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Road Rage in Phuket: Pickup Driver Rams Car & Threatens with Sword Picture courtesy of Amarin. A dramatic case of road rage unfolded in the heart of Phuket on 25 April, when a pickup truck driver deliberately rammed a sedan before threatening the injured driver with a sword and physically assaulting him in broad daylight. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358878-road-rage-in-phuket-pickup-driver-rams-car-threatens-with-sword/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A dramatic case of road rage unfolded in the heart of Phuket on 25 April, when a pickup truck driver deliberately rammed a sedan before threatening the injured driver with a sword and physically assaulting him in broad daylight. The incident occurred on Chao Fah Suan Luang Road in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district. The shocking scene was captured on video and widely shared on social media by a bystander, who appealed for calm and urged Thais to avoid violence, stating, “We can talk things out, we are Thai people.” Footage shows the pickup driver exiting his vehicle wielding a sword, aggressively confronting the sedan driver, a man who was already wearing a cast on his leg and struggling to stand. The attacker proceeded to kick the injured man as he sat helplessly on the road, hands clasped in a wai, pleading for mercy. Eyewitnesses reported that the two vehicles had been chasing each other from the Sri Phuwanat Park area along Phatthana Thongthin Road before the collision occurred. After crashing into the sedan, the pickup driver reportedly smashed the car’s windows before confronting the victim. Initial reports suggest that the two men knew each other and had previously been in dispute over unpaid wages. The confrontation escalated after attempts at negotiation failed. In a live-streamed video taken by the pickup driver, he is heard shouting: “You ruined my life! Are you trying to destroy me? My father is dying, and you’ve destroyed my life. Do you understand? I’ve lost everything. All I have left is despair.” He then addressed bystanders, saying: “I’ve struggled my whole life. He destroyed everything. I have no one. I do glass work. My father is dying, and he’s mocked me. He doesn’t care.” Police are currently investigating the incident, reviewing the video evidence, and questioning those involved. No official charges have been announced yet, but authorities are treating the matter as a serious case of assault and intimidation on a public road. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-26.

Irish Man Stabbed in Brutal Attack Outside Pattaya Condo Picture courtesy of SiamChon. In the early hours of April 26, a brutal stabbing incident left a 34-year-old Irish national injured outside a condominium on Thepprasit Soi 17, Pattaya, Chonburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358877-irish-man-stabbed-in-brutal-attack-outside-pattaya-condo/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Responders video below. In the early hours of April 26, a brutal stabbing incident left a 34-year-old Irish national injured outside a condominium on Thepprasit Soi 17, Pattaya, Chonburi province. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received the emergency call at approximately 01:35 reporting a violent assault with a injured victim. Rescue volunteers and police officers from Pattaya City Police Station were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Mr. Scott Thomas Lacy, 34, lying in a pool of blood beside a red-plated Honda ADV 150 motorcycle. He had sustained deep lacerations from a sharp object to his left arm, abdomen, and both legs. A folding knife was found on the road nearby and was secured as evidence by investigators. Rescue workers administered first aid at the scene before urgently transporting Mr. Lacy to a nearby hospital. His condition was described by responders as serious. A security guard from a neighbouring condominium told police he saw the victim returning from a convenience store on his motorcycle when he was suddenly ambushed by another foreign man on a motorcycle. The attacker reportedly forced the victim off his bike by kicking him, then brutally stabbed him multiple times before speeding away, leaving the victim seriously wounded on the roadside. Police have launched a manhunt for the assailant. Pol. Lt. Col. Chaowalit Suwanmanee, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, confirmed that officers have been dispatched to gather evidence and track down the suspect based on descriptions provided by a witness. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-04-26. ScreenRecording_04-26-2025 06-36-28_1.mp4

