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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A village headman has been arrested in narcotics operation after police uncovered 16,000 methamphetamine pills along with firearms and ammunition at his residence. Authorities described the case as a serious breach of public trust, as the suspect held a leadership role within the local community. The arrest was carried out on 13 June, by Investigation Division 2, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Sutham Sookchuay and his team, following a lengthy surveillance operation. Officers executed a search warrant at a home in Langar Subdistrict, Mayo District, where they apprehended Mr Anan, 38, the acting village headman. During the search, police seized 16,000 methamphetamine tablets, a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun with a 10-inch barrel, 13 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones and 800 baht in cash. Mr Anan was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and with the distribution of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) for commercial purposes, in violation of drug laws. The suspect and all seized evidence were transferred to Mayo Police Station for formal prosecution under criminal case file number 86/68. Authorities emphasised the significance of the case, noting that the suspect, as a village headman, was entrusted with local leadership and the welfare of the community. His involvement in the drug trade has therefore caused considerable concern and disappointment among residents. Investigators confirmed that the case will be expanded to identify and dismantle the broader network connected to the operation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-15

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A former assistant finance officer at the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Industry Office has been arrested for embezzling over 8.2 million baht in state funds. The suspect had reportedly been on the run for years and was recently found working at a petrol station. On 14 June, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), together with officers from Nakhon Sawan Provincial Police and Mueang Nakhon Sawan Police Station, arrested Ms Sukanya, 43, following a warrant issued by the Region 6 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct on 23 April 2025. Ms Sukanya is accused of embezzling large sums of government funds while employed as a temporary assistant finance officer at the Provincial Industry Office in 2012. According to investigators, she misappropriated payments made by private sector operators for mineral royalties and factory licence fees, diverting the money for personal use and causing financial losses exceeding 8.2 million baht. The charges include misappropriation of government assets, abuse of official position and misconduct under multiple sections of the Penal Code and anti-corruption legislation, including the Organic Act on Counter Corruption B.E. 2542 (1999) and its amendments. Authorities revealed that the investigation had been ongoing for years, with officers recently locating the suspect employed at a petrol station in Nakhon Sawan province. A coordinated operation between NACC officers and local police led to her arrest without incident. She was presented with the arrest warrant, informed of her legal rights, and taken into custody. Ms Sukanya has since been transferred to the Office of the Prosecutor for Region 6 to face formal proceedings for corruption and related offences. Officials stressed the importance of this case in demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling corruption, particularly among public officials in positions of financial responsibility. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-15

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash claimed the lives of a married couple when the pickup truck driver, lost control in heavy rain and crashed into a metal signpost marking a U-turn point along Phetkasem Road. The incident occurred on 14 June, in the Baan Thung Ko area of Bo Nok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Emergency responders from the Sawang Prachuap Rescue Foundation received a call at approximately 11:30, reporting a serious crash involving a white Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck at kilometre marker 291+350 on the southbound carriageway of Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road). The vehicle had reportedly skidded off a sharp bend during a downpour, overturned and collided violently with a large roadside U-turn sign made of steel. Upon arrival, rescue teams, including highway police, district officials and local military personnel, found the pickup severely damaged. The roof and driver-side door were crushed. Two occupants were trapped inside and pronounced dead at the scene. Hydraulic cutting equipment was used to retrieve their bodies from the wreckage. The deceased were later identified from their national ID cards as Mr Nakorn, 60, and Ms Chawee, 56, residents of Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi province. Their bodies were transported to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital. Investigators observed a long scrape along the roadside crash barrier, estimated at 50 metres in length, indicating the vehicle’s loss of control prior to the impact. Debris from the crash was scattered widely, and personal belongings including baskets, household items, seafood and other foodstuffs were found thrown into nearby roadside grass about 20 metres from the vehicle, suggesting the couple may have been returning from a market or delivery. Notably, the crash site lies just 350 metres from the location of a tour bus, involving foreign tourists that occurred on 12 June. Initial police assessments suggest that the wet road conditions combined with the sharp curve contributed to the loss of control. However, a detailed investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-15

Gold Heist Suspect Fleeing to Pattaya Arrested: Blames Online Gambling Addiction Picture courtesy of kaoded. A 47-year-old man who robbed a gold shop in Lamphun province earlier this month has been arrested while hiding out in Pattaya, Chonburi. The suspect, identified as Mr Prakorn Somnuek, confessed to the crime and told police he acted out of desperation due to debts from online gambling. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363628-gold-heist-suspect-fleeing-to-pattaya-arrested-blames-online-gambling-addiction/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 15 June 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1363643-thailand-live-sunday-15-june-2025/

The articles are as they were posted. You quoted two different updates, with clearly different headings, about seperate stages of the developing incident.

