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UPDATE Retired Civil Servant Faces Serious Charges After Fatal School Crash The devastating road crash in front of Don Khwang School on Phet Matukala Road in Hua Thale Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, has claimed two lives and injured several others. Among the fatalities was Police Lieutenant Vimut Tansupho, 57, a traffic officer from Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station, who was performing his duties at the time of the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347096-retired-civil-servant-faces-serious-charges-after-fatal-school-crash/

UPDATE Picture from responders The devastating road crash in front of Don Khwang School on Phet Matukala Road in Hua Thale Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, has claimed two lives and injured several others. Among the fatalities was Police Lieutenant Vimut Tansupho, 57, a traffic officer from Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station, who was performing his duties at the time of the incident. The driver responsible for the crash has been identified as Somsak Asaraijao, 75, a retired civil servant and former provincial agricultural officer in Nong Khai. A breathalyser test revealed that his blood alcohol level was 197 milligrams per cent, well over the legal limit. On December 24, Pol Maj Gen Narongrit Dansuwan, Commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, announced that the driver will face severe legal consequences. Somsak has been charged with drink driving causing death and serious injury, offences that carry severe penalties. The penalty for drink driving resulting in death includes 3 to 10 years’ imprisonment, fines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000 baht, and permanent revocation of the driving licence. Meanwhile, drink driving causing serious injury carries a sentence of 2 to 6 years in prison, fines between 40,000 and 120,000 baht, and a minimum one-year suspension or permanent revocation of the driving licence. Somsak has been discharged from the hospital and is now in police custody at Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station. His relatives have sought to post bail, but authorities have denied the request. Investigations are ongoing, and police plan to seek court approval to detain him further. Police Lt Vimut, who tragically died while on duty, is being honoured by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police. His family will receive full support, including a promotion of three salary steps and a posthumous rank elevation from Police Lieutenant to Police Lieutenant Colonel. Preliminary investigations revealed that prior to the accident, Somsak had been drinking with friends at a restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima City. He was driving home to Chaloem Phra Kiat District at high speed when the crash occurred. He claims to have no recollection of the events leading to the crash. The case has caused widespread outrage, with authorities vowing to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347009-police-officer-student-killed-11-injured-in-school-crash-in-nakhon-ratchasima/ Police Lieutenant Vimut Tansupho -- 2024-12-25

Thai Customs Seize E-Cigarettes, Nitrous Oxide, & Coin Changers Worth Over 30 Million Baht The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of illicit goods, including e-cigarettes, nitrous oxide, and automatic coin changers, with an estimated value exceeding 30 million baht. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Customs Department headquarters in Klong Toey, led by Mr Panthong Loykulnanta, Advisor on Tax Development and Collection, and Ms Nanththita Sirikup, Advisor on Customs Control Development. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347095-thai-customs-seize-e-cigarettes-nitrous-oxide-coin-changers-worth-over-30-million-baht/

Picture courtesy of Thai Customs The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of illicit goods, including e-cigarettes, nitrous oxide, and automatic coin changers, with an estimated value exceeding 30 million baht. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Customs Department headquarters in Klong Toey, led by Mr Panthong Loykulnanta, Advisor on Tax Development and Collection, and Ms Nanththita Sirikup, Advisor on Customs Control Development. Mr Panthong stated that the operation was part of the government’s directive to combat illegal imports of e-cigarettes and related products. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Phichai Chunhavachira and Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornwiwat, prioritised strict enforcement against these illicit activities. Customs Director-General Teerachai Attanawanich had instructed officials to intensify surveillance, apprehend violators, and collaborate with other agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Interior, Consumer Protection Board, and the Royal Thai Police, to investigate smuggling operations. The confiscated items were discovered during inspections on 17 and 19 December at the Bangkok Port Customs Office. Two shipping containers from China contained undeclared goods, including: 1. Disposable E-Cigarettes: 112,600 units valued at 28.15 million baht. These items are prohibited under the 2014 Ministry of Commerce directive, which bans the importation of hookahs and e-cigarettes. 2. Nitrous Oxide Gas (Laughing Gas): 770 canisters, each weighing 5 kilograms, valued at 1.925 million baht. Importing nitrous oxide requires a permit from the Food and Drug Administration under the 1967 Drug Act. 3. Automatic Coin Changers: 18 machines valued at 360,000 baht. The importation of these goods constitutes a violation of the 2017 Customs Act (Sections 202, 243, 244, and 252), the 1967 Drug Act, and the 1979 Export and Import Act. Violators face prosecution for providing false or incomplete information to evade taxes and restrictions. Mr Panthong further highlighted the Customs Department’s achievements in the 2024 fiscal year (1 October 2023 – 23 December 2023), during which 103 cases of e-cigarette smuggling were recorded, involving 416,560 items valued at 39.07 million baht. The Customs Department urges importers and exporters to adhere strictly to relevant laws and regulations, reiterating its commitment to rigorous enforcement to protect society and the nation’s interests. -- 2024-12-25

