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Police Raid Counterfeit Brand Warehouse in Prominent Bangkok Mall Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a crackdown on counterfeit goods, police together with officials from the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Commerce and representatives from several brands, raided a hidden warehouse on the fourth floor of a well-known shopping mall in the Pathumwan district of Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363062-police-raid-counterfeit-brand-warehouse-in-prominent-bangkok-mall/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a crackdown on counterfeit goods, police together with officials from the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Commerce and representatives from several brands, raided a hidden warehouse on the fourth floor of a well-known shopping mall in the Pathumwan district of Bangkok. The operation, conducted on 8 June, led to the discovery of a concealed stockpile of counterfeit designer footwear, including items bearing fake logos of high-end brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Balenciaga. Authorities seized over 2,610 pairs of shoes with an estimated market value exceeding 10 million baht. The storage room had been cleverly disguised as an “Engineering Department” facility to avoid detection by mall security and authorities. However, following a detailed investigation and intelligence gathering, police obtained a search warrant from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court and successfully carried out the raid. Three suspects were arrested at the scene: Ms. Niphaporn 44, Mr. Siwanat 32 and Mr. Wanchai 60. All three confessed to owning the counterfeit merchandise and admitted their intent to sell the goods through retail outlets within the shopping centre. The suspects have been charged with “possession of goods bearing counterfeit trademarks registered in the Kingdom with the intent to sell,” and have been handed over to the Economic Crime Suppression Division (Econ Crime Division 1) for legal proceedings. The raid comes as part of ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to clamp down on the illegal trade of counterfeit goods, particularly those infringing upon registered international trademarks, which pose a significant threat to legitimate businesses and consumer trust. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-09

Construction Firm Director Arrested for Using 522 Fake Tax Invoices, Causing Over 10 Million Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have arrested a senior executive of a construction company accused of using hundreds of fraudulent tax invoices to unlawfully claim VAT credits, resulting in losses to the government exceeding 10 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363061-construction-firm-director-arrested-for-using-522-fake-tax-invoices-causing-over-10-million/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have arrested a senior executive of a construction company accused of using hundreds of fraudulent tax invoices to unlawfully claim VAT credits, resulting in losses to the government exceeding 10 million baht. Mr Phongsak 49, a director and authorised signatory of Alex Built Co., Ltd., was apprehended by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) on 8 June in front of his residence in Moo 5, Bang Krang subdistrict, Mueang district, Nonthaburi Province. The arrest was carried out under a warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court (No. 189/2568, dated 11 February 2025). The operation was led by Pol Col Tattapoom Jaruprach, Commander of the ECD, with support from Pol Col Naruephon Karuna and Pol Lt Col Wannalop Rattanawong of ECD Sub-Division 2. The case stems from an investigation by the Nonthaburi Area Revenue Office 2, which uncovered evidence that Alex Built Co., Ltd. had submitted a total of 522 falsified tax invoices allegedly issued by various other companies. These invoices were used to inflate the company’s input tax claims, significantly reducing its payable value-added tax (VAT). Authorities determined that these forged documents were used to fraudulently claim tax deductions totalling 10,730,768 baht, prompting a formal complaint by revenue officials and the initiation of criminal proceedings. Mr Phongsak is charged with “jointly using forged tax invoices or unlawfully issued tax invoices to claim tax credits,” a serious offence under both tax and criminal law. During questioning, the suspect denied all charges. However, police say sufficient documentary evidence has been gathered to support the prosecution. He has since been handed over to investigators at ECD Sub-Division 2 for further legal proceedings. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on tax evasion and economic crimes, which the ECD says continues to undermine public revenues and harm fair business practices. Authorities have vowed to pursue both individuals and companies involved in similar fraudulent activities. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-09

Jealous Rage Ends in Cleaver Attack Over Love Triangle in Udon Thani Picture courtesy of Daily News. A violent love triangle took a dramatic turn in Udon Thani when a 36-year-old man attacked a younger rival with a cleaver in a fit of jealousy. The incident, which left one man with a serious head wound, was later bizarrely resolved at the police station after both men agreed to walk away from the woman at the centre of the dispute. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363060-jealous-rage-ends-in-cleaver-attack-over-love-triangle-in-udon-thani/

