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UPDATE Man Who Took Gold Necklace Returns It After Seeing His Face on Social Media, Claims He Mistook It as a Store Freebie A surprising twist unfolded late evening of November 7, after a man returned a gold necklace he had allegedly taken from a gold store in Pattaya, claiming he had thought it was a promotional freebie. The incident sparked intense social media reactions, eventually pressuring the man to return the item. Roughly four hours after the necklace was taken, the gold store received a call from the suspect himself, who expressed his intention to return the necklace. He explained that he had not realised it belonged to someone else, mistakenly assuming it was a complimentary item from the store. The man, identified as Mr. Thone Kolakan, a 24-year-old Laotian national, not Cambodian as initially identified, admitted that he had purchased a small gold necklace and a Buddha amulet from the same store. After completing his purchase, he noticed a small bag next to him, which he assumed contained a complimentary item from the store, and placed it in his pocket without inspecting it further. However, after returning home, Mr. Kolakan claimed he was shocked to see his face circulating widely on social media, with many accusing him of theft. Friends also called to chastise him, urging him to return the necklace immediately. Upon realising his mistake, Mr. Kolakan consulted his girlfriend before heading back to the store to return the necklace, insisting that he had no intention to steal and had genuinely thought it was a gift. Ms. Bussarin, upon being notified of the necklace’s return, rushed to the store and met with Mr. Kolakan. Although she was relieved to have her necklace back, she was skeptical of his explanation, expressing doubt over his claim that he thought the necklace was a free item. “When someone buys something, they usually inspect it carefully,” Ms. Bussarin said, adding that it was suspicious he only decided to return it after several hours and widespread social media pressure. The CCTV footage, she noted, clearly showed Mr. Kolakan placing the necklace in his pocket deliberately. The Nong Prue police have since invited both parties for questioning at the police station. If Ms. Bussarin decides to press charges, the authorities will proceed with legal action. Picture from SiamChon. -- 2024-11-08

CIB Conducts Emergency Response Drills as Part of Port Security Plan at Laem Chabang Port The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by officers from the Marine Police Division 5 and the specialised maritime tactical unit “ Matchanu” of Marine Division 2 conducted a security drill at Laem Chabang Port. This exercise, held in partnership with Hutchinson Company, aimed to reinforce emergency response procedures at the port as outlined in the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) for 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342937-cib-conducts-emergency-response-drills-as-part-of-port-security-plan-at-laem-chabang-port/

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by officers from the Marine Police Division 5 and the specialised maritime tactical unit “ Matchanu” of Marine Division 2 conducted a security drill at Laem Chabang Port. This exercise, held in partnership with Hutchinson Company, aimed to reinforce emergency response procedures at the port as outlined in the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) for 2024. Under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphob Phuridej, CIB Commissioner, and key officials including Police Colonel Ponsak Laorujiralai, Deputy Commander, Marine Police Division; Police Colonel Watchiranon Nonna, Commander of Marine Division 2; and Acting Police Colonel Khajornyot Songpradit, the drill was organised to test and enhance the readiness of port security forces. The operation was managed by Police Lieutenant Wassu Buajeen of Marine Division 2 and Police Lieutenant Thanan Manujantrat, along with their respective units from Marine Police Division 5 and the “Matchanu” tactical team. The CIB’s maritime teams conducted various emergency response simulations, designed to prepare officers for potential threats and incidents at the port. These included coordinated responses to security breaches, simulated rescue operations, and the deployment of specialised water-based tactics by the “Matchanu” unit. This drill reflects CIB’s commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and support for public safety, ensuring the highest level of security at critical infrastructure sites like Laem Chabang Port. Picture and video courtesy of CIB -- 2024-11-08 ScreenRecording_11-06-2024 18-03-17_1.mp4

Crash Claims Lives of Couple in Lampang as Pickup Collides with Motorcycle A crash occurred when a pickup truck driver lost control and collided with a motorcycle, killing a couple instantly. The crash took place around 09:50, on the Wang Nuea-Phayao road, near Kilometre 33 in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Wang Nuea District, Lampang Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342935-crash-claims-lives-of-couple-in-lampang-as-pickup-collides-with-motorcycle/

