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Picture courtesy of CIB The Crime Suppression Division of Economic Crimes (CIB) has successfully raided a warehouse in Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya, uncovering over 2,200 sacks of smuggled chemicals. The illegal goods, comprising 11 types of chemicals, were found to have bypassed customs procedures, leading to significant tax evasion. The raid was conducted under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Col. Wanichaya Chaiprong and Pol. Lt. Col. Chawaphon Chueaphet, along with other officials. Acting on a search warrant issued by the Ayutthaya Provincial Court, officers targeted a building in Moo 8, Chiang Rak Noi, where the illicit goods were stored. Upon inspection, authorities apprehended a Chinese national, Mr. Zhang, 40, who was responsible for overseeing the warehouse. The suspect failed to present documentation proving the legal import and payment of customs duties for the seized chemicals. A Chinese businesswoman, identified as Ms. Qianshun, a director of the company operating the warehouse, was also implicated in the case. The seized goods, reportedly originating from abroad, were intended for sale to the general public. Mr. Zhang admitted to managing the warehouse but could not produce the required import documents. Investigators found evidence linking the company to the smuggling operation, prompting charges under Section 246 of the Customs Act for concealing, selling, or handling goods known to have bypassed customs clearance. Ms. Qianshun later confessed to owning the chemicals and acknowledged her failure to pay the required taxes. The police have filed complaints against the company and both suspects, confiscating the illegal goods as evidence for further legal proceedings. This crackdown highlights the authorities’ commitment to curbing illegal trade and ensuring compliance with Thailand’s customs laws. -- 2024-12-01

Truck Plunges 100 Metres into Ravine After Brake Failure, Killing 1 & Injuring 3 An incident occurred early morning on the Chiang Muan-Nan Road in Ban Mai, Chiang Muan District, Phayao Province, when a six-wheel crane truck lost control due to brake failure, crashed into an electricity pole, and plunged into a 100 metre deep ravine. The incident resulted in one fatality and three injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345008-truck-plunges-100-metres-into-ravine-after-brake-failure-killing-1-injuring-3/

Thailand and U.S. Set to Resume Direct Flights by February File photo courtesy: Traveloka Direct flights between Thailand and the United States are poised to restart in February, following the expected upgrade of Thailand's aviation safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344989-thailand-and-us-set-to-resume-direct-flights-by-february/

Picture captured from video of the incident. A collision occurred on the morning of November 30, between Special Train No. 983 and a track inspection vehicle on the Suphanburi railway line at approximately 08:35. Fortunately, three railway workers aboard the inspection vehicle managed to jump clear in time, sustaining only minor injuries. Special Train No. 983 was a chartered service heading to Suphanburi Station. The route is typically served by only one passenger train per week, requiring additional caution for any non-scheduled services. Local residents in the area, unfamiliar with frequent train activity, may have been unaware of the train’s presence. Railway officials, however, should have been fully informed of the schedule. According to statements, the workers heard the train’s horn but mistook it for a train operating on the main railway line, leading to the unfortunate miscalculation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure improved safety protocols for future operations. Video of the incident courtesy of Richard Barrows X account below. -- 2024-12-01

