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Pattaya: Woman Dragged Along Road as Bag Snatchers Flee on Motorbike Picture courtesy of TMN. A woman was left injured after two thieves on a motorbike attempted to snatch her bag in broad daylight in Central Pattaya. The victim, Ms. Saifon, 49, from Buriram, sustained scrapes and bruises to her knees and elbows after being dragged along the road during the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348095-pattaya-woman-dragged-along-road-as-bag-snatchers-flee-on-motorbike/

Picture courtesy of TMN. A woman was left injured after two thieves on a motorbike attempted to snatch her bag in broad daylight in Central Pattaya. The victim, Ms. Saifon, 49, from Buriram, sustained scrapes and bruises to her knees and elbows after being dragged along the road during the incident. Ms. Saifon reported the crime to Pol. Lt. Saijai Kamjulla, an investigator at Pattaya City Police Station, in a visibly shaken and injured state. She recounted that the attack occurred as she and a friend were walking to have lunch near Soi 2 Arunothai in Central Pattaya. Two assailants on an unidentified motorcycle approached from behind. The pillion rider violently grabbed Ms. Saifon's shoulder bag and attempted to speed away. Acting on pure instinct, she clung to the strap of her bag in an effort to prevent the theft. This resulted in her being dragged along the road and sustaining injuries. The assailants eventually abandoned the bag and fled the scene at high speed, heading toward the Arunothai traffic light junction. Ms. Saifon's friend, who was with her at the time, later accompanied her to the police station to provide a witness statement. Pattaya City Police issued a radio alert to officers to search for the suspects along potential escape routes. Investigators are also working to retrieve and review CCTV footage from the area to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. -- 2025-01-07

Fire Engulfs Building in Lopburi, Damaging Six Units A fire broke out on the morning of January 6, destroying six units of a block in the heart of Lopburi’s urban community. Residents scrambled to save belongings and pets as flames consumed the two-storey structures, with damages estimated in the millions of baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348093-fire-engulfs-building-in-lopburi-damaging-six-units/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out on the morning of January 6, destroying six units of a block in the heart of Lopburi’s urban community. Residents scrambled to save belongings and pets as flames consumed the two-storey structures, with damages estimated in the millions of baht. At approximately 09:10, Lopburi City Police Station received reports of a fire at an apartment block in the Khao Sam Yot community, located in Khao Sam Yot Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District. Thirteen fire engines from neighbouring areas were dispatched to the scene. The affected structure consisted of 10 units, built decades ago with a mix of concrete and wood. After nearly an hour of firefighting efforts, authorities successfully brought the blaze under control. However, six units were completely destroyed. Among the units, half were leased by a single tenant, 40-year-old Mr. Polwat, who used them for a furniture business. The remaining units were residential properties rented by other tenants. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire appeared to originate on the second floor of unit seven and rapidly spread to adjacent units. At the time of the incident, the affected units were unoccupied, allowing neighbours to assist in evacuating belongings and several caged dogs to safety. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the fire but are continuing investigations to determine the exact cause. Initial estimates suggest damages could amount to millions of baht. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of ageing structures in densely populated communities. -- 2025-01-07

Man Arrested After Shooting Motorcycle Mechanic Dead in Saraburi A man has been arrested after fatally shooting a motorcycle mechanic at a repair shop in Ban Mo District, Saraburi. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phot 43, was apprehended by police after fleeing the scene of the crime on 5 January. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348092-man-arrested-after-shooting-motorcycle-mechanic-dead-in-saraburi/

