Georgealbert

Tourist Arrested in Fatal Jet Ski Incident at Phuket Beach A 25-year-old tourist, reported in the Thai media as being Austrian, has been arrested in connection with a fatal jet ski collision that claimed the life of a Russian swimmer at Karon Beach on December 17. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346682-tourist-arrested-in-fatal-jet-ski-incident-at-phuket-beach/

Picture captured from CCTV. A 25-year-old tourist, reported in the Thai media as being Austrian, has been arrested in connection with a fatal jet ski collision that claimed the life of a Russian swimmer at Karon Beach on December 17. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Kirill, was swimming near the Sue Puen Mon Bai restaurant when he was struck by a speeding jet ski. Initially reported that the victim was also on a jet ski, the case took a darker turn after witness statements and CCTV footage revealed that the victim was swimming when hit by a jet ski, which then fled the scene. Local fishermen discovered Kirill’s body shortly after midnight on December 18. At first, authorities were unable to identify the deceased, but a hotel-branded beach towel left onshore led them to confirm he was a Russian tourist traveling alone. Police reviewed CCTV footage from a nearby hotel, which showed two foreigners operating jet skis in the area. Local rental operators identified the jet skis as belonging to the “Chao Mai” company, which had rented out three vessels, at the time of the incident. Subsequent inspections revealed that the jet ski operated by Austrian national, identified only as Mr David, bore scratches and paint damage on its front section, while the other jet skis showed no damage. Following an intensive investigation, authorities tracked the suspect to a resort on Phi Phi Island, Krabi Province. A joint operation involving Phi Phi Island Police, Karon Police, Immigration officials, and Tourist Police led to David’s arrest at around 18:30 on December 19. Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Phi Phi Island Police Station, led the arrest team, acting on a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The suspect, who denies all charges, faces accusations of reckless endangerment resulting in death. David has been transferred to Karon Police Station in Phuket for further investigation. RELATED TOPIC: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346604-russian-tourist-dies-in-jet-ski-collision-off-phuket-coast/ -- 2024-12-20

Woman Jumps to Her Death at Phuket Hotel A 57-year-old woman from Chiang Rai tragically jumped to her death from the fourth floor of a hotel located on Luang Pho Road in the Talad Yai subdistrict of Muang Phuket district. Police suspect the incident to be a suicide. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346639-woman-jumps-to-her-death-at-phuket-hotel/

Picture from responders. A 57-year-old woman from Chiang Rai tragically jumped to her death from the fourth floor of a hotel located on Luang Pho Road in the Talad Yai subdistrict of Muang Phuket district. Police suspect the incident to be a suicide. The incident was reported to Pol. Lt. Udom Phetcharat, Investigating Officer at Phuket City Police Station, at 06:40 on December 19. He promptly informed Pol. Col. Prathuang Phonmana, Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station, before heading to the scene with forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital and officials from Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation. Upon arrival, the lifeless body of Ms. Emika, 57, was found lying face down. It was suspected that she had jumped from her fourth-floor hotel room. A thorough inspection of the room revealed that the door was latched from the inside, leading authorities to initially conclude the cause of death was suicide by jumping. Officials documented the scene and arranged for the body to be sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a forensic autopsy. The family of the deceased has been contacted to collect the body and to provide more background information on the victim. Police have reviewed the hotel security CCTV and have no evidence that anyone else was in the room, before or at the time of the incident. 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. -- 2024-12-19

Villagers Alarmed as Wild Elephants Invade Village in Omkoi, Chiang Mai Villagers in Khun Tuen Mai Village, Moo 6, Mae Tuen Subdistrict, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai, are living in fear after two wild elephants were spotted wandering out of the Doi Mon Chong forest, part of the Omkoi National Reserved Forest, and entering their community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346609-villagers-alarmed-as-wild-elephants-invade-village-in-omkoi-chiang-mai/

