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Blaze Engulfs Bang Phli Community: Woman Dies A fire broke out on the afternoon of 13 January in a densely populated wooden housing community located in Soi Pioneer, Bang Chalong subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, Thailand. The inferno, which started in a single home, quickly spread to neighbouring properties, leaving one woman dead and destroying at least 10 homes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348735-blaze-engulfs-bang-phli-community-woman-dies/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out on the afternoon of 13 January in a densely populated wooden housing community located in Soi Pioneer, Bang Chalong subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, Thailand. The inferno, which started in a single home, quickly spread to neighbouring properties, leaving one woman dead and destroying at least 10 homes. The blaze originated in the home of the deceased, a 49-year-old woman with a history of mental illness, who was unable to escape in time. Her body was discovered among the charred remains of her house once the fire was extinguished. As the fire spread rapidly, residents, including a mix of locals and migrant workers, scrambled to evacuate and rescue belongings. In a dramatic scene, over 20 Myanmar and Thai residents united to push a pickup truck out of a garage as flames encroached, managing to save it with their bare hands. Firefighters from Bang Chalong Municipality deployed nearly 10 fire engines to combat the flames, working alongside emergency response teams. After an hour and a half of effort, they succeeded in bringing the blaze under control, preventing further destruction. Among the victims was Ms. On Insombat, who broke down in tears as she recounted her losses. Her home, along with valuable possessions, religious amulets, professional tools, and important documents, was reduced to ashes while she was at work. Similarly, Ms. Lamjuan Janon, a vegetable vendor, lost her home and belongings, including clothes, bedding, and cash savings of over 60,000 baht that she had set aside to repay debts. Mr. Cho-um Tangsofa, the Mayor of Bang Chalong Municipality, reported that 10 homes, including rented rooms, were affected by the fire. Temporary shelters have been established at Wat Bang Chalong Nai temple, with provisions for food, clothing, and bedding underway. Authorities are also surveying the damage and coordinating relief efforts for affected families. Police Colonel Phairoj Phetploy, Superintendent of Bang Phli Police Station, stated that the fire started in the deceased woman’s home, where she lived alone. While the exact cause remains undetermined, initial investigations suggest it could have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Officials are awaiting forensic results and have instructed investigators to interview witnesses and relevant parties to uncover further details. -- 2025-01-14

9 Injured in Collision Between Truck and Car in Kanchanaburi An incident on the Kanchanaburi-Thong Pha Phum Road (Highway 323) has left nine people injured, including two eight-year-old children. The crash occurred near the entrance to the Cooperative Settlement in Kanchanaburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348734-9-injured-in-collision-between-truck-and-car-in-kanchanaburi/

Pictures from responders. An incident on the Kanchanaburi-Thong Pha Phum Road (Highway 323) has left nine people injured, including two eight-year-old children. The crash occurred on the evening of January 12 near the entrance to the Cooperative Settlement in Kanchanaburi Province. Police Lieutenant Songnakorn Khrueasaeng of Thong Pha Phum Police Station received a report of the collision, which caused significant damage and blocked traffic in the area. Authorities quickly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, police and rescue workers found the road littered with debris from the wreckage of a car and a small flatbed truck that had collided head-on. Volunteers from Kanchanaburi Rescue Foundation, along with the Khuntham Hin Dat Association, were already assisting the injured. The nine injured individuals, including four men, three women, and two eight-year-old children, were promptly taken to Thong Pha Phum Hospital. One person sustained critical injuries, losing their left arm in the crash. Medical personnel preserved the severed limb in ice, allowing doctors to attempt surgical attachment and reconstruction. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident and will take legal action as appropriate. Initial details suggest the car was traveling on the wrong side of the road when the collision occurred. Authorities will review witness statements to establish the full details. -- 2025-01-14

Motorbike Bomb Explodes Near TK Park in Pattani, Injuring 10 A motorbike bomb was detonated in a busy area near TK Park in central Pattani on the morning of January 13, injuring 10 people, including six paramilitary volunteers (Or Sor) and three police officers. A passing Malaysian visitor was also injured. The attack, which occurred just 20 metres from Pattani’s main police station, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348733-motorbike-bomb-explodes-near-tk-park-in-pattani-injuring-10/