Picture courtesy of Daily News. A violent love triangle took a dramatic turn in Udon Thani when a 36-year-old man attacked a younger rival with a cleaver in a fit of jealousy. The incident, which left one man with a serious head wound, was later bizarrely resolved at the police station after both men agreed to walk away from the woman at the centre of the dispute. Police were called to the Nong Lek 6 alleyway in Udon Thani municipality following reports of an assault. Officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, along with patrol officers and local rescue volunteers, arrived to find Mr Paiwan, 27, bleeding heavily from a deep cut to the left side of his head. He was discovered sitting in the back of a pickup truck. Rescue teams administered first aid at the scene. The alleged attacker, Mr Surasit, also known as “Sam”, aged 36, remained at the scene and did not attempt to flee. He reportedly used a meat cleaver to strike Mr Paiwan once in the head. According to Mr Paiwan, he had been cutting grass to feed his cows when Mr Surasit approached and attacked him without warning. The motive appears to be jealousy, as both men had reportedly been romantically involved with the same woman, Ms Phet, who lives near the scene of the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-09 Ms Phet confirmed to police that she had previously been in a brief one-month relationship with Mr Surasit, which ended due to his lack of employment. She said she then began a relationship with Mr Paiwan, whom she described as hard-working and more stable. According to her, Mr Surasit had threatened that if he couldn’t have her, no one else could. Both men were taken to the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, where they agreed to a settlement in the presence of Pol. Lt. Col. Teerapap Phukhansai, the investigating officer. Mr Paiwan initially requested compensation of 5,000 baht for medical treatment and emotional damages. Mr Surasit could only provide 2,000 baht at the time, but promised to pay the full amount after Mr Paiwan undergoes further medical checks at the hospital. If the agreed compensation is not paid in full, legal action will proceed. Mr Surasit admitted his wrongdoing, saying, “I regret what I did. I have apologised to Mr Paiwan. I won’t pursue Ms Phet again. Let this be the end.” Mr Paiwan echoed the sentiment, stating, “I’ve had enough of Ms Phet. She always has other men around. It’s best we all go our separate ways.” Mr Nirun 37, the elder brother of the injured man, told reporters that both men were acquaintances and had fallen out over the shared relationship. He confirmed that the attack likely stemmed from jealousy after Mr Surasit saw Ms Phet walking towards Mr Paiwan. He described the incident as the result of a love triangle, saying, “This woman lived a double life. Whether they continue seeing her or not is their choice, but hopefully, this is the end of it.”

Myanmar Worker Killed at Rama 2 Construction Site Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Myanmar construction worker lost his life in the early hours of morning of 8 June, following an incident at a sewage installation site on Rama 2 Road in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district. The incident occurred just before 02:00 as the man was working several metres below ground level. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363057-myanmar-worker-killed-at-rama-2-construction-site/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Myanmar construction worker lost his life in the early hours of morning of 8 June, following an incident at a sewage installation site on Rama 2 Road in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district. The incident occurred just before 02:00 as the man was working several metres below ground level. The victim, identified as Mr U Re, aged 39, had been part of a night-shift crew involved in the installation of a new sewage pipeline. He was working at a depth of approximately three metres below ground level when a sudden subsidence of concrete and soil caused a partial collapse of the excavation site. The heavy debris fell directly onto him, trapping him beneath the rubble. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. Despite the difficult conditions, rescue workers managed to free Mr U Re from the collapsed trench. At the time of his rescue, he was still showing signs of life, but was severely injured and struggling to breathe. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical staff were unable to revive him. His heart stopped shortly after arrival and he was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts, soon after. Preliminary reports suggest that the collapse may have been caused by soil instability and inadequate structural support around the trench. Witnesses at the scene described a sudden and loud cracking noise, followed by the collapse of concrete and earth into the excavation trench. Colleagues of the deceased have been left shocked and distressed. One fellow worker, who asked not to be named, said the team had been working under pressure to meet deadlines and that some parts of the site may have lacked proper safety reinforcement. Authorities from the local district office and safety inspectors are now conducting a full investigation into the cause of the incident. The construction company responsible for the project has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Mr U Re, who had reportedly worked in Thailand for several years, is survived by family members both in Thailand and Myanmar. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-09

