Georgealbert

Picture from responders. The body of a naval officer who fell into the sea while on duty in Rayong was found floating at sea on the morning of January 4. At around 08:00, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongdao Khotlakkham, Deputy Inspector of Muang Rayong Police Station, was notified of a body found in the sea near the 7th Infantry Battalion, Marine Division, located in Taphong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Rayong Province. The officer informed his superiors and proceeded to the scene with naval officers, a medical team from Rayong Hospital, and rescue workers from the Sawang Porngkuson Foundation. The location was behind the 7th Infantry Battalion’s military camp. The body was discovered floating 2-3 nautical miles from the shore. Officials retrieved the body and brought it back to land. Investigations revealed that the deceased, Chief Petty Officer First Class Thanet, a gunner aboard Ship T.233 under the Royal Thai Fleet, had fallen overboard from an inflatable boat while on duty at sea near the 7th Infantry Battalion on January 1 at around 17:30. The First Naval Area Command launched an extensive search operation, requesting assistance from local fishermen and nearby vessels. The recovered body matched the description given in the missing person report. The officer was wearing a yellow t-shirt and shorts. His family later confirmed the identity of the deceased as Chief Petty Officer First Class Thanet. The body was sent to Rayong Hospital for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators will also question navy personnel who were present during the incident. Following the autopsy, the body will be handed over to the family. -- 2025-01-05

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by advisor Pornprom Vikitset and sustainability executives, visited Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan to observe the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department’s efforts to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Governor Chadchart praised the initiative, describing it as vital but underappreciated, with operations based in Hua Hin but serving Bangkok and other provinces. The Royal Rainmaking Centre currently operates six bases nationwide, with three supporting Bangkok from Hua Hin, Rayong, and Kanchanaburi. A total of 10 aircraft are dedicated to PM2.5 reduction in Bangkok. The initiative stems from atmospheric research conducted by the department. Chanti Dechyothin, an expert in applied atmospheric science, explained that instead of inducing rain, which can worsen pollution, the programme focuses on creating and nurturing clouds to absorb and dissipate PM2.5 particles. This approach builds on the principles of royal rainmaking while incorporating new methods, including reducing temperature inversion layers in the atmosphere. Temperature inversion, where warmer air traps cooler air beneath, acts as a lid that prevents PM2.5 particles from dispersing. To address this, the department uses two techniques: spraying water to lower temperatures and scattering dry ice to create channels for the particles to rise and dissipate. Aircraft execute these tasks in two patterns, spiral formations to carve out channels and zigzag patterns for broader coverage. The results have been remarkable. Data from operations between 2 December 2024 and 3 January 2025 indicate that PM2.5 levels in areas treated with dry ice have reduced by 70%, with pollution levels decreasing by 50% in comparison to untreated areas. Challenges include navigating Bangkok’s congested airspace, dominated by commercial flights. The department has coordinated with the Royal Thai Air Force and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to establish safe flight paths, marking the first time in history that the rainmaking team has conducted operations in Bangkok. During the visit, Governor Chadchart participated in an online meeting with teams addressing PM2.5 pollution in other provinces, including Phrae, Rayong, Kanchanaburi, and Chiang Mai. The meeting reviewed results from December 2024 and outlined daily plans, including air quality assessments using SKA350 aircraft. “PM2.5 pollution is not an issue for any one person, it requires a collective effort,” said Governor Chadchart. “Many people sacrifice time away from their homes to address this problem, often without recognition. I thank all sectors and the Royal Rainmaking Department for their dedication. Bangkok stands ready to support these efforts to ensure effective results.” -- 2025-01-05

