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Student Dies in School Van Crash with Ice Delivery Truck In Uttaradit A student lost their life in Uttaradit province after a collision between a school van and a six-wheeled ice delivery truck. The accident left nine students injured, with three in critical condition. Authorities believe the incident could have caused greater loss of life had the collision been full contact. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345297-student-dies-in-school-van-crash-with-ice-delivery-truck-in-uttaradit/

Picture from responders. A student lost their life in Uttaradit province after a collision between a school van and a six-wheeled ice delivery truck. The accident left nine students injured, with three in critical condition. Authorities believe the incident could have caused greater loss of life had the collision been full contact. The accident occurred on December 2, in Ban Pha Kaen, Village 10, Tha Pla Subdistrict, Tha Pla District. The ice delivery truck reportedly sideswiped the school van on Ruan Chit Road, which was heading toward Tha Pla. Emergency responders rushed the injured students to the hospital, while the school community mourned the loss of one of its own. The truck driver, who was not named, remain at the scene and was taken by authorities for questioning. Tha Pla Pracha Utid School expressed its sorrow in a post on Facebook, stating: “ The school administration, students, teachers, and parents deeply mourn the loss of Sakoldit Uppathana, a student. We extend our heartfelt support to the Uppathana family during this difficult time.” Images of the damaged school van were shared on social media by Facebook users, one who commented: “This is the aftermath of the accident caused by the ice delivery truck sideswiping the school van. Had it struck full om, the tragedy would have been far worse.” The incident has deeply affected the local community, with many offering hopes for the swift recovery of the injured students and expressing condolences to the bereaved family. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, while school staff and community members join together to provide support to those affected. -- 2024-12-04

UPDATE Fire Destroys Iconic Abandoned Ship Hotel on Koh Chang: Blaze Could Take Days to Extinguish Picture from responders. A massive fire broke out at the abandoned ship hotel known as Koh Chang Grand Laguna, located in Bang Bao Village, Koh Chang Tai Subdistrict, Koh Chang District, Trat Province. Authorities estimate it will take several days to fully extinguish the flames, which have already spread to approximately 50% of the structure. The blaze, reported to have started at the ship’s stern, quickly spread through the lower levels and moved toward the upper deck. Police Colonel Wallop Kangtharathip, chief of Koh Chang Police Station, received the report and coordinated efforts with local officials, including Mr. Jakkrit Salakphet, mayor of Koh Chang Tai, and Koh Chang District Chief Narit Palakwang Na Ayutthaya. Fire trucks were dispatched from the Koh Chang Tai Municipality to the remote site at the southern tip of Koh Chang Island. Mr. Jakkrit stated that despite the deployment of over 50 personnel and firetrucks, efforts to control the blaze have been hindered by the structure’s construction, wooden fittings and strong winds in the area. By 15.00 officials, including local leaders and national park staff, concluded that the fire could not be extinguished in a short time. The strategy now focuses on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby areas. “The hotel’s wooden structure, which acts as a natural accelerant, and the ongoing windy conditions make this a highly challenging situation,” said Mr. Jakkrit. He added that complete containment is expected to take several days. The Koh Chang Grand Laguna ship hotel, designed to resemble a floating cruise ship, was a unique landmark. It was built in 1992 by businessman Mr. Olan Assawarittikul, who initially invested in the hospitality business in Cambodia before relocating to Koh Chang due to political instability in the region. The ship hotel once thrived as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who marveled at its innovative design. However, financial difficulties in recent years led Mr. Olan to put the property up for sale for over 1 billion baht. Despite its high valuation, no official transactions were ever finalized. Fortunately, no tourists to the area were present at the time of the fire, as the ship hotel had long been abandoned. Officials are now awaiting discussions with Mr. Olan, the property owner, to assess the extent of the damages and the future of the site. -- 2024-12-03

Fire Engulfs Iconic “Ship Hotel” on Koh Chang: Emergency Teams Struggle to Contain Blaze A fierce fire has erupted at the abandoned Koh Chang Grand Laguna Hotel, a famous landmark on the island due to its distinctive ship-like design. The blaze broke out at approximately 11.00 on December 3, in the Koh Chang Tai subdistrict and continues to rage, with thick black smoke visible from afar. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345248-fire-engulfs-iconic-“ship-hotel”-on-koh-chang-emergency-teams-struggle-to-contain-blaze/

