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Picture from responders. On the morning of December 12, a devastating traffic collision occurred in the vicinity of Ban Chor Ho School, located in Chor Ho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident involved a pickup truck hitting an elderly woman as she attempted to cross the road. The foundation HooK31 rescue team, along with medical staff from Maharaj Hospital and local police officers from the Chor Ho Police Station, were swiftly alerted and responded to the scene. At approximately 10:00 emergency teams arrived at the location to find a gray four-door pickup truck at the scene. Nearby, they discovered the lifeless body of a woman, reported as 69 years old, lying on the sidewalk. The woman had tragically sustained severe injuries, with the force of the impact having decapitated her and internal organs were scattered across the car and area. The horrific scene prompted immediate action from rescue volunteers who colleccted the remains and transported the deceased to the Forensic Department at Maharaj Hospital for further examination. The authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the collision , although preliminary reports suggest that the elderly woman was struck as she walked out into the road in front of the car. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and is assisting with the investigation. As the investigation continues, officials are reviewing CCTV and interviewing witnesses to establish the full facts of the incident. The incident has left the community in mourning, and the authorities are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the collision and whether any additional factors contributed to the fatal crash. -- 2024-12-13

Authorities Seize Chemicals for Producing Etomidate Used in E-Cigarettes A joint operation led by Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has uncovered a stockpile of chemicals used to produce Etomidate, a dangerous substance increasingly misused in e-cigarettes. Authorities revealed that the seized materials could produce up to 600,000 e-cigarette doses, posing severe health risks, including respiratory failure. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346068-authorities-seize-chemicals-for-producing-etomidate-used-in-e-cigarettes/

Picture courtesy of ONCB A joint operation led by Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has uncovered a stockpile of chemicals used to produce Etomidate, a dangerous substance increasingly misused in e-cigarettes. Authorities revealed that the seized materials could produce up to 600,000 e-cigarette doses, posing severe health risks, including respiratory failure. The raid took place at 13:30 on December 12 at a warehouse in Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok. The operation was spearheaded by ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, along with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Industrial Works, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), the Royal Thai Navy, and the National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) of China. The seizure followed a tip-off from Chinese authorities, who had apprehended suspects linked to Etomidate trafficking in China. Investigations revealed that four Chinese nationals smuggled 3.5 tons of chemicals into Thailand for Etomidate production. The raid uncovered seven types of chemicals; 1. Phenylethylamine 2. Triethylamine 3. Benzene 4. Ethyl chloroacetate 5. Formic acid (85%) 6. Ethyl formate 7. Potassium thiocyanate These substances, stored in 11 containers 2,200 litres, could produce 200 kilograms of Etomidate, valued at 140 million baht in the Chinese market. Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat explained that Etomidate is a short-acting anesthetic requiring strict medical supervision. However, it has been repurposed as an illicit additive in e-cigarettes, causing neurological damage, tremors, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. The substance is reportedly spreading across China and Taiwan and has begun to surface in Thailand. The ONCB emphasized that while Etomidate is not yet classified as a narcotic in Thailand, its potential misuse could lead to it being reclassified as a controlled substance under the Psychotropic Substances Act. Officials also warned of the risks to youths, as Etomidate-laced e-cigarettes could induce unconsciousness, leaving individuals vulnerable to abuse. Authorities are pursuing the four Chinese suspects connected to the operation. The chemicals were smuggled via maritime routes and stored in the rented warehouse. The warehouse owner has cooperated with the investigation and provided critical information leading to the seizure. This case marks the latest in Thailand’s efforts to combat the use of precursor chemicals for manufacturing illicit substances. The ONCB and its partners remain committed to dismantling cross-border networks using Thailand as a production hub for dangerous chemicals. -- 2024-12-13

Gunmen on Motorcycles Attack Soldiers in Narathiwat Two soldiers from the 4908 Ranger Unit were injured, with one later dying, in a shooting attack while transporting sand to assist flood victims in Narathiwat. The incident occurred near the bridge connecting the villages of Ban Manangkae Yang and Ban Pari in the Chanae district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346067-gunmen-on-motorcycles-attack-soldiers-in-narathiwat/

