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Father Weeps Over Daughter’s Body After Fatal Motorbike Crash with Parked Lorry Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 25-year-old medical assistant lost her life in a road crash on the evening of 10 May, after her motorcycle crashed into the rear of a parked lorry trailer in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360324-father-weeps-over-daughter’s-body-after-fatal-motorbike-crash-with-parked-lorry/

Picture courtesy of Matichon A dramatic arrest unfolded on 10 May, after a man wanted on theft charges attempted to evade police by climbing through a ceiling space and then hiding inside a water service duct. The suspect was eventually removed with assistance from a local rescue team and taken into custody. Police Lieutenant Colonel Siraphop Bualuang, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, together with Police Captain Itthiphon Phuttharaksa and a team of investigators, led the operation to apprehend Mr. Atthawit, who was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court (No. J.637/2567 dated 8 May 2025). He is accused of theft from an employer. Officers had traced the suspect to a flat in Building 8 of the Pla Thong housing project in Bang Phun Subdistrict, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province. When police arrived, Mr. Atthawit fled through the ceiling space and into an adjacent room, eventually wedging himself inside a narrow veryical utility shaft used for water piping. Police were initially unable to retrieve him and had to call in a rescue team to assist in the extraction. It took over 30 minutes of careful manoeuvring before Mr. Atthawit was finally removed from the tight space and brought down safely. He was then taken in a dishevelled state to Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station for interrogation and legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-11.

