would take time to implement. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has pledged to review the issue and determine whether the recent accidents were caused by road conditions or the structural design of the buses. He emphasised that the ministry is committed to preventing further tragedies but acknowledged that regulatory changes will be necessary. Surachai also pointed out that road conditions play a crucial role in crashes. The committee noted that the stretch of road where the Prachin Buri crash occurred runs through a national park. If poor road conditions are found to have contributed to the incident, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will be involved in discussions to address infrastructure concerns. The Parliament will coordinate efforts across various agencies and provide recommendations to the government for further action. Experts have long warned of the dangers associated with double-decker buses on Thailand’s roads. Natakorn Phuksuksakul, a civil engineering lecturer at Thammasat University, explained that these vehicles are unsuitable for long-distance travel, particularly on winding and steep routes. Due to their higher centre of gravity, double-decker buses are up to seven times more likely to be involved in crashes compared to single-decker models. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the risk of passenger fatalities is ten times higher. Academics at Thammasat University suggest that double-decker buses should be limited to city tours, where they operate at lower speeds of 30-50 km/h on short, designated routes, as seen in many other countries. While phasing out Thailand’s fleet of over 7,000 double-decker buses would be a complex challenge, experts suggest an initial step could involve stricter safety regulations for non-regular buses, aligning them with those imposed on regular public transport. Potential measures could include reducing speed limits to below 90 km/h, enforcing mandatory rest stops, and restricting double-decker buses to shorter, safer routes. The issue remains under review, with authorities weighing the balance between public safety and the practicality of transitioning away from these high-risk vehicles. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352898-17-dead-in-bus-crash-on-hillside-road-in-prachinburi/ -- 2025-03-01

Tourists Evacuated as Smoke Issues from Pattaya Hotel Room, Minor Damage Reported A fire scare at a Pattaya hotel caused panic among tourists on the night of February 27, but fortunately resulted in only minor damage. The incident, which took place in a hotel on Soi Buakhao in central Pattaya, was reportedly caused by an unattended incense stick left burning as part of a religious offering. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353221-tourists-evacuated-as-smoke-issues-from-pattaya-hotel-room-minor-damage-reported/

Picture from responders. A fire scare at a Pattaya hotel caused panic among tourists on the night of February 27, but fortunately resulted in only minor damage. The incident, which took place in a hotel on Soi Buakhao in central Pattaya, was reportedly caused by an unattended incense stick left burning as part of a religious offering. At approximately 22:00, the Pattaya City disaster relief centre received an emergency call about a fire in a hotel room. Firefighters, rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and officers from Pattaya City Police Station were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency responders found smoke coming from the hotel room and starting to fill corridors. Firefighters quickly entered the premises and evacuated the building. The situation was quickly brought under control, with minor fire damage limited to the room of origin. According to initial investigations, a woman staying in the hotel had been conducting a religious ceremony honouring the Hindu goddess Kali. She had lit incense and candles before leaving for work but failed to properly extinguish them. The smouldering embers ignited nearby materials, causing a small fire, but allowing smoke to fill the room and parts of the corridors. Tourists staying in the hotel, noticing the smoke seeping into the corridor, raised the alarm, fearing the possibility of a larger fire. Fortunately, firefighters managed to contain the situation before significant damage occurred and guests were quickly allowed to return to their rooms. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution when using candles and incense in enclosed spaces, especially in hotels and rental properties. No injuries were reported, and hotel management is assessing the extent of the minor damage. -- 2025-03-01

Car Crashes into Municipal Garbage Truck, Injuring Two Workers A municipal garbage truck in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, was struck from behind by a Honda Civic early morning on 28 February, injuring two waste collection workers who were standing at the back of the truck. The accident occurred at around 05:00, in Suan Kulap Soi, Bueng Yitho Subdistrict. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353218-car-crashes-into-municipal-garbage-truck-injuring-two-workers/

