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. 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/

Picture from responders. 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. At approximately 16:30, on 30 January, Pol. Sub-Lt. Pairat Nuantaku of Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station received a report of a fatal jump at Non Tower Condominium on Tiwanon Road, Talat Khwan, Mueang District. Police officers, forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, and rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were dispatched to investigate. The victim's body was found in a narrow alley adjacent to the 18- storey condominium. He was lying face down with multiple fractures to his arms and legs. His ankles had been completely severed-one landing on a nearby house roof and the other becoming lodged in a gap between a wall and the building. Beside the body, officers discovered three deceased snakes, identified as rare and expensive species, including a Pied Ball Python and an Anchi Pastel Ball Python. Two were found inside a sack and a plastic carrier bag, while the third had been bludgeoned to death, suggesting it was killed prior to the man's fatal fall, The deceased was a professional gamer who had recently moved into the condominium, having rented the unit just a day before. A handwritten note was found in his wallet, in which he apologised to his family and a Buddhist monk, stating: "I apologise to everyone for what I have done. I apologise to all the monks for my wrongdoing. I apologise to my parents, siblings, and relatives for bringing only trouble. I will atone with my own life." The victim's younger brother, who resides in Sakon Nakhon, later revealed that his brother had recently intended to enter monkhood at a temple in Nakhon Phanom. However, he reportedly fled before his ordination, allegedly after being intimidated by a senior monk who accused him of seeking ordination for financial reasons. Following this, his family brought him home before he moved to Nonthaburi to live alone. Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident, however Initial findings. suggest that the victim had taken his own life while carrying his pet snakes, fearing they would be left uncared for after his death. No signs of struggle were found in his room, and CCTV footage showed him entering his apartment appearing calm. However, further investigations, including forensic examinations, witness statements, and security camera reviews, are underway. The victim's body has been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Science for examination. 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

Drunk Foreign Driver Kills Bull in Chaiyaphum Crash A foreign national, reportedly intoxicated after an argument with his Thai wife, crashed his pickup truck into a bull in Chaiyaphum province. The crash narrowly missed the former village headman, who was tending to the animal at the roadside. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350285-drunk-foreign-driver-kills-bull-in-chaiyaphum-crash/

Picture from responders. A foreign national, reportedly intoxicated after an argument with his Thai wife, crashed his pickup truck into a bull in Chaiyaphum province. The crash narrowly missed the former village headman, who was tending to the animal at the roadside. The incident occurred at around 16:00, on 29 January, on Rung Rueang Si Road, opposite the Ch. Santisuk rice mill, in Ban Phet subdistrict, Bamnet Narong district, Chaiyaphum. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chan Jungkratok of Bamnet Narong Police Station received an emergency report and dispatched officers to the scene. Authorities discovered a black Nissan pickup truck with Bangkok registration, which had veered off the road into a roadside drainage ditch. Nearby lay the lifeless body of a five-year-old Brahman breeding bull, valued at over 100,000 baht. The driver, identified as Mr. Kullamaa Arvo, a 50-year-old Estonian national, was found at the scene. He appeared heavily intoxicated and was unable to communicate in Thai. A breathalyser test revealed a blood alcohol level significantly exceeding the legal limit. Officers detained him and took him to the police station for further questioning, with his Thai wife, Ms. Wilaiwan, 32, called in to assist with translation. However, upon arrival, tensions between the couple flared, with Ms. Wilaiwan expressing frustration over her husband’s behaviour. She told officers she was fed up with him and urged them to take legal action. The suspect, still incoherent, claimed the bull had run onto the road, causing the crash. Preliminary investigations revealed that the altercation between the couple began when Mr. Kullamaa insisted on going to a karaoke bar, which his wife opposed. In anger, he drove off alone, leading to the collision. The bull’s owner, Mr. Nut, 68, a former village headman, recounted that he had been grazing his cattle near the roadside when the speeding pickup first struck a traffic sign before colliding with the bull. He narrowly avoided being hit by jumping out of the way but sustained minor injuries to his leg. Mr. Kullamaa now faces charges of drink driving and causing damage to public and private property. Authorities will arrange for a translator to explain Thai law to him before seeking his formal detention at the provincial court. -- 2025-01-30