Picture from villagers. Villagers in Khun Tuen Mai Village, Moo 6, Mae Tuen Subdistrict, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai, are living in fear after two wild elephants were spotted wandering out of the Doi Mon Chong forest, part of the Omkoi National Reserved Forest, and entering their community. Videos captured by locals show the two elephants walking through the area near Kho Pa Temple before heading deeper into the village. Frightened residents kept their distance, worried about the potential danger of being attacked. Naput Worapat Sirisakul, a villager who recorded the incident, described the elephants as two young males. He believes they left the forest in search of food or possibly to mate with domesticated female elephants owned by villagers. According to him, the elephants have been entering the village both day and night for several days, causing sleepless nights for residents who have had to stay alert and warn each other to avoid getting too close. “These elephants have been coming out of Doi Mon Chong almost daily and are likely to continue until around June,” Naput explained. “In the past, wild elephants have injured villagers. We hope authorities will step in to help, as we are currently living in constant fear.” Krin Hirankrailas, head of the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, revealed that the area is home to wild elephants from multiple groups residing in the Mae Chaem-Mae Tuen National Forest Reserve and the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, which are connected. It is estimated that about 80 wild elephants live in the sanctuary alone. Krin explained that the elephants’ intrusion into the village could be due to their natural foraging patterns. “Wild elephants tend to follow their habitual foraging routes. If they encounter communities with cultivated crops, they may linger in those areas, as they serve as convenient food sources,” he said. To address concerns about potential attacks, villagers are advised to report sightings to the nearest Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation office. Officials can then investigate and implement preventive measures. In the meantime, villagers are urged to keep their distance from the elephants and use noise-making tools, such as banging on wood, to gently drive them away. They are also encouraged to share updates and warnings within the community to ensure everyone’s safety. -- 2024-12-19

Miraculous Escape: Woman Survives Early Morning Car Crash Near Pattaya A serious car crash occurred early morning, on the parallel frontage road next to Highway 7 in Bang Lamung, where a vehicle collided with an electricity pole in front of the 7-Eleven distribution centre. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346608-miraculous-escape-woman-survives-early-morning-car-crash-near-pattaya/

Picture and video from responders. A serious car crash occurred at 01:20 on December 19, on the parallel frontage road next to Highway 7 in Bang Lamung, where a vehicle collided with an electricity pole in front of the 7-Eleven distribution centre. In what has been described as a miraculous escape, the sole occupant, a woman, survived the potentially fatal incident with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene to find the driver conscious and sat on the roadside but in pain. She had sustained only a facial laceration and was provided with first aid before being transported to Bang Lamung Hospital for further medical checks. Her identity was later disclosed as Ms. Wiphawan Thepchantada, aged 21 years old. According to witnesses in a car behind, the car, the white Honda Jazz registered in Bangkok, was seen veering off the road at high speed before slamming into the electricity pole. The force of the collision caused extensive damage to the vehicle, but no other vehicles were involved. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary assessments suggest the driver may have lost control due to fatigue or alcohol, though other factors, such as mechanical failure and potential distractions, are also being examined. Emergency responders highlighted that the woman’s decision to wear a seatbelt, coupled with the activation of airbags, likely saved her from more severe injuries or even death. -- 2024-12-19 ScreenRecording_12-19-2024 10-17-57_1.mp4

Russian Tourist Dies in Jet Ski Collision Off Phuket Coast A Russian tourist lost his life following a jet ski collision off Karon Beach, Phuket. The victim, identified as 58-year-old was reported missing following the incident, which led to an extensive search operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346604-russian-tourist-dies-in-jet-ski-collision-off-phuket-coast/