Picture from responders. Two soldiers from the 4908 Ranger Unit were injured, with one later dying, in a shooting attack while transporting sand to assist flood victims in Narathiwat. The incident occurred at 10:45 on December 12, near the bridge connecting the villages of Ban Manangkae Yang and Ban Pari in the Chanae district. Pol. Col. Narawi Bin Waerong, the head of the Chanae Police Station, was notified of the attack and quickly dispatched a team including Lt. Col. Akkarayot Sidaoket, Commander of the 4908 Ranger Unit, bomb disposal specialists, and forensic officers to the scene. At the location, authorities discovered a black Toyota Vigo pickup truck parked with several sandbags in the bed, indicating the soldiers were in the process of loading sand to aid residents affected by flooding. Nearby, they found multiple sandbags and blood stains. Ten spent M16 shell casings were recovered along the roadside. The two injured soldiers, identified as Pvt. Wutthichai and Pvt. Chakraphon, were transported to Chanae Hospital before being transferred to larger medical facilities for further treatment. Pvt. Chakraphong sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm, which resulted in a broken bone, while Pvt. Wutthichai was shot in the chest. Sadly latest reports, on the evening of December 12. was that Pvt. Wutthichai had passed away at Yala Hospital. According to witnesses, the attack took place as eight soldiers were loading sand into the truck. Four assailants, riding two motorcycles, slowed down near the soldiers and opened fire, firing 10 rounds from M16 rifles. Both Pvt. Wutthichai and Pvt. Chakraphong were hit before the gunmen quickly fled the scene. Authorities suspect that the attack was carried out by insurgents aiming to target soldiers. This incident is believed to be part of ongoing violence linked to separatist groups in the region, as the soldiers were regularly targeted by militants in the area. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2024-12-13

Crash Claims Two Lives: Car Driver Falls Asleep and Collides with Motorcycle A couple lost their lives when a car veered off course after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The collision occurred on the Amphawa-Bang Nok Kwaek Road in Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram. The victims were a husband and wife traveling on a motorcycle, leaving behind two orphaned sons. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346066-crash-claims-two-lives-car-driver-falls-asleep-and-collides-with-motorcycle/

Picture from responders. A couple lost their lives when a car veered off course after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The collision occurred on the Amphawa-Bang Nok Kwaek Road in Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram. The victims were a husband and wife traveling on a motorcycle, leaving behind two orphaned sons. Police Lieutenant Pissin Nuphinit of Bang Khonthi Police Station, along with rescue teams and medical professionals, rushed to the scene upon being alerted, early afternoon on December 12. The crash involved three vehicles: a Honda Wave motorcycle, a Mazda pickup truck parked by the roadside, and a Toyota Yaris that ended up in a canal. The deceased were identified as Mr. Kusol Chongkonrod, 53, and his wife, Ms. Wilaiwan Kongnuch, 35. Kusol sustained severe injuries, including a head wound and a torn abdomen, while Wilaiwan had multiple fractures, abrasions, and a broken neck after being flung into the parked truck. The driver of the Toyota Yaris, Ms. Warisara, 40, survived but was in shock and repeatedly said, “I didn’t mean to.” She was taken to Naphalai Hospital with chest injuries. Ms. Ektida Chanpipop, a vendor near the scene, recounted hearing a loud crash. She turned to see the motorcycle occupants being hurled into the parked truck. Shortly afterward, the Yaris plunged into the nearby canal. The driver admitted to having dozed off briefly, losing control of the car and colliding head-on with the motorcycle. Kusol and Wilaiwan were returning home after buying groceries to prepare dinner for Wilaiwan’s bedridden grandmother and their two sons. The couple had been the primary caregivers for the elderly woman and their children. Authorities have sent the victims’ bodies for autopsy at Ratchaburi Hospital while further investigations continue. -- 2024-12-13

Police Arrest Suspect of Chonburi Rape Case in Sisaket Authorities successfully apprehended a suspect in a Chonburi rape case on, December 12. The arrest was made in a rubber plantation in Nam Kliang District, Sisaket Province, after a warrant was issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346065-police-arrest-suspect-of-chonburi-rape-case-in-sisaket /