Mystic Car Decked with Sacred Symbols Sparks Legal Concerns in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Amarin. A car adorned with mystical symbols and religious paraphernalia has caused a stir online after it was spotted speeding through Nonthaburi late at night. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358876-mystic-car-decked-with-sacred-symbols-sparks-legal-concerns-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A car adorned with mystical symbols and religious paraphernalia has caused a stir online after it was spotted speeding through Nonthaburi late at night. At around 23:00 on 24 April, a news team travelling along Chaiyapruek Road, outbound near the Rama IV Bridge, encountered a striking Toyota that immediately caught their attention. Nearly every surface of the vehicle, save for some parts of the windows, was covered in traditional Thai script and sacred yantra symbols. Most notably, the roof of the car featured what appeared to be an elaborate shrine, including statues of Phra Mae Thorani (the Earth Goddess), a revered hermit sage, a Buddha figure, garlands of marigolds, and a selection of fruit offerings. Footage of the vehicle quickly went viral on Thai social media platforms, prompting public curiosity and concern. On 25 April, local reporters sought clarification from Pol. Lt. Col. Thapanapong Phuengmee, Traffic Inspector at Pak Kret Police Station, regarding the legality of such modifications. According to Pol. Lt. Col. Thapanapong, the car’s adornments fall foul of Thailand’s 1979 Motor Vehicle Act, specifically Section 12, which prohibits alterations to registered vehicles that may pose a danger to others. Offenders can face fines of up to 2,000 baht under Section 60 of the same Act. “The items placed on the car’s bonnet, roof, and rear, even if affixed with double-sided tape, can become dangerous projectiles if they detach while the vehicle is in motion,” he explained. “This could cause accidents, particularly to motorcycles or other vehicles following behind.” He further warned that in the event of an accident caused by such modifications, the driver could also be charged with negligence. Even in the absence of an incident, the vehicle’s decorations are still considered illegal. “While personal beliefs and preferences are respected, they must comply with traffic laws and must not endanger other road users,” Pol. Lt. Col. Thapanapong added. “Traffic officers are authorised to stop and inspect any vehicle that appears to be unsafe, and repeat offenders may face legal action if they fail to remove the offending items.” Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-26.

Mun River: 8-Year-Old Girl Drowns as Heroic Boy 7, Saves Grandmother Picture courtesy of Amarin. A boat capsized in the middle of the Mun River in Buriram province, leading to the death of an 8-year-old girl and a dramatic rescue that saw a 7-year-old boy hailed as a hero for saving his 58-year-old grandmother. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358875-mun-river-8-year-old-girl-drowns-as-heroic-boy-7-saves-grandmother/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A boat capsized in the middle of the Mun River in Buriram province, leading to the death of an 8-year-old girl and a dramatic rescue that saw a 7-year-old boy hailed as a hero for saving his 58-year-old grandmother. The incident occurred near Ban Pla Khao, in Mueang Phutthaisong district, when four individuals were attempting to cross the river in a small wooden boat. The vessel capsized unexpectedly, plunging all occupants into the water. One of the children, Thanaphat, known as “Phupha”, aged 7, showed remarkable presence of mind. He managed to climb onto the back of the 18-year-old rower, the only one among the group who could swim, and together they reached the riverbank. The boy then extended a wooden stick to his struggling grandmother, enabling her to grab hold and be pulled to safety. The victim, an 8-year-old girl named “Fren”, a P2 student, had been sitting toward the rear of the boat when it overturned. She vanished beneath the water’s surface, sparking a desperate search. Emergency responders and local villagers scoured the area for over an hour before recovering her lifeless body, to the anguished cries of her mother and grandfather. According to Ladda, the girl’s mother, the family had gone to nearby rice fields to forage for red ant eggs. Her daughter had been left under the care of an aunt near the trees while others ventured out. Moments later, the aunt returned in panic, reporting that the child had fallen into the river. Eighteen-year-old Setthakit, who was steering the boat, told police that he had spotted the vessel abandoned by the riverside and decided to take it for a short ride across the river. The two children had asked to join, and an older relative, 58-year-old Pian, also boarded out of concern for their safety. Setthakit warned the children not to play in the boat, but his caution came too late. As the boat reached the middle of the river on the return journey, it capsized. Setthakit managed to rescue only the 7-year-old boy, who later ran to the village for help. Pian, the grandmother who cannot swim, recalled the terror of slowly sinking. “I swalloed several gulps of water and thought I was going to die,” she said. “Then I heard my grandson shouting and saw a stick extended toward me. When I grabbed it and looked up, it was my 7-year-old grandson pulling me to shore.” Local police are investigating the incident, while community members have praised the bravery and quick thinking of young Phupha, whose actions undoubtedly saved a life. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-26.

