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Picture from responders. A gas explosion at the residence of a prominent businessman in Don Mueang, Bangkok, left two housekeepers injured on the morning of January 2. The incident occurred in the kitchen of a luxury housing estate and caused damage to the property. At 07:00, Pol Lt Col Chamnan Yut Kongkong, an investigator with Don Mueang Police Station, received a report of a fire at a residence on Thoet Rachan Road. He arrived at the scene with Pol Col Sukrit Mangkalasawat, the Don Mueang Police Chief, as well as firefighters and rescue volunteers. The explosion occurred in the kitchen of one of three large houses within the gated estate. Kitchen appliances, tables, chairs, windows, and doors were found shattered and scattered across the area. Two housekeepers suffered burns to their hands, feet, faces, and heads. They were rushed to Sikhan Air Force Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion happened when the housekeepers attempted to ignite a gas stove. It is believed that gas had accumulated after a failed attempt to light the stove and the gas left on. When they tried to ignite it again, the spark triggered the explosion. Reports suggest that the house belongs to Tob Itthipat, the billionaire owner of the renowned seaweed snack brand “Tao Kae Noi.” Authorities are continuing their investigation, including interviewing the injured individuals and conducting a detailed inspection of the site to determine the exact cause of the explosion. -- 2025-01-03

Family Injured After Blanket Gets Caught in Motorbike Wheel A family of three was injured in a motorbike incident early on the morning of January 2, in Chonburi Province after a blanket wrapped around their child became entangled in the vehicle’s rear wheel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347775-family-injured-after-blanket-gets-caught-in-motorbike-wheel/

Picture from responders. A family of three was injured in a motorbike incident early on the morning of January 2, in Chonburi Province after a blanket wrapped around their child became entangled in the vehicle’s rear wheel. At 00:05 the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received a report of a motorbike accident on the road near Pattaya Country Club, Moo 4, Khao Mai Kaew Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. Rescue workers rushed to the scene to assist. At the site, a blue Honda Wave 125 motorbike (registration number from Chonburi) was found overturned at the side of the road with minor damage. The driver, Mr Sarawut, 28, suffered minor abrasions, while his wife, Ms Orasa, 23, sustained injuries to her left ankle and abrasions on her body. Their four-year-old daughter was more seriously injured, with a fractured left leg and multiple abrasions. Rescue workers provided immediate first aid before transporting the injured to a nearby hospital. Mr Sarawut explained that he and his wife were riding their motorbike home, with their daughter seated between them. Due to the colder weather, they had wrapped their daughter in a blanket for warmth. Unfortunately, the blanket became entangled in the motorbike’s rear wheel, causing the vehicle to crash. Authorities have urged motorcyclists to avoid using loose or long fabrics while riding, as these can easily get caught in wheels or chains. -- 2025-01-03

UPDATE Japanese Tourist Fined for Defying Sky Lantern Ban in Chiang Mai

Chinese Driver Hits and Kills Woman Crossing Road Near Footbridge in Pattaya Pol Lt. Puttharak Sonkamhan, an investigator fromPattaya City Police Station, received a report at approximately 11.30 on January 2, of a fatal road collision. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road, near the South Pattaya Lotus store. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347736-chinese-driver-hits-and-kills-woman-crossing-road-near-footbridge-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders and CCTV below. Pol Lt. Puttharak Sonkamhan, an investigator fromPattaya City Police Station, received a report at approximately 11.30 on January 2, of a fatal road collision. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road, near the South Pattaya Lotus store. Upon arriving at the scene with rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, authorities found the body of a woman, approximately 50 years old, on the central reservation of the road. Her legs were broken, and her face was covered in blood. No identification documents were found on her. Scattered nearby were snacks, packets of instant noodles, and cans of beer. Approximately 60 metres from the body, officers discovered a grey Mazda car registered in Chonburi. The vehicle’s windscreen was shattered, and the front right bumper was damaged. A cloth shopping bag was also found stuck to the car. The driver, a 35-year-old Chinese man, was detained and taken to Pattaya City Police Station for an alcohol test. His Thai female companion, who was in the car at the time, told police they were returning to their accommodation in Pattaya before heading back to Bangkok. She admitted that both she and another passenger were preoccupied with their phones when the collision occurred. CCTV footage revealed that the deceased woman had been running across the road from the South Pattaya Lotus store, opting not to use the nearby footbridge. As she reached the central reservation, the car struck her, causing her to be thrown onto the central reservation and die instantly. Police have documented the incident and charged the driver with reckless driving causing death. Investigations are ongoing. -- 2025-01-02 ScreenRecording_01-02-2025 15-51-59_1.mp4

Video of the scene from Thai media.

