Georgealbert

Malaysian Tourist’s Car Crashes into Fruit Cart and Shops in Songkhla, Injuring Two A car driven by a Malaysian tourist lost control and crashed into a fruit vendor’s sidecar cart, before ploughing into three roadside shops in Songkhla’s Sadao district, leaving two people injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347997-malaysian-tourist’s-car-crashes-into-fruit-cart-and-shops-in-songkhla-injuring-two/

Pictures from responders. A car driven by a Malaysian tourist lost control and crashed into a fruit vendor’s sidecar cart, before ploughing into three roadside shops in Songkhla’s Sadao district, leaving two people injured. Police Colonel Surachit Phetjom, superintendent of Sadao Police Station, received a report of the crash, which occurred on Kanjanavanich Road in front of Wat Sri Vites Sangkaram School in Samnak Kham subdistrict, Sadao district. Upon arriving at the scene with investigators and emergency responders, authorities found a white car bearing Malaysian license plate lodged inside a stationery shop. The crash caused damage to the car, the shop’s entrance, and two adjacent shops. A fruit-laden motorcycle sidecar was also damaged and left lying on the road. The crash injured two people: • Ms. Mashirat Perkliang, 27, the fruit vendor and sidecar owmer, sustained injuries, including a fractured arm and severe facial bruising. She was found unconscious at the scene. • Mr. David Yoong Wei Ming, 42, the Malaysian driver of the car, suffered head injuries and a broken nose. Eyewitnesses reported that the Malaysian vehicle was travelling at high speed when it struck the fruit vendor’s sidecar, propelling her onto the road. The car then veered off course and crashed into the roadside shops, damaging three businesses. Emergency responders from Samnak Kham transported the injured to Sadao Hospital for treatment. Police are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the crash. Legal proceedings against the driver are expected to follow. -- 2025-01-06

Shocking Discovery as Newborn Baby’s Body Found in Canal in Samut Prakan A heart-wrenching discovery was made in Samut Prakan as a newborn baby girl’s body was found discarded in a canal near Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 5. The child, wrapped in a traditional Burmese sarong and placed in a black-grey shoulder bag, was discovered by a local resident who was searching for shellfish along the canal. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347995-shocking-discovery-as-newborn-baby’s-body-found-in-canal-in-samut prakan/

Picture from responders. A heart-wrenching discovery was made in Samut Prakan as a newborn baby girl’s body was found discarded in a canal near Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 5. The child, wrapped in a traditional Burmese sarong and placed in a black-grey shoulder bag, was discovered by a local resident who was searching for shellfish along the canal. At approximately 17:00, police from Bang Phli Police Station, led by Lieutenant Colonel Buensert Kingkes, arrived at the scene along with forensic experts, rescue teams, and officials from the Ramachakri Hospital’s forensic department. Upon examination, the body of the newborn was found to be fully intact, including the umbilical cord and placenta, suggesting the child had been born within the last 24 hours. Inside the bag, the baby was wrapped in a sarong, alongside a set of women’s clothes, a black T-shirt, and a newborn girl’s outfit. Additionally, a single incense stick and three candles were found inside the bag, which appeared to have been lit in an attempt to ‘appease the spirit’ of the child. Authorities believe this act may have been an attempt to perform a ritual. The first person to encounter the scene, Mr. Phratewan Duangtecha, described how he was fishing and searching for shellfish along the canal when he noticed the bag floating near the edge. Upon closer inspection, he found the bag partially zipped and opened it, revealing the body of the baby. Shocked, he immediately contacted authorities. Bang Phli Police Chief, Colonel Phairoj Phetphol, instructed the investigation team to swiftly gather clues and trace the identity of the child’s mother. Initial findings suggest that the baby may have been from Myanmar, as the bag contained a Burmese sarong and a package with Burmese writing. Authorities are still uncertain whether the child died from birth complications or from drowning, and a detailed autopsy is expected to provide further insight. -- 2025-01-06

Elderly Woman Killed in Crash After Colliding with Parked Pickup Truck An elderly woman lost her life after her car collided with the rear of a parked pickup truck on the Western Ring Road (Route 9) in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani, on the afternoon of January 5. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347994-elderly-woman-killed-in-crash-after-colliding-with-parked-pickup-truck/

