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Tourist Police Apprehend Foreigners for Illegal Guide Work in Pattaya Authorities have apprehended four foreign nationals allegedly working illegally as tour guides in Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347924-tourist-police-apprehend-foreigners-for-illegal-guide-work-in-pattaya/

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash at Phuket's Notorious 'Danger Curve' A foreign man, whose identity has not been disclosed, lost his life on the morning of January 4, after his motorcycle veered off the road and collided with a guardrail at the infamous Kuan Lim San curve on Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu District, Phuket. Full story and video:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347925-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-at-phukets-notorious-danger-curve/

Royal Rainmaking Department Deploys Aircraft to Combat PM2.5 in Bangkok 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347923-royal-rainmaking-department-deploys-aircraft-to-combat-pm25-in-bangkok/

Navy Officer Found Dead in Rayong Sea After Falling from Inflatable Boat During Duty 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347922-navy-officer-found-dead-in-rayong-sea-after-falling-from-inflatable-boat-during-duty/

Thai Navy Captures Vietnamese Fishing Vessel for Illegal Activity in Thai Waters The Royal Thai Navy intercepted a Vietnamese fishing vessel illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Kra, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on 3 January. Five crew members were detained, marking the first such operation of 2025. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347921-thai-navy-captures-vietnamese-fishing-vessel-for-illegal-activity-in-thai-waters/

Chai Nat Man Hospitalised After Self-Harm Following Eight-Day Drinking Binge 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347920-chai-nat-man-hospitalised-after-self-harm-following-eight-day-drinking-binge/

Tragic Death of 28-Year-Old Man Found in Car at Mall Parking Lot 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347919-tragic-death-of-28-year-old-man-found-in-car-at-mall-parking-lot/

Man Suffers Blackout Before Crashing into a Fence in Pattaya A 53-year-old man, believed to have suffered a sudden blackout, possibly caused by narcolepsy, before crashing his car into a fence 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347917-man-suffers-blackout-before-crashing-into-a-fence-in-pattaya/

Picture of arrest Authorities have apprehended four foreign nationals allegedly working illegally as tour guides in Pattaya. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Raksa, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at the Tourist Police Bureau, along with officers from Region 2, conducted a surveillance operation following reports of foreigners engaging in unlawful work related to tourism services. The operation focused on the passenger drop-off area near Bali Hai Pier in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Officers observed suspicious behaviour by four foreign individuals, including interactions involving document exchanges and assisting tourists in boarding boats to Koh Larn before returning to wait for the next group. Upon inspection, the suspects, three Russian nationals and one Indian national, were found to be holding tourist visas, which do not permit employment in Thailand. None of the individuals possessed the legally required work permits. Authorities charged the suspects with “working without permission” and referred them to Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. This incident underscores the Tourist Police’s commitment and aims to reassure both Thai and international tourists that key tourism hubs are being closely monitored to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard the integrity of the industry. -- 2025-01-05

Picture and video captured from CCTV. A foreign man, whose identity has not been disclosed, lost his life on the morning of January 4, after his motorcycle veered off the road and collided with a guardrail at the infamous Kuan Lim San curve on Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu District, Phuket. Police from Kathu Police Station, accompanied by medical examiners from Vachira Phuket Hospital and Kusoltham Foundation rescue workers, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. At the crash site, officials discovered a red-plated Honda ADV motorcycle lying in the middle of the road. Evidence of the collision, including long scrape marks on the guardrail and debris pointed to the severity of the incident. Upon inspecting the ravine, approximately three metres deep, they found the body of the victim, a foreign male, wearing a blue t-shirt and shorts. He was lying face down in the grass, having suffered a fatal head injury. The body was recovered and transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. Meanwhile, police continued their investigation, collecting evidence at the scene and reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine the exact cause of the crash. According to witness Mr Thaworn, a street vendor driving behind the victim, there were warning markings placed near the curve to caution motorists. However, he observed the motorcycle speeding past his vehicle before losing control at the sharp bend. The motorbike struck the guardrail, causing the rider to be thrown into the ravine while the vehicle skidded across the road. Mr Thaworn immediately stopped his car to prevent further incidents and called the authorities. Local residents report that the curve is a frequent site of crashes, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The sharp bend and tendency of vehicles to travel at high speeds have earned it the grim nickname "Danger Curve." -- 2025-01-05 ScreenRecording_01-04-2025 17-53-00_1.mp4