Brawl Between Monks Over Funeral Invitation Ends in Bloodshed & Expulsion from Temple Picture courtesy of Amarin Two monks at Wat Nantharam in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, have been expelled following a violent altercation involving punches and a metal rod, which left one monk needing eight stitches to the head and the other with extensive bruising. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358874-brawl-between-monks-over-funeral-invitation-ends-in-bloodshed-expulsion-from-temple/

Picture courtesy of Amarin Two monks at Wat Nantharam in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, have been expelled following a violent altercation involving punches and a metal rod, which left one monk needing eight stitches to the head and the other with extensive bruising. The incident occurred on 24 April in front of the abbot’s residence, where 70-year-old Phra Khiew and 60-year-old Phra Somboon, both resident monks, engaged in a heated dispute. According to temple abbot Phra Maha Phinyou, or Phra Khru Pariyat Wutthitada, the confrontation was triggered by a disagreement over accepting a funeral chanting invitation. Witnesses say Phra Khiew initially struck Phra Somboon in the abdomen and torso with a metal bar approximately one foot long. Phra Somboon then managed to wrestle the weapon away and struck Phra Khiew on the head three to four times, causing two open wounds and profuse bleeding. Rescue teams from Pak Phanang municipality and local police were called to the scene. Both monks were taken to Pak Phanang Hospital, where Phra Khiew received eight stitches to the head and Phra Somboon was treated for multiple bruises. After being discharged, both monks filed complaints against one another at Pak Phanang Police Station, each accusing the other of assault. The police recorded the incident and will summon both parties for further questioning. Phra Somboon later explained that the dispute erupted when Phra Khiew aggressively invited him to attend a funeral chanting session, using offensive language and insulting Phra Somboon’s parents. He claimed that he was struck first and acted in self-defence. Phra Khiew admitted to speaking harshly, saying he had to raise his voice because Phra Somboon is hard of hearing, but denied instigating the violence. He too has filed a complaint with the local police. Following the incident, the abbot summoned both monks and officially expelled them from the monastery. Phra Somboon has since left, although it is unknown which temple he has moved to. Phra Khiew has requested 10 days to gather his belongings before relocating to another temple. The temple has since urged calm among its followers and reminded the public of the importance of decorum and discipline within the monastic community. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-26.

Australia and New Zealand Ambassadors Lead 2025 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. The Ambassadors of Australia and New Zealand jointly led a solemn Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi province on the morning of 25 April, marking a poignant tribute to the soldiers who suffered and perished during the construction of the Thai-Burma Railway in the Second World War. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358873-australia-and-new-zealand-ambassadors-lead-2025-anzac-day-dawn-service-at-hellfire-pass/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. The Ambassadors of Australia and New Zealand jointly led a solemn Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi province on the morning of 25 April, marking a poignant tribute to the soldiers who suffered and perished during the construction of the Thai-Burma Railway in the Second World War. The ceremony, attended by diplomats, military personnel, descendants of veterans, and members of the public, paid homage to the courage, endurance, and mateship of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. In a statement released by the Australian Embassy, officials highlighted the significance of Hellfire Pass as a site of deep historical and emotional importance for both nations. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing at Gallipoli. Australian Ambassador to Thailand Dr Angela Macdonald PSM reflected on the event’s significance. “We stand together here at Hellfire Pass to pay tribute to all who those who served, and continue to serve our countries,” Ambassador Macdonald said. “Their great courage, service and self-sacrifice in war, humanitarian and peace operations will be remembered in history and our hearts. Lest we forget.” Australian Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN recognised the bravery and sacrifices made by generations of Australians. “Today we honour the memory of the more than 103,000 Australians who have given their life in our country’s name,” he said. “Their enduring Anzac spirit remains strong with us, whether we are at home or overseas.” New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand Mr Jonathan Kings said more than 30,000 New Zealand military personnel have been killed in wars and conflicts since 1915. “Anzac Day is a time for us to pause and reflect, as we are eternally grateful to those who gave so much for our freedom,” Ambassador Kings said.“Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.” At the Dawn Service, Their Excellencies and other dignitaries laid wreaths to honour the fallen, followed by the playing of the Last Post and a minute of silence. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-26.