Picture from responders A fatal collision occurred late night on November 29, on the Kanchanaphisek Road in Nonthaburi, Thailand, where a man riding a motorcycle lost control, fell from an overpass, and died after being struck by another vehicle. Police from the Bang Yai Police Station, along with rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and forensic medical personnel, rushed to the scene following the report. The incident took place near a U-turn overpass close to Wat Phra Ngern Alley in Bang Muang Subdistrict, Bang Yai District. Upon arrival, officials found the lifeless body of a man lying on his back in the middle lane of the inbound expressway, approximately 10 metres from the overpass. The victim, later identified as Mr. Samrit, 26, from Maha Sarakham Province, was found withsignificant bleeding from his mouth, and abrasions were found all over his body. The overpass, standing about 5 metres tall, revealed clear evidence of the crash, where a black-and-red Honda Wave motorcycle, license plate from Bangkok, belonging to the victim, was found toppled with severe front-end damage. Long scrape marks extended approximately 10 metres along the bridge concrete railing, suggesting the rider lost control before the fall. Police temporarily closed two lanes of the expressway to investigate, causing traffic congestion on the inbound side toward Taling Chan. Preliminary investigations indicated that the victim’s body was projected far from the bridge’s base, likely due to being struck by another vehicle after the fall. Medical examiners observed that internal injuries, particularly head trauma from the impact, may have caused brain injuries, causing the profuse bleeding from the mouth and nose, leading to his death. The victim’s body was transported to the Institute of Forensic Science for a detailed autopsy to confirm the cause of death. Police continue to investigate the incident, including tracing the vehicle involved in the secondary collision. -- 2024-12-01

Picture from responders. Bangkok authorities were alerted to the discovery of a man’s body floating face-down in the Khlong Chong Nonsi canal near Narathiwat Road, Sathorn, early morning on November 30. The body was found with multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck. At approximately 07:30, Police Sub-Lieutenant Narin Sunthat from Yannawa Police Station received the report and proceeded to the scene with patrol officers and a rescue team from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The victim, dressed in a blue shirt and brown trousers, was found face-down in the canal. Notable tattoos on the left arm were observed. Upon recovering the body, rescuers confirmed that the deceased had sustained several stab wounds to the chest and neck, indicating a violent attack. A nearby vendor, identified as 32-year-old Kantaphong, who sells floral garlands at the intersection where the body was found, recounted his last encounter with the victim. According to him, the man had approached him three days earlier, asking for money to buy alcohol. He gave the man 40 baht, noting that the victim appeared unharmed and behaved normally at the time. Shocked by the subsequent discovery, he shared all details with the police. Authorities are now investigating the case, collecting evidence, and reviewing CCTV footage in the area. The body has been sent for forensic examination to determine the exact time of death and confirm the victim’s identity. -- 2024-12-01

Wife for hire’: Inside Thailand’s shocking rental marriage trend by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Hidden Compass Thailand’s notorious “rental wife” trend is turning heads and sparking heated debates. Dubbed the “black pearl” phenomenon, this controversial practice is thriving in Pattaya’s red-light districts, offering foreign tourists a temporary taste of companionship for a fee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344992-‘wife-for-hire’-inside-thailand’s-shocking-rental-marriage-trend/