Big Bike Rider Killed in Phuket Road Crash A fatal motorcycle crash occurred in the afternoon of December 24, in the Thalang district of Phuket when a big bike collided with a palm tree in the central reservation of Thepkrasattri Road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347094-big-bike-rider-killed-in-phuket-road-crash/

Picture from responders. A fatal motorcycle crash occurred in the afternoon of December 24, in the Thalang district of Phuket when a big bike collided with a palm tree in the central reservation of Thepkrasattri Road. Lieutenant Napadon Somnuk, an investigator from Thalang Police Station, received a report at 15:10 about the crash near Moo 8, Thepkrasattri subdistrict. Emergency responders from Thepkrasattri Subdistrict Administrative Organisation and the Kusoltham Phuket Foundation were dispatched to the scene. At the crash site, officers found a red-and-black Kawasaki big bike, registered in Phuket, lying on its side, damaged. Nearby, the lifeless body of the rider, identified as Mr Panaprai Sukcharoen, 26, was discovered in a pool of blood. An inspection of the scene revealed that the motorcycle had left a long trail on the grass of the central reservation, colliding with a streetlight pole before crashing into a palm tree. Initial investigations found no evidence of another vehicle being involved. Authorities suspect that the rider was travelling at high speed and lost control, causing the him to veer onto the central reservation and strike the obstacles, resulting in his death. Police have stated that CCTV footage from the area will be reviewed to establish the exact cause of the crash. -- 2024-12-25

Teachers & Students Flee as Fire Breaks Out in Building in Pattaya School A fire broke out at Pattaya City School 8, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, causing some chaos as teachers and students rushed to evacuate. The incident occurred in a disused learning centre adjacent to the kindergarten building, prompting a swift response from local disaster prevention officers, fire trucks, and rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347093-teachers-students-flee-as-fire-breaks-out-in-building-in-pattaya-school/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out at Pattaya City School 8, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, causing some chaos as teachers and students rushed to evacuate. The incident occurred in a disused learning centre adjacent to the kindergarten building, prompting a swift response from local disaster prevention officers, fire trucks, and rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation. The Pattaya City Police Station was also called to assist at the scene. The fire, which produced smoke throughout the building, originated in the “Learning Centre for ASEAN” room, located next to the kindergarten building. Teachers urgently evacuated the students from the premises while fire crews worked to investigate the situation. Upon investigation, the source of the blaze was found under the staircase leading to the second floor, where a pile of burning paper was discovered. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames before they could spread further. According to Mr. Montree Namkeeree, the headmaster of Pattaya City School 8, the room where the fire started had been unused for a long time. Although the door was closed, it had not been locked. Preliminary police investigations suggest that an unauthorised individual may have accessed the room, discarded a lit cigarette onto paper, and inadvertently sparked the fire before fleeing the scene. Authorities are continuing their investigation to confirm the exact cause of the incident. No injuries were reported, but the event highlighted the need for heightened safety and security measures in school facilities. -- 2024-12-25