Picture from responders. Police in Chai Nat were called to a chaotic scene at a local resort on 4 January, where a 31-year-old man, identified only as Mr A, was found attempting to harm himself after reportedly drinking heavily for eight consecutive days. Officers from Mueang Chai Nat Police Station and rescue personnel from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation arrived to find Mr A lying on the ground outside a room at the resort. He was visibly intoxicated, with a strong smell of alcohol, and had a bleeding wound on his left chest, just above the ribcage. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the wound was self-inflicted with a broken glass bottle. Mr A reportedly confessed to authorities that he had been overwhelmed with guilt after committing a serious crime, allegedly involving sexual assault, for which he expected to face legal charges. Consumed by stress, he drank continuously and later smashed a bottle to use as a weapon to harm himself. The resort owner intervened in time to stop Mr A from causing further harm to himself and immediately contacted authorities. The resort owner, who had employed Mr A for air-conditioning cleaning work for 15 days, stated that Mr A had checked into the resort earlier in the day without raising suspicion. Later in the evening, the owner found him lying on the ground, attempting to stab himself, and promptly acted to prevent further injury. A resort staff member added that Mr A's behaviour had been erratic due to excessive drinking. According to a friend who dropped him off at the resort, Mr A had been consuming alcohol non-stop since 27 December, as part of New Year celebrations. He would drink until he passed out, only to wake up and start drinking again. This pattern persisted for eight days until the attempted self-harm incident. Emergency responders took Mr A to a hospital for treatment of his stab wound and to assess his mental health. However, his erratic behaviour continued at the hospital, where he reportedly refused medical care and insisted on leaving. The situation escalated to the point that police had to intervene once more to restore order. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case and are working to ensure Mr A receives both physical and mental health care. -- 2025-01-05

Day 8: New Year Holiday Road Death Toll Rises to 363 The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported a grim update on road safety during Thailand’s “10 Dangerous Days” of the New Year holiday period. Over the past eight days, there have been 363 fatalities and 2,090 injuries from 2,149 road crashes. Bangkok recorded the highest number of deaths, with reckless driving and speeding as the primary causes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347888-day-8-new-year-holiday-road-death-toll-rises-to-363/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 5 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1347911-thailand-live-sunday-5-january-2025/

Picture courtesy of TMN. Police in Pattaya are searching for a man who broke into a woman's apartment, tied her up, and threatened her with scissors before fleeing the scene. The victim was rescued when her daughter unexpectedly returned home. Pol. Lt. Col. Sirachat Nutes, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, dispatched officers on January 4, to the scene at a commercial building on Pattaya North Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The incident occurred on the third floor of the property, where officers found evidence, including clothing used to bind the victim and the scissors used to threaten her. These items have been collected for forensic examination. The victim, identified as 37-year-old tattoo artist Kanyapat Muangprakhon, recounted the terrifying ordeal. She said she awoke in the morning to find a stranger at the foot of her bed. When she asked who he was, the man leapt onto her bed and pinned her down, telling her, "Let me play with you first. I'm a Grab driver-you don't know me?" The intruder proceeded to harass her, but Kanyapat managed to plead for a bathroom break, pretending she needed to relieve herself. The man, however, refused, threatening to stab her if she made any noise. Moments later, her daughter unexpectedly returned home, prompting the suspect to flee through the balcony. Kanyapat freed herself and sought help from her daughter. CCTV footage from the rear of the building captured the suspect wearing a full-face helmet and driving a motorcycle. He was last seen heading toward Soi Paniad Chang. Police have taken Kanyapat to Pattaya City Police Station to file an official complaint. Investigators are working to track down the suspect and bring him to justice. -- 2025-01-05

Picture from responders. A 53-year-old man, believed to have suffered a sudden blackout, believed possibly to be caused by narcolepsy, before crashing his car into a fance near a convenience store in Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The man, identified as Kampol Thepnarong, was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at the scene. Emergency services from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation were called to the incident on Phonpraphanimit Road (Soi Siam Country Club) on January 4. At the scene, a Toyota Fortuner (registration from Bangkok) was found next to the convenience store, its front end suspended over a fence. Rescue workers discovered Mr. Kampol slumped over the steering wheel. He was later transported to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital by ambulance for further treatment. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle parked near the convenience store for some time, likely as Mr. Kampol stopped to purchase items. Shortly after starting the engine, the car accelerated uncontrollably, crashing onto the fence, after which Mr. Kampol was found unconscious. Documents at the scene revealed that Mr. Kampol worked as a driver for a company headquartered in Naklua, Bang Lamung. Police are investigating further to confirm the cause of the incident and ensure there were no other underlying factors contributing to the crash. -- 2025-01-05