Picture from responders. An elderly woman lost her life after her car collided with the rear of a parked pickup truck on the Western Ring Road (Route 9) in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani, on the afternoon of January 5. At approximately 12:20, police were alerted to the crash at kilometre marker 69 in Moo 6, Klong Khwai subdistrict, opposite the Lotus Sam Khok warehouse. Lt. Suk San Cha-on, Deputy Traffic Inspector of Sam Khok Police Station, arrived at the scene alongside emergency responders and rescue volunteers. The collision occurred in the leftmost lane of the road heading toward Bang Pa-in. A grey Honda car was found with its front severely damaged and the windshield shattered. Two vehicle license plates, broken glass, and parts of a pickup truck’s rear lights were scattered on the road. Inside the driver’s seat of the Honda, rescuers discovered the lifeless body of Mrs. Sombat, aged 69. Approximately 30 metres ahead, a white Toyota pickup truck, still running, was parked. The truck, loaded with a handlift and an oxygen tank, showed damage to its rear. The driver, Mr. Teerapong, aged 36, stated that he and his younger brother were en route from Lat Lum Kaeo district, Pathum Thani, to Ayutthaya for work. “We pulled over to the left shoulder to grab some lunch,” Mr. Teerapong explained. “The engine was still running when, out of nowhere, the Honda crashed into the back of my truck with great force. My brother and I rushed to check the driver, but sadly, she had already passed away. We immediately called the police and emergency services.” Relatives of the deceased arrived at the scene shortly after being informed of the accident. Mrs. Rabieb, aged 68, the victim’s younger sister, tearfully recounted that her sister had visited her home earlier that day but did not find her there. “I was out shopping when she arrived, but when I returned, I found that she had left a meal for me. I later messaged her to thank her, unaware it would be the last time. Not long after, my nephew called to tell me she had been in an accident.” Mrs. Sommit, an 18-year-old grandson of the victim, added that his grandmother had informed the family that morning she was going to visit her sister. “I thought she’d stopped at the market on her way back. Then the police called to say she’d been in a crash.” Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased may have fallen asleep at the wheel or suffered a medical episode while driving. Relatives disclosed that she had a history of diabetes. Police have called for forensic experts to examine the scene and the body. They will review nearby CCTV footage to determine the exact cause of the crash. The body will be sent to the Ministry of Justice’s Forensic Science Institute for further examination before being released to the family. The investigation is ongoing. -- 2025-01-06

Father Opens Fire in Retaliation After Son Assaulted, Injuring Four Teens In a shocking act of vigilante justice, a father opened fire on a group of teenagers after his son was assaulted, leaving four youths injured in Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347993-father-opens-fire-in-retaliation-after-son-assaulted-injuring-four-teens/

File picture reference only. In a shocking act of vigilante justice, a father opened fire on a group of teenagers after his son was assaulted, leaving four youths injured in Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. At approximately 01:00 on January 5, an altercation escalated on Khlong Kui Road in Chang Klang Subdistrict after earlier tensions from a funeral gathering in the nearby village of Non Nai. According to police reports, a teenager was slapped by a member of a rival group, leading to an attempt by others to mediate the conflict. The father of the assaulted teenager, Mr. Prawet, aged 35, and an accomplice, Mr. Worawut, aged 31, pursued the rival group on a motorcycle. Reports indicate that Mr. Prawet, riding as a passenger, opened fire with a 9mm handgun, injuring four teenagers, all under 18. The injured suffered gunshot wounds to the back, arm, and ear but none were critically hurt. The wounded teenagers were rushed to Phra Thaen Khlai Wachasith Hospital, where police began their investigation. Preliminary statements revealed that the father acted out of rage after his son described the earlier assault. Mr. Prawet and Mr. Worawut later turned themselves in to Chang Klang police, surrendering the firearm used in the incident. During questioning, Mr. Prawet admitted to the shooting, claiming he acted in self-defence after being fired upon twice by the teenagers. However, he confessed to indiscriminately emptying his magazine in retaliation. Police have charged both men with offences under the Firearms Act and attempted murder. Investigators are now conducting a detailed inquiry into the claims of gunfire from both sides and are following proper procedures for questioning minors involved in the incident. -- 2025-01-06