Cyber Police Crack Down on Major Gambling Ring in Chiang Rai A significant crackdown on online gambling networks was led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiewphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), along with senior officers, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of large amounts of equipment and cash. The operation targeted three locations across Chiang Rai province, uncovering a network with over 1 billion baht in financial turnover. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347092-cyber-police-crack-down-on-major-gambling-ring-in-chiang-rai/

Picture courtesy of CCIB A significant crackdown on online gambling networks was led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiewphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), along with senior officers, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of large amounts of equipment and cash. The operation targeted three locations across Chiang Rai province, uncovering a network with over 1 billion baht in financial turnover. Armed with search warrants from the Chiang Rai Provincial Court, the team conducted simultaneous raids: 1. Location 1: A house in Moo 4, Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, where four suspects were arrested — Ms. Chanantida (24), Ms. Waranya (23), Ms. Chutima (24), and Ms. Aranyarat (20). Seized items included four computers, ten mobile phones, and three barcode scanners. 2. Location 2: A house at 509/38, Moo 9, Ban Du Subdistrict, where three suspects — Second Lieutenant Suporada, Ms. Suttita, and Ms. Saranporn , were apprehended. Confiscated items included five computers, 39 mobile phones, three tablets, one router, 20 bank account books, and 25 ATM cards. 3. Location 3: A residence in Moo 13, Mae Sai District, where Mr. Natthapong (30) was arrested. Authorities seized one computer, one mobile phone, and one router. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong stated that the operation followed government orders to combat online gambling, which negatively impacts society. Investigations revealed complaints about online gambling platforms operating in Chiang Rai. The OK2D website, identified as a major player, had 80,344 registered members and generated 200 million baht in monthly transactions. During the raids, eight suspects were arrested, and authorities confiscated cash totaling 130,000 baht, along with substantial digital and physical evidence. The suspects admitted to being employed as administrators to handle marketing, manage withdrawals, and oversee operations. Further investigations unveiled connections to 2-3 additional gambling websites with over 200,000 users and a combined turnover exceeding 1 billion baht. A site in Mae Sai was also found illegally transmitting internet signals to neighboring countries. Authorities plan to collaborate with the Chiang Rai Provincial Police to expand the investigation and dismantle the remaining networks. -- 2024-12-25

Man Dies After Car Crashes into Electric Pole and Road Sign in Lamphun A crash occurred in the early hours of the morning, when a car crashed into an electric pole and road sign, subsequently catching fire. The driver, a 30-year-old man, was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347091-man-dies-after-car-crashes-into-electric-pole-and-road-sign-in-lamphun /

Picture from responders. A crash occurred in the early hours of the morning of December 24, when a car crashed into an electric pole and road sign, subsequently catching fire. The driver, a 30-year-old man, was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The incident took place at 01:10 on the central island of the road in Ban Pratu Khong, Mueang District, Lamphun. Rescue teams from Amarin Tai Lamphun and officers from Nikhom Police Station responded to the scene. Upon arrival, responders found a severely damaged car with flames coming the vehicle’s body. Fire extinguishers were used to successfully douse the fire. The driver was trapped inside the wreckage and had to be extricated using hydraulic rescue tools. The victim, who was unconscious and in critical condition, was immediately administered CPR at the scene. He was then transported to Prince Lamphun Hospital by ambulance. Shortly after the crash, the victim’s partner arrived at the scene with their seven-month-old son. She revealed that the couple had argued earlier in the evening. The incident occurred on the last working day before the New Year holidays, following a gathering where alcohol was consumed. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, crashing into the electric pole and road sign. Despite the medical team’s efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries a short while later. Authorities have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and are continuing investigations into the circumstances of the accident. -- 2024-12-25

Two Arrested for Attempted Sale of Modified Firearms via Social Media Two young men were apprehended by Metropolitan Police investigators for attempting to sell modified firearms after arranging a transaction via social media. The arrests took place near the Patthavikorn Market on Nawamin Road, Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347090-two-arrested-for-attempted-sale-of-modified-firearms-via-social-media/

