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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A heated argument outside a nightclub in Khon Kaen escalated into violence early morning on December 26, leaving a 28-year-old man dead. Authorities believe the suspected shooter has fled the country. The incident occurred at approximately 01:30 in front of a popular entertainment venue in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen. CCTV footage from a nearby used car dealership captured the moment a group of individuals exited the nightclub and began an altercation near the entrance. Moments later, gunshots rang out, and a man in a black shirt was seen firing a handgun before fleeing the scene. The victim, identified as Kritsada, also known as Rang, aged 28, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. Bystanders rushed him to Chum Phae Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries around 05:00 in the morning. Police identified the suspect as Nattawut, or Tong, also 28 years old and a resident of Chum Phae district. Following the shooting, Nattawut abandoned his white Honda Jazz, registered in Bangkok, and reportedly escaped in a Toyota Fortuner heading towards Loei province. According to witnesses, the victim and the suspect had a verbal confrontation inside the nightclub, which escalated into physical violence. While bystanders initially intervened to de-escalate the situation, Nattawut, still visibly upset, invited Kritsada to discuss the matter outside. During the conversation, Nattawut allegedly drew a semi-automatic handgun and fired multiple shots at Kritsada before fleeing. Police recovered seven spent bullet casings at the scene. Efforts are underway to analyse the evidence, including ballistics, to strengthen the case against the suspect. Chum Phae Police Chief Pol Col Rakchart Rueangcharoen confirmed that an arrest warrant is being sought for Nattawut on charges of premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in a public area without justification. Authorities suspect that Nattawut, along with his Laotian wife, may have fled across the border into Laos. Thai police have contacted border authorities and their counterparts in neighbouring countries to assist in the search. The shooting has sparked concerns among residents over the safety of nightlife venues in the area. Local authorities have urged club operators to cooperate with law enforcement in maintaining order and preventing similar incidents in the future. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. -- 2024-12-27

Picture from responders Tragedy struck in the early hours of the morning of December 26, when a husband and wife lost their lives in a fatal head-on collision between their motorcycle with sidecar and a pickup truck. The accident occurred at approximately 01:45 near a petrol station in Sahatsakhan District, Kalasin Province. Emergency responders from the Eng Tek Tung Foundation were dispatched to the scene following reports of the collision. Upon arrival, they discovered a severely damaged pickup truck with its cargo scattered across the road, alongside the wreckage of the motorcycle and sidecar. The husband and wife, who had been travelling on the motorcycle, were pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigations revealed that the couple had been on their way to a local market to sell goods and were travelling on the wrong side of the road, when the devastating crash took place, cutting their journey short. Eyewitness accounts and evidence at the scene suggest that the impact of the collision caused their merchandise to scatter across the road, adding to the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with efforts focused on gathering witness statements and analysing the vehicles involved. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released as officials work to notify their family members. The pickup driver was taken to the police station for testing and to be interviewed. -- 2024-12-27

Wild Elephant Shot Dead in Chanthaburi Rubber Plantation Authorities in Chanthaburi are investigating the death of a wild elephant found shot in a rubber plantation near Wat Pa Khao Phai in the Kaeng Hang Maeo district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347255-wild-elephant-shot-dead-in-chanthaburi-rubber-plantation/