Russian Woman Arrested in Phuket Hotel Over Prostitution Charges Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Tourist Police officers in Phuket have arrested a 28-year-old Russian woman on charges related to prostitution, following a raid at a hotel in the city centre. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358872-russian-woman-arrested-in-phuket-hotel-over-prostitution-charges/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Tourist Police officers in Phuket have arrested a 28-year-old Russian woman on charges related to prostitution, following a raid at a hotel in the city centre. The operation was conducted under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, as part of an ongoing crackdown on crimes affecting tourism and offences committed by foreign nationals. The arrest was carried out on 24 April by a team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Pithaya Thep-mueang from the Tourist Police Division 3, along with investigators from the same division. The suspect was apprehended in her hotel room while allegedly engaging in illegal sex work. The woman has been charged under Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, with police stating she had solicited clients in a manner considered overt, inappropriate, and disruptive to the public. Authorities confirmed that she was taken into custody and will face legal proceedings in accordance with the law. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-04-26.

BBQ Restaurant Owner Found Dead in Car After Being Defrauded of 7 Million Baht Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A tragic scene unfolded in Nonthaburi on the afternoon of 24 April, when the owner of a local barbecue restaurant was found dead in his car, parked outside his business. Authorities believe the 52-year-old man, a former bank employee, took his own life following immense financial stress caused by a 7 million baht debt owed to him by several. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358871-bbq-restaurant-owner-found-dead-in-car-after-being-defrauded-of-7-million-baht/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A tragic scene unfolded in Nonthaburi on the afternoon of 24 April, when the owner of a local barbecue restaurant was found dead in his car, parked outside his business. Authorities believe the 52-year-old man, a former bank employee, took his own life following immense financial stress caused by a 7 million baht debt owed to him by several people. Police from Bang Kruai Station received a report at 14:30 and rushed to the scene on Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road, Wat Chalo Subdistrict. They were accompanied by forensic specialists and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. At the scene, officers discovered the man’s lifeless body in the driver’s seat of a white saloon car. Nearby, they found a partially consumed blister pack of anti-anxiety medication. In the back seat, a charcoal grill was placed on the floor, while a brown envelope lay beside him. The envelope contained handwritten notes expressing frustration and grief over being defrauded, along with a list of names of those who owed him money, totalling 7 million baht. A convenience store employee, who was close to the deceased, recalled a late-night visit just after midnight. “He came by like he always did, but this time he seemed down. I asked where he was going, and he said he needed to feed the cats at the restaurant,” she said. She was later devastated to learn of his death that afternoon. A close employee of the deceased told police that he was a generous man, known for lending money to those in need, including ten of his own staff. However, three major borrowers reportedly caused him severe distress. “One person borrowed nearly a million baht but threatened to sue him when asked for repayment,” the employee said. “Another encouraged him to invest in a business venture, but became verbally abusive when pressed to return the money, that loan was also about a million baht. The third had borrowed both cash and participated in a communal savings scheme (known locally as ‘share’), together amounting to half a million baht.” Instead of responding with remorse, all three allegedly resorted to legal threats, worsening the victim’s emotional turmoil. The employee revealed that the deceased had gathered full evidence and had already authorised legal proceedings to recover the debts. “It wasn’t even all his money, he had borrowed from others just to help people out. It became too much for him.” The body has been sent for autopsy, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are coordinating with the family to arrange funeral rites. 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 out help. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-26.