Picture courtesy of kaoded. A 47-year-old man who robbed a gold shop in Lamphun province earlier this month has been arrested while hiding out in Pattaya, Chonburi. The suspect, identified as Mr Prakorn Somnuek, confessed to the crime and told police he acted out of desperation due to debts from online gambling. The robbery occurred on 7 June, at a gold shop in Pa Sang District, Lamphun. The suspect, described as approximately 160–165 cm tall, was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, jeans, a black cap, and a face covering. He arrived alone on a black Yamaha Mio motorcycle and made off with two 5-baht-weight gold necklaces valued at over 500,000 baht. The entire robbery took less than five minutes. An arrest warrant for Mr Prakorn was issued by the Lamphun Provincial Court on 11 June. Chonburi Provincial Police received intelligence that he had fled to Chonburi province and were able to track him down to a shopping centre in Central Pattaya. Police arrested Mr Prakorn at the mall and seized 415,072 baht in cash along with two mobile phones. During questioning, he admitted to the gold theft, stating he had fled to Pattaya after selling the stolen jewellery at another gold shop. He initially considered turning himself in, but delayed and was eventually apprehended before he could do so. Mr Prakorn claimed that he committed the robbery because he had lost all his money to online gambling and saw no other way out of his financial situation. He has been remanded in custody by Pattaya City Police and will be transferred back to Lamphun to face charges of theft involving a vehicle, a charge that carries a heavier penalty under the law due to the method used in the crime. Police said investigations are continuing and further charges may be brought if additional evidence emerges. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1363000-gold-robbery-in-lamphun-market-sparks-police-manhunt/ Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-14

Gold Heist Suspect Fleeing to Pattaya Arrested: Blames Online Gambling Addiction Picture courtesy of kaoded. A 47-year-old man who robbed a gold shop in Lamphun province earlier this month has been arrested while hiding out in Pattaya, Chonburi. The suspect, identified as Mr Prakorn Somnuek, confessed to the crime and told police he acted out of desperation due to debts from online gambling. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363628-gold-heist-suspect-fleeing-to-pattaya-arrested-blames-online-gambling-addiction/

UPDATE Gold Heist Suspect Fleeing to Pattaya Arrested: Blames Online Gambling Addiction

This is CCTV of the incident.

UPDATE The Indian DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) reported on 13 June, that initial preliminary findings rule out a bird strike as no bird carcasses have been found. Loading of the aircraft was routine, hence a load problem is unlikely. The likelihood of a pilot error is considered minimal as is the simultaneous failure of both engines. Police sources have indicated, that one of the blackboxes has been recovered, which was confirmed on June 13th by India's Civil Aviation Minister who reported the blackbox found at the rooftop of the doctor's hostel is the flight data recorder. The DCGA ordered safety checks on the airline's entire Boeing-787 fleet. India's AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Bureau) have opened an investigation. The US NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and UK AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) have dispatched teams to India to join the investigation. There are 8 fatalities on the ground confirmed, with many injured still receiving treatment, in addition to the confirmed 241 dead on the aircraft. Adapted by Asean Now from Aviation Herald 2025-06-14

Fake Russian Doctor Arrested in Phuket for Illegal Medical Practice Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A 33-year-old Russian woman has been arrested by tourist police in Phuket for posing as a medical professional and offering unauthorised treatments to unsuspecting clients. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363615-fake-russian-doctor-arrested-in-phuket-for-illegal-medical-practice/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A 33-year-old Russian woman has been arrested by tourist police in Phuket for posing as a medical professional and offering unauthorised treatments to unsuspecting clients. The suspect, identified only as Viktoria, was detained in a rented apartment while attempting to administer an injection to what she believed was a genuine client. In reality, the “client” was an undercover officer who had arranged the appointment as part of a sting operation. Viktoria had agreed to provide the unspecified treatment for 6,000 baht. Police seized 47 medical items from the premises, including syringes and various pharmaceutical products. During questioning, Viktoria admitted that she had no formal medical qualifications and was neither licensed to practise medicine nor authorised to distribute or import medication in Thailand. She claimed she had been acting at the request of her Russian friend, Marina, who helped her find clients through an online social media page. The pair allegedly promoted their services on the internet, offering injections to treat a range of unspecified health issues. Authorities have charged Viktoria with illegal medical practice, unauthorised distribution and importation of pharmaceutical products and working in Thailand without a permit. Tourist police have reiterated the importance of verifying the credentials of anyone offering medical services, warning that illegal practitioners pose a serious risk to public health. Investigations into Marina’s involvement are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14

