Georgealbert

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

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/