A crash occurred on the morning of November 7, when a pickup truck driver lost control and collided with a motorcycle, killing a couple instantly. The crash took place around 09:50, on the Wang Nuea-Phayao road, near Kilometre 33 in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Wang Nuea District, Lampang Province. The Wang Nuea Police Station’s radio centre received the report and immediately coordinated with local investigators, doctors, and rescue personnel from the Wang Thong Subdistrict Administration to inspect the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a severely damaged black motorcycle, registered in Phayao Province, that had been thrown off the road. The deceased, a man and a woman aged approximately 50-55, were discovered at the scene. The man, who had been driving the motorcycle, was found lying face-down near the vehicle, while the woman was found by the roadside with a severe head wound. Their identities remain unknown, as no identification documents were found on them. The driver of the pickup truck, a white Toyota with Phayao license plates, was identified as 22-year-old Mr. Phumint from Phayao. He sustained minor injuries, including bruises and abrasions, and received first aid at the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple, who were from Yala Province, were working as rubber tappers in Wang Thong. They had been returning from a rubber plantation to their residence in Pong Tham Village when Mr. Phumint’s pickup truck, heading toward Phayao, lost control and struck their motorcycle. The crash occurred on a curved stretch of road known for frequent accidents. Rainfall at the time may have contributed to the accident, causing slippery road conditions and making it likely that the truck skidded and veered out of control. Authorities are continuing their investigation to gather further details and pursue any necessary legal action. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-08

Cambodian Duo Steals Gold Necklace Left Unattended at Gold Shop Police were notified of a theft of a necklace left on the counter, at the Wannee Gold Shop, located on Soi Siam Country Club, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342933-cambodian-duo-steals-gold-necklace-left-unattended-at-gold-shop/

Police were notified of a theft at approximately 16.00 on November 7, at the Wannee Gold Shop, located on Soi Siam Country Club, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Deputy Superintendent Police Lieutenant Colonel Chumpol Saenwichai of Nong Prue Police Station immediately dispatched officers to the scene for investigation, accompanied by detectives. Upon arrival, officers met Ms. Bussarin Sirimongkolsub, 27, a food vendor who sells traditional Thai curry dishes. Ms. Bussarin reported to the police that she had visited the gold shop to purchase a 2 baht weight gold necklace. After completing the transaction, she accidentally left the gold necklace on a glass counter in the store as she exited. Within less than ten minutes, she returned to retrieve it but found the gold necklace was already missing. When she inquired with the store staff, none of them had seen anyone taking the necklace. Shop staff reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed two male suspects, believed to be Cambodian nationals, from their language used, who had entered the store around the same time. The footage showed one of the suspects, wearing a baseball cap, calmly taking Ms. Bussarin’s gold necklace bag from the counter without the staff noticing. After committing the theft, the two suspects promptly fled the scene on a blue Honda Wave motorcycle, license plate from Chonburi. Ms. Bussarin, who is two months pregnant, explained that she had been saving her hard-earned profits from selling food to buy gold as a future investment for her child. She expressed deep sorrow over the incident. She has since filed a formal complaint with Nong Prue Police Station and hopes the authorities will swiftly track down and prosecute the culprits responsible for the theft. Picture captured from CCTV. -- 2024-11-08

Immigration Raids in Pattaya and Si Racha Uncover Over 100 Illegal Workers In a major crackdown on illegal labour, immigration officers in Chonburi, led by Police Colonel Napaspong Kositsuriyamanee and Police Colonel Jirapong Rujiradamrongchai, conducted coordinated raids on a luxury hotel construction site on Pattaya Second Road and a migrant labour camp in Si Racha. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342929-immigration-raids-in-pattaya-and-si-racha-uncover-over-100-illegal-workers/