Hit-and-Run Horror as Pedestrian Killed in Pattaya Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A 51-year-old Thai woman has died after being struck by a black SUV in a hit-and-run incident late night on 13 June, in Pattaya. The driver fled the scene without offering assistance, leaving the victim fatally injured at the roadside. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363613-hit-and-run-horror-as-pedestrian-killed-in-patttaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A 51-year-old Thai woman has died after being struck by a black SUV in a hit-and-run incident late night on 13 June, in Pattaya. The driver fled the scene without offering assistance, leaving the victim fatally injured at the roadside. Emergency services were alerted to the incident, which occurred on PhraTamnak Soi 3 in Pattaya, Chonburi Province. Volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call. Upon arrival, rescue workers found Ms Wira-on Sriladda lying in a pool of blood with critical injuries. Bystanders had attempted to direct traffic and offer initial first aid. Rescue personnel initiated CPR, but Ms Sriladda succumbed to her injuries shortly afterwards at the scene. Eyewitness accounts, including information from a foreign national who had been walking with the victim, stated that the pair had been returning to their accommodation on foot after dining out when a black SUV struck Ms Sriladda from behind. The impact threw her on to the ground and the vehicle sped off without stopping. Mr Natthaworakarn Chaiyukhod, 35, reported that the foreign companion of the victim immediately called out for help, prompting passersby to notify emergency responders. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanongsak Inphadung of Pattaya City Police Station confirmed that CCTV footage captured a black SUV, the suspected vehicle, although its registration number was not visible. Investigators are now working to identify the vehicle and apprehend the driver. Authorities have pledged a full investigation, with efforts underway to track down the suspect and bring them to justice. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-06-14

Husband and Wife Found Dead in Taling Chan Court Housing Flat Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A husband and wife, both serving as judicial officers, were discovered dead under harrowing circumstances early morning on 13 June, in their government-issued accommodation in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district. Authorities believe the deaths stemmed from a violent domestic altercation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363612-husband-and-wife-found-dead-in-taling-chan-court-housing-flat/

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A husband and wife, both serving as judicial officers, were discovered dead under harrowing circumstances early morning on 13 June, in their government-issued accommodation in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district. Authorities believe the deaths stemmed from a violent domestic altercation. At around 00:20, Police Lieutenant Somboon Ketumat, Deputy Investigation Officer at Taling Chan Police Station, received a distress call reporting the discovery of two bodies inside a flat located within a residential complex for court officials in Chimplee Subdistrict. Emergency personnel, including forensic officers, medical examiners from Siriraj Hospital and rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers forced entry into the third-floor flat, which had been locked from the inside. Inside, they found the body of Mrs Kamonros, 47, a judicial officer at the Court of Appeal on Ratchadaphisek Road. She was lying on the bed in a pool of blood, with five stab wounds to her neck, chest and torso. Further inspection led officers to the bathroom, which was also locked. After breaking in, they found Mr Sakdichai, 51, an experienced officer at the Bangkok South Municipal Court, with his head submerged in a large water container. He had sustained stab wounds to his chest and is believed to have been dead for over 24 hours. The crime scene bore signs of a struggle, with bloodstains throughout the flat. Two bloodstained kitchen knives were recovered and are being held as evidence. Police were alerted to the scene after the deceased woman’s younger sister, concerned by her inability to contact Kamonros, travelled to the flat. After receiving no response and suspecting foul play, she contacted authorities for assistance. Pol. Col. Montchai Arunsongsaengdee, Superintendent of Taling Chan Police Station, confirmed that the flat had been locked from the inside and that initial findings point towards a murder-suicide. Relatives told police that the couple had frequently argued, with reports of jealousy and tension in the relationship. It is believed Mr Sakdichai fatally stabbed his wife during a dispute and, after confirming she had died, inflicted deep wounds on himself. When this failed to end his life, he is thought to have drowned himself in the bathroom. The bodies have been transferred to Siriraj Hospital for detailed post-mortem examinations. Family members have been notified and are preparing funeral arrangements. Investigations remain ongoing, as police continue to interview relatives, neighbours and colleagues in an attempt to fully understand the motives behind this incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-06-14

