Georgealbert

Picture of recent Sattahip forest fire. 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. Wildfires in protected forest areas are often caused by human activity. The destruction of valuable trees, which play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, accelerates the rapid depletion of forest cover. These fires also result in the loss of many animal lives and contribute to the generation of heavy smoke and PM2.5 dust, leading to adverse health impacts for local communities. Under the National Parks Act of 2019, Section 19, it is illegal for any individual to occupy, clear, or set fire to land within national parks, or to engage in any activity that degrades or alters the land’s condition. Section 41 further stipulates that illegal actions such as land grabbing and forest burning in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and botanical gardens, are punishable by imprisonment from 4 to 20 years, a fine from 400,000 to 2 million baht, or both. Even though forest reserves may not be directly nearby, it is imperative that all citizens take responsibility for preserving the nation’s natural resources. Everyone can contribute to the conservation effort by actively raising awareness about the dangers of forest fires. This includes promoting education on the issue, encouraging efforts to stop forest burning, and protecting our environment, wildlife, and the health of all Thai people. The campaign slogan for this year is “No More Wildfires.” If you spot a forest fire or witness any behaviour that could lead to one, report it immediately to the forest protection hotline, 1362, available 24/7. -- 2025-01-19

Picture captured from video. 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. The alleged shooter, known as "Joe" is believed to be in his 20s and also a resident of Kantharalak. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident unfolded around 02:00, after the concert had ended. A group of youths became involved in a heated altercation outside the venue. The victim intervened in an attempt to break up the fight but was struck on the head with a bottle by the suspect. A physical struggle ensued before the suspect drew a firearm and fired three shots at the victim. One of the bullets fatally struck his heart. Friends of the victim attempted to administer CPR before rushing him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Local police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene and remains at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation into this incident continues. -- 2025-01-19

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. The arrests follow an earlier operation on January 6, during which Thai highway police and immigration officers apprehended 58 illegal migrants linked to a Myanmar migrant labour smuggling network. That raid occurred in Phatthana Nikhom district, Lopburi province, and involved the seizure of four vehicles, including pickup trucks and vans. Subsequent investigations led officers, under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Worachat Saenkham and Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurith, to a suspicious Isuzu vehicle registered in Bangkok. Believing it to be linked to the smuggling network, the police monitored the vehicle’s movements and intercepted it at the Don Mueang toll plaza. Upon inspection, officers discovered the vehicle was driven by a 27-year-old Myanmar national, referred to as Mr A, while a 59-year-old Thai man, referred to as Mr Boonluem, acted as a navigator. The vehicle was carrying 10 illegal Myanmar migrants. Under questioning, Mr Boonluem admitted to organising the smuggling operation, claiming he was paid 1,000 baht per person to transport the migrants from Nakhon Sawan province to Bangkok’s inner city. Both suspects have been charged with “assisting and facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the kingdom.” The 10 migrants were also detained and charged with “illegal entry into Thailand.” The vehicle was seized as evidence, and all detainees were handed over to investigators at Don Mueang Police Station for further legal proceedings. Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurith, acting Immigration Police Division 3 commander, stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with the Royal Thai Police working to identify and apprehend higher-level members of the smuggling network. Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Tana Chuwong and Pol. Lt. Gen. Suraphon Prembutr have ordered intensified efforts to dismantle this operation. -- 2025-01-19