13-Year-Old Rider Dies After Motorcycle Collision with Pickup Truck A crash claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, on January 5. The incident occurred at approximately 08:55 near Ban Sai Phlu School, on the outskirts of Village 8 in Tambon Plian, Sichon. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347992-13-year-old-rider-dies-after-motorcycle-collision-with-pickup-truck/

Picture from responders. A crash claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, on January 5. The incident occurred at approximately 08:55 near Ban Sai Phlu School, on the outskirts of Village 8 in Tambon Plian, Sichon. Local authorities and rescue teams from the Phetkasem Foundation Sichon branch were alerted to a collision involving a Honda Scoopy motorcycle and an Isuzu pickup truck. On arrival, rescue workers discovered the severely injured boy, identified as Master Kantinan, lying unconscious in the middle of the road, the boy had suffered critical injuries in the crash. He was a resident of Tambon Sao Phao in the same district as the crash occurred. Emergency responders, including teams from the Phetkasem rescue unit, the Tambon Thep Ratch sub-district organisation, and the Tambon Plian sub-district organisation, performed CPR at the scene in a desperate attempt to save his life. The boy was subsequently transferred to Sichon Hospital in an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance for further medical attention. Despite the efforts of medics and hospital staff, the injuries proved fatal, and the boy was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash, but initial reports suggest the motorcycle had crossed over the central line and struck the pickup truck head-on at speed. -- 2025-01-06

Taxi Driver Arrested for Helping to Smuggle Illegal Migrants Through Thailand A 49-year-old taxi driver has been arrested in Pathum Thani after he was caught transporting nine illegal migrant workers from Myanmar, in one taxi. The arrest took place at approximately 16:00 on January 4, at a checkpoint on Phaholyothin Road, near the Klong Luang area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347991-taxi-driver-arrested-for-helping-to-smuggle-illegal-migrants-through-thailand/

Picture of arrest. A 49-year-old taxi driver has been arrested in Pathum Thani after he was caught transporting nine illegal migrant workers from Myanmar, in one taxi. The arrest took place at approximately 16:00 on January 4, at a checkpoint on Phaholyothin Road, near the Klong Luang area. Police, led by Colonel Ekkachai Wansiriphak, Commander of Division 1, Highway Police, alongside other officers from the Highway Police and local authorities, apprehended Mr. Udom Chanthanon, the driver of a green-and-yellow taxi with Bangkok license plate. The taxi was found to be carrying nine migrant workers, including both men and women, who were hiding inside the vehicle. During the search, officers also discovered a cap with the words “CIB” (Central Investigation Bureau) written on it, placed on the dashboard, which the driver had purchased for 250 baht. Mr. Chanthanon confessed to picking up the migrant workers from the area near the Phraphee Pat Canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and was transporting them to the Lam Luk Ka area in Pathum Thani. He stated that he was being paid 400 baht per person by an intermediary to deliver the workers. He further explained that he had no intention of impersonating a police officer using the CIB cap, which he claimed to have bought as a novelty. The migrant workers, who were without proper identification documents, revealed they had paid 12,000 baht each to a broker for the journey from Mae Sai in Chiang Rai province to Thailand. Police Lieutenant Colonel Papinwitt Udomphorn, an officer from the Highway Police Division 1, emphasised that the authorities were stepping up their efforts to combat illegal immigration. Many illegal migrants attempt to enter Thailand under the guise of the holiday rush, using various transport methods, including buses, trucks, and private vehicles. The migrant workers in this case lacked proper identification, making it difficult for authorities to take legal action should they commit any crimes in the future. Mr. Chanthanon has been charged with knowingly assisting illegal migrants to stay in Thailand, while the nine migrant workers have been charged with entering and staying in the country without authorization. The workers are currently facing deportation proceedings. -- 2025-01-06