Picture captured from CCTV. A man has been arrested after fatally shooting a motorcycle mechanic at a repair shop in Ban Mo District, Saraburi. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phot 43, was apprehended by police after fleeing the scene of the crime on 5 January. Police were alerted to the incident at approximately 17:30. Upon arrival at the repair shop, located in Moo 3, Ban Mo, officers found a large pool of blood. The victim, Mr. Teerawat, known locally as "Kae," aged 32, had been rushed to Ban Mo Hospital but was pronounced dead en route. The victim sustained three gunshot wounds from a 9mm firearm one to the neck, one to the left side of the chest, and one to the right chest. Two spent cartridges were recovered at the scene. The suspect, a neighbour residing just 200 metres away, fled the scene on a white Honda Wave 125i motorcycle. More than 20 police officers and local authorities surrounded the suspect's single-story home but found it empty. Later, villagers informed police that Mr. Phot had abandoned his motorcycle near a field hut approximately 2 kilometres from the crime scene. Officers located and arrested him nearby without resistance. He was found shirtless, wearing black shorts, and appeared exhausted. When questioned, the suspect gave incoherent statements but admitted to discarding the firearm in a ditch 500 metres from where he was captured. Officers retrieved the weapon, a 9mm pistol, from a waterway approximately 60 centimetres deep, with four live rounds still in the magazine. Mr. Phot alleged that the victim had insulted his family for two years, threatened to corrupt his child with drugs, and tried to commit indecent acts against his child. He claimed he had endured these provocations for too long. The suspect admitted to purchasing the firearm for 50,000 baht shortly before the incident. The victim's grandmother, Mrs. Surin 79, said she was at home behind the repair shop when she heard three gunshots and Mr. Phot shouting, "You think you're untouchable?" She came outside to find her grandson lying on the ground. Mrs. Surin alleged that the suspect was likely hallucinating due to drug use, insisting that her grandson had never had any issues with him. The victim's wife, Ms. Narumon 33, who was in their bedroom during the shooting, also claimed Mr. Phot had a history of drug abuse. She had previously filed a police report about his threatening behaviour on 27 October 2024. She added that the suspect had repeatedly harassed and threatened her husband without apparent reason, once saying, "Do you want to die that badly?" Police have charged Mr. Phot with premeditated murder and the illegal possession and use of a firearm in a public area. The victim's body has been sent to Srinakharinwirot University Hospital in Nakhon Nayok. -- 2025-01-07

Surin: Son Kills Father in Bed with Hoe Handle after Argument An incident unfolded in the district of Phanom Dong Rak, Surin Province, when a 37-year-old man killed his 63-year-old father in their home following a heated dispute. The shocking crime took place on the morning of 5th January. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348091-surin-son-kills-father-in-bed-with-hoe-handle-after-argument/

Picture from responders. An incident unfolded in the district of Phanom Dong Rak, Surin Province, when a 37-year-old man killed his 63-year-old father in their home following a heated dispute. The shocking crime took place on the morning of 5th January. Pol Lt Kamphon Mikhanet, an investigative officer with Phanom Dong Rak Police Station, received the report at 11:30. Authorities, including rescue personnel and a medical examiner, rushed to the scene. At the residence in Khok Klang Subdistrict, police found the lifeless body of Mr Auay, aged 63, lying on a bed. The victim had severe head injuries caused by a blunt object, identified as the handle of a garden hoe. His son, Mr Sakchai, was arrested at the scene, along with the murder weapon. He has since been detained for questioning and faces charges of intentional homicide. According to relatives, Mr Auay had been living alone with his son following the death of his wife in 2003. Mrs Khao, 60, a relative of the deceased, described the father as a kind man with no ill intentions towards others, though he was known to drink and was often overly critical. It was revealed that Mr Sakchai suffers from a mental health condition requiring medication, and it is believed his father's constant nagging may have triggered the violent outburst. Mrs Somphian, 67, a neighbour, recounted the moment she discovered the body. She had gone to the house to collect chickens and called out for the victim, receiving no response. She noticed Mr Sakchai sitting nearby and asked about his father's whereabouts. He replied casually, saying his father was "warming himself by the fire." Suspicious, Mrs Somphian looked towards the bed and was horrified to see the victim lying in a pool of blood. She immediately alerted the victim's relatives, who arrived in tears and disbelief. Authorities continue to investigate the case as the local community mourns the loss. -- 2025-01-07