Picture courtesy of Protected Area Regional Office 2 Authorities in Chanthaburi are investigating the death of a wild elephant found shot in a rubber plantation near Wat Pa Khao Phai in the Kaeng Hang Maeo district. The discovery prompted an immediate response from various authorities, including the Kaeng Hang Maeo police, military rangers, special operations unit 613 from Nong Makha, and local village leaders. They coordinated with Sriracha’s Protected Area Regional Office 2 to send a team of veterinarians to the site for an investigation. The male elephant, estimated to be between 7 and 10 years old and weighing approximately 1.5 tons, was discovered with four gunshot wounds. The elephant was found dead in the plantation, which is located near a Buddhist monastery in the area. Local residents have expressed their outrage over the killing and called for stronger measures to protect wildlife, particularly elephants, and prevent future human-wildlife conflicts. Many have suggested enhancing the monitoring and protection efforts of local wildlife patrol teams to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Wild elephants are frequently seen in the area as they roam through forests and rubber plantations in search of food, sometimes coming into conflict with local farmers. Despite efforts to reduce such conflicts, human-wildlife encounters remain a serious issue in many rural parts of Thailand. The authorities are currently conducting a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death and to identify the individuals responsible for the shooting. They are also exploring measures to improve wildlife conservation efforts and prevent further harm to animals in the region. -- 2024-12-27

Construction Worker Falls from Pickup, Hit by Car, and Killed Near Pattaya An incident occurred when a 41-year-old construction worker fell from the back of a pickup truck and was fatally struck by a car. The incident occurred near the Keo Din highway rest area on Highway 7. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347254-construction-worker-falls-from-pickup-hit-by-car-and-killed-near-pattaya/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred at 23:05 on 25 December, when a 41-year-old construction worker fell from the back of a pickup truck and was fatally struck by a car. The incident occurred near the Keo Din highway rest area on Highway 7. Police Lieutenant Nattaphol Rittirong, Deputy Inspector of Highway Patrol Unit 1, Station 8, received the report and immediately dispatched a team to the scene, accompanied by rescue volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya. At the scene, authorities found the lifeless body of Mr. Vichu Simbida, a construction worker, lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the road. Rescue personnel and highway police cordoned off the area to prevent further crashes. The vehicle involved was identified as a white Honda car driven by 23-year-old Mr. Suthipong Nantta. He told police that he had been driving behind a pickup truck and another car. Both vehicles in front swerved suddenly, and despite his efforts, he was unable to avoid hitting the victim. Suthipong promptly called authorities after the incident. The victim’s employer, who was driving the pickup truck, stated that he had been transporting workers back to their accommodation. He was unaware that Mr. Vichu had fallen from the vehicle until he later learned of the fatal incident. Police Lieutenant Nattaphol has announced plans to review CCTV footage to ensure fairness for all parties involved. Meanwhile, the victim’s body has been transported to Bang Lamung Hospital, where it will be held until family members arrange for collection. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to clarify the sequence of events and determine accountability. -- 2024-12-27

Picture from responders. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received a report at 14.00 on December 25, of a drowning incident in Soi Yensaibai. Pattaya. Rescue teams and medical staff were immediately dispatched to the scene. The incident occurred at a Yensabai Condominium. Upon arrival, responders found the victim, an 85-year-old Dutch national identified as Mr Hermann Friedhelm, unconscious and unresponsive. Witnesses, including fellow foreigners and condominium staff, were attempting to perform CPR. Sawang Boriboon rescue teams and medical personnel from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya took over and utilised an automated CPR device in an attempt to resuscitate Mr Friedhelm. Despite their efforts, there was no immediate response, prompting his urgent transfer to the hospital for further treatment. According to Mr Praiwas Supap, a 58-year-old staff member at the condominium, he heard cries for help while working on the upper floors of the building. He rushed down to investigate and immediately contacted the Pattaya rescue team for assistance. The cause of the victim’s injuries, including a head wound, remains unclear. Initial suspicions suggest he may have slipped on the steps leading to the swimming pool, hitting his head on the pool’s edge before falling into the water. Hotel management has stated that CCTV footage will be reviewed to ascertain the exact sequence of events. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2024-12-26

Chinese Man Arrested in Pattaya for Pawn Shop Scam with Fake Gold Pattaya Tourist Police have arrested a 29-year-old Chinese man, for orchestrating a scheme involving fake gold jewellery at pawn shops across the city. The arrest took place on Pattaya Third Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347178-chinese-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-pawn-shop-scam-with-fake-gold/