Taxi driver brandishes knife in Siam Square altercation (video) Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A heated altercation between an elderly taxi driver and a motorcycle rider nearly turned violent in the bustling area of Siam Square, Bangkok, as captured and shared on TikTok by user @lianhua_.7u. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344993-taxi-driver-brandishes-knife-in-siam-square-altercation-video/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic confrontation unfolded in the Andaman Sea as three Myanmar navy vessels opened fire on a group of Thai fishing boats operating within Thai territorial waters, approximately five nautical miles west of Koh Phayam. Amid the chaos, two Thai fishing boats were seized, and their crews narrowly escaped with their lives. Authorities have launched diplomatic protests and negotiations to address the incident. The Ranong Marine Security Command Center (RMSCC) reported that the attack occurred early on November 30, when a fleet of approximately 50 Thai fishing vessels was laying nets in Thai waters. Three Myanmar navy ships suddenly approached and began firing at the boats. The fishing crews were forced to abandon their nets and flee towards Koh Phayam, where two Thai naval patrol boats, T.274 and T.993, were stationed. Two Thai fishing boats, Duang Thawee Phon 333 and Sor Charoen Chai 8, failed to escape and were boarded by the Myanmar navy. Some of their crews leapt into the sea and were later rescued by nearby fishing boats. Unfortunately one crew member was pulled dead from the water and had drown. The vessels were seized and towed back into Myanmar waters near Kawthaung, it is believed that a number of crews members were also still on the boats and are being detained. A third Thai boat, Maha Lap Thanawat 4, was also targeted. The vessel’s captain, 47-year-old Sri Phet Buttat, displayed remarkable skill in evading capture. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to the head, Sri Phet managed to steer his boat to safety, enduring heavy gunfire described as “a rain of bullets.” A crew member also suffered an electric shock while attempting to escape. Both were rescued and transported to Ranong Hospital for treatment. At 00:30, Thai naval patrol boat T.274 received an emergency call and rendezvoused with the fishing boat near Koh Phayam at 13:15. The injured crew members were transferred to shore and received immediate medical attention. Sri Phet, with a head wound wrapped in gauze, recounted his harrowing experience, saying, “They fired continuously at my cabin. I couldn’t even raise my head, if I did, it would have been blown off.” The fishing crews, while relieved to have survived, lamented the loss of their valuable equipment. Many had to abandon their black fishing nets, worth hundreds of thousands of baht, during the escape. The incident occurred during peak fishing season for mackerel, attracting fleets from nearby Phang Nga province to waters near Myanmar’s border. The Thai-Myanmar Maritime Border Coordination Centre is currently investigating the incident and has lodged a formal protest with Myanmar authorities. Historically, relations between Ranong province and Myanmar’s Kawthaung region have been amicable, making the attack a surprising escalation. Officials are seeking explanations for the Myanmar navy’s actions and the return of the seized vessels. This incident highlights the dangers faced by Thai fishermen working near disputed maritime boundaries and underscores the need for stronger measures to ensure their safety. Negotiations between the two nations are ongoing. -- 2024-12-01

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Burmese fugitive wanted for a brutal murder committed nearly a decade ago has been arrested after returning to his former neighbourhood in Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram. The suspect, who had evaded authorities for ten years, was apprehended by local immigration officers on November 29. Police Lieutenant Colonel Nutthaphon Chomsiri, Superintendent of Samut Songkhram Immigration, and his team carried out the arrest following an intensive investigation into old outstanding warrants. Acting on a tip, authorities learned that the suspect, identified only as Naw, had been spotted in the area. Naw, a Myanmar national, was wanted under a warrant issued by the Samut Songkhram Provincial Court on charges of premeditated murder, concealing and destroying a corpse, and carrying a weapon without justification. The crime dates back to December 6, 2014, when Naw and accomplices were accused of murdering a victim, disposing of the body to cover up the crime, and carrying knives unlawfully in public. Naw had successfully evaded capture for years but was recently spotted in Bang Khonthi, prompting officers to set up surveillance and plan his capture. At 11:30 on November 29, officers located Naw and arrested him. The suspect, who speaks fluent Thai, confirmed his identity and admitted to being the person named in the warrant. Naw was transferred to Yi San Police Station in Samut Songkhram Province for legal proceedings. The arrest is part of an ongoing effort by the Immigration Bureau to resolve cold cases and bring fugitives to justice. Authorities praised the cooperation and diligence of the investigation team in apprehending the long-time fugitive. -- 2024-12-01

Picture from respomders. An incident occurred early morning on the Chiang Muan-Nan Road in Ban Mai, Chiang Muan District, Phayao Province, when a six-wheel crane truck lost control due to brake failure, crashed into an electricity pole, and plunged into a 100 metre deep ravine. The incident resulted in one fatality and three injuries. Police Lieutenant Banthis Muthimakka, investigator at Chiang Muan Police Station, was alerted to the accident on November 30 and rushed to the scene alongside district officials, rescue units, and medical personnel. The accident took place at a sharp curve on the border between Nan and Phayao Provinces. Authorities found the six-wheel truck, registered in Samut Sakhon, heavily damaged at the bottom of the ravine. The vehicle had reportedly been traveling from Ban Luang District in Nan Province when its brakes failed, causing it to veer off the dark and unfamiliar road. Rescue teams, including personnel from Chiang Muan Rescue Association and Siam Ruamjai Pu-In Rescue, worked tirelessly to retrieve the victims. Three injured passengers were transported to Chiang Muan Hospital, while one person was pronounced dead at the scene. Local officials, including Chiang Muan District Chief Kanas Kamnon and Subdistrict Chief Sakulsak Bua Chum, were present to coordinate the response and assess road safety in the area. The incident highlights the dangers of navigating steep and poorly lit roads, especially for heavy vehicles. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional factors contributed to the accident. -- 2024-12-01