Woman Falls to Her Death from 20th Floor of Bangkok Condo Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 55-year-old woman fell to her death from the 20th floor of a luxury condominium in the Arun Amarin area of Bangkok Noi district early on the morning of 8 June, in what police suspect may be linked to underlying mental health issues. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363055-woman-falls-to-her-death-from-20th-floor-of-bangkok-condo/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 55-year-old woman fell to her death from the 20th floor of a luxury condominium in the Arun Amarin area of Bangkok Noi district early on the morning of 8 June, in what police suspect may be linked to underlying mental health issues. At approximately 09:55 , Pol. Sub-Lt. Phannaphong Jeenno, an investigative officer from Bang Yi Khan Police Station, responded to an emergency call reporting a fall from a high-rise building. Upon arrival at the scene, a garden area on the 7th floor of the condominium, police found the woman lying face down in a pool of blood. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A cleaning staff member at the condominium, who was the first to spot the body, told police that while cleaning on the 7th floor, she looked out and saw what appeared to be a person lying in the garden. On closer inspection, she realised someone had fallen from above and immediately alerted the condo’s ground floor office, who then called emergency services. Initial investigation revealed that the deceased had been residing in a 20th-floor unit with her husband. According to the husband, the couple had breakfast together at around 08:00 before resting in separate rooms. He later fell asleep in the living room, unaware of any incident until police and condominium staff came knocking. Police found the bedroom window open and no signs of struggle or foul play. The investigation revealed that the woman had a long-standing history of depression and was a regular outpatient at a local hospital. Her most recent hospital visit was on 5 June to collect prescribed medication. While the cause of death appears consistent with a fall, authorities have requested a full autopsy. The case remains under investigation, though foul play is not currently suspected. 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 Matichon 2025-06-09

Worker Falls to His Death from 6th Floor Freight Lift on First Day of Work Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident occurred at the Royal Irrigation Department building in Dusit, Bangkok, when a construction worker fell to his death down a freight lift shaft from the 6th floor. The deceased, identified only as Mr Santi 43, had started work on the site just that morning. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363053-worker-falls-to-his-death-from-6th-floor-freight-lift-on-first-day-of-work/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident occurred at the Royal Irrigation Department building in Dusit, Bangkok, when a construction worker fell to his death down a freight lift shaft from the 6th floor. The deceased, identified only as Mr Santi 43, had started work on the site just that morning. Police Lieutenant Surachai Phanlomsor, an investigator with Samsen Police Station, was alerted to the incident at approximately 13:20 on 7 June. Emergency rescue personnel were dispatched immediately to the scene at the department’s administrative building, located in the Nakhon Chai Si Road area. Rescue workers found Mr Santi lying on his back at the base of the lift shaft on the ground floor. He was still wearing his work trousers and had visible burn marks on his right arm. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial reports suggest that Mr Santi and four other new workers had just started work on a renovation project on the 6th floor. Mr Santi was pushing a cart filled with ceiling debris towards the freight lift to dispose of it. Believing the lift had arrived, he forcefully opened the doors. However, the lift was not actually present at that level, so pushing the cart in, caused him to fall all the way down the shaft, to the building’s lowest floor. CCTV footage confirmed that Mr Santi exited the renovation area and walked directly towards the lift before the fatal incident occurred. According to on-site engineers, lift doors are designed not to open unless the car is stationed at that floor, raising suspicions of a technical malfunction or forced entry due to excessive pulling. Authorities are continuing to examine the cause of the incident and are interviewing witnesses and co-workers to establish the full circumstances behind the fatal fall. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-09