File picture courtesy of Khaosod. The government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides, warning of strict penalties including fines of up to 500,000 baht and prison sentences of up to two years. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanajan, announced on 9 May that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has joined forces with five key agencies, namely, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Department of Business Development, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Tourist Police Bureau, and the Immigration Bureau, to form a special task force named the Joint Operations Centre for Tackling Proxy Tour Businesses (ศปต.). The centre has been established to intensify efforts against “nominee” tour companies, those illegally using Thai nationals as business fronts for foreign operators and unlicensed tour guides. The aim is to raise tourism industry standards and ensure the safety and legality of services provided to both domestic and international visitors. From October 2024 to March 2025, inspections were carried out on 940 tour companies and 338 guides. Violations included operating without a licence, failing to display permits, and not providing insurance for tourists. Among tour guides, common infractions involved working without a licence and not carrying the required work assignment documentation. Penalties for unlicensed tour operators include a fine of up to 500,000 baht or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Unlicensed guides face up to a 100,000 baht fine or one year in prison. All tour promotions must clearly display a valid licence number, the company’s name, and its official address. Only licensed guides are permitted to lead tours. The government is urging the public to report suspected violations via the Department of Tourism’s official Facebook page or by emailing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has announced a major revision of its Suvarnabhumi Airport development masterplan, aiming to significantly increase passenger capacity and strengthen Thailand’s status as a regional aviation hub. Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, Acting President and Executive Vice President for Engineering and Construction, revealed on Wednesday that AOT is in the process of revising the Suvarnabhumi development blueprint to accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually by 2031, more than double its current capacity of 65 million. The revised masterplan is expected to be completed by August or September 2025 and will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. A key feature of the plan includes the construction of an 81,000-square-metre East Terminal, designed to handle an additional 15 million passengers annually. This project, requiring an investment of 13.52 billion baht, is slated for Cabinet review before moving forward to the bidding and construction stages. The expansion doesn’t stop there. Ms. Paweena detailed plans for a massive South Terminal covering 1.597 million square metres with 150 aircraft bays. In tandem, a fourth runway, Runway 4, will be constructed, boosting flight handling capacity to 120 flights per hour and accommodating 70 million passengers. This phase of the project now has an estimated cost of 170 billion baht, an increase from the previously projected 150 billion. The current phase of Suvarnabhumi (termed the “Existing Phase”) allows for 65 million passengers, 94 flights per hour, and 79 gates over a 516,000-square-metre area. The new projects aim to vastly expand these capabilities. Ms. Paweena emphasised that while the investments are significant, they will not negatively impact AOT’s financial stability. Funding sources will include internal revenue and low-interest loans, including those from international lenders. More concrete financial details are expected to be finalised by September or October 2025. In addition, AOT is seeking investors to lease and develop two prime land plots surrounding the airport. The first, a 548-rai plot, is strategically located near the airport’s public transport hub and major roads such as Suvarnabhumi Roads 2 and 4, Lat Krabang Road, and Bangna-Trad Road. The second, a 462-rai plot accessible via Lat Krabang-Wat Sriwareenoi Road, is considered ideal for an entertainment complex. These developments represent a bold step forward in Thailand’s aviation infrastructure, positioning Suvarnabhumi Airport as a global gateway with world-class facilities and connectivity. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident unfolded in Samut Prakan on the morning of 10 May, when a 23-year-old man was found dead after falling from a five-storey apartment building. The man’s body was discovered in the car park of the building, located in the Thaiban Mai subdistrict of Mueang District. According to police from the Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station, who received the emergency call at approximately 07:30, the young man fell from the fourth floor of the apartment where he had been living alone for just two weeks. The body was found lying on the road beside a damaged four-door pickup truck. Investigators believe the victim’s body struck the roof of the vehicle before hitting the ground, resulting in multiple fractures and a severe head wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police, along with forensic officers and a local rescue foundation, examined the man’s room on the fourth floor. Inside, they found a mattress, some personal belongings, and at the rear balcony, cannabis products, kratom plants, and drug paraphernalia. There were no signs of a struggle or forced entry. Neighbours reported hearing an unusual loud cry coming from above just before the man’s body was found on the ground. No witnesses saw the fall itself, but the sound drew attention to the tragic aftermath. The body has been sent to the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in Ramathibodi Hospital for a full autopsy. Authorities are in the process of contacting the man’s relatives to arrange religious rites. Police are continuing their investigation and have not yet ruled out any possibility regarding the circumstances of the fall. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A massive fire broke out at a well-known rubber processing factory in Chonburi in the early hours of the morning of 10 May, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and forcing more than 50 workers to flee for their lives. The blaze erupted just after midnight in Moo 7, Tha Boonmee subdistrict, Koh Chan district. Officers from Koh Chan Police Station rushed to the scene alongside over 20 fire engines from various emergency response units. When they arrived, they were met with intense flames and heavy smoke engulfing the premises. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than six hours and were finally able to bring it under control around 06:00. However, the factory, reportedly involved in the cutting, shredding, and reprocessing of rubber for export, was extensively damaged, with more than 90% of the facility destroyed. At the time of the incident, approximately 50 employees were inside the building. All managed to escape, though the chaotic scene saw workers sprinting for safety amid the inferno. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or provide an estimate of the financial losses incurred. Forensic teams from Region 2 are conducting a thorough investigation to collect evidence and identify what sparked the fire. Police will also be interviewing relevant individuals to support the inquiry and ensure all legal procedures are followed. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 25-year-old medical assistant lost her life in a road crash on the evening of 10 May, after her motorcycle crashed into the rear of a parked lorry trailer in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The incident occurred at around 20:00, on Highway 356, near kilometre marker 9, in Pak Kran subdistrict. Pol Lt Col Manoch Ritthipoon, an investigator from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station, arrived at the scene along with rescue workers from the Ayutthaya Ruamjai Foundation. The victim, who worked as a medical assistant at a clinic in Bang Pa-In district, was found dead at the scene. Her blue Honda motorcycle, registered in Ayutthaya, was wedged underneath the rear of a trailer that had been detached from a lorry and left parked on the roadside. The impact had been so severe that she was killed instantly. The trailer, bearing Saraburi registration, had been left on the roadside with a tree branch attached as a warning marker. A lorry, registered from Saraburi, was found parked nearby with its hazard lights on. According to the lorry driver, the vehicle had suffered a tyre blowout earlier, prompting him to park on the shoulder of the road. He said he had placed warning barriers approximately 50 metres from the vehicle before detaching the trailer and driving to find a tyre repair centre. Upon returning, he found rescue teams already at the scene and learned that a motorbike had crashed into the trailer, resulting in a fatality. In a heartbreaking moment, the victim’s father arrived shortly after the incident. Upon seeing his daughter’s body, he collapsed in grief, embracing her lifeless form and weeping uncontrollably. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are collecting evidence. The young woman’s body has been transferred to a hospital for examination before being released to her family. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Malaysian Tourist's Tragic Plunge in Patong Sparks Investigation Photo courtesy of The Phuket News Holidaymakers in Phuket were left shaken after a Malaysian tourist reportedly “acting crazy” leapt from a hotel balcony, later dying from his injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360305-malaysian-tourists-tragic-plunge-in-patong-sparks-investigation/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 11 May 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1360323-thailand-live-sunday-11-may-2025/

