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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/

Picture captured from video. 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. Witnesses reported that the elephant became agitated as fireworks were launched and fire crackers set off, during the opening ceremony. In its panic, the animal ran through the fairgrounds, knocking over attendees and causing injuries. Emergency responders transported the five injured individuals to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital for treatment. One of the injured, 51-year-old Yananee, a local resident of Na Klang District, recounted the terrifying moment. “I was walking with my family and carrying my grandchild when I heard people screaming. I turned around and saw a large elephant running towards me. I couldn’t move in time and was knocked over, injuring my ankle. Luckily, my grandchild was unharmed,” she said. Yananee and other injured attendees have since filed complaints with the local police. The elephant, brought to the fair by its handler, 46-year-old Mr. Sanga from Surin Province, was part of a common practice where elephants are paraded at events to interact with the public and sell sugarcane. Mr. Sanga explained, “I brought the elephant to the event to earn a living. When the fireworks started, the animal got scared and ran. I tried to calm it down by pulling on its ears, but it didn’t stop.” Footage of the incident, showing the elephant charging through the crowd and trampling adults and children, quickly spread on social media, with users sharing their shock and concern. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine responsibility and ensure safety measures are implemented for future events. The fair is an annual tradition in Nong Bua Lamphu, but this year’s festivities have been overshadowed by the unfortunate incident. -- 2025-01-19

Monk Defrocked After CCTV Exposes Sexual Assault Allegations A senior monk in Buriram Province, has been defrocked following allegations of sexual misconduct against a 38-year-old woman during a meditation retreat. The evidence, including CCTV footage, led to the immediate decision by the regional Buddhist council to strip the monk of his religious status and close the meditation centre permanently. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349223-monk-defrocked-after-cctv-exposes-sexual-assault-allegations/

Picture captured from CCTV. A senior monk in Buriram Province, has been defrocked following allegations of sexual misconduct against a 38-year-old woman during a meditation retreat. The evidence, including CCTV footage, led to the immediate decision by the regional Buddhist council to strip the monk of his religious status and close the meditation centre permanently. Ms. Chalida Palamat, also known as “Ton Aor Pen Nueng,” accompanied the victim, referred to as Ms. A, to file a police report at the Nong Song Hong Police Station. The accused, Phra Wichai, 59, was the head of a private meditation centre in Lumphuk Subdistrict, Muang District, Buriram Province. Ms. A, who is married to a foreign national, claimed she was sexually assaulted by Phra Wichai during her retreat on January 15. Ms. Chalida, who represents the Pen Nueng Foundation, revealed on her personal Facebook page that CCTV footage clearly showed the monk leaving the meditation centre dressed in layman’s clothes and entering a resort with the victim. Further evidence, including a voice recording of the monk allegedly telling the victim, “You won’t get pregnant,” strongly supported the accusations. After presenting the evidence to the provincial monastic council, an emergency meeting was convened. The council unanimously decided to defrock Phra Wichai immediately. Additionally, the meditation centre was ordered to cease all activities, including fundraising, and was permanently shut down. The police will summon the former monk for questioning and proceed with criminal charges. Ms. Chalida expressed gratitude to the authorities, including Police Colonel Anan Thongbunterng and Lieutenant Colonel Sanya Uthumporn, for their swift response. She also thanked the provincial Buddhist council and the National Office of Buddhism for their cooperation in handling the case decisively. Phra Kru Pariyatti Dhammanites, Secretary of the Buriram District Monastic Council, stated that the monk initially denied all allegations but later confessed after being confronted with irrefutable evidence. He added that the meditation centre was operating illegally and failed to obtain proper authorisation from the National Office of Buddhism. Ms. Chalida noted that she had already secured evidence prior to confronting Phra Wichai but wanted to observe how he would respond to the accusations. She vowed to let the legal process take its course and ensure justice for the victim. -- 2025-01-19

