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National Parks Department Halts Elephant Trench Project After Structural Collapse Pictures courtesy of Matichon. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a new elephant trench project in Chachoengsao Province after multiple sections of a newly built concrete barrier collapsed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360174-national-parks-department-halts-elephant-trench-project-after-structural-collapse/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a new elephant trench project in Chachoengsao Province after multiple sections of a newly built concrete barrier collapsed. Photos circulated widely on social media this week showed the crumbling of the reinforced concrete barrier, which is part of a 10-kilometre trench project designed to prevent wild elephants from encroaching on nearby communities. The project, worth over 40 million baht is being built at a cost of 4.2 million baht per kilometre and runs through Tha Takiab District into Sanam Chai Khet District. Public outrage followed the viral images, with citizens raising questions about poor construction standards, possible design flaws, and accountability. Critics noted that the structure failed even before completion, prompting calls for urgent investigation. On 7 May, the DNP’s official Facebook page released a statement from Mr Kongkiat Temtanan, Director of Protected Area Regional Office 2 (Sriracha), clarifying that the damage was caused by a landslide at a known vulnerable point, which had not yet been fully addressed. The damaged portion, located in the first kilometre of the trench near Sanam Chai Khet Subdistrict, has reportedly been under contractor review since February. Mr Kongkiat confirmed that the contractor had been ordered to dismantle and rebuild the damaged section to meet the original project specifications. However, the contractor has not yet taken action. He emphasised that the project remains under construction and that no official handover or financial disbursement has occurred. Construction has now been suspended pending a full damage assessment. Discussions are also underway with the project’s design authority, the Regional Water Resources Office 6, which noted that the use of reinforced concrete slabs may not be suitable for areas with steep slopes due to soil pressure. On 8 May, a team of four engineers from the Department’s Restoration Division is scheduled to visit the site to examine whether the damage stems from construction failures or flaws in the design itself. Should the project be cancelled, it will follow formal procedures for project termination and budget reassignment. Mr Kongkiat assured the public that the department is committed to addressing the issue transparently and ensuring the project’s integrity and public benefit. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.

Anthrax Scare Devastates Beef Sales in Ubon Ratchathani Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. Local beef vendors in Ubon Ratchathani province are reporting a dramatic 90% drop in sales following recent reports of an anthrax outbreak affecting cattle and buffalo meat in the region. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360173-anthrax-scare-devastates-beef-sales-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. Local beef vendors in Ubon Ratchathani province are reporting a dramatic 90% drop in sales following recent reports of an anthrax outbreak affecting cattle and buffalo meat in the region. Authorities, including Dr. Suphot Rotchan, the provincial livestock official, conducted inspections at major meat stalls along Kantharalak Road in Warin Chamrap district, a well-known hub for beef, buffalo, and pork sales. The visits aimed to ensure that vendors held valid animal carcass sale permits and were aware of the symptoms and risks associated with anthrax. Despite no official confirmation linking local meat to any contamination, panic among consumers has had a devastating effect on business. “We used to sell up to 100 kilograms of beef per day,” said Ms. Kanyapat Lomwong, a longtime meat vendor. “Now we’re lucky to sell even 10 kilograms. Sometimes I sit here for hours and don’t even sell one.” Kanyapat noted that the downturn began shortly after the Songkran festival, when news first broke about anthrax concerns in livestock. Sales, once guaranteed at a minimum of 50 kilograms per day, have plummeted to levels so low that she has had to cut staff shifts to reduce daily losses. “We’re barely making enough to cover daily costs,” she added. “People are scared and won’t come near beef or buffalo meat anymore.” Dr. Suphot urged the public to stay calm, assuring that regular veterinary inspections and safety protocols are in place. He encouraged vendors to display proper certification to reassure consumers of the meat’s safety. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, promising to step up public education efforts to counter the spread of misinformation and help revive confidence in the province’s meat markets. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360031-anthrax-control-centre-to-open-in-mukdahan-after-local-death/ Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-05-09.