Picture from responders. Two nephews sustained severe injuries after attempting to rescue their aunt, who had been assaulted by her husband. The incident occurred at a workers' camp on Soi Wat Plat Priang in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan.The assailant, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, is now being pursued by police. At approximately 20:30 on January 3, police from Bang Kaeo Police Station, along with emergency responders from Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi and Poh Teck Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene following reports of a stabbing. At the ground floor of the workers' camp, in front of Room 365, two injured men were found waiting for help. The first victim, identified as Mr. Boonmee Boonthin, 34, from Tak Province, suffered a deep slash wound to his right arm. The second victim, Mr. Leo Krongwitee, 24, also from Tak, had been stabbed in the back and was in critical condition. Both were taken to Sikarin Hospital for urgent medical treatment. The perpetrator, who is the husband of the victims' aunt, fled on a motorcycle before authorities arrived. According to Mr. Boonmee, who works as a security guard, the incident began when his aunt, Ms. Amphar Chatchor, 48, called him and his younger brother for help after being physically assaulted by her husband. When the nephews arrived at her residence, a heated argument ensued, during which the husband attacked them with a knife, stabbing Leo in the back and slashing Boonmee's arm as he tried to protect his brother and aunt. Ms. Amphar, who had visible bruises on her face and neck, explained that her husband, a heavy drinker, often becomes violent. On this occasion, he choked her during an argument until she managed to fight back and escape his grasp. She called her nephews to help her leave, but when they arrived, the confrontation turned violent. Authorities are investigating the incident and have questioned witnesses. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and police have identified the suspect, who is now the subject of a manhunt. Further action will be taken once the suspect is apprehended. -- 2025-01-05

Woman Tied Up and Threatened in Pattaya Apartment 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347916-woman-tied-up-and-threatened-in-pattaya-apartment/

Suspect Escapes Police Custody by Jumping into River but is Quickly Recaptured 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347914-suspect-escapes-police-custody-by-jumping-into-river-but-is-quickly-recaptured/

Father Mourns Daughter Killed in Tragic Motorcycle Crash on Way Home from Hospital 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347913-father-mourns-daughter-killed-in-tragic-motorcycle-crash-on-way-home-from-hospital/

Three-Vehicle Collision in Trang Claims One Life, Uncovers Smuggled Cigarettes 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347912-three-vehicle-collision-in-trang-claims-one-life-uncovers-smuggled-cigarettes/

Picture courtesy of RTN The Royal Thai Navy intercepted a Vietnamese fishing vessel illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Kra, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on 3 January. Five crew members were detained, marking the first such operation of 2025. Acting on a tip-off from local sources, the Second Naval Area Command and the Maritime National Interest Protection Centre deployed HTMS Laem Sing for a patrol operation. At 05:30 the patrol identified and seized the Vietnamese vessel, which was using dredging equipment to harvest sea cucumbers. The vessel was located approximately 77 km east of Sichon District (Latitude 8°57’N, Longitude 100°38’E). The detained crew and the vessel were escorted to the Songkhla Naval Base for further investigation. Charges have been filed under three Thai laws: 1. The Royal Ordinance on Fisheries, B.E. 2558 (2015) – Operating a stateless fishing vessel in Thai waters and engaging in commercial fishing without a licence. 2. The Fisheries Act, B.E. 2482 (1939) – Fishing in Thai territorial waters without authorisation. 3. The Immigration Act, B.E. 2522 (1979) – Unauthorised entry into the Kingdom of Thailand. The arrest is part of the Thai Navy’s ongoing efforts to protect the country’s maritime resources, in line with its 2025 mission to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other maritime threats. Illegal fishing activities, particularly by foreign vessels, pose a significant threat to Thailand’s marine ecosystems and economy. Vietnamese fishing vessels, often equipped with destructive dredging tools, damage seabeds and coral reefs, critical habitats for marine life. In the past year alone, an average of 15 Vietnamese vessels were apprehended annually in Thailand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Each vessel is capable of harvesting 15–20 tonnes of sea cucumbers per trip, with market values ranging from THB 300 to THB 500 per kilogram. These operations have resulted in an estimated economic impact of THB 150 million annually. Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakool, Commander of the Second Naval Area, thanked local fishing communities for providing crucial intelligence. He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Thailand’s 113,275-square-kilometre EEZ and vowed to take decisive action against any foreign vessels encroaching on Thai waters. “Our mission is to protect Thailand’s maritime resources for future generations. We will not tolerate illegal fishing activities in our waters and will continue to enforce the law to the fullest extent,” Vice Admiral Nares stated. The Royal Thai Navy urges citizens to report any suspicious maritime activities to ensure the continued protection of the nation’s marine resources. -- 2025-01-05

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