Thailand Boosts National Park Safety with Rescue Training for Park Officers Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is stepping up its commitment to tourist safety in Thailand’s national parks by launching an intensive rescue training programme for park officers, aimed at preparing personnel to handle all forms of emergencies in mountainous and forested terrain. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363611-thailand-boosts-national-park-safety-with-rescue-training-for-park-officers/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is stepping up its commitment to tourist safety in Thailand’s national parks by launching an intensive rescue training programme for park officers, aimed at preparing personnel to handle all forms of emergencies in mountainous and forested terrain. Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the DNP, announced that the department has initiated a specialised training course titled “Mountain and Forest Search and Rescue” as part of its 2025 safety development strategy. The goal is to build highly skilled, professional rescue teams equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies within national park areas, which are often remote and difficult to access. With tourist numbers rising steadily across Thailand’s national parks, safety has become a top priority. The DNP has recognised the need to upgrade its emergency response capabilities, particularly in ecotourism zones where the terrain can pose significant risks to visitors. “Since 2018, we have been training personnel in emergency response,” said Mr. Atthapol. “However, evolving techniques and increasing visitor demands mean we must continuously enhance the skills and readiness of our staff.” The training programme, designed with both rigour and realism, is divided into two key components: • Theoretical training (10 hours) covering essential topics such as map reading, GPS navigation, advanced first aid, safe evacuation methods, rescue equipment usage, and inter-agency coordination. • Practical field training (30 hours) focused on hands-on experience in simulated wilderness conditions to prepare participants for real-life scenarios. Two sessions of the programme are being held this year, with over 80 participants in total. • The first session took place from 19–23 May 2025 at Lan Sang National Park, Tak province. • The second was just completed from 9–13 June 2025 at Hat Wanakon National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The initiative aligns with Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy and the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan, aiming to elevate Thailand’s ecotourism safety standards to international levels. “This is a vital step in assuring both Thai and international tourists that when they explore our natural parks, they will be protected by trained, capable professionals,” Mr. Atthapol added. “Improved safety will not only increase visitor confidence but also enhance the global reputation of Thai ecotourism.” The DNP’s proactive measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that Thailand remains a safe and attractive destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14

Charred Body of Man Found Under House in Chiang Rai Picture courtesy of Amarin Police in Chiang Rai province have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a man whose charred remains were discovered under a stilted wooden house in the Wiang Pa Pao district early morning on 13 June. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363610-charred-body-of-man-found-under-house-in-chiang-rai/

Picture courtesy of Amarin Police in Chiang Rai province have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a man whose charred remains were discovered under a stilted wooden house in the Wiang Pa Pao district early morning on 13 June. The body of Mr. Somsak Sriwichaiwong, 48, was found burned beneath a home in Ban Pa Chan Village 7, Wiang Kalong Subdistrict. The gruesome discovery was reported at around 04:00 by the property’s owner, a man known locally as “Mr. Mueang,” who claimed he awoke to find the remains under his house after a night of drinking with the deceased and two other men. Authorities from the Mae Chai Police Station, forensic officers and medical personnel from Wiang Pa Pao Hospital responded to the scene, where they found significant evidence of a fire beneath the house. Charred wood, ashes and nearby firewood were observed near a wooden platform and stone table. A red rice container and plastic food bag were also found near the scene, reportedly left by the homeowner’s daughter the previous evening. The deceased was identified by residents as Mr. Somsak, a visitor from Ban Pa Ngae, located two villages away. He had reportedly spent the evening drinking with Mr. Mueang, Mr. Aod and Mr. La, all men from the same village and in their 40s. According to police, the body was found badly charred, with only the head and legs remaining intact. Village headman Mr. Santhanarong Veerachart told reporters that Mr. Mueang appeared intoxicated when he approached him before dawn to report the body. “He said he woke up and found someone burned to death under the house. It was still dark, so I told him we’d look into it in the morning,” the headman explained. At around 07:00 the headman accompanied others to the house and confirmed the presence of the severely burned body beneath the raised structure. Police were immediately notified and arrived to cordon off the area. Initial investigations reveal that the four men had been drinking beneath the house the night before. When questioned, Mr. Mueang claimed he had no knowledge of how the fire started or how Mr. Somsak came to be burned. The two other men, Mr. Aod and Mr. La, had returned home by morning but were later brought in for questioning. None of the three men had confessed to any wrongdoing. Police have confirmed the case is being treated as suspicious and have not ruled out foul play. The body has been transferred to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital for examination, while investigators continue to gather forensic evidence and interview potential witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-14