Road Crashes Claim 272 Lives Over New Year’s Dangerous First Six Days The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has released its latest figures for road accidents during the New Year festivities. On 1 January alone, 50 fatalities were recorded, bringing the total death toll to 272 over the notorious first “six dangerous days.” Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347726-road-crashes-claim-272-lives-over-new-year’s-dangerous-first-six-days/

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has released its latest figures for road accidents during the New Year festivities. On 1 January alone, 50 fatalities were recorded, bringing the total death toll to 272 over the notorious first “six dangerous days.” Mr. Phaskorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the DDPM, announced the statistics on 2 January during a briefing at the Road Safety Centre. He highlighted the critical need for caution as many people have now returned to Bangkok and other key economic hubs after the holiday. The centre has instructed authorities to closely monitor high-risk behaviours, particularly speeding, which has been the leading cause of accidents for six consecutive days. Emphasis was placed on using local networks, such as community checkpoints, to deter reckless driving. “Drivers are urged to exercise caution, adhere strictly to traffic laws, avoid speeding, wear helmets and seatbelts, and check their vehicles and travel routes, including weather conditions, before setting off,” Mr. Phaskorn stated. On New Year’s Day, 339 accidents were reported, resulting in 346 injuries and 50 deaths. The main causes of crashes were: • Speeding (38.94%) • Drink-driving (31.56%) • Poor visibility (16.81%) Motorcycles were involved in 86.42% of crashes, with most incidents occurring on straight roads (81.12%), particularly on highways (40.71%) and local roads (30.09%). The peak incident times were between midnight and 02:00 and again between 18:00 and 19:00. Most victims were aged 20–29, accounting for 24.49% of the total. Surat Thani province recorded the highest number of crashes (24), injuries (36), and deaths (7) on 1 January. From 27 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, a total of 1,739 crashes were recorded, resulting in 1,694 injuries and 272 deaths. Eight provinces reported zero fatalities, while Surat Thani led the nation in crashes (63), injuries (73), and cumulative fatalities (12). Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to reduce crashes and ensure safer travel during holiday seasons. Related articles. Crackdown on Drink Driving: 19 Drivers Fitted with EM Bracelets in Just One Day: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347673-crackdown-on-drink-driving-19-drivers-fitted-with-em-bracelets-in-just-one-day/ Deadly New Year Roads: 215 Deaths in Five Days: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347645-deadly-new-year-roads-215-deaths-in-five-days/ -- 2025-01-02

Teenage Student Killed in High-Speed Pickup Truck Collision Near Pattaya An incident unfolded in front of Wat Inthanaram in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, when a speeding pickup truck driver veered into oncoming traffic and collided with a motorcycle, killing a 15-year-old student. The vehicle then crashed into an electricity pole. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347708-teenage-student-killed-in-high-speed-pickup-truck-collision-near-pattaya/

Picture from responders. An incident unfolded in front of Wat Inthanaram in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, when a speeding pickup truck driver veered into oncoming traffic and collided with a motorcycle, killing a 15-year-old student. The vehicle then crashed into an electricity pole. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Rescue Unit rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the incident, on the evening of January 1. Upon arrival, officers found a damaged Toyota Vigo pickup truck (registration Sa Kaeo) that had struck the electricity pole. The driver, identified as Mr. Surasak Suksaroen, 44, appeared to be heavily intoxicated and was trapped in the wreckage. Rescue workers extricated him with difficulty, provided first aid, and transported him to a nearby hospital. Nearby, a Honda Wave motorcycle (registration Chonburi) lay in ruins, with debris scattered across the road. The motorcycle rider, identified as Mr. Thitiwat Pansiri, 15, a student from a local school, was critically injured and found lying in a pool of blood. Rescue personnel performed CPR and transported him to hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life. Mr. Jakree Sukchit, 15, a friend of the victim, described the horrifying moment with a trembling voice. He explained that he and the victim were riding separate motorcycles in search of a tyre repair shop. As they rode, a speeding pickup truck suddenly swerved into their lane. Mr. Jakree narrowly avoided being hit, but his friend was struck head-on, thrown from his motorcycle, and severely injured. Mr. Jakree immediately sought help from nearby residents, who called the authorities. Pol. Sub. Lt. Newin Suntuwanich, Deputy Inspector of Huai Yai Police Station, documented the scene and plans to review CCTV footage to determine the sequence of events. The driver of the pickup truck taken to the police station to undergo alcohol testing as part of the legal investigation. Tragically, hospital officials later confirmed that Mr. Thitiwat succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and friends devastated by the loss. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have pledged to take legal action against the pickup truck driver. -- 2025-01-02