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News. Under the direction of Police Colonel Watchai Saengrith, Superintendent of the Na Jomtien Police Station, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Arut Sapannan, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Na Jomtien Police, authorities successfully apprehended Mr. Mueang, a suspect in a rape case, on December 12. The arrest was made in a rubber plantation in Nam Kliang District, Sisaket Province, after a warrant was issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. The case traces back to October 30, 2024, when the victim, Ms. A, hired a minivan from Sisaket Province. Mr. Mueang, the driver, was hired to take her to the Rama 2 area of Bangkok. However, during the journey, he made an unscheduled stop in Chonburi Province to drop off other passengers, leaving only the victim on board. Mr. Mueang then told Ms. A that he would take her to a ceremony for good fortune. He first stopped at the Sak Ngaew Market to buy flowers and then took her to a hotel in the Na Jomtien area, Sattahip District, Chonburi. At the hotel, he sexually assaulted the victim. Afterwards, he told Ms. A he would continue the journey to Rama 2, but instead, he made another stop at a PTT gas station in Ban Amphoe. There, Ms. A escaped and reported the incident to the police. The Na Jomtien police then launched an investigation. Following questioning of the victim, police obtained an arrest warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court for Mr. Mueang. Authorities tracked down the suspect and arrested him at his hideout in a remote area in Sisaket Province. The police are continuing their investigation into the case, and Mr. Mueang is expected to face charges in court. -- 2024-12-13

Van Tyre Blowout Leads to Rollover in Nakhon Ratchasima, Injuring 14 Lao Workers A crash occurred on Highway 304 at 00.15, in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima, when a van suffered a tyre blowout and lost control, flipping over and injuring 14 Lao nationals onboard. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346063-van-tyre-blowout-leads-to-rollover-in-nakhon-ratchasima-injuring-14-lao-workers/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred on Highway 304 at 00.15 on December 12, in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima, when a van suffered a tyre blowout and lost control, flipping over and injuring 14 Lao nationals onboard. The crash took place at the western-bound kilometre marker 223+162, near the entrance to Ban San Chao Pho Village, Wang Nam Khiao Subdistrict. The white Toyota van, registered in Rayong, collided with a streetlight pole before overturning and landing on its roof in the road’s central ditch. Police Lieutenant Precha Suebrat of Wang Nam Khiao Police Station and rescue teams from the Hook 31 Rescue Unit, Thai Samakkhi branch, responded to the incident. Rescuers found 14 injured individuals, 11 men and 3 women, all between the ages of 18 and 25. Most of the injuries, thankfully consisted of scrapes, bruises, and minor trauma. Three of the injured victims were found to have broken bone injuries and were taken to Wang Nam Khiao Hospital for further treatment and observation. The remaining victims were provided first aid at the scene and transported to the hospital for precautionary checks. The Hook 31 Rescue Unit deployed multiple ambulances and equipment to assist at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the crash was caused by a tyre blowout, leading to the driver losing control of the vehicle. The van, carrying Lao workers, was en route to an unspecified destination when the incident occurred. Emergency responders included local police from Wang Nam Khiao Police Station, Wang Nam Khiao Hospital medical teams, and multiple rescue units. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Initial findings suggest the van’s speed and the sudden tyre failure contributed to the loss of control. Police are also verifying the legal status of the passengers and the driver’s license and qualifications. -- 2024-12-13

Myanmar Worker Found Dead with Knife Stabbed in Chest: Pattaya Police found the body of a 26-year-old Myanmar national with a knife lodged in his chest. The authorities received the report at 2:00 on December 12 and responded promptly to the scene in a row of over 40 rented rooms on Sukhumvit Soi 29, Moo 5, in Na Kluea Subdistrict, Bang Lamung. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346062-myanmar-worker-found-dead-with-knife-stabbed-in-chest-pattaya/