In a major crackdown on illegal labour, immigration officers in Chonburi, led by Police Colonel Napaspong Kositsuriyamanee and Police Colonel Jirapong Rujiradamrongchai, conducted coordinated raids on a luxury hotel construction site on Pattaya Second Road and a migrant labour camp in Si Racha. The operation on November 7, which involved over 50 officers, resulted in the arrest of more than 100 illegal foreign workers. The first raid targeted a 12-story hotel construction site on Pattaya’s Second Road. Officers surrounded the premises and began surprise checks. Upon the arrival of the officers, many foreign workers, primarily from Myanmar and Cambodia, attempted to flee the scene. During the search, over 100 workers were found to be in violation of immigration laws. Among them, 12 had entered Thailand illegally via natural border crossings in Mae Sot, Tak Province, while another 88 had failed to register their residence. All individuals found in violation were taken to the Pattaya Immigration Office for further legal processing. In a simultaneous operation, Chonburi Immigration officers also raided a labour camp in the Pinthong 4 area, Bueng Subdistrict, Si Racha District. This raid involved checks on over 300 migrant workers, leading to the detention of 21 individuals. Violations included expired permits, failure to submit proper entry documentation, and unauthorised residence in Thailand. Those detained were handed over to the Nong Kham Police Station for further legal action. Police Colonel Napaspong emphasized that these operations align with directives from National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet, who has called for intensified immigration inspections nationwide. The aim is to address illegal labour practices, protect job opportunities for Thai citizens, and enhance safety for tourists during the high season. Picture courtesy of immigration. -- 2024-11-08

Armed Standoff Ends Peacefully as Police Subdue Drug-Intoxicated Gunman in Suan Luang A heavily armed police special operations unit apprehended a 29-year-old man who fired multiple gunshots within his residence on Pattanakarn Road in Suan Luang District, Bangkok. The incident, sparked by alleged drug-induced hallucinations, ended without any injuries, as police quickly contained the situation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342928-armed-standoff-ends-peacefully-as-police-subdue-drug-intoxicated-gunman-in-suan-luang/

During the morning of November 7, a heavily armed police special operations unit apprehended a 29-year-old man who fired multiple gunshots within his residence on Pattanakarn Road in Suan Luang District, Bangkok. The incident, sparked by alleged drug-induced hallucinations, ended without any injuries, as police quickly contained the situation. At around 05.00, Police Major General Witthawat Chinnakam, Commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 5, directed Police Colonel Wachirakorn Wongbun, Chief of Khlong Tan Police Station, along with officers and a specialised tactical team, to respond to reports of gunfire in the Sang Santi community on Soi Pattanakarn 20. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, identified only as Mr. Wanat, displaying erratic behaviour and firing shoots inside the house. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. Police surrounded the property, ensuring the safety of nearby residents before moving in to subdue the man. The suspect was found with a .38-caliber revolver and 17 rounds of ammunition. Officers managed to bring him under control without further incident. Authorities have charged the suspect under the Firearms Act and are holding him for further questioning. He will be transferred to the investigative team for prosecution for legal procedures. Picture courtesy of police. -- 2024-11-08

Pickup Truck Collides with Timber Truck, 1 Killed, 1 Injured; Other Driver Flees A fatal crash involving a pickup truck carrying bottled water and a timber truck took place early morning November 7, on Route 304 in Prachinburi Province, Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342927-pickup-truck-collides-with-timber-truck-1-killed-1-injured-other-driver-flees/

A fatal crash involving a pickup truck carrying bottled water and a timber truck took place early morning November 7, on Route 304 in Prachinburi Province, Thailand. At approximately 05:30, police received a report of the crash and coordinated with Sawang Bamrungtham Rescue volunteers to investigate the scene. The collision occurred near the entrance of Soi Nong Po, Village 12, Hua Wa Subdistrict, Sri Maha Phot District. The pickup truck, loaded with bottled water, was found across the roadway, its front severely damaged. The crash scattered broken glass, water bottles, and eucalyptus wood fragments across the road. Inside the pickup, police discovered the body of the driver, identified as 60-year-old Mr. Jaroen, who was crushed and trapped against the console by the impact. A foreign national passenger, aged 36, sustained injuries. Long skid marks from the pickup stretched over 10 metres along the road, indicating an attempt to brake before the collision. Eyewitnesses reported that the timber truck involved, a eucalyptus log truck, fled the scene following the collision. The incident caused a traffic jam extending more than three kilometres, exacerbated by the morning rush hour near Rojana Industrial Park. Rescue workers employed hydraulic cutters to extract the deceased driver from the wreckage, a process that took around 30 minutes. Mr. Chot Promkasem, a 48-year-old rescue volunteer, confirmed that they was alerted around 05:40 by a passing driver who reported the collision. According to witnesses, after the crash, the timber truck made a U-turn and headed back towards Khao Hin Son. Local resident Ms. Pang Nua, 62, who sells fried bananas nearby, commented that crashes often occur on this poorly lit stretch of road. The village head had previously contacted authorities about installing street lighting, but budget constraints prevented any action. The authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are searching for the timber truck and driver. Picture and video from responders. -- 2024-11-08 ScreenRecording_11-07-2024 12-43-56_1.mp4