Fire Erupts at Metal Coating Factory in Bang Pu Industrial Estate A early morning fire broke out on January 6, at a metal coating factory within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, causing a dramatic scene as firefighters raced to prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring factories. The blaze, which started in Soi 5C, was brought under control after over 2 hours of efforts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348090-fire-erupts-at-metal-coating-factory-in-bang-pu-industrial-estate/

Picture for responders. A early morning fire broke out on January 6, at a metal coating factory within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, causing a dramatic scene as firefighters raced to prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring factories. The blaze, which started in Soi 5C, was brought under control after over 2 hours of efforts. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The incident occurred at Siam Proplate Co. Ltd., a single-storey factory specialising in metal coating. Upon arrival, firefighters found the facility engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading rapidly due to the presence of flammable chemicals and large gacylinders on site. Over 15 fire trucks from nearby areas were dispatched, and teams worked to contain the fire. Special care was required as the factory stored highly corrosive chemicals, including caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. Despite the challenging conditions, the fire was extinguished without injuries or fatalities. Outside the factory, the Mae Nak Phra Khanong Foundation set up a mobile kitchen, providing free water and instant noodles to firefighters, who were visibly exhausted after their efforts. Mr. Sathaporn Prakmas, a 53-year-old accounting staff member, recounted hearing a loud noise and rushing to investigate with two colleagues. “We saw flames spreading quickly, within two or three minutes, the area was ablaze. We immediately evacuated. The fire seemed to start near the production line, which wasn’t in use at the time. There wasn’t a strong chemical smell, but we could see thick smoke,” he said. According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichit Boonchinwuttikul, Chief of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, the fire damaged approximately 25% of the 3-rai factory, with an estimated loss of 5 million baht. The blaze primarily affected the left wing of the facility. Officials are awaiting a forensic investigation to determine the exact cause. Preliminary checks by public health authorities and the industrial estate management confirmed that there is no immediate danger from smoke or residual chemicals. -- 2025-01-07

DDPM Reports on Road Safety During 2024 New Year Festival Campaign The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has summarised the outcomes of its efforts to prevent and reduce road crashes during the 2024 New Year holiday. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348037-ddpm-reports-on-road-safety-during-2024-new-year-festival-campaign/

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has summarised the outcomes of its efforts to prevent and reduce road crashes during the 2024 New Year holiday. At a press conference held at 10:30, on January 6, officials revealed a reduction in road crashes and injuries compared to previous years. However, fatalities increased, prompting an urgent call for continuous and integrated measures throughout the year to enhance road safety. The 10-day campaign, running from 27 December 2023 to 5 January 2024, highlighted proactive measures aimed at mitigating risks associated with drivers, vehicles, roads, and environmental factors. The Centre for the Prevention and Reduction of Road Accidents (CPRRA) called for strict law enforcement, with an emphasis on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and foreign residents or tourists. Over the campaign’s duration, a total of 2,467 crashes were recorded, resulting in 2,376 injuries and 436 fatalities. On the final day of the campaign, 5 January 2024, there were 139 crashes, 128 injuries, and 29 fatalities. Excessive speed (34.53%), abrupt lane changes (24.46%), and poor visibility (20.86%) were the leading causes of accidents, with motorcycles accounting for 82.67% of incidents. The most dangerous time periods were 19:01-20:00 and midnight to 01:00. Surat Thani had the highest cumulative number of crashes (89) and injuries (100), while Bangkok reported the most fatalities (26). Notably, Trat, Yala, and Samut Songkhram recorded no fatalities. Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri, chairing the CPRRA press conference, stressed the need for year-round commitment to road safety. He urged local governments and agencies to prioritise law enforcement targeting high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink driving, and failure to wear helmets or seat belts. Special attention will also be given to road safety education and vehicle maintenance checks. “We are grateful to all officials, volunteers, and media for their efforts in raising awareness and ensuring safer travel during the New Year celebrations. However, road safety is a continuous endeavour, not limited to holidays. Our goal is to reduce fatalities to 12 per 100,000 people and make every journey safe,” said Mr Songsak. Citizens were encouraged to play an active role in fostering road safety by adhering to traffic laws and avoiding risky behaviours. Local authorities are tasked with learning from successful strategies in areas that recorded no accidents, and adapting these approaches across other provinces. The DDPM will use data from the New Year campaign to refine policies and introduce evidence-based measures to reduce risks on roads. While progress has been made in reducing road accidents and injuries, the rise in fatalities underscores the need for sustained action. The commitment to road safety remains firm, with the government, communities, and individuals urged to work together to make roads safer throughout the year. -- 2025-01-06