Picture from responders. A motorbike bomb was detonated in a busy area near TK Park in central Pattani on the morning of January 13, injuring 10 people, including six paramilitary volunteers (Or Sor) and three police officers. A passing Malaysian visitor was also injured. The attack, which occurred just 20 metres from Pattani’s main police station, has sent shockwaves through the local community. The explosion took place at approximately 08:15, moments after the police concluded their morning briefing. The bomb, concealed under the seat of a motorbike, was triggered remotely. Investigators revealed that the explosive device had been packed into a metal box and placed on a motorbike, which was parked in a commercial area between the police station and TK Park. Among the injured are six paramilitary volunteers: 1. Or Sor Boonlert Saengsuwan (chest pain) 2. Or Sor Panuwat Mairaksa (shrapnel wound to the right leg) 3. Or Sor Bantheng Nualming (shrapnel wound to the right leg) 4. Or Sor Matopet Wakueno (chest pain) 5. Or Sor Matahe Saleh (chest pain) 6. Or Sor Jehsor Mama (chest pain) Three police officers also sustained injuries, primarily chest pain and hearing issues, while the Malaysian citizen’s vehicle suffered significant damage. Authorities suspect two perpetrators orchestrated the attack. CCTV footage shows one individual dressed as a woman, wearing a hijab, mask, and helmet to obscure their identity. The suspect parked the bomb-laden motorbike at around 07:00 and was later picked up by an accomplice on another motorbike. The blast damaged five buildings and shattered windows across nearby shops, cars, and the TK Park library. Security measures have been heightened in the area as officials work to secure evidence, including remnants of the bomb’s circuitry and battery. Colonel Jeffrey Saimankul, Chief of Pattani Police, confirmed that investigators are pursuing leads from CCTV footage. “This incident appears to be part of an effort to destabilise the region and target security personnel,” he stated. Pattani remains under strict surveillance as police widen their search for the perpetrators. -- 2025-01-14

Pickup Truck Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes, Injuring 5 Persons A black pickup truck lost control after the driver fell asleep, causing extensive damage to parked vehicles and nearby businesses. The crash left five people injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348732-pickup-truck-driver-falls-asleep-crashes-injuring-5-persons/

Pictures from responders. A black pickup truck lost control after the driver fell asleep, causing extensive damage to parked vehicles and nearby businesses. The crash left five people injured. The accident occurred on Road 340 in Si Prachan District, Suphan Buri Province, opposite Wat Suea Temple, as the truck was heading into the city. Emergency services from the Semakgan Suphan Buri Rescue Unit responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision at approximately 07:20 on January 13. At the scene, the black pickup truck was found overturned, resting on another pickup truck. Several parked vehicles along the roadside were severely damaged, along with a barber shop and an audio equipment store. Rescue workers provided first aid to the five injured individuals before transporting them to Si Prachan Hospital for further treatment. According to rescue team members, the pickup truck driver was returning home from a party in Suphan Buri City. The driver’s wife reportedly noticed he was dozing off and attempted to wake him, but he lost control of the vehicle on a curve, resulting in the collision with roadside property and parked cars. The incident caused significant traffic disruption in the area, as rescue teams used hydraulic equipment to free the injured. The investigation is still ongoing. -- 2025-01-14

Fire Breaks Out in High-Rise Building Near Kalawar Building, Bangkok A fire erupted on the 10th floor of a 15-storey condominium located in Soi Vanich 2, Talad Noi, Samphanthawong district, Bangkok, causing significant damage and leaving one person injured. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred late morning on January 13. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348731-fire-breaks-out-in-high-rise-building-near-kalawar-building-bangkok/

Pictures from responders. A fire erupted on the 10th floor of a 15-storey condominium located in Soi Vanich 2, Talad Noi, Samphanthawong district, Bangkok, causing significant damage and leaving one person injured. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred late morning on January 13. At 11:52 a call was made to the emergency hotline 199, reporting a fire in the high-rise building. Firefighters from the Suan Mali Fire and Rescue Station were the first to arrive, followed shortly by additional teams from the Bang Rak Fire and Rescue Station. Smoke was seen billowing from the 10th floor, prompting a rapid response to rescue residents trapped in the building. At 12:02 rescuers confirmed that people were trapped on the 13th floor. Firefighters successfully evacuated residents, while simultaneously working to extinguish the fire. The source of the fire was identified as Room 130/104 on the 10th floor. Flames completely destroyed the room and spread to the neighbouring unit, Room 129/104, leaving both rooms severely damaged. The fire was brought under control and officials began ventilating the building and conducting final checks for any possible remaining trapped individuals. One person, a woman approximately 50 years old, sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and was promptly transported to IMH Silom Hospital by volunteer rescue workers. Preliminary investigations could not determine the exact cause of the fire due to the extensive damage. Officials from the Suan Mali Fire and Rescue Station have taken responsibility for the area and will conduct further investigations to establish the cause. -- 2025-01-14