Man Attempts Suicide by Jumping from Coconut Tree After Losing Job A 38-year-old man reportedly attempted suicide by jumping from a coconut tree. The incident occurred near HomePro in Bang Saray, on the Pattaya-bound side of the road in Najomtien, Sattahip District. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342926-man-attempts-suicide-by-jumping-from-coconut-tree-after-losing-job/

An incident unfolded in Bang Saray, when a 38-year-old man, identified as Veeranan Jitcharoen, reportedly attempted suicide by jumping from a coconut tree. The incident occurred near HomePro in Bang Saray, on the Pattaya-bound side of the road in Najomtien, Sattahip District. Responders from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation received an emergency call and promptly arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers found Mr. Veeranan sitting by the roadside, naked with visible scrapes on his body and complaining of back pain. First aid was administered on-site before he was transported to Wat Yan Sangwararam Hospital for further medical evaluation. According to a bystander, who encountered the man while driving home to Huai Yai in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, Mr. Veeranan was seen sitting naked by the roadside. The witness, concerned for his welfare, offered him a coat to cover himself. During a conversation, Mr. Veeranan revealed he was deeply distressed after being fired from his job and had intended to travel to Sattahip to visit family. Overcome with despair, he climbed a coconut tree in an attempt to end his life by jumping from it. However, he survived the fall and later wandered to the roadside, where the witness discovered him. The bystander subsequently contacted rescue services to ensure Mr. Veeranan received medical assistance. After being taken to hospital, authorities arranged for his family to be contacted so he could receive further care and support. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-08

Five Injured in Bus-Truck Collision in Prachuap Khiri Khan A traffic collision involving a tour bus and a Isuzu four-wheeled truck left five people injured. The crash took place at Kilometre Marker 237+500 in Pran Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342925-five-injured-in-bus-truck-collision-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

A traffic collision involving a tour bus and a Isuzu four-wheeled truck occurred on the afternoon of November 7, leaving five people injured. The crash took place at Kilometre Marker 237+500 in Pran Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. According to the Prachuap Khiri Khan Highway Police Rescue Radio Centre, the bus collided with the truck around 13:55. None of the 20, bus passengers sustained any injuries, but the passengers in the Isuzu truck, carrying banquet supplies, were less fortunate. Four women traveling in the truck suffered serious injuries, while the male driver incurred minor injuries. Emergency responders were quick to transport the injured to a nearby hospital for urgent care. The injured truck driver explained that he was returning from a catering job when he attempted to overtake a vehicle which was in the left lane. Moving into the right lane, the truck was struck from behind by the tour bus, causing it to spin out of control and overturn on the median. The bus driver recounted that he had been traveling from Bangkok to Bangsaphan, occupying the right lane. He reported that the truck suddenly moved into his lane in an attempt to overtake. Despite his attempt to brake, he collided with the truck. The bus company arranged for an alternative vehicle to transport the passengers to their destination. The authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Police are currently examining possible factors such as driver error and road conditions at the time of the crash. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-08