Picture from responders. A municipal garbage truck in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, was struck from behind by a Honda Civic early morning on 28 February, injuring two waste collection workers who were standing at the back of the truck. The accident occurred at around 05:00, in Suan Kulap Soi, Bueng Yitho Subdistrict. Police from Thanyaburi Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sastra Sikkhem, along with rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, responded to the scene near Bueng Yitho Medical and Rehabilitation Centre. At the crash site, officers found a white Honda Civic with Bangkok registration plates embedded into the rear of a six-wheel municipal garbage truck from Bueng Yitho Town Municipality. The front of the car was crushed from the impact. Lying on the ground near the crash were two injured waste collection workers, later identified as Mr. Prayoon, 54, and Mr. Piyapong. Both men had sustained severe leg injuries and were heard crying out in pain. Emergency responders provided first aid before transporting them to Thanyaburi Hospital for urgent medical treatment. A fellow waste collection worker, Mr. Adisak, 35, who was standing to the side of the truck at the time, described hearing a loud crash and turning around to see his colleagues trapped against the vehicle. The driver of the car, Ms. Apichayaporn, 29, was seen standing shaken and distressed near the wreckage. She explained to police that she was on her way home when the collision occurred. Her male friend, who arrived at the scene shortly after, told officers that the narrow and poorly lit road made it difficult for her to see the truck in time. Police Lieutenant Colonel Sastra recorded details of the collision and ordered the Honda Civic to be towed to Thanyaburi Police Station for further inspection. The driver was also taken in for questioning and an alcohol test, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-03-01

Former Policeman, 55, Steals Border Patrol Vehicle and Causes Chaos Across Provinces A 55-year-old former police officer stole a four-door pickup truck belonging to the Border Patrol Police in Ubon Ratchathani and went on a chaotic spree across multiple provinces before being apprehended in Buriram. Claiming he was on his way to visit a former superior. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353217-former-policeman-55-steals-border-patrol-vehicle-and-causes-chaos-across-provinces/

Picture captured from CCTV A 55-year-old former police officer stole a four-door pickup truck belonging to the Border Patrol Police in Ubon Ratchathani and went on a chaotic spree across multiple provinces before being apprehended in Buriram. Claiming he was on his way to visit a former superior. The man exhibited erratic behaviour, including seizing lottery tickets from a vendor and demanding free fuel. Authorities later confirmed he had a history of mental illness, which had led to his dismissal from the police force. On 28 February, reports emerged that Police Sub-Lieutenant Sonchai, formerly attached to the investigative unit of Bua Yai Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, had stolen a black Ford pickup truck. The vehicle, registered in Ubon Ratchathani, belonged to Police Sergeant Pongwisith Klinkaew of the Border Patrol Police 12 in Sa Kaeo. The incident began when Sonchai spotted the truck, which had been left running while awaiting service at a garage in Ubon Ratchathani. Claiming he was initially planning to purchase a vehicle, he instead took the opportunity to drive off in the police-owned truck. His journey took him to a petrol station in Khukhan district, Sisaket, where he ordered staff to fill the tank with fuel worth 2,610 baht. Entering a café at the station, he demanded 1,000 baht from the cashier, threatening, “If you don’t give me the money, I will kill everyone in this station.” He then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. Continuing his erratic behaviour, Sonchai later encountered a lottery vendor selling tickets at an inflated price of 100 baht each. Declaring himself an enforcer of the law, he confiscated two full sets of tickets, amounting to over 200 lottery slips, before driving on towards Buriram. Aware of his movements, Major General Narongsak Promtha, Commander of Buriram Provincial Police, issued an alert for all police stations along his likely route, especially given concerns over the firearm inside the stolen vehicle. At approximately 15:00 Sonchai arrived at the Buriram Provincial Investigation Division, requesting to meet Colonel Yutthapong Rodnuan, the unit’s commander and a former superior of his. Officers swiftly took him into custody, finding a gun holster and a 9mm magazine inside the vehicle, though the firearm itself was missing. The seized lottery tickets were also recovered for further investigation. While in custody, Sonchai exhibited signs of anxiety amd distress but was able to provide a statement. He claimed his intention had been to travel to Bua Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, to assist with an unsolved case involving multiple sexual assaults on elderly women. However, his route took an unusual detour, including the stop in Sisaket for fuel and the confrontation with the lottery vendor. He also insisted that his arrival in Buriram was to personally invite his former superior to an event he was organising, where well-known singer Monkan Kankoon had been booked to perform. Authorities confirmed that Sonchai had previously served in the Bua Yai police force but was discharged due to mental health issues. His former connection with Colonel Yutthapong was also verified. For now, he remains in custody while officials determine the appropriate course of action. The confiscated lottery tickets will be returned to their rightful owner, and further investigations will establish the whereabouts of the missing firearm. -- 2025-03-01