Picture and video from responders. A fierce fire has erupted at the abandoned Koh Chang Grand Laguna Hotel, a famous landmark on the island due to its distinctive ship-like design. The blaze broke out at approximately 11.00 on December 3, in the Koh Chang Tai subdistrict and continues to rage, with thick black smoke visible from afar. Eyewitnesses report that the fire began on the third floor of the building before spreading to other parts of the structure. Firefighters and emergency responders are working to bring the situation under control, but after almost 3 hours the fire is still burning. The once-renowned hotel, commonly referred to as the “abandoned ship hotel,” or “ghost hotel” for local claims it is haunted, has been a popular photography spot despite its long-abandoned state and lack of electricity. Safety concerns have prohibited visitors from entering the structure, although the exterior remained accessible. Initial reports suggest that workers were inside the building conducting welding repairs at the time the fire broke out, potentially triggering the blaze. However, authorities have not confirmed this information. Forensic investigators will begin their work as soon as the fire is extinguished to determine its exact cause. Residents and tourists in the area have been advised to avoid the site while emergency crews battle the flames. -- 2024-12-03 ScreenRecording_12-03-2024 14-17-50_1.mp4 ScreenRecording_12-03-2024 15-10-40_1.mp4

UPDATE Pattaya Gold Theft Suspect Arrested After 24-Hour Manhunt Police in Pattaya successfully apprehended a 29-year-old man who stole a gold ring from a gold store in South Pattaya’s Tukcom Mall. The arrest came after an intense 24-hour manhunt involving surveillance footage and undercover operations. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345112-pattaya-police-launch-manhunt-for-gold-ring-snatcher/#findComment-19423153

UPDATE Pattaya Gold Theft Suspect Arrested After 24-Hour Manhunt Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya successfully apprehended a 29-year-old man who stole a gold ring from a gold store in South Pattaya’s Tukcom Mall. The arrest came after an intense 24-hour manhunt involving surveillance footage and undercover operations. The incident occurred on the evening of December 1, when the suspect, identified as Mr. Boon Wongsawang, entered the gold store and asked to try on a one-baht gold ring. Once the staff handed him the ring, he declared, “I’m leaving now,” before sprinting out of the store. Mr. Boon attempted to evade police by disguising himself, shedding his jacket and fleeing on a motorbike. However, officers soon identified his movements through CCTV footage and witness accounts. He abandoned his vehicle and fled into nearby brushlands, where police conducted an extensive search. By late evening on December 2, authorities tracked Mr. Boon to a short-term rental in the Khao Mai Kaew area. Aware he was being pursued, the suspect frequently changed locations but was ultimately caught back in Soi Land Office 2 as he attempted to visit his girlfriend. During interrogation, Mr. Boon admitted to the crime. Once a hotel security guard in Pattaya, he had been fired and left destitute. Sleeping near Tukcom Mall, he noticed that the gold store was staffed only by women. Seizing what he saw as an opportunity, he stole the ring and sold it at another gold shop in Pattaya. He confessed that the proceeds from the sale were used to fuel his gambling addiction, buy drugs, and purchase a new phone for his girlfriend. He admitted to having pawned her previous phone to fund his online gambling losses. Pol. Col. Navin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, emphasized that no criminal would evade justice in Pattaya. He urged gold shops and pawnshops to cooperate with authorities in similar cases to expedite investigations. “This case was resolved in under 24 hours due to our team’s dedication, but with greater cooperation from businesses, we could work even faster,” he stated. Mr. Boon now faces legal proceedings and was advised by police to take this as an opportunity to start afresh after serving his sentence. Authorities also issued a stern warning to anyone contemplating crimes in Pattaya: escape is futile. -- 2024-12-03

Electrical Short Circuit Sparks Fire at Chester’s Grill, Rama 2 Soi 60/2 A fire broke out at a Chester’s Grill in Rama 2 Soi 60/2, Samae Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok at approximately 12:35 on December 2, caused by an electrical short circuit in the motor of the restaurant’s ventilation system located above the cooking equipment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345200-electrical-short-circuit-sparks-fire-at-chester’s-grill-rama-2-soi-602/

