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Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 56-year-old man was killed instantly after his 22-wheeled articulated lorry overturned and slammed into a power pole along a notoriously steep road in Tak province on the evening of 10 June. The crash occurred around 17:00 near Pang Manora, Village 6, in Mae Pa Subdistrict, Mae Sot District. According to reports received by the 191 emergency radio centre, the lorry overturned and blocked almost two lanes of the Tak–Mae Sot highway, inbound direction, just before the notorious “Mystery Hill” incline. Emergency responders from Pitak Karn Rescue Unit rushed to the scene, where they found the Hino lorry overturned, with its cab against a fallen power pole on the central road divider. The skid marks on the road stretched over 150 metres, indicating a last-minute attempt to avoid the collision. The driver, later identified as Mr. Supasak, a resident of Wang Thong District in Phitsanulok, was found trapped inside the mangled cabin. Rescue personnel used hydraulic cutting tools to extract his body, after he was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transported to Mae Sot Hospital for further examination. Police believe the driver, who was travelling alone with no passengers, was unfamiliar with the route, which includes several dangerous curves and gradients. Investigators from Mae Sot Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Manun Donlao, are working to confirm the precise cause of the crash. The road remained partially blocked for several hours as authorities cleared the wreckage and inspected damage to the power infrastructure. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-12

Air Force Officer Missing After Boat Capsizes in Mekong River During Drug Patrol Picture courtesy of SiamNews. A Royal Thai Air Force officer is still missing after a boat carrying three military personnel capsized in the fast-flowing Mekong River during a reconnaissance mission to investigate suspected narcotics activity. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363386-air-force-officer-missing-after-boat-capsizes-in-mekong-river-during-drug-patrol/

Picture courtesy of SiamNews. A Royal Thai Air Force officer is still missing after a boat carrying three military personnel capsized in the fast-flowing Mekong River during a reconnaissance mission to investigate suspected narcotics activity. The incident occurred on the evening of 10 June, near Bung Khi Lek village in Na Wang subdistrict, Khemarat district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The officers were conducting a patrol as part of an anti-narcotics operation along the Thai-Lao border. The three servicemen were identified as: • Flight Sergeant Major Sukkasem Promphanchai, Special Operations Unit 2, Company 2, Battalion 2, Special Operations Regiment, Air Force Security Command (missing), • Flight Sergeant Major Suwat Phoolanates, Weapons Specialist, Company 3, Sniper Regiment, Battalion 1, Special Operations Regiment, Air Force Security Command, • Sergeant Chitsanupong Atpanya, Senior Specialist, Special Operations, Company 2, Battalion 2, Special Operations Regiment, Air Force Security Command. The officers, after spotting a suspicious fertiliser sack believed to contain illegal drugs on a rock formation about 500 metres from the Thai riverbank, borrowed a local fishing boat to approach the location. However, the vessel capsized in strong currents and whirlpools near the rocky islet. Two of the officers managed to swim to safety, but Flight Sergeant Major Sukkasem Promphanchai was swept away and is currently still missing. Divers from the Royal Thai Navy were deployed to search the area. While the sunken boat has been located, there is still no sign of the missing officer as the search continues. The special operations team had recently been deployed to reinforce border security efforts following the redeployment of the 23rd Ranger Regiment to the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district, also in Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities say the mission was part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking across the Mekong, a major conduit for narcotics smuggling in the region. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-06-12

Driver Crashes into Lampang Market, Police Uniform, Gun & Radio Found in Car Picture courtesy of Matichon. A man was found unconscious behind the wheel of a car that crashed into the middle of a fresh market in Lampang in the early hours of the morning of 11 June. Authorities were stunned to discover a police uniform, a firearm and a two-way radio inside the vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363385-driver-crashes-into-lampang-market-police-uniform-gun-radio-found-in-car/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A man was found unconscious behind the wheel of a car that crashed into the middle of a fresh market in Lampang in the early hours of the morning of 11 June. Authorities were stunned to discover a police uniform, a firearm and a two-way radio inside the vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 03:00 at the Kad Kao Chao fresh market in Mueang District. Emergency services were alerted after a Toyota saloon car, registered in Phrae province, suddenly drove into the heart of the market. On arrival, responders found the male driver slumped unconscious in his seat. He was carefully carried from the vehicle and laid on the back of a rescue truck for first aid. During an initial search of the vehicle, officers discovered a full police uniform, a handgun, and a police-style radio transmitter. The unconscious man was not immediately identified and authorities could not confirm whether he was a serving police officer or simply in possession of the uniform and equipment unlawfully. He was transported to hospital and the vehicle taken to Mueang Lampang Police Station for further investigation. The man remained unconscious throughout the day. Police say the vehicle and its contents are being examined, and further details will be released once the man regains consciousness and can be questioned. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-12