Drunken Former Village Deputy Shoots Long-Time Friend Dead Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a shocking act of violence, a 55-year-old former village deputy in Trang province has turned himself in to police after fatally shooting his long-time friend in what appears to be a drunken misunderstanding involving his own teenage son. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358870-drunken-former-village-deputy-shoots-long-time-friend-dead/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a shocking act of violence, a 55-year-old former village deputy in Trang province has turned himself in to police after fatally shooting his long-time friend in what appears to be a drunken misunderstanding involving his own teenage son. The incident occurred on a road beside a local school in Na Khao Sia Subdistrict, Na Yong District. Police received reports of a shooting around 21:00 on the evening of 24 April. Officers from Na Yong Police Station, led by Pol Lt Col Sutprasert Ladkong and Pol Col Ekpong Thangchandaeng, arrived at the scene alongside rescue workers. There, they discovered the body of Mr Somjai, aged 50, lying face-up in the middle of the road. He had sustained three gunshot wounds to the head and torso. His 15-year-old son and a nephew were seen sitting beside the body in shock and distress. The alleged gunman, Mr Boonrat, a 55-year-old former assistant village headman and close friend of the victim, initially fled the scene on a motorbike but later surrendered to police. He brought with him the 9mm handgun used in the shooting and confessed to the crime during questioning. According to reports, the fatal shooting followed a heated encounter between Mr Boonrat and the victim’s son. Witnesses say the former official, heavily intoxicated, began accusing the teenager of some unspecified wrongdoing. Mr Somjai, the boy’s father, stepped in to defend his son. The confrontation escalated quickly, culminating in Mr Boonrat drawing a firearm and shooting Mr Somjai three times at close range. Police have charged Mr Boonrat with murder and unlawful possession and use of a firearm. He is being held in custody as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-26.

Naked Body of Young Woman Found in Chiang Rai Canal: Suspected Rape and Murder Picture courtesy of Amarin. A grisly discovery was made in a remote canal in Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai province, where the naked body of a young woman was found in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting she had been dead for over a month. The circumstances of the discovery and evidence at the scene has led investigators to suspect she was raped and murdered. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358869-naked-body-of-young-woman-found-in-chiang-rai-canal-suspected-rape-and-murder/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A grisly discovery was made in a remote canal in Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai province, where the naked body of a young woman was found in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting she had been dead for over a month. The circumstances of the discovery and evidence at the scene has led investigators to suspect she was raped and murdered. The body was found in a dry, overgrown canal near a longan plantation on the border between Moo 1 and Moo 16 villages in Mai Ya Subdistrict, near the road leading to a local reservoir. Local residents had reported a foul odour and alerted the authorities on the evening of 24 April. Officers from Phaya Mengrai Police Station, together with forensic police and rescue volunteers from Thoeng Charity Rescue Unit, responded to the scene. Upon clearing the thick vegetation, they discovered the body of a woman lying face up in the canal, completely unclothed. Her legs were splayed unnaturally, one hand raised and the other clenched into the soil. Her body showed signs of severe decomposition, with parts of the intestines missing and the skin dried and shrunken. No form of identification was found at the scene. Initial forensic assessments estimate the woman was between 15 and 25 years old. Authorities believe she had been dead for at least a month. Due to the position of the body and the absence of clothing, investigators suspect that she may have been sexually assaulted before being murdered. It is unclear whether she died at the scene or if her body was dumped there in an attempt to conceal the crime. The body has been transferred to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital for a full autopsy by forensic specialists. Meanwhile, police have launched a search for missing persons matching the woman’s description and are urging anyone with a missing relative to contact Phaya Mengrai Police Station. Mr. Thatchai, 45, a local village security volunteer who lives approximately 100 metres from the discovery site, recalled that for the past month, his dogs had been barking persistently at night. “I didn’t think much of it at the time – this area is quiet and far from the main village,” he said. “But now my wife is terrified.” The investigation continues as police await the results of the autopsy and pursue leads that may identify the victim and her assailant. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-26.