Picture of arrest. Pattaya Tourist Police have arrested a 29-year-old Chinese man, Mr. Deng Huanyou, for orchestrating a scheme involving fake gold jewellery at pawn shops across the city. The arrest took place on December 25, at Pattaya Third Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The suspect was caught with a forged gold bracelet weighing 3.5 baht and a pawn ticket from a local pawn shop dated the same day. Police also confiscated 80,000 baht in cash, believed to have been obtained from the fraudulent pawn. The arrest followed a series of complaints from local pawn shop owners who reported being duped by a foreign man pawning fake gold jewellery. By the time the forgery was discovered, the suspect had already fled with the cash. Upon learning of the incidents, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueakam, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, instructed officers to track down the perpetrator swiftly. Investigators received a tip-off that the suspect had recently pawned a counterfeit gold bracelet at a well-known pawn shop on Pattaya Third Road. Police set up surveillance and intercepted Mr. Deng as he exited the shop. Upon searching him, officers found the pawn ticket, a fake gold bracelet, and the cash. Confronted with overwhelming evidence, the suspect admitted to his crime and collapsed to the ground in apparent shock, requiring assistance to stand. Mr. Deng later confessed to the charges and has been handed over to Pattaya Police for further legal proceedings. He faces charges of fraud and is expected to be prosecuted under Thai law. Authorities have urged pawn shop owners to remain vigilant against similar scams, especially during the busy holiday season. -- 2024-12-26

Fishing incident Claims Life of 37-Year-Old Man in Chonburi An incident occurred at Bang Phra Reservoir, Sriracha, Chonburi, when a 37-year-old man drowned while attempting to retrieve his drifting boat. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347175-fishing-incident-claims-life-of-37-year-old-man-in-chonburi/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred at Bang Phra Reservoir, Sriracha, Chonburi, when a 37-year-old man drowned while attempting to retrieve his drifting boat. The incident took place at the reservoir’s pier 1, where the man, later identified as Ekachai, 37, from Lampang Province, had been fishing. A witness, 47-year-old Rung, described seeing the victim’s boat break free from its mooring and drift away. The man reportedly jumped into the water to chase the boat, but something unexpected happened, leading to him not returning to the surface. Rung jumped in and attempted to rescue him but was unsuccessful. Local police and rescue divers from the Sriracha Bright Light Rescue Unit were called and launched a search and found Ekachai’s body after three to four hours. He was discovered without a shirt, wearing only trousers, and had likely been submerged for several hours, confirming the witness story. Authorities found no signs of foul play at the scene, only fishing gear and a bag. The initial theory suggests that the man may have suffered a possible sudden cramp while swimming after his boat, leading to his drowning. The body has been taken to Laem Chabang Hospital for an autopsy before being returned to the family, as the investigation continues. -- 2024-12-26

Father and Son Kill Aunt and Daughter-in-Law in Chilling Land Dispute Murder A horrific double murder took place in the village of Wang Itok, Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok, when a father and son brutally attacked family members over a long-standing land dispute. The violence unfolded near Wat Krathum Yod Nam, leaving two women dead. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347172-father-and-son-kill-aunt-and-daughter-in-law-in-chilling-land-dispute-murder/

Picture from responders. A horrific double murder took place in the village of Wang Itok, Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok, when a father and son brutally attacked family members over a long-standing land dispute. The violence unfolded near Wat Krathum Yod Nam, leaving two women dead. Authorities responded to a call at around 09:00, on December 25 and discovered the body of 56-year-old Jittanan, who had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer. Her skull was severely fractured, and blood was splattered across the area. About 200 metres away, they found the body of her daughter-in- law, 44-year-old Anchalee, who had been shot multiple times. The investigation revealed that the attackers were Jittanan's relatives, 48-year-old Yos and his son, 26-year-old Bank. Tensions between the families had been escalating over a land dispute, which had led to threats of violence in the past. On the day of the attack, an argument over the land issue escalated, causing Bank to lose control and strike Jittanan repeatedly with a hammer, killing her at the scene. Anchalee, witnessing the attack, attempted to escape in her car. However, she was pursued by Yos, who opened fire on her, killing her in a brutal ambush. Local residents confirmed that the father and son had been involved in previous disputes with their extended family over the land, and this conflict had been simmering for some time. The situation had previously led to threats of mass violence. After the murders, police apprehended Yos and Bank, along with the weapons used in the killings, a hammer and a firearm, which were seized as evidence. The two men are facing legal charges as the investigation into this horrific crime continues. Authorities believe the motive for the killings was the ongoing family feud over the land. -- 2024-12-26