Teenagers Discover Baby’s Body While Fishing in Pattani River Two teenagers were left in shock after discovering the body of a baby while fishing along the Pattani River in Yala Province. The grim discovery was made near the Sri Muang Park area, behind the New City Market in the Muang Yala Municipality. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349222-teenagers-discover-baby’s-body-while-fishing-in-pattani-river/

Picture from responders. Two teenagers were left in shock after discovering the body of a baby while fishing along the Pattani River in Yala Province. The grim discovery was made near the Sri Muang Park area, behind the New City Market in the Muang Yala Municipality. On January 18, officers from the Muang Yala Police Station, alongside investigators and rescue personnel from the Maethubtim Yala Rescue Unit, responded to the report of the incident. At the scene, they found a black plastic bag weighed down with a rock near the riverbank. Inside the bag, wrapped in a bloodstained white cloth, was the body of a baby estimated to have been born about 2 months prematurely. According to the two teenage boys, who regularly fish in the area, they noticed the suspicious black plastic bag weighted down with a stone at the water’s edge. “Out of curiosity, we pulled it out and opened it,” one of the teenagers explained. “When we unwrapped the cloth, we were horrified to find a baby’s body. We immediately called the police.” The body was taken to Yala Regional Hospital for further examination. Police are now conducting an investigation to identify the person responsible for abandoning the body. -- 2025-01-19

Teacher Fatally Shot in Daylight Attack: Car Plunges Off Road In a shocking incident, a teacher was fatally shot in a broad daylight attack, with bullets piercing his head and chest. The victim's car later veered off the road and into roadside bushes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349221-teacher-fatally-shot-in-daylight-attack-car-plunges-off-road/

Picture from responders. In a shocking incident, a teacher was fatally shot in a broad daylight attack, with bullets piercing his head and chest. The victim's car later veered off the road and into roadside bushes. At approximately 14:30 on January 18, Pol. Lt. Aisawan Pathomsanti, an investigator at Bang Pa-In Police Station, was alerted to a shooting on Highway 3011 in Moo 6, Koh Koet subdistrict, Bang Pa-In district, Ayutthaya province. The victim, identified as Mr. Nak, 60, was found dead inside his grey Honda Accord. The driver's window was fully lowered, and forensic teams recovered four 9mm bullet casings from the scene. The victim sustained four gunshot wounds to the right side of his head and two to his chest. Inside the car, police found the victim's identification card confirming he was a civil servant teacher under the Nonthaburi Primary Education Office, District 1. Fifty metres from the vehicle, two additional 9mm bullet casings were discovered on the road's left lane. A local resident reported hearing several gunshots while at home. Looking outside, they saw the victim's car rolling off the road and a motorbike speeding away. The rider, dressed in a grey short- sleeve shirt and wearing a full-face helmet, was seen heading towards Bang Sai district at high speed. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the resident discovered the driver had been shot and immediately alerted authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim may have stopped to interact with the suspect, as indicated by the fully lowered driver's window. During the exchange, the assailant fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene on a motorbike. The victim's car subsequently rolled across the road before coming to rest in bushes. Police have since contacted the victim's wife and daughter to assist with the investigation. Authorities are continuing their inquiry to determine the motive behind the attack. -- 2025-01-19

CIB Apprehends Arms Trafficking Broker in Cross-Border Weapons Case The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), has successfully arrested a key figure in an international arms trafficking operation. Under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB, the operation culminated in the apprehension of a 49-year-old woman, known as “Madam Tumm,” in Umphang district, Tak province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349220-cib-apprehends-arms-trafficking-broker-in-cross-border-weapons-case/

Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), has successfully arrested a key figure in an international arms trafficking operation. Under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB, the operation culminated in the apprehension of a 49-year-old woman, known as “Madam Tumm,” in Umphang district, Tak province. The suspect was detained under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on 25 December 2024. She is accused of multiple offences, including the possession, importation, and distribution of firearms and ammunition prohibited by Thai law, as well as handling stolen goods. Evidence seized during the arrest included two mobile phones, a bank account ledger, and bank transaction records. The investigation began in December 2022, when CSD officers arrested Pol. Sgt. Narubet and eight accomplices for stealing M16A1 rifles stored in the Bang Khen Border Patrol Police Armoury. The stolen weapons were subsequently sold to various buyers, including Karen military forces. Further investigations led to the arrest of Pol. Lt. Col. Nakharin in February 2023, who admitted to acting as an intermediary for the sale of the weapons to Madam Tumm. He also disclosed that Sergeant Major Kittisak had supplied him with 43 M16A1 rifles from the Bang Khen armoury over two transactions, valued at over 3 million baht. Police surveillance and intelligence gathering revealed that Madam Tumm was residing in Umphang district, Tak province. After obtaining a search warrant from Mae Sot Provincial Court, officers raided the suspect’s residence, where she confirmed her identity and the charges against her. The arresting officers informed the suspect of her rights before detaining her. She and the seized evidence were transferred to the Crime Suppression Division for further legal proceedings. This arrest highlights a significant breakthrough in dismantling a cross-border arms trafficking network. Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s connections to other criminal elements and the broader scope of illegal weapons distribution. -- 2025-01-19

Fire Destroys Bang Pho Timber Warehouse, Millions in Damage A devastating fire engulfed a timber warehouse in Bang Pho, Bangkok, on January 18, causing millions of baht in damage. The fire spread rapidly, leaving the facility completely destroyed, and officials have now set up a temporary relief centre for affected residents, as a full assessment of the damage in ongoing. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349191-fire-destroys-bang-pho-timber-warehouse-millions-in-damage/

Dog Drops Mysterious Remains in Street, Shocking Local Residents A sense of panic spread through a neighbourhood in Chonburi after a stray dog dropped what appeared to be the dried remains of a newborn baby in the middle of a road. Residents were left horrified as the discovery unfolded, prompting authorities to investigate whether the remains were human or animal. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349192-dog-drops-mysterious-remains-in-street-shocking-local-residents/

Fisherman Rescued After Severe Injury in Gulf of Thailand Surat Thani marine authorities and medical teams rushed to rescue a fisherman who sustained serious injuries while working on a fishing boat in the Gulf of Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349193-fisherman-rescued-after-severe-injury-in-gulf-of-thailand/

23-Year-Old Motorcyclist Dies in Road Crash in Nonthaburi A 23-year-old motorcyclist lost his life after losing control of his bike and being struck by a pickup truck in Nonthaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349194-23-year-old-motorcyclist-dies-in-road-crash-in-nonthaburi/

Krabi Shop Offers Reward for Capture of Two Foreigners Who Stole Cannabis Jar A cannabis shop in Krabi is offering a 2,000-baht reward for information leading to the capture of two foreign men who stole a jar of cannabis worth 4,000 baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349196-krabi-shop-offers-reward-for-capture-of-two-foreigners-who-stole-cannabis-jar/

Arrest Warrants Issued for Two Suspects in Deadly Narathiwat Bombing Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. Police in Narathiwat have obtained arrest warrants for two men suspected of orchestrating a deadly bombing and subsequent shooting that claimed the lives of a Border Patrol Police school headmaster and his son. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349197-arrest-warrants-issued-for-two-suspects-in-deadly-narathiwat-bombing/

Strict Penalties for Forest Arson as Authorities Ramp Up Surveillance and Enforcement Following a number of recent forest fires, authorities have issued a reminder that the act of setting fire to protected forests now carries severe penalties in Thailand, with individuals caught in such illegal activities facing imprisonment of 4 to 20 years, a fine ranging from 400,000 to 2 million baht, or both. Authorities have vowed to closely monitor and enforce the law rigorously against all offenders, ensuring no group escapes justice. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349198-strict-penalties-for-forest-arson-as-authorities-ramp-up-surveillance-and-enforcement/

