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Picture from responders. At approximately 20:30 on December 3, authorities were alerted to an incident involving a Green Bus traveling the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai route. Initially reported as a fire, the situation was later confirmed to be caused by a brake malfunction in the rear left wheel, which generated thick smoke. The bus, carrying 32 passengers, mostly foreign tourists, was forced to pull over near a Bangchak gas station in Pa Ngio Subdistrict, Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai, after drivers of trailing vehicles signalled for it to stop. Acting swiftly, the driver evacuated all passengers from the bus to prevent any potential harm. Local emergency services, including the Pa Ngio Municipality’s Disaster Prevention Unit, Wiang Pa Pao Police Traffic Unit, Sawang Thammasathan Rescue Unit, and Amarin Tai Rescue Team, quickly arrived at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The passengers faced initial challenges due to language barriers, as the bus driver could not communicate effectively with the foreign tourists. However, a local volunteer stepped in to explain the situation and reassure the passengers. Arrangements were made to dispatch a replacement bus, but it required a waiting period of 1-2 hours. Recognising the passengers’ needs, Pa Ngio Municipality’s Deputy Mayor coordinated the provision of food and drinking water for all 32 passengers during the wait. The municipal officers and police remained on-site to ensure the passengers’ safety until the replacement bus arrived and resumed the journey to Chiang Mai. The Green Bus Company has been urged to inspect its fleet to prevent similar incidents, and the passengers have expressed gratitude for the swift response and care provided by local authorities. -- 2024-12-05

Deputy School Director Found Dead in Forest Near Prachantakham Waterfall Tragedy struck when the lifeless body of a 43-year-old deputy school director was discovered in the forest near the Takro Waterfall in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province. The man, identified as Mr. Wichai, had been missing since the afternoon of December 3, 2024. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345394-deputy-school-director-found-dead-in-forest-near-prachantakham-waterfall/

Picture from responders. Tragedy struck when the lifeless body of a 43-year-old deputy school director was discovered in the forest near the Takro Waterfall in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province. The man, identified as Mr. Wichai, had been missing since the afternoon of December 3, 2024. On the morning of December 4, Pol. Sub-Lt. Sombat Wangwon, an investigator from Prachantakham Police Station, received a report from Khao Yai National Park rangers at Checkpoint 10 (Takro Waterfall) regarding the discovery of a body. Authorities, including rescue volunteers and a medical examiner from Prachantakham Hospital, rushed to the scene. The body was found approximately 300 metres inside the forested area near the waterfall in Moo 8, Buphai Subdistrict. A gray Isuzu pickup truck, believed to belong to the deceased, was parked near the trail leading to the waterfall. The man, dressed in a yellow T-shirt, gray shorts, and black sandals, was found hanging from a tree branch with a nylon rope. Authorities estimated that he had been dead for over 12 hours. Investigations revealed that Mr. Wichai had left his home in Sri Maha Phot district on the afternoon of December 3. His last known location was near Takro Waterfall, as indicated by mobile tracking. CCTV footage from a shop about one kilometre from the waterfall captured him purchasing items at 13:48 on December 3. He bought two bottles of water, a bottle of soda, and a pink bottle of bathroom cleaner. Witnesses noted that he appeared cheerful during the purchase. A park ranger working near the waterfall reported seeing the parked truck early on December 4. Uncertain of its owner, he ventured into the forest to investigate and found Mr. Wichai's body in a standing position, resembling someone urinating. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed that he had hanged himself. Water bottles were found nearby, believed to belong to the deceased. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident. The discovery has left the local community in shock, as Mr. Wichai was a respected educator in the area. Police are awaiting further forensic results and statements from the deceased's family to understand the motives behind the tragedy. -- 2024-12-05