Pictures from responders A fire broke out at a Chester’s Grill in Rama 2 Soi 60/2, Samae Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok at approximately 12:35 on December 2, caused by an electrical short circuit in the motor of the restaurant’s ventilation system located above the cooking equipment. Officials reported that the malfunction ignited heat insulation panels, along with built-up grease and oil residue in the ventilation system. While the fire was contained quickly, smoke filled the restaurant, prompting an evacuation. The sight of smoke escaping through the front doors caused alarm among neighbouring businesses, raising concerns about the fire’s potential to spread. Firefighters from the Bang Khun Thian Fire and Rescue Station arrived swiftly, donning breathing apparatus to combat the fire. Using hose lines, they extinguished the flames and prevented any structural damage to the building. After extinguishing the fire, responders faced the challenge of clearing the smoke and heat inside the restaurant. With the internal ventilation system disabled, crews used a hose line pointing out of the unit, to create a venturi effect (pressure differential) at the main entrance, efficiently drawing the smoke and heat out of the building. A PPV (positive pressure ventilation) fan was then used to complete the smoke clearance. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and authorities declared the site safe. Chester’s Grill will undergo necessary repairs to the ventilation system and a thorough cleaning of smoke residue on walls, ceilings, and fittings before resuming operations. -- 2024-12-03

Woman Killed While Crossing Chonburi Bypass Road A crash occurred early morning on December 2, when a 22 year old woman was fatally struck by a car while crossing the bypass road near Bueng Overpass in Chonburi. Police from Mueang Chonburi Police Station are investigating the exact cause of the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345198-woman-killed-while-crossing-chonburi-bypass-road/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred early morning on December 2, when a 22 year old woman was fatally struck by a car while crossing the bypass road near Bueng Overpass in Chonburi. Police from Mueang Chonburi Police Station are investigating the exact cause of the incident. The collision happened at approximately 06:50, along the inbound lane of the Chonburi Bypass Road toward Pattaya, in Moo 6, Ban Suan Subdistrict, Mueang District. Police and rescue workers from the Trai Tham Foundation rushed to the scene following a report of a fatal incident. Upon arrival, officers found a black Toyota Vios with Bangkok license plates parked at the roadside. The car’s front-left section was damaged, with a shattered windshield stained with blood. Lying lifeless in the middle of the road was Ms. Nutcharee aged 22. The victim’s mother arrived shortly after and collapsed in grief, clutching her daughter’s body and weeping uncontrollably. According to a friend of the deceased, she had driven her motorbike to pick up the victim but was waiting on the opposite side of the road. She reportedly told the victim to run across, but before reaching her, the victim was struck by the car. Mr. Badin 31, the driver of the Toyota Vios, explained that he was driving alongside a truck when the accident occurred. He said he did not see anyone crossing the road and only heard the truck honk its horn. Moments later, his car collided with the victim, leaving him in shock and unable to react in time. Police summoned Mr. Badin for further questioning and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the sequence of events and proceed with legal action as appropriate. -- 2024-12-03

Pickup Truck Hits Motorbike, Driver Flees Scene Before Returning to Surrender A crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle in South Pattaya left an 18 year old motorcyclist seriously injured. Despite initially fleeing the scene, the pickup truck driver later returned to surrender to police, claiming he did not intend to escape. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345197-pickup-truck-hits-motorbike-driver-flees-scene-before-returning-to-surrender/

Picture from responders. A crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle in South Pattaya left an 18 year old motorcyclist seriously injured. Despite initially fleeing the scene, the pickup truck driver later returned to surrender to police, claiming he did not intend to escape. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre in Pattaya was alerted to the incident, which occurred on Sukhumvit Road, near the South Pattaya U-turn. Rescue volunteers rushed to the scene where they found the injured motorcyclist, identified as Mr. Suphawit, lying unconscious on the road. He had multiple injuries and a severe laceration on his face. Emergency responders provided first aid before transporting him to Bang Lamung Hospital. Nearby, a heavily damaged Honda motorcycle was discovered overturned in the middle of the road, rendered unrideable. The pickup truck involved had already fled the scene. According to a friend of the victim who was riding a separate motorcycle, the collision occurred as Suphawit shifted lanes to make a U-turn at the South Pattaya intersection. At that moment, the pickup truck abruptly changed lanes, colliding with Suphawit’s motorcycle and causing the crash. The truck driver then sped off without stopping to assist. Approximately an hour later, the pickup truck driver, identified as 32-year-old Mr. Sarawut, returned to the scene to surrender to the police. He claimed he had no intention of fleeing and had simply panicked. However, officers discovered the black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck parked about one kilometre from the crash site, near a Big C store. The vehicle, heavily modified, had damaged front right wheel arch, a shattered alloy rim, and a deflated tyre. Crucially, a dash-cam video provided by a following vehicle captured the crash in detail. The footage shows the black pickup truck turning on its left signal before accelerating, releasing a cloud of black exhaust, and fleeing the scene without checking on the injured motorcyclist. Police detained Mr. Sarawut at the Pattaya City Police Station and are proceeding with legal action against him. -- 2024-12-03