Woman Arrested After Airline Ticket Scam Defrauds Over 50 Victims of 10 Million Baht Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on Koh Samui for orchestrating a large-scale scam involving fake airline tickets and hotel bookings, with over 50 victims reporting combined losses of approximately 10 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360172-woman-arrested-after-airline-ticket-scam-defrauds-over-50-victims-of-10-million-baht/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on Koh Samui for orchestrating a large-scale scam involving fake airline tickets and hotel bookings, with over 50 victims reporting combined losses of approximately 10 million baht. Ms Kaewta was apprehended by officers from Bo Phut Police Station outside a rented room in the Lamai area of Maret subdistrict. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on 7 May on charges of fraud. The arrest was carried out under the directive of Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomchit, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, and executed by a team led by Pol Col Denduang Thongsrisuk, Superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station. The case came to light on 22 April when more than 50 individuals filed complaints with Bo Phut Police, alleging that Ms Kaewta had conned them by falsely offering low-priced domestic and international airline tickets as well as discounted hotel rooms. Victims included close friends, acquaintances, and travel business operators in Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Chiang Rai. One victim recounted booking six airline tickets to Shanghai through Ms Kaewta at 7,000 baht each, totalling 42,000 baht. The money was transferred directly into the suspect’s bank account. However, prior to the departure date, the victim grew suspicious after hearing of similar issues from other customers. Upon contacting the airline directly, they were informed that no such promotion existed and that the tickets were fake. As news of the scam spread across social media, dozens more victims came forward, revealing a pattern of deception by Ms Kaewta. Many believed they were purchasing legitimate “friends and family” promotional tickets, only to discover the bookings were fraudulent. National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Panpetch and Pol Lt Gen Surapong have ordered the investigation to proceed swiftly, citing the seriousness of the offence under public fraud laws, which carry heavy penalties. Authorities are now working to identify any potential accomplices and determine whether additional victims exist. Police have urged anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Ms Kaewta to come forward and provide information. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers seeking to uncover the full scope of the operation and bring all involved to justice. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358644-scammer-dupes-dozens-in-airline-ticket-and-hotel-booking-fraud-on-koh-samui/ Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09.

Big Bike Crash Claims Life of 23-Year-Old on Maha Jesada Bodin Bridge Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old man lost his life after crashing his 800cc big bike on a curved section of the Maha Jesada Bodin Bridge in Nonthaburi on the afternoon on 7 May, despite wearing a helmet. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360171-big-bike-crash-claims-life-of-23-year-old-on-maha-jesada-bodin-bridge/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 23-year-old man lost his life after crashing his 800cc big bike on a curved section of the Maha Jesada Bodin Bridge in Nonthaburi on the afternoon on 7 May, despite wearing a helmet. The crash occurred at around 16:30, prompting officers from Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station to rush to the scene along with emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and forensic specialists from the Institute of Forensic Medicine. The incident took place on the outbound side of the bridge, heading towards Ratchaphruek Road in Suan Yai subdistrict. The victim, identified as Mr. Wiput, was found lying face-up in the right lane. He was already deceased upon discovery, still wearing his helmet. Nearby, police found a broken mobile phone and a 360-degree camera that had been flung from the crash. Approximately 50 metres away, a black Kawasaki Z800 motorcycle, registered in Bangkok was found toppled over. Inspection of the crash site revealed scraping marks on the central barrier, a broken reflective panel, and a bent directional arrow pole, all consistent with a high-impact collision. According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist had been travelling at high speed as he entered the curve from Nonthaburi Road 1. He appeared to lose control mid-turn, resulting in the bike crashing violently into the central barrier. The force of the impact flung both rider and machine across the road. Authorities transported the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for an autopsy. Meanwhile, officers are reviewing CCTV footage in the area to establish the exact cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09.