Brutal Killing in Songkhla: Man Murders Wife at Rubber Plantation, Flees with Son on Motorcycle Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A horrifying domestic murder has rocked a community, after a man fatally struck his wife in the head with a rubber tapping knife before fleeing the scene with his son on a green Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. Police have issued arrest warrants for both men as the manhunt continues. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363052-brutal-killing-in-songkhla-man-murders-wife-at-rubber-plantation-flees-on-motorcycle/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A horrifying domestic murder has rocked a community, after a man fatally struck his wife in the head with a rubber tapping knife before fleeing the scene with his son on a green Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. Police have issued arrest warrants for both men as the manhunt continues. The incident occurred around 05:00 on 8 June in Moo 1, Ban Khlong Sihra, Ba Hoi subdistrict, Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province. Officers from Saba Yoi Police Station, along with forensic and emergency personnel, were called to a rubber plantation where they discovered the lifeless body of 52-year-old Ms Prathum. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood at the base of a rubber tree. A rubber tapping knife and other tools were located nearby. Upon inspection, police found two deep lacerations to her head, consistent with a violent assault. The primary suspect, 51-year-old Mr Bunhai, was the victim’s new husband. He had reportedly gone to the plantation earlier with Ms Prathum and his 26-year-old son Mr Chaiphruek, her stepson. According to the victim’s biological son, Mr Phornthap, he later rode to the plantation to sharpen a tapping knife for his mother. Upon arrival, he noticed Mr Bunhai and Mr Chaiphruek behaving suspiciously and telling him they were going to fetch a container. They also urged him to sharpen the knife elsewhere. Feeling uneasy, Mr Phornthap left briefly but then returned, only to find the two men gone. Searching the plantation with a flashlight, he discovered his mother barely clinging to life. She succumbed to her injuries before help could arrive. He immediately contacted the village head and local police. Officers searched a rented house linked to Mr Bunhai but found it abandoned. Drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the property, deepening suspicions about the suspects’ behaviour. Following an official request by Saba Yoi police investigators, the Na Thawi Provincial Court has issued arrest warrants for both Mr Bunhai and Mr Chaiphruek. Authorities believe the father and son fled the area on a green Kawasaki Ninja motorbike shortly after the killing. Police are now actively tracking the fugitives and urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-09

Collision Claims Couple’s Lives in Chachoengsao Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man and woman lost their lives in the early hours of the morning of 8 June, after their motorcycle collided head-on with a Mitsubishi Pajero in Chachoengsao province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363050-collision-claims-couple’s-lives-in-chachoengsao/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man and woman lost their lives in the early hours of the morning of 8 June, after their motorcycle collided head-on with a Mitsubishi Pajero in Chachoengsao province. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 04:30 on the canal-side road near Chuat Chado Bridge in Moo 6, Kon Kaew subdistrict, Khlong Khuean district. Police Lieutenant Thanawam Champahom, an investigator from Khlong Khuean Police Station, responded to the scene alongside forensic doctors from Khlong Khuean Hospital and local rescue personnel. The road, a two-lane carriageway, became the site of a gruesome scene. Officers found a severely damaged Honda Wave motorcycle with Chachoengsao plates lying on its side, blocking the centre of the road. The front end was crushed, the engine shattered, and the front wheel had detached entirely. Debris was scattered across the tarmac. Approximately 10 metres away, a Mitsubishi Pajero bearing Bangkok registration was discovered straddling the lane. Its front end was crumpled and the bonnet forced open. Blood stains were visible on the rear-left side of the roof, alongside a hair tie presumed to belong to one of the victims. Lying nearby were the bodies of two individuals, believed to be between 20 and 25 years old. The woman was wearing white shorts and a long-sleeved black top. She had no identification documents on her and was found face down, bleeding profusely from the head with a clearly broken neck. The male victim, also undocumented, was wearing black shorts and a navy hoodie. He too was lying face down, with significant bleeding from his head, forehead and chest, consistent with a high-impact collision. After an initial examination, both bodies were transferred to Phutthasothon Hospital for further forensic analysis and to await identification by next of kin. Mr Piyapong 48, the driver of the Pajero, told police he had been driving to his girlfriend’s house in Mueang district when the incident occurred. He stated that the motorcycle appeared to veer into his lane as the rider seemed to be turning to speak with the passenger. “It happened so fast,” Mr Piyapong said. “I tried to swerve, but couldn’t avoid the collision. I didn’t even have time to sound the horn.” Police have stated that Mr Piyapong will be summoned for further questioning at Khlong Khuean Police Station as they work to determine the precise cause of the crash. Legal proceedings will follow as necessary based on the investigation’s outcome. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-09