UPDATE Gunman Arrested at Home After Fatally Shooting Waste Centre Security Guard Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a man suspected of fatally shooting a security guard at a waste disposal centre in Bangkok. The suspect, who later confessed to the killing, was apprehended at his home on 10 May. The shooting took place outside the maintenance office of the On Nut Solid Waste Disposal Centre, located near the entrance of Soi On Nut 86 in Prawet district. The victim, identified as Mr Theerasak, 44, was found dead beside a wall at the facility after being shot. Pol Col Thossaphol Ampaiphiphatkul, superintendent of Prawet Police Station, led a team of investigators, including officers from Metropolitan Police Division 4, in arresting the suspect, Mr Chalerm, also known by the nickname “Lek Nao”, aged 50. Police found Mr Chalerm hiding in tall grass outside a residence in the Prawet area. Officers seized the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting, as well as the clothes he had worn on the day of the incident. During questioning, Mr Chalerm confessed to the shooting, claiming he had acted in self-defence. According to his statement, the victim had been intoxicated and had attempted to shoot him first, prompting him to return fire. He then fled the scene. He now faces charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Further investigations are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

And? Do you really need a picture of the truck? Don’t you think the truck maybe further down the road, as it was travelling at speed. The pictures are from emergency responders, showing the damaged vehicle, which had the casualties, not the slightly damaged truck!

Fatal Crash Inferno at Rayong Bend Claims Life of Bangkok Man A man has died in a road crash that occurred just after midnight on 10 May, near the Krok Yai Cha bend on Sukhumvit Road in the Nern Phra Subdistrict of Mueang District, Rayong Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360300-fatal-crash-inferno-at-rayong-bend-claims-life-of-bangkok-man/

Picture courtesy of responders. A man has died in a road crash that occurred just after midnight on 10 May, near the Krok Yai Cha bend on Sukhumvit Road in the Nern Phra Subdistrict of Mueang District, Rayong Province. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after 00:10 following reports of a serious collision involving a car that had struck a road sign before crashing into a residential property. Upon arrival, rescue personnel from the Sawang Phra Kuson Foundation found a blue Honda Stream, registration from Rayong, engulfed in flames. Despite the swift efforts of firefighters to extinguish the blaze, the male driver was found deceased, trapped inside the burning vehicle. His body was later retrieved and transported to Rayong Hospital for post-mortem examination. The victim was formally identified as Mr Ratt Khunarat, 42, a resident of Bangkok. No other individuals were injured in the incident. Rayong City Police Station is overseeing the investigation, with duty officer Pol. Lt. Thongdao Khodlakkham confirming that the exact cause remains under investigation, initial reports indicate that the vehicle driver lost control at speed, before the fatal impact. The Krok Yai Cha bend has long been known locally for being particularly hazardous, especially during night-time or adverse weather conditions. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution in the area, as the investigation continues, as police review nearby CCTV footage, Adapted by Asean Now from Zoom Rayong 2025-05-10.