Picture courtesy of Thaiger A Russian tourist lost his life following a jet ski collision off Karon Beach, Phuket, on the evening of December 17. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Mr. Kirill, was reported missing after the incident, which led to an extensive search operation. The incident came to public attention when a fellow tourist sought assistance from a nearby beach shop. Jate, the 29-year-old shop owner, promptly informed Karon Police Station. Although surveillance footage of the sea was made available, the moment of collision was not captured. Local authorities, including the Pak Bang Water Rescue Center and several rescue foundations, initiated an immediate search. At approximately 00:45 on December 18, local fishermen discovered Mr. Kirill’s body trapped among rocks in the water. Rescue workers recovered the victim’s body and brought it ashore, where medical examiners from Vachira Phuket Hospital conducted a preliminary examination. They estimated the time of death to be between two to four hours before discovery. While no visible wounds were detected, a full autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death. The Russian Embassy has been informed and is coordinating with the victim’s relatives. This incident occurred amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal jet ski operations in Phuket. On the same day, maritime authorities conducted inspections around Laem Nga, Mali Island, and Pae Island, uncovering 18 unlicensed jet skis. Under the Thai Waters Navigation Act, operators of these illegal vessels face fines of up to 10,000 baht per vessel and are barred from operating until they meet legal requirements. The tragic loss of Mr. Kirill highlights growing concerns over safety and regulatory enforcement in the popular tourist destination. Original story: Thaiger -- 2024-12-19

Tourists Ignore Police in Patong: Drag Locked Motorbike Through Streets A video capturing an incident in Patong, Phuket, has gone viral on social media. Two foreign tourists were seen defying local law enforcement by dragging a motorbike with a police wheel lock still attached, ignoring warnings from bystanders. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346593-tourists-ignore-police-in-patong-drag-locked-motorbike-through-streets/

Picture and video from facebook. A video capturing an incident in Patong, Phuket, has gone viral on social media. Two foreign tourists were seen defying local law enforcement by dragging a motorbike with a police wheel lock still attached, ignoring warnings from bystanders. The video, shared by Facebook user Somsak Lechai, shows the tourists attempting to remove the chain securing the wheel lock. When that failed, one tourist rode the motorbike while the other dragged it along the road, completely ignoring warnings from nearby taxi drivers and passersby who tried to intervene. The post sarcastically commented, “Police wheel locks don’t work on Grade A tourists.” The incident occurred on Thaweewong Road, in the Kathu district of Patong. According to the person who filmed the video, the tourists were repeatedly told not to move the motorbike, as it was under police enforcement. Despite this, they continued their actions, seemingly unfazed. The footage has sparked widespread discussion and criticism online, with comments ranging from disbelief to humor. Social media users remarked, “The rental bike will be destroyed for sure,” and, “This only happens in Phuket, where money seems to solve everything.” Others suggested that stronger enforcement measures, such as anchor chains, might be needed to deal with such behaviour. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign tourists in Thailand following the introduction of the visa-free entry policy. Some netizens linked the tourists’ behavior to a lack of respect for local laws, with comments like, “Free visa equals free law,” and, “Even in Phuket, they dare to act like this. The law is powerless here.” The video has further fueled ongoing debates about the treatment of tourists and the enforcement of local laws in Thailand’s popular tourist destinations. Local authorities have yet to comment on the matter. -- 2024-12-19 ScreenRecording_12-19-2024 05-40-54_1.mp4

UPDATE Steel Plant Explosion in Rayong Leaves Seven Injured An explosion at a steel smelting plant in the WHA Industrial Estate, Nong Lalok Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province, has left seven workers injured. The incident occurred due to a gas transportation error, sparking a fire and causing widespread panic as hundreds of employees fled the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346566-steel-factory-explosion-in-rayong-leaves-dozens-injured-and-trapped/#findComment-19455936

