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Young Fish Seller Takes His Own Life Amid Mounting Debt A 32-year-old fish vendor, overwhelmed by the pressure of mounting daily loan repayments, tragically ended his life at a resort in Mueang Maha Sarakham district on January 19. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349272-young-fish-seller-takes-his-own-life-amid-mounting-debt/

Picture from responders. A 32-year-old fish vendor, overwhelmed by the pressure of mounting daily loan repayments, tragically ended his life at a resort in Mueang Maha Sarakham district on January 19. Emergency services were alerted by the resort staff after the man was found unconscious in the bathroom. Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered that he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left temple. Police and forensic experts were called to the scene, where evidence confirmed the use of a homemade.38-calibre firearm. The deceased, identified as Mr. Jakkrit, had been a regular fish vendor at Waeng Nang market in Maha Sarakham. His silver Toyota pickup truck, loaded with water tanks and fish-selling equipment, was parked outside the room. Inside the room, officials found his personal belongings, including a shoulder bag and identification card, neatly placed on the bed. No signs of struggle were observed. Ms. Nongnuch Outrach, a local medic, described the moment she arrived at the scene. "The man was seated in the bathroom with a gun on his lap. At first, we couldn't tell whether the liquid on the floor was water or blood because the room was dark. Once we saw the firearm, we immediately exited and called the police." Family members and fellow market vendors gathered at the resort upon hearing the news, expressing grief and disbelief. Mr. Thawat Phimmaha, the 74-year-old grandfather of the deceased, said, "Jakkrit always took me with him when buying or selling fish. Yesterday was unusual because he didn't take me along and didn't return home. He had debts amounting to 50,000-60,000 baht from multiple lenders, and the pressure of daily repayments was overwhelming. This morning, I tried calling him but couldn't reach him, only to later learn of his death." A fellow fish vendor, Ms. Sumitra Thawon, revealed that Mr. Jakkrit had missed selling at the market for two consecutive days. "Debt collectors came to him every day. He often mentioned the stress of making daily payments. He even joked with his sibling about escaping his debts, but we never thought he would take his own life. It's heartbreaking," she said. 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. -- 2025-01-20

CIB Seizes Illegal Mosquito Repellents in Samut Prakan Warehouse The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has uncovered a large shipment of illegal mosquito repellent products in a warehouse in Samut Prakan. The goods, believed to have been smuggled from China, are suspected to contain dangerous chemicals and pose significant health risks to consumers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349270-cib-seizes-illegal-mosquito-repellents-in-samut-prakan-warehouse/

Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has uncovered a large shipment of illegal mosquito repellent products in a warehouse in Samut Prakan. The goods, believed to have been smuggled from China, are suspected to contain dangerous chemicals and pose significant health risks to consumers. The CIB’s Economic Crime Division (ECD), under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, raided the warehouse in Bang Muang, Samut Prakan, following an investigation into the illegal importation and distribution of the products. The operation led to the arrest of 32-year-old Tatchai, who was reportedly responsible for managing the warehouse. Authorities seized around 380 cartons of mosquito repellents, including popular brands like “Laojan” and others, which had been imported without proper customs clearance or tax payments. The products, which originated from overseas, were found to contain harmful substances such as pyrethroids, meperfluthrin, and dimefluthrin. These chemicals are known to be toxic to both humans and animals, with prolonged exposure or inhalation potentially causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle spasms, weakness, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously issued a warning in 2023 about the potential dangers of using mosquito repellents that lack proper labelling or registration. Consumers were advised to only purchase products with Thai labels and a product number to ensure their safety. Upon investigation, Tatchai was unable to provide the required importation documents or proof of tax payments. As a result, authorities confiscated the illegal goods and charged him with aiding the illegal importation and distribution of unregistered products, a violation of the Customs Act. The CIB continues to ramp up efforts to combat the smuggling of unregistered and potentially hazardous products, warning the public to remain vigilant when purchasing goods that may not meet safety standards. -- 2025-01-20