Six Dead, One Injured in Chumphon-Trang Pickup Truck Crash A horrific crash occurred on the morning of January 2, on Asian Highway 41 in Surat Thani’s Chaiya district, claiming six lives and leaving one person injured after a pickup truck driver lost control and collided with a tree while attempting to avoid a school van. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347706-six-dead-one-injured-in-chumphon-trang-pickup-truck-crash/

Picture from responders. A horrific crash occurred on the morning of January 2, at approximately 07.10, on Asian Highway 41 in Surat Thani’s Chaiya district, claiming six lives and leaving one person injured after a pickup truck driver lost control and collided with a tree while attempting to avoid a school van. Pol. Capt. Pichit Khaosuwan, Investigator at Chaiya Police Station, received the emergency call about the crash near kilometre marker 124/500 on the southbound lane of Asian Highway 41, opposite the Chaiya transport office in Pa We subdistrict. Emergency rescue teams from Kusolsattha Surat Thani Foundation arrived to find a damaged dark grey Toyota half-cab pickup truck with Bangkok registration plates lodged against a tree in the central road median. Inside the wreckage, rescue workers found six casualties. There were four fatalities on-site: two boys and two girls. Two injured adults from inside the cab, were rushed to Chaiya Hospital, but both succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. The sole survivor, who had been riding in the truck’s bed, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The sole survivor revealed that the group, consisting of seven family members, was travelling from Pathio district in Chumphon province to Trang province. The survivor had been sitting in the pickup truck’s rear cargo bed. The incident unfolded when the vehicle suddenly lost control after the driver attempted to avoid colliding with a stationary school van parked along the roadside by swerving the wheel. However, the truck veered into the central median and struck a tree with devastating impact. Authorities are investigating to determine the cause of the crash and review any available CCTV and dash- cam footage. -- 2025-01-02

It is the picture supplied by the Thai media.

It is the tourist meeting the police.

Man Wanted for Murder Arrested After 10 Years on the Run While Visiting Wife for New Year Police have apprehended a man who had been evading authorities for over a decade after committing a brutal murder. He was arrested while returning to his wife’s home to celebrate the New Year, believing the case against him had gone cold. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347702-man-wanted-for-murder-arrested-after-10-years-on-the-run-while-visiting-wife-for-new-year/

Picture of arrest. Police have apprehended a man who had been evading authorities for over a decade after committing a brutal murder. He was arrested while returning to his wife’s home to celebrate the New Year, believing the case against him had gone cold. On January 1, Pol. Maj. Gen. Montri Thetsakhon, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), ordered the arrest of Mr. Kitiphum, 49, under a warrant issued by Chiang Rai Provincial Court on September 17, 2014. The warrant, numbered 408/2557, charged him with intentional homicide. The arrest took place at a house in Pong Noi village, Doi Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. The case dates back to 2011, when Mr. Kitiphum allegedly attacked and killed his rival, Mr. Mee, using an iron pipe. The assault occurred in Ban Saew subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai. Local police initially captured Mr. Kitiphum shortly after the incident. However, in 2014, while the case was being tried in court, Mr. Kitiphum was granted temporary bail. Instead of facing trial, he fled, prompting the Chiang Rai Provincial Court to issue a warrant for his arrest. After years of eluding capture, authorities received intelligence that Mr. Kitiphum had returned to Chiang Rai to visit his wife during the New Year holiday. Acting on this information, a team of officers moved in and arrested him. During questioning, Mr. Kitiphum partially admitted to the crime, acknowledging that he had struck the victim with the iron pipe. However, he claimed his intention was only to teach the victim a lesson and that he did not mean to kill him. The suspect has since been handed over to the Chiang Rai Provincial Court for legal proceedings. This arrest marks the end of Mr. Kitiphum’s decade-long flight from justice. -- 2025-01-02