Israeli Man Arrested in Pattaya for Using Counterfeit US Dollars Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 56-year-old Israeli tourist has been arrested in Pattaya on 29 January, after attempting to exchange counterfeit US $50 bills at a currency exchange booth in the city. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350273-israeli-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-using-counterfeit-us-dollars/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 56-year-old Israeli tourist has been arrested in Pattaya on 29 January, after attempting to exchange counterfeit US $50 bills at a currency exchange booth in the city. Colonel Man Rotthong, Superintendent of Division 2 of the Tourist Police Bureau, along with Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn, Chief Inspector of Pattaya Tourist Police, received a report from an exchange shop on Soi Buakhao. The shop informed authorities that a foreign customer had presented 24 fake $50 banknotes, which, if exchanged, would have amounted to approximately 40,000 Thai Baht. Upon investigation, officers identified the suspect as Mr. Rami Ayash, an Israeli national. He admitted to bringing the banknotes to the shop for exchange. Police then escorted him to the Pattaya Tourist Police Station for further questioning. Ms. Nawaphon Tarasi, an employee at the exchange shop, confirmed that all the banknotes were counterfeit. She pointed out key discrepancies, including the texture of the notes, which felt smoother than genuine ones. Additionally, when tilted, the gold-coloured ‘50’ on the notes failed to change to green as it should. Authorities have charged Mr. Ayash with possessing counterfeit banknotes with the intent to use them despite knowing they are fake. The suspect claimed he had received the notes in Israel before bringing them to Thailand. The police have seized the 24 counterfeit $50 notes as evidence and have transferred the case to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-01-30

Gas Cylinder Explosion at Sattahip Temple Fair Injures Several, Damages Vehicles A gas cylinder used for inflating balloons exploded at a temple fair in Sattahip, Chonburi, on the morning of January 29, injuring several people and damaging multiple vehicles. The incident occurred at Wat Sattahip, known for its annual celebrations honouring Luang Pu Yi, coinciding with the first night of Chinese New Year festivities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350272-gas-cylinder-explosion-at-sattahip-temple-fair-injures-several-damages-vehicles/

Picture from responders. A gas cylinder used for inflating balloons exploded at a temple fair in Sattahip, Chonburi, on the morning of January 29, injuring several people and damaging multiple vehicles. The incident occurred at Wat Sattahip, known for its annual celebrations honouring Luang Pu Yi, coinciding with the first night of Chinese New Year festivities. Emergency responders from the Sawang Rojanatham Sathan Foundation and officers from Sattahip Police Station arrived at the scene near the crematorium of the Royal Thai Navy’s Sattahip base, adjacent to the temple. Among the injured was a 68-year-old Thai man, identified only as “O,” who suffered a lower leg amputation due to the blast. He was immediately transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital for urgent medical treatment. According to witnesses, the victim had been using a modified and visibly aged gas cylinder to inflate balloons for sale at the fair. Investigators believe the explosion may have been caused by an unsafe gas mixture being used to generate gas to inflate the balloons. The blast was so powerful that debris, including fragments of the cylinder, was scattered across the parking area, damaging several nearby vehicles. A truck driver working with a travelling amusement ride company, who had parked near the site, recounted that he had stepped away to the Ferris wheel when he heard a loud explosion. Upon returning, he found the injured vendor and the surrounding area in chaos. CCTV of the blast. Authorities cordoned off the area while forensic teams from Chonburi Province conduct further investigations. The temple fair, which runs from 29 January to 4 February, is expected to attract large crowds, with entertainment, food stalls, and religious ceremonies drawing visitors throughout the week. Local officials have urged vendors and fair organisers to ensure proper safety measures when handling gas cylinders and other hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents. -- 2025-01-30

Head-On Collision Kills Five in Ang Thong A horrific head-on collision between two pickup trucks on Highway 309 in Pa Mok District has resulted in the deaths of five people, with three others left in critical condition. The crash occurred at approximately 14:30 on 29 January. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350269-head-on-collision-kills-five-in-ang-thong/