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. The attack occurred on January 13, 2023, on the Sri Sakhon-Lubo Yiring Road in Sri Bunnapot subdistrict, Sri Sakhon district. The suspects detonated an explosive device targeting a vehicle carrying Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwit Chuaitewarit, the headmaster of Ban Tue Ngor Border Patrol Police School, and his son, Police Sergeant Major Dome Chuaitewarit, an agricultural instructor at the same school. Both victims were fatally shot after the initial blast, and their firearms were stolen by the perpetrators before they fled. Following forensic analysis at the crime scene, DNA evidence linked two suspects to the attack. On January 17, 2023, police issued arrest warrants for: 1. Mr. Abdulloh Bula, 40, of Chanae district, Narathiwat. • A high-profile suspect with 14 prior arrest warrants for violent acts, including bombings and shootings targeting officials. • Key incidents linked to him include the December 29, 2015 assassination of a subdistrict headman in Sukirin, ambushes on military patrols between 2018-2020, and a March 3, 2023 bomb attack on the Fourth Army Region commander. • Bula is believed to lead a group of 6-7 militants who retreat to the mountainous Moro Toe area between Chanae and Sri Sakhon after attacks. 2. Mr. Abdulloh Sameh, 30, of Rue So district, Narathiwat. • A subordinate of Bula, he is implicated in a January 16, 2023 bombing targeting Border Patrol Police escorting university lecturers in Sri Sakhon. Police Colonel Phatsavee Pochada, commander of the 49th Ranger Task Force, confirmed ongoing operations to apprehend the suspects. Search efforts have concentrated on suspected hideouts within an 8-kilometre radius of the crime scene but have yet to yield results. Authorities continue their manhunt for the suspects and have vowed to bring those responsible to justice while maintaining heightened security across the region. Related article. https://aseannow.com/topic/1348840-father-and-son-both-border-patrol-police-officers-killed-in-narathiwat-bomb-attack/ -- 2025-01-19

Ongoing Unrest in Southern Thailand: Pipe Bombs Thrown at Police Base Near Krue Se Mosque Tensions in the southern provinces persist as insurgents launched a pipe bomb attack early morning on January 18, on a Border Patrol Police base in Pattani’s Muang district. The incident occurred near the historic Krue Se Mosque but fortunately resulted in no injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349206-ongoing-unrest-in-southern-thailand-pipe-bombs-thrown-at-police-base-near-krue-se-mosque/

Petrol Station Worker in Chanthaburi Returns Tourist’s Bag with Cash Worth 100,000 Baht On 17 January at 13:00, an act of honesty took place at a PTT petrol station in Khlong Narai, Mueang District, Chanthaburi, Thailand. A petrol station worker returned a forgotten bag containing cash and valuable documents to an Austrian tourist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349207-petrol-station-worker-in-chanthaburi-returns-tourist’s-bag-with-cash-worth-100000-baht/

School Bus Crash in Phetchabun Injures Around 40 Students A crash involving a 6-wheeled vehicle used to transport students of Serisuksa School in Phetchabun, leaving approximately 40 students injured. The incident took place at kilometre 29 on Highway 113, near the Taphan Hin area in the Tha Kham sub-district of Chon Daen, Phetchabun. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349211-school-bus-crash-in-phetchabun-injures-around-40-students/

Human Skeleton Found in Canal in Chachoengsao: Police Suspect It Belongs to Missing Man Police in Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province, are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains in a public canal. Authorities believe the remains may belong to an elderly man who went missing late last year. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349213-human-skeleton-found-in-canal-in-chachoengsao-police-suspect-it-belongs-to-missing-man/

Picture from responders. A doctor from a renowned hospital lost her life in a crash when her SUV collided with the rear of a six-wheel truck early morning on January 18. The collision occurred beneath the Krung Thon Buri BTS station, on the road heading towards Taksin Bridge in Bangkok’s Khlong San district. The incident was reported at approximately 01:20 to Lieutenant Wattanapong Chatthanakiat of Samrae Police Station. Emergency responders, including forensic experts from Chulalongkorn Hospital and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were dispatched to the scene. At the site, officers found a heavily damaged Nissan Terra SUV, licence plate from Bangkok, which had rear-ended an Isuzu six-wheel truck, licence plate from Nonthaburi. The truck belonged to a contractor conducting sewer cover installations. Inside the wreckage, the body of Dr. Wirin Lertdamrongluk, 28, was discovered in the driver’s seat. She was wearing a blue uniform, and initial examinations revealed head injuries, plus multiple fractures in her arms and legs. Dr. Wirin was a physician at Lerdsin Hospital. The truck driver, Prasan Asunee Na Ayudhya, 48, stated that his vehicle was parked in the far-right lane of the road, with warning cones and lights in place, while workers were replacing sewer covers. A worker, 22-year-old Panithan Rakcharoen, was stationed at the back of the truck to signal oncoming traffic. Panithan sustained minor injuries and was taken to Suksawat Hospital. Prasan recounted that he was inspecting a sewer cover when he heard a loud crash. He turned to find the SUV had ploughed through the warning cones and struck the back of his truck, killing the driver on impact. Authorities have sent Dr. Wirin’s body to the forensic department at Chulalongkorn Hospital for an autopsy. Meanwhile, the truck driver has been taken in for further questioning, and police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-01-19