Picture from responders. Police found the body of a 26-year-old Myanmar national, identified as Zaw Win Chit, with a knife lodged in his chest. The authorities received the report at 2:00 on December 12 and responded promptly to the scene in a row of over 40 rented rooms on Sukhumvit Soi 29, Moo 5, in Na Kluea Subdistrict, Bang Lamung. The victim, wearing a brown checkered shirt and black pants, was found lying in a pool of blood in his room (Room 237). A fruit knife, about 20 cm long, was embedded in the center of his chest. He was confirmed dead at the scene. Two housemates of the deceased, both in their 20s and of the same nationality, were visibly shaken and provided their accounts through an interpreter. According to their statements, they had left the room to purchase goods, and upon returning, they found their roommate dead. One of the neighbours, a 25-year-old named Nyan, mentioned hearing loud noises and knocks at the door shortly before the discovery. He rushed to the scene and saw the other two housemates standing in front of the room, but he did not personally know the deceased, though he was aware that he had a history of drinking. Initial investigations by the forensic team have been conducted, and further evidence was collected from the scene. The police have also invited the two housemates for questioning. As of now, it remains unclear whether the death was the result of a self- inflicted injury or if foul play was involved. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2024-12-13

Crash Claims Life of Mother of Two in Rayong A crash claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman who lost control of her motorcycle and crashed into an electric pole, falling into a water ditch. The body was discovered near a petrol station on Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Tapong, Mueang District, Rayong. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346060-crash-claims-life-of-mother-of-two-in-rayong/

Picture from responders. A crash claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman who lost control of her motorcycle and crashed into an electric pole, falling into a water ditch. The body was discovered around 06:00 on December 12, near a petrol station on Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Tapong, Mueang District, Rayong. The victim, identified as Chonthicha, was a mother of two from Chanthaburi province, who worked long hours to support her children. She was employed as a sales representative during the day and worked as a beer promoter at a restaurant in the evening. Authorities responded to the scene after receiving a call from a local resident, 60-year-old Nimitt Khwandee, who discovered the body while out for a morning bike ride. Upon arrival, police found a black PCX motorcycle submerged in water with significant damage to the front from crashing into a nearby electric pole. The woman’s body was discovered face down in the water with severe head injuries, believed to have been caused by the impact of the crash. Initial investigations suggest that Chonthicha had been exhausted due to working both day and night shifts. Her friends revealed that she typically worked more than 12 hours every day, with minimal rest, often getting less than five hours of sleep. It is suspected that fatigue led to her losing control of the motorcycle while returning home after her evening shift. The authorities have ruled the incident as accidental and are in the process of notifying the victim’s family. The body is being sent for a post-mortem examination at Rayong Hospital. -- 2024-12-13

Chinese-Korean Call Centre Gang Busted in Pattaya for Fraud Operations In a major crackdown on transnational crime, Thai authorities raided two luxury houses in Pattaya, used as call centre scam hubs by a group of Chinese and Korean nationals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346059-chinese-korean-call-centre-gang-busted-in-pattaya-for-fraud-operations/

Picture from raid. In a major crackdown on transnational crime, Thai authorities raided two luxury houses in Pattaya, used as call centre scam hubs by a group of Chinese and Korean nationals. At 16:00 on December 12, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakornsanoong, Chief of Chonburi Provincial Police, alongside Pol. Col. Navin Theerawit, Chief of Pattaya Police, led a team of investigators to execute the operation. Acting on intelligence reports, officers targeted two properties within the upscale Viewpoint Village soi Chayapruek in Patttaya, Chonburi. The first house, a two-story residence, housed six Chinese men. Investigators seized several laptops and other electronic devices. The second house revealed a group of seven individuals, comprising four Chinese nationals (three men and one woman) and three Koreans. Police confiscated additional laptops and mobile phones from the premises. Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat confirmed that the operation was part of the Thai national police’s broader initiative to dismantle transnational crime syndicates, particularly call centre scams. In total, authorities detained 13 suspects, 10 Chinese nationals and three Koreans. The team also seized 30 computers and 30 mobile phones believed to be used in fraudulent activities. Initial investigations revealed the gang specialised in various scams, including posing as sellers to defraud victims into transferring money. The primary victims identified so far are Chinese and Korean nationals, but authorities are investigating whether any Thai citizens were targeted. Police are expanding their probe to identify additional accomplices and determine the extent of the group’s operations. Investigators are also scrutinising the financial transactions of the gang, as well as examining the potential involvement of the homeowners who rented out the properties. -- 2024-12-13