A crash occurred in Lopburi Province on the evening of November 6, when a pickup truck carrying villagers to a funeral was struck by a ten-wheel truck, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction that involved nine motorcycles. Three people were killed, and many were injured. Pol. Lt. Thanapol Kaewburiwong, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Koksalung Police Station, reported the incident occurred along Highway No. 21 in the Phu Khae-Lom Sak stretch near the village of Ban Khao Khwang, in Koksalung Subdistrict, Pattanikom District. The authorities, along with Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers and medical staff from Pattanikom Hospital, rushed to the scene. At the site, a green Nissan pickup truck with Lopburi license plates was found damaged after being rear-ended. The force of the impact propelled the pickup truck forward, causing it to crash into nine motorcycles parked nearby, which belonged to mourners attending a funeral. In the middle of the road, a ten-wheel Hino truck with Nakhon Ratchasima plates was parked with visible front-end damage from the collision. Injured men and women who had been passengers in the back of the pickup truck were scattered across the scene, needing assistance. Some of the casualties were given CPR at the scene, before emergency personnel and local residents worked together to transport the injured to Pattanikom Hospital. Tragically, three villagers lost their lives: Mr. Sing, Mrs. Wanphen, and Mrs. Amphorn, all residents of Koksalung. Ten others remain hospitalised with injuries, overnight. The pickup truck driver, Mr. Chuan, sustained minor injuries and recounted that he was driving the group from their village to the funeral when he attempted to make a U-turn. He did not see the ten-wheel truck approaching, leading to the fatal rear-end collision and subsequent crashes with the parked motorcycles. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Pictures from responders. -- 2024-11-07

Pickup Truck Collision Leaves 3 Dead, Several Injured, Attending Lopburi Funeral A crash occurred in Lopburi Province, when a pickup truck carrying villagers to a funeral collided with a ten-wheel truck, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction that involved nine motorcycles. Three people were killed, and many were injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342861-pickup-truck-collision-leaves-3-dead-several-injured-attending-lopburi-funeral/

Workers Receive Electric Shock & Left Unconscious at Chatuchak Market, Lamphun Province The incident occurred near the entrance to Chatuchak Market in Lamphun Province, directly in front of a local 7-Eleven. Three male workers reportedly received an electric shock and fell from the roof they were working on. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342834-workers-receive-electric-shock-left-unconscious-at-chatuchak-market-lamphun-province/

The incident occurred near the entrance to Chatuchak Market in Lamphun Province, directly in front of a local 7-Eleven, at approximately 16.30 on November 6. Three male workers reportedly received an electric shock and fell from the roof they were working on. All three workers were found unconscious on the ground in front of the shops. Emergency responders quickly arrived, administered first aid and transported them to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. As responders were dealing with the three initial, unconscious workers, additional details emerged of a fourth individual had been discovered still on the roof, also in need of assistance. Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) officials swiftly cut power to the affected area to ensure safety for both responders and the public. A crane-equipped utility truck was brought in to safely reach and lower the fourth worker from the roof. Fortunately, this individual was reportedly conscious and was also transported to the hospital. The response was helped by Dr. Songsak Pitakratthanakul, an emergency medicine physician from Princ Hospital, and Wisawat Techarat, a skilled nurse from Lamphun Hospital, who both stopped as they were passing, to aid victims. Nurse Wisawat Techarat recounted the event: “It happened while I was driving to the market. I witnessed the accident scene near a Seven-Eleven store in front of Sahapanich. I quickly parked on the shoulder and went to the location, where I found the injured people. Fortunately, Dr. Songsak was already there.” Dr. Songsak took charge, organising the response efforts while providing critical care to the unconscious casualties, who had all suffered fractures and burn injuries. Unfortunately the most severely injuried casualty died from his injuries, later at hospital. The cause of the incident is under investigation and the name and condition of the casualties has not been disclosed. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-07

Hotel Worker Rescued After Floating in Sea for Two Hours Following Cliff Fall A rescue operation was launched for a 34-year-old hotel worker, who was saved after floating in the sea for nearly two hours after he slipped and fell from a rocky viewpoint on Ko Samui Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342832-hotel-worker-rescued-after-floating-in-sea-for-two-hours-following-cliff-fall/