Tragic Drowning of 7 Year Old Sparks Warning for Parents & Guardians Authorities have issued a warning to parents to closely monitor their children around water after a 7 year old boy drowned while playing in the Chao Phraya River near Wat Chao Boonkerd in Ang Thong Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345196-tragic-drowning-of-7-year-old-sparks-warning-for-parents-guardians/

Picture from responders. Authorities have issued a warning to parents to closely monitor their children around water after a 7 year old boy drowned while playing in the Chao Phraya River near Wat Chao Boonkerd in Ang Thong Province. The incident occurred on December 1, when locals reported a missing child near a riverside raft. Upon inspection, police found the boy’s clothes and shoes left on the raft, suggesting he had gone into the water and potentially drowned. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched, and at 20:45 they recovered the boy’s body near the raft. Medical staff from Chaiyo Hospital were called to examine the body. According to Somchai, a 12-year-old friend of the deceased, the boy lived and studied at Wat Chao Boonkerd. Around 14:00 the victim and approximately 15 friends went to play in the water near the raft. By 14:30 all the children had come out of the water except the victim, who remained playing alone. At 15:00 his friends realised he was missing and searched for him, enlisting the help of the temple’s monks. Despite their efforts, they were unable to locate him and contacted local authorities and rescue teams. The search eventually led to the discovery of his body. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unsupervised water activities. -- 2024-12-03

Woman Rescued After Rings Stuck on Swollen Fingers in Pattaya A rescue unfolded in Pattaya after a 45-year-old homeless woman, identified only as Ms. A sought police assistance at Pattaya Police Station in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. She was in visible pain from multiple rings tightly stuck on her fingers, causing severe swelling and infections. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345195-woman-rescued-after-rings-stuck-on-swollen-fingers-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A rescue unfolded in Pattaya after a 45-year-old homeless woman, identified only as Ms. A sought police assistance at Pattaya Police Station in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. She was in visible pain from multiple rings tightly stuck on her fingers, causing severe swelling and infections. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation's rescue team was called to the scene after receiving reports of her condition. Upon arrival, they found Ms. A in a distressed state, speaking incoherently and crying out in pain. Rings on both hands were wedged deeply, causing significant swelling and festering wounds, which were weeping blood and pus, smelling of possible rot from the dead flesh around the rings. Rescue workers provided immediate first aid and transported her to Bang Lamung Hospital for initial evaluation. The situation proved challenging as the rings had cut deeply into her flesh. Additional complications arose when Ms. A resisted treatment, forcing medical staff to administer anesthesia to proceed with the removal. Using specialised tools, rescuers meticulously cut through the rings and also removed some tight bracelets encircling her wrists. The process, complicated by the extent of her injuries and the embedded rings, took nearly two hours to complete. Doctors confirmed that Ms. A narrowly avoided amputation thanks to the timely intervention. She remains under medical care for further treatment and recovery. -- 2024-12-03

Big Bike Crash Claims Life of Coffee Vendor in Pathum Thani A crash occurred at 09.30 on December 2, along the Khlong 6 frontage road near the Pink Bridge in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, claiming the life of a 32 year old coffee vendor. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345194-big-bike-crash-claims-life-of-coffee-vendor-in-pathum-thani/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred at 09.30 on December 2, along the Khlong 6 frontage road near the Pink Bridge in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, claiming the life of a 32 year old coffee vendor. Police Lieutenant Surachai Phopantharach, an investigator with Khlong Ha Police Station, responded to the scene alongside medical personnel from Khlong Luang Hospital and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. At the site, authorities found a severely damaged Suzuki GSX-R1000R big bike, silver and black in colour, registered in Bangkok. The body of the rider lay face-down in the middle of the road. The deceased suffered multiple fractures, a skull fracture, and severe brain trauma, despite wearing a helmet. The victim’s father, 66 year old Somsak, rushed to the scene after receiving the devastating news. He revealed that his son was the youngest in the family and made a living selling coffee from a roadside stall near Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. His son’s girlfriend works at a convenience store. Eyewitnesses reported seeing two big bikes racing down the road moments before the crash. The victim’s bike attempted to overtake another vehicle but lost control, hitting a roadside metal sign pole, breaking it, and subsequently crashing into a gate. The impact threw the rider onto the street, leading to his fatal injuries. Footage from CCTV cameras confirmed the sequence of events. The video captured the rider speeding and losing control while overtaking, striking a steel post, and being flung into a concrete wall before his head hit a steel gate, causing a fatal blow. Police Lieutenant Surachai documented the scene and arranged for the motorcycle to be towed away. The body was sent to Thammasat Chalermprakiat Hospital’s forensic department for an autopsy. -- 2024-12-03