Fatal Collision in Nakhon Pathom Claims Two Lives A fatal road collision took place on Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road heading towards Phetkasem Road, opposite the Chaokoh Coconut Milk Factory in Krathum Lom Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346058-fatal-collision-in-nakhon-pathom-claims-two-lives/

Picture courtesy of responders. A fatal road collision took place at 03:05 on December 12, on Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road heading towards Phetkasem Road, opposite the Chaokoh Coconut Milk Factory in Krathum Lom Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom. A six-wheel truck crashed into the rear of a parked ten-wheel truck on the roadside, resulting in the deaths of two individuals who were trapped inside the vehicle. The incident is under the jurisdiction of the Pho Kaeo Police Station, and further investigations are ongoing. Emergency responders from the Nakhon Pathom Rescue Volunteer Association, known as “Ruamkatanyu,” arrived promptly at the scene to provide assistance. Rescuers used hydraulic cutting tools to extract the victims from the mangled truck. Tragically, two passengers, a male and a female, were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as: 1. Mr. Woraphon Khanarot 2. Ms. Apinya Apiwa Initial investigations suggest that the larger truck was parked off the main highway, at the side, for the night. The lack of skid marks on the road indicates the driver of the six-wheel truck may have veered off the road, colliding directly and at high speed with the stationary truck. The dead driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was reported to be picking up eggs from Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province, to deliver to a customer in Samut Sakhon Authorities are working to determine whether mechanical failure or driver error, such as falling asleep at the wheel, was responsible for the tragic collision. -- 2024-12-13

Najomtien: High-Speed Motorcycle Collides with Car, Two Foreign Riders Seriously Injured Police officer Lt. Yutthaphon Boonkoet of the Najomtien Police Station received a report at approximately 18.45 on December 11, of a high-speed motorcycle rear-ending a car, resulting in two individuals being injured. The crash occurred at the entrance of Wat Nong Jab Tao, on Sukhumvit Road heading toward Pattaya, Najomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346005-najomtien-high-speed-motorcycle-collides-with-car-two-foreign-riders-seriously-injured/

Picture from responders. Police officer Lt. Yutthaphon Boonkoet of the Najomtien Police Station received a report at approximately 18.45 on December 11, of a high-speed motorcycle rear-ending a car, resulting in two individuals being injured. The crash occurred at the entrance of Wat Nong Jab Tao, on Sukhumvit Road heading toward Pattaya, Najomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District. Emergency responders from Wat Yan Sangwararam Hospital and Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Rescue Foundation were dispatched to the scene. At the crash site, authorities found an orange-and-black motorcycle (license plate from Chiang Mai) overturned and damaged in the middle of the road. The motorcycle’s riders, both foreign nationals, no further details disclosed, as neither individual carried identification documents, and their names remain unknown. Both were immediately transported to Wat Yan Sangwararam Hospital for treatment. Nearby, a yellow MG3 sedan (license plate from Rayong) was found with damage to its rear. The driver, Ms. Chutikarn Sornsuwan, 26, remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Ms. Chutikarn explained that she had just left the MG service center near Wat Nong Jab Tao and was merging onto Sukhumvit Road with her turn signal on. While doing so, she noticed the high-speed motorcycle approaching but was unable to avoid the collision. The motorcycle crashed directly into the rear of her vehicle. She promptly called for emergency assistance. Police documented the scene and have taken Ms. Chutikarn’s statement. They will await the recovery of the injured riders to gather their accounts before proceeding with legal action. -- 2024-12-12

Pattaya Police Raid Karaoke Bars: Underage Patrons & Illegal Workers Discovered In the early hours of the morning of December 12, at 05:35., a police task force led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), raided several karaoke bars in Pattaya following reports of illegal activity. The operation involved officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Pattaya Police, and other law enforcement agencies. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345994-pattaya-police-raid-karaoke-bars-underage-patrons-illegal-workers-discovered/