UPDATE British Woman Arrested in Thailand for Hotel Incident on Christmas Day Picture courtesy of Daily Mail. A British holidaymaker is spent Christmas Day in a Thai prison cell following an alleged drunken incident in the lobby of the Flipper Lodge Hotel in Pattaya. The woman reportedly attempted to engage in sexual activity with her partner on a glass table, causing it to shatter. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347120-drunken-foreign-couple-causes-chaos-at-pattaya-hotel-woman-detained-after-fleeing/#findComment-19469946

UPDATE British Woman Arrested in Thailand for Hotel Incident on Christmas Day (video) Picture courtesy of Daily Mail. A British holidaymaker is spent Christmas Day in a Thai prison cell following an alleged drunken incident in the lobby of the Flipper Lodge Hotel in Pattaya. The woman reportedly attempted to engage in sexual activity with her partner on a glass table, causing it to shatter. According to witnesses, the couple, who were not hotel guests, entered the premises at around 03.00 and began behaving inappropriately. Hotel staff stated that the pair initially started on a sofa before transitioning to the glass table, which broke under the strain. A hotel porter pursued the woman after the destruction, but events escalated further when she reportedly fought with a police officer near the beach. Video footage shows bystanders assisting law enforcement in subduing her. In one clip, the woman, dressed in a white mini-dress, is seen shouting obscenities at locals while being escorted in handcuffs. Her boyfriend, who had been involved in the earlier incident, quietly left the scene. Police Lieutenant General Ittikorn Saikratok, speaking about the incident, said: “The British woman is still in the cell this afternoon, but she is very drunk and incoherent. She has no identification on her, and we are waiting for her to sober up before proceeding further. A translator will assist us in determining the next steps.” The Flipper Lodge Hotel staff confirmed the couple’s actions caused property damage. A spokesperson explained: “They were not hotel customers. We assumed they were guests, but they began behaving obscenely. After the table broke, we tried to remove them, but they refused and caused further commotion. Police were called to handle the situation.” The woman faces potential charges for property damage and disorderly conduct. The hotel has filed a report and is awaiting further discussions about compensation once the woman sobers up. Authorities are working to confirm her identity, while the incident has sparked widespread attention online. The British woman’s chaotic Christmas Day has been marked by drunken outbursts, insults at locals, and time spent behind bars, a far cry from the idyllic holiday she may have planned. -- 2024-12-26

Chiang Rai: Father and Two Children Found Dead in Bathroom In a harrowing incident, a father and his two young children were found dead in a bathroom near a pavilion in Mae Khao Tom Subdistrict, Chiang Rai. The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of Christmas Day morning, has left the local community in shock. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347160-chiang-rai-father-and-two-children-found-dead-in-bathroom/