Man With Psychiatric History Stabs Villager in Brutal Attack Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A village in Si Sa Ket province was left in shock after a 22-year-old man with a history of mental illness violently attacked a neighbour with a butcher’s knife, leaving the victim with serious injuries that required over 80 stitches. The attacker, recently released from prison, was swiftly arrested by police. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363384-man-with-psychiatric-history-stabs-villager-in-brutal-attack/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A village in Si Sa Ket province was left in shock after a 22-year-old man with a history of mental illness violently attacked a neighbour with a butcher’s knife, leaving the victim with serious injuries that required over 80 stitches. The attacker, recently released from prison, was swiftly arrested by police. The incident occurred on 8 June in Ban Nong Saen, Bua Noi Subdistrict, Kanthararom District. The suspect, identified as Mr Jay Benzine, reportedly stormed into the home of 46-year-old Mr Pramote Chinnawong and launched an unprovoked knife attack while the victim was cleaning his house. Mr Pramote recounted the terrifying experience to reporters. “He just walked in with a meat cleaver and started hacking at me for no reason. We had spoken normally just before, so I had no idea something like this would happen,” he said. The victim sustained multiple injuries to his head and body and required extensive medical treatment, narrowly surviving thanks to the quick intervention of local residents. According to Mr Pramote, the suspect had previously served two prison terms for attempted murder and had been out of jail for just over a month before reoffending. He also noted that the suspect had not been taking his prescribed psychiatric medication, and this seemed to worsen his behaviour in recent weeks. “This is the third time he’s attacked someone in the village,” Mr Pramote added. “He’s dangerous. Even if he’s mentally ill, he needs to be detained and treated. People in the community are scared, and anyone could be his next victim.” An eyewitness, 62-year-old Ms Boon-ngan Phanthuwilai, described the horrific moment she saw the attack unfold. “Jay wouldn’t stop. He was hitting Pramote with the knife until he collapsed. I screamed at him to stop, but he ignored me. Thankfully, other villagers came and pulled him away just in time.” Police Colonel Thatchaphong Promma, superintendent of Kanthararom Police Station, confirmed that officers responded swiftly and arrested Mr Jay at his home shortly after the incident. Given his psychiatric condition, he is being held in police custody under medical supervision. However, the police have formally charged him with attempted murder. Colonel Thatchaphong stated that the case will proceed according to legal procedures, with the final outcome depending on the court’s assessment, including psychiatric evaluations. The case has reignited debate over how to handle mentally ill individuals with violent tendencies, particularly those with prior criminal convictions. Concerned residents have called for better mental health care and stricter monitoring of at-risk individuals after release from prison. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-12