A rescue operation was launched for a 34-year-old hotel worker, who was saved after floating in the sea for nearly two hours after he slipped and fell from a rocky viewpoint on Ko Samui. Responders used a local’s boat to bring him safely back to shore. At approximately 07:20 on November 6, Samui Rescue Volunteers received an alert about a man floating in the sea near Chaweng Viewpoint in Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province. Emergency responders, including local police, municipal staff, and members of the Lamai Fishing Association, quickly mobilised to initiate the rescue effort. Approximately 300 metres offshore, rescue teams in a speedboat and jet ski found the man clinging tightly to a floating container, calling out for help. He was successfully brought back to Chaweng Noi Beach. The man, identified as Mr. Sanadech Sirikan (nicknamed Nat) from Pattani, appeared exhausted, with multiple cuts on his arms and legs from the rocks. He was pale and shivering, with muscle cramps in his hands and feet due to prolonged exposure in the water and chilly rain conditions. Mr. Chaiyaporn Subprasert, head of the Samui Rescue Association, conducted an initial interview. Mr. Sirikan, who works at a hotel on the island, explained that he had been sitting on the rocks near the Chaweng Viewpoint around 07:00, when he slipped and fell into the sea. Although he managed to stay afloat, he was unable to climb back up. Fortunately, a local passerby saw him and threw a container into the water for him to hold onto until help arrived. Mr. Subprasert’s team promptly took Mr. Sirikan to Ko Samui Hospital for medical treatment. Local authorities are expected to conduct a more detailed inquiry to gather additional information on the incident. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-07

Police Pursue & Arrest Network for Smuggling Chinese Nationals into Thailand Law enforcement officers from the Chiang Rai Immigration Investigation Division, alongside tourist police and other related agencies, pursued and arrested Thiwakorn “Joke” Srisarun, a key member of a network involved in smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand. The arrest took place on Highway 131, near Chiang Rai’s Eastern Bypass to Mae Fah Luang International Airport. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342831-police-pursue-arrest-network-for-smuggling-chinese-nationals-into-thailand/

Law enforcement officers from the Chiang Rai Immigration Investigation Division, alongside tourist police and other related agencies on November6, pursued and arrested Thiwakorn “Joke” Srisarun, a key member of a network involved in smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand. The arrest took place on Highway 131, near Chiang Rai’s Eastern Bypass to Mae Fah Luang International Airport. The pursuit follows an arrest warrant issued by the Chiang Rai Provincial Court on October 28, 2024. Thiwakorn was charged under warrant no. J.481/2567 with assisting, hiding, or otherwise helping undocumented foreign nationals avoid arrest. The investigation began on August 21, 2024, when Chiang Rai immigration officers, Border Patrol Police (BPP) 32, and other agencies intercepted two vehicles on Phahonyothin Road in Phan District. The vehicles carried Suradech Tekum, 31, and two associates, along with nine Chinese nationals, including 26-year-old Mr. Xu Teng Feng. Charges were brought against Suradech and his associates for aiding and abetting illegal entry. The Chinese nationals were charged with entering the kingdom without proper authorization. During the arrests, authorities also seized 215 foreign-used mobile phones, computers, multiple SIM cards, and various currencies, suspecting these items were used in scams or call center operations. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Nopparat “Noeng” Tekum, Suradech’s older brother, on similar charges. The Tekum network was found to facilitate passage for Chinese nationals from Laos to Thailand via Chiang Saen and from Myanmar via Tak. It was also discovered that Thiwakorn frequently booked hotel rooms in Chiang Rai for Chinese nationals, with records showing over 53 bookings totaling 167 rooms between July and September 5, 2024. Surveillance footage confirmed the presence of these nationals in rooms booked under Thiwakorn’s name. On September 20, the same investigative team arrested Sodayu and two others in Chiang Rai while they were escorting 25-year-old Mr. Long Lin Jun from Tak to Chiang Saen. This arrest provided further evidence linking Thiwakorn to the network, leading to charges at Phan Police Station and eventually his arrest today. Thiwakorn has since confessed to all charges, and the case continues as authorities investigate the full scope of the network’s operations. Picture courtesy of Matichon. -- 2024-11-07