Picture of arrest. Two young men were apprehended by Metropolitan Police investigators on 23 December, for attempting to sell modified firearms after arranging a transaction via social media. The arrests took place near the Patthavikorn Market on Nawamin Road, Bangkok. Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thammasuthee, Commander of the Investigation Division, stated that the operation was conducted in line with the national police policy to crack down on firearm-related crimes, which often lead to serious and violent incidents. The suspects, identified as Mr. Linda, a 19-year-old Cambodian national, and Mr. Phee aged 17, face charges of illegally possessing and attempting to sell firearms, possessing and carrying weapons in public without proper justification, and carrying illegal knives. The arrests followed an undercover operation led by Pol. Lt. Col. Somporn Kamket and his team. Police had been monitoring social media platforms for illicit firearm transactions. Acting on a tip-off, authorities learned that Mr. Phee had been using a Facebook account to sell modified firearms. He had offered a customised .380 calibre pistol with ammunition for 12,500 baht and arranged to meet a buyer at the market. At approximately 19:45 on 23 December, Mr. Phee arrived at the meeting point on a motorcycle driven by Mr. Linda. Police surveillance teams observed the suspects, and when the weapon and ammunition were verified, officers moved in to arrest them. While attempting to flee, Mr. Linda was also apprehended. A subsequent search revealed an illegal knife in his possession. Both suspects were taken into custody along with the evidence and transported to the Metropolitan Police Bureau for further questioning. During interrogation, Mr. Phee admitted to selling the firearm, while Mr. Linda claimed he was accompanying Mr. Phee to purchase items in the area and carried the knife for self-defence. The suspects have been charged with: • Illegal possession and attempted sale of firearms and ammunition • Illegal possession of a knife • Carrying weapons in public without valid justification They were later handed over to the Bueng Kum Police Station for prosecution under the Firearms and Ammunition Act. Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej highlighted that firearms are often the root cause of violent crimes, including armed robbery and youth violence. He stressed that the Metropolitan Police are committed to tackling illegal firearm trade and warned both buyers and sellers of the severe penalties they face. For buyers: Purchasing firearms online without authorisation carries penalties of 1-10 years in prison and fines of 2,000-20,000 baht. For sellers: Manufacturing, assembling, or selling firearms without a licence carries penalties of 2-20 years in prison and fines of 4,000-40,000 baht. Authorities urged the public to refrain from engaging in illegal firearm transactions and report any suspicious activities to the police. -- 2024-12-25

UPDATE Motorcyclist Prosecuted for Reckless Driving in Lom Sak Police officers from Lom Sak Police Station successfully tracked down and prosecuted an individual after an online video surfaced showing reckless driving on a public road in their jurisdiction. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347089-motorcyclist-prosecuted-for-reckless-driving-in-lom-sak/

UPDATE Picture of arrest. Police officers from Lom Sak Police Station successfully tracked down and prosecuted an individual after an online video surfaced showing reckless driving on a public road in their jurisdiction. The investigation revealed that the driver was identified as Mr. Bee a 35-year-old resident of Lom Sak Sub-district, Lom Sak District, Phetchabun Province. He was riding a Kawasaki Z-250 motorcycle, as confirmed from the video evidence. The driver’s actions were found to violate the Road Traffic Act, specifically Section 43, which prohibits driving in a manner that disregards the safety of others’ lives or physical well-being. Under this section, offenders face penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, or both. The incident occurred on the 21st December at 17:00 along Route 21, Moo 3, Nong Khwai Sub-district, Lom Sak District. The case has now been handed over to prosecutors at Lom Sak Provincial Court for further proceedings. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347008-big-bike-stunt-sparks-outrage-in-phetchabun-police-urged-to-take-action/ -- 2024-12-25