Driver and Passenger Killed as Tanker Crashes into Power Pole in Phetchaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash in Phetchaburi province claimed the lives of two people early morning on 11 June, after a vegetable oil tanker driver lost control and slammed into a high-voltage power pole. The driver and a female passenger died at the scene, trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363382-driver-and-passenger-killed-as-tanker-crashes-into-power-pole-in-phetchaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash in Phetchaburi province claimed the lives of two people early morning on 11 June, after a vegetable oil tanker driver lost control and slammed into a high-voltage power pole. The driver and a female passenger died at the scene, trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Police Lieutenant Colonel Sombat Yotsathisak, an investigator with Khao Yoi Police Station, responded to an emergency call reporting a serious crash involving a lorry. The incident occurred on the inbound lane of Phetkasem Road at kilometre marker 134 in Sa Phang subdistrict, Khao Yoi district. The vehicle, a yellow-plate truck registered in Chumphon, had overturned and come to rest against a high-voltage utility pole. Emergency crews from the Sawang Sanphet Dhammasathan Foundation were dispatched to the scene, equipped with hydraulic cutting tools to extract the victims. Rescuers discovered two fatalities inside the crushed cab of the truck. The driver was identified as Mr Narongdet Roythanasri, 49, from Lang Suan district in Chumphon. The female passenger, believed to be approximately 40 years old, has not yet been formally identified. Both victims were found in the front section of the truck, their bodies overlapping and pinned under the collapsed vehicle. Due to the severity of the impact, a large crane was required to separate the truck from the pole before rescue teams could begin the extraction process. It took over three hours to retrieve the bodies. Investigators noted the truck’s speedometer was stuck at 80 km/h at the moment of impact. According to the vehicle’s owner, the truck had departed Chumphon and was en route to deliver vegetable oil to Phra Pradaeng district in Samut Prakan. Police suspect the crash was caused by driver fatigue, as preliminary findings suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and strike the pole. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash and will coordinate with the families of the deceased to facilitate religious rites and funeral arrangements. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-12

Counterfeit Fan Factory Busted in Khlong Luang, Husband & Wife Arrested Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have dismantled a counterfeit fan operation in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district, arresting a husband and wife suspected of producing and distributing fake electric fans under the popular “Hatari” brand. The imitation goods were being sold online at significantly lower prices than genuine products, ranging from 200 to 300 baht apiece. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363380-counterfeit-fan-factory-busted-in-khlong-luang-husband-wife-arrested/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have dismantled a counterfeit fan operation in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district, arresting a husband and wife suspected of producing and distributing fake electric fans under the popular “Hatari” brand. The imitation goods were being sold online at significantly lower prices than genuine products, ranging from 200 to 300 baht apiece. The raid was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, in coordination with senior officers from Division 8. Acting on intelligence and a court-issued search warrant, the authorities searched a warehouse in Khlong Nueng subdistrict on the afternoon of 10 June. The suspects, identified as Mr Narongdet, aged 45 and Ms Araya, aged 30, were apprehended on-site. Police discovered a large cache of counterfeit components and assembled fans, including 55 fan covers bearing the Hatari logo, 60 fan blades with guards, 116 fan stands, 61 motors, and two fully assembled fans with fake branding. Officers also seized keys to two warehouses believed to be involved in the operation. The investigation began following a complaint lodged by Hatari Electric Co., Ltd., which reported widespread unauthorised use of its registered trademark on online shopping platforms. The company expressed concern that the fraudulent products could mislead consumers and potentially pose safety hazards. To verify the claim, investigators made a controlled online purchase of a 16-inch, three-speed pedestal fan. The parcel’s return address led them to the warehouse in Khlong Luang. Surveillance confirmed suspicious activity, with staff seen packing goods in large quantities. A search warrant was then secured from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court. When police arrived at the site, Mr Narongdet was found exiting the warehouse and was immediately approached by officers. Inside, Ms Araya was located in the office area. Both suspects admitted to managing the warehouse and cooperated fully with police during the search. During questioning, the couple confessed to selling the counterfeit items via online channels. They admitted to pricing the products well below standard retail value to attract buyers. The suspects were formally charged with “jointly selling, offering for sale, or possessing for sale goods bearing counterfeit or imitation trademarks registered in the Kingdom.” They were taken into custody, along with the seized items, to face prosecution under intellectual property laws. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-12