Russian Couple Accused of Fleeing Pattaya Massage Parlour Without Paying Picture courtesy of Khaosod A massage parlour worker in Pattaya has filed a police report after a Russian couple allegedly made off without paying for services in the early hours of 6 June. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363029-russian-couple-accused-of-fleeing-pattaya-massage-parlour-without-paying/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod A massage parlour worker in Pattaya has filed a police report after a Russian couple allegedly made off without paying for services in the early hours of 6 June. Ms Anyamanee Thantim, 48, an employee at Smooth Day Thai Massage, located in Soi Phra Tamnak 5, Pattaya, Chonburi province, reported the incident to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station, Khong Dong Tan branch, on Friday. She also handed over CCTV footage, which she says clearly captures the suspects’ actions, to support legal proceedings against the pair. According to Ms Anyamanee, the couple, believed to be in their thirties and Russian, arrived at the parlour well-dressed, appearing like typical tourists. They requested a full-course traditional Thai massage, for which the establishment assigned staff based on their stated preferences. Following completion of the massage session, the staff informed the couple of the charges. However, the couple reportedly began to dispute the pricing. In an effort to avoid confrontation, the parlour offered to reduce the charge to the basic package rate of 350 baht per person per hour. The couple agreed to pay via bank transfer and showed what appeared to be a payment slip to staff. But when the establishment checked its account, no payment had been received. By the time staff attempted to clarify the situation, the couple had already mounted a black motorcycle and fled the scene, ignoring repeated requests to wait for verification. CCTV footage shows the couple negotiating payment at the counter and later fleeing on their motorcycle. The massage parlour has since posted the footage on social media and circulated it to local news outlets, urging other business owners to remain vigilant. Ms Anyamanee noted that such incidents are especially painful during the current economic downturn and low tourist season. “Incidents like this cause real damage to small business owners who are already struggling to stay afloat,” she said. Pattaya police have launched an investigation, and efforts are ongoing to identify and locate the suspects. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-08

Immigration Ramps Up Airport Security to Block ‘Grey Business’ Foreigners Picture courtesy of Daily News. Airport immigration authorities in Thailand, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, have stepped up surveillance and screening procedures to prevent foreign nationals associated with so-called “grey businesses” from entering the country via air travel. The move follows stricter land border controls now in effect. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363011-immigration-ramps-up-airport-security-to-block-‘grey-business’-foreigners/

Picture courtesy of Daily News. Airport immigration authorities in Thailand, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, have stepped up surveillance and screening procedures to prevent foreign nationals associated with so-called “grey businesses” from entering the country via air travel. The move follows stricter land border controls now in effect. In line with a government directive to tighten land border crossings, especially in Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo provinces, the Royal Thai Army has authorised its 1st and 2nd Regional Armies to filter cross-border movements. The new land border measures have been in force since 7 June. Authorities now anticipate that individuals previously entering Thailand from Cambodia via land may attempt to use air travel instead. Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, confirmed that airport immigration teams are fully aligned with the national security-focused policies set out by Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. Emphasis has been placed on preventing foreign nationals who misuse visa exemptions or who may be involved in illicit activities from gaining entry. In particular, officials are watching for individuals engaged in call centre scams, online gambling or money laundering, many of whom allegedly operate illegal businesses in neighbouring countries and use Thailand as a base or transit hub. With land routes now closely monitored, such individuals may shift to air travel in an attempt to circumvent the new restrictions. Immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports have been instructed to intensify their observation and screening of high-risk foreign nationals. This includes travellers from neighbouring countries who frequently use visa exemptions improperly, known as “visa runs” or those linked to grey capital groups, some of whom may possess falsified or black-market passports to obscure their identities. Maj. Gen. Cherngron further assured the public that these enhanced security measures will not impact legitimate tourists. He stressed that the strategy aims to welcome visitors who contribute positively to the Thai economy, while strictly barring those who pose a threat to national security. The overarching directive follows the principle: “Good guys in, bad guys out.” Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-08

Collision with Train Claims Lives of Two Teenage Girls in Songkhla Pictures courtesy of Daily News. An incident occurred near Baan Khuan Meed railway station in Khlong Pia subdistrict, Chana district of Songkhla province, when two teenage girls riding a motorcycle were fatally struck by a train after attempting to cross the tracks ahead of the oncoming locomotive. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363007-collision-with-train-claims-lives-of-two-teenage-girls-in-songkhla/