Same the world over for arsonists. From the fire investigators handbook. Arsonists are often motivated to watch the fires they set for psychological and emotional reasons. Many derive a sense of power, control, or satisfaction from witnessing the destruction they have caused. For some, watching the fire provides a thrill or excitement, often linked to pyromania, a mental health condition where individuals feel a compulsion to set fires. Others may feel a sense of accomplishment or validation by observing the chaos or attention their actions create. Additionally, some arsonists watch the fires as a way to relive the act or to ensure their fire achieves its intended impact, such as destruction or harm.

Panama-Flagged Cargo Ship Crew Member Rescued off Phuket Amid Rough Seas Phuket authorities carried out a daring rescue operation to save a crew member of a Panama-flagged cargo ship who was reported to be fell critically ill at sea, amid rough weather conditions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348022-panama-flagged-cargo-ship-crew-member-rescued-off-phuket-amid-rough-seas/

Picture courtesy of Thai-MECC Phuket authorities carried out a daring rescue operation to save a crew member of a Panama-flagged cargo ship who was reported to be fell critically ill at sea, amid rough weather conditions. On 5 January, at 15:37 local time, the Third Regional Command of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC) received an emergency alert from Bangkok Radio Centre. The distress call came from the M/V Bangkok, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel, requesting immediate medical evacuation for a 23-year-old Indonesian crew member, identified as Renhat, who was suffering from an irregular heartbeat. At the time, the ship was located approximately 48 nautical miles from Phuket’s Promthep Cape. In response, Thai-MECC deployed a high-speed operations vessel, Sorn Chon 4005, to carry out the rescue. Despite treacherous conditions, the rescue team successfully evacuated the patient and brought him ashore at Phuket’s Deep Sea Port by 21:00, where he was handed over to medical personnel from Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Preliminary reports revealed that the patient remained conscious and communicative but exhibited symptoms of seasickness during the transfer. The rescue operation was conducted under extremely challenging conditions, with strong winds of 25–30 knots and waves exceeding 2 metres in height. The adverse weather significantly slowed the vessel’s speed to just 6 knots, requiring utmost caution to ensure the safety of both the patient and the crew. The turbulence even caused some rescuers to experience seasickness. Despite these difficulties, the mission was successfully completed, demonstrating the dedication and resilience of the Thai-MECC officers. -- 2025-01-06

Elderly Man Injured in Bangkok Fire as Son Suspected of Arson An elderly man, aged 73, was injured in a fire that swept through a residential community in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok. Witnesses suspect the fire was deliberately started by the son of the homeowner, who reportedly stood watching the blaze before being taken into police custody. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348018-elderly-man-injured-in-bangkok-fire-as-son-suspected-of-arson/