Picture from responders. A 28-year-old man has lost his life after suffocating from carbon monoxide poisoning in his car at a shopping mall parking lot in Nonthaburi. The incident took place on the evening of 3 January, when police were alerted to the scene at a popular shopping centre in the Bang Kraso district of Mueang Nonthaburi. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a white Toyota Vios with its engine switched off in the second-level parking area, near an emergency exit staircase. Inside the car, the body of the deceased, identified as Mr. Thitiwat, was found slumped on the back seat, with his arms crossed and his legs stretched out. Nearby, several items were found, including sleeping pills, decongestant tablets, rubber gloves, a canister of lighter fluid, and a charcoal grill, which police believe were used in the apparent suicide. A family member had become concerned after not being able to reach Mr. Thitiwat the previous day. His girlfriend informed his mother that he had previously attempted suicide but had been stopped. When relatives arrived at the mall and found the car parked in the lot, they were unable to open the doors. Emergency services were called to break the windows, and it was then that the discovery was made. Authorities are investigating the incident further. Initial inquiries suggest Mr. Thitiwat had faced personal difficulties and had expressed feelings of hopelessness. While he had previously been known to experience emotional struggles, his family did not know the full extent of his problems. His family described him as a quiet person who enjoyed staying at home, playing games, watching movies, and reading comics. This marks the second time Mr. Thitiwat had attempted to take his own life, with the first incident occurring back in November 2024. Despite these past struggles, he had no real known history of mental illness or psychiatric issues. The police are continuing their investigation, and it is believed that the items found in the car were used to end his life, with the charcoal grill being the source of the carbon monoxide poisoning. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. -- 2025-01-05

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a dramatic escape attempt, a suspect in handcuffs jumped into the Chao Phraya River while police were searching his residence, only to be apprehended shortly afterward. On 3 January, officers from the Pak Kret Police Station in Nonthaburi, along with volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, were alerted by investigators from the Don Mueang Police Station. The suspect had leapt into the river while being escorted to his home for a search. The incident occurred in Soi Wat Pho Thong Bon on Tiwanon Road in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi. According to reports, the man used the fading light of dusk to his advantage, swimming and floating towards riverside homes in an attempt to evade capture. Police and rescue teams launched an extensive search, scouring the area for over 30 minutes. The man was eventually discovered hiding in a pile of wood behind a riverside property. Officers struggled to extract him from his hiding spot but successfully apprehended him and transported him back to Don Mueang Police Station. The homeowner recounted hearing dogs barking and spotting someone climbing over her fence. Grabbing a stick, she went to investigate but found no one. She later realised the intruder had hidden among the woodpile when police arrived and located him. Panomporn Pianpi, a volunteer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, explained that he was asked by police to assist in the search. While searching, he noticed a red shirt in the pile of wood. The shirt matched the description provided by police, who had shown them photographs of the suspect before his escape. Police revealed that the man had been arrested on theft charges. While conducting a search of his residence for stolen goods, he seized the opportunity to jump into the river in an attempt to escape but ultimately failed. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in custody at Don Mueang Police Station. -- 2025-01-05