Security Guard Arrested in Major Tax Fraud Case Worth Over 493 Million Baht Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 47-year-old security guard has been arrested in connection with a massive tax fraud operation involving false tax invoices and damage to the state estimated at over 493 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358868-security-guard-arrested-in-major-tax-fraud-case-worth-over-493-million-baht/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 47-year-old security guard has been arrested in connection with a massive tax fraud operation involving false tax invoices and damage to the state estimated at over 493 million baht. Mr Ekphon, was apprehended by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) under the command of Pol. Maj. Gen. Tasanapoom Jaruprach, in the Ladprao 80 canal-side community in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Samut Sakhon Provincial Court on 20 August 2024, charging him with “jointly issuing tax invoices without authorisation.” Investigations revealed that Mr Ekphon had been registered as a company director of a now-defunct firm involved in corrugated paper production and scrap paper recycling. The Revenue Department discovered that between January 2014 and December 2015, the company had ceased operations but continued to issue fake tax invoices. Further scrutiny of tax documentation showed the company issued 4,441 invoices to 128 corporate entities during March–December 2014, despite having no actual goods or services to sell. These fraudulent invoices were used to falsely claim input VAT. The Revenue Department calculated the financial loss, including VAT, penalties, and surcharges, at more than 493 million baht. Authorities believe the company violated provisions of the Thai Revenue Code and summoned Mr Ekphon to clarify the matter. When he failed to appear or submit supporting documents, the court authorised his arrest. Following his capture, Mr Ekphon denied all charges. He claimed he was unaware of the company, “S.P. Paper”, and insisted he had never served as a director of any business. Originally from Ubon Ratchathani province, he said he moved to Bangkok seeking employment and was approached by a man, whose full name he could not recall, offering to help him find work as a security guard. As part of the supposed job application process, Mr Ekphon handed over his national ID card, allegedly unaware that it would be used to register him as a company director or commit any illegal activity. Police have handed him over to ECD investigators for further legal proceedings. Authorities continue to warn the public to be extremely cautious when sharing personal documents, especially identification cards, due to increasing instances of identity misuse in corporate and financial fraud. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-26.

Neighbours Accused of Shooting & Butchering Dog to Make Sun-Dried Meat in Sa Kaeo Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A disturbing case has emerged from Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, where two men have been accused of shooting and killing a neighbour’s dog before butchering it and hanging the meat out to dry to make sun-dried dog meat. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358867-neighbours-accused-of-shooting-butchering-dog-to-make-sun-dried-meat-in-sa-kaeo/

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. A disturbing case has emerged from Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, where two men have been accused of shooting and killing a neighbour’s dog before butchering it and hanging the meat out to dry to make sun-dried dog meat. The incident has sparked outrage online and prompted swift involvement from animal rights organisation Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT), which is now working closely with local police to ensure justice is served. The case revolves around the alleged killing of a pet dog named Chompoo, who had gone missing from her owner’s home in Moo 1, Ban Hunsaai, Aranyaprathet. Shortly after the dog disappeared, her owner’s wife reportedly heard a gunshot from the neighbour’s property. When the family noticed only three of their four dogs had returned, suspicions grew. The dog’s owner, Mr. Thawatchai Thawornsill, decided to confront his neighbours. Upon approaching their house, he claims he discovered pieces of meat laid out to dry in the sun. Shocked, he recognised the fur and tongue, which he says clearly belonged to Chompoo. “I nearly cried when I saw it. I knew right away it was my dog,” he said. “She was big, they got a lot of meat off her.” The incident was immediately reported to Aranyaprathet Police Station. Police launched an investigation and attempted to summon the suspects, identified as Mr. Sawaeng Ngamboonchuay, 68, and Mr. Prasit Hantayung, 56. The men, however, initially refused to cooperate, claiming the dog was their own and had been killed after it attacked their livestock. In response, the Watchdog Thailand Foundation posted images and video clips on social media, alleging that the dog had been deliberately shot and butchered. The foundation’s legal team has since become involved, accompanying police officers to the scene. On the morning of 25 April, police moved to detain the two suspects and brought them in for questioning, separating them into different rooms for individual interrogation. Both continued to maintain that the dog had been theirs and had been put down for attacking pigs. Mr. Thawatchai remains unconvinced and deeply distressed by the loss. “If she damaged anything, they could have just spoken to me, I would have paid. But to kill and eat her? It’s beyond cruel.” Police have confirmed they will be issuing formal summons. If the suspects fail to respond, arrest warrants will be issued. Pol. Col. Chuchart Kongmuang, Superintendent of Aranyaprathet Police Station, confirmed that investigators are taking the matter seriously and working closely with WDT to ensure legal proceedings are followed and justice is done. Animal cruelty is a criminal offence in Thailand under the Prevention of Cruelty and Welfare of Animals Act B.E. 2557 (2014), which carries penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of up to 40,000 baht. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-04-26.