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Tour Bus Driver Caught Smuggling Counterfeit Goods & E-Cigarettes Worth ฿30 Million Authorities in Mukdahan have arrested a 54-year-old tour bus driver for smuggling counterfeit goods and illegal e-cigarettes worth an estimated ฿30 million. The arrest took place on the evening of 30 December, near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II immigration checkpoint. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347598-tour-bus-driver-caught-smuggling-counterfeit-goods-e-cigarettes-worth-฿30-million/

Man Shoots Couple in Land Dispute, Calmly Confesses but Goes Unbelieved In a shocking daylight incident in Phitsanulok, a 60-year-old man riding a motorcycle and sidecar, shot dead a husband and wife before calmly confessing his crime to local volunteers, who dismissed his claim as unbelievable. Authorities believe the killings stemmed from a long-running feud over land disputes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347597-man-shoots-couple-in-land-dispute-calmly-confesses-but-goes-unbelieved/

Picture from responders. In a shocking daylight incident in Phitsanulok, a 60-year-old man riding a motorcycle and sidecar, shot dead a husband and wife before calmly confessing his crime to local volunteers, who dismissed his claim as unbelievable. Authorities believe the killings stemmed from a long-running feud over land disputes. The incident occurred at 07:30 on December 31, on the bypass road between Dong Pradok Junction and Thai Arrow Junction in Ban Tan Suwan, Don Thong subdistrict, Mueang district. Police from the Mueang Phitsanulok station responded to the scene, where they found a blue Honda Wave motorcycle overturned alongside the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman. The victims were later identified as Mr Noklek, 66, and Mrs Sangduan, 61, a married couple from Ban Pa, Mueang Phitsanulok district. Both had been fatally shot with a short- barrelled shotgun. Mr Noklek suffered gunshot wounds to the face, while Mrs Sangduan was shot in the chest. The perpetrator, identified as Mr Tinphat, 60, fled the scene on his motorcycle and sidecar, armed with the shotgun. He later appeared at a community checkpoint in Ban Pa, where he reportedly informed local volunteer guards that he had just killed two people. However, the guards did not believe him. Astonishingly, Tinphat then helped set up water service for travellers at the checkpoint before disappearing. Investigators suspect the killings were motivated by an ongoing family feud over land ownership. The victims and the suspect, who are reportedly cousins, had a history of disputes. Relatives revealed that Mr Tinphat's mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, had repeatedly claimed the victims accused her family of trespassing, stealing water, and throwing rocks at their home. These allegations had reportedly caused significant tension, leading to Mr Tinphat's growing resentment. Further exacerbating the situation, Mr Tinphat had been involved in a previous shooting incident earlier this year. In that case, he fatally shot a teenager at a snooker table in the village. He was subsequently sentenced to six years in prison but had been released on bail pending an appeal. This latest incident occurred while he was still awaiting trial. Police arrested Mr Tinphat in Nern Kum subdistrict, Bang Krathum district, Phitsanulok, as he attempted to flee. He is now in custody and is being questioned to establish the exact motive behind the killings. Authorities plan to take him to the crime scene for a re-enactment as part of their investigation. Charges of premeditated murder and possession of an illegal firearm are expected to be filed against Mr Tinphat. . -- 2025-01-01

Man Killed in Pickup Truck Crash on Doi Inthanon Descent A 33-year-old man was killed in a crash when he lost control of his pickup truck on a curve and crashed into a tree on the descent from Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai. The incident occurred between kilometre markers 29 and 30 in the early hours of the morning of December 31. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347596-man-killed-in-pickup-truck-crash-on-doi-inthanon-descent/