Russian Tourist Stabbed After Joke Misunderstood in Pattaya A Russian tourist was stabbed in the leg in Pattaya early morning on January 4, after an attempted joke turned violent. The incident occurred outside a convenience store on Jomtien Second Road, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347883-russian-tourist-stabbed-after-joke-misunderstood-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders and CCTV A heartbroken father wept inconsolably after his daughter, who had been unwell, was struck and killed by a pickup truck while riding her motorcycle home from a hospital visit in Ayutthaya. At approximately 00:30 on 4 January, police were alerted to a collision involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle on the inbound lane of Rojana Road near the Uthai-Bang Pa-In junction in Bang Pa-In district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Deputy Inspector Pol. Capt. Peerakul Faengritlong and a rescue team from the Ayutthaya Ruamjai Association responded to the scene. They found the victim, Ms. Rattina 31, lying critically injured on the road with severe wounds. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward. Nearby, officials discovered her belongings, including a wallet containing her ID card, ATM card, eyeglasses, and a bag with medication and a medical certificate. The certificate indicated she had visited the hospital just hours earlier at 22:13 on 3 January. About 10 metres away, her Honda Scoopy motorcycle, registered in Ayutthaya, was found severely damaged at the rear. The pickup truck involved in the accident, an Isuzu registered in Bueng Kan, had a crumpled front end with motorcycle debris lodged in its grille. Its driver, identified as Mr. Ruengchai 30, remained at the scene. In addition to the fatality, another motorcycle was damaged in the crash. Ms. Pawinee 25, the rider of a Honda Wave registered in Nakhon Si Thammarat, sustained injuries and was rushed to Rajthanee Rojana Hospital for treatment. The victim’s father, Mr. Jamlong 55, arrived at the scene with his family after being informed of the crash. Overcome with grief, he collapsed on the road upon seeing his daughter’s lifeless body. He shared that his daughter had been living with her partner in a rented room in Uthai district, Ayutthaya. “She visited us on 31 December to wish us a Happy New Year and returned to work on 1 January,” Mr. Jamlong said tearfully. “Last night, she told us she wasn’t feeling well and was going to see a doctor. She was likely on her way back to her apartment when this happened.” CCTV footage from a nearby area revealed that the victim’s motorcycle was rear-ended by the pickup truck, causing it to slide along the road in a burst of sparks. The pickup truck then lost control and collided with another motorcycle, injuring its rider. Police documented the evidence and are awaiting further statements from the injured rider to determine the cause of the crash. Investigations are ongoing, and legal proceedings will follow. -- 2025-01-05

Picture from responders. A three-vehicle collision on the Trang-Palian Road, near Trang Technical College, has left one dead and two injured. The crash also revealed a smuggling operation involving untaxed cigarettes. The collision occurred when a white Honda Accord, travelling outbound from Trang city, veered across the median into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a white Honda Civic. A Toyota van travelling behind the Civic then crashed into its rear. The Honda Accord and Honda Civic sustained severe damage. Police identified the Honda Accord’s driver as a man in his forties, travelling alone. He sustained injuries but remained conscious. The Honda Civic carried two occupants: the driver, a man aged 60, was injured, while his passenger, 60-year-old Mr. Chob Prajongjai from Huai Yot District, suffered critical injuries. Despite efforts by rescue teams to revive him, Mr. Chob succumbed to his injuries at Trang Hospital, becoming the province’s first road fatality of the 2025 New Year’s “Ten Dangerous Days.” The Toyota van’s driver fled the scene. Upon inspection of the van, police discovered it was loaded with tightly packed cartons of Walton-brand foreign cigarettes, suspected to be smuggled to evade tax. The entire vehicle was filled with the contraband. Preliminary investigations revealed the Honda Civic had been travelling from Yan Ta Khao District towards Trang city, followed closely by the smuggler’s van. The Honda Accord, heading in the opposite direction, crossed the median and collided with the Civic, leading to the van rear-ending the Civic. Police have conducted blood alcohol tests on all injured drivers. The smuggled cigarettes and the van have been secured at Trang Police Station. Officials from the local excise department are set to conduct a detailed inventory of the cigarettes, including their quantity and estimated value. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage near the crash site to identify and apprehend the van’s driver and any accomplices. Investigators are also working to trace the smuggling network’s origin, destination, and participants. -- 2025-01-05