Driver Crashes Car, Toppling 15 Utility Poles, Damaging 4 Vehicles A car crash involving a student, resulted in 15 utility poles being toppled and four vehicles damaged along Phetchakasem Road, Bangkok. The crash caused a power outage in the area, prompting immediate action from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to restore electricity and clear the affected site. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347989-driver-crashes-car-toppling-15-utility-poles-damaging-4-vehicles/

Pictures from responders. At approximately 11:35 on 5 January, a car crash involving a student, resulted in 15 utility poles being toppled and four vehicles damaged along Phetchakasem Road, Bangkok. The crash caused a power outage in the area, prompting immediate action from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to restore electricity and clear the affected site. The crash occurred on the Kanchanaphisek West Outer Ring Road, near the curve leading to the Phetchakasem outbound section. Initial reports from the police identified the driver as Mr Yotsakorn, a 20-year-old university student from Chonburi province. He was driving a Suzuki car with Chonburi license plates when he reportedly lost consciousness behind the wheel, leading to the collision. According to Pol Col Pramote Janbuangkaew, Superintendent of the Phetchakasem Police Station, the crash began when Mr Yotsakorn veered off course, striking a planter on the central reservation before crashing into a row of utility poles along the roadside. The collision caused 15 poles to topple and obstruct the roadway. Three additional vehicles, a Ford, a Honda and a Mercedes-Benz, all registered in Bangkok, were damaged as falling poles struck them. Fortunately, no occupants of these vehicles sustained injuries. Mr Yotsakorn suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Mit Pracha Hospital for treatment. While Mr Yotsakorn’s surname matches that of a well-known actor, police confirmed that he is not related to the celebrity, addressing speculation sparked by his notable last name. The crash caused a significant power outage in the surrounding area, as 15 utility poles were pulled down simultaneously. MEA officials have been worked to repair the damage and restore power as quickly as possible. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr Yotsakorn’s loss of consciousness may have been due to fatigue or a medical condition. Authorities are conducting further inquiries to determine the exact cause of the incident. -- 2025-01-06

Songkhla: Killing at Petrol Station as 23-Year-Old Man Shot Dead in Broad Daylight A brutal shooting occurred early morning on January 5, at a Bangchak petrol station in Sadao, Songkhla, where a 23-year-old man was gunned down in a confrontation with three assailants. The incident, which took place at around 05:10, has left the local community in shock, and authorities are now working to track down the suspects. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347988-songkhla-killing-at-petrol-station-as-23-year-old-man-shot-dead-in-broad-daylight/

Picture from responders and CCTV. A brutal shooting occurred early morning on January 5, at a Bangchak petrol station in Sadao, Songkhla, where a 23-year-old man was gunned down in a confrontation with three assailants. The incident, which took place at around 05:10, has left the local community in shock, and authorities are now working to track down the suspects. The victim, identified as Nathon (23), was found lying lifeless on the petrol station's forecourt. His motorcycle had fallen nearby, and he had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, likely from a 9mm handgun. Police discovered eight spent bullet casings at the scene. The shooting appeared to have been the result of a dispute. Police quickly arrived at the scene, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pichai Khunthongkaew, and worked alongside other officers from the Sadao Police Station, the Songkhla Provincial Police, and the Southern Police Region. The investigation revealed that the victim, who had previously worked at the petrol station, had arrived to refuel his motorcycle when he encountered the group of three men, who were already at the station. An argument broke out, and the victim was shot in cold blood. Surveillance footage from the station captured the disturbing sequence of events. The three men approached the victim while he was sitting on his motorcycle. One of them displayed something on their mobile phone, possibly a provocative image or message, which escalated the situation. The dispute quickly turned violent, and after briefly walking away, the men returned. One man then kicked the victim's motorcycle, causing it to fall, before pulling out a firearm and firing multiple shots at Nathon, killing him instantly. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene on their motorcycles. Police are now focused on identifying and locating the individuals involved. Authorities believe the shooter may have a history of carrying weapons. While the exact motive remains unclear, investigators are exploring two primary theories: the possibility of a conflict related to a woman or a dispute linked to illegal business activities, potentially involving drugs. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to gather evidence and track down the suspects. If they do not surrender voluntarily, a warrant for their arrest will be issued. -- 2025-01-06