Gold Shop Robbery in Phra Pradaeng: Owner Stabbed, Suspect Captured Quickly A robbery took place at a gold shop in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan, earlier morning on December 30. The solo suspect, armed with a fake gun and a knife, stabbed the shop owner and fled the scene, only to be captured by police shortly afterward. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347595-gold-shop-robbery-in-phra-pradaeng-owner-stabbed-suspect-captured-quickly/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A robbery took place at a gold shop in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan, earlier morning on December 30. The solo suspect, armed with a fake gun and a knife, stabbed the shop owner and fled the scene, only to be captured by police shortly afterward. Authorities reported that the incident occurred at a gold shop located within the bustling Phra Pradaeng market. Upon arriving at the scene, police found the shop owner severely injured after being stabbed by the assailant. The victim was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. According to preliminary investigations, the suspect had circled the area on a motorcycle several times before launching the robbery. Witnesses revealed that the suspect entered the shop, threatened staff with a fake firearm, and then used a knife to stab the owner amidst a busy morning crowd. The assailant abandoned his motorcycle outside the shop before fleeing on foot. Police were quick to respond and managed to apprehend the suspect within a short distance of the crime scene. The individual has been taken to Phra Pradaeng Police Station for questioning regarding the motive behind the robbery and the assault. -- 2025-01-01

Picture from responders. A 17-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in a fiery collision in Nonthaburi, on December 30. The incident, captured on CCTV operated by the Pak Kret Municipality, occurred on Tiwanon Road near the Wat Pho Thong Bon alley. A grey Honda car (registration in Bangkok) was exiting the alley to make a right turn. As the car crossed into the main road, it was struck at high speed by a Honda Forza motorbike (registration in Bangkok), travelling along the main route. The rider, identified as Mr. Thanitsorn aged 17 and a resident of Pathum Thani, was thrown into the side of the car and landed heavily on the road. He sustained multiple injuries and was unconscious at the scene. Following the collision, the motorbike burst into flames. Onlookers rushed to help the female driver of the car escape from the vehicle through the passenger door. Emergency responders arrived promptly, administering CPR before transporting the injured rider to Krom Chonlaprathan Pak Kret Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Firefighters managed to quickly extinguish the blaze, and both vehicles were removed to restore traffic flow in the area. -- 2025-01-01

17-Year-Old Dies in Collision, Motorbike Bursts Into Flames A 17-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in a fiery collision in Nonthaburi, on December 30. The incident, captured on CCTV operated by the Pak Kret Municipality, occurred on Tiwanon Road near the Wat Pho Thong Bon alley. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347594-17-year-old-dies-in-collision-motorbike-bursts-into-flames/

Foreigner Found Dead in Drainage Pipe at Pattaya Resort Police in Pattaya are investigating the mysterious death of a foreign national whose body was discovered in a drainage pipe outside a resort in Naklua, Chonburi. The incident occurred at a resort in Soi Naklua 18, Bang Lamung District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347573-foreigner-found-dead-in-drainage-pipe-at-pattaya-resort/

Picture from responders. A 33-year-old man was killed in a crash when he lost control of his pickup truck on a curve and crashed into a tree on the descent from Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai. The incident occurred between kilometre markers 29 and 30 in the early hours of the morning of December 31. At approximately 00:20 officers from Chom Thong Police Station and rescue teams from the Chom Thong Disaster Response Association and Doi Inthanon National Park Rescue Unit were dispatched to the scene. The crash site, located on the Chom Thong–Doi Inthanon road in Ban Luang subdistrict, Chom Thong district, revealed a grey Isuzu pickup truck with Lamphun licence plates. The vehicle had veered off the road, collided with a tree, and overturned. Inside, authorities discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Duangdee, a resident of Pang Hin Fon, Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai. Preliminary investigations indicate that the crash was caused by the steep, winding descent. Authorities are conducting further examinations, including testing the deceased’s blood alcohol level and examining the pickup, to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-01-01

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 01 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1347593-thailand-live-wednesday-01-january-2025/

Day 4: DDPM Steps Up Road Safety for New Year Festivities The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stated at their daily briefing that it has implemented stricter safety measures nationwide to curb road crashes during New Year celebrations. The Road Safety Directing Centre, under the DDPM, has coordinated with provincial authorities to increase checkpoints, community patrols, and family-led interventions to deter high-risk behaviours, particularly drink-driving. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347584-day-4-ddpm-steps-up-road-safety-for-new-year-festivities/