Crash Claims Life of M6 Student in Phrae Province Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A M6 student was killed after a motorcycle crash led to him being struck by a fully-loaded lorry in Huai Ma District, Phrae Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363379-crash-claims-life-of-m6-student-in-phrae-province/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A M6 student was killed after a motorcycle crash led to him being struck by a fully-loaded lorry in Huai Ma District, Phrae Province. The incident occurred in the early evening of 10 June, on the Rong Fong–Pa Daeng Road near Dr. Kimhan Clinic and the entrance to the Ban Pong Sri crematorium in Moo 6, Ban Thin Subdistrict. According to reports from Police Sub-Lieutenant Sitthipot Thananchai, the investigating officer from Huai Ma Police Station, the student, identified only as “A”, was riding his motorcycle home from school with two friends after classes had ended. The group had planned to stop for haircuts. Eyewitnesses, including a friend of the deceased, stated that “A” was riding alone while his friends were on separate bikes. As they approached the scene, a car in front caused “A” to lose control of his motorcycle, leading to a collision with one of his friend’s bike. “A” was thrown onto the road. A stone-carrying lorry following closely behind was unable to stop in time due to its heavy load and struck the student. Emergency responders from the Ban Thin municipal rescue unit attempted CPR at the scene and a Phrae hospital ambulance was dispatched. Despite efforts, “A” succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards. The 29-year-old lorry driver, Mr. Natthakorn, stated that he was transporting stone from a company depot to a shop in Ban Thin. He said he saw the motorbikes collide and attempted to brake, but the vehicle’s momentum made it impossible to stop in time. He remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. Police recorded the scene and are continuing to investigate the incident. Further interviews and evidence will be gathered to determine the accountability of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-12

Lorry Runs Red Light, Crashes Into School Transport Vehicle – 7 Injured, 3 Seriously Pictures from responders. A lorry that ran a red light has collided with a modified pickup truck used to transport schoolchildren, leaving seven people injured, including three seriously. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363306-lorry-runs-red-light-crashes-into-school-transport-vehicle-–-7-injured-3-seriously/

Pictures from responders. A lorry that ran a red light has collided with a modified pickup truck used to transport schoolchildren, leaving seven people injured, including three seriously. The accident occurred at 07:30 on 11 June, at the Sam Chuk junction on Highway 340 (Suphan Buri–Chai Nat), in Moo 2, Sam Chuk subdistrict. Pol. Lt. Col. Komdet Sukrattanawong, deputy investigating officer at Sam Chuk Police Station, responded to the incident alongside district chief Surabandit Kanyana and rescue workers from the Semakan Foundation. At the scene, emergency personnel found the school transport vehicle, serving students from Sam Chuk Rattanapokaram School, severely damaged after being struck on the left side by the lorry. Several students had been thrown from the vehicle and were seen crying out in pain, on the road. Inside the wreckage, the unconscious driver was found in his seat, alongside a female student, who luckily only her arm was broke by the impact. Rescue workers used specialised equipment to extract the victims and rushed them to Sam Chuk Hospital. CCTV footage captured the moment of the crash, clearly showing the lorry speeding through a red light and colliding with the school vehicle, which was making a right turn towards the school. Initial investigations revealed that the lorry, which was carrying animal feed from Phra Pradaeng district in Samut Prakan to Nakhon Sawan province, had suffered a claimed brake failure before the crash. The driver, 31-year-old Mr. Montri, told police that the heavy load and faulty brakes prevented him from stopping in time. He admitted the vehicle was travelling at approximately 70 km/h when it ran the red light and slammed into the school transport. Six students, four girls and two boys, sustained injuries, with two reported in serious condition. The driver of the school vehicle also remains unconscious and is also seriously injured. Police have recorded the statements and collected evidence for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-11

Couple Spotted Having Sex in Car at Phuket Airport Picture courtesy of Khoasod A couple reported to be foreign nationals have caused an online debate, after being caught on video engaging in a sexual act inside a car parked at Phuket International Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1363301-couple-spotted-having-sex-in-car-at-phuket-airport/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod A couple reported to be foreign nationals have caused an online debate, after being caught on video engaging in a sexual act inside a car parked at Phuket International Airport. The incident, which reportedly occurred on 10 June in the airport’s public car park in Mai Khao subdistrict, Thalang district, was brought to light by the Phuket Times Facebook page. The page posted: “Disgraceful at Phuket Airport – Couple having sex in a car, shaking the vehicle visibly. Suspected to be foreigners.” Footage shared in the comments of the post showed the vehicle rocking noticeably, with silhouettes of a man and a woman engaged in an intimate act clearly visible inside. The clip quickly went viral, prompting a flood of mixed reactions from netizens. Some expressed outrage over the couple’s behaviour in such a public place, especially during broad daylight. Others, however, criticised the person who recorded the footage, calling it a breach of privacy. One user commented, “It’s broad daylight – how shameless.”Another wrote humorously, “I saw the clip and went into shock. I’m feeling better now.” Others were more critical of the person behind the camera: “Filming them like this is perverted. A car is like their home – this is a violation of privacy.” There were also sarcastic remarks such as, “Just landed, couldn’t wait to check into a hotel.” and “Call the police! Someone’s being stabbed – the attacker has locked the door to prevent them calling for help.” While authorities have yet to release an official statement, the video has sparked a broader conversation about public decency, cultural sensitivity and the limits of personal privacy in shared spaces. The identity of the couple remains unknown. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-11