Nightclub Brawl Turns Deadly: Security Guard Shot After Breaking Up Fight In the early hours of January 18, a fatal shooting occurred outside a popular nightclub in Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, following a free concert. The victim, identified only by the nickname "Boon," aged in his 30s and a resident of Ban Non Chomphu in Kantharalak, was the nightclub's head security guard. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349199-nightclub-brawl-turns-deadly-security-guard-shot-after-breaking-up-fight/

Suspected Human Smugglers Arrested at Tollway Booth in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities on 18 January, arrested two men suspected of smuggling 10 illegal Myanmar migrants into Bangkok’s inner city, charging a fee of 1,000 baht per person. The operation took place at a tollway booth in Don Mueang, Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349200-suspected-human-smugglers-arrested-at-tollway-booth-in-bangkok/

Suspected Drug Courier Arrested with 100kg of Crystal Meth at Railway Station Picture courtesy of Workpoint News. Police have arrested a man attempting to collect a shipment of crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated 200 million baht at Prachuap Khiri Khan railway station. The drugs, weighing over 100 kilograms, had been concealed in foam boxes and fertiliser sacks and left unclaimed at the station for two days. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349201-suspected-drug-courier-arrested-with-100kg-of-crystal-meth-at-railway-station/

Picture courtesy of TMECC. Surat Thani marine authorities and medical teams rushed to rescue a fisherman who sustained serious injuries while working on a fishing boat in the Gulf of Thailand. On January 17, at approximately 09:00, the Surat Thani branch of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (TMECC), led by Captain Natthaphon Sinpoonphon, was alerted by the captain of the fishing vessel W. Subchanon (registration number 574300XXX). The captain reported that crew member Mr. Peechanon had suffered a critical injury while on board. The incident occurred when a rope equipped with a U-clamp, a device used to secure objects, snapped back forcefully, striking Mr. Peechanon in the back. The blow caused a long laceration and significant blood loss. In response, rescue vessel Tor 266 was dispatched, accompanied by a medical team from Koh Samui Hospital. After over three hours of travel, the rescue team located W. Subchanon, which was stationary in open waters. The medical team boarded the fishing boat to assess the injured man. Initial examinations revealed that Mr. Peechanon was extremely weak due to blood loss. He was immediately transferred to Tor 266, where first aid was administered during transit to Koh Phangan Hospital, the nearest medical facility. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors conducted a detailed examination and confirmed that Mr. Peechanon had sustained a punctured lung, fractured ribs, and an 8-centimetre-long tear on his back caused by the U-clamp. The hospital stabilised his condition, and he is now out of danger. He will remain in Koh Phangan Hospital for further treatment and recovery. -- 2025-01-19

Picture from responders. A 23-year-old motorcyclist lost his life after losing control of his bike and being struck by a pickup truck in Nonthaburi. The crash occurred on the inbound Tiwanon Road in front of the Nonthaburi Post Office on January 18. Officers from Rattanathibet Police Station, rescue personnel from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, and municipal paramedics responded to the incident. A forensic specialist was also called to the scene. The victim, identified as Mr Wuttiphong, was found lifeless in the middle of the road. Nearby, his green-and-black Kawasaki Ninja 600cc motorbike was discovered on the central reservation, along with a Toyota Revo pickup truck with front-end damage to its right bumper. Evidence at the scene included scrape marks along the median and a flattened tree. The pickup truck driver stated that he was driving towards Khae Rai junction when the motorbike suddenly lost control and crossed over the median into his path. Despite his efforts to swerve, the collision was unavoidable. Ms Mukda, 21, the victim’s girlfriend, revealed that Mr Wuttiphong had been heading to work at a shopping centre on Srisamarn Road from his residence in Bang Pho. She became concerned after being informed he had not clocked in for work. Upon calling his phone, a rescue worker answered and informed her of the accident. Through tears, Ms Mukda shared that she had recently warned him to drive more carefully as his birthday was approaching next month. She had planned to buy him a new helmet as a gift since his current one, which she had previously purchased, was old. The couple had also discussed taking a beach trip, but the tragic crash cut those plans short. Police have recorded statements from the pickup driver and are reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether the motorbike had been involved in an earlier collision or if the rider lost control independently. The body of Mr Wuttiphong has been sent to the Forensic Science Institute for a post-mortem examination. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-01-19