Mother Seeks Answers Over 2-Year-Old Daughter’s Drowning in Chao Phraya River The drowning of a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, identified as “Nong Pee,” has left her mother and family questioning the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities have launched an investigation following suspicions raised by the family over several irregularities at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349269-mother-seeks-answers-over-2-year-old-daughter’s-drowning-in-chao-phraya-river/

Picture from responders. The drowning of a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, identified as “Nong Pee,” has left her mother and family questioning the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities have launched an investigation following suspicions raised by the family over several irregularities at the scene. The incident occurred on the evening of January 18, at a cluster of fishing rafts along the Chao Phraya River in Ban Hae subdistrict, Mueang district, Ang Thong province. Police from Mueang Ang Thong Police Station, accompanied by rescue personnel, arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a child drowning. The body of the young girl was found floating near one of the rafts. Nearby, her shoes were discovered in the bathroom of another raft, along with a fallen water hose on the floor. Authorities collected these items as evidence and summoned forensic medical experts from Ang Thong Hospital to examine the body. According to relatives and neighbours, Nong Pee Pee went missing earlier in the afternoon, prompting a frantic search. Initially, they only found her shoes and signs of child play in the bathroom of one raft. The search tragically ended when her body was discovered floating later in the evening. Her grandmother, who was present at the time, was left in shock and had to be attended to by neighbours. Police have classified the incident as an unnatural death and sent the child’s body to the Forensic Science Institute for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Nong Pee’s mother, Ms. Pornpan Dechkul, who works in another province, rushed to the police station in Ang Thong to express her doubts about the circumstances of her daughter’s death. She pointed out several inconsistencies: • The location of the drowning was over 100 metres from the family home, separated by an embankment and a bridge, making it unlikely for a child of her age to reach alone. • The shoes were found in the bathroom of one raft, while her body was discovered at a different location altogether. • Nong Pee was not known to wander far on her own. Ms. Pornpan, who frequently visits her daughter on weekends, said her last interaction with Nong Pee was a video call that morning, during which she promised to bring her a new toy. Just hours later, she received a devastating call from her sister informing her of the tragedy. “I cannot accept this. There are too many unanswered questions. I want the police to investigate thoroughly and uncover the truth about my daughter’s death,” she said. The police have assured the family that all aspects of the incident will be examined to provide clarity and justice. -- 2025-01-20

32 Indonesian Nationals Caught Crossing Into Thailand, Claim They Were Tricked Into Working Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. In the early hours of January 19, military personnel patrolling the Thai-Myanmar border apprehended 32 Indonesian nationals illegally crossing into Thailand. The group, consisting of 30 men and two women, was intercepted near Ban Wang Takian Tai, Village 7, Tha Sai Luat Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349268-32-indonesian-nationals-caught-crossing-into-thailand-claim-they-were-tricked-into-working/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. In the early hours of January 19, military personnel patrolling the Thai-Myanmar border apprehended 32 Indonesian nationals illegally crossing into Thailand. The group, consisting of 30 men and two women, was intercepted near Ban Wang Takian Tai, Village 7, Tha Sai Luat Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The operation, conducted by the Rachamanu Task Force, Naresuan Task Force, Mae Sot Immigration Police, and local administrative officials, revealed that the group had crossed from Myanmar’s Myawaddy region via natural border routes. Preliminary investigations showed that the group had been working in Myawaddy but no longer wished to continue their employment. Without any travel documents or passports, they attempted to cross into Thailand with the hope of returning to Indonesia. Biometric checks confirmed that none of the individuals had previously legally entered Thailand. The 32 individuals reported that they were either tricked or lured to work in Myawaddy, a region notorious for its high concentration of call centre operations. These operations are often associated with organised crime and human trafficking, with some workers being enticed by promises of lucrative wages while others are coerced into employment. The border region, particularly along the banks of the Moei River in Myawaddy, has seen the rise of fortified compounds resembling prisons, serving as headquarters for call centre syndicates. These facilities are heavily guarded, and many workers are unable to leave freely. The detained individuals were handed over to police at Mae Sot Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities continue to monitor the border closely to combat illegal crossings and address human trafficking concerns. Thailand remains a key transit route for individuals fleeing exploitative working conditions in neighbouring countries, as regional authorities strive to address the complex challenges posed by cross-border crime. -- 2025-01-20