10-Wheel Truck Crashes into Weigh Station, Killing Passenger in Lampang A crash occurred early morning on December 24, when a 10-wheel truck suffered a brake failure and crashed into a weigh station in Koh Kha District, Lampang, killing a passenger on board. The incident took place on the inbound side of the Phahonyothin Road (Tak-Lampang) near the Koh Kha weigh station. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347088-10-wheel-truck-crashes-into-weigh-station-killing-passenger-in-lampang/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred early morning on December 24, when a 10-wheel truck suffered a brake failure and crashed into a weigh station in Koh Kha District, Lampang, killing a passenger on board. The incident took place on the inbound side of the Phahonyothin Road (Tak-Lampang) near the Koh Kha weigh station. Police investigator Lt. Col. Udom Tajai from Koh Kha Police Station, along with a medical examiner from Koh Kha Hospital and local rescue teams, rushed to the scene after being notified at approximately 04:30. At the site, authorities discovered the severely damaged truck, which was transporting fresh food destined for a prominent supermarket in Lampang. The front of the vehicle was completely wrecked from the impact with the station’s steel pillars. The truck driver, identified as Mr. Boonmee 53, from Roi Et province, sustained minor injuries, including abrasions. Tragically, his wife, Mrs. Bang-on 43, who was seated in the passenger seat, died instantly. Her body was pinned inside the truck, requiring rescue workers to use hydraulic cutters to extract her remains. The process took around 25 minutes before the body was transported to Koh Kha Hospital for a preliminary examination, followed by further examination at Lampang Hospital’s forensic department. According to Mr. Boonmee, he had been transporting fresh produce from Bangkok since 14:00 the previous day, intending to deliver it to a supermarket in Lampang City. However, he stated that the truck’s brakes had been malfunctioning throughout the journey. As he approached Koh Kha, just 15 kilometres from his destination, he attempted to manoeuvre into the weigh station. With another truck already parked ahead, Mr. Boonmee claimed he was unable to brake and decided to swerve left, colliding with the station’s steel pillars to avoid a potentially more severe accident. The crash caused extensive damage to the truck and the weigh station’s equipment. Sadly, his wife, seated on the left side, bore the brunt of the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. Lt. Col. Udom confirmed that authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2024-12-25

Festive crackdown: Car decked with lights halted in Bangkok By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A festive spectacle on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road through Bangkok captured the attention of many, including that of law enforcement, as a car adorned with reindeer antlers, a red nose, and twinkling Christmas lights drove along the busy street. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347066-festive-crackdown-car-decked-with-lights-halted-in-bangkok/

Thailand Announces New Minimum Wage Increase for 2025 File photo for reference only Starting January 1, 2025, Thailand will introduce a new minimum wage across its 77 provinces. This change follows a lengthy meeting led by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. The meeting, held on December 23, resulted in a unanimous decision to raise daily wages by 7 to 55 baht, averaging a 2.9% increase. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347060-thailand-announces-new-minimum-wage-increase-for-2025/

Tsunami Survivor Leads Community's Safety Efforts 20 Years Later File photo for reference only Nearly 20 years after the Boxing Day tsunami, one man in Phang Nga province stands as a beacon of hope and safety for his community. Meet 59-year-old Banlue Choosin, a former fisherman turned guardian of the Andaman Sea. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347062-tsunami-survivor-leads-communitys-safety-efforts-20-years-later/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 25 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1347075-thailand-live-wednesday-25-december-2024/

Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A group of Thai taxi drivers restrained a foreign man from Hong Kong after he went on a rampage outside Phuket International Airport yesterday, December 23. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347053-hong-kong-man-restrained-by-taxi-drivers-after-rampage-near-phuket-airport/

Car and Pickup Truck Plunge into Drainage Canal in Bangkok In a dramatic early morning incident, a car and a pickup truck plunged into a drainage canal beside the Ram Inthra Expressway, Bangkok leaving five people injured. Rescue workers rushed to the scene to provide immediate assistance and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347019-car-and-pickup-truck-plunge-into-drainage-canal-in-bangkok/