Surprise Raid Uncovers Indian Hotel Party Near Pattaya Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Authorities mounted an operation after residents lodged complaints about repeated loud and unauthorised parties at a local hotel, in Nong Prue area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360294-surprise-raid-uncovers-indian-hotel-party-near-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Authorities mounted an operation after residents lodged complaints about repeated loud and unauthorised parties at a local hotel, in Nong Prue area. Mr. Phatcharapach Sritanyanon, Chief of Bang Lamung District, ordered the inspection following growing concerns from locals. The operation was led by Mr. Nathaphop Yomchinda, Deputy District Chief, accompanied by Pol. Lt. Col. Jamlong Jinpala of Nong Prue Police Station, Mr. Kittisak Monkaew from Pong Subdistrict Municipality, and supported by over 50 personnel from immigration, tourist police, and local administration forces. The raid targeted Pattaya Mansion, located at 70/2 Moo 6, Nong Prue. Authorities had first sent in undercover officers to observe the situation, where they confirmed a raucous poolside party was underway. More than 200 foreign tourists, predominantly Indian nationals, were found swimming and drinking by the poolside, with loud music blaring throughout the venue. The coordinated raid caught many attendees by surprise, causing chaos as officers entered. Once the situation was under control, officials began verifying identity documents, particularly of young women allegedly hired to entertain guests. Drug tests were also conducted, and no illegal substances or underage individuals were found. Following the inspection, authorities reviewed the hotel’s operating licences and documents from tour guides responsible for bringing tourists to the venue, to ensure all were in full legal compliance. The raid came in response to a wave of complaints from nearby residents who claimed the noise from nightly parties had disrupted their lives for over a month. Locals reported that the music made it impossible to sleep, prompting swift and decisive action from the district office. Officials have since issued a stern reminder that all entertainment venues must adhere to laws regulating noise levels and operating permits. Any violations will be met with legal proceedings as per the rule of law. Authorities also stated that they will continue monitoring and enforcing compliance to ensure the peace and well-being of residents is maintained. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-10.

Seven Injured as Truck Slams into Passenger Bus in Ranong A road crash occurred in Ranong early morning on 9 May, when a 22-wheel truck rear-ended a passenger bus, which had a wooden structure passenger compartment, leaving seven people injured, one of them critically. The crash happened near a major shopping centre in Moo 1, Bang Rin subdistrict, Mueang Ranong district, shortly before 07:00. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360293-seven-injured-as-truck-slams-into-passenger-bus-in-ranong/

Pictures of the bus from responders. A road crash occurred in Ranong early morning on 9 May, when a 22-wheel truck rear-ended a passenger bus, which had a wooden structure passenger compartment, leaving seven people injured, one of them critically. The crash happened near a major shopping centre in Moo 1, Bang Rin subdistrict, Mueang Ranong district, shortly before 07:00. Emergency responders from the Ranong Rescue Foundation were dispatched to the scene along with multiple ambulances and officers from Mueang Ranong Police Station. Upon arrival, they found the inter-district passenger bus, which operates between Ngao subdistrict and Ranong town, heavily damaged. The force of the collision pushed the bus nearly 20 metres. Seven people, 2 male and 4 female passengers as well as the driver, were injured in the crash. One person was reported to be in critical condition. All casualties were swiftly transported to Ranong Hospital for urgent medical treatment. An eyewitness described the scene, stating that the bus had been travelling at a moderate speed, through a community area, when the truck, carrying a shipping container, approached rapidly from behind. The truck struck the rear of the bus with significant force, causing it to veer off the road and crash into several roadside trees and the rear passenger compartment, doors and roof ripped off. The driver of the 22-wheel truck, identified as Mr Somchai Phinit, admitted fault at the scene. He told police that he had suddenly blacked out just before the collision and was unable to stop in time. He stressed that he had no intention of fleeing the scene and had immediately informed his company and insurance provider after the incident. Mr Somchai, who had been driving from Songkhla to collect seafood in Ranong, expressed deep remorse for the injuries caused. “I truly apologise to everyone who was hurt. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” he said. Authorities confirmed that Mr Somchai was taken to Mueang Ranong Police Station for formal questioning. The driver of the bus and the injured passengers will be interviewed once their medical condition allows. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Responders Reports 2025-05-10.