Mentally Ill Man Rescued After Jumping into 5-Metre Deep Well A 43-year-old man with mental health issues was safely rescued after jumping into a 5-metre-deep well for unknown reasons in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Chalerm Phrakiat district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349266-mentally-ill-man-rescued-after-jumping-into-5-metre-deep-well/

Picture from responders. A 43-year-old man with mental health issues was safely rescued after jumping into a 5-metre-deep well for unknown reasons in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Chalerm Phrakiat district. Emergency responders from the Tai Tek Tung Foundation were alerted to the incident around 13.00 at a residence in Village 6, Thang Phun subdistrict. Upon arrival, they found the man, identified as Mr. Kosin, standing in water at the bottom of the well. He was shirtless, wearing long trousers, and appeared disoriented. Rescue workers lowered themselves into the well, using a tripod rope rescue system and securely tied a rope around Mr. Kosin’s body before hoisting him to safety. Fortunately, Mr. Kosin sustained no serious injuries, only minor scratches. Family members expressed gratitude to the rescue team and said they were unsure how long he had been in the well or why he jumped in. The family pledged to monitor his condition closely and provide the necessary care to prevent similar incidents in the future. -- 2025-01-20

Explosives Discovered During House Renovation in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi District Three hand grenades were discovered inside a plastic bag during a house renovation in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district, prompting an urgent response from bomb disposal experts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349265-explosives-discovered-during-house-renovation-in-bangkok’s-bang-kapi-district/

Picture from responders. Three hand grenades were discovered inside a plastic bag during a house renovation in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district, prompting an urgent response from bomb disposal experts. Officials from Lat Phrao District Office were cleaning and renovating the property at 1200 Soi Sriboonruang 4, Khlong Chan, when they stumbled upon the suspicious items. The plastic bag was initially thought to contain harmless materials but revealed explosives upon inspection. The workers immediately placed the bag back in its original location and reported the find to the local police. Bomb disposal officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and forensic teams quickly arrived at the scene. Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain three hand grenades: an M26, an MK2, and an M67, all in operational condition. The EOD team safely removed the grenades for disposal and will investigate their origin. Authorities have confirmed that the area is now secure and are urging anyone with information about the explosives to contact the police. Further investigations are underway to determine why the grenades were stored in the house and whether criminal activity is involved. -- 2025-01-20

Dancers Returning from Show Injured in Motorway Crash: 7 Hurt, 1 Seriously Seven people were injured, one critically, after a car carrying a group of dancers returning from a performance in Khao Yai overturned on the M6 Motorway early morning on January 19. Authorities believe the crash was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349264-dancers-returning-from-show-injured-in-motorway-crash-7-hurt-1-seriously/

Picture from responders. Seven people were injured, one critically, after a car carrying a group of dancers returning from a performance in Khao Yai overturned on the M6 Motorway early morning on January 19. Authorities believe the crash was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. The incident occurred at 06:40 near the Semma subdistrict, Sung Noen district, in Nakhon Ratchasima. Rescue teams from Hook 31 in Sikhiu rushed to the scene to assist the injured passengers. At the crash site, a Nissan March with Nakhon Ratchasima license plates was found overturned on the side of the motorway. Seven occupants of the vehicle, all dancers, suffered injuries ranging from cuts and abrasions to serious head trauma. One individual sustained critical injuries and was immediately transported to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for emergency treatment. Initial investigations revealed that the group had been returning from a performance in Khao Yai when the driver reportedly dozed off, causing the car to swerve and overturn. Authorities are conducting further interviews with the injured passengers to determine the precise cause of the crash. -- 2025-01-20

77-Year-Old Bedridden Stroke Victim Dies in Fire An incident unfolded on the morning of January 19, when a 77-year-old man, bedridden due to partial paralysis, was killed in a fire caused by a short circuit at his family home in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349263-77-year-old-bedridden-stroke-victim-dies-in-fire/

