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Funeral Held for 18 Victims of Bus Crash in Prachinburi Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A mass funeral was held on 1 March for 18 victims of the devastating double-decker bus crash that occurred at Khao Thon Hill in Prachinburi Province. Grief-stricken families gathered at Wat Pha Wiwek Thammakhun in Bung Kan to bid farewell to their loved ones, with mourners overwhelmed by sorrow and loss. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353267-funeral-held-for-18-victims-of-bus-crash-in-prachinburi/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A mass funeral was held on 1 March for 18 victims of the devastating double-decker bus crash that occurred at Khao Thon Hill in Prachinburi Province. Grief-stricken families gathered at Wat Pha Wiwek Thammakhun in Bung Kan to bid farewell to their loved ones, with mourners overwhelmed by sorrow and loss. The fatal crash took place on Route 304, at a steep downhill section of Khao Thon Hill, in Na Di District, Prachinburi. The double-decker bus, carrying passengers from Bung Kan to Rayong for a study visit, overturned. At 16:51 on 1 March, the bodies of the deceased were transported to the cremation site, where family members performed last rites amid an atmosphere of profound grief. The 18 victims cremated in the ceremony included: • Hom Chan-on, Thong-in Chan-on, Thongsai Phromlert, Thongbai Sonchiangkham, Mayuree Wongsupa, Liew Chaisena, Phiranan Phirom Charanthawon, Pimpakan Phinthanaew, Phanarint Japhob, Sujitra Wisetsap, Buangern Sudabut, Praphatsorn Thongpran, and Aphinya Butrwang. Compensation for Families The families of the 18 deceased victims will receive financial support from multiple sources: • ฿29,700 per victim from the Pracharoen Subdistrict Municipality for funeral expenses • ฿200,000 per victim from the Ministry of Justice • ฿500,000 per victim from mandatory accident insurance (Por Ror Bor insurance) • ฿500,000 per victim from voluntary insurance (Type 3 coverage) Additionally, the Pracharoen Subdistrict Municipality has pledged to cover all funeral-related costs. The has reignited concerns over the safety of double-decker buses on Thailand’s steep mountain roads, prompting authorities to review traffic regulations and safety measures. Related articles: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352898-17-dead-in-bus-crash-on-hillside-road-in-prachinburi/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1353222-renewed-calls-to-phase-out-double-decker-buses-after-fatal-prachin-buri-crash/ -- 2025-03-02

Passenger Van Overturns After Tyre Blowout, Leaving Many Injured A passenger van carrying 13 people overturned after a front tyre burst while navigating a bend in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. The crash left multiple passengers injured, including an elderly woman who was thrown through the windscreen and trapped under the vehicle in critical condition. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353266-passenger-van-overturns-after-tyre-blowout-leaving-many-injured/

Picture from responders, after the van had been recovered. A passenger van carrying 13 people overturned after a front tyre burst while navigating a bend in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. The crash left multiple passengers injured, including an elderly woman who was thrown through the windscreen and trapped under the vehicle in critical condition. At approximately 11:00 on 1 March, Police Lieutenant Somchai Sarakate, an investigator from Pong Nam Ron Police Station, received a report of the accident on Highway 3193, in front of the Thawaphithak Marine Corps Special Task Force Camp. Emergency responders from Sawang Katanyu Foundation rushed to the scene. The white Toyota passenger van, operating as a chartered service, with registration from Nakhon Ratchasima, was found damaged in the middle of the road. The windscreen was shattered, and personal belongings were scattered across the scene. Military personnel and medical staff from Thawaphithak Camp provided first aid to the injured passengers, while medics performed CPR on the 60-year-old woman before transporting her to Pong Nam Ron Hospital in critical condition. The driver, 57-year-old Somsak from Nakhon Ratchasima, who also sustained injuries, stated that he had been transporting passengers from Bangkok to the Phak Khat border market in Pong Nam Ron. While navigating a bend, the right front tyre suddenly burst, causing the van to veer out of control. Despite his efforts to regain control, the van flipped onto its side and skidded along the road. The most seriously injured passenger was ejected through the windscreen and became trapped beneath the vehicle. Somsak added that the tyres had been replaced less than a month ago. Authorities stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-03-02

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/

Uyghurs Plead for Help Before Deportation: MP Reveals Letters Picture courtesy: Thai PBS In a sombre revelation, three letters penned by Uyghur asylum seekers detained in Thailand have surfaced, pleading for international intervention to prevent their deportation to China, where they feared imprisonment or worse. These letters, posted online by MP Kanwee Suebsang, shed light on the desperate situation faced by the asylum seekers, many of whom had been held in Thailand for nearly 11 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353213-uyghurs-plead-for-help-before-deportation-mp-reveals-letters/

Visa-free policy is the cause! Tourists in Dine-and-Dash at Phuket Restaurant Picture courtesy: Daily News A popular restaurant in Phuket has issued a warning following an incident involving two foreign tourists who left without paying. The male and female duo allegedly ordered a substantial meal and drinks at "Malongta Saiyuan" but slipped away unnoticed, leaving the bill unpaid. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353228-visa-free-policy-is-the-cause-tourists-in-dine-and-dash-at-phuket-restaurant/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 2 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1353260-thailand-live-sunday-2-march-2025/

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/