Day 8: New Year Holiday Road Death Toll Rises to 363 The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported a grim update on road safety during Thailand’s “10 Dangerous Days” of the New Year holiday period. Over the past eight days, there have been 363 fatalities and 2,090 injuries from 2,149 road crashes. Bangkok recorded the highest number of deaths, with reckless driving and speeding as the primary causes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347888-day-8-new-year-holiday-road-death-toll-rises-to-363/

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported a grim update on road safety during Thailand’s “10 Dangerous Days” of the New Year holiday period. Over the past eight days, there have been 363 fatalities and 2,090 injuries from 2,149 road crashes. Bangkok recorded the highest number of deaths, with reckless driving and speeding as the primary causes. On 4 January, DDPM Deputy Director-General Saharat Wongsakulwiwat presented the statistics for 3 January, the eighth day of the safety campaign. A total of 205 crashes were reported on the day, resulting in 199 injuries and 32 fatalities. The leading causes of incident remain abrupt lane changes (32.2%), excessive speeding, and poor visibility. Motorcycles were involved in 90.04% of accidents, followed by pickup trucks and private cars. Chiang Rai saw the highest number of crashes (10) and injuries (11) on 3 January, while Phitsanulok recorded the most fatalities (3). Over the eight days from 27 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, the accumulated toll included 2,149 crashes, 2,090 injuries, and 363 deaths. Surat Thani reported the highest number of crashes (78), while Bangkok registered the most fatalities (21). Excessive speeding and reckless driving continue to dominate as the primary factors contributing to the carnage, often exacerbated by drunk driving. Motorcycles remain the most common vehicles involved in these incidents. As the country enters the final stretch of the New Year celebrations, authorities continue to urge drivers to prioritise safety to prevent further tragedy. Related article: Day 7 of the New Year Road Safety Campaign; https://aseannow.com/topic/1347820-day 7-of-the-new-year-road-safety-campaign / -- 2025-01-04

Russian Tourist Stabbed After Joke Misunderstood in Pattaya A Russian tourist was stabbed in the leg in Pattaya early morning on January 4, after an attempted joke turned violent. The incident occurred outside a convenience store on Jomtien Second Road, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347883-russian-tourist-stabbed-after-joke-misunderstood-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A Russian tourist was stabbed in the leg in Pattaya early morning on January 4, after an attempted joke turned violent. The incident occurred outside a convenience store on Jomtien Second Road, Chonburi. Emergency services from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received a report of the attack and coordinated with Pattaya City Police to investigate. The victim, identified as Mr. Denis Rumiantsev, 39, sustained a knife wound to his left leg, resulting in heavy bleeding. First aid was provided at the scene by rescue volunteers before he was transported to a nearby hospital. According to a security guard, Ms. Kwang, aged 29, she was informed of the incident by convenience store staff. They reported that Mr. Rumiantsev had entered the store to purchase first aid supplies after being injured. Despite the staff’s attempts to assist, the severity of his bleeding prompted them to call emergency services. Using a translation application, rescuers learned that the victim had been drinking and attempted to make jokes with another group of individuals. However, the group did not find the remarks amusing, leading to one person stabbing Mr. Rumiantsev in the leg. Police have documented the scene and advised the victim to formally file a complaint once he recovers. Investigators will review CCTV footage and question witnesses to identify the perpetrator and establish the motive behind the attack. -- 2025-01-04

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is used to restore blood flow and oxygen to vital organs when a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It is a life-saving procedure but does not treat the underlying causes. CPR is essential in emergencies like cardiac arrest to keep the organs alive. Strokes occur due to a blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, causing a lack of blood flow or bleeding. The treatments for stroke focuses on restoring blood flow or controlling bleeding. So unless you have a cardiac arrest or stop breathing when having a stroke, the heart still pumps blood around the body, so CPR is unnecessary. CPR will not normally get blood to the parts of the brain affected by a stroke, same as the heart can’t, so damage occurs.