Pictures from responders. A horrific head-on collision between two pickup trucks on Highway 309 in Pa Mok District has resulted in the deaths of five people, with three others left in critical condition. The crash, which occurred at approximately 14:30 on 29 January, saw kitchen utensils, cooking equipment, and food scattered across the road, painting a grim scene, as the vehicles were travelling for Chinese New Year celebrations. Police Lieutenant Colonel Amnat Meethongkham, an investigator at Pa Mok Police Station, received reports of a serious crash involving two pickup trucks in Moo 3, Bang Sadet Subdistrict. Emergency responders, including medical personnel from Pa Mok Hospital and rescue teams from the Ang Thong Rescue Association, were dispatched to the site. At the scene, authorities found a white Isuzu pickup truck with Bangkok registration number. Three individuals were trapped inside, prompting rescuers to use hydraulic cutters to extract them. Two were freed and rushed to Pa Mok Hospital in critical condition, while the third, a child, was pronounced dead at the scene. The father later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, leaving the mother as the sole survivor of the family, though she remains in critical condition. About 5 metres away, a silver Isuzu pickup truck with Sing Buri registration number was found completely wrecked. Five individuals were trapped inside, and rescuers managed to extract two survivors, both in critical condition. Three others, a man and two women, were found deceased inside the vehicle. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collision, as all surviving victims are in critical condition and unable to provide statements. Initial observations suggest that the vehicles collided head-on with significant impact, leaving both heavily damaged. The road in question is marked with lane divisions but lacks a central barrier, raising concerns about potential road safety hazards. Police collected evidence from the crash site, taking photographs, and reviewing CCTV footage from along the route to establish the circumstances leading to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the collision. -- 2025-01-30

Rescuers Discover Body of Man Killed by Elephant in Rubber Plantation In an incident highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in rural Thailand, the body of a 40-year-old man, who had been missing for six days, was discovered in a rubber plantation. The deceased is believed to have been trampled by a wild elephant. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350268-rescuers-discover-body-of-man-killed-by-elephant-in-rubber-plantation/

Picture from responders. In an incident highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in rural Thailand, the body of a 40-year-old man, who had been missing for six days, was discovered in a rubber plantation. The deceased is believed to have been trampled by a wild elephant. The discovery was made by volunteers from the “Dawn Light Unit” (ชุดจุดแสงตะวัน), a local volunteer group dedicated to search and rescue operations. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was found in the rubber plantation near Ban Sa Luang, Moo 28, in the Thung Maha Charoen sub-district, Sa Kaeo Province. Relatives of the deceased had been searching for him since he went missing nearly a week ago. The body was located in an advanced state of decomposition, prompting immediate action from the volunteers and local authorities. The rescuers coordinated the retrieval of the body, using a spine board to transport the fragile remains wrapped in sheeting. The body was sent to Wang Nam Yen Hospital for a post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death. Preliminary reports suggest that the man may have encountered a wild elephant while working in the plantation, leading to the fatal incident. This event underscores the dangers faced by communities living in close proximity to wildlife habitats, particularly in areas where human activities increasingly encroach on elephant territories. Wild elephants, while revered in Thai culture, are known to cause fatalities and property damage when they venture into human settlements in search of food. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of wild elephants to prevent further incidents. Efforts are also being made to raise awareness about safety measures when working or living near forested areas. -- 2025-01-30

Fire Engulfs Car Repair Shop in Bangkok’s Min Buri District A fierce fire broke out in the early hours of the morning of 29 January, at a car repair shop in Ram Intra Soi 117, Min Buri District, causing extensive damage to the property and several vehicles. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread further, but the repair shop was completely gutted. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350264-fire-engulfs-car-repair-shop-in-bangkok’s-min-buri-district/