Picture from responders. A father is grieving the loss of his 24-year-old son, who died in a motorcycle crash just hours after the family had chosen an auspicious date for his ordination. The incident occurred on the Pathum Thani–Bang Pa-In Road (Highway 347) in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani. The crash was reported at around 22:00 on January 18. Lieutenant Watcharapong Thianprathum of Sam Khok Police Station responded to the scene at kilometre marker 40+800 near Chiang Rak Yai subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers found the lifeless body of Mr. Watcharapol, 24, lying by the roadside, with his grieving mother and relatives weeping nearby. A heavily damaged Honda Wave motorcycle (license plate from Pathum Thani) was discovered in the central reservation, its front wheel completely detached from the frame. Local residents explained that the section of the road where the incident occurred is poorly lit, making it prone to collisions. Numerous crashes have been reported in the area, some resulting in injuries and others in fatalities. The victim’s father, Mr. Or, 56, shared his heartbreak, stating that the family had just visited a monk earlier that evening to select an auspicious date for Watcharapol’s ordination in March. “His mother had been preparing for this day, but now he’s gone before he could even wear the saffron robes,” Mr. Or said tearfully. Police are investigating the incident, with initial reports indicating that Watcharapol lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to overturn with devastating force. Authorities have noted the lack of adequate street lighting as a contributing factor and urged local authorities to address the issue to prevent further tragedies. -- 2025-01-19

Picture from responders. A contractor lost his life after falling from a wall and hitting his head on concrete while carrying out demolition work in Lad Lum Kaew district, Pathum Thani. The incident occurred at a house previously destroyed by fire. Lieutenant Nirom Konpimai of Khu Bang Luang Police Station received the report and rushed to the scene with rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and paramedics from Lad Lum Kaew Hospital. The incident took place in Moo 4, Khu Bang Luang subdistrict. The victim, identified as Mr. Wisut Khomputra, 47, from Moo 2, Sam Khok subdistrict, Pathum Thani, was found trapped in a gap between concrete debris with severe head injuries. Rescue workers attempted CPR but were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Somwang Panpruek, the homeowner, explained that the house had been completely destroyed in a previous fire, prompting him to hire a team of four contractors to demolish the remaining structure. According to Mr. Somwang, the victim had arrived earlier in the day to begin work. When the team leader arrived shortly after, he discovered Mr. Wisut lying in a concrete crevice, bleeding heavily from the head. Mr. Somwang and nearby relatives immediately called for emergency assistance. Officers from Khu Bang Luang Police Station and medical staff from Lad Lum Kaew Hospital examined the scene and collected evidence. The body was transported to the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy. -- 2025-01-19

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. The incident began when Police Captain Supaporn Duangkan, an investigator at Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station, received a report from railway staff about suspicious parcels. The packages, intended for Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, had been sent from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Station but were redirected to Prachuap Khiri Khan. Upon inspection, officers discovered the packages contained crystal methamphetamine. Senior police officials, including Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Nakharin Sukonthawit, conducted a detailed inventory of the drugs at the station. Media access was restricted during the investigation to prevent compromising efforts to trace those responsible. While authorities were counting the seized drugs, a man dressed as a tourist approached railway staff, claiming he was there to collect curry paste. Noticing the police presence, he briefly left the station to make a phone call before returning to inquire about changing his train ticket. Police, recognising him from CCTV footage, detained the man for questioning. Identified as Mr. Kittiwut 24, from Samut Prakan, he admitted to being there to collect the packages but denied owning the drugs. The crystal methamphetamine, weighing over 100kg, was estimated to have a street value of 200 million baht. The suspect and the evidence were transported to Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station for further investigation. Police are working to identify other individuals involved in the operation. Railway staff reported that the packages initially raised suspicion due to their lack of recipient details and the unusual change in delivery location. The drugs had been shipped from Bang Sue Station on 16 January but were redirected to Prachuap Khiri Khan before being abandoned. Authorities are continuing their investigation to dismantle the drug network and bring all those involved to justice. -- 2025-01-19