Motorcycle Shortcut Causes Fatal Crash, Killing 75-Year-Old Mother In an incident on the morning of January 13, a 50-year-old woman driving a motorcycle in the wrong direction while using a shortcut collided with a car, resulting in the death of her 75-year-old mother, who was riding as a passenger. The accident occurred on Petchkasem Road near Ban Khok Kok in Thamiharam Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, at 07:40. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348730-motorcycle-shortcut-causes-fatal-crash-killing-75-year-old-mother/

Picture from responders. In an incident on the morning of January 13, a 50-year-old woman driving a motorcycle in the wrong direction while using a shortcut collided with a car, resulting in the death of her 75-year-old mother, who was riding as a passenger. The accident occurred on Petchkasem Road near Ban Khok Kok in Thamiharam Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, at 07:40. Local police and Phatthalung rescue teams arrived at the scene to find a Honda Civic damaged at the front, having collided with a Honda Wave 110 motorcycle. The motorcycle was thrown over 100 meters from the point of impact. Tragically, the 75-year-old passenger, identified as Mrs. Lek, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle, her 50-year-old daughter, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital. According to Mr. Natthaphong, 28, the driver of the car, the motorcycle suddenly emerged from the left lane, attempting to cross the road using a shortcut through the median strip. Due to the sudden maneuver and the speed of the vehicles, the collision was unavoidable. Reports indicate that the mother and daughter were returning home after dropping off a child at school. The shortcut they attempted to use, which cuts through the median, has been the site of numerous incidents in the past. -- 2025-01-14

Man Sets Fire to Loan Shark’s House, Surrenders to Police in Lopburi A 34-year-old man turned himself in to the police on January 13, after admitting to setting fire to the house of a loan shark, reportedly out of anger over the alleged mistreatment of his mother. The blaze completely destroyed the home, resulting in damages estimated to be worth over one million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348729-man-sets-fire-to-loan-shark’s-house-surrenders-to-police-in-lopburi/

Picture from responders. A 34-year-old man turned himself in to the police on January 13, after admitting to setting fire to the house of a loan shark, reportedly out of anger over the alleged mistreatment of his mother. The blaze completely destroyed the home, resulting in damages estimated to be worth over one million baht. The incident occurred in Moo 8, Ngiew Rai Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District, when a half-brick, half-wooden house belonging to 62-year-old Ms. Prung caught fire. Police received the report through the 191 radio communication centre and promptly dispatched Deputy Inspector Lt. Yuttakarn Wangsarn of the Ban Kum Police Station to the scene. Fire trucks from the area and neighbouring districts, along with electricity officials, rushed to the site to extinguish the fire and cut off power to prevent further danger. The rescue teams faced challenges due to the narrow access to the house, and strong winds caused the flames to spread quickly. Despite their efforts, it took approximately 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. By then, the house and all its contents were completely destroyed, including three motorcycles parked inside. Early morning on January 13, Ms. Ploen, 54, brought her son, Mr. Natthawat, or Ball, to surrender to police at Ban Kum Police Station. Mr. Natthawat confessed to setting fire to Ms. Prung’s house. His mother revealed that she had persuaded him to turn himself in. According to Ms. Ploen, the altercation stemmed from an incident on the evening of 11 January, when she was allegedly assaulted by Ms. Prung while campaigning for a local council candidate. The altercation reportedly arose from a misunderstanding, with Ms. Prung accusing Ms. Ploen of speaking ill of her ex-husband. Ms. Ploen filed a police complaint about the assault on the morning of 12 January but did not inform her son, fearing he might retaliate due to his strong protective feelings for her. Ms. Ploen disclosed that her son had been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition and had undergone years of treatment. She was unaware of how he learned about the incident. When he confronted her, she denied being assaulted and claimed she had fallen from her motorbike. However, by the afternoon, news of the fire reached her, and she was shocked to learn that her son was responsible. Further investigations revealed that Ms. Prung’s son is also involved in lending money at high interest rates, and Ms. Ploen’s nephew had previously borrowed money from him. It remains unclear whether this played a role in the motive behind the attack. During questioning, Mr. Natthawat admitted to the crime and was taken to the scene for a reconstruction of events. Authorities are now determining whether his actions were influenced by his psychiatric condition. Forensic investigators have also examined the site, and police will continue gathering evidence and statements from all parties involved. Mr. Natthawat is currently in custody and will be brought before the court for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-01-14

