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Man Falls Asleep at Wheel, Crashes Into Lamp Post, Car Overturns & Burns A man driving home for the New Year narrowly escaped with his life after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing his car into a streetlamp, causing the vehicle to overturn and catch fire. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347395-man-falls-asleep-at-wheel-crashes-into-lamp-post-car-overturns-burns/

Thai Police Raid South Korean Online Gambling Operation in Pattaya In a major operation Chonburi police raided a house in Pattaya suspected of operating as a server base for an illegal South Korean online gambling network. The raid, led by Police Major General Thawatkiat Jindakuansanong and Police Colonel Navin Theerawit, followed the issuance of search warrant No. 339/2567 by Pattaya Provincial Court. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347394-thai-police-raid-south-korean-online-gambling-operation-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A 36-year-old foreign woman has died after reportedly falling from the 16th floor of a prominent hotel in the Ploenchit area of Bangkok. The incident occurred at approximately 06:20 on 28 December. Police Lieutenant Charin Rattanasuwanchai, an investigator with the Lumpini Police Station, responded to the report alongside senior officers, forensic experts, and emergency services. The woman's body was discovered on a walkway balcony on the F floor of the 32-storey hotel. She was found lying in a pool of blood, wearing only a short-sleeved T-shirt, with severe head injuries and multiple broken limbs. Nearby, a shattered terracotta plant pot was also found. Officers inspected the deceased's room, located on the 16th floor (room 1612), but found no signs of struggle or forced entry. On a desk, various medications, including painkillers and sedatives, were recovered for further examination. Initial investigations revealed that the woman, who’s name and nationality were not disclosed, had been staying alone in the hotel since 13 December and was scheduled to check out on 27 December. Hotel staff stated that she last entered her room at 14:34 on 26 December and had not been seen leaving thereafter. On 27 December, the woman reportedly contacted the hotel at 13:00 to request an extension of her stay due to an upset stomach. Staff visited her room later that evening and confirmed her condition was stable. She was not seen again until the incident occurred. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. Forensic experts will conduct a detailed post-mortem examination, and police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. 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 help. -- 2024-12-29

Picture from responders. A shocking discovery was made on December 28, in Rayong province, where the body of a newborn baby girl was found in a drainage canal. Authorities believe the infant had been strangled with a shoelace-like cord and discarded. The gruesome find was reported to police at around 12:00 by residents of Moo 3 in Nikhom Phatthana subdistrict. Officers from the Nikhom Phatthana Police Station, forensic teams, and rescue personnel promptly arrived at the scene, located between Soi 5 and Soi 6. Upon examination, officials found the decomposing body of the infant wrapped in a green, checkered sunhat. The advanced state of decay lead investigators to estimate the death occurred at least three days prior. A local resident, 65-year-old Mrs Ohn recounted how her five-year-old grandson had stumbled upon the body while they were picking flowers near the canal. "He saw a baby's arm sticking out from the sunhat," she said. Alarmed, she immediately informed neighbours and contacted the police. Initial investigations have been hindered by the absence of CCTV in the area, leaving authorities with limited leads. Investigators are now reviewing records from hospitals and clinics in the vicinity to identify women who may have recently given birth to a baby girl. The information will be used to track down the mother or other individuals involved in this case. -- 2024-12-29

Two Killed, One Injured as Teacher Falls Asleep at the Wheel A car crash claimed the lives of two street food vendors and left another injured early morning in Nong Bua Lamphu Province. The incident occurred around 06:00 on the Nong Bua Lamphu-Ban Sang Sian Road in Hua Na Subdistrict, Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347393-two-killed-one-injured-as-teacher-falls-asleep-at-the-wheel/

Construction Site Worker Killed, Another Injured as Scaffold Collapses An incident occurred at a construction site near the Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium in Bang Krang Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District, where scaffolding and formwork collapsed, leaving one female worker dead and another injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347392-construction-site-worker-killed-another-injured-as-scaffold-collapses/

Man Shot Dead by Gunman in Remote Area, Drugs Found on Victim A 38-year-old man was shot multiple times in the head and killed beside his motorcycle in a remote area of Panat Nikhom District, Chonburi. Police later discovered 10 methamphetamine pills in the victim’s possession. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347391-man-shot-dead-by-gunman-in-remote-area-drugs-found-on-victim/