Picture from responders. Tensions in the southern provinces persist as insurgents launched a pipe bomb attack early morning on January 18, on a Border Patrol Police base in Pattani’s Muang district. The incident occurred near the historic Krue Se Mosque but fortunately resulted in no injuries. At approximately 02:20 two unidentified assailants approached the Border Patrol Police Company 9223 base in Ban Krue Se on a motorcycle along the Pattani-Narathiwat road. The passenger threw two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in quick succession. The first device was caught in a safety net installed by police, landing near the base’s entrance. The second bomb also failed to bypass the net, forcing the attackers to flee the scene moments before the explosives detonated. The blasts caused minor damage to the front of the base and shattered two streetlights. Nearby residents, awakened by the explosion, reported feeling shaken but unharmed. Officials cordoned off the site, awaiting bomb disposal teams and forensic investigators to collect evidence. Authorities suspect the attack was orchestrated by local insurgent groups aiming to escalate unrest in the region. The southern border provinces have seen a series of violent incidents since the start of 2025. According to the Southern Situation Monitoring Centre, 13 attacks have been reported this month alone, resulting in four fatalities and 19 injuries. Bomb attacks accounted for four of these incidents. This latest act of violence underscores the ongoing challenge of restoring peace in the conflict-ridden provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, where insurgent activities have persisted for nearly two decades. Authorities continue to investigate this attack and urge the public to remain vigilant. Efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and prevent further escalations. -- 2025-01-19

Picture courtesy of CH3. On 17 January at 13:00, an act of honesty took place at a PTT petrol station in Khlong Narai, Mueang District, Chanthaburi, Thailand. A petrol station worker returned a forgotten bag containing cash and valuable documents to an Austrian tourist. Mr. Wichai Kingnok, an employee at the station, discovered a brown waist bag in the disabled restroom near the station’s office. The bag, which had been left hanging on a handrail beneath an emergency light button, contained nearly 100,000 baht in cash, a passport and other essential documents. Mr. Wichai explained that he found the bag during his routine restroom inspection. After reporting the find to the station manager, he and his team worked to identify and contact the owner. Their efforts led to the discovery that the bag belonged to Mr. Johann Schorn, a 79-year-old Austrian tourist who was travelling with his wife to Koh Chang in Trat Province. Mr. Schorn, who realised the bag was missing while boarding a ferry, described feeling overwhelmed with stress at the time. Upon receiving the bag, he expressed immense gratitude to Mr. Wichai and praised the generosity and integrity of Thai people. He added that this heartwarming experience deepened his love for Thailand. Mr. Sakkasak Suphakritanan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Chanthaburi, commended Mr. Wichai’s exemplary actions. “This incident reflects the outstanding hospitality and goodwill of the people of Chanthaburi, which bolsters foreign tourists’ confidence and enhances Thailand’s tourism image,” he said. -- 2025-01-19

Pictures from responders A crash occurred on 17 January, involving a 6-wheeled vehicle used to transport students of Serisuksa School in Phetchabun, leaving approximately 40 students injured. The incident took place at kilometre 29 on Highway 113, near the Taphan Hin area in the Tha Kham sub-district of Chon Daen, Phetchabun. The vehicle, a 6-wheeled Isuzu truck driver lost control and veered off the road into the shoulder. Emergency responders from the Chon Daen volunteer team were dispatched to the scene and transported the injured children to Chon Daen Hospital. Fortunately, the injuries were minor, though many of the students were in a state of shock. The injuries were caused by the students being thrown around the rear compartment, as the bus inly had bench seating and no safety belts fitted. The cause of the crash has been traced to a malfunctioning steering lock. The vehicle’s ignition key was replaced with a new set after the original key broke. However, the new key assembly caused the steering to lock when the vehicle hit a bump, preventing the driver from steering the truck. Unable to turn, the vehicle crashed off the road. The bus had been transporting approximately 40 primary school students home after classes. All children sustained only minor injuries, and the incident is being investigated further. -- 2025-01-19