UPDATE Steel Plant Explosion in Rayong Leaves Seven Injured Picture and video from responders. An explosion at a steel smelting plant in the WHA Industrial Estate, Nong Lalok Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province, has left seven workers injured. The incident occurred due to a gas transportation error, sparking a fire and causing widespread panic as hundreds of employees fled the scene. The explosion, at the Sin Ke Yuan Steel Company, took place at around 13:30, resulted in three blasts at the smelting facility, followed by a massive fire. More than ten fire trucks were deployed to the site, and it took firefighters 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Initial investigations revealed that the explosion occurred during the unloading of gas cylinders from a transport truck using a crane. A malfunction in the lifting machinery caused the cylinders to fall, leak and explode, severely damaging the crane and two gas delivery trucks. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Nuchanarot of the Ban Khai Police, seven individuals were injured in the incident: Severely injured were listed as: • Two Chinese workers • One Thai worker Minor injuries: • Two Myanmar workers • One Cambodian worker • One Thai worker ScreenRecording_12-18-2024 16-59-54_1.mp4 This is not the first safety incident at the plant. In March 2024, a crane collapse at the same company led to the deaths of seven workers, raising concerns about the company’s safety protocols. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the explosion to determine the exact cause and ensure accountability. Picture from after the fire on December 18. -- 2024-12-19

34-Year-Old Woman Dies After Motorcycle Crash into Canal in Ratchaburi A 34-year-old woman drowned after her motorcycle skidded off a curve and plunged into a canal in Ratchaburi’s Photharam district early morning on 18 December. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346590-34-year-old-woman-dies-after-motorcycle-crash-into-canal-in-ratchaburi/

Picture from responders. A 34-year-old woman drowned after her motorcycle skidded off a curve and plunged into a canal in Ratchaburi’s Photharam district early morning on 18 December. At approximately 07:00 Pol. Lt. Paiwan Sriphana, an investigator from Photharam Police Station, was informed of a motorcycle and a pair of sandals found in bushes near a bridge crossing Ban Mai Canal in Moo 10, Klong Ta Kot Subdistrict. Upon receiving the report, officers, medical personnel from Photharam Hospital, and the Sawang Ratchaburi rescue team rushed to the scene. Authorities discovered a heavily damaged blue-and-black Honda Wave 100 motorcycle with its front wheel shattered. Nearby, a pair of sandals and a hospital receipt bearing the name Ms. Nan aged 34, were also found. Skid marks were visible on the road above, but the rider was missing. Rescue teams conducted a search along the canal banks and recovered the victim’s body submerged in the water. The woman was found face down, wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and black jeans. A postmortem examination revealed a deep wound above her right eyebrow and abrasions across her body. Authorities estimate she had been dead for 5-6 hours. A younger friend of the deceased identified the body as Ms. Nan, matching the name on the hospital receipt. The friend explained that Ms. Nan had visited her home the previous night, where they drank together. At around midnight, Ms. Nan left to return home. Later, it was revealed that Ms. Nan had forgotten her phone and likely returned to retrieve it. Unfortunately, she never made it back, and the crash occurred before she reached her destination. Mr. Somnuk Kiengmanee, 72, the person who discovered the motorcycle, said, “I was driving to my farm when I noticed a motorcycle stuck in the bushes near the bridge. When I got closer, I only found the vehicle and the sandals, so I suspected something bad had happened and immediately informed the police.” Pol. Lt. Paiwan Sriphana stated that the body would be sent for a formal autopsy to confirm the cause of death. Meanwhile, the victim’s family has been notified. Authorities suspect the crash occurred when Ms. Nan lost control of her motorcycle on a curve near the canal. Investigations are ongoing to rule out any foul play. -- 2024-12-19

Chinese National Arrested for Smuggling 120kg of Heroin Hidden in Car Batteries: Nong Khai Authorities seized 120 kilograms of heroin hidden inside car batteries and arrested a Chinese national in connection with the case. The illicit drugs, valued at approximately 70 million baht were being transported from Bangkok with a final destination in Nong Khai. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346589-chinese-national-arrested-for-smuggling-120kg-of-heroin-hidden-in-car-batteries-nong-khai/