Picture from responders. An incident unfolded on the morning of Januar19, when a 77-year-old man, bedridden due to partial paralysis, was killed in a fire caused by a short circuit at his family home in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district. Police Lieutenant Kasidet Nimlaor, an investigator with the Lam Phak Chi police station, received the emergency call at 07:30. He arrived at the scene, accompanied by forensic specialists, medical examiners from the Police General Hospital, and rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. The incident occurred in a two-storey concrete house in the Lam Toiting subdistrict. The deceased, identified as Mr. Jamlong, was found lying on his back in a severely burned state. Only the area from his neck upwards remained untouched by the fire. Mr. Jamlong, who had been suffering from partial paralysis, was unable to move independently. Investigators found evidence of fire damage near a electrical socket, which had ignited and spread to a fan placed next to Mr. Jamlong’s bed. The flames melted the fan and engulfed the immediate area, eventually burning the victim. According to Mr. Kittisak, the 39-year-old grandson of the deceased, eight family members, including Mr. Jamlong, lived in the house. At the time of the incident, all were still asleep. Mr. Kittisak, who had come downstairs early to use the bathroom, was the first to notice the fire. “I saw flames consuming my grandfather’s bed,” Mr. Kittisak said. “I shouted for everyone to cut the power and helped put out the fire with water. Once the flames were extinguished, we called the authorities.” Mr. Kittisak believes the fire originated from the electrical plug, which was connected to the fan used to keep his grandfather cool. As Mr. Jamlong was unable to move or call for help, the fire quickly spread, leaving him with no means of escape. -- 2025-01-20

Wild Elephant Calf Rescued After Being Trapped in Orchard Pond In a dramatic rescue operation, a six-year-old wild elephant calf nicknamed “Chao Saeb” was successfully pulled from a pond in a mangosteen orchard in Bo Rai District, Trat Province, after being unable to climb out on its own. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349262-wild-elephant-calf-rescued-after-being-trapped-in-orchard-pond/

Picture courtesy of Park Rangers. In a dramatic rescue operation, a six-year-old wild elephant nicknamed “Chao Saeb” was successfully helped from a pond in a mangosteen orchard in Bo Rai District, Trat Province, after being unable to climb out on its own. The incident occurred early on the morning of January 19. A worker at the orchard, identified as Mr. Roy, discovered the young male elephant trapped in the pond while performing routine irrigation tasks. The elephant was part of a herd of three elephants that had ventured into the orchard. While the other two elephants managed to leave the pond, “Chao Saeb” remained stuck. Mr. Roy immediately alerted the village headman, Mr. Boonmun Chaiwong, who contacted officials from the Khlong Kaew Waterfall National Park. A team of rangers and wildlife specialists, led by Mr. Wiwat Na, head of the park’s rapid response unit, arrived on-site with a backhoe to assist in the rescue. The team worked quickly, using the backhoe to excavate the pond’s edge and create a path for the elephant to climb out. After approximately 15 minutes, “Chao Saeb” finally emerged from the pond, though visibly stressed. At one point, the elephant used its trunk to grasp the arm of the backhoe, adding to the tension of the operation. Once freed, the elephant retreated into the forest near Wat Suea Dao, closely watched by rangers and local residents who maintained a safe distance to avoid potential harm. According to Mr. Wiwat, the herd of elephants, numbering around 12 to 13 individuals, had been foraging in the area, particularly in rubber plantations where pineapple shoots were available. While three elephants entered the pond to cool off, only two managed to exit unaided. Mr. Wiwat also noted that over 60 wild elephants currently roam the area, frequently foraging in orchards and plantations. He urged local residents to report sightings to park officials to prevent potential conflicts and crop damage. He further addressed concerns about recent human-elephant encounters, including a fatal incident in which a motorcyclist collided with an elephant, prompting the animal to retaliate. “We ask the public to exercise caution and inform authorities if they spot elephants nearby,” he said. The rescue highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in Thailand, as expanding agricultural areas increasingly overlap with the natural habitats of wild elephants. -- 2025-01-20

Man Dies in Fiery Car Crash After Hitting Tree A man lost his life when he veered off the road, collided with a tree, and burst into flames in Chaiyaphum province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349261-man-dies-in-fiery-car-crash-after-hitting-tree/