Hat Yai Shooting: Gunman in Delivery Rider Disguise Kills Rival with Eight A chilling incident unfolded in Hat Yai, as a gunman, disguised as a delivery rider, shot a 20-year-old man eight times outside his home, killing him. The shooting, which followed a threatening phone call, has left the community in shock as police launch a manhunt for the suspect. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347390-hat-yai-shooting-gunman-in-delivery-rider-disguise-kills-rival-with-eight/

Four-Year-Old Boy Stands Guard Over Injured Father After Stepmother's Knife A harrowing incident unfolded in a cassava plantation in Chonburi's Bang Lamung district when a four-year-old boy stood watch over his critically injured father, pleading for help from a passerby after the man was stabbed in the stomach by his wife. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347388-four-year-old-boy-stands-guard-over-injured-father-after-stepmothers-knife/

Woman Takes Her Own Life After Final Beach Trip with Family Police in Krabi are investigating the death of a 35-year-old woman who was found in her car, in the car park of a prestigious university on Sriphangnga Road, Krabi Yai. The woman was discovered in the driver's seat of a silver Toyota Vios with the engine still running. Authorities estimate she had been deceased for six to seven hours before being found. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347387-woman-takes-her-own-life-after-final-beach-trip-with-family/

Picture from responders. A man driving home for the New Year narrowly escaped with his life after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing his car into a streetlamp, causing the vehicle to overturn and catch fire. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the crash. At approximately 12:30 on December 28, Pol. Lt. Col. Saritchai Tarisoon, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Non Sila Police Station, Khon Kaen Province, received a report of a car crash on Mittraphap Road. The incident involved a streetlamp in the road’s central reservation, a short distance from the Non Sila intersection towards Ban Phai. The crash resulted in the vehicle being engulfed in flames. Following the report, authorities, including rescue workers from Non Sila Hospital, fire truck from Non Sila Municipality, and the highway police, rushed to the scene to provide assistance. Upon arrival, they found a silver Honda Civic registered in Bangkok, which had rolled over, in the middle of the road. Flames engulfed the engine compartment and the front passenger seating area, spreading rapidly despite efforts to extinguish the fire. Ultimately, the vehicle was completely destroyed. The driver, identified as Mr. Chumphon 43, a resident of Phra Yuen District, Khon Kaen, managed to escape the wreckage, before the fire consumed the car. Emergency responders transported him to Non Sila Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. Pol. Lt. Col. Saritchai revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the driver fell asleep while driving home to Khon Kaen. Losing control of the vehicle, it veered off course and struck a streetlamp on the central reservation of Mittraphap Road, causing it to overturn before catching fire. Authorities plan to question the driver further to determine the exact cause of the incident and proceed with any necessary legal measures. -- 2024-12-29