Picture from responders. A fierce fire broke out in the early hours of the morning of 29 January, at a car repair shop in Ram Intra Soi 117, Min Buri District, causing extensive damage to the property and several vehicles. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread further, but the repair shop was completely gutted. At 00:24 the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call reporting the fire. Crews from the Bang Chan Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched immediately, arriving at the scene within minutes at 00:28. Firefighters were met with an intense blaze consuming the single-storey wooden structure, which was surrounded by corrugated metal sheets. The fire had already spread to two vehicles parked nearby, creating a hazardous situation. Crews quickly deployed water hose-lines to suppress the flames, working to prevent further escalation. Officials confirmed that no individuals were trapped inside the building, allowing firefighters to focus on controlling the spread. Additional fire trucks were brought in to tackle the growing inferno, but despite their efforts, the fire spread to an adjacent residential property and three more vehicles. The fire was eventually brought under control, though by the time it was fully extinguished, the car repair shop was left in ruins. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky and flames rapidly consuming the workshop. One local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I woke up to the sound of crackling flames and saw the fire spreading so fast. It was terrifying, but the firefighters arrived quickly and did an incredible job stopping it from getting worse.” The incident has highlighted concerns over fire safety measures in small businesses, particularly those handling flammable materials. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, though preliminary reports suggest it may have originated within the repair shop. Firefighters and forensic experts are conducting a thorough investigation to establish whether an electrical fault, chemical combustion, or human error was responsible for igniting the blaze. -- 2025-01-30

Police Sergeant Found Dead in Resort Room with Suicide Note An incident unfolded at a resort in Tha Chana District, Surat Thani, where a police sergeant was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities discovered a suicide note expressing despair over his struggles with chronic health conditions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350262-police-sergeant-found-dead-in-resort-room-with-suicide-note/

Bystander Tries to Help Injured Motorcyclist but Pickup Truck Runs Over Victim, Killing Him A crash in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man after a pickup truck ran over him while a bystander was trying to assist following an earlier motorcycle crash. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350263-bystander-tries-to-help-injured-motorcyclist-but-pickup-truck-runs-over-victim-killing-him/

Picture from responders. A crash in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man after a pickup truck ran over him while a bystander was trying to assist following an earlier motorcycle crash. The incident occurred at approximately 02:00 on January 29, on Kanchanaphisek Road, inbound towards Taling Chan, near the Bang Yai interchange. Officers from Bang Yai Police Station, along with rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and forensic medical experts, were called to the scene. At the scene, police found the body of Mr. Prawit, 35, lying in the middle of the road. Nearby was a damaged black Honda PCX motorcycle, registered in Bangkok. About 50 metres away, a grey Toyota pickup truck, also registered in Bangkok, was parked, with its driver, Mr. Ramruay, waiting for authorities. A number of broken plastic barriers and metal poles were scattered across the road, showing clear signs of a collision. Mr. Jannarong, 31, a witness and Good Samaritan, stated that as he was driving past, he noticed the injured motorcyclist lying unconscious on the road. Unsure of what had caused the initial crash, he stopped to help. He used his mobile phone flashlight to signal oncoming vehicles, which swerved to avoid the injured man. However, the approaching pickup truck was travelling at high speed and did not stop in time. Mr. Jannarong had to jump onto a barrier to avoid being hit, while the truck tragically ran over the victim. The pickup truck driver, Mr. Ramruay, claimed he had been driving from Sai Noi to purchase goods for sale. As he approached the scene, he saw multiple vehicles pulled over on the left and attempted to overtake them by moving to the right. It was only at the last moment that he noticed a person lying on the road, but he was unable to brake in time to avoid the collision. Police have taken statements from the pickup driver and eyewitnesses and will review CCTV footage to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The victim’s body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for further examination. -- 2025-01-30

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident unfolded at a resort in Tha Chana District, Surat Thani, where a police sergeant was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities discovered a suicide note expressing despair over his struggles with chronic health conditions. At approximately 12:20 on 29 January, Police Lieutenant Samatphong Kim-Ao, an investigator from Tha Chana Police Station, received a report of a fatal shooting at a local resort. Upon arrival, officers found the body of a 31-year-old police sergeant lying on a bed, dressed in a red T-shirt. A single gunshot wound was visible on his chest, with a 9mm pistol found beside him. The deceased had checked into the resort alone at around 22:00 on 28 January. Staff recalled hearing a loud noise resembling firecrackers around 23:00 but dismissed it as part of Chinese New Year celebrations. When the guest failed to respond the following morning, the resort owner unlocked the room with a spare key and made the grim discovery. At the scene, police recovered a single 9mm shell casing, the firearm with 15 remaining rounds, and four handwritten notes lamenting his life struggles. A backpack containing medication and an official police ID was also found. Authorities confirmed that the deceased had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, requiring regular medication. The case is being treated as a suicide, though a full investigation and forensic examination are ongoing. 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. -- 2025-01-30

