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Picture from responders. In an incident on 25 January, Udon Thani police discovered the charred remains of a man after a fire at his hut within a rubber plantation in Ban Sri Muang Village, Ban Dung District. The deceased, identified as Mr. Chaiyut, was found severely burned near the central part of the structure. The fire, which engulfed the entire hut and nearby grass, was extinguished by local firefighters. All belongings were destroyed, and Mr. Chaiyut's body was found with only parts of his torso and head identifiable, heavily damaged by the flames. According to relatives, the deceased had a history of depression and drug addiction. Earlier that day, he had attended a family funeral in the village and purchased a small bottle of rice whisky from a local shop. CCTV footage captured him arriving on a blue Honda Wave motorbike, appearing agitated and refusing to dismount as he quickly bought his items before riding to the plantation. Authorities are exploring multiple theories. Initial speculation suggests that Mr. Chaiyut may have accidentally set the hut ablaze while intoxicated, possibly from a cigarette. Another angle being investigated is the possibility of foul play, potentially linked to debts from methamphetamine use. However, police have not ruled out any scenarios and await further investigation to clarify the circumstances. Despite the suspicions, the family does not believe he was murdered and has not raised concerns about the cause of death. They have since conducted traditional funeral rites, including cremation at the site of the incident. One poignant detail from the ceremony was the presence of "Dam," Mr. Chaiyut's loyal male dog, who sat in vigil near his late owner's pyre. Mr. Chaiyut had been living alone for over a decade following his divorce. He leaves behind twin daughters, now grown and living elsewhere. Police continue their investigation into the incident, urging anyone with additional information to come forward. -- 2025-01-26

British Man Arrested in Thailand for 20-Year-Old UK Murder Case Collaboration between Immigration Bureau and DSI leads to capture of Yorkshire Dales murder suspect. In a breakthrough case spanning two decades, Thai Immigration authorities, in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), apprehended 62-year-old British national David Stuart Armitage Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349885-british-man-arrested-in-thailand-for-20-year-old-uk-murder-case/

Picture courtesy of Immigration. Collaboration between Immigration Bureau and DSI leads to capture of Yorkshire Dales murder suspect. In a breakthrough case spanning two decades, Thai Immigration authorities, in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), apprehended 62-year-old British national David Stuart Armitage. Armitage is the prime suspect in the murder of his Thai wife, Lamduan Armitage (née Seekanya), whose body was discovered in 2004 in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, UK. The arrest took place on 23 January 2025 in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, where the suspect had been living in hiding. Lamduan's body was found in 2004 by hikers in the Yorkshire Dales. For years, she remained unidentified and was dubbed "The Lady of the Hills." DNA testing in 2019 finally confirmed her identity, linking her to her family in Udon Thani, Thailand. Lamduan had moved to the UK to live with her British husband, David Armitage, and their two children. Reports suggest she had been working in a Thai restaurant and had confided in her family about being subjected to domestic abuse shortly before her disappearance. Authorities tracked Armitage to a residence at 46/1 Nong Bua, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province. After confirming his identity, the Immigration Bureau deemed him a threat under Section 12(7) of the Thai Immigration Act, B.E. 2522, and revoked his residency permit. He was subsequently detained at the Immigration Detention Centre in Suan Phlu, Bangkok, for extradition proceedings under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between Thailand and the United Kingdom. This arrest highlights the joint efforts between Thai and UK authorities. The operation was coordinated by senior officials, including Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong and Immigration Bureau Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak. The collaboration extended to the DSI, whose officers provided crucial support in apprehending the fugitive. With Armitage now in custody, legal proceedings are underway to extradite him to the UK to face charges related to Lamduan's death. Authorities on both sides remain committed to ensuring justice for the victim and her family. This case underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crimes and bringing long- standing fugitives to justice. Previous article. https://aseannow.com/topic/1286422-british-police-head-to-thailand-over-womans-2004-yorkshire-dales-death/ -- 2025-01-26

Contractor Suffers Severe Injuries in 5-Metre Scaffolding Fall in Pattaya A 56-year-old contractor sustained serious injuries after falling from scaffolding at an apartment building in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. The accident occurred at approximately 11:00 on January 25, while renovation work was underway. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349859-contractor-suffers-severe-injuries-in-5-metre-scaffolding-fall-in-pattaya/

Rayong: Motorcyclist Trapped Under Fortuner Dies Despite Rescue Efforts A crash occurred on 24 January at a junction in Nikom Pattana district, Rayong, when a motorcycle collided with a red Toyota Fortuner, leaving one woman trapped under the vehicle and critically injured. Despite rescue efforts, the woman later succumbed to her injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349857-rayong-motorcyclist-trapped-under-fortuner-dies-despite-rescue-efforts/