Picture from responders. An elderly man, aged 73, was injured in a fire that swept through a residential community in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok. Witnesses suspect the fire was deliberately started by the son of the homeowner, who reportedly stood watching the blaze before being taken into police custody. The incident occurred at approximately 20:20 on January 5, when Pol. Lt. Yanapol Polayiam, an investigator with Petchkasem Police Station, received a report of a fire in Soi Bang Khae 14, Bang Khae Road. Emergency responders, including Pol. Col. Pramote Chanboonkaew, the head of Petchkasem Police Station, along with firefighters and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a two-storey wooden house in the Nong Yai community engulfed in flames. The property, part of a series of interconnected rental units, quickly became a raging inferno, with smoke and flames spreading rapidly. Firefighters worked for nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control. The fire destroyed seven homes, leaving one resident, a 74-year-old man, burned on his hands. Volunteers provided first aid before rushing him to Rajapipat Hospital for further treatment. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the homeowner’s son, described as mentally unstable, acting suspiciously during the incident. They allege he set the fire and then stood watching the destruction unfold. Authorities detained the suspect at the scene. Pol. Col. Pramote announced measures to assist affected residents, including temporary shelter and support. The Bang Khae District Office has arranged for displaced families to stay at Khlong Nong Yai School while their homes are assessed and rebuilt. Police investigators have coordinated with forensic experts to determine the exact cause of the fire. Further inquiries and investigation will continue on January 6. -- 2025-01-06

Collision on Motorway 7 Leaves Two Dead A crash on the motorway involving a 10-wheel truck and a 22-wheel trailer resulted in the deaths of two individuals early morning on January 5. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348002-collision-on-motorway-7-leaves-two-dead/

Pictures from responders. A crash on the motorway involving a 10-wheel truck and a 22-wheel trailer resulted in the deaths of two individuals early morning on January 5. At approximately 05:45, Pol. Lt. Phakornpol Siriwuttikaprapa, an investigator with Highway Police Station 1, Division 8 (Khao Kheow), along with rescue teams from Chachoengsao equipped with cutting tools, responded to a crash near the emergency parking area at kilometre marker 54+200, inbound towards Chonburi, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a green Mitsubishi 10-wheel truck loaded with bricks, which had crashed into the rear of a blue 22-wheel Isuzu trailer parked in the emergency area. The impact caused the trailer to collide with a white Isuzu D-Max truck belonging to Mr. Natthapong, aged 22, resulting in severe damage. The cabin of the 10-wheel truck was found completely crushed. Inside the 10-wheel truck, police found the driver, Mr. Watcharapol, aged 41, with minor injuries. Tragically, his wife, Mrs. Patchararath, also aged 41, and their nephew, Mr. Anurat, aged 23, were killed in the crash. Rescue workers had to use a crane and hydraulic cutting tools for nearly an hour to extract the victims’ severely crushed bodies from the wreckage. Their remains were sent to Bang Pakong Hospital. In his statement to the police, Mr. Watcharapol revealed that he was driving from Ayutthaya to deliver bricks in Chonburi. He admitted to reaching for kratom leaves to chew while driving when the truck lost control and crashed into the rear of the parked 22-wheel trailer at full speed. The collision instantly claimed the lives of his wife and nephew. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-01-06

Construction Worker Dies After Crane Arm Hits Power Line in Trat A 47-year-old construction worker, identified as Mr. Uthai (surname lost his life after an incident involving a crane and a power line in Prachapakdee Soi 5, Nong Khan Song subdistrict, Mueang district, Trat. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348001-construction-worker-dies-after-crane-arm-hits-power-line-in-trat/