Rayong: Child Drowns in Irrigation Canal Picture courtesy of Amarin. A four-year-old boy has drowned after wandering away from home and entering an irrigation canal in Rayong province, leaving his mother distraught and the local community in shock. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360292-rayong-child-drowns-in-irrigation-canal/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A four-year-old boy has drowned after wandering away from home and entering an irrigation canal in Rayong province, leaving his mother distraught and the local community in shock. The incident occurred at around 09:30 on 9 May, in Moo 13, Ban Na subdistrict, Klaeng district. Police from Klaeng Police Station were alerted by local rescue volunteers to the discovery of a young boy’s body in the Mab Chan irrigation canal. The victim, identified as Sky, a 4-year-old boy from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, was found lifeless on the bank of the water. Nearby, his mother, Ms. Sai, 32, also from Laos, was seen weeping uncontrollably as she clutched her son’s lifeless body. According to CCTV footage, at approximately 08:57, the boy was last seen playing in front of his home before disappearing from view. Two minutes later, another camera captured him running along a nearby road before heading under a bridge. Shortly after, he entered the water and drowned. At about 09:30, a local resident returning from work in a nearby orchard spotted what initially appeared to be a doll floating in the water. Upon closer inspection, he realised it was the child’s body, face down and entangled with a piece of bamboo. He immediately notified the boy’s mother, who had already been frantically searching for her missing son. Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after and instructed rescue workers to transfer the body to Klaeng Hospital for a formal autopsy. Authorities have ruled the death accidental and are working with local agencies to ensure the area is made safer for children. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-10.

Elderly Driver 87, Runs Over Elderly Couple on Motorbike in Chonburi, Two Dead Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 87-year-old man has turned himself in after hitting an elderly couple on a motorbike in Chonburi and fatally running over them, resulting in the death of both victims, one at the scene and the other in hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360291-elderly-driver-87-runs-over-elderly-couple-on-motorbike-in-chonburi-two-dead/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 87-year-old man has turned himself in after hitting an elderly couple on a motorbike in Chonburi and fatally running over them, resulting in the death of both victims, one at the scene and the other in hospital. The crash occurred at approximately 10:30 on 9 May, on Sukprayoon Road, inbound towards Phanat Nikhom, in front of Wat Nong Chae Waen, in the Mabpong subdistrict of Phan Thong district. Pol. Lt. Col. Prasert Kulbutdee, an investigator at Phan Thong Police Station, responded to the emergency call. At the scene, rescue workers found the body of Mr Sommai Ritngam, 70, who had been wearing a helmet, but suffered a fatal head injury after being run over. His skull was crushed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Nearby lay a blue Honda Wave motorbike, registration number from Chonburi, with household goods including detergent, food, and fried bananas scattered across the road. The pickup truck driver had already left the scene. Ms Thongrak, 72, the pillion passenger, was found severely injured with abrasions all over her body. Rescue teams provided emergency first aid and rushed her to Phan Thong Hospital. Despite ongoing resuscitation efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Later, Mr Thawin Thongnuch, the 87-year-old driver of a Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, registration from Chonburi, surrendered himself to police. The front of his vehicle had visible dents. Mr Thawin explained that he had been driving to Phanat Nikhom when the motorbike, which was on the left, turned suddenly in front of him, resulting in a collision. “I didn’t think they had died,” he told police. “I thought I saw the man still standing afterwards, so I drove on to find my daughter and collect myself before turning myself in.” He claimed he had no intention of fleeing and had simply returned home to regain his composure. “I didn’t even have my mobile phone, it was at home, so I couldn’t call my daughter straight away,” he added. Mr Thawin expressed deep remorse and offered his apologies to the victims’ family, stating that he was willing to accept full responsibility. Police have launched a formal investigation and are preparing to press charges in accordance with the law. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-10.