Picture from responders. A man lost his life when he veered off the road, collided with a tree, and burst into flames in Chaiyaphum province on 18 January. The crash occurred on the Lat Yai-Kon Sawan Road near Ban Nong Kham in the Kon Sawan district. Emergency responders from the Chaiyaphum Volunteer Association quickly arrived at the scene after being alerted to the incident. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze, which completely destroyed the car, identified as a Suzuki Swift. Inside the charred wreckage, authorities discovered the body of the driver. The body of the man was taken to hospital for an autopsy and to identify the remains. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by officers from the Kon Sawan Police Station. -- 2025-01-20

UPDATE Canadian Tourist Dies at Music Festival in Phuket; Cause Under Investigation File picture for reference only. A Canadian tourist passed away after collapsing at a music festival in Phuket on the evening of 18 January. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, with an autopsy to be conducted. This is the second recorded foreign death at the music festival, after it was earlier reported that an American had also died. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349234-american-and-canadian-tourists-die-after-collapsing-at-phuket-music-festival/

American Tourist Dies Mysteriously at Phuket Music Festival File picture for reference only. Authorities in Phuket are investigating the sudden death of a 32-year-old American tourist who collapsed at a music festival and later died at Thalang Hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349234-american-tourist-dies-mysteriously-at-phuket-music-festival/

File picture for reference only. Authorities in Phuket are investigating the sudden death of a 32-year-old American tourist who collapsed at a music festival and later died at Thalang Hospital. The deceased, identified as Mr Minh Nguyen Quang Phan, was attending a renowned music festival when he suddenly fell unconscious on the night of 18 January. Medical personnel on-site provided emergency assistance and rushed him to Thalang Hospital at approximately 23:35. Despite efforts by hospital staff to revive him, Mr Phan was pronounced dead at 00:30 on 19 January. Police Lieutenant Colonel Kraison Boonprasop of Thalang Police Station, who received the initial report, confirmed that the body bore no visible signs of trauma. Initial inquiries suggest no foul play, but the cause of death remains undetermined. Thalang Hospital conducted a preliminary examination but could not establish a definitive cause of death. Blood alcohol levels and toxicology tests are currently being carried out, and the body has been sent to forensic experts at Vachira Phuket Hospital for a more detailed examination and autopsy. The U.S. Embassy has been notified and is assisting in contacting Mr Phan’s family. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact circumstances leading to Mr Phan’s untimely death. UPDATE Canadian Tourist Dies at Music Festival in Phuket; Cause Under Investigation A Canadian tourist passed away after collapsing at a music festival in Phuket on the evening of 18 January. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, with an autopsy to be conducted. This is the second recorded foreign death at the music festival, after it was earlier reported that an American had also died. Police Lieutenant Kraysorn Bunprasop of Thalang Police Station in Phuket was alerted to the death of the tourist, identified as Mr. Sharfaraz Maqbul Ahmed, 28, at Thalang Hospital. The report was shared with Police Colonel Nikorn Chuthong, Superintendent of Thalang Police Station, who joined the investigation. Mr. Ahmed, who had been staying alone at a local hotel for two days, attended the music festival with friends. During the event, he suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. On-site paramedics provided immediate assistance and rushed him to Thalang Hospital at 20:50. Doctors attempted to resuscitate him, but Mr. Ahmed was pronounced dead at 21:26. An initial examination revealed no signs of physical assault or injury on his body. Preliminary findings have not determined a clear cause of death. Blood alcohol levels and toxicology tests are being conducted, and the body will be sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a detailed autopsy. Mr. Ahmed’s body is currently being held at Thalang Hospital while the Canadian Embassy is notified to assist with contacting his family for either the repatriation of the body or funeral arrangements. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause of death. -- 2025-01-19

Elephant Panics at Fireworks Display, Injures Several at Fair An elephant startled by fireworks at a fair in Nong Bua Lamphu, caused chaos on the event’s opening night, injuring five people as it ran through the crowd. The incident occurred on the evening of January 18 during the annual tribute event to King Naresuan the Great. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349224-elephant-panics-at-fireworks-display-injures-several-at-fair/