Teen High on Drugs Attacks Mother with Knife and BB Gun in Pathum Thani Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic late-night arrest took place in Khlong Luang district after a drug-intoxicated teenager reportedly attacked his mother with a knife and threatened her with a gun. The young man was subdued by police after barricading himself inside the family home. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360169-teen-high-on-drugs-attacks-mother-with-knife-and-bb-gun-in-pathum-thani/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic late-night arrest took place in Khlong Luang district after a drug-intoxicated teenager reportedly attacked his mother with a knife and threatened her with a gun. The young man was subdued by police after barricading himself inside the family home. The incident occurred around 00:30 on 8 May at a residence in Khlong Sam subdistrict. Officers from Khlong Luang Police Station, led by Deputy Inspector Pol Lt Col Kitisak Kraison, joined forces with local officials and foundation rescue workers to respond to an emergency call reporting a violent domestic disturbance. At the scene, police found 45-year-old Ms Malida suffering from a laceration to her right arm. She told officers that her 18-year-old son, identified only as “B”. who has a history of mental illness and drug abuse, had become aggressive after she refused to give him money. According to her statement, the son demanded she buy him a drink, and when she declined, he brandished a gun and slashed at her with a knife as she tried to flee. Ms Malida said she did not know whether the gun was real or a replica but feared for her life. She also revealed that her son had previously attempted to strangle his grandmother with a rope, forcing the elderly woman to move out of the home to live with relatives in Sisaket province. Police surrounded the house and waited until the suspect emerged, at which point officers swiftly moved in and apprehended him. A search revealed a BB gun hidden under a motorcycle seat, along with a machete and a smaller knife believed to have been used in the assault. Inside the suspect’s bedroom, police discovered over half a kilogram of cannabis and various other drugs and paraphernalia. During questioning, the young man admitted to using only cannabis and threatening his mother, though he claimed she sustained the wound accidentally while deflecting the knife. He said he became enraged after she refused to give him money. Police will now conduct a full drug screening to determine whether the suspect had consumed other substances in addition to cannabis. Legal proceedings are underway, and he remains in custody at Khlong Luang Police Station. Pol Col Athimes Chaisaranwich, superintendent of Khlong Luang Police Station, confirmed the suspect had lost control under the influence of drugs. He praised the swift action of the officers, which helped prevent further harm. Charges will be filed following toxicology results and further investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09.

Fully agree. I also wonder if this boat even had insurance to cover this fire, given the age and possible lack of fire protection system. Many local boats from that marina are not covered for fire damage. The last fire in that area, a tour boat had no coverage. The facts are also, if this was arson, it was very poorly planned. Why start a fire so close to shore, it is easily spotted and responders can reach fairly quickly. If it had been out to sea, good chance it would have sunk and no-one would salvage it. There are plenty of video evidence also available, which shows the development of the fire and actions taken by owner, crew and responders. The limited damage will allow easy determination of the seat of fire, was it a single seat or multiple seat fire (good arson indicator). The seat of fire can be tested for accelerants and lab testing will identify anything unusual. Checks of the engine, fittings, systems and maintenance records will identify possible tampering or deliberate damage. The boat owner and 3 others were on deck, questioning these witnesses will soon highlight any contradictions and falsehoods. It is impossible from the report and videos, to confirm the cause of fire, but forensic police and insurance investigations/assessors will certainly determine the sequence of events and this will effect any possible payout. I stand by what I posted before, people are naive to think every fire is an insurance job and that the insurance willingly hand over the cash, without full and comprehensive investigation.

Really, tell me your qualifications and experience on fire investigation, as I am looking forward to be educated as to why my post is nonsense.

Disabled Australian Tourist Robbed in Pattaya Hotel by Woman He Met on Beach Picture courtesy of SiamChon. An Australian tourist has filed a police report in Pattaya after claiming he was robbed by a Thai woman he had invited back to his hotel room. The incident occurred in the early hours of 8 May, at a hotel in Central Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360080-disabled-australian-tourist-robbed-in-pattaya-hotel-by-woman-he-met-on-beach/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. An Australian tourist has filed a police report in Pattaya after claiming he was robbed by a Thai woman he had invited back to his hotel room. The incident occurred in the early hours of 8 May, at a hotel in Central Pattaya. At approximately 01:10, Mr Keith William Dobie, a 65-year-old Australian national, arrived at Pattaya City Police Station to lodge a formal complaint with Police Sub-Lieutenant Akkarapong Saenputawong, the duty investigator. Mr Dobie reported that 350 AUD and approximately 3,500 baht in Thai currency had been stolen from him. According to local civil defence volunteers,, the foreigner was found near Pattaya Beach in a distressed state, shouting for help from passersby while seated in a wheelchair. He claimed that a woman had stolen money from his room and then fled. Volunteers reported that the suspect was seen near the beach wearing different clothing, presumably in an attempt to avoid recognition, but Mr Dobie was able to identify her, but she ran off. Mr Dobie told police that he had first met the woman on the beach while pushing his wheelchair. The two engaged in friendly conversation, which led to him inviting her back to his hotel room. After returning to the hotel, he went to take a shower. When he emerged, the woman had disappeared, along with the cash he had left in his trouser pocket. The incident has been formally recorded in the police daily log. Investigators from Pattaya City Police have been dispatched to collect evidence and locate the suspect for questioning. Police have not yet confirmed whether the suspect has been apprehended. The investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-08.