Man Shoots Neighbour in Revenge Attack Over Pet Dog Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 68-year-old Thai man has been arrested after shooting a neighbour in what police described as a long-harboured act of revenge for an attack on his pet dog. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360290-man-shoots-neighbour-in-revenge-attack-over-pet-dog/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 68-year-old Thai man has been arrested after shooting a neighbour in what police described as a long-harboured act of revenge for an attack on his pet dog. The incident occurred on a village road in Moo 5, Ton Pho subdistrict, in the province of Sing Buri. Police were alerted to the shooting and found the victim, 42-year-old Mr. Sainatee, suffering from a gunshot wound. The bullet, fired from a .45 calibre handgun, entered his right wrist and exited through his right shoulder. He was rushed to Sing Buri Hospital in a serious but stable condition. According to police, Mr. Sainatee, who works as a fishpond guard, had been driving normally through the area when he was suddenly pursued by another vehicle. The driver then pulled up alongside and opened fire without warning. The victim recognised his assailant as a nearby resident and managed to flee to safety. Police later located the alleged gunman, identified as Mr. Phetchayan, at his home roughly 500 metres from the scene. He was found calmly spraying weedkiller in his garden when officers arrived. When questioned, Mr. Phetchayan confessed to the shooting and handed over the weapon used. In a startling admission, he told police he had held a grudge against Mr. Sainatee since 18 November 2024, when the latter allegedly slashed his dog, named “Nang Oh,” with a knife during a late-night altercation. Mr. Phetchayan claimed the neighbour frequently trespassed on his property at night, shining a headlamp which caused the dog to bark and wake him up. He said he had resolved to retaliate if they ever crossed paths again. “I saw him this morning while I was out buying groceries, so I took my gun and shot him,” he told investigators. “I’ve held on to that anger ever since he hurt my dog.” Mr. Phetchayan, a retired maritime engineer, now lives a quiet life farming and raising fish. His nephew, Mr. Chaipol, told reporters that his uncle was not a violent man. “He’s not the type to cause trouble, but he’s had a tough time in recent years. Even his fish have been stolen,” he said. “He must have been deeply hurt and couldn’t let it go.” Police have taken Mr. Phetchayan into custody and charged him with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Investigations are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-10.

Cambodia Deports 43 Thai Nationals Linked to Call Centre Scam Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Cambodian authorities have deported 43 Thai nationals through the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, after uncovering their involvement with a criminal call centre operation in Poipet. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360289-cambodia-deports-43-thai-nationals-linked-to-call-centre-scam/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Cambodian authorities have deported 43 Thai nationals through the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, after uncovering their involvement with a criminal call centre operation in Poipet. The deportees, 23 men and 20 women, were handed over to Thai immigration officials at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge following a crackdown by Phnom Penh police and relevant agencies between 30 April and 3 May in Banteay Meanchey province. According to Thai authorities, the group had been working for a transnational scam network operating out of a 10-storey building in Poipet, believed to be a hub for call centre fraud targeting Thai citizens. The operation was initiated after the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh received intelligence about the location. Following their arrest, the Cambodians detained the group at the 911 Border Patrol Police base and filed charges of participation in a transnational criminal organisation. The suspects were later deported to Thailand for further legal proceedings. Senior Thai officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaworn Dulyawit, Commissioner of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Teerachai Chamnarnmo, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, were present to receive the deportees. The group was taken through immigration procedures and then transferred to a screening centre at Surasinghanat Military Camp under the 19th Army Circle. Authorities aim to distinguish between perpetrators and victims of human trafficking. During the handover, checks revealed that two of the returnees were subjects of arrest warrants covering three separate charges. Another individual had a pending online fraud complaint. These three were separated from the group for immediate legal action. The remaining individuals will undergo the screening process to determine further legal or protective measures, as part of ongoing Thai efforts to dismantle cross-border scam operations and assist trafficking victims. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-10.