Picture captured from CCTV. A cannabis shop in Krabi is offering a 2,000-baht reward for information leading to the capture of two foreign men who stole a jar of cannabis worth 4,000 baht. The theft occurred on the night of January 17, at Smok XXX, a cannabis store in the Pu Dam Market in Krabi Town. CCTV footage from the shop captured the two foreigners engaging a staff member in conversation before one of them, a tall man carrying a shoulder bag, discreetly pocketed the jar of cannabis while the employee was distracted. The two men then quickly left the store.. The shop staff only realised the jar, containing 12 grams of cannabis, was missing after the pair had already fled. The stolen cannabis is valued at 4,000 baht. Following the incident, the shop filed a police report with Krabi City Police Station and posted the CCTV footage on social media to raise awareness. A reward of 2,000 baht has also been announced for anyone providing information that leads to the suspects’ apprehension. Mr. James an employee at Smok XXX, recounted the incident: “The two tourists came in as regular customers. They purchased cannabis flowers worth 1,200 baht and paid as usual. I didn’t suspect anything at the time. However, while I was distracted, one of them stole the cannabis jar from the table. By the time we realised, they had already left the shop.” Local authorities are investigating the case, and the store hopes that the reward will help locate the suspects and recover the stolen cannabis. -- 2025-01-19

Picture from responders. A devastating fire engulfed a timber warehouse in Bang Pho, Bangkok, on January 18, causing millions of baht in damage. The fire spread rapidly, leaving the facility completely destroyed, and officials have now set up a temporary relief centre for affected residents, as a full assessment of the damage in ongoing. The blaze broke out at a single-storey timber warehouse on Pracharat Sai 1 Soi 23, Bang Sue District. Firefighters from Bang Pho Station rushed to the scene with multiple fire engines, battling the flames for over two hours before bringing the fire under control. In the aftermath, Bang Sue District officials, along with the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre, established a registration point for affected residents at Wat Anamnikkayaram (Wat Yuan Bang Pho) and are preparing a temporary shelter for those displaced. Ms. Pinitip Satperatpray, 57, the owner of the warehouse, recounted the incident. At approximately 10:35, an employee noticed thick smoke billowing from the site. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread quickly. Ms. Pinitip immediately evacuated her elderly mother, who uses a wheelchair, and her uncle from their nearby home, ensuring their safety. “We had no time to save anything. The fire destroyed everything,” she said, estimating the damages to her business at several million baht. Although the family home sustained minor damage, most possessions were left behind in the rush to escape. Ms. Pinitip has already registered for emergency relief and urged the public to exercise caution during the current dry and windy conditions. Neighbour Ms. Buaphan, 65, was selling goods at her home when she noticed the large plume of smoke. “I ran back to my house to gather my family and evacuate. It was so frightening, and I didn’t know what to do,” she explained. Although her house avoided serious damage, it was soaked by water and filled with smoke. Ms. Buaphan and her 7-year-old grandson managed to escape unharmed, but they remain unable to return home. Timeline of Events • 10:38: Emergency services received a call via hotline 199, reporting a fire at Pracharat Sai 1 Soi 23. • 10:43: Firefighters arrived at the scene and found the warehouse ablaze. • 10:53: Efforts to contain the fire preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings. • 11:16: The building’s structure began to collapse. Rescuers evacuated three individuals from neighbouring premises to safety. • 11:39: Strong winds reignited the flames, spreading the fire to nearby houses. • 11:56: The secondary fires were contained. • 12:35: The fires were fully extinguished. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no mayor injuries reported. Local officials have stressed the importance of fire safety, particularly during the dry season, and urged residents to avoid lighting incense or candles in unsafe areas. -- 2025-01-19