Georgealbert

Update on this story is below.

Russian Tourist, 60, Falls Victim to Gold Necklace Theft by Cunning Duo in Pattaya Picture courtesy of TMN. Police in Pattaya are investigating an incident in which a 60-year-old Russian tourist fell victim to theft after being charmed by two transgender individuals in front of a hotel in the Wongamat area of Naklua. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346955-russian-tourist-60-falls-victim-to-gold-necklace-theft-by-cunning-duo-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of TMN. Police in Pattaya are investigating an incident in which a 60-year-old Russian tourist fell victim to theft after being charmed by two transgender individuals in front of a hotel in the Wongamat area of Naklua. The victim, identified as Mr. Andrei Zhuravlev, was reportedly sitting outside the hotel when the incident occurred. According to a statement provided through an interpreter, Mr. Zhuravlev was approached by two individuals on a motorcycle. One of them dismounted and struck up a conversation with him, employing flirtatious gestures such as hugs and kisses. Distracted by their behaviour, Mr. Zhuravlev failed to notice when his gold necklace, brought from Russia, was removed. Shortly afterward, the pair made their escape on the waiting motorcycle, speeding away from the scene. Realising his necklace was missing, Mr. Zhuravlev immediately informed the hotel reception staff, who then contacted Pattaya police. Police investigators have since reviewed CCTV footage from the area to trace the suspects’ movements and identify their escape route. Authorities are now working to track down the culprits and bring them to justice. -- 2024-12-23

Teenager’s U-turn Leads to Collision: Two Dead in Chanthaburi A road crash claimed the lives of two people in Chanthaburi after a 15-year-old boy riding a motorbike made a sudden U-turn, colliding with a pickup truck driven by a local vendor. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road near the three-way intersection in front of the Chanthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation in Tha Chang subdistrict, Mueang district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346935-teenager’s-u-turn-leads-to-collision-two-dead-in-chanthaburi/

Picture from responders. A road crash claimed the lives of two people in Chanthaburi after a 15-year-old boy riding a motorbike made a sudden U-turn, colliding with a pickup truck driven by a local vendor. The incident occurred on the evening of 22 December at around 22:40 on Sukhumvit Road near the three-way intersection in front of the Chanthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation in Tha Chang subdistrict, Mueang district. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found a Honda motorbike lying in a roadside ditch, severely damaged from the impact. Nearby, the lifeless body of the 15-year-old motorcyclist was discovered. Despite CPR efforts by emergency responders, the boy succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Approximately 50 metres away, an Isuzu pickup truck was found off the road, having crashed into a traffic sign. The truck’s bonnet and roof were crumpled, and the windshield was shattered. One of the truck’s passengers, identified as 19-year-old Mr. Sirawut, was found critically injured in the vehicle. Medical personnel attempted CPR and used a defibrillator but were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash left a heart-wrenching scene for onlookers. Family members of the deceased gathered at the site, weeping uncontrollably. Mr. Sirawut’s father, who arrived shortly after the incident, embraced his son’s body in anguish, while the young man’s mother collapsed to her knees, crying out in grief. According to preliminary investigations by Police Sub-Lieutenant Ploypan Arunrat of Chanthaburi Police Station, the pickup truck was driven by 45-year-old Mr. Anucha, who was accompanied by his son-in-law, Mr. Sirawut, and a 17-year-old youth. The group had been returning home from a market where they sold goods. Witnesses reported that the 15-year-old motorcyclist had emerged from a U-turn and attempted to cross lanes in front of the pickup truck, leaving the driver no time to react. The motorbike collided forcefully with the truck, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into a roadside traffic sign. Tragically, the roof and windshield collapsed on Mr. Sirawut, who had been seated in the middle of the truck. Further inquiries revealed that the 15-year-old boy lived nearby and may have been heading to a convenience store. However, this detail remains unconfirmed pending discussions with his family. Mr. Sirawut was described as a dutiful and hardworking student in his final year at a local technical college. On weekends, he would assist his father-in-law with setting up and packing down their market stall to earn money for his education and personal expenses. The police have since launched a full investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. Statements from witnesses and the driver, along with footage from dashboard and CCTV cameras in the area, will be reviewed to ensure justice for all parties involved. -- 2024-12-23

Child Dies in SUV Crash on Chiang Mai Mountainside A 35-year-old man’s camping trip with his family ended in heartbreak when their vehicle overturned and fell down a ravine in Ban Muang Khum, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. The crash claimed the life of his nine-year-old son and left several others injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346926-child-dies-in-suv-crash-on-chiang-mai-mountainside/