Picture of the new mannequin. Bangkok’s iconic traffic police mannequin, known as “Sergeant Cheuy,” is back on the back of a police pickup truck equipped with AI technology. Police placed the mannequin in front of CentralWorld on Ratchadamri Road, to demonstrate the mannequin‘s upgraded capabilities, including using AI cameras to monitor traffic violations such as illegal parking, blocking motorcycle lanes, driving against traffic, and riding without helmets. “Sergeant Cheuy” was spotted wearing a new uniform adorned with the rank of Police Captain, effectively promoting him to “Inspector Cheuy.” His new full name, “Pol. Capt. Cheuy Panya Pradit” (Inspector Cheuy Artificial Intelligence), was prominently displayed on his uniform. The upgraded mannequin attracted significant public attention, with many stopping to take pictures and share them on social media. This development marks a new era for the iconic figure, now imbued with AI-powered functions to assist in traffic law enforcement and public safety. Sergeant Cheuy, a traffic police mannequin, was first introduced in 2007 to assist the Metropolitan Police Bureau in easing the workload of Bangkok’s traffic police. Sponsored by Vibhavadi Hospital and private companies, the life-sized mannequin, standing 180 cm tall, was designed to resemble a smiling officer saluting motorists. The initial aim was to improve road safety by encouraging drivers to comply with traffic rules. However, just two years after its debut, the mannequin was withdrawn from its post on December 17, 2009, following public complaints. Many citizens mistakenly believed actual officers were shirking their duties by hiding behind the mannequin, prompting the then-commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Santhan Chayanon, to order the removal of all 88 “Sergeant Cheuy” mannequins across Bangkok. Despite its early retirement, Sergeant Cheuy has undergone several transformations over the years. On July 10, 2019, the City Police in Uttaradit promoted the mannequin to Police Sub-Lieutenant, renaming him “Pol. Sub. Lt. Cheuy Tondai” (Cheuy Can Endure). Later, Ang Thong Provincial Police introduced an upgraded version, “Sergeant Cheuy V.2,” nicknamed “Lt. Cheuy Who Won’t Stay Idle.” Similarly, Rayong’s Ban Khai Police Station promoted their version to Police Lieutenant Colonel under the name “Pol. Lt. Col. Ekkaboon Yuen Pitak Ban Khai,” citing his popularity as a lucky charm among locals. The most recent upgrade on December 25, 2024, elevates Sergeant Cheuy to “Inspector Cheuy,” complete with AI capabilities, thanks to the Bangkok Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Division. This advancement reflects a creative approach to utilising technology for better traffic management while reviving the legacy of the iconic mannequin. As Inspector Cheuy steps into the future with AI-powered monitoring systems, his new role promises to strengthen traffic law enforcement and public safety, blending tradition with modern innovation. -- 2024-12-29

Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has seized a substantial consignment of counterfeit phone accessories bearing the trademark of a prominent brand. The haul, consisting of 1,026 items across five categories, was found to be substandard and posed potential dangers to users. The operation, led by Pol. Capt. Wissarut Thaichanad, Pol. Lt. Col. Chanasuek Rojanapittayakorn, and officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), culminated in the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect, Mr. Nattapon, at a residence in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi. The suspect faces charges of possessing counterfeit trademarked goods with the intent to sell. The confiscated items included fake mobile phone headsets and chargers. Investigations revealed that the suspect was distributing counterfeit goods online. Acting on intelligence, the authorities secured a search warrant from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court and raided the property. Representatives of the affected brand verified the items as counterfeit. During questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to all charges. The authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing phone accessories, particularly those that appear substandard or lack proper certification. They warned that counterfeit goods could lead to serious hazards, including electrical short circuits, explosions, or fires, potentially endangering lives and property. Consumers are advised to buy products from authorised dealers or reputable stores that offer quality guarantees to minimise risks and ensure safety. -- 2024-12-29

NGV Truck Crashes into Utility Pole, Bursts in Flames, Killing Two A crash occurred early this morning when a 24-wheel CNG-powered truck, fully loaded with teakwood, veered off the road and collided with utility poles, igniting into a raging fire. The crash claimed two lives, leaving a community shaken. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347385-ngv-truck-crashes-into-utility-pole-bursts-in-flames-killing-two/

Girlfriend Shocked as GPS Stops; Finds Out Boyfriend Has Died in Crash A crash occurred in the early hours, when a university student lost his life in a motorcycle crash after leaving a company party. His girlfriend, worried after noticing his GPS location had been stationary for some time, called him only to hear the devastating news from a rescue team that he had passed away. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347384-girlfriend-shocked-as-gps-stops-finds-out-boyfriend-has-died-in-crash/