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 30 November 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1345007-thailand-live-sunday-1-december-2024/

UPDATE Final Victim’s Body Recovered from Wreckage of Rama 2 Construction Collapse At approximately 06.15 on the morning of November 30, USAR (urban search and rescue) teams successfully retrieved the final victim’s body which was pinned under the wreckage of steel beams and concrete slabs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344888-three-dead-dozens-injured-as-steel-beams-collapse-on-rama-ii-road/page/3/#findComment-19417428

UPDATE Final Victim’s Body Recovered from Wreckage of Rama 2 Construction Collapse Pictures from the USAR team. At approximately 06.15 on the morning of November 30, USAR (urban search and rescue) teams successfully retrieved the final victim’s body which was pinned under the wreckage of steel beams and concrete slabs. This marked the conclusion of the extensive and delicate casualty recovery stage of operation that lasted throughout the night and had taken 24 hours to complete. USAR teams under the command of DDPM (Department of Disaster Prevention and Migration) had worked with structural engineers who conducted inspections of the collapsed structure and to confirmed no further movement in the damaged components and wreckage, ensuring the area was stable enough for continued recovery operations. Currently, the express lanes of Rama II Road at the collapse site remain closed to traffic as authorities work to clear debris and conduct further safety assessments. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes to avoid delays. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, and officials have vowed to determine accountability and ensure such incidents do not occur again in the future. -- 2024-11-30

Four Killed in Pickup Truck Crash in Nakhon Phanom A crash occurred shortly after midnight on the early morning of November 30, when a pickup truck driver lost control on a curve, crashing into a high-voltage electricity pole and killing all four occupants. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344985-four-killed-in-pickup-truck-crash-in-nakhon-phanom/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred shortly after midnight on the early morning of November 30, when a pickup truck driver lost control on a curve, crashing into a high-voltage electricity pole and killing all four occupants. The incident happened on the Nakhon Phanom–That Phanom road near the curve by Ban Dong Moo gas station in Tha Kho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom. Emergency responders from the Sawang Nawa That Phanom Rescue Unit were alerted by the Nakhon Phanom Emergency Command Centre (1669) and quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers discovered a severely damaged Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, license plate from Chonburi, crushed against a high-voltage electricity pole. All four individuals inside the vehicle, two men and two women, had died on impact and were trapped within the wreckage. Rescue teams coordinated with the Provincial Electricity Authority to cut power in the area to ensure the safety of emergency personnel. Specialised equipment, including hydraulic cutters, was requested from the Sawang Nawa That Phanom Rescue Unit and the VR Friendship Rescue Team from Lam Khong, to extract the victims from the wreckage. The operation involved multiple agencies, including Sawang Nawa That Phanom, VR Friendship Rescue, and Sri Satta Nakhon Phanom Rescue, as well as medical staff from Nakhon Phanom Hospital and investigators from the Mueang Nakhon Phanom Police Station. The bodies of the deceased were examined on-site by forensic teams before being sent for autopsy. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the crash, though it is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, due to spped while navigating the curve. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving at high speeds, particularly on hazardous curves, and highlights the importance of road safety measures. -- 2024-11-30

64-Year-Old Woman Killed by Passing Train in Incident in Ayutthaya A 64-year-old woman lost her life in a train incident on the evening of November 29, after stepping off one train and being struck by another traveling in the opposite direction. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344984-64-year-old-woman-killed-by-passing-train-in-incident-in ayutthaya/