Strong Winds Topple 100-Year-Old Tree, Killing Teen Girl and Injuring Another In an incident on National Children’s Day, a 100-year-old sugar palm tree, was toppled by strong winter winds, killing one schoolgirl and severely injuring another in Khantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348728-strong-winds-topple-100-year-old-tree-killing-teen-girl-and-injuring-another/

Picture from responders. In an incident on National Children’s Day, a 100-year-old sugar palm tree, was toppled by strong winter winds, killing one schoolgirl and severely injuring another in Khantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province. The incident occurred in the grounds of Wat Thammamongkhon in Khum Thao Pattana Subdistrict. The tree, weakened by internal decay, succumbed to powerful gusts of wind. As the tree fell, it struck two girls, aged 15 and 16, who were riding past on a motorbike. The 15-year-old victim, identified as Ice, died at the scene. The other girl, Palm, suffered critical injuries to her leg, which later required amputation at Khon Kaen Hospital after initial treatment at Maha Sarakham Hospital. Mr. Adisak Rattha, the village head of Ban Yang Samakki, described the moment he was informed of the incident. “The winds were strong all day. That evening, villagers came to tell me someone had been killed by a falling tree. I arrived at the scene to find Ice pinned beneath the palm tree, lifeless, while Palm was seriously injured. Medical personnel from a nearby clinic, just 10 metres away, provided first aid before transferring them to hospital.” The towering sugar palm, which exceeded the height of a nearby Bodhi tree, also damaged a section of the temple wall, severed high- and low-voltage power lines, and broke one utility pole as it fell. Villagers have since cut the tree into sections using chainsaws. The strong winds, described locally as “lomsamut” or whirlwinds, are believed to have caused the tree’s collapse. Ice’s grieving mother, Ms. Janpen, recounted eerie premonitions leading up to the tragedy. Two days before the incident, she heard objects falling in the house twice. On the second occasion, a photo frame of her daughter fell and shattered, while her own frame remained intact. “I didn’t think it was a sign something would happen to my child,” she said tearfully. At the time of the incident, the girls were returning home after purchasing ingredients for a barbecue. The tree fell as they passed beneath it on their motorbike. Ice’s mother expressed her shock, saying, “I was paralysed with fear when I heard what happened.” Ms. Janpen also revealed that the family had received assurances of compensation through the motorbike’s mandatory insurance and her daughter’s school accident policy. She holds no grievances, recognising the event as a natural disaster. “The tree was old and decayed, and no one could have anticipated this.” She urged authorities to regularly monitor roadside trees, particularly those with advanced age or signs of decay, to prevent similar incidents in the future. -- 2025-01-14

Update The 3 year girl succumbed to injuries on January 13 at 10.00 after struggling with severe brain injuries.

Dramatic Rescue at Sea: 30 Tourists Pulled to Safety After Catamaran Sinks Off Phuket Thirty lives were saved in a dramatic sea rescue after a tourist catamaran, the Emiray 888, began taking on water on January 13 and eventually sank near Racha Island. The vessel, which had departed from Chalong Pier in Phuket earlier in the day for a one-day excursion to Racha Island, encountered trouble approximately 1.6 nautical miles off the island’s northern coast. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348695-dramatic-rescue-at-sea-30-tourists-pulled-to-safety-after-catamaran-sinks-off-phuket/