Chilly start: Thailand braces for new year cold spell by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Panumet Tanraksa via Bangkok Post Thailand is bracing for a cool spell across its north, northeast, and central regions during the new year period, with temperatures expected to remain low until January 9, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347361-chilly-start-thailand-braces-for-new-year-cold-spell/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred at a construction site near the Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium in Bang Krang Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District, where scaffolding and formwork collapsed, leaving one female worker dead and another injured. Police officers from Bang Si Muang Station, along with rescue teams from Phra Nang Klao Hospital and Bang Krang Municipality, were called to the scene at 10:00 on the morning of December 28. Upon arrival, authorities discovered scaffolding and debris scattered at the site of an under-construction building. The deceased, identified as 27-year-old Ms. Radna Ton, a Cambodian national, was pulled from the wreckage and efforts were made to revive her through CPR. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Another worker, a female Myanmar national, sustained injuries and was rushed to Phra Nang Klao Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the workers were operating on the ground floor when the accident occurred. The formwork was being dismantled on the sixth floor fell and struck scaffolding on the third floor, causing both the formwork and scaffolding to collapse onto Ms. Radna and her colleague below. Heartbreakingly, Ms. Radna’s husband, who was working on the same site, collapsed in tears as he cradled her lifeless body, overwhelmed by grief. Colleagues had to support him as he struggled to come to terms with the loss. Police have documented the scene and conducted initial interviews with witnesses. Further inquiries will be held with workers and site supervisors to determine the cause of the incident and assess potential negligence. The deceased has been transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for a post-mortem examination. Authorities have pledged to investigate thoroughly to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies at the construction site. -- 2024-12-29

Picture from responders. A car crash claimed the lives of two street food vendors and left another injured early morning on December 28, in Nong Bua Lamphu Province. The incident occurred around 06:00 on the Nong Bua Lamphu-Ban Sang Sian Road in Hua Na Subdistrict, Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu District. Police Lieutenant Peerawit Chantachon from Nong Bua Lamphu Police Station and emergency rescue teams arrived at the scene to find food carts, tables, and traces of blood scattered along the roadside. Witnesses reported that the area is a popular morning market spot where vendors gather daily to sell food to locals, often for offerings to monks. According to eyewitnesses, a red Toyota car, without a licence plate, veered off the road and ploughed into vendors and customers standing by the roadside. The collision resulted in three severe injuries. Rescue teams rushed the injured to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital, where two of the victims, identified as Ms. Sangwan and Ms. Wongduan, later succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the car, Ms. Dokfon, a local nursery teacher, admitted to authorities that she fell asleep at the wheel. She explained that she had been returning home with her husband and daughter after dropping off a friend in a nearby subdistrict. Ms. Dokfon revealed she had been awake all night after attending a traditional mor lam music performance and lost control of the vehicle upon dozing off. Mayor Pitak Supa of Hua Na Subdistrict Municipality, who lives near the crash site, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and lamented the frequency of fatal accidents in the area. “This year, we have seen multiple fatalities in our community, and today is another tragic reminder of the need for road safety,” he said. The head of the provincial disaster prevention office, Mr. Prasert Nimmansamai, and Deputy Governor Mr. Sasin Pattanapirom, have called for increased vigilance during the New Year holiday period. They urged motorists to exercise caution and reminded motorcyclists to wear helmets and use proper lighting. Police confirmed that the driver’s breathalyser test showed no traces of alcohol. Authorities are conducting further investigations into the incident and considering the potential charges against the driver. -- 2024-12-29

Picture from raid. In a major operation on the morning of December 28, Chonburi police raided a house in Pattaya suspected of operating as a server base for an illegal South Korean online gambling network. The raid, led by Police Major General Thawatkiat Jindakuansanong and Police Colonel Navin Theerawit, followed the issuance of search warrant No. 339/2567 by Pattaya Provincial Court. The target was a two-storey house in a gated community on Chaiyapruek Soi 1, Pattaya, Bang Lamung District. The house was secured with CCTV cameras and appeared to be heavily fortified. Inside, police found 13 South Korean men working in two rooms equipped with over 40 computers. The operation was linked to the website www.myrunking01.com, which offered online gambling services, including baccarat, slots, and sports betting, primarily targeting South Korean gamblers. Each worker had specific responsibilities, including managing user accounts, processing money transfers, and onboarding new customers. The site reportedly had over 20,000 active user accounts but restricted access to Thai nationals. Authorities seized 24 desktop computers, 12 laptops, 28 mobile phones, over 20 South Korean passports, and nearly 40 OTP devices used for transaction alerts. The raid also led to the arrest of 14 individuals: 13 South Korean employees, including one South Korean woman, and a Myanmar man employed as a cleaner. Additional search warrants (Nos. 340/2567 and 341/2567) were executed on two nearby houses believed to serve as staff accommodations. However, suspects had fled before police arrived, leaving behind some incriminating evidence and a safe, which was confiscated for investigation. Police Major General Thawatkiat revealed that the operation was the result of an investigation triggered by unusual activity at the property. The house had been rented for three months, with frequent food deliveries and a high volume of people entering and exiting. The gambling network was estimated to have generated over 120 million baht in just three months. “This operation is part of our effort to crack down on foreign nationals using Thailand as a base for illegal activities, including online gambling and call centre scams,” said Major General Thawatkiat. The authorities plan to cooperate with the South Korean Embassy to further investigate and dismantle such networks. Local residents reported seeing the South Korean tenants for nearly a year but described them as discreet, often travelling by scooter and keeping to specific schedules. One resident noted, “This isn’t surprising; our community has had issues with illegal activities involving foreign nationals before, especially related to call centres and online gambling.” Thai authorities are continuing their investigation and plan to expand the crackdown on similar operations to uphold the government’s policy against illegal foreign enterprises. -- 2024-12-29