Two Teenage Girls Killed in Collision in Sattahip A road crash claimed the lives of two teenage girls after their motorcycle collided with a Toyota Fortuner on Sukhumvit Road near the entrance to Rangsee Sunthorn Temple in Plutaluang, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349856-two-teenage-girls-killed-in-collision-in-sattahip/

Ranong: Wife Shoots Husband in Car Following Domestic Abuse An incident unfolded on January 24, when a woman fatally shot her husband after enduring repeated instances of domestic abuse. The altercation occurred inside their vehicle as the couple was travelling back to Khura Buri district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349854-ranong-wife-shoots-husband-in-car-following-domestic-abuse/

Young Ex-Conscript Takes His Own Life After Argument with Grandmother A 23-year-old ex-conscript, feeling disheartened after being scolded by his grandmother for not working and being a burden, tragically ended his life by hanging himself in a bathroom at their home in Udon Thani province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349853-young-ex-conscript-takes-his-own-life-after-argument-with-grandmother/

Picture from the arrest. Authorities in Chumphon Province have arrested a 57-year-old man who reportedly terrorised his community by firing weapons to intimidate residents and harassing his wife and stepchild, forcing them to flee for their safety. A large cache of firearms and ammunition was seized during the operation. The arrest, led by Chumphon Provincial Investigation Unit under Pol Lt Col Wiwat Chimmani, involved officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), local administrative officials, and police. The suspect, Mr. Watcharin (surname withheld), a resident of Khuan Si Subdistrict, Ban Na San District, Surat Thani, was taken into custody on charges of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition without authorisation. Items seized during the operation included: 1. HK Mark 23 .45-calibre pistol 2. STI President .40-calibre pistol 3. 66 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition 4. 123 rounds of 45-calibre ammunition 5. 131 rounds of .44-calibre ammunition 6. 173 rounds of .40-calibre ammunition 7. 80 rounds of 9mm ammunition 8. 108 rounds of 7.62-calibre ammunition 9. Ammunition belt for an M60 machine gun 10. 25 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition 11. Seven magazines (.45 and .40 calibres) The suspect was apprehended at a durian orchard behind his home in Pak Tako Subdistrict, Thung Tako District. Police discovered one firearm hidden beneath a shelter in the orchard, while additional weapons and ammunition were found concealed in a white Ford four-door pickup truck. An M60-compatible ammunition belt, along with 7.62mm rounds, was found stored in a fibre tube within the orchard. Mr. Watcharin, originally from Surat Thani, married a widow with one child two years ago and joined her in managing her 60-rai durian farm. Despite achieving financial success, he reportedly became increasingly aggressive, frequently firing weapons to intimidate neighbours and instigating disputes with his wife and stepchild. His violent behaviour ultimately drove his wife and stepchild to flee to her parents' home in Sawi District, Chumphon. The situation prompted a formal complaint to ISOC Chumphon, leading to a coordinated operation that resulted in his arrest. The suspect claimed to be a competitive shooting enthusiast, stating that he regularly participated in shooting competitions and collected firearms as a hobby. However, police records revealed he had been arrested in 2018 on similar firearm possession charges. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, while the seized weapons and ammunition have been taken into custody for further examination. -- 2025-01-26

Man, 57, Arrested in Durian Orchard with Arsenal of Weapons and Ammunition Authorities in Chumphon Province have arrested a 57-year-old man who reportedly terrorised his community by firing weapons to intimidate residents and harassing his wife and stepchild, forcing them to flee for their safety. A large cache of firearms and ammunition was seized during the operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349852-man-57-arrested-in-durian-orchard-with-arsenal-of-weapons-and-ammunition/

Man, 48, Brutally Killed with Axe Outside His Home: Perpetrator Likely Close to Victim A brutal murder has shocked the community in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi, as a 48-year-old man was killed outside his home with an axe. Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by someone close to the victim, potentially linked to disputes over land or a borrowed motorcycle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349851-man-48-brutally-killed-with-axe-outside-his-home-perpetrator-likely-close-to-victim/

Armed Man Robs Village Shop, Police Arrive Hours After Report A man allegedly under the influence of drugs entered a village shop armed with a gun and stole several items in broad daylight. Despite the shopkeeper reporting the incident to the police in the late morning, officers failed to arrive at the scene until late evening, sparking concerns over public safety. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349850-armed-man-robs-village-shop-police-arrive-hours-after-report/