Picture from responders. A 64-year-old woman lost her life in a train incident on the evening of November 29, after stepping off one train and being struck by another traveling in the opposite direction. At approximately 18:30, Pol. Lt. Col. Thawatchai Janruang, an investigator from Phachi Police Station, received a report of the fatal collision near Ban Don Klang Station in Krajiw Subdistrict, Phachi District, Ayutthaya Province. The woman was struck by a Chiang Mai-Bangkok train as she stepped off a Bangkok- Lopburi train. Her body was dragged over 100 metres along the tracks. Police, rescue workers from Ayutthaya Ruam Jai Foundation, and a medical examiner arrived at the scene to investigate. The accident occurred in an unlit area near the train station. The victim, identified as Mrs. Noppawan (surname withheld), was a resident of Moo 7, Prakaew Subdistrict, Phachi District. Her body was found severely mutilated, with dismembered limbs and body parts scattered across the tracks. Rescue workers collected the remains and placed them in black bags for transport to the Pathum Thani Institute of Forensic Science for further examination. Mr. Somjet a 50-year-old relative of the victim, revealed that Mrs. Noppawan lived with her daughter in Bangkok and routinely returned home every Friday by train. She typically arrived at Ban Don Klang Station at 18:40, where family members would pick her up. On this occasion, however, her family arrived to the devastating sight of her death. Witnesses stated that Mrs. Noppawan stepped off the train on the right-hand side, while other passengers disembarked on the left. At the same moment, the Chiang Mai-Bangkok train passed through the station on the right-hand track. The area was poorly lit, and Mrs. Noppawan may not have seen the approaching train in the darkness, leading to the tragic collision. The train involved briefly stopped to gather details before continuing its journey to deliver passengers. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence, to determine the exact circumstances. -- 2024-11-30

Cambodian Worker Fatally Assaults Thai Man After Dispute Over Missing Chicken in Sa Kaeo A Cambodian labourer fatally assaulted a Thai man during a heated argument over a missing chicken at a timber yard in Khao Chakan District, Sa Kaeo Province. The suspect fled across the border back to Cambodia following the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344983-cambodian-worker-fatally-assaults-thai-man-after-dispute-over-missing-chicken-in-sa-kaeo/

Picture from responders. A Cambodian labourer fatally assaulted a Thai man during a heated argument over a missing chicken at a timber yard in Khao Chakan District, Sa Kaeo Province. The suspect fled across the border back to Cambodia following the incident. Authorities are coordinating with border police to bring the perpetrator back to face legal proceedings, with an arrest warrant expected to be issued on November 30. The incident occurred at the Wutthipong Timber Yard, located at 203 Moo 2, Khao Chakan Subdistrict, Khao Chakan District, Sa Kaeo Province. The victim, identified as Mr. Thanom Charoenwai, 58, was a relative of a former subdistrict councilor. He suffered severe head injuries after being struck with an iron rod by Mr. Yeo or Yok Roth, a Cambodian labourer employed at the yard. The attack unfolded following a verbal altercation between the two men. Initial investigations suggest the dispute began when Mr. Thanom accused the suspect of removing the license plate from his vehicle. The argument escalated when the victim reportedly threatened to shoot the suspect with a firearm. After leaving the scene, Mr. Thanom later drove to the suspect's residence, exited his vehicle, and approached the house while issuing further challenges. The suspect then retaliated by striking Mr. Thanom on the head 2-3 times with a round iron rod approximately one metre long. The victim was rushed to Khao Chakan Hospital and subsequently transferred to Somdej Phra Yuparaj Sa Kaeo Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries around 15:00 later on November 28. Following the incident, Pol. Col. Khemchart Suwasri, Superintendent of Khao Chakan Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Col. Udom Intraprasert, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, instructed officers to examine the scene after receiving a report via the 191 hotline. Authorities have confirmed that the dispute stemmed from escalating tensions over the missing chicken and the alleged license plate removal. An arrest warrant is being prepared, and police are working closely with border officials to extradite the suspect for prosecution. -- 2024-11-30