Picture from responders. A 47-year-old construction worker, identified as Mr. Uthai (surname lost his life after an incident involving a crane and a power line in Prachapakdee Soi 5, Nong Khan Song subdistrict, Mueang district, Trat. Police in Trat province received the emergency call on the evening of January 5, reporting that a worker had been electrocuted and was in critical condition. Rescue personnel from the Trat Buddhist Charity Association and a medical team from Trat Hospital were dispatched to the scene immediately. Upon arrival, responders found Mr. Uthai unresponsive, with severe burns on his feet and no detectable pulse. Rescue workers attempted CPR at the scene before transferring him to Trat Hospital via ambulance. Tragically, medical professionals later confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries. The incident occurred near a parked 10-wheel lorry fitted with a crane, which had been in use for a house construction project. The vehicle’s left-front tyre showed signs of burning, and the crane arm was still entangled with the power line. Scorch marks were also found at the truck’s grounding base. According to Mr. That 36, a fellow worker at the site, Mr. Uthai had been operating the crane to position a construction beam when the incident occurred. Strong winds may have caused the crane arm to inadvertently strike the power line. This resulted in an electrical current travelling through the crane and into Mr. Uthai’s body before grounding into the earth. Mr. Uthai collapsed immediately, and Mr. That attempted to assist by pulling him away from the truck and performing CPR before emergency responders arrived. Authorities are investigating further to determine what contributed to the incident. -- 2025-01-06

Excavator Driver Shot Dead Near Palm Plantation in Surat Thani Police in Surat Thani province are investigating the murder of a 29-year-old man who was shot dead near a palm plantation in Chaiya district. Authorities were alerted to the incident at around 09:00 on January 5. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348000-excavator-driver-shot-dead-near-palm-plantation-in-surat-thani/

Picture from responders. Police in Surat Thani province are investigating the murder of a 29-year-old man who was shot dead near a palm plantation in Chaiya district. Authorities were alerted to the incident at around 09:00 on January 5. Officers arrived at the scene, located along a single lane dirt road, in the Tha Motai subdistrict, where they discovered the body of Mr. Somsak Sangkhadul, a local excavator driver. The victim, identified as residing at 9/5, Moo 6, Tha Motai, Chaiya district, was found lying face down in a pool of blood. Nearby, police also found drug paraphernalia. The preliminary investigation suggests that Mr. Somsak may have known his killer. Police suspect he had arranged to meet someone at the location to resolve a dispute. However, the meeting turned violent when the suspect reportedly pulled out a firearm and shot him at close range before fleeing the scene. Forensic officers collected evidence from the crime scene, while investigators questioned nearby residents and potential witnesses. Police are working to determine the motive and identify the suspect, who is believed to have had a personal conflict with the victim. -- 2025-01-06

Car Bursts into Flames After Fuel System Change A car erupted in flames and was completely destroyed at the Bok Klob intersection in Naphru Subdistrict, Phra Phrom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The driver managed to escape unharmed, but the vehicle was engulfed by fire despite efforts by firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347999-car-bursts-into-flames-after-fuel-system-change/

Picture from responders. On the evening of 4 January, a car erupted in flames and was completely destroyed at the Bok Klob intersection in Naphru Subdistrict, Phra Phrom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The driver managed to escape unharmed, but the vehicle was engulfed by fire despite efforts by firefighters to extinguish the blaze. According to Pol Col Sangob Jansing, Superintendent of Phra Phrom Police Station, the car, registered in Nakhon Si Thammarat, caught fire while being driven home. Witnesses reported hearing unusual sounds from the vehicle before flames began erupting from the engine compartment. The fire quickly intensified, leaving the car completely gutted by the time emergency crews arrived. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and attempted to control the blaze, but it had spread too rapidly to save the vehicle. The owner of the car stated that the vehicle had recently undergone repairs at a local garage, where the fuel system was switched from LPG gas to petrol. The fire broke out during the return journey after this modification. The owner also noted that the vehicle was not currently covered by insurance. The owner expressed suspicion that the fire may have been caused by errors made during the modification of the fuel system. Investigations are ongoing, and police are working to determine whether the garage’s work was responsible for the incident. Authorities from Phra Phrom Police Station are conducting a detailed investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of fuel system modifications and the accountability of repair garages. Motorists are advised to ensure that modifications to fuel systems are carried out by certified professionals and to regularly inspect vehicles for potential safety issues. -- 2025-01-06