Three-Vehicle Crash in Rayong Leaves One Dead and Eight Injured Picture from responders. One person has been killed and eight others injured following a collision involving three vehicles in Rayong province late afternoon on 10 June. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363286-three-vehicle-crash-in-rayong-leaves-one-dead-and-eight-injured/

Pictures from responders. One person has been killed and eight others injured following a collision involving three vehicles in Rayong province late afternoon on 10 June. The incident occurred at approximately 17:30 on Route 36 near Ban Nopkao in Makham Khu sub-district, Nikhom Phatthana district. The crash involved a black pickup truck, an 18-wheeler container lorry and car, all reportedly heading out of Rayong towards Chonburi. According to police from Nikhom Phatthana Police Station, the pickup truck and car ran into the container lorry, which had overturned in front of them, blocking the outbound lanes. One person, who had been travelling in the back of the pickup truck, was found having been thrown from the vehicle. Eight others, five men and three women, sustained injuries and were transported to Nikhom Phatthana Hospital for treatment. All are reported to be in stable condition. Rescue workers and emergency services responded swiftly, but the overturned lorry caused significant traffic disruption. Police closed the affected section of the road and diverted traffic to alternate routes while recovery operations were underway. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. CCTV footage from nearby locations, including a local market area, is being reviewed. Police confirmed that once all injured parties have recovered sufficiently, formal interviews will be conducted to determine the full circumstances leading to the collision. Legal proceedings will follow based on the findings. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-11

Phuket: Foreign Woman Drowns Just Hours After Arriving on Holiday Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident occurred in Phuket on the evening of 10 June, when a 41-year-old Albanian tourist drowned at Karon Beach less than two hours after arriving on holiday with her husband. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363285-phuket-foreign-woman-drowns-just-hours-after-arriving-on-holiday/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident occurred in Phuket on the evening of 10 June, when a 41-year-old Albanian tourist drowned at Karon Beach less than two hours after arriving on holiday with her husband. Police were called to Chalong Hospital at around 18:00, following reports that a female tourist had been pulled from the sea unconscious and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Police from Karon Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Jaras Lempan and Pol. Col. Khunadet Na Nongkai, attended. The woman had travelled to Phuket earlier that afternoon with her 43-year-old Egyptian husband. According to police, the couple had checked into a hotel in the Karon area and later headed to the beach for a swim at around 16:00. Just ten minutes after entering the water, the woman disappeared beneath the waves. Lifeguards and rescue teams from the Sam Ao emergency unit managed to locate and retrieve her from the sea. Despite performing CPR at the scene and rushing her to hospital, she was declared dead on arrival. Medical staff later confirmed she had likely died at the beach before emergency intervention. Her devastated husband, dressed only in swimming shorts, was seen weeping beside her body in the hospital’s emergency room. Authorities have since sent the body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. The Albanian embassy has been notified and arrangements will be made for the repatriation of the body for religious rites and funeral proceedings. The couple had reportedly planned to stay in Phuket until 12 June. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-11