Homeless Man Attacks Woman with Machete, Severing Her Fingers in Sattahip A 50-year-old woman collecting recyclables in Chonburi was viciously attacked with a machete by a homeless man after throwing leftover food to a stray dog. The attack, which occurred around 13.00 on 29 January, left the woman with severed fingers and severe arm injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350260-homeless-man-attacks-woman-with-machete-severing-her-fingers-in-sattahip/

Picture from responders. A 50-year-old woman collecting recyclables in Chonburi was viciously attacked with a machete by a homeless man after throwing leftover food to a stray dog. The attack, which occurred around 13.00 on 29 January, left the woman with severed fingers and severe arm injuries. Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene at an unnumbered property in Soi 15, Najomtien, Sattahip District, following reports of the violent assault. Upon arrival, officers found pools of blood on the ground, along with the victim, later identified as Somjit Saelao. She had sustained deep cuts to her right hand, with her thumb and index finger completely severed. She also suffered a severe gash on her elbow, exposing bone. Rescue teams quickly transported her to Wat Yannasangwararam Hospital for emergency treatment. The suspect, known only as "Yod," fled the scene immediately after the attack. Witnesses reported that Yod, a homeless man, had previously clashed with Somjit over various disputes. According to a witness named Khao, the incident escalated when Somjit, after returning from collecting recyclables, tossed some food scraps to a stray dog near Yod's makeshift shelter. Enraged, Yod emerged from his shelter, confronted her, and after a brief argument, grabbed a machete and struck her. Police at Najomtien Police Station have secured evidence from the scene, including the machete and its sheath, and are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to track down the suspect. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to report any sightings of Yod as they work to bring him to justice. -- 2025-01-30

AOT Chairman Resigns to Make Way for New Leadership Picture courtesy of Matichon. Pol. Gen. Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth has officially resigned as Chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), citing a desire to allow new leadership to build upon the company’s recent achievements. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350259-aot-chairman-resigns-to-make-way-for-new-leadership/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Pol. Gen. Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth has officially resigned as Chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), citing a desire to allow new leadership to build upon the company’s recent achievements. AOT’s Corporate Secretary, Mr Krit Pakakit, confirmed the resignation in an official letter dated 27 January, addressed to the company’s board and the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The letter stated that Pol. Gen. Wisanu’s resignation took effect on 25 January, as he faced increasing responsibilities that limited his availability for AOT. Additionally, Associate Professor Teera Chiasiripongkul, an independent director and audit committee member, also announced his resignation, effective from 27 February, due to academic and professional commitments. AOT will soon appoint replacements for both positions. In his resignation letter, Pol. Gen. Wisanu reflected on his tenure, which began on 29 November 2023. He highlighted the Thai government’s efforts to elevate the country’s airports to global standards, aiming to position Thailand as a leading aviation hub. During his leadership, AOT achieved several key milestones, including: • Suvarnabhumi Airport improving its Skytrax ranking to 58th, up from 68th. • Don Mueang Airport being ranked among the Top 10 World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Terminals. • Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal receiving a 4-star rating for architecture, cleanliness, atmosphere, and facilities. • Improvements in passenger processing efficiency, enhancing the Fast and Hassle-Free Airport initiative. Pol. Gen. Wisanu expressed gratitude to AOT’s board, executives, and staff for their collaboration in driving these achievements. He stated that AOT had successfully transitioned from addressing urgent challenges to a phase of sustained development and expansion. Believing that AOT is now at a stage where fresh leadership can take the company further, Pol. Gen. Wisanu decided to step down to make way for new management. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all board members, executives, and staff for their dedication and teamwork,” he wrote. “I wish AOT continued success in its mission to become a world-class aviation organisation.” -- 2025-01-30