Pictures courtesy of Daily News. An incident occurred near Baan Khuan Meed railway station in Khlong Pia subdistrict, Chana district of Songkhla province, when two teenage girls riding a motorcycle were fatally struck by a train after attempting to cross the tracks ahead of the oncoming locomotive. Police Lieutenant Naruebeth Jomsuriya, deputy investigator at Khuan Meed Police Station, received an emergency call reporting a train collision with a motorcycle near kilometre marker 954/3, close to Baan Khuan Meed station. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found the southbound Thaksin Express Train No. 38, travelling from Sungai Kolok to Bangkok, halted just beyond the crossing. A white Suzuki motorcycle with the registration plate from Songkhla was discovered lying by the tracks. The two riders, identified only as Miss A aged 14 and Miss B aged 15, both residents of Songkhla province, were found deceased. Their bodies were transferred to Chana Hospital for autopsy. According to the train operator’s testimony, the locomotive was slowing down as it approached the station. The driver engaged the brakes and sounded the horn multiple times in an effort to warn the approaching motorbike. However, the rider reportedly failed to stop and instead attempted to cross the tracks directly in front of the train. The train was unable to stop in time and struck the motorcycle and both girls with full force. CCTV footage later reviewed by investigators confirmed that the motorcycle approached the crossing without slowing down. The rider made no attempt to brake and rode directly into the path of the train. It is believed the girls may have misjudged the speed and distance of the train, hoping to cross safely before it arrived. They were only halfway across the tracks when the train collided with them. Authorities have reminded the public to exercise extreme caution when approaching railway crossings and to always obey safety signals to prevent such incidents in the future. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-08

Deputy Prime Minister Visits Coastal Areas to Tackle Erosion & Rising Sea Level Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong has visited vulnerable coastal areas in Samut Prakan and Bangkok to monitor the worsening effects of climate change, including severe shoreline erosion and the steady rise of sea levels in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363005-deputy-prime-minister-visits-coastal-areas-to-tackle-erosion-rising-sea-levels/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong has visited vulnerable coastal areas in Samut Prakan and Bangkok to monitor the worsening effects of climate change, including severe shoreline erosion and the steady rise of sea levels in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Mr Prasert toured several key locations at risk, including Wat Khun Samut Chin in Phra Samut Chedi District, the coastal area of Khlong Dan in Bang Bo District and the coastal boundary of Bangkok in Bang Khun Thian. He was accompanied by the Commander of the Royal Thai Naval Academy in Samut Prakan, provincial governor Suphamit Chinnasri and Dr Pirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment. Officials reported the latest data on coastal erosion and sea level rise, which pose increasing threats to both urban and rural communities. Mr Prasert stressed the urgent need for a systematic and long-term adaptation strategy, including a national master plan to protect key coastal zones. “The upper Gulf coastline, particularly in Samut Prakan and Bangkok, is facing critical challenges due to the rising sea level and erosion,” Mr Prasert said. “Over 12 million people live in these areas, which include major economic and community zones. Without intervention, the impacts could be devastating.” He cited the areas most affected, including Bang Khun Thian, Pak Khlong Khun Ratchapinitchai, Ban Khun Samut Chin and Ban Laem Sing. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted scientific projections showing that sea levels could rise by approximately 0.5 metres by 2050 and potentially reach 1 metre by 2100. The consequences include the permanent loss of coastline, inland flooding along major river basins such as the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Tha Chin and Bang Pakong and the intrusion of saltwater, which threatens both tap water production and agriculture. In response, the government has tasked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with developing a Master Plan for Coastal Erosion and Sea Level Rise Mitigation. This will include a comprehensive analysis of economic, social, environmental and ecological impacts and will incorporate: • Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) • Stakeholder consultations in affected communities • Cost-benefit analysis of infrastructure investment • Long-term development strategies to ensure economic resilience of coastal communities The master plan is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, forming the foundation for integrated action across relevant agencies and laying out a national response to climate change impacts in the upper Gulf. The government hopes this initiative will lead to tangible and coordinated solutions that protect Thailand’s coastal regions, people, and ecosystems from increasingly severe environmental risks. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-08