Nine Deadly Days Claim 393 Lives and Injure Over 2,200 The festive period has turned deadly for many, with a toll of 393 fatalities and 2,251 injuries reported over the past nine days of New Year travel. Authorities have attributed the alarming figures to reckless driving, with speeding identified as the primary cause of crashes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347955-nine-deadly-days-claim-393-lives-and-injure-over-2200/

The festive period has turned deadly for many, with a toll of 393 fatalities and 2,251 injuries reported over the past nine days of New Year travel. Authorities have attributed the alarming figures to reckless driving, with speeding identified as the primary cause of crashes. At a press briefing at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Mr Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, shared the statistics from the campaign for road safety during the 2025 New Year period. On 4 January alone, there were 169 crashes, resulting in 23 fatalities and 164 injuries. Reckless speeding accounted for 37.28% of incidents, followed by sudden lane cutting (23.67%) and poor visibility (17.75%). Motorcycles were involved in 84.3% of all accidents, with most occurring on straight roads, 45.56% on highways and 30.18% on local roads. The riskiest time for accidents was between 16:01 and 17:00. The campaign, which ran from 27 December to 4 January, recorded a total of 2,322 crashes. Surat Thani was identified as the province with the highest cumulative number of crashes (86) and injuries (95). Bangkok recorded the most fatalities (24). As the final day of the holiday approaches, traffic is expected to surge as travellers return home. To mitigate risks, the DDPM has coordinated with local authorities to set up 1,768 checkpoints staffed by over 50,000 officials. These checkpoints aim to provide rest areas for drivers and enforce traffic regulations to reduce fatigue-related accidents. Mr Danucha urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly in areas with poor visibility due to fog, smoke, or seasonal weather changes. He also emphasised the importance of avoiding high-risk behaviours, such as speeding, drink driving, and failing to wear helmets or seatbelts. “Today marks the last day of intense control measures,” he said. “We ask all provinces to work together to ensure road safety, facilitate smooth travel, and continue educating the public on safe driving practices.” Authorities have also called for lessons learned from the New Year campaign to inform preparations for other busy travel periods, including the Songkran festival later this year. Related article: Day 8: New Year Holiday Road Death Toll Rises to 363: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347888-day-8-new-year-holiday-road-death-toll-rises-to-363/ -- 2025-01-05

Fire Engulfs Plastic Pellet Factory in Samut Sakhon A fire broke out at a plastic pellet factory in Samut Sakhon, causing extensive damage and spreading to two nearby buildings. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control, with initial damage estimates exceeding 10 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347944-fire-engulfs-plastic-pellet-factory-in-samut-sakhon/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out at a plastic pellet factory in Samut Sakhon, causing extensive damage and spreading to two nearby buildings. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control, with initial damage estimates exceeding 10 million baht. The incident occurred on the morning of January 5, at Subsin Industry Co., Ltd., located at 84/13, Moo 3, Tha Sao Subdistrict, Krathum Baen District. The factory specialises in producing plastic pellets. After receiving reports of the fire, the Krathum Baen Police Station quickly dispatched Pol. Lt. Col. Pairat Dee-rai, along with firefighters from Tha Sao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Krathum Baen Municipality, and nearby areas. Over 15 fire engines were mobilised to the scene. The fire spread rapidly due to the large quantities of plastic stored in the area. Firefighters worked from all sides to prevent the fire from spreading and fully involving adjacent factories. After nearly an hour, the flames were surrounded, but water was continuously sprayed to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to prevent re-ignition. Samut Sakhon Governor Nirist Niramaivong and Krathum Baen District Chief Banphot Chantharawong were present at the site to oversee operations and provide support to the firefighting teams. Governor Nirist expressed gratitude to all agencies involved, noting that their swift response prevented further damage and, fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. He instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the fire. Environmental concerns were also raised, with local authorities tasked to ensure compliance with legal procedures to mitigate any potential impact from the smoke and water run off, on residents. A security guard at the site reported that workers inside the factory initially tried to extinguish the fire with extinguishers but were unsuccessful as the flames quickly intensified. The approximately 10 workers present managed to escape unharmed. The affected factory, a single-story warehouse on over one rai of land, stored large amounts of old plastic used for recycling into plastic pellets. The fire almost completely destroyed the warehouse and caused partial damage to two adjacent factories. -- 2025-01-05