Pickup Truck Plunges Into Suvarnabhumi Canal, Claims Life of 37 Year Old Woman Authorities were alerted to an incident involving a pickup truck that sank into the Suvarnabhumi water canal opposite Thonburi Rajabhat University in Samut Prakan. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345191-pickup-truck-plunges-into-suvarnabhumi-canal-claims-life-of-37-year-old-woman/

12-Year-Old Boy Falls from Mall Rooftop to His Death, Ayutthaya Tragedy struck in Ayutthaya on the evening of December 3, as a 12-year-old boy fell from the rooftop of a shopping mall, resulting in his death. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345193-12-year-old-boy-falls-from-mall-rooftop-to-his-death-ayutthaya/

Picture from responders. Tragedy struck in Ayutthaya on the evening of December 3, as a 12-year-old boy fell from the rooftop of a shopping mall, resulting in his death. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. At approximately 18:30 Pol. Lt. Phusit Pradapphet of Uthai Police Station received a report of a boy falling from a shopping mall located along Rojana Road in Ayutthaya’s Thanu sub-district. Rescue teams and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found the injured boy, identified as Wongsathorn, lying unconscious near the mall’s side exit. The boy had suffered severe head injuries and significant blood loss. Despite immediate CPR efforts by rescue teams, he was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital. The boy’s mother, Ms. A (name withheld), arrived at the scene with his twin brother shortly after being notified of the incident. Overcome with grief, she embraced her son’s body while crying uncontrollably. Ms. A revealed that her son, nicknamed Title, was a special needs child and had been out of school for the past two months. On the day of the tragedy, they had been exercising in their neighbourhood , with Title playing sepak takraw with friends. Afterward, he returned home alone, carrying a takraw ball. When she returned home and couldn’t find him, she began searching the area until police informed her of the incident. She expressed confusion over how her son ended up at the mall, as their only connection to it was his past enrollment in a taekwondo class there. Ms. Sajeephan, a witness, said she heard a loud thud while in the mall’s parking lot. Turning toward the sound, she saw the boy lying motionless on the ground. She immediately called emergency services. Another resident, Ms. Noi, who lives near the mall, recalled seeing a dark object falling from above and later learning it was a person. Authorities conducted a detailed examination of the rooftop, which is used for storing maintenance equipment and houses air-conditioning units. Investigators found powdery debris and footprints matching the boy’s sneakers near the edge of the rooftop, leading them to believe he may have accidentally fallen from this point. CCTV footage from the mall is being reviewed to determine how the boy accessed the rooftop. His body has been sent to the Ministry of Justice’s forensic institute in Pathum Thani for an autopsy as police work to uncover the full story behind this tragic 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. -- 2024-12-03

Picture and video from responders. Authorities were alerted to a tragic incident involving a pickup truck that sank into the Suvarnabhumi water canal opposite Thonburi Rajabhat University in Samut Prakan. At the scene, rescue teams discovered a submerged Isuzu 4- door pickup truck completely underwater. Inside the vehicle, divers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation found the body of a 37 year old woman identified as Ms. Ruchireth. The vehicle was pulled out of the canal to recover the victim’s body. According to her partner, the deceased was a resident of Bang Pla Subdistrict and worked at a warehouse near the canal. She reportedly suffered from depression, though the circumstances leading to the vehicle plunging into the water remain unclear. A local resident who witnessed the incident recounted the harrowing moment. "I live in Rama III and came here to fish at the canal. The pickup truck appeared to be driving normally. However, when it reached the spot where it went into the canal, it slowed down before speeding up and veering into the water. I didn't know what to do, so I quickly grabbed a metal rod, jumped into the water with two others and tried to break the car's window." The good Samaritan added, "The truck sank very quickly, and we couldn't see anyone inside. I ended up cutting my arm on the broken glass and had to climb out to call for help." Despite the valiant effort, the swift submersion of the vehicle left little time for a rescue. Emergency responders have since transported the victim's body for further examination, and police are investigating the cause of the incident. -- 2024-12-03 ScreenRecording_12-02-2024 18-51-16_1.mp4

Woman’s Body Found Floating in Canal: Same Location as Male Body Discovered 3 Days Ago Authorities were shocked on the morning of December 2, as the body of a woman, approximately 50 years old, was discovered floating in a canal in the Chong Nonsi area, the same location where a man’s body was found three days earlier. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345190-woman’s-body-found-floating-in-canal-same-location-as-male-body-discovered-3-days-ago/