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stated at their daily briefing that it has implemented stricter safety measures nationwide to curb road crashes during New Year celebrations. The Road Safety Directing Centre, under the DDPM, has coordinated with provincial authorities to increase checkpoints, community patrols, and family-led interventions to deter high-risk behaviours, particularly drink-driving. Key tourist hotspots, religious sites, entertainment venues, and New Year festival areas will see enhanced safety patrols, with a focus on ensuring the security of both residents and tourists. Authorities have also tightened regulations on the sale of alcohol, particularly in community areas hosting private celebrations. Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Road Safety, noted that the surge in holiday travel and celebrations increases the risk of incidents, especially drink-driving on secondary and rural roads connecting communities to main routes. Provincial governors have been instructed to intensify inspections and enforce laws at key checkpoints, targeting reckless driving, speeding, and helmet violations. Proactive strategies, such as door-to-door visits to homes hosting celebrations, are being employed to offer safety advice and warnings. Community and family-based checkpoints are also active in discouraging dangerous driving behaviours. Special focus is placed on areas with high labour populations, urging businesses to oversee their workers’ safety practices. As part of the campaign, over 4,000 checkpoints and 60,000 personnel, including police, military, and volunteers, have been deployed nationwide. Large countdown events at 49 locations across the country are under heightened security, with crowd management and emergency access plans in place. According to Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Thruadtrong, the Royal Thai Police has introduced innovative strategies such as distributing helmets to reduce motorcycle injuries. Police forces nationwide, with additional mobile units, are ensuring a seamless response to emergencies and smooth traffic flow. Accident Statistics as of 30 December 2024 On the fourth day of the “Safe Driving, Accident-Free Thailand” campaign, the DDPM reported 261 road accidents, resulting in 267 injuries and 32 fatalities. Speeding (43.3%) and drink-driving (22.6%) were the leading causes of accidents, with motorcycles involved in 83.8% of incidents. Most accidents occurred on straight roads (77.8%) and during the late afternoon. Cumulative figures from 27 to 30 December 2024: • Total accidents: 1,134 • Injuries: 1,109 • Fatalities: 175 Provinces with the highest incidents include Ayutthaya (42 crashes), while Bangkok and Nonthaburi recorded the highest number of fatalities (9 each). Fourteen provinces have reported no fatalities so far. Authorities continue to enforce the “10 Key Traffic Offenses” and urge citizens to report incidents via the 24-hour emergency hotline 1784 or Line ID @1784DDPM. With these measures in place, officials aim to reduce casualties and ensure a safe and joyous New Year for all. Related article: Day 3 Sees Ramps Up New Year Road Safety Measures with Strict Alcohol Checks and Penalties: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347516-day-3-sees-ramps-up-new-year-road-safety-measures-with-strict-alcohol-checks-and-penalties/ -- 2024-12-31

Hit-and-Run Claims Pedestrian’s Life in Pattaya A tragic hit-and-run collision occurred late night on December 30, on Sukhumvit Road near the Sawang Fah traffic light in Naklua, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. A pedestrian was fatally struck by an unidentified vehicle that fled the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347581-hit-and-run-claims-pedestrian’s-life-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A tragic hit-and-run collision occurred late night on December 30, on Sukhumvit Road near the Sawang Fah traffic light in Naklua, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. A pedestrian was fatally struck by an unidentified vehicle that fled the scene. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received a report of the incident at approximately 23:00 and immediately dispatched rescue teams and medical personnel from Pattaya Patthamnakorn Hospital to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a man, approximately 40 years old, lying unconscious and severely injured in the middle of the road. He was wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers, and his body was surrounded by a pool of blood. Rescue workers and medics performed CPR in an attempt to save his life before rushing him to the hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. At the scene, authorities found broken fragments of a car’s light scattered across the road. However, there was no sign of the vehicle involved, as the driver had fled the area immediately following the collision. Witnesses reported seeing the victim lying motionless in the road and promptly called emergency services. However, none were able to identify the type or make of the vehicle responsible for the crash. Police from Bang Lamung Police Station are currently investigating the incident and plan to review CCTV footage from the area to identify the vehicle and driver involved in this incident. -- 2024-12-31