Woman Discovers Baby's Body in Nonthaburi Field A horrifying discovery was made, when a woman cutting grass stumbled upon the body of a newborn baby girl in a field alongside Road No. 9 in Bang Bua Thong District. Authorities believe the infant was dumped in the area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344982-woman-discovers-babys-body-in-nonthaburi-field/

Picture from responders. A horrifying discovery was made on the afternoon of November 29, when a woman cutting grass stumbled upon the body of a newborn baby girl in a field alongside Road No. 9 in Bang Bua Thong District. Authorities believe the infant was dumped in the area. At approximately 14:30 Pol. Col. Prut Jamroonsart, Superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station, received a report of the deceased infant found in a grassy area off the main road in Lahan Subdistrict. The police, along with forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Science and rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, quickly arrived at the scene. The baby's decomposed body was discovered about 10 metres into the field. The body was lying face down, severely decayed, and emitting a strong odour. Nearby, a purple cloth was found, which investigators believe may have been used to wrap or transport the baby. Experts estimate the baby had been dead for approximately 7-10 days. Ms. Sirinya Khankuen, a 39-year-old grass cutter, recounted her shocking discovery. She was hired to cut grass in the privately- owned area and had ventured into the field to fetch water for mixing herbicide. While walking, she encountered a branch blocking her path and moved it aside. Initially, she didn't notice anything unusual, but a second glance revealed what appeared to be a baby's foot. Alarmed, she informed her co-workers, who contacted their employer to notify the authorities. Pol. Col. Prut noted that the remains were roughly a 30cm in length and consistent with those of a newborn. However, the exact time and cause of death remain unclear pending an autopsy. Preliminary observations suggest the baby was abandoned shortly after death. Authorities are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and investigating the area to identify the mother or individuals involved. Dr. Suranarong Srisuwan, Director of the Forensic Standards Division at the Ministry of Justice, stated that the body showed signs of decomposition consistent with being left in the field for about seven days. The presence of the purple cloth could potentially provide DNA evidence linking it to the mother. Initial observations suggest the baby may have been born prematurely, as there was no placenta present, although the umbilical cord was still attached. Authorities will continue their investigation, focusing on the surrounding area and collecting evidence from the scene to determine the circumstances behind this incident. -- 2024-11-30

No Miracle Missing 5-Year-Old Boy Found Dead From Drowning A heartbreaking end has been reported in the search for 5-year-old “Nong Pleum”, a special-needs child who went missing from Tri Mit Wittaya School in the Mae Wang district of Chiang Mai on November 27. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344981-no-miracle-missing-5-year-old-boy-found-dead-from-drowning/

Picture from responders. A heartbreaking end has been reported in the search for 5-year-old “Nong Pleum”, a special-needs child who went missing from Tri Mit Wittaya School in the Mae Wang district of Chiang Mai on November 27. Despite intensive efforts by local authorities and rescue teams, his body was found in a canal, having drowned after three days of searching. Since Nong Pleum’s disappearance, the Ministry of Education (MOE) acted swiftly, mobilising local authorities and the Mae Jo Rescue Unit to conduct an exhaustive search in the surrounding area. Their efforts focused on ponds, forested regions, and rice fields within a 2-kilometre radius of the school. The rescue team confirmed today that they had discovered the young boy’s body submerged in the water, with officials now investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. This incident has raised concerns regarding safety protocols at educational institutions, with the MOE emphasising the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of all students. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to provide answers to the family and the public. -- 2024-11-30

German Tourist Bitten While Swimming at Nang Thong Beach, Phang Nga A 57-year-old German tourist, Elke Marion Maier, was bitten on the left leg by an unidentified marine creature while swimming at Nang Thong Beach in Khao Lak, Phang Nga province. The incident left her with a deep wound, approximately 15 centimetres wide and 30 centimetres long. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344980-german-tourist-bitten-while-swimming-at-nang-thong-beach-phang-nga/