Picture from responders. In a harrowing incident, a father and his two young children were found dead in a bathroom near a pavilion in Mae Khao Tom Subdistrict, Chiang Rai. The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of Christmas Day morning, has left the local community in shock. The sole survivor, an eight-year-old boy, managed to escape and seek help from a local resident. The child, bearing marks on his neck from a rope, ran approximately 500 metres to a nearby garden, where he told a worker that something terrible had happened to his father and two siblings. The local resident immediately alerted the village headman and waited with the child until the authorities arrived. Village headman, Mr Boonchuan Hunnamthiang, revealed that the father, identified as Mr Therd, had been struggling with severe stress since separating from his wife three to four months ago. "Since the separation, he drank heavily, day and night," Mr Boonchuan said. "This morning, he volunteered to take his three children to school, but instead, he took them to the scene of the incident." According to the police, Mr Therd used a rope to harm his three children before taking his own life. However, the eldest son managed to struggle free as the rope used on him broke due to its fragility. The child fell to the ground and fled the scene, running to seek help. Chiang Rai police chief, Pol. Col. Ananchak Kanoknopawat, stated that preliminary investigations suggest Mr Therd had been under immense pressure following the separation. His ex-wife had reportedly left the three children in his care, and he had been battling emotional and financial difficulties since. The children's grandmother, who shared the home with Mr Therd, confirmed that he had been drinking before leaving the house with the children that morning. She explained that the eldest son had a school field trip planned, and Mr Therd had offered to drop all three children off at school. Authorities are conducting further investigations and have assured the public that support will be provided to the surviving child, who is currently receiving medical treatment and psychological care. -- 2024-12-26

Search for Students and Teacher Lost in Kanchanaburi Forest Rescue teams in Kanchanaburi were mobilised on Christmas Day after a group of 10 were lost in a dense forest near Mahidol University’s Kanchanaburi campus. The group, which included international students from the United States and China, was safely rescued late in the evening after hours of intensive searching. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347159-search-for-students-and-teacher-lost-in-kanchanaburi-forest/

Picture rom Facebook post. Rescue teams in Kanchanaburi were mobilised on Christmas Day after a group of 10 were lost in a dense forest near Mahidol University’s Kanchanaburi campus. The group, which included international students from the United States and China, was safely rescued late in the evening after hours of intensive searching. The incident was first reported at 16:00 via a Facebook post by Persia Jongtawon, who urged for immediate assistance. “Urgent: We are dispatching rescue teams to assist. The students and teachers are lost in the forest and unable to find their way out,” the post read, accompanied by images of the search efforts. According to initial reports, the group, led by Dr Parinya Puttapiban, a geology professor from Mahidol University, had been conducting a field study in a remote mountainous area when they lost their way due to poor mobile signals and rugged terrain. The situation escalated as the group ran out of water, and the professor sustained injuries from falling into thorny undergrowth, while two students suffered minor injuries. By 19:40 the Kanchanaburi Rescue Foundation, supported by local villagers, successfully located the group. Dr Puttapiban later explained that during their geological exploration, two students were injured by falling rocks, and another student stumbled into a crevice, delaying their progress. Rescue teams used local expertise and mapped coordinates to track the group’s last known location, which was near Ban Tha Krathi in Tambon Chong Sadao. The search was challenging due to steep slopes and nightfall, but all nine students and the professor were eventually escorted to safety. Two injured students were treated for leg injuries, while others, though visibly fatigued, were unharmed. Dr Puttapiban praised the rescue team and local villagers for their swift assistance. -- 2024-12-26

UPDATE Pattaya Police Arrest Teenage Gang After Brutal Attack on Belgian Tourist Pattaya police worked through the night to apprehend a gang of four teenagers involved in a violent robbery of an 80- year-old Belgian tourist. The attack occurred late on Christmas Eve in a secluded alleyway in Pattaya and left the victim severely injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347158-pattaya-police-arrest-teenage-gang-after-brutal-attack-on-belgian-tourist/

UPDATE Pattaya police apprehend a gang of four teenagers involved in a violent robbery of an 80- year-old Belgian tourist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347158-pattaya-police-arrest-teenage-gang-after-brutal-attack-on-belgian-tourist/