Chinese Call Center Gang Busted Operating from Resort in Chiang Mai Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have successfully raided a resort in Chiang Mai used by a Chinese call centre gang to carry out fraudulent activities. The operation, conducted by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking Division, uncovered a network involved in scamming Thai citizens. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345392-chinese-call-center-gang-busted-operating-from-resort-in-chiang-mai/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have successfully raided a resort in Chiang Mai used by a Chinese call centre gang to carry out fraudulent activities. The operation, conducted by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking Division, uncovered a network involved in scamming Thai citizens. On December 4, at 15:00, Police Major General Nattathorn Praesunthorn, the NBTC’s legal affairs director, and other officials held a press conference regarding the arrest of foreign nationals involved in setting up an illegal call centre operation in Thailand. The investigation revealed that the call centre had moved to Thailand to take advantage of the country’s stable and high-speed internet connection after internet services were disrupted in neighbouring countries. The operation began after police and NBTC officers tracked suspicious activity at a resort in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, which had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the resort had been shut to the public, it was being rented entirely to foreign nationals, and there were frequent comings and goings of people. Investigators noticed unusually high internet usage at the location, which raised further suspicion of call center activities. After coordinating with the NBTC to monitor internet traffic, officers obtained a court warrant to search the resort. The raid resulted in the arrest of nine Chinese nationals and the seizure of telecommunications equipment used in the fraudulent operation. Police found that the gang had been using a local coffee shop’s internet connection to disguise their activities, linking them to a larger network based in Cambodia. The suspects had been running scams targeting Thai citizens, using high-speed internet to make fraudulent calls. Police Major General Tri-Rong Piwpan of the Anti-Trafficking Division emphasised that this operation was part of the ongoing crackdown on call centre gangs, with the aim of protecting citizens and ensuring public safety. The suspects face charges under Section 26 of the Telecommunications Act of 1958, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unusually high utility or internet usage, or people entering and exiting seemingly abandoned properties. The authorities are continuing their investigation to trace the masterminds behind the scam and dismantle the entire network. -- 2024-12-05

Fire Causes Extensive Damage to Naga Shrine in Nakhon Phanom A fire broke out early morning, at the “Phu Boon Palace,” a renowned Naga Shrine located in Ban Nong Dud, Lao Pattana Subdistrict, Na Wa District, Nakhon Phanom Province. The shrine, a place of worship for devotees of the Naga spirit for several decades, was significantly damaged in the blaze. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345391-fire-causes-extensive-damage-to-naga-shrine-in-nakhon-phanom/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out early on the morning of December 4, at the “Phu Boon Palace,” a renowned Naga Shrine located in Ban Nong Dud, Lao Pattana Subdistrict, Na Wa District, Nakhon Phanom Province. The shrine, a place of worship for devotees of the Naga spirit for several decades, was significantly damaged in the blaze. The shrine, situated at house number 38, Moo 15, is owned by Mr. Bunnak Bunpeng and Mrs. Porncharin Sriwongsa. The couple reported being awakened at around 04:10 by two to three loud explosions, followed by flames erupting outside their home. The fire spread rapidly due to the abundance of flammable materials such as plastic flowers, artificial grass, and decorative worship items, coupled with the weather conditions. Firefighters from the Lao Pattana Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Ban Siao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, and Ban Kha Municipality worked together to control the fire, which was extinguished by approximately 05:30. Preliminary estimates place the damage at no less than 1 million baht. While authorities believe the cause of the fire was an electrical short circuit, further investigations are ongoing to confirm this theory. The incident has deeply affected devotees, as the shrine holds significant spiritual importance to those who venerate the Naga spirit. Many expressed their sadness over the loss of such a revered site. -- 2024-12-05

Crane incident in Surin: Operator Severely Injured by High-Voltage Power Lines An incident occurred in Samrong Thap District, Surin Province, when a crane operator was severely injured after the crane’s arm came into contact with high-voltage power lines while unloading pipes from a truck. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345390-crane-incident-in-surin-operator-severely-injured-by-high-voltage-power-lines/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred in Samrong Thap District, Surin Province, on December 4, at approximately 15.00, when a crane operator was severely injured after the crane’s arm came into contact with high-voltage power lines while unloading pipes from a truck. Rescue teams from Sawang Non Narai Foundation and the emergency unit of Kra Om Subdistrict Administrative Organization quickly transported the injured operator to Samrong Thap Hospital for treatment. The operator had been thrown off the truck and was unconscious and suffered burn injuries. Local police from Samrong Thap Police Station, along with officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority, were dispatched to investigate the scene. According to eyewitnesses, the crane operator was unloading pipes for a customer in Ban Na Thung, Kra Om Subdistrict, intended for a construction project. During the process, the crane’s arm struck overhead high-voltage wires, causing the operator to be shock. The truck was fitted with metal stabiliser legs, which is believed to have allowed a path for the electrical charge. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure safety protocols are reviewed to prevent similar accidents in the future. -- 2024-12-05

Gunshots Fired at Wang Tako Subdistrict Office in Nakhon Pathom: No Injuries Reported An unidentified assailants fired gunshots at the glass windows of the Wang Tako Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) office in Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities suspect the incident may have been the reckless act of local youths. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345389-gunshots-fired-at-wang-tako-subdistrict-office-in-nakhon-pathom-no-injuries-reported/