Police Officer Shot Dead in Bangkok After Helping Assaulted Migrant A police officer in Bangkok has been shot and killed after intervening to help a migrant worker who was being assaulted. The incident occurred at approximately 20:30 on 3 January, on Chalermphong Road in Sai Mai district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347878-police-officer-shot-dead-in-bangkok-after-helping-assaulted-migrant/

Picture from responders. A police officer in Bangkok has been shot and killed after intervening to help a migrant worker who was being assaulted. The incident occurred at approximately 20:30 on 3 January, on Chalermphong Road in Sai Mai district. Authorities responded to the scene after being alerted to the shooting. Lieutenant Colonel Paiboon Pothong, an investigator with Sai Mai Police Station, and forensic officers arrived to find Police Lieutenant Banrang Kasaporn, a Deputy Inspector with Sai Mai Police Station, lying in a pool of blood outside a barber shop. Lt. Banrang, who had been off duty but still partially in uniform, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported that the incident began when a migrant worker sought refuge from a confrontation with Mr. Annop, a 41-year-old motorcycle repairman. Upon seeing the distressed migrant, Lt. Banrang revealed his police status and attempted to intervene. Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV This reportedly enraged Mr. Annop, who already had a history of conflict with the officer. In a fit of anger, the suspect retrieved a 9mm handgun from his workshop and returned to the scene. He then opened fire on Lt. Banrang, emptying the magazine before fleeing. Witnesses heard him yell, "Do you think you're so powerful?" during the attack. The suspect was later apprehended and taken into custody for questioning. He now faces legal proceedings for the murder of a police officer. -- 2025-01-04

Two Elderly Passengers Killed in Crash as Pickup Truck Hits Parked Oil Tanker in Lampang A collision on Phahonyothin Road in Lampang Province has claimed the lives of two elderly passengers and left two others critically injured. The crash occurred at approximately 15:30 on 3rd January in Mae Kua Subdistrict, Sop Prap District, when a pickup truck collided with a parked oil tanker, which was waiting for insurance officials following a prior crash. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347877-two-elderly-passengers-killed-in-crash-as-pickup-truck-hits-parked-oil-tanker-in-lampang/

Picture from responders. A collision on Phahonyothin Road in Lampang Province has claimed the lives of two elderly passengers and left two others critically injured. The crash occurred at approximately 15:30 on 3rd January in Mae Kua Subdistrict, Sop Prap District, when a pickup truck collided with a parked oil tanker, which was waiting for insurance officials following a prior crash. Police Lieutenant Thanet Panyathong, Deputy Investigator of Sop Prap Police Station, along with medical personnel from Sop Prap Hospital and rescue teams, rushed to the scene near kilometre marker 662 on the Lampang-Tak stretch of the highway. At the site, authorities found a severely damaged green Isuzu pickup truck with Lampang license plates. Inside the cabin were the bodies of Mr. Ya and Mrs. Thongsam, both aged 70. The victims were seated in the front passenger seat and the rear left seat, respectively. Their bodies were extracted and sent to a local hospital. The driver of the pickup and another passenger seated in the rear right seat sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Sop Prap Hospital for emergency treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the pickup truck had slammed into the rear of an oil tanker, which had been involved in an earlier collision with another truck. The tanker had been parked on the road while awaiting police and insurance officials. In the initial incident, the oil tanker had been rear-ended by another truck. Mr. Nirun 50, the driver of the oil tanker from Kamphaeng Phet, explained that he was en route to deliver oil to Lamphun. While ascending a hilly section of the road, his tanker was struck from behind by another truck. He parked on the roadside to wait for authorities and set up orange cones behind his vehicle to prevent further incidents. However, the pickup truck came speeding into the scene and crashed into the rear of his tanker. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the collision. -- 2025-01-04

Bomb Explodes at Traffic Checkpoint Outside School in Pattani, Injuring Six Officers A bomb explosion at a traffic checkpoint outside a school in Pattani Province has left six police officers injured, two of them critically. The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 on 3rd January near Ban Kalapo School in Moo 1, Tero Bon Subdistrict, Sai Buri District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347876-bomb-explodes-at-traffic-checkpoint-outside-school-in-pattani-injuring-six-officers/