UPDATE Picture of arrest Pattaya police worked through the night to apprehend a gang of four teenagers involved in a violent robbery of an 80- year-old Belgian tourist, Mr. Richard Ander M. Van Bogaert. The attack occurred late on Christmas Eve in a secluded alleyway in Pattaya and left the victim severely injured. The gang, aged between 15 and 18, reportedly assaulted the elderly man with a 22-inch knife before fleeing the scene with cash amounting to 7,000 baht. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a deep head wound, after being struck with the blade and subsequently beaten. The suspects-three 15-year-olds, identified only by their aliases Arm, Crepe, and New, and an 18-year-old named Ton-were arrested on the night of December 25th. The police recovered the weapon, two motorbikes used in the escape, and clothing worn during the attack. Under questioning, the teenagers admitted to targeting the victim for money. The group claimed they needed cash to cover the cost of repairs following a motorcycle accident involving one of the suspects. The gang had spotted Mr. Van Bogaert walking alone in the dimly lit alley and decided to rob him. When the victim resisted their demands, one of the youths drew the knife and struck him. The attack escalated unintentionally when the knife's sheath slipped off, causing the blade to injure the victim. Following the assault, the group fled to Pattaya Beach, where they were later apprehended by investigating officers. The suspects, along with the recovered evidence, have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. Charges are expected to be filed under Thailand's juvenile justice system. Police have vowed to ensure justice for the victim while highlighting their commitment to maintaining safety in the city during the festive season. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347104-belgian-80-attacked-and-robbed-by-teenage-gang-on-christmas-day-in-pattaya/ -- 2024-12-26

Jealous Husband Kills Wife, Dies in Shootout with Police After Intense Stand-off A man who fatally shot his wife in a fit of jealousy was killed in a dramatic police shootout after barricading himself inside a house in Ayutthaya province. The exchange of gunfire, involving nearly 40 rounds, left two police officers injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347157-jealous-husband-kills-wife-dies-in-shootout-with-police-after-intense-stand-off/

Picture from responders. A man who fatally shot his wife in a fit of jealousy was killed in a dramatic police shootout after barricading himself inside a house in Ayutthaya province. The exchange of gunfire, involving nearly 40 rounds, left two police officers injured. The incident began in Moo 4, Khok Chang subdistrict, Bang Sai district, on the morning of December 25, where 51-year-old Wasan shot his wife, 46-year-old Chitra, following a domestic dispute. The couple's child reportedly discovered the body, prompting fears of further violence as the suspect threatened to harm his family. Police quickly obtained an arrest warrant for premeditated murder. Wasan was tracked to a house just 600 metres from the scene of the crime. A team of over 50 armed officers from Bang Sai Police Station and Ayutthaya Provincial Police surrounded the property, anticipating a confrontation given Wasan's possession of a firearm. Police brought Wasan's 83-year-old mother, Mrs. Chalao, to negotiate with her son. Mrs. Chalao expressed shock upon learning of her son's actions, stating she was unaware of the couple's personal conflicts as they lived apart. Despite her attempts, Wasan refused to surrender. According to the homeowner where Wasan had sought refuge, he arrived at her house at 20.00 on December 24, claiming he had just killed his wife and asking for shelter. She allowed him to stay out of fear but doubted his story as he had made similar claims before. She left for the market early in the morning, only to later learn that Wasan's confession was true. As negotiations failed, police deployed a drone to assess the area. When officers approached the house, Wasan opened fire, sparking a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted several minutes. Approximately 40 shots were fired, resulting in two officers sustaining injuries. They were immediately rushed to Bang Sai Hospital. The stand-off ended when police shot and killed Wasan at the scene. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, while the injured officers are reported to be in stable condition. -- 2024-12-26

Chinese Woman Found Dead After Jumping from Building in Bangkok’s Bang Rak District A Chinese woman was found dead after jumping from the eleventh floor of a hotel in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district on the afternoon of Christmas Day. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347155-chinese-woman-found-dead-after-jumping-from-building-in-bangkok’s-bang-rak-district/