Lao Crewman Burned in Yacht Repair Incident in Pattaya A 36-year-old Lao national suffered severe burns while repairing a yacht in Pattaya, on January 5. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation rushed to the scene after being alerted to the incident, which occurred on the beach near Bali Hai Pier. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347940-lao-crewman-burned-in-yacht-repair-incident-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A 36-year-old Lao national suffered severe burns while repairing a yacht in Pattaya, on January 5. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation rushed to the scene after being alerted to the incident, which occurred on the beach near Bali Hai Pier. Upon arrival, rescuers found Mr. Inthara Keopha lying in agony with burns to his head, face, arms and legs, all the areas not covered by clothing. Immediate first aid was provided before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. The yacht involved in the incident, identified as the Super Cat 2 (registration number 5551-01521), which can accommodate 45 passengers and 3 crew members, remained almost undamaged and moored by the shoreline. Captain Phitthaya Khanaphon, 62, the vessel’s skipper, explained that Mr. Keopha, a crew member, was assigned to repair the yacht’s motor trim. After completing the repairs, Mr. Keopha opened the engine compartment to start the motor, but a sudden flash of flames erupted. “I’ve been operating on boats for over 50 years and have never encountered anything like this,” Captain Phitthaya stated. He immediately alerted authorities after witnessing the accident. Initial findings suggest that vapours from leaked fuel within the engine compartment may have ignited when the motor was started, causing a vapour explosion or flash fire that injured Mr. Keopha. Investigators are examining whether faulty fuel lines or other mechanical issues contributed to the incident. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident. -- 2025-01-05

Authorities Raid Chinese-Focused Pattaya Nightclub After Violent Incident In the early hours of January 5, authorities conducted a surprise raid on a nightclub in Pattaya’s Walking Street following a violent incident that left a Chinese tourist injured. The operation, led by Chonburi Governor Thawatchai Sritong. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347937-authorities-raid-chinese-focused-pattaya-nightclub-after-violent-incident/

Picture from raid. In the early hours of January 5, authorities conducted a surprise raid on a nightclub in Pattaya’s Walking Street following a violent incident that left a Chinese tourist injured. The operation, led by Chonburi Governor Thawatchai Sritong and Deputy Governor Chaiporn Paephiromrat, involved over 100 officers from Chonburi’s provincial administration, Bang Lamung district officials, and Pattaya City Police. The raid came in response to an incident on December 27, 2024, where a security guard from the establishment assaulted a Chinese tourist, resulting in injuries, that required hospital treatment. Arriving at the nightclub, officials found it still operating, with over 300 patrons, mostly Chinese nationals, enjoying alcohol and dancing. Authorities immediately ordered the cessation of all activities, turning on the lights and cutting the music. Patrons, seemingly unaware of the raid, were then split into male and female groups for identification checks and urine tests. Out of those tested, 39 individuals, 19 men and 20 women, were found with a positive urine test, indicating potential drug use. However, no drugs or illegal items were discovered on the premises. The 39 patrons testing positive were detained and handed over to Pattaya City Police for further legal proceedings. This operation highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on illegal activities and ensure public safety in one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Related article: Chinese Tourist Seriously Injured After Allegedly Being Attacked by Guards on Pattayas Walking Street: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347703-chinese-tourist-seriously-injured-after-allegedly-being-attacked-by-guards-on-pattayas-walki/ -- 2025-01-05

Dreams Shattered: 250 Thai Workers Left Stranded in Airport Scam, Losing Over 12 Million A total of 250 Thai workers hoping to start lucrative jobs abroad were left heartbroken after discovering they had been victims of a fraudulent recruitment scam. The group, who had collectively paid over 12 million baht, gathered at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the night of 4 January, only to find their flights did not exist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347932-dreams-shattered-250-thai-workers-left-stranded-in-airport-scam-losing-over-12-million/