Picture courtesy of the police. Authorities seized 120 kilograms of heroin hidden inside car batteries and arrested a Chinese national in connection with the case. The illicit drugs, valued at approximately 70 million baht were being transported from Bangkok with a final destination in Nong Khai. The operation, which took place at around 15:00 on December 18, involved multiple agencies, including Nong Khai Provincial Police, Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, forensic experts, and military personnel. Led by Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Piratch Udompisutthikun, the team inspected 20 boxes containing car batteries. Each box held four batteries, and each battery concealed 8-9 packages of heroin sealed with cement. The investigation began after a private shipping company near Nong Khai Railway Station reported a suspicious package. The company informed police that a Thai man had dropped off the package in Bangkok, acting nervously. Upon arrival in Nong Khai, authorities monitored the delivery point and observed a Chinese man checking the packages. Police detained the suspect with the assistance of a Chinese translator. The boxes were disguised as alcohol shipments, but upon closer inspection, the batteries showed signs of tampering. Inside, authorities discovered the heroin. During questioning, the suspect claimed he was hired by a Chinese acquaintance in Vientiane, Laos, to oversee the delivery and inspect the packages at the shipping depot. The drugs were intended to be smuggled out of Thailand and into Vietnam. Officials noted that the heroin’s street value could increase tenfold if trafficked to markets in the U.S. or Europe. Authorities are continuing their investigation, gathering evidence and questioning witnesses to ensure all those involved in the smuggling operation are brought to justice. This marks another significant drug seizure as Thailand intensifies its crackdown on narcotics trafficking in the region. -- 2024-12-19

42-Year-Old SUV Driver Collapses, Causes Four-Vehicle Collision at Chumphon Intersection A construction instructor, aged 42, suffered a suspected asthma attack while driving, leading to a four-vehicle collision at the Sala Daeng Intersection in Chumphon Municipality. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346588-42-year-old-suv-driver-collapses-causes-four-vehicle-collision-at-chumphon-intersection/

Picture from responders. A construction instructor, aged 42, suffered a suspected asthma attack while driving, leading to a four-vehicle collision at the Sala Daeng Intersection in Chumphon Municipality. The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 on December 18. Rescue teams from the Chumphon Charity Foundation rushed to the scene after being notified of a multi-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, authorities found a black Honda overturned on its side with a gray Honda Wave motorcycle lying damaged nearby. Across the intersection, a white Isuzu pickup truck from Ayutthaya was hit at the rear, resulting in a broken taillight, a damaged rear wheel, and significant front-end damage. A gray Isuzu D-Max pickup, also caught in the crash, sustained minor damage to its tailgate. Preliminary investigations by police, corroborated by witness statements and CCTV footage, revealed that the white pickup truck was stationary at a red light when the Honda failed to brake and collided into its rear. The impact caused the Honda to overturn and strike the parked motorcycle, while the white pickup was pushed forward into the rear of another pickup truck. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but four vehicles were damaged in total. Traffic officers stationed nearby initially suspected the driver of the Honda identified as Mr. Somchai, may have been using his phone while driving. However, further investigation is required to confirm the exact cause of the incident. According to a colleague of Mr. Somchai, he is a construction instructor at a local educational institution and suffers from asthma. She mentioned that Mr. Somchai had experienced asthma symptoms earlier that morning before leaving for errands in Chumphon city. It is believed that his condition may have worsened, leading to the accident. Rescue personnel transported Mr. Somchai to a hospital for treatment, and investigators will conduct further inquiries to determine the definitive cause of the collision. -- 2024-12-19

Thieves Steal Gold & Cash Worth Over 1.5 Million Baht From Pattaya Apartment Pictures courtesy of Sattahip News. Pattaya City Police Station reported a theft on December 18, where burglars broke into a safe inside an apartment in Soi Korpai, Pattaya, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Full story :https://aseannow.com/topic/1346586-thieves-steal-gold-cash-worth-over-15-million-baht-from-pattaya-apartment/