Pictures from responders. A 35-year-old man’s camping trip with his family ended in heartbreak when their vehicle overturned and fell down a ravine in Ban Muang Khum, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. The crash claimed the life of his nine-year-old son and left several others injured. The crash took place on the steep ascent to Doi San Pha Pae, approximately 5 kilometres from Doi Mon Jam, at approximately 17.00 on December 22. Police from Mae Rim Station and rescue teams were alerted and arrived with cutting tools to aid the injured. At the scene, a KIA SUV was found overturned, lodged in a bamboo grove about 15 metres down a hillside. A female passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and was rescued using specialised equipment. She was later sent to hospital for treatment. Tragically, the nine-year-old boy was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and died at the scene. His devastated father was found grieving inconsolably. Eyewitness Ms Natthida, 32, reported that she was riding a motorcycle behind the SUV when the vehicle struggled to ascend the steep, 1.5-kilometre incline. The SUV rolled backwards, colliding with her motorcycle before losing control and tumbling down into the ravine. The SUV was carrying seven passengers, including the father, mother, their son, and relatives. They were en route to a camping site at the Doi San Pha Pae viewpoint. The steep slope of the road is believed to have contributed to the vehicle’s inability to ascend, leading to the fatal accident. Local authorities continue to investigate the incident. -- 2024-12-23

Man Dies After Falling from Electric Pole in Chanthaburi A fatal incident occurred in Ban Ton Sai, Village 19, Kaeng Hang Maew District, Chanthaburi, when a man fell from an electric pole. The local rescue team from the Sawang Katanyu Foundation was alerted and responded swiftly to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346925-man-dies-after-falling-from-electric-pole-in-chanthaburi/

Picture provided by responders On the afternoon of 22 December, a fatal incident occurred in Ban Ton Sai, Village 19, Kaeng Hang Maew District, Chanthaburi, when a man fell from an electric pole. The local rescue team from the Sawang Katanyu Foundation was alerted at approximately 14:00 and responded swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, rescue workers found the victim, an unidentified man, lying unconscious beneath the pole, which was roughly four metres high. He had no pulse, and immediate CPR was administered in an attempt to revive him. Emergency services also coordinated with Kaeng Hang Maew Hospital to send an ambulance to assist at the site. Initial reports indicate that the man was not doing official Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) work and it is unclear what work was being carried out at the time of the incident. The pole, located along a dirt track near a rubber plantation, revealed a curious detail: the man’s sandals had been modified with attachments to aid climbing. These sandals were still fixed to the pole when responders arrived. It is unclear whether the man suffered an electric shock or slipped while on the pole. No burns or other signs of electrical injury were visible on his body. However, responders noted that he had sustained head trauma upon hitting the ground, which may have been a significant factor in his death. Despite the rescue team’s efforts, the man was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kaeng Hang Maew Hospital. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the fall and the man’s reasons for climbing the pole. -- 2024-12-23

Driver Escapes After Car Crashes into Canal in Bang Kuntian A driver narrowly escaped injury after his car skidded off the road and plunged into the canal in Bang Kuntian, Chom Thong district, Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346924-driver-escapes-after-car-crashes-into-canal-in-bang-kuntian/

Picture from responders. A driver narrowly escaped injury after his car skidded off the road and plunged into the canal in Bang Kuntian, Chom Thong district, Bangkok, on 22nd December. Police Lieutenant Colonel Karawit Supathat of the Bang Kuntian Police Station received a call about a car crash near the Bang Kuntian Canal Bridge, Bangkok. Responding to the incident, authorities, including the local fire service, rescue workers from the Dao Kha Nong Foundation, and members of the Poh Tek Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the white Honda Brio fully submerged in the 10-meter wide canal. The driver, a man employed as a waste collection worker at the Klong San District Office, was trapped inside. Local residents, who had witnessed the crash, managed to break open the window and help free the driver, who suffered minor injuries. He was quickly taken to Suksawat Hospital for treatment. At the scene, officials discovered damage to the concrete curb of the canal’s edge, indicating that the vehicle had likely brushed against it before falling into the water. Firefighters used air pillows to stabilise the vehicle, followed by a crane to retrieve it from the water, which took approximately two hours. The car’s front bumper was severely damaged, and the left front wheel was broken, suggesting that the driver had collided with the curb before plunging into the canal. Witness Narit Suwansit, 30, recalled the moment the accident occurred. He was fishing with friends and family when he heard a loud crash. “At first, I thought it was something else, but then I saw the car hit the pier and plunge into the water,” Narit said. “I quickly told my friend to grab a stone and smash the window to help the driver. We managed to pull him out, and I called for emergency services.” Narit, who understands the importance of having a vehicle for work, expressed satisfaction at being able to help. “I know what it’s like to rely on a car, so when I saw someone in trouble, I had to help.” According to the driver’s neighbour, Somkid Akka, 40, the injured man typically left for work around 4 a.m. and returned home by late afternoon. Somkid believes the accident may have been caused by the driver speeding and possibly shifting into the wrong gear while attempting a U-turn at the crash site. Police have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash and plan to summon the driver for further questioning. Investigations are ongoing. -- 2024-12-23