Police picture of the scene. On the morning of December 4, unidentified assailants fired gunshots at the glass windows of the Wang Tako Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) office in Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities suspect the incident may have been the reckless act of local youths. At approximately 08:30 Pol. Lt. Krittanai Ngenyuang of the Nakhon Pathom Police Station was informed by SAO staff about gunfire targeting the office building. Senior officers, including Pol. Col. Phupon Thapcharoen, Superintendent of Nakhon Pathom Police Station, and forensic investigators from Division 7, arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The SAO office is a two-story building with glass windows looking over a rear boundary fence. Bullet holes were found in the rear windows of the offices for the education planning division, the director of public health, and the general administrative office. While the glass was shattered, no significant property damage occurred apart from the broken windows, and no injuries were reported. According to the office’s security guard, gunshots were heard twice during the night, spaced about 5 minutes apart. Due to poor visibility, the guard initially dismissed the sounds as fireworks and did not investigate further. It was only in the morning when SAO staff discovered the shattered windows and alerted the authorities. Mr. Jaroon Darasom, head of the Wang Tako SAO, expressed his belief that the incident was likely caused by a group of mischievous youths. “I have no personal conflicts with anyone, so this might be the result of youthful recklessness,” he stated. He also emphasised the need to install CCTV cameras to prevent similar incidents in the future and urged the police to apprehend those responsible. Pol. Col. Phupon Thapcharoen speculated that the damage was caused by stray bullets, leading to multiple impact points. While the motive remains unclear, initial investigations suggest it may have been an act of vandalism by local youth. Police are reviewing nearby CCTV footage from neighbouring premises, to identify the culprits and bring them to justice. -- 2024-12-05

Four Thai nationals safe after Myanmar sea detainment By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Four Thai nationals detained in Myanmar are reportedly safe after their boat allegedly entered Myanmar waters in the Andaman Sea over the weekend. The government reported this information yesterday, December 3, following an incident where Myanmar navy vessels reportedly opened fire on some of the 15 Thai fishing boats that strayed 6 to 7 kilometres into Myanmar waters on November 30. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345354-four-thai-nationals-safe-after-myanmar-sea-detainment/

British Man Arrested for Sexual Assault of 6-Year-Old Thai Stepdaughter Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a shocking turn of events, Thai police arrested a British national, Mr. Luke, accused of sexually assaulting his 6-year-old Thai stepdaughter. The arrest, which took place in a condominium in Pattaya, Chonburi, followed a warrant issued by the Thai Criminal Court on 2nd December 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345333-british-man-arrested-for-sexual-assault-of-6-year-old-thai-stepdaughter/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 5 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1345366-thailand-live-thursday-5-december-2024/

Foreign Man Rescued After Climbing onto 21st-Floor Ledge of Pattaya Condo Pattaya police successfully prevented a tragedy, after a foreign man climbed onto the 21st-floor ledge of a condominium in an apparent suicide attempt. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345331-foreign-man-rescued-after-climbing-onto-21st-floor-ledge-of-pattaya-condo/

Picture from responders. Pattaya police successfully prevented a tragedy on the morning of December 4, after a foreign man climbed onto the 21st-floor ledge of a condominium in an apparent suicide attempt. The Pattaya City Police were alerted to the situation at a condominium on Thappraya Road, Pattaya, in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Officers rushed to the scene at Building C, a 22-story structure, where a man identified only as “Mr. Robert,” aged approximately 70-75 and nationality not disclosed, was seen threatening to jump from the 21st floor. After 30 tense minutes of negotiation, police and rescue volunteers managed to bring him to safety. According to Mr. Tewit Surachet, a Pattaya City volunteer who participated in the rescue, the foreign man repeatedly asked for embassy assistance during the negotiation. Eventually, the rescue team seized an opportunity to grab him and escort him to safety. For now, the man has been moved to the lobby to calm down, while authorities coordinate with his private lawyer to transfer him to a hospital for medical evaluation and care. Reports indicate that Mr. Robert had previously attempted suicide but was saved in time on that occasion as well. 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. -- 2024-12-03

Foreign Motorcyclist killed in Crash on Pattaya Curve A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a foreigner, nationality not disclosed, believed to be around 40-50 years old, after he lost control of his rented motorcycle and was thrown into a grassy ditch. The incident occurred at the curve in front of Flowerland Park on Phra Prapanimit Road (Soi Siam Country Club), beneath the Pattaya-Mabtaput Motorway overpass in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345327-foreign-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-on-pattaya-curve/