Pictures courtesy of Sattahip News. Pattaya City Police Station reported a theft on December 18, where burglars broke into a safe inside an apartment in Soi Korpai, Pattaya, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The incident took place at Apartment No. 567, Moo 10. Police found Ms. Sasikarn Tungchan, 44, a Chonburi resident, waiting outside Room 203 to report the crime. She revealed that the thieves had stolen 32 baht-weight of gold jewellery, valued at approximately 1,400,000 baht, and 300,000 baht in cash. Upon inspection, officers discovered that the room had only one entrance door with no signs of forced entry. The windows, secured with steel bars, were also intact. However, the safe had been forcibly opened and was heavily damaged. Ms. Sasikarn explained that she rented the apartment to stay in whenever her foreign partner visited Thailand. In his absence, she used the room to store valuables, as she believed it was highly secure with a fence, barred windows, a safe, and security cameras. However, when she arrived to check the room, she noticed the security camera had been removed. Upon closer inspection, she found the safe had been tampered with and all valuables stolen. She expressed confusion about how the thieves gained access to the room without any sign of a break-in. She emphasised that only she and the apartment owner had keys, and inquiries about the security cameras revealed they were out of order, raising further suspicions. A neighbour mentioned seeing a tall man smoking inside the room earlier but assumed he was the owner’s partner. They also reported hearing noises late at night. Additionally, in the vacant Room 201 nearby, investigators found discarded water bottles and cigarette butts, which were collected as evidence. Pol. Capt. Itthikorn Saikrathok of Pattaya City Police has ordered investigators to examine footage from security cameras at the apartment and nearby areas. Authorities are working to track down the suspects and bring them to justice in accordance with the law. -- 2024-12-19

Teenager Ignored Warning,14-Year-Old Girl Dies, 2 Critically Injured A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl and left two young men critically injured after the rider ignored warnings to drive safely. The incident occurred on December 18 at the Phak Tho intersection, Highway 4033, in Pho Kao Ton, Mueang District, Lopburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346585-teenager-ignored-warning14-year-old-girl-dies-2-critically-injured/

Picture from responders. A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl and left two young men critically injured after the rider ignored warnings to drive safely. The incident occurred on December 18 at the Phak Tho intersection, Highway 4033, in Pho Kao Ton, Mueang District, Lopburi. Pol. Lt. Wichai Saenbut, an investigator at Tha Hin Police Station, received the report of a collision involving a motorcycle and a six-wheeled tow truck. He rushed to the scene with Narai Maharaj Hospital medical staff and rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Upon arrival, authorities found three victims unconscious on the road. Two male teenagers were critically injured, while a 14-year-old girl had succumbed to her injuries. The girl’s body was found with severe wounds to her face, head, and legs. Rescue teams quickly transported the injured to Narai Maharaj Hospital. Approximately 20 metres from the scene, a blue Honda Wave 125 motorcycle without a license plate lay overturned with its front damaged. The other vehicle involved, a white Isuzu six-wheeled tow truck with Lopburi license plate, was parked on the roadside. The truck driver, Mr. Chawa Sila, 44, awaited police questioning. Mr. Chawa recounted the events leading up to the collision, stating that he had just finished delivering a vehicle and was signaling to turn right at the Phak Tho intersection. While making the turn, a speeding motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction failed to avoid his vehicle and crashed violently into the rear of the truck. A friend of the victims, who had been riding another motorcycle alongside them, revealed that the group had been traveling from Ban Boak Subdistrict, Tha Wung District, to visit a night market in Mueang Lopburi. The group consisted of two motorcycles, with the rider 22, accompanied by the other male as a passenger behind him and the 14-year-old girl seated in front of the rider. The friend stated that before leaving the market, he had warned the rider not to drive recklessly, as it was dangerous. Despite the warning, the group sped ahead. Moments later, the friend came upon the devastating scene, realising it was his companions who had been involved in the crash. Police documented the scene and plan to review nearby surveillance footage to clarify the events. The girl’s body has been sent for autopsy at Narai Maharaj Hospital. Meanwhile, the tow truck driver is being held for further investigation and legal proceedings. -- 2024-12-19