Man Dies After Bee Attack While Harvesting Honey in Mae Hong Son Picture from responders. A 46-year-old man lost his life after being stung by a swarm of bees while attempting to collect honey from a raised water tank structure in a rural village. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360079-man-dies-after-bee-attack-while-harvesting-honey-in-mae-hong-son/

Picture from responders. A 46-year-old man lost his life after being stung by a swarm of bees while attempting to collect honey from a raised water tank structure in a rural village. The incident occurred at approximately 11:10 on 7 May, in Ban Pa Fang, Village 4, Mueang Pon Subdistrict, Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province. Local police from Khun Yuam Police Station received a distress call reporting a man stranded on the village’s water tank structure, believed to be unconscious. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the man, later identified as Mr. Weerayut Kantathip, hanging motionless off the side of the tank. According to local witnesses, Mr. Weerayut had climbed the structure to harvest honey from a wild beehive located near the top of the water tank. In the process, he was viciously attacked by a swarm of bees and lost consciousness, falling and hanging from the structure. Emergency rescue personnel from the Mueang Pon Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) were dispatched to attempt a recovery. However, efforts to reach Mr. Weerayut were severely hampered by the aggressive nature of the bees, who continued to swarm the area and pose a danger to rescuers. It took approximately two hours before the rescue team could safely retrieve Mr. Weerayut’s body from the structure. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigating officer, Pol. Lt. Booncherd Chaiyanan, Deputy Inspector at Khun Yuam Police Station, coordinated with a physician from Khun Yuam Hospital to perform a preliminary examination. Authorities have extended their condolences to the family and urged the public to exercise caution when approaching wild beehives, especially during the warmer months when bee activity intensifies. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08.

Welder Rescued After Falling on 20-Metre-High Grain Silo in Lampang Picture courtesy of Amarin A dramatic high-angle rescue operation took place in Lampang province on the afternoon of 7 May, after a local welder fell and became stranded atop a 20-metre-high grain silo at a rice mill in the Mae Yao area of Ko Kha district. The man, identified as Mr Odd, aged 35, suffered a broken right arm in the fall but was safely rescued after a tense two-hour operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360078-welder-rescued-after-falling-on-20-metre-high-grain-silo-in-lampang/

Picture courtesy of Amarin A dramatic high-angle rescue operation took place in Lampang province on the afternoon of 7 May, after a local welder fell and became stranded atop a 20-metre-high grain silo at a rice mill in the Mae Yao area of Ko Kha district. The man, identified as Mr Odd, aged 35, suffered a broken right arm in the fall but was safely rescued after a tense two-hour operation. The incident occurred around 14:00, when Mr Odd, a steelwork contractor from Ko Kha, was welding a roof frame above the grain silo. According to initial reports, he had climbed a fixed ladder up the 20-metre-tall structure to carry out the task. While attempting to ascend a further 4 metres to reach the precise welding point, he slipped and fell, landing heavily on the top of the silo itself. Immobilised by his injuries and unable to descend, he was left in a perilous position. Emergency services were quickly notified, and over 30 personnel from multiple rescue agencies, including the Lampang Rescue Association, Sawang Lampang Rescue Unit, Ko Kha Rescue Team, and a high-angle rescue unit from Chiang Mai, rushed to the scene. The height of the silo and the man’s condition made the rescue particularly complex. Rescue workers employed high-angle rescue techniques, ropes, pulleys, and a basket stretcher to reach Mr Odd. Equipped with oxygen and IV fluids, medics ascended to stabilise him on-site before carefully lowering him to safety. Local residents and mill workers watched anxiously from below as the operation unfolded. Once safely on the ground, Mr Odd was transported by ambulance to Ko Kha Hospital, where he received immediate medical attention. Authorities have praised the coordinated effort of the rescue teams and urged tradespeople and contractors working at height to ensure proper safety measures are in place, including the use of harnesses and fall protection equipment, to prevent future incidents of this kind. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-08.