Foreigner Causes Christmas Chaos: Misfires Firework in Pattaya, Sparks Panic A bizarre incident turned a Christmas celebration dangerous and chaotic, when a foreign man, described as heavily tattooed and bald, accidentally ignited some fireworks incorrectly, causing an explosion in the middle of a busy street in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya. The incident left bystanders panicking, tourists fleeing for safety, and a local gift shop partially damaged by a small fire. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347362-foreigner-causes-christmas-chaos-misfires-firework-in-pattaya-sparks-panic/

Picture from responders. A harrowing incident unfolded in a cassava plantation in Chonburi's Bang Lamung district when a four-year-old boy stood watch over his critically injured father, pleading for help from a passerby after the man was stabbed in the stomach by his wife. At around 18:00 on December 27, Huai Yai Police Station received a report of a stabbing in the cassava fields near Moo Baan Phu Sai, Moo 5, Khao Mai Kaew Subdistrict. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation in Pattaya rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers found a young boy, aged four, standing beside his injured father, Mr. Chaloemphon Maliwan, 29. The man was lying on the ground, bleeding from a single stab wound to the abdomen, and struggling to breathe. Local residents who had come upon the scene had already alerted emergency services. First aid was administered before the victim was transported to Pattaya Patthamnakorn Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Standing nearby was the alleged assailant, the victim's wife, Ms. Ladda Petchnoo, 29, holding another child in her arms while her two daughters stood close by, awaiting police officers to arrive. Ms. Ladda recounted the events to authorities, stating, "This man has left me and our children for other women countless times, only to come crawling back, claiming he wants to be with his children. I gave him another chance, but ever since he returned, he has been drunk every day. Today, he was drunk again and insisted on driving out, which I tried to prevent. When he refused to listen and started hitting me, I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed the knife he was carrying and stabbed him once in the stomach." Police officers from Huai Yai Station have taken Ms. Ladda into custody for questioning and have charged her with assault pending further investigation. Meanwhile, social services are being arranged to care for the children involved in this family dispute. -- 2024-12-29

Picture from trsponders. A chilling incident unfolded in Hat Yai on the night of December 27, as a gunman, disguised as a delivery rider, shot a 20-year-old man eight times outside his home, killing him. The shooting, which followed a threatening phone call, has left the community in shock as police launch a manhunt for the suspect. At 19:35 Pol. Col. Phumi Banthip, Superintendent of Hat Yai Police Station, was alerted to the shooting near Chok Saman Khun 3 Alley in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province. Investigators from Hat Yai Police Station and Songkhla Provincial Police, along with forensic experts and patrol officers, arrived at the scene to find eight 9mm bullet casings scattered on the road. The victim, identified as Mr. Nawat 20, was critically injured with multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. Relatives and neighbours rushed him to Hat Yai Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Initial investigations revealed that Mr. Nawat had been sitting outside his home when the assailant, an apparent rival, approached on a motorbike wearing a delivery rider uniform. The gunman stopped in front of the victim, pulled out a firearm, and fired eight consecutive shots. Mr. Nawat attempted to flee into the alley but collapsed. CCTV footage from the area captured the sound of eight gunshots and showed the suspect speeding away on a motorbike. Police believe the suspect is a known rival of the victim, with a history of animosity between them. Prior to the shooting, the gunman reportedly called Mr. Nawat to issue threats, saying he would "cut his tongue" and instructing him to "be ready." A close friend of the victim revealed that the suspect had called the victim the day before, threatening him, but did not show up. The gunman called again 10 minutes before the shooting, repeating his taunts. Mr. Nawat, seemingly unperturbed, remained outside his home until the attacker arrived and opened fire. Hat Yai Police have identified the suspect and are actively pursuing him. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation into this brutal act of violence. -- 2024-12-29