Police Hunt Suspect Behind Firecracker Attack Injuring Young Child in Trang Police in Trang are urgently pursuing a suspect who threw a firecracker during a New Year’s Eve celebration at Pak Meng Beach, injuring a 21-month-old boy. The incident has left the child with injuries requiring seven stitches. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347700-police-hunt-suspect-behind-firecracker-attack-injuring-young-child-in-trang/

Picture from responders. Police in Trang are urgently pursuing a suspect who threw a firecracker during a New Year’s Eve celebration at Pak Meng Beach, injuring a 21-month-old boy. The incident has left the child with injuries requiring seven stitches. The attack occurred at approximately 23:55 on December 31, when families gathered to celebrate the New Year. The injured child, identified as Sky, was asleep near his relatives when he was struck by shrapnel from a ping-pong bomb type firecracker thrown by an unidentified individual. Sky sustained burns and deep lacerations under his armpit and is now under close medical supervision at Sikao Hospital. Sky’s mother, 27-year-old Daranee, recounted the traumatic event. She explained that her family, along with two others, had brought their children to enjoy the festivities. Shortly before the incident, multiple groups had been setting off firecrackers in the area, some seemingly involved in disputes. The suspect reportedly aimed the firecracker at another individual, but it landed near the sleeping child instead. Sky’s clothes were torn by the explosion, and he was the only one injured despite being surrounded by relatives. Daranee expressed her deep distress, saying, “I wish I could take the pain in his place. I don’t want money, I just want the person responsible to come forward and take responsibility.” Daranee also shared that she had posted a plea on social media to locate the suspect. The family captured a video showing the group of individuals, who reportedly arrived in a silver pickup truck, but no further identification has been made. Police Colonel Yotsawat Krajangwong, Chief of Sikao Police Station, visited the family to offer support and delivered a New Year’s gift to Sky. He assured the public that efforts to locate the suspect are ongoing. Authorities have already seized two sacks of illegal firecrackers from vendors near the event site. However, some firecrackers were smuggled into the celebration, leading to this incident. During the chaos, Sky’s parents rushed him to a nearby police checkpoint, where officers used a patrol car to transport him to the hospital due to the unavailability of an ambulance. Police teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, but the suspect and their group had fled by the time officers arrived. The police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprit. Provincial Police Commander Major General Patrawit Keetamotanikul has ordered all officers to prioritise this case and ensure the suspect is apprehended. -- 2025-01-02

Rescue Team Saves Family of Three After Car Crash Caused by Driver Fatigue A father, mother, and son were rescued from their car using hydraulic cutting tools after a crash caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Authorities have urged motorists to use rest stops if they feel fatigued during their journeys. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347699-rescue-team-saves-family-of-three-after-car-crash-caused-by-driver-fatigue/

Picture from responders. A father, mother, and son were rescued from their car using hydraulic cutting tools after a crash caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Authorities have urged motorists to use rest stops if they feel fatigued during their journeys, with the reminder: “Don’t drive drowsy. Don’t drive drunk.” The crash occurred on the southbound side of the Asian Highway in Ban Koh Thong Som, Moo 12, Khao Chaison sub-district, Khao Chaison district, Phatthalung. Emergency responders from Phatthalung Rescue and Maekri Rescue units worked together to free the family trapped in a Honda City car (registration plate from Songkhla). The driver, Mr. Wutthipong Samarn, 60, was the first to be extracted, followed by his wife, Mrs. Abeebah Samarn, 53, and their 16-year-old son, Mr. Dolifda Samarn. All three sustained injuries but are now in a stable condition after being rushed to hospital. The crash happened early in the morning of January 1, while the family was returning from Bangkok to their home in Khuan Lang, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. Mr. Wutthipong recounted the incident, claiming, “I heard a loud noise when switching lanes, but I wasn’t sure it was my car. The next thing I knew, the vehicle lost control, veered into the central reservation, and struck a tree.” Authorities suspect that driver fatigue caused the accident. Officials have reminded the public to prioritise rest during long journeys, particularly as many are returning to work or travelling home after New Year’s celebrations. “Many people may be sleep-deprived due to late-night festivities, increasing the risk of accidents. Rest areas and service points are available along major roads. Drivers can also stop at petrol stations to ensure their safety. Don’t drive if you’re tired or intoxicated,” authorities emphasised. -- 2025-01-02