Picture from responders. Thirty lives were saved in a dramatic sea rescue after a tourist catamaran, the Emiray 888, began taking on water on January 13 and eventually sank near Racha Island. The vessel, which had departed from Chalong Pier in Phuket earlier in the day for a one-day excursion to Racha Island, encountered trouble approximately 1.6 nautical miles off the island’s northern coast. The incident occurred as the catamaran, carrying 38 people, started to fill with water under as-yet-undetermined circumstances. Passengers, including tourists and crew members, were left stranded in the open sea. Fortunately, all passengers were wearing life jackets, which helped keep them afloat while they awaited rescue. The Phuket Tourist Police were immediately notified of the emergency and swiftly coordinated with the Marine Rescue Centre and other authorities. Speedboats from nearby tour companies joined forces with official patrol boats to assist in the rescue operation. Thanks to the quick response of rescue teams and nearby vessels, all 38 individuals onboard were brought to safety. No injuries were reported, and passengers were transported back to the mainland for medical checks and further assistance. Eyewitness accounts praised the professionalism and speed of the rescuers. “It was terrifying to see the boat sinking, but the rescue teams arrived quickly, and we felt safe,” one tourist recounted. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting structural or mechanical failure as the possible reason for the sudden water ingress. -- 2025-01-13

This is Thai media footage of the conditions when recovering the body.

Man Escapes Fiery Car Blaze as LPG Car Bursts into Flames After Startup A man narrowly escaped being engulfed in flames when his LPG-powered Honda Accord suddenly caught fire shortly after being started. The dramatic incident occurred in Pathum Thani Province, with the vehicle reduced to a burnt-out shell. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348659-man-escapes-fiery-car-blaze-as-lpg-car-bursts-into-flames-after-startup/

Picture from responders. A man narrowly escaped being engulfed in flames when his LPG-powered Honda Accord suddenly caught fire shortly after being started. The dramatic incident occurred in Pathum Thani Province, with the vehicle reduced to a burnt-out shell. At approximately 19:00 on 12 January, the Tha Khlong Municipality Radio Centre in Pathum Thani received a report of a vehicle fire in the parking lot behind the examination centre of Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, in Khlong Nueng Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District. Fire engines and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found the sedan engulfed in intense flames. They worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, which took around 15 minutes to bring under control. The car was completely destroyed, leaving only a charred frame. The car’s owner, 40-year-old Mr. Thotsaphon Atchanakun, recounted the terrifying moment. He explained that his Honda Accord, modified to run on LPG, had been parked since midday as he accompanied his girlfriend to take an examination. “When I started the car in the evening, the engine wouldn’t rev. Suddenly, someone from a nearby car shouted that flames were coming from underneath my car. I immediately got out and ran for safety, yelling for help to call the fire department,” said Mr. Thotsaphon. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was probably caused by an LPG leak. Authorities are conducting a detailed inspection to determine the exact cause of the blaze. -- 2025-01-13

Car Crashes into Power Poles, Driver Missing, Causes Power Outage A Honda CR-V crashed into three power poles in Chachoengsao Province on the night of 12 January, causing widespread power outages. The driver fled the scene, leaving authorities still trying to locate the individual responsible. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348657-car-crashes-into-power-poles-driver-missing-causes-power-outage/

Picture from responders. A Honda CR-V crashed into three power poles in Chachoengsao Province on the night of 12 January, causing widespread power outages. The driver fled the scene, leaving authorities still trying to locate the individual responsible. At approximately 21:00, Pol. Lt. Napadon Thaweechart, an investigator from Bang Pakong Police Station, received a report of an accident on Sukhumvit Road near the Grand Village, Moo 1, Bang Samak Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found three toppled power poles, one of which had collapsed onto the roof on the Honda CR-V with Bangkok registration plate. The driver was not present at the scene, prompting an immediate search of the surrounding area. The crash resulted in the two other power poles falling across the road, creating an obstruction and plunging the area into darkness. Residents in the vicinity experienced significant disruption as the power outage spread across a wide area. Electricity authorities were promptly notified and dispatched repair crews to restore power. Local residents expressed frustration over the incident, citing the inconvenience caused by the unexpected blackout. Police conducted an initial search for the driver in nearby areas but were unable to locate them. Investigators plan to use the vehicle’s registration details to track down the owner and hold them accountable for the damage caused to public infrastructure. Legal action will also be pursued. Authorities have urged the driver to come forward and cooperate with the investigation to address the damages incurred. -- 2025-01-13

Motorcyclist Chases Down Foreign Hit-and-Run Driver in Phuket Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Phuket residents are praising a local good Samaritan who chased down a foreign motorist involved in a hit-and-run incident. The incident occurred on January 12, at 13:30 on Thepkrasattri Road, Thalang district. Full story and video:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348652-motorcyclist-chases-down-foreign-hit-and-run-driver-in-phuket/