Cement Truck Crushes Two Girls Outside Petrol Station in Prachinburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash claimed the life of an 18-year-old girl and left another critically injured after a 22-wheeled cement truck struck and ran over a motorcycle outside a petrol station in Kabin Buri district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363609-cement-truck-crushes-two-girls-outside-petrol-station-in-prachinburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash claimed the life of an 18-year-old girl and left another critically injured after a 22-wheeled cement truck struck and ran over a motorcycle outside a petrol station in Kabin Buri district. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 on 13 June, on Suwannason Road near a PTT petrol station in the Mueang Kao subdistrict. According to police reports, the driver of the truck was attempting to turn into the station to use the restroom when the vehicle collided with a Honda Wave 100 motorcycle carrying two young women. Emergency services, including rescue workers from the Sajja Phutthatham Foundation and forensic medical staff from Kabin Buri Hospital, arrived at the scene promptly. The truck’s front left wheel had crushed the motorcycle and the two passengers beneath it. Rescue crews worked for over 30 minutes using hydraulic cutting tools to free the victims. Ms Pichaya, 18, who had been riding pillion, was found alive but severely injured. She was rushed to Kabin Buri Hospital in critical condition. The motorbike’s rider, Ms Chularat Chankaeo, also 18, was found with no detectable pulse and unresponsive. Despite attempts to resuscitate her at the scene, she succumbed to her injuries before reaching hospital. Warning video contains images of the collision. The lorry driver, identified only as Mr Nat, told investigators he had been travelling from Sa Kaeo province and was unaware he had struck a motorcycle until he noticed something was amiss and stopped to check. “I was shocked when I saw what had happened. I never thought something like this would occur,” he reportedly told police. Police have since escorted Mr Nat for formal questioning and are continuing their investigation. The body of the deceased has been sent to Kabin Buri Hospital. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14

Mangosteen Orchard Owner Found Dead in Tree Picture courtesy of Amarin A 50-year-old woman was found dead hanging in a mangosteen tree in Chanthaburi province, a day after she is believed to have lost consciousness while harvesting fruit alone. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363607-mangosteen-orchard-owner-found-dead-in-tree/

Picture courtesy of Amarin A 50-year-old woman was found dead hanging in a mangosteen tree in Chanthaburi province, a day after she is believed to have lost consciousness while harvesting fruit alone. Rescue officials from the Sawang Katanyu Foundation were called to the scene at 07:00 on the morning of 13 June, following reports of a deceased person found in a tree near Soi 14, Ban Hin Loi, Chak Thai Subdistrict, close to Wat Map Choen in the Khao Khitchakut district. Upon arrival, responders discovered the woman’s body suspended approximately 4–5 metres above ground in a mangosteen tree roughly 10 metres tall. The deceased was later identified as Ms. Termchan, the owner of a local orchard. The woman was found with a fruit-carrying sling bag made from a fertiliser sack looped around her neck and caught on a branch, causing her body to remain suspended. Investigators noted that she had been carrying two such bags, one had fallen to the ground full of mangosteens, while the other remained attached, with its weight likely contributing to the entanglement. Authorities suspect that the woman may have fainted or slipped while harvesting the fruit. She was known to suffer from frequent dizzy spells but often insisted on collecting mangosteens by herself. After documenting the scene, rescuers carefully brought the body down from the tree. The woman’s daughter, who discovered the body, told reporters that she had been working late and assumed her mother had gone to bed. However, she noticed the harvested mangosteens were still at home and the car had not moved. She began searching and eventually found a fallen bag of fruit beneath the tree. Looking up, she was devastated to see her mother’s lifeless body still entangled above. Authorities believe the death was accidental, though an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-14