Pickup Truck Overturns After Swerving to Avoid Motorbike: One Dead, Five Injured A pickup truck was severely damaged after swerving to avoid a motorbike that abruptly cut in front of it. The vehicle lost control and plunged into a roadside ditch, leaving one person dead and five others injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349849-pickup-truck-overturns-after-swerving-to-avoid-motorbike-one-dead-five-injured/

Don Mueang Airport Check-In System Crash Picture courtesy of Khoasod. The check-in system at Don Mueang Airport experienced a significant disruption early morning on 25 January , leaving passengers frustrated and facing lengthy delays. The Airports of Thailand (AoT) and Don Mueang Airport officials have since restored the system to normal and plan to convene a meeting to address the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349847-don-mueang-airport-check-in-system-crash/

Dramatic Scenes as Car Erupts in Flames Just 10 Metres from Petrol Station in Phetchaburi A construction team narrowly escaped disaster on the morning of January 25, when their vehicle burst into flames shortly after refuelling at a petrol station near Phetchaburi Rajabhat University. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349846-dramatic-scenes-as-car-erupts-in-flames-just-10-metres-from-petrol-station-in-phetchaburi/

Missing Councillor Found Dead in Submerged Pickup Truck in Nakhon Ratchasima The body of a missing municipal councillor was discovered on January 25, in a submerged pickup truck in a pond in Nong Bunnak district, Nakhon Ratchasima, after a five-day search. Authorities believe the driver lost control and plunged into the water. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349844-missing-councillor-found-dead-in-submerged-pickup-truck-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Picture from responders. A 56-year-old contractor sustained serious injuries after falling from scaffolding at an apartment building in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. The accident occurred at approximately 11:00 on January 25, while renovation work was underway. The Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Rescue Centre responded to reports of the incident at an apartment complex in Soi 12, Nong Yai, Nong Prue subdistrict. Rescuers arrived to find Mr. Rotjanat Yesoongnoen, a contractor specialising in building renovations, lying on the concrete ground near the rear of room A20 on the ground floor. Mr. Rotjanat, who was severely injured, was immediately given first aid by rescue personnel before being transported to Bang Lamung Hospital for further treatment. The scaffolding structure, approximately 8 metres high and used for roof ceiling repairs, showed evidence of damage, with collapsed steel components visible at the site. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing Mr. Rotjanat conversing with his wife moments before the fall, asking about the time as he prepared to come down for lunch. While descending from the fourth level of the scaffolding, he stepped onto a steel bar on the third level that gave way, causing him to plummet approximately 5 metres to the ground. Authorities are investigating the incident. -- 2025-01-26

Picture from responders. A crash occurred on 24 January at a junction in Nikom Pattana district, Rayong, when a motorcycle collided with a red Toyota Fortuner, leaving one woman trapped under the vehicle and critically injured. Despite rescue efforts, the woman later succumbed to her injuries. Police from Nikom Pattana Station and Siam Rayong Rescue Volunteers rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a serious collision at the Soi 1 and Line 15 intersection. At the scene, the front of the Toyota Fortuner was damaged. Beneath the vehicle, the motorcyclist, identified as Ms. Phian, 37, was found unconscious. Another woman, Ms. Tik, who had been riding pillion, was discovered nearby, lying beside the damaged motorcycle. Approximately 10 metres away, a grey pickup truck carrying timber, also with significant front-end damage, was parked at the scene. Rescue workers used equipment to lift the Fortuner and free Ms. Phian, who had sustained severe injuries, including a head wound, fractures in her neck, and crushing injuries to her body. Covered in blood, she was given CPR before being rushed to Nikom Pattana Hospital, where she later passed away. The emotional scene turned even more distressing when Ms. Phian's husband arrived and collapsed in tears upon seeing his critically injured wife. Holding her foot tightly, he pleaded for her survival, but his efforts were in vain. Mr. Suthep, 50, a family friend, explained that Ms. Phian and her sister-in-law, Ms. Tik, were on their way to buy groceries when the accident occurred. According to the pickup truck driver, the Fortuner was travelling from Soi 1, his own truck from Soi 4, and the motorcycle from Lane 15. At the intersection, the Fortuner collided with the motorcycle, causing it to spin into the pickup truck. During the collision, Ms. Phian fell and became trapped under the Fortuner. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances of the crash and to pursue legal action where necessary. -- 2025-01-26