Man Fatally Stabs Wife Outside Convenience Store in Drug-Fuelled Rage Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 43-year-old man fatally stabbed his wife outside a convenience store in Chai Nat Province on the morning of 7 May, reportedly after becoming enraged by alleged content he found on her mobile phone. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Krisana, later confessed to police that he was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the attack. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360077-man-fatally-stabs-wife-outside-convenience-store-in-drug-fuelled-rage/

Spoke with a caddy this morning, when I booked my round, she confirmed it was at the Plutaluang Navy Golf Course.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 43-year-old man fatally stabbed his wife outside a convenience store in Chai Nat Province on the morning of 7 May, reportedly after becoming enraged by alleged content he found on her mobile phone. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Krisana, later confessed to police that he was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the attack. Police Lieutenant Pichak Suriyasenee of Sapphaya Police Station received a report at around 08:00 of a stabbing incident outside a convenience store in Phonang Dam Ok subdistrict, Sapphaya district. Emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and local police arrived to find Ms. Patcharin, lying in a pool of blood at the roadside. She had sustained four stab wounds to the back. Despite emergency first aid and being rushed to Sapphaya Hospital, she later succumbed to her injuries. A preliminary autopsy revealed that the most severe wound had pierced both her heart and lungs. Her body was later transferred to Sawanpracharak Hospital’s forensic institute for further examination. Mr. Krisana, the victim’s husband of 25 years, was detained at the scene by passersby. Police recovered a 15-centimetre blood-stained knife with a wooden handle believed to be the murder weapon. He was arrested and taken to Sapphaya Police Station for questioning and legal proceedings. According to initial testimony, the couple, who have two children, had argued on the way to work where they were employed painting road markings. They stopped at the convenience store to buy painkillers and drinks when another argument broke out. Mr. Krisana admitted to physically assaulting his wife before stabbing her multiple times in the back as she tried to flee. She collapsed near a coffee shop roughly 50 metres from the initial altercation. In his statement, the suspect claimed he had long suspected his wife of involvement in a “secret group” on her mobile phone that facilitated illicit services. He said he had previously caught her in similar situations but chose to stay silent. The discovery of further messages allegedly pushed him over the edge. He also admitted to recent drug use and said he had resumed taking narcotics after a period of abstinence. Relatives of the victim, who gathered at the police station, described a tumultuous relationship plagued by arguments, substance abuse, and erratic behaviour, particularly from Mr. Krisana, who reportedly had a psychiatric history and was on medication. Family members dismissed the suspect’s claims of infidelity, saying the victim was devoted to her work and not interested in appearances or extramarital affairs. An eyewitness said they heard the woman scream and saw blood on her back. The witness added that the suspect made no attempt to flee and appeared stunned by what he had done. Mr. Krisana is being held by police and is expected to be formally charged with murder. He will be remanded in custody and brought before the court on 8 May. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08.

UPDATE Drunk Police Officer Transferred After Crashing Patrol Car into Motorcycle Picture courtesy of Amarin. A police officer from Wangkhu Police Station has been transferred from his post after he was found to be driving under the influence and crashed a patrol vehicle into a motorcycle with a sidecar, leaving one woman injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359982-drunk-police-officer-crashes-patrol-pickup-into-woman’s-motorcycle-and-flees-scene/#findComment-19786876