Vietnamese Call Centre Gang Busted in Thailand for Defrauding Fellow Nationals Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have dismantled a Vietnamese-run call centre scam operating from Bangkok’s outskirts, arresting 27 individuals accused of defrauding fellow Vietnamese nationals out of millions of baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363283-vietnamese-call-centre-gang-busted-in-thailand-for-defrauding-fellow-nationals/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have dismantled a Vietnamese-run call centre scam operating from Bangkok’s outskirts, arresting 27 individuals accused of defrauding fellow Vietnamese nationals out of millions of baht. Acting on the orders of National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, a coordinated raid was led by senior officers including Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabut and Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nualma. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Special Branch Police, and the 191 Emergency Response Unit stormed two homes being used as the gang’s operational base. Inside the properties, located in a high-end suburban estate, police apprehended 27 suspects, 22 men and 5 women, all Vietnamese nationals. Authorities seized 116 mobile phones, 45 computers and 5 grams of ketamine. According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Nopasin Poolsawat, the arrests followed complaints from the public about a suspicious group of foreigners occupying the rented homes. Investigations revealed that the suspects had entered Thailand on tourist visas, many through the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province. They had been operating in Thailand since October 2024. The gang reportedly used the “Romance Scam” model, targeting fellow Vietnamese. Scammers created fake online profiles, often using attractive photos and claiming to be wealthy individuals interested in buying property or starting a business. Victims were lured into emotional relationships via the Vietnamese messaging app “Zalo” and then tricked into transferring money under various pretexts, including fabricated debts or emergencies. Each member of the gang was assigned to a dedicated computer terminal, working in shifts to maintain round-the-clock operations. Investigations estimate that each computer generated fraudulent transfers worth around 1.2 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately 1.56 million baht) per month. In total, the operation was scamming approximately 36 billion dong monthly, equivalent to 39 million baht. During questioning, the suspects admitted to renting the two houses since 10 October last year at 30,000 & 40,000 baht per month each. Most operatives had arrived in February and received a basic monthly salary of 12,000 baht, with successful scams earning them bonuses of around 25,000 baht. The operation included various roles such as chefs, electricians and IT technicians. Authorities are now working with forensic investigators and the Technology Crime Suppression Division to expand the investigation. The suspects and all seized items have been transferred to Lam Phakchi Police Station for legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-11

Hunt Underway in Chiang Rai as Suspected Double Murderer Remains at Large, Village in Fear Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Authorities in Chiang Rai province are continuing an intensive search for a man suspected of killing his wife and her younger brother, as fear grips the local community and most villagers flee their homes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363282-hunt-underway-in-chiang-rai-as-suspected-double-murderer-remains-at-large-village-in-fear/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Authorities in Chiang Rai province are continuing an intensive search for a man suspected of killing his wife and her younger brother, as fear grips the local community and most villagers flee their homes. The suspect, identified as Mr. Songpor Saemua, 55, a resident of Romfapha Mon village in Tambon Por, Wiang Kaen District, is accused of brutally murdering his wife and her brother before fleeing into the surrounding forest. The killings took place on 9 June and since then Songpor has been on the run, believed to be armed and dangerous. Police from the Chiang Rai Provincial Command, Wiang Kaen Police Station, paramilitary rangers from Task Force 31, border patrol officers, local defence volunteers and community leaders have joined forces in the search operation. Authorities suspect the fugitive is still hiding in the dense jungle surrounding the village. The situation escalated after reports emerged that the suspect had threatened to kill his wife’s entire family. This has sparked widespread panic in the village. As of 10 June, only 23 of the original 400+ residents remain in Romfapha Mon. Most have fled to stay with relatives in neighbouring communities. Due to safety concerns, the local child development centre, which serves 14 young children, has been closed. The order came from Mr. Naraset Kamalasgamut, chief of the Tambon Por Administrative Organisation, who visited the area to assess the situation. “After the incident, I immediately ordered the temporary closure of the Romfapha Mon Child Development Centre to protect the children and staff,” said Mr. Naraset. “No children have returned to school since the attack. The centre will remain closed until the suspect is apprehended and the situation is deemed safe.” The search effort has been hampered by poor weather conditions. Heavy rainfall has made the mountainous terrain treacherously slippery, while dense forest and leeches pose additional challenges. Authorities have deployed drones equipped with thermal imaging to help locate the suspect. In a further sign of the community’s distress, the family of Mr. Chanchai Yangworakul, 44, the brother of the suspect’s wife and a local councillor, have postponed funeral rites in line with local customs until the suspect is caught and justice is served. Mr. Chanchai had served multiple terms as a member of the Tambon Por Administrative Organisation and was regarded as a dedicated and respected local leader. His murder has deeply shaken the community and caused further loss of morale among residents. “This is the murder of a community leader,” said Mr. Naraset. “It has left a psychological scar and has directly affected our local council. The people are frightened. We urge the authorities to find the suspect swiftly.” The manhunt continues amid mounting pressure to restore safety and confidence in the once-peaceful village. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-06-11