Pictures from responders and dash-cam below. A road crash claimed the lives of two teenage girls after their motorcycle collided with a Toyota Fortuner on Sukhumvit Road near the entrance to Rangsee Sunthorn Temple in Plutaluang, Chonburi. The incident occurred at approximately 19:30 on 24 January. Plutaluang Police Station, along with rescue teams from Sawang Rojanathamsathan Sattahip Foundation, rushed to the scene following reports of a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a car. At the scene, emergency responders found a black Honda Wave motorcycle, registered in Rayong, severely damaged at the front. It had collided with the side of a black Toyota Fortuner, registered in Bangkok, driven by Mr. Suchart Khonkhong. The motorcycle's rider and passenger, identified as Miss Pasika, aged 16, and Miss Kornya, aged 15, were found unconscious and critically injured. Rescue workers administered CPR and transported them to the emergency room at Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital. Tragically, both girls succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. Witnesses, including Sub Lt. Chatree Chomthawon, who was driving nearby, stated that the motorcycle was travelling in the left lane along the hard shoulder when the Toyota Fortuner made an illegal U-turn across the traffic flow to enter the temple. The sudden manoeuvre caused the motorcycle to crash into the car. Dash-cam footage from a nearby vehicle confirmed the sequence of events. Authorities are continuing their investigation and will pursue legal action against those responsible. -- 2025-01-26 ScreenRecording_01-25-2025 15-34-22_1.mp4

Picture from responders. A 23-year-old ex-conscript, feeling disheartened after being scolded by his grandmother for not working and being a burden, tragically ended his life by hanging himself in a bathroom at their home in Udon Thani province. At approximately 17:50 on 24th January, Pol Lt Col Rueangyot Phudanu, an investigator from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, was alerted to the incident at a single-storey house in Na Sai Village, Nong Khon Kwang Subdistrict, Udon Thani. Authorities, including a medical examiner, medics from Udon Thani Hospital, and rescue volunteers, were dispatched to the scene. The deceased, identified as Private Purachai, or "Pu", was found in the house's central living area, with his uncle grieving beside the body. Earlier, the young man had used a green nylon rope to hang himself from a metal roof beam in the bathroom. Family members, upon discovering the incident, cut him down and attempted CPR while waiting for emergency responders. Despite further resuscitation attempts by medics, they were unable to revive him. The deceased's grandmother, Mrs. Nuanjira 59, described her late grandson as someone she had raised since childhood, with him calling her "Mum." Recently, he had been serving as a conscript in a military camp in Chonburi Province but returned home six months ago. He had since been staying at her house, unemployed, and reportedly spending time with friends. Recounting the moments leading up to the tragedy, Mrs. Nuanjira said she had been sitting in the house with her grandson and asked about his motorbike. He replied that it had run out of petrol and was left at a friend's dormitory. She then asked, "When will you look for a job? You leave the dishes for me to clean after every meal." She said she only spoke briefly, but her grandson replied, "You don't want me to be a burden, do you? I'll take care of it." He then walked to the bathroom. Unaware of his intentions, she continued writing. About 10 minutes later, another grandson alerted her to check the bathroom, where they found him hanging. Despite efforts to save him, it was too late. Police confirmed that the family has no further suspicions about the death. The body has been transferred to Udon Thani Hospital for an autopsy. Authorities have also contacted the deceased's military unit to inform them of the incident, in line with procedural and legal requirements, as formal discharge papers were still awaited. 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. -- 2025-01-26

Picture from responders. An incident unfolded on January 24, when a woman fatally shot her husband after enduring repeated instances of domestic abuse. The altercation occurred inside their vehicle as the couple was travelling back to Khura Buri district. Reports indicate that the husband, who had a history of physical violence, allegedly began choking his wife during a heated argument while driving. In a desperate act of self-defence, the wife retrieved a firearm and discharged four rounds, killing him instantly. The car subsequently veered off the road, crashing into a tree near the Phu Khao Ya curve, close to the prominent "Prince Crab" statue in Ranong province. The wife remained at the scene and surrendered herself to local police officers upon their arrival. Both individuals were identified as residents of the Ban Tiam area in Khura Buri district. Rescue personnel from the Ranong Relief Foundation transported the deceased's body to Ranong Hospital for a post- mortem examination. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and its impact on families and communities. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and have not disclosed what legal charges will be issued. -- 2025-01-26