UPDATE Drunk Police Officer Transferred After Crashing Patrol Car into Motorcycle Picture courtesy of Amarin. A police officer from Wangkhu Police Station has been transferred from his post after he was found to be driving under the influence and crashed a patrol vehicle into a motorcycle with a sidecar, leaving one woman injured. The incident occurred when Pol. Sub-Lt. Saksit Chimanonwit drove an official police vehicle and collided with the motorcycle. A breathalyser test later revealed his blood alcohol level to be exceeding the legal limit. He has since been charged with reckless driving under the influence of alcohol, causing injury and property damage. Following the incident, Chachoengsao Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Kriengkrai Boonsorn issued a transfer order, removing Pol. Sub-Lt. Saksit from his duties at Wangkhu Police Station. He has been reassigned to the Chachoengsao Provincial Police Operations Centre and is no longer permitted to perform his previous duties while an investigation is underway. Pol. Col. Phuwadon Phisutinoraset, Superintendent of Wangkhu Police Station, along with other senior officers, escorted Pol. Sub-Lt. Saksit to offer an official apology and deliver a goodwill gift basket and an initial compensation payment of 20,000 baht to the victim and her family. Authorities have stated that further compensation discussions will take place after the victim is discharged from hospital. The legal and disciplinary proceedings will proceed in accordance with police regulations. Pol. Sub-Lt. Saksit expressed remorse for his actions and confirmed that he is cooperating fully with the investigation. He also stated his intention to cover all medical expenses and provide ongoing support to the injured woman and her family. Journalists visiting Wangkhu Police Station reported that the officer had already packed his belongings and left the premises following his reassignment. His colleagues described him as someone with generally good rapport among fellow officers and members of the local community, including the victim and her husband. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-08.

Law Student Helps Saves Drowning Five-Year-Old with CPR in Ubon Ratchathani Pictures courtesy of Amarin A 19-year-old law student is being hailed as a hero after performing life-saving CPR on a young girl who had drowned at a popular riverside spot in Ubon Ratchathani. Thanks to her quick thinking and training, the five-year-old is now in a stable condition and recovering in hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360076-law-student-helps-saves-drowning-five-year-old-with-cpr-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Pictures courtesy of Amarin A 19-year-old law student is being hailed as a hero after performing life-saving CPR on a young girl who had drowned at a popular riverside spot in Ubon Ratchathani. Thanks to her quick thinking and training, the five-year-old is now in a stable condition and recovering in hospital. The incident occurred around 13:30 on 6 May at Hat Kuduea beach in the Jaeramae subdistrict of Mueang Ubon Ratchathani. Emergency services were alerted via Thailand’s 1669 emergency line following a report from a concerned citizen that a child had fallen into the water. Rescue units from the Sis Pra Jikong Foundation and Sapphasitthiprasong Hospital’s emergency response team were dispatched immediately. Upon arrival, they found local good Samaritans administering first aid to a young girl who had just been pulled from the water and was unconscious. The child was quickly transferred to the nearby Sapphasitthiprasong Children’s Hospital where she is now under observation and no longer in critical condition. The story quickly went viral after a local Facebook page, Warinchamrap Ban Hao Ubon Ratchathani, posted a photo of Miss Phannipa Thieuthit, the young woman who performed CPR and praised her composure. Miss Phannipa, a second-year law student at Ubon Ratchathani University, was helping her father sell lottery tickets during the school break when the incident occurred. In a later interview, Miss Phannipa, known affectionately as “Pin”, recounted how she had just sold a ticket to the girl’s mother when she heard someone shouting that a child had fallen into the water. Acting swiftly, she gathered information and called emergency services before rushing to the scene. “I saw a relative trying to shake the water out of the girl by holding her over their shoulder,” Pin explained. “I knew that wasn’t the right method. I told them to lay her flat on the ground, checked her vital signs and found her pulse was weak and she wasn’t breathing. So I performed CPR and rescue breaths.” The child soon vomited water and food onto Pin, who said she didn’t mind at all. “All I could think about was saving her,” she said, adding that she was proud to have been able to use her CPR training, which she had received both at university and during military cadet training. The girl’s mother, identified only as Miss A 35, told reporters that the family had been eating and playing near the water when the girl stepped into a sandy depression and went under. She blamed herself for not watching her daughter more closely and for not insisting she wear a life jacket. “This was my fault,” she admitted. “But I’m so grateful we were lucky this time. I don’t know how to thank Miss Pin. Once my daughter recovers, I’ll bring her to thank her in person.” Miss A also expressed heartfelt thanks to the rescue teams, medical staff, and especially Dr. Phiansak Sae-Wong, a paediatric respiratory specialist at Sapphasitthiprasong Children’s Hospital. Upon hearing of the emergency via a call from responders, Dr. Phiansak coordinated preparations for the child’s arrival, including life support and temperature control equipment. “I’m overwhelmed by the kindness and professionalism of everyone who helped save my daughter,” Miss A said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-08.