Police Officer Shoots Dead Rival in Ang Thong Bar Brawl A deadly altercation broke out at a bar/restaurant in Ang Thong city, culminating in a police officer fatally shooting a 38- year-old man and leaving two others seriously injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of New Year's Eve, has shocked the local community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347579-police-officer-shoots-dead-rival-in-ang-thong-bar-brawl/

Picture from responders. A deadly altercation broke out at a bar/restaurant in Ang Thong city, culminating in a police officer fatally shooting a 38- year-old man and leaving two others seriously injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of New Year's Eve, has shocked the local community. Footage captured during the chaos shows two groups of men engaging in a heated confrontation inside the venue. One man, identified as Mr. Thitipong (surname, also known as Ohm, was wearing a black shirt and a yellow-trimmed black cap. Another man in a white shirt and black bag drew a 9mm pistol and fired twice at Mr. Ohm, striking him in the chest. The dramatic scene was recorded by patrons at the venue. At approximately 00:05, Ang Thong city police were alerted to the shooting. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a female tourist, an innocent bystander, suffering a gunshot wound to her arm. Inside the venue, Mr. Ohm lay on the floor, critically injured. Rescuers performed CPR and rushed him to Ang Thong Hospital, but he was later pronounced dead. Authorities also discovered that the shooter, identified as Police Senior Sergeant Major Nontasit, had been stabbed in the back during the melee. The stab wound was described as deep, and he was taken to Ang Thong Hospital in critical condition. The venue was left in disarray, with overturned tables and chairs. Investigators recovered two 9mm bullet casings and a Glock pistol at the scene, which were secured as evidence. The restaurant owner stated that the venue has strict policies prohibiting weapons, but admitted that thorough checks are difficult to enforce. He was preparing to close the establishment when the violence erupted, marked by two gunshots. Nearby rescue workers, stationed at a public service point, heard the gunfire and quickly arrived to assist. Preliminary investigations revealed that the brawl began as a dispute between Mr. Ohm's group and that of Police Senior Sergeant Major Nontasit. Despite efforts by others to intervene, the confrontation escalated, leading to the shooting. The police officer is alleged to have fired the fatal shots before being stabbed in the ensuing chaos. Authorities will take Police Senior Sergeant Major Nontasit into custody for questioning when he recovers from his injuries. The incident remains under investigation. -- 2024-12-31

Foreigner Found Dead in Drainage Pipe at Pattaya Resort Police in Pattaya are investigating the mysterious death of a foreign national whose body was discovered in a drainage pipe outside a resort in Naklua, Chonburi. The incident occurred at a resort in Soi Naklua 18, Bang Lamung District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347573-foreigner-found-dead-in-drainage-pipe-at-pattaya-resort/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya are investigating the mysterious death of a foreign national whose body was discovered in a drainage pipe outside a resort in Naklua, Chonburi. The incident occurred at a resort in Soi Naklua 18, Bang Lamung District. At 23:05 on December 30, Pol. Lt. Naret Poomsuk, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police, received a report of the discovery. The victim, whose identity remains unknown pending examination of documents, was found with their body inside the drainage pipe. The legs were protruding from the pipe, with the torso tightly within. Upon inspection, police secured the scene with a cordon and noted scrape marks on a large tree near the third-floor rooftop of the resort, suggesting the victim may have fallen from the roof at sometime before getting stuck in the pipe. A resort employee stated that the body was discovered after a tourist reported seeing it inside the pipe. Alarmed by the unusual position of the body, the employee immediately informed the authorities. Pol. Lt. Naret has since called in forensic officers from Region 2 and local detectives to examine the scene further and determine the exact cause of death. Investigations are ongoing, with the police aiming to confirm the identity of the deceased and clarify the circumstances leading to the incident. -- 2024-12-31