Picture captured from CCTV A man allegedly under the influence of drugs entered a village shop armed with a gun and stole several items in broad daylight. Despite the shopkeeper reporting the incident to the police in the late morning, officers failed to arrive at the scene until late evening, sparking concerns over public safety. The incident occurred at 11:05 in Ban Soop, Nam Suay Subdistrict, Mueang District, Loei Province. CCTV footage captured the suspect, a man with a gun tucked into his waistband, entering the shop while the owner was in her house. He proceeded to take snacks and drinks, carried them to the counter, and placed them down. The footage shows the man removing the gun from his waistband and placing it on the counter while picking up the dropped items, before casually leaving the shop without paying. The shop owner, Ms. Auayporn Thepha, 51, was alerted by the sound of someone entering her shop. Upon seeing the man leaving with stolen goods, she immediately checked the CCTV footage. Shocked by the man's behaviour, she reported the incident to Na Din Dam Police Station at around midday and provided the CCTV evidence. However, by 17:30 no officers had arrived, prompting her to post about the delay on Facebook. Her post read: "Where can we find safety? Reported this to the police at noon, and it's now 17:30 with no response. A real gun, broad daylight, no fear of anything. Life is getting harder by the day, but at least he didn't shoot anyone. Ban Soop, Nam Suay Subdistrict, Loei." The post quickly went viral, prompting local police to respond. Officers finally arrived in the evening, reviewed the CCTV footage, and identified the suspect as "Noon," a man aged 38, known in the area for frequent drug use and erratic behaviour. Witnesses reported seeing him walking through the village with a gun on multiple occasions. His house is only 3-4 houses away from the shop. Police and the suspect's relatives have since worked to persuade him to surrender. The man's parents, who were out of town in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, are on their way back to assist with the situation. This incident has highlighted concerns about police response times and safety in rural areas. -- 2025-01-26

Picture from responders. A brutal murder has shocked the community in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi, as a 48-year-old man was killed outside his home with an axe. Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by someone close to the victim, potentially linked to disputes over land or a borrowed motorcycle. At around 18:00 on 24th January, police from Tha Muang Police Station were alerted to the incident. They, along with officers from the Khun Rattanawut Foundation and forensic teams, rushed to the scene in Soi Tha Lo 5, Moo 3, Tha Lo Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi. The crime scene, located outside a single-storey cement house, revealed the body of Mr. Sarawut 48, lying on his back. A deep wound caused by a sharp object was found on the left side of his neck, with blood pooling around him. An metal axe was discovered near his body and is believed to be the murder weapon. Bloodstains were also found inside the house, alongside signs of a violent struggle. According to Ms. Ice, the victim's daughter, she was informed by relatives in the evening that her father had been attacked. Rushing to the scene, she was horrified to find his lifeless body. Police have already obtained audio evidence of an argument from a neighbouring house, which may identify the attacker. Ms. Ice refrained from naming any suspects but mentioned the dispute may be related to land ownership or the borrowing of a motorcycle. Meanwhile, Mr. Sophon, a former village assistant headman and neighbour, said he had known Mr. Sarawut since childhood, as the land where the house is located belonged to Mr. Sarawut's mother. The victim, who worked as a labourer, was described as an ordinary and hardworking man. Police have reviewed the audio evidence and believe they have identified the suspect. Investigators are now working closely with the victim's relatives to confirm the suspect's identity. A team has been dispatched to locate the person in question, with an arrest anticipated. -- 2025-01-26

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. The check-in system at Don Mueang Airport experienced a significant disruption early morning on 25 January , leaving passengers frustrated and facing lengthy delays. The Airports of Thailand (AoT) and Don Mueang Airport officials have since restored the system to normal and plan to convene a meeting to address the incident. According to reports, the issue arose at approximately 03:00 on 25 January. Passengers at both domestic and international terminals were unable to use self-service kiosks or standard check-in counters due to a system crash. The disruption caused queues to grow significantly longer, with many passengers reporting extra wait times. The prolonged delays prompted complaints from passengers, some of whom voiced their dissatisfaction over the inconvenience. In response, airport staff implemented temporary measures, including deploying additional personnel to assist passengers and switching to a manual check-in process to maintain operations. To minimise further disruptions, airport authorities advised passengers to allow extra time for travel and to check flight information through airline online platforms. By 05:00 officials confirmed that the system was back online, with no reports of missed flights during the incident. Preliminary investigations revealed that the disruption was caused by a failure in the SITA server, a system widely used across the country. Mr Keerati Kijmanawat, President of AoT, noted that while Don Mueang Airport had previously experienced a system failure, the current issue was unrelated to prior incidents. Airport officials have assured passengers that the system has been updated and is now functioning normally. Passengers were redirected to airline check-in counters during the outage to minimise inconvenience. A joint meeting between AoT and Don Mueang Airport was scheduled for 13:00 on January 25, at the Don Mueang International Airport Operations Centre. The meeting will focus on determining the root cause of the incident and developing long-term solutions to prevent future disruptions. Plans for managing similar situations in the future will also be reviewed. Airport officials expressed their apologies for the inconvenience caused and reiterated their commitment to improving service reliability. -- 2025-01-26