21-Year-Old Sets Fire to Rental Units in Buriram After Consuming Drugs, Destroying 6 Units A fire engulfed six single-storey rental units, used as homes, in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram. The blaze, which originated from one of the homes, was reportedly started by a 21-year-old man under the influence of drugs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346923-21-year-old-sets-fire-to-rental-units-in-buriram-after-consuming-drugs-destroying-6-units/

Picture from responders. A fire engulfed six single-storey rental units, used as homes, in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province on December 22. The blaze, which originated from one of the homes, was reportedly started by a 21-year-old man under the influence of drugs. Police Lieutenant Suphakrit Noptalung, an investigator from Prakhon Chai Police Station, received a report of a fire at the Old Market commercial area in Prakhon Chai Municipality. The densely populated area prompted authorities to mobilise over 10 fire engines from the district and nearby areas to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire spread rapidly to neighbouring units, causing extensive damage. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control after 45 minutes, but six homes were severely damaged, with all belongings destroyed. The suspect, identified as Mr. Natthawut Noptalung, was found sitting outside the burning units, laughing and watching the flames consume the buildings. Fearing he might flee, police officers approached and detained him. During questioning, Mr. Natthawut admitted to setting the fire. He claimed to have used a lighter to ignite his mother’s sarong inside the house. Once it caught fire, he threw it around the room, causing the fire to spread uncontrollably. He confessed to leaving the house and watching the fire spread but could not explain his motive. According to the suspect’s grandmother, Ms. Ruean Kaikaew, 67, who shared the rental unit with him and his mother, Mr. Natthawut had a history of drug use, including kratom and cannabis. She suspected that he had consumed an excessive amount, which may have triggered hallucinations and erratic behaviour. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as tenants from neighbouring units fled with their belongings to escape the fire. Many expressed shock at seeing Mr. Natthawut sitting across the street, laughing as he observed the destruction. Police have taken Mr. Natthawut into custody for further questioning at Prakhon Chai Police Station. If sufficient evidence is gathered, he is expected to face charges of arson, which carries severe penalties under Thai law. Authorities are continuing their investigation and assessing the damage caused by the fire, which has left multiple families displaced and traumatised. -- 2024-12-23

Fatal Road Crash in Prachinburi Leaves One Dead and One Injured The Sawang Bampen Dhammasathan Rescue Centre in Prachinburi received a report at 00:05 of a road traffic crash on Highway 3079, near the entrance to the Eua Athorn Housing Estate in Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346922-fatal-road-crash-in-prachinburi-leaves-one-dead-and-one-injured/

Picture from responders. The Sawang Bampen Dhammasathan Rescue Centre in Prachinburi received a report at 00:05 on December 22 of a road traffic crash on Highway 3079, near the entrance to the Eua Athorn Housing Estate in Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi. Upon arrival, rescue volunteers discovered a collision between a white pickup truck and a motorcycle. Initial assessments revealed that the motorcyclist, a man, was unresponsive and showed no pulse. Rescuers immediately performed CPR and deployed an AED while coordinating with medics from Si Maha Phot Hospital for further support. Tragically, medical teams later confirmed the motorcyclist’s death at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck sustained an arm injury caused by the activation of the vehicle’s airbag and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Local police from Si Maha Phot Police Station were informed and arrived at the scene to begin their investigation. Witnesses reported that the pickup driver had swerved through fixed cones marking the centre of the road and collided head-on with the motorcycle. The motorcycle was reportedly travelling on the far left, within the correct lane. The deceased motorcyclist’s body was transported to Si Maha Phot Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Both vehicles involved were taken to the police station for further analysis. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to determine the precise circumstances leading to the fatal collision. -- 2024-12-23