Swedish Tourist Bitten by Monkey at Historic Lopburi Temple A Swedish tourist suffered a injury after being bitten by a monkey while visiting the historic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, Thailand, on December 30th. The incident occurred at around 16:00 when a group of four Swedish tourists was exploring the popular landmark. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347570-swedish-tourist-bitten-by-monkey-at-historic-lopburi-temple/

File picture for reference only A Swedish tourist suffered a injury after being bitten by a monkey while visiting the historic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, Thailand, on December 30th. The incident occurred at around 16:00 when a group of four Swedish tourists was exploring the popular landmark. The victim, identified as Mr. Joel, sustained a 2-centimetre wound on the right side of his neck. Police from Tha Hin Station immediately called emergency medical services, and the tourist was taken to Pranararai Maharaj Hospital for treatment, including a rabies vaccination. Speaking after the incident, Banjerd Roisaensuk, a site caretaker, explained that the attack occurred during a staff shift change. He suggested that the monkey might have been attempting to grab the tourist’s belongings or reacting protectively, particularly if baby monkeys were being handled by visitors. “Such incidents have become rare since the monkey population was reduced,” Banjerd noted. “Monkeys are typically drawn to items like sunglasses, headbands, colourful bags, or food. We always advise both Thai and foreign tourists to be cautious, and sometimes we need to use sticks to manage particularly unruly monkeys.” Visitors are reminded to follow staff guidelines and remain vigilant when interacting with the monkeys to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this historic site. -- 2024-12-31

UPDATE Burning Tour Bus in Lampang: Fuel Leak Suspected Passengers narrowly escaped a devastating fire that engulfed a tour bus in Lampang on the night of December 29. Authorities suspect a fuel leak as the cause of the blaze, which destroyed the vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347476-passengers-escape-fiery-inferno-as-bangkok-chiang-mai-bus-bursts-into-flames/page/2/#findComment-19481186

The airport has a single runway and numbered 01 and 19, depending on which way it is approached. Aircraft generally will land into the wind to improve control, reduce ground speed, and shorten landing distance. Air traffic controllers assess wind conditions using real-time data from airport weather stations, to determine which side of approach is to be used. So the bern was a the beginning which the aircraft made it initial approach on runway 01, but was at the end of the runway when the plane crashed after landing on runway 19. Jeppesen chart used for flight planning and in-flight navigation. for the airport is below. (Airpots codes IATA: MWX, ICAO: RKJB)

UPDATE Burning Tour Bus in Lampang: Fuel Leak Suspected Picture from responders. Passengers narrowly escaped a devastating fire that engulfed a tour bus in Lampang on the night of December 29. Authorities suspect a fuel leak as the cause of the blaze, which destroyed the vehicle. According to preliminary investigations, the fire is believed to have started due to a leaking fuel line that dripped onto the hot engine, vaporised and ignited. The fire spread rapidly, consuming the engine compartment before engulfing both upper and lower passenger decks. Fortunately, all passengers escaped unscathed, though some suffered shock, with one person reportedly fainting during the commotion. On December 30, officers from the Koh Kha Police Station, led by Deputy Inspector Pol. Lt. Col. Kraisinh Wangnaikul, and forensic experts from Division 5, conducted an on-site investigation. Initial findings suggest that the bus, registered in 2022, carried around 50 passengers on its journey. However, at the time of the fire, only 20 passengers remained onboard, as most had disembarked earlier in Tak and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. Pol. Lt. Col. Kraisinh stated, “The remaining passengers intended to disembark in Lampang, but we cannot confirm their identities as the passenger manifest was destroyed in the fire. We will need to cross-check records from the departure station in Bangkok.” The damage to the bus is estimated at over one million baht. Further forensic examinations are continuing. -- 2024-12-31