Thai Man Stabs Myanmar National Over Suspected Affair During Drinking Session A drunken altercation in Ratchaburi Province ended in a brutal stabbing after a Thai man accused a Myanmar national of pursuing his wife. The victim suffered a serious stab wound to the chest and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353216-thai-man-stabs-myanmar-national-over-suspected-affair-during-drinking-session/

Picture of arrest. A drunken altercation in Ratchaburi Province ended in a brutal stabbing after a Thai man accused a Myanmar national of pursuing his wife. The victim suffered a serious stab wound to the chest and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. At around 16:00, Police Lieutenant Colonel Praman Plathong, duty officer at Muang Ratchaburi Police Station, received a report of a stabbing incident at a rented room in Moo 3, Don Tako Subdistrict. Police officers, along with rescue teams from Phathom Borommarachanusorn Foundation, responded to the scene but found that the victim had already been transported to Ratchaburi Hospital for emergency treatment. The victim, later identified as Mr. Thui, a 30-year-old Myanmar national, had been stabbed in the left side of his chest. The suspect, Mr. Woraphan Chamnanyong, 29, from Roi Et Province, was found at the scene in a heavily intoxicated state. Though his speech was incoherent, he admitted to stabbing the victim, claiming he was suspicious that Mr. Thui had been making advances towards his wife. Speaking to authorities, the suspect’s wife stated that her husband was a drug addict who frequently became paranoid, wrongly assuming she was having an affair with Mr. Thui. She revealed that both men often used drugs together in their rented room, while she was working to support the family, including their three children and two pet cats. She suspected her husband was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the attack. Mr. Manoo, a Myanmar national and a friend of both the suspect and the victim, recounted that the three of them had been drinking together. After running out of alcohol, he left briefly to buy more, only to return and see Mr. Thui running out of the room, while Mr. Woraphan stood holding a knife, seemingly ready to strike again. To stop the attack, Mr. Manoo grabbed a plastic chair and threatened to strike the suspect, forcing him to retreat. Other residents quickly alerted the police and called for emergency medical assistance. Officers later escorted Mr. Woraphan to the back of the rental unit, where he had discarded the knife near a drainage pipe. He was taken to the station for formal questioning and a crime reenactment. The police have charged him with attempted murder, and he will remain in custody at Muang Ratchaburi Police Station pending further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-01

UPDATE Young man suspects Murdered Body in Sack Is His Missing Mother A young man, a Myanmar national, identified as Mr. Ji, has come forward, fearing that a body discovered stuffed inside a sack may be his missing mother. He identified a sports outfit found on the body as similar to one belonging to his younger sister, which his mother often wore. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353116-body-of-schoolgirl-found-stuffed-in-sack-in-tak/#findComment-19624783

UPDATE Young man suspects Murdered Body in Sack Is His Missing Mother Picture from responders. A young man, a Myanmar national, identified as Mr. Ji, has come forward, fearing that a body discovered stuffed inside a sack may be his missing mother. He identified a sports outfit found on the body as similar to one belonging to his younger sister, which his mother often wore. However, he remains uncertain if the body is indeed hers. Police have called him in for immediate questioning. The case concerns the discovery of a female corpse, estimated to be around 12-13 years old, found murdered and concealed inside a green sack. The sack was dumped along Road 5026, between Ban Nam Dip and Mae Ja Rao, in Moo 6, Mae Kasa subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province. The body was dressed in a sports shirt, though the tracksuit bottoms were partially removed. Investigators noted visible head injuries. However, police later stated they could not now confirm whether the victim was male or female until forensic identification was completed. On February 28, forensic officers from Tak province arrived at Ban Nam Dip, Moo 6, Mae Kasa, Mae Sot, to gather evidence from the scene, which was located one kilometre from the village. The evidence was collected for analysis and submitted to Mae Sot Police Station. Officers documented and photographed the area, including traces found on the road and along the roadside where the body was discovered. At this stage, the investigation has yet to yield any significant breakthroughs. However, a dedicated team of detectives has been deployed to assist in solving the case. -- 2025-03-01