Buriram Man Sets Motorcycle Ablaze in Drug-Fuelled Rampage, Subdued by Taser A 29-year-old man in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram, had to be subdued by police using a taser after a drug-induced episode in which he set his motorcycle on fire, nearly igniting his home in the process. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346921-buriram-man-sets-motorcycle-ablaze-in-drug-fuelled-rampage-subdued-by-taser/

Picture from responders. The mysterious death of a 45-year-old Thai woman in Jomtien, Chonburi, has left local authorities perplexed, as her foreign partner was found living with her decomposing body for three days. The woman, identified as Duangta Khampongsom, from Sisaket province, was discovered at approximately 13.00 on December 22, in a fifth-floor room No. 505, of a commercial apartment building in Jomtien. Police and emergency services were alerted by Mr. Prayoon Chinsai, 57, the building’s caretaker, to a report of a suspicious death. Upon arrival, they found Duangta’s body in a state of decomposition, indicating she had been dead for at least three days. She was found lying on a bed, wearing only denim shorts, with no signs of struggle or disturbance in the room. Duangta had been staying with 77-year-old Irishman Mr. Bearach Beataidh, who had reportedly been renting the room since 16th October, initially on a daily basis and later transitioning to a monthly arrangement. Authorities quickly located Bearach, who had left the apartment earlier that morning and was walking along Jomtien Beach, in a confused and incoherent state, near the Grand Jomtien Hotel. He was taken in for questioning. Bearach stated that Duangta had been working in a local bar and was assaulted by a group of people before arriving at his apartment on 18th December. She later vomited and appeared to fall asleep. When she failed to wake up the following day, he assumed she was merely exhausted. Bearach denied realising she had passed away, stating that he did not smell any odour from her body. That is why he didn’t report it or alert the apartment management. Instead, he allowed the body to remain in the room, where it began to decompose and emit a foul odour, which spread throughout the building, prompting complaints from other residents. He had continued to stay at the apartment with her body on the bed Further investigation revealed that Bearach had frequently brought different women to stay at the apartment. Authorities are now questioning him further, as they remain sceptical of his account. They are working to determine whether Duangta’s death was due to natural causes, drug use, or if foul play was involved. The body has been sent for a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations into the death are ongoing. No charges have been filed yet, until further evidence can confirm the circumstances surrounding Ms. Duangta’s untimely death. -- 2024-12-23

Picture from responders. A 29-year-old man in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram, had to be subdued by police using a taser after a drug-induced episode in which he set his motorcycle on fire, nearly igniting his home in the process. The man, identified as Phon, reportedly became violent and refused to comply with police orders, arming himself with both an axe and a knife. Officers attempted to negotiate but were ultimately forced to deploy a taser to bring him under control and prevent further escalation. Phon’s mother shared with authorities that her son had been hardworking, growing and selling vegetables to earn a living. However, she revealed that he had spent his earnings on methamphetamine, which she believes triggered his erratic behaviour. The mother has urged police to detain him for an extended period to ensure the safety of those around him. Police are holding the man in custody as they continue their investigation into the incident. -- 2024-12-23 ScreenRecording_12-22-2024 20-18-51_1.mp4

Maintenance Worker Seriously Injured in Early Morning Motorcycle Crash In the early hours, a 28-year-old maintenance worker, identified only by his nickname “Por,” sustained critical injuries after his motorcycle collided with a tree in Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346920-maintenance-worker-seriously-injured-in-early-morning-motorcycle-crash/

Picture from responders. In the early hours of 22 December, a 28-year-old maintenance worker, identified only by his nickname “Por,” sustained critical injuries after his motorcycle collided with a tree in Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. The accident occurred at approximately 02:50 near a glass factory on Soi Wat Bang Ya Phraek. Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and an emergency unit from Samut Prakan Hospital were alerted by the 1669 emergency line and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers found Mr. Por lying unconscious and unresponsive, with a large head wound and severe blood loss. Efforts to resuscitate him, including CPR for over 20 minutes and AED, were unsuccessful at the scene. He was transported to Muang Samut Pu Chao Hospital for further treatment. Nearby, a black Honda Scoopy motorcycle, registration plate Bangkok, was discovered with extensive front-end damage. The base of the tree bore marks of a violent collision. A co-worker, Mr. Tanu Tangtan, 36, stated that he and Mr. Por had attended a company party at the factory earlier in the night. Mr. Por left about five minutes before him. As Mr. Tanu entered the same Soi to return home, he came across the crash scene and realised the injured man was his colleague. He attempted CPR while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Local resident Mr. Pu, 44, who witnessed the crash, reported that he saw Mr. Por riding at high speed and swerving before the motorcycle veered off and struck the tree with a loud impact. Mr. Pu rushed to assist but, seeing the severe bleeding, refrained from moving the victim and called for emergency help. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. -- 2024-12-23