Picture from raid. In the early hours of the morning of December 12, at 05:35., a police task force led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), raided several karaoke bars in Pattaya following reports of illegal activity. The operation involved officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Pattaya Police, and other law enforcement agencies. The raid targeted four establishments located in Soi Koh Phai 2, Pattaya. Acting on intelligence from an informant, authorities investigated allegations of illegal employment of foreign workers, operating beyond permitted hours, and possible links to drug-related offenses and influential figures in the area. Four Karaoke Bars were Inspected, the establishments were: 1. Route 66 Karaoke 2. Num Karaoke 3. Happy Time Karaoke 4. Eunice Karaoke While three of the venues (Route 66, Happy Time, and Eunice Karaoke) were found operating within legal licensing terms, Num Karaoke was discovered to be in violation of multiple laws. The bar was still open and upon inspection, officers were alarmed to find four underage customers, including a 14-year-old patron. Further investigation revealed that nine of the establishment’s employees were undocumented workers from Laos and Myanmar. Authorities conducted drug tests on both staff and patrons, uncovering eight individuals who tested positive for drugs. A thorough search of the premises did not uncover any additional illegal items or contraband. The manager of Num Karaoke has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including: • Operating a business without a license • Employing foreign nationals without valid work permits • Allowing minors under the age of 18 to enter and use the services Additionally, one individual with an outstanding arrest warrant linked to fraudulent bank accounts was detained and transferred to the Cyber Crime Investigation Division for further prosecution. -- 2024-12-12

SUV Crashes into Karaoke Bar, Injuring 3 in Bangkok An SUV driven by a 56-year-old woman crashed into a karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Rat Burana district, leaving one person seriously injured and two others injured. The driver claimed she lost control of the steering wheel, prompting authorities to investigate the vehicle for potential mechanical failures before pursuing legal action Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345987-suv-crashes-into-karaoke-bar-injuring-3-in-bangkok/

Picture from responders An SUV driven by a 56-year-old woman crashed into a karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Rat Burana district, leaving one person seriously injured and two others injured. The driver claimed she lost control of the steering wheel, prompting authorities to investigate the vehicle for potential mechanical failures before pursuing legal action. The crash occurred at approximately 20:20 on December 11, near the entrance to Soi Pracha Uthit 26/1 on Pracha Uthit Road. Police from Rat Burana Station, along with emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s medical emergency team, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found extensive damage to the 12 Coins Karaoke Bar, a three-story commercial building. The front of the shop was completely destroyed, with chairs and tables strewn across the premises and the entrance obliterated. Inside the bar, a silver Mitsubishi Pajero SUV (license plate from Bangkok) was found stationary after the crash. The driver, identified as Mrs. Taweesap Nilkhong, appeared shaken but uninjured. The bar’s owner, 47-year-old Ms. Pairoh Yaokhraburi, sustained injuries to her head and body after being thrown to the floor during the impact. She was treated at the scene before being transported to Suksawat Hospital for further care. On the road outside, a red electric motorcycle (license plate Bangkok) was found overturned and heavily damaged. Its two riders were injured, with the driver, Mr. Attapol Wimansaad, 38, suffering serious injuries, including a fractured thigh and head trauma. He was rushed to Paolo Phra Pradaeng Hospital. The passenger, Ms. Bussara Saelee, 35, sustained cuts and bruises and was also hospitalised. Eyewitness Mr. Boonyarit Charoensap, 36, who was riding behind the electric motorcycle, stated that he saw the SUV suddenly swerve out from a noodle shop on the opposite side of the road before crossing into the karaoke bar. Mrs. Taweesap claimed that she had been driving out of the noodle shop’s parking area when the steering wheel became unresponsive. “I signaled to turn right and saw the road was clear, but the steering wouldn’t respond. I couldn’t avoid the motorcycles or stop the car,” she said, adding that she had never experienced such an issue despite being a seasoned driver. Ms. Pairoh, the karaoke bar owner, recounted that she had been sitting with her young nephew moments before the crash. “I was sitting on the sofa when my sister took my nephew upstairs. A minute later, the car slammed into the shop. I didn’t even see it coming,” she said, describing how the impact threw her to the ground, causing injuries to her head and hip. Dashcam footage from a passing vehicle showed the SUV suddenly cutting across the street from the noodle shop and colliding with the electric motorcycle before crashing into the karaoke bar. Police are now awaiting an expert analysis of the SUV’s mechanical systems to determine whether a malfunction caused the accident. Once the investigation is complete, legal proceedings will follow. -- 2024-12-12