Picture from responders. A 38-year-old man was shot multiple times in the head and killed beside his motorcycle in a remote area of Panat Nikhom District, Chonburi. Police later discovered 10 methamphetamine pills in the victim’s possession. The incident occurred at around 21:30 on December 27 along a secluded road between Ban Nong Sai and Nong Phrao in Moo 3, Mon Nang Subdistrict. Upon receiving the report, Pol Col Thammarat Akkarachaiyaphong, Superintendent of Panat Nikhom Police Station, and Pol Lt Khommanat Sukhee, Deputy Inspector, rushed to the scene along with rescue personnel from Sawang Het Ban Thung Hiang Foundation. At the scene, officers found a green-black Honda MSX motorcycle lying on its side. Next to the vehicle lay the body of Mr. Thibet. The victim had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the left temple, with blood pooling around his head. Forensic investigators from Region 2 examined the scene and found a single spent bullet casing on the concrete road. A local resident, identified as Mrs. A, reported hearing what sounded like a vehicle hitting a dog, followed by the sound of gunfire, 4-5 shots in rapid succession. She observed a pickup truck parked nearby, which sped off immediately after the shots were fired. Due to poor lighting, she was unable to identify the vehicle’s colour or other details. “When we shone a flashlight, we saw a man lying in a pool of blood. We were certain he was dead, so we called the police straight away,” she said. Mr. Wasphon Phasomsap, a rescue worker at the scene, confirmed the victim was shot in the head, with the bullet piercing through his helmet. “This area is poorly lit and very isolated, making it an ideal location for such a crime,” he added. During a search of the victim’s body, police found 10 methamphetamine pills in a crossbody bag, which have been taken into evidence. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area to track vehicles that followed the victim or fled after the incident. Police believe the suspect intentionally chose the remote location to carry out the murder. Investigators are pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the gunman. The case remains under investigation. -- 2024-12-29

Pictures from responders. A crash occurred early this morning when a 24-wheel CNG-powered truck, fully loaded with teakwood, veered off the road and collided with utility poles, igniting into a raging fire. The crash claimed two lives, leaving a community shaken. At 01:50, Pol. Sub-Lt. Pornsatit Burananont, an investigator with Sing Buri Police Station, was alerted to the accident on Highway 32 at kilometre marker 92, in Bang Man Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sing Buri Province. The incident involved a 24-wheel Hino truck registered in Bangkok, which had overturned and caught fire after striking several utility poles. The blaze also scorched nearby residential property, including the roof of the village chief’s home, before firefighters managed to contain the flames. Firefighters discovered the charred body of a man believed to be the truck driver near the vehicle’s wheels. Authorities identified him via GPS data as Mr. Katharat. A second victim, an unidentified woman, was found trapped under the truck’s rear wheels, her body similarly burned. The truck belonged to Top Team Transport Limited Partnership. Authorities are working to notify the victims’ families and summon the vehicle owner for further questioning. Mrs. Kamonwan Rumruay, the village chief of Moo 7, recounted the harrowing moments of the incident. “I was asleep when I heard a loud crash, followed by an explosion and the smell of fire. I rushed out to find the truck engulfed in flames, just a few metres from my house. I was terrified it might explode again,” she said. While her home sustained minor damage, the emotional toll has been significant. Mrs. Kamonwan also noted that a similar crash occurred at the same location on May 4, 2024, when a trailer truck veered off the road during the day. That crash, caused by driver fatigue, resulted in one fatality, with the vehicle stopping just two to three meters from her house. Authorities are investigating the cause of today’s tragic crash and will work to prevent further incidents at this hazardous location. -- 2024-12-29