Three Abandoned Dogs Attack Residents in Suphan Buri; Authorities Capture One Dog Authorities in Suphan Buri have captured one of three abandoned dogs, reported to be possibly pit bulls, after they attacked residents near a popular tourist spot. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346918-three-abandoned-dogs-attack-residents-in-suphan-buri-authorities-capture-one-dog/

Picture from the capture of the male dog. Authorities in Suphan Buri have captured one of three abandoned dogs, reported to be possibly pit bulls, after they attacked residents near a popular tourist spot. The incident occurred on 21 December in U Thong District, near the Khao Phra Reservoir in Suphan Buri Province. Locals reported seeing three dogs abandoned in the area near the U Thong Buddha Carving, a well-known attraction where many people exercise in the evening. Unfortunately, the dogs attacked a passerby, leaving them injured before others intervened to stop the attack. Concerned residents, fearing further incidents, urged authorities to act swiftly. Veterinary officials, led by Mr. Teerapong Jariyarangseeroj, the U Thong District Livestock Officer, coordinated with a team of over 10 personnel from the Provincial Veterinary Office. Using tranquiliser guns, they began an extensive search of the surrounding area, even deploying drones for aerial surveillance. One male dog was tranquillised and captured, but two others remain at large. Near the site of the sightings, officials discovered a makeshift feeding station, including a water container and three bowls of dog food. It is suspected that someone, possibly the original owner, has been secretly returning to feed the animals. Mr. Teerapong explained that the dogs were likely abandoned due to their owner being unable to care for them but still feeling a connection. He urged the owner to come forward and assist authorities in capturing the remaining two dogs, ensuring public safety and proper care for the animals. A local coffee shop owner, Mr. Anothai, shared his account of a recent attack. On 20 December, a resident exercising near the Buddha carving encountered someone feeding the dogs. As the resident jogged past, the dogs attacked, biting their leg and shoulder. Others intervened, preventing a more serious incident. Residents have called on authorities to capture the remaining dogs quickly and have urged pet owners to act responsibly. “If you can no longer care for your pets, contact officials to ensure they are rehomed properly,” said Mr. Anothai. “Abandoning them like this puts everyone at risk.” The search for the two remaining dogs is ongoing. -- 2024-12-23

Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Turning Pickup Truck in Nonthaburi A crash claimed the life of a young motorcyclist after a collision with a pickup truck in Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346917-motorcyclist-killed-in-collision-with-turning-pickup-truck-in-nonthaburi/

Picture from responders. A crash claimed the life of a young motorcyclist after a collision with a pickup truck in Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi, on the morning of December 21. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 on a road alongside the Khlong Prapa canal in Moo 10, Ban Mai Subdistrict. Police from Bang Mae Nang Police Station, along with a medical examiner from the Institute of Forensic Science and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene after receiving the report. Upon arrival, authorities found a grey Isuzu pickup truck with front-end damage, parked across the road. The motorcycle, a black-and-red Honda Click, registration from Bangkok, was lodged at the front of the pickup. The motorcyclist, a man estimated to be aged 20-25, was thrown from his vehicle upon impact and died instantly. No identification documents were found on the deceased. CCTV footage from the area captured the moment the accident occurred. The footage shows the pickup truck making a sudden right turn, cutting across the path of the oncoming motorcycle. The motorcyclist, travelling at speed, collided forcefully with the front of the truck, causing him to be thrown to the ground. The pickup driver told police that he had been driving along the road and was turning right into a car modification shop when the motorcycle, approaching at high speed, crashed into his vehicle. Police have documented the scene and taken an initial statement from the pickup driver. Further questioning of the driver and eyewitnesses will be conducted to determine the precise cause of the incident. The body of the deceased has been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Science for an autopsy. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing. -- 2024-12-23

Chai Nat: Heavy Drinking to Stay Warm Leads to Noodle Seller’s Death on the Road In an incident in Chai Nat province, a chicken noodle vendor succumbed to heavy drinking in an attempt to stay warm during the cold weather, collapsing and passing away inside his vehicle in the middle of a busy road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346915-chai-nat-heavy-drinking-to-stay-warm-leads-to-noodle-seller’s-death-on-the-road/