Picture from responders. A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a foreigner, nationality not disclosed, believed to be around 45-55 years old, after he lost control of his rented motorcycle and was thrown into a grassy ditch. The incident occurred at approximately 00.05 on December 4, at the curve in front of Flowerland Park on Phra Prapanimit Road (Soi Siam Country Club), beneath the Pattaya-Mabtaput Motorway overpass in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Local police at Nong Prue Police Station received the report and coordinated with patrol units and the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Rescue Foundation to investigate. Upon arrival, rescue workers found the victim lying motionless in the grass, having suffered multiple critical injuries and unresponsive, without a pulse. Despite over 20 minutes of CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Approximately 20 metres away, a damaged black Honda Click motorcycle was found overturned. Police documented the scene as evidence. Mr. Prasong, 51, who witnessed the aftermath, reported that he was sitting near the curve under the overpass when he heard a loud crash. Rushing to the scene, he found the foreign man had lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He quickly sought help from locals, who alerted authorities and rescue teams. Authorities found a fitness membership card bearing the name “James Christopher,” believed to belong to the renter of the motorcycle. However, confirmation of the deceased’s identity is pending. Police suspect that the victim was possibly traveling at speed and failed to navigate the curve, hit the crash barrier and was thrown into the grassy area. Police are reviewing CCTV footage in the area to determine the precise cause of the crash and if any other vehicle was involved. Efforts were also underway to contact the victim’s family or relatives. -- 2024-12-04

Bus Driver Found Dead Inside Vehicle in Pattaya Parking Lot Authorities in Pattaya are investigating the sudden death of a bus driver discovered inside his vehicle. The incident occurred at a parking lot in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 27, Moo 4, Na Kluea, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345311-bus-driver-found-dead-inside-vehicle-in-pattaya-parking-lot/

Picture from responders. Authorities in Pattaya are investigating the sudden death of a bus driver discovered inside his vehicle on the morning of December 3. The incident occurred at a parking lot in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 27, Moo 4, Na Kluea, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. At approximately 08:30, Pol. Lt. Manot Thipwet, Deputy Inspector of Bang Lamung Police Station, along with rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a white bus belonging to the Thai Lux Transport Company parked with its left front door open. Inside, the driver, identified as Mr. Pasakorn, age not disclosed, was discovered lying lifeless on the walkway of the bus. He was dressed only in trousers, with no shirt. Initial examinations revealed no signs of foul play, and all personal belongings of the deceased were accounted for. According to the investigation, a tour guide arrived at the parking lot to call the bus for a scheduled passenger pickup. However, upon discovering the driver’s lifeless body, the guide immediately notified the company, which then alerted authorities. The deceased’s body has been transferred to Bang Lamung Hospital, where it will remain until relatives present documentation. Preliminary investigations suggest the cause of death may have been related to an underlying health condition. Authorities are awaiting further confirmation from an autopsy. -- 2024-12-04

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Safely Removes 60mm Mortar Shell Found in Chiang Rai A 60mm mortar shell was discovered hidden in overgrown grass near a community in central Chiang Rai, causing alarm among local residents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345309-explosive-ordnance-disposal-team-safely-removes-60mm-mortar-shell-found-in-chiang-rai/

Picture courtesy of EOD A 60mm mortar shell was discovered hidden in overgrown grass near a community in central Chiang Rai, causing alarm among local residents. Police reports indicate that the explosive device found on December 3, was a flare-type mortar shell in good condition and was found in a grassy area along Sawankhalok Alley near Phaholyothin Road. Officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, led by Sub-Lieutenant Suriya Uppananakaj, were promptly dispatched to the scene after receiving a tip-off from local patrol officers. Upon arrival, the EOD team confirmed the object as a live 60mm flare mortar shell. Due to its intact condition, it posed a potential threat to public safety. The team meticulously followed safety protocols to disarm and secure the device, preventing any risk of detonation. The mortar shell was successfully neutralised and secured, with further investigations to follow regarding its origin and any possible connections to illicit activities. Authorities assured residents that their safety remains a priority and encouraged the public to report any suspicious objects or activities to the police immediately. -- 2024-12-04

Van Fire Incident Near Phetkasem Soi 88, Bangkok: Van Completely Destroyed A fire broke out in a public transport van near Phetkasem Soi 88, Bang Khae district, causing extensive damage to the vehicle and nearby communication cables. One individual was injured in the incident and has been hospitalised. Full Story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345308-van-fire-incident-near-phetkasem-soi-88-bangkok-van-completely-destroyed/