Two Siblings Tragically Drown in Wastewater Treatment Pond in Maha Sarakham Two young siblings lost their lives in a drowning incident at a wastewater treatment pond in Kosum Phisai Municipality, Maha Sarakham province, on New Year’s Day. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347685-two-siblings-tragically-drown-in-wastewater-treatment-pond-in-maha-sarakham/

Picture from responders. Two young siblings lost their lives in a drowning incident at a wastewater treatment pond in Kosum Phisai Municipality, Maha Sarakham province, on New Year’s Day. The incident occurred at approximately 13:10 on January 1, when three children from the local area were playing near the shaded area of Bung Bon, a site adjacent to the municipality’s wastewater treatment pond. According to preliminary information, the group of three children had been enjoying the New Year holiday when one of the children returned home to fetch a mat. Upon returning, the child could not find the other two friends and only discovered their shoes left on the bank of the pond. Suspecting they had fallen into the water, the child immediately sought help from local authorities. The two victims were identified as siblings: • Master Thananut Ampai, aged 8. • Miss Ninnara Ampai, aged 6. Both children were residents of Khum Sang village in Hua Khwang subdistrict, Kosum Phisai district, Maha Sarakham province. Emergency responders from the Hua Khwang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation’s rescue team and the Katanyu Rescue Foundation launched an underwater search operation. After approximately one hour of searching, the bodies of the two siblings were recovered from the pond. The area has been a popular spot for local children, but authorities are now urging residents to exercise caution near the treatment pond. -- 2025-01-02

Father Arrested After Fatally Attacking Son with Sickle on New Year's Eve A 59-year-old man was arrested in Krabi Province after fatally attacking his son with a sickle during a heated altercation on New Year's Eve. The incident reportedly stemmed from long- standing familial tensions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347684-father-arrested-after-fatally-attacking-son-with-sickle-on-new-years-eve/

Picture from responders. A 59-year-old man was arrested in Krabi Province after fatally attacking his son with a sickle during a heated altercation on New Year's Eve. The incident reportedly stemmed from long- standing familial tensions. Police at Nuea Khlong Police Station received a report from Khao Phanom Hospital, where the victim, identified as 32-year-old Chaloemphon Panmas, succumbed to severe injuries. He sustained a deep wound from a sickle that severed a major blood vessel under his left ear, causing fatal blood loss. The incident occurred at the victim's home in Huai Yung subdistrict. Investigators found bloodstains outside the single- storey house, where family members had been celebrating New Year's Eve. Relatives identified the perpetrator as Prasop "Dam" Panmas, the victim's father, who fled the scene on a motorbike to his own home, about 1 kilometre away. Police surrounded Prasop's house, where he locked himself inside and refused to surrender. Armed with a sickle, he shouted angrily from within. Despite negotiations involving his mother and daughter, he remained defiant for three hours. Eventually, a close friend convinced Prasop to step outside. He emerged, still holding the sickle, and confessed to the attack. Overwhelmed with emotion, he claimed that years of verbal abuse from his son had driven him to his breaking point. Police persuaded him to lay down the weapon before taking him into custody. Prasop told investigators that earlier on the day, he had brought shrimp for his son to prepare for the family's New Year's celebration. After returning from tending his cattle, he joined the gathering but was met with harsh words from his son, who allegedly told him, "Don't eat my food." Prasop said he tried to leave, but his son followed him, continuing to hurl insults and challenging him to a confrontation. In a fit of rage, Prasop grabbed a sickle from his motorbike and struck his son once. He then rode home, claiming he had not intended to kill him. Prasop admitted to a history of conflicts with his son, which he attributed to his remarriage. He alleged that his son frequently insulted and even threatened him, including past incidents involving a firearm. Authorities are holding Prasop for further questioning and to gather additional witness testimonies. He faces charges of intentional homicide and will be prosecuted according to the law. -- 2025-01-02