Picture from responders. Police in Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province, are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains in a public canal. Authorities believe the remains may belong to an elderly man who went missing late last year. The investigation, led by Police Colonel Preecha Nisaisom, superintendent of Plaeng Yao Police Station, began after locals reported finding the skeleton near Ban Wang Ka Thak in Moo 7, Wang Yen Subdistrict. Officers, including Lieutenant Tanang Wannasiri and forensic experts from Chachoengsao, were dispatched to the scene to examine the remains. The skeletal remains were described as dry and blackened. No weapons or personal items were discovered near the site, which was located in a public canal surrounded by vegetation. Police reviewed missing person reports and found that in early December 2024, relatives of an elderly man with dementia had reported him missing. The man, who had been struggling with memory loss due to age-related conditions, had disappeared from his home in the same area. To confirm the identity of the deceased, police contacted a local woman, referred to as “Nang Jai”, who is believed to be a relative of the missing man. DNA samples were collected from her and sent to the Police General Hospital’s Forensic Science Institute for genetic comparison with the remains. Police Colonel Preecha stated that the investigation is proceeding according to legal protocols and that the results of the DNA comparison will be crucial in determining the identity of the deceased. The discovery has left the local community shaken. Residents have expressed their sadness over the loss and urged families to remain vigilant in caring for elderly relatives with memory impairments, especially those who may wander off or become disoriented. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including foul play, but preliminary findings suggest the man may have accidentally wandered into the area and become unable to find his way back. -- 2025-01-19

Train station construction closes Ratchathewi flyover for 3 years by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Bangkok officials announced the closure of the Ratchathewi intersection flyover for three years to facilitate the construction of the Ratchathewi underground electric train station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349161-train-station-construction-closes-ratchathewi-flyover-for-3-years/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 19 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349209-thailand-live-sunday-19-january-2025/

UPDATE Firefighters Continue to Battle Blaze on Khao Krathing as Helicopters Join Effort At 15.00 authorities gave an update that the fire continues to burn across Khao Krathing, forcing authorities to launch an extensive firefighting operation involving helicopters, forestry officers, and ground teams. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349157-forest-fire-on-khao-krathing-sattahip-poses-threat-to-residential-areas/#findComment-19522429

UPDATE Firefighters Continue to Battle Blaze on Khao Krathing as Helicopters Join Effort Picture from responders . At 15.00 authorities gave an update that the fire continues to burn across Khao Krathing, forcing authorities to launch an extensive firefighting operation involving helicopters, forestry officers, and ground teams. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment deployed helicopters in the afternoon of January 18, to survey the affected areas and prepare for water-bombing missions. Forestry officials and firefighters, have also been sent on foot to reach the source of the blaze deep within the hilly terrain. Emergency crews have been battling the blaze for more than 20 hours straight. Despite their relentless efforts, the fire remains active, with new flare-ups occurring due to the rugged terrain and dry conditions. The fire, which is still burning across multiple hotspots and is believed to have been started by human activity. Authorities have pointed to local grass burning as the cause, with the flames rapidly spreading into the surrounding forested areas. “This is clearly the result of human actions,” one official stated. “Someone set fire to dry grass, and it quickly spread uphill. This has caused significant disruption and danger for everyone involved.” Officials have warned that such irresponsible actions, including setting fires to clear land, have far-reaching consequences for the environment and communities nearby. They urged the public to avoid activities that could spark wildfires, particularly during the dry season. The operation is ongoing, with authorities vowing to extinguish the fire, as fire crews remain on standby at strategic locations, to protect residential areas should the fire move close. -- 2025-01-18

UPDATE Foreign Husband and Thai Wife Arrested for Methamphetamine Use After Chumphon Incident In a shocking turn of events in Chumphon, Komchadluek News reported that the foreign man and his Thai wife were arrested after being found to have used methamphetamine ( “yaba”) while driving. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349108-foreigner-holds-thai-wife-at-gunpoint-in-car-–-police-in-chumphon-launch-search/page/2/#findComment-19522278