Picture from responders. A bomb explosion at a traffic checkpoint outside a school in Pattani Province has left six police officers injured, two of them critically. The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 on 3rd January near Ban Kalapo School in Moo 1, Tero Bon Subdistrict, Sai Buri District. The explosive device, believed to be an improvised bomb, had been concealed in the battery storage compartment of a checkpoint sign. The blast occurred as traffic police were conducting road safety enforcement near the school. The injured officers have been identified as: 1. Police Sergeant Major Pattaphong Siammai (critical) 2. Police Corporal Kamin Sriprasert (critical) 3. Police Lance Corporal Panuwat Chantramat (conscious) 4. Police Lance Corporal Isma-aen Alamat (conscious) 5. Police Lance Corporal Jenwit Ditta (conscious) 6. Police Constable Kittisak Duangruang (chest pain, hearing loss). Emergency responders, including officers from the 44th Ranger Task Force, rushed to the scene and transported the injured officers to Somdet Phra Yupparat Sai Buri Hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed that the bomb had been planted at the checkpoint on Highway 42, Pattani-Sai Buri Road. The device was detonated as police were manning the checkpoint. Authorities believe the attackers specifically targeted the officers stationed at the site. This is the first bombing incident in Sai Buri District this year. Local security forces have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and have tightened security measures in the area to prevent further attacks. -- 2025-01-04

Pickup Truck Collides with Elephant, Injuring Three as Animal Retreats into Sugarcane Fields A collision between a pickup truck and a large elephant on January 3, left three people injured in Kabin Buri District, Prachinburi Province, Thailand, with the animal retreating into nearby sugarcane fields. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347875-pickup-truck-collides-with-elephant-injuring-three-as-animal-retreats-into-sugarcane-fields/

Picture from responders. A collision between a pickup truck and a large elephant on January 3, left three people injured in Kabin Buri District, Prachinburi Province, Thailand, with the animal retreating into nearby sugarcane fields. Emergency responders from the Sajja Buddhadham Kabin Buri rescue unit were alerted to the incident on Road 359, near Ban Nong Talat in Tambon Lat Takhian. Upon arrival, they discovered a pickup truck with damage to the front left side and a shattered windshield. Three occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. A investigation of the scene revealed large elephant footprints, measuring 57 cm in circumference, leading away from the roadside into sugarcane fields spanning over 2,000 rai. Mr. Patipan, a 21-year-old passenger, explained that he, his mother, partner, and a child were travelling from Khao Hin Son to Sa Kaeo when the accident occurred. “After passing a red light and attempting to overtake a truck, a large elephant suddenly appeared crossing the road. I couldn’t brake in time and hit its rear. I regularly use this route but have never seen such a large elephant before. Fortunately, my family wasn’t seriously hurt, but we’ve gone to the hospital for check-ups.” Local official Mr. Paivan Thakham, 48, a member of the Lat Takhian subdistrict administration, said that the area frequently sees elephants crossing the road in search of food. “There are around five or six elephants in this area, and from the driver’s description, we believe this may have been ‘Sida Honok,’ a particularly tall and robust elephant. Elephants often cross here, and we’ve set up a local team to monitor and deter them daily.” Drone footage and ground patrols have been employed to trace the elephants’ movements. The group is believed to have crossed from Thung Praya before retreating into the sugarcane plantation. The sugarcane fields, a regular foraging site for the elephants, provide ample shelter and sustenance. Mr. Ekkachai Saendee, Director of the Department of Conservation and Prevention, has been informed of the incident and is expected to visit the site with his team later today to assess the situation. Authorities are urging motorists using Road 359 to exercise caution, particularly at night, as elephant crossings in this area are a known hazard. Efforts are ongoing to ensure both human and animal safety in the region. -- 2025-01-04