Motorbike Noise Dispute Escalates into Violence and Shooting in Chonburi A dispute over the loud noise of a revving motorbike led to a violent confrontation and a shooting in Chonburi, leaving one man hospitalised with a gunshot wound. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353214-motorbike-noise-dispute-escalates-into-violence-and-shooting-in-chonburi/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A dispute over the loud noise of a revving motorbike led to a violent confrontation and a shooting in Chonburi, leaving one man hospitalised with a gunshot wound. The incident occurred in the Mueang district of Chonburi, in Soi Malaithong, Na Pa subdistrict, where tensions between two groups flared after accusations of intentional provocation. It began when a man, identified as Oat, was test-riding a modified motorbike near a shop. The bike’s high torque caused it to rev loudly and perform a wheelie, which angered the shop owner, Ter. He believed Oat was deliberately attempting to provoke him. In response, Ter and a group of five men went to the home of Hut, a relative of Oat, demanding an explanation. CCTV footage captured the violent attack on Hut and Oat, with Ter using a dustpan to strike Hut on the head, breaking it. Despite Oat’s pleas for a peaceful conversation, the attackers continued their assault. After the attack, Ter allegedly sent insulting messages about Hut’s father, Jeab, which further escalated the situation. In retaliation, Jeab, accompanied by Hut and Oat, went to Ter’s shop to confront him. An argument ensued, during which Ter allegedly drew a firearm, chambered a round, and aimed it at Jeab. Jeab attempted to disarm him, leading to a struggle. Ter then fired a warning shot into the air, but as Jeab continued to grapple with him, Ter fired again, hitting Jeab. The bullet passed right through his body, leaving him seriously injured and requiring hospitalisation. Jeab’s sister, Ms. Chulaporn, has called for justice, asserting that her nephew did not intentionally rev the motorbike but was simply testing it. She denied claims that the dispute stemmed from an old school rivalry, describing it as a misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion. “If someone had died, what then? No amount of money could make up for it. If my brother had been killed, I would demand the same in return,” she said, expressing concerns for her family’s safety. Police are investigating the incident, reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements. Authorities are working to determine appropriate charges and prevent further violence. Meanwhile, Jeab remains in hospital recovering from his gunshot wound. -- 2025-03-01

Man Arrested for Shooting Best Friend in the Face at Remote Hut Police have arrested a 41-year-old man for the cold-blooded murder of his best friend, whom he shot in the face at a remote hut in a rubber plantation. The suspect, who had been on the run for several days, was finally caught in a rubber forest with a rifle and multiple firearm accessories. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353212-man-arrested-for-shooting-best-friend-in-the-face-at-remote-hut/

Picture of arrest Police have arrested a 41-year-old man for the cold-blooded murder of his best friend, whom he shot in the face at a remote hut in a rubber plantation. The suspect, who had been on the run for several days, was finally caught in a rubber forest with a rifle and multiple firearm accessories. The arrest was led by Pol. Col. Natthawut Thongthip, Deputy Commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, alongside officers from Phibun Police Station and Region 8 Investigation Unit. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phithak, was wanted on charges of murder and illegal possession of firearms under an arrest warrant issued by Thung Song Provincial Court. The murder took place on February 23 in Moo 6, Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the victim, Mr. Hasdee 46, was found dead in a small hut in a rubber plantation. Police investigations revealed that the two men, once close friends, had an intense argument on February 22, during which the victim allegedly insulted the suspect’s mother outside his home. Enraged by the altercation, Mr. Phithak decided to take revenge. That night, he retrieved a long-barrelled firearm, rode a motorbike to the rubber plantation, and walked up the hill to where the victim was sleeping in his hut. Without hesitation, he shot Mr. Hasdee in the face, killing him instantly, before fleeing the scene on his motorbike. After the killing, the suspect hid the weapon at a relative’s oil palm plantation before escaping into the wilderness. Police tracked him down to a rubber plantation in Chang Klang District, where he was arrested. During questioning, the suspect admitted to the crime, claiming he had been planning to surrender but was caught before he could do so. Following the arrest, officers recovered the murder weapon and conducted a crime reconstruction at the scene. The suspect is now in custody at Phibun Police Station, where he faces legal proceedings for the murder. Related article: Man Shot Dead in Rubber Plantation Hut Amid Personal Conflict – Police Hunt for Gunman https://aseannow.com/topic/1352690-man-shot-dead-in-rubber-plantation-hut-amid-personal-conflict-–-police-hunt-for-gunman/ -- 2025-03-01

Smuggled Cigarettes Hidden in Parcels Seized at Border Checkpoint Authorities in Kanchanaburi have seized packs of smuggled cigarettes concealed inside sealed parcels, in an apparent attempt to evade detection. The operation took place on 28 February, at a border checkpoint in Sangkhla Buri district, following a tip-off about illegal contraband being transported from the border. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353211-smuggled-cigarettes-hidden-in-parcels-seized-at-border-checkpoint/