UPDATE Foreign Husband and Thai Wife Arrested for Methamphetamine Use After Chumphon Incident Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. In a shocking turn of events in Chumphon, Komchadluek News reported that the foreign man and his Thai wife were arrested after being found to have used methamphetamine ( “yaba”) while driving. This incident began when a Facebook post went viral, reporting a black Ford 4-door pickup truck driven by a foreign man and his wife trying to get out the passenger door. Following the alert, Chumphon Highway Police and Ban Nahu Police Station set up a roadblock and intercepted the vehicle near the Kuan Hin Mui railway station in Ban Nacah, Laeng Suan District. The wife, later identified as Ms. Lamai, claimed that the couple had argued over jealousy issues, and she attempted to leave the car after consuming wine. She expressed regret for causing the disruption. Upon calming down at the police station, officers from the Chumphon Tourist Police grew suspicious of the couple’s behavior, which appeared erratic and indicative of drug use. The smell of narcotics was detected inside the vehicle, and police requested a urine test. Both individuals tested positive for methamphetamine, and further testing confirmed the presence of the drug in their system. The Swiss national, 42-year-old Sandro, was charged with using and possessing methamphetamine without authorisation, while Ms. Lamai, 36, faced the same charge. Both confessed during interrogation that they used the drug to alleviate body aches, with the last dose taken on January 17 while en route to Krabi. Ms. Lamai later expressed deep remorse for the incident, explaining the frequent arguments with her foreign husband, citing jealousy and anxiety from their business dealings overseas. She revealed that her husband had attempted suicide twice due to stress from business losses and growing paranoia, even suspecting her of infidelity during a trip to Vietnam. She also stated that damage to the pickup truck was mistakenly attributed to her supposed affair, though it was her husband who was driving at the time. On January 18, the couple was transferred to Laeng Suan Provincial Court. Both now face legal consequences for their actions, and the case has highlighted the dangers of methamphetamine use and the strain it can place on personal relationships. -- 2025-01-18

UPDATE Fire at Khao Krathing, Sattahip: Royal Thai Navy Deploys Helicopter to Help Extinguish Blaze Picture and video courtesy of Sattahip News. The fire which has burnt all night at Khao Krathing in Sattahip, has prompted action from the Royal Thai Navy. A helicopter has been deployed to combat the flames, bringing much-needed reassurance to local residents. Without the helicopter’s intervention, officials stated, the fire would have been nearly impossible access and to extinguish. Fire teams on the ground are still deployed to protect residential properties, if the fire spreads. -- 2025-01-18 ScreenRecording_01-18-2025 10-02-46_1.mp4

Forest Fire on Khao Krathing, Sattahip Poses Threat to Residential Areas A fierce forest fire has erupted on Khao Krathing, near Bang Saray, Sattahip district, Chonburi, dangerously close to residential areas. Firefighters battled to contain the flames, which continue to spread uncontrollably. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with authorities unable to confirm whether it is a natural phenomenon or human-induced. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349157-forest-fire-on-khao-krathing-sattahip-poses-threat-to-residential-areas/

Picture from responders. A fierce forest fire has erupted on Khao Krathing, near Bang Saray, Sattahip district, Chonburi, dangerously close to residential areas. Firefighters battled to contain the flames, which continue to spread uncontrollably. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with authorities unable to confirm whether it is a natural phenomenon, accidental or intentional human action. The fire was first reported at 19:30 in Moo 6, Kled Kaew Municipality. It began in the mid-section of the mountain and has rapidly spread. Despite extensive efforts, firefighting vehicles have not been able to reach the fire’s centre due to challenging steep and rough terrain. Emergency teams from multiple agencies, including naval firefighters from Sattahip Naval Base, Kled Kaew Fire Department, and the Udomsak Subdistrict Municipality Fire Department, have formed a defensive line to prevent the fire from advancing into residential areas. Fire crews are on standby throughout the night, ready to respond to any situation, if the fire moves towards residential areas. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm. Although the fire is yet to be brought under control, measures are in place to ensure the safety of the local population. Plans are being prepared to deploy aerial firefighting operations by the Royal Thai Navy on the morning of January 18, should the fire persist and it is found necessary. -- 2025-01-18