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All 14 Defendants in Tak Bai Massacre Cases Flee Country, Senate Committee Reports According to police reports submitted to the Senate committee on public participation, human rights, and consumer protection, all 14 defendants and suspects involved in the two Tak Bai massacre cases have left Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341441-all-14-defendants-in-tak-bai-massacre-cases-flee-country-senate-committee-reports/

According to police reports submitted to the Senate committee on public participation, human rights, and consumer protection, all 14 defendants and suspects involved in the two Tak Bai massacre cases have left Thailand. The committee, chaired by Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a prominent human rights defender, received the update as both cases near their expiration on Friday, October 25. Among the high-profile figures is Gen. Pisarn Wattanawongkiri, former Fourth Army Region commander and a former party-list MP of the ruling party, who is believed to have fled to Tokyo. Another suspect is reportedly in London. The remaining 12 are thought to have crossed into neighboring countries, including Laos, via unofficial routes. The Tak Bai massacre, which occurred in 2004, remains a deeply controversial event in Thailand’s history, sparking long-standing calls for justice and accountability. The apparent flight of the defendants just before the cases expire raises further concerns over impunity in human rights cases in the country. This development marks a significant setback for victims and human rights groups who have sought legal resolution for nearly two decades. File picture for reference only. -- 2024-10-23

Final Year University Student Arrested with 354 kg of Meths, Claims Father Set Her Up Police from the Border Patrol Police Division 24 and Udon Thani Provincial Police held a press announcing the arrest of a 21-year-old fourth-year university student from Udon Thani, for possession of 354 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, worth an estimated 354 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341439-final-year-university-student-arrested-with-354-kg-of-meths-claims-father-set-her-up/

Police from the Border Patrol Police Division 24 and Udon Thani Provincial Police held a press conference on October 22, announcing the arrest of Ms. Baitong, a 21-year-old fourth-year university student from Udon Thani, for possession of 354 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, worth an estimated 354 million baht. The arrest took place in front of a hotel in Udon Thani on October 21. Acting on a tip-off about a planned drug delivery in the area, the police conducted a stakeout and observed a white Honda City, registration number from Udon Thani, parked in front of the hotel. At around 18:30, a woman later identified as Ms. Baitong approached the vehicle. Police officers revealed themselves and conducted a search. Inside the car, officers discovered 12 large multicolored sacks filled with 354 one-kilogram packages of dried tea leaves branded with Chinese logos. Upon closer inspection, the bags were found to contain crystal methamphetamine. Ms. Baitong was immediately arrested and taken into custody for further investigation. During questioning, Ms. Baitong claimed that her father, Vee, a 50-year-old Lao national, had contacted her asking her to hold some packages for him. She stated that she had no knowledge of the contents being drugs and believed she was simply doing a favour for her father. Ms. Baitong, who was raised by her grandparents after her parents separated, said her mother now lives abroad and supports her financially, while her father occasionally sends money. She tearfully recounted how her father would only contact her every few months and that she had never been involved in any of his illegal activities. Although she admitted to occasionally helping him drive, she insisted she did not know what he was transporting. On this occasion, her father told her to leave her car parked and that someone would load the items before she went to her hotel room. When she returned to the car, she was arrested. Visibly distressed, Ms. Baitong expressed her shock and devastation, stating, “I love my father so much, and I just wanted him to love me back. I had no idea he would do this to me. I’m a student in my final year, about to graduate, and now my life is ruined. I never received love from him, and now this is what I’m left with.” Ms. Baitong revealed that her father had called her the previous day, but she missed the call. Since her arrest, she has been unable to reach him, and her father has not returned her calls. Authorities are continuing their investigation and searching for her father, who remains at large. Picture courtesy of the police. -- 2024-10-23

Gang Clash Erupts at Night Market: Knives, Guns, & Chaos Leave One Severely Injured Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Chaos broke out at a local night market when two rival gangs of teenagers turned the bustling area into a battleground, wielding knives and firing guns. The incident, which occurred in Buriram province, left one person critically injured. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341438-gang-clash-erupts-at-night-market-knives-guns-chaos-leave-one-severely-injured/

Chaos broke out at a local night market when two rival gangs of teenagers turned the bustling area into a battleground, wielding knives and firing guns. The incident, which occurred in Buriram province, left one person critically injured, a motorbike stolen, and several market stalls damaged. According to reports, the violence erupted around 17:25 on October 21, when a group of teenagers, who had attended a local event in Ban Nong Hua, clashed at the market. The Facebook video posted by a witness showed the youths chasing and attacking each other with knives and guns, paying no heed to the panic-stricken crowd of shoppers, including crying children. Eyewitnesses described the market as being transformed into a dangerous arena, with stalls destroyed, and merchants and shoppers scrambling for safety. A food stall, in particular, was heavily damaged, as the gang members fought through the market. One man, identified as Banrern, 29, from the Nong Hua area, was severely injured after being slashed in the face. Udom, a 62-year-old market organiser, recounted that the two gangs, from Ban Nong Hua and Ban Hong Kai, had likely harboured tensions during the local kathin festival earlier that day. The groups reportedly agreed to meet and settle their differences in front of the market. In addition to knives, ping-pong bombs, and firearms were used during the brawl, shocking the entire community. Banrern’s mother, Rian, confirmed that her son had been transferred to Buriram Central Hospital in critical condition. She expressed confusion as to how her son, who had not attended the festival, got caught up in the violence. In addition, Banrern’s motorcycle was stolen during the chaos, and the family has filed a police report. Authorities are currently reviewing footage from the incident and working to apprehend those involved in the violence. Police have already identified suspects and are preparing to make arrests in connection with the brawl. Picture and video courtesy of Khaosod. -- 2024-10-23 RPReplay_Final1729596619.mp4

Burmese Worker Killed by Falling Glass Panes on Construction Site The incident occurred when a number of large glass panes, collapsed and shattered, piercing the body of a Burmese worker, resulting in his death. The incident took place at a construction site of a housing project on Baan Hua Sai Road, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341437-burmese-worker-killed-by-falling-glass-panes-on-construction-site/

The incident occurred on October 22, when a number of large glass panes, collapsed and shattered, piercing the body of a Burmese worker, resulting in his death. The incident took place at a construction site of a housing project on Baan Hua Sai Road, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Upon receiving the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sorasuphan Athanasriyanon, Deputy Inspector (Investigation), Bang Lamung Police Station, rushed to the scene along with rescue units from Sawang Boriboon Foundation in Pattaya. Upon arrival, they found a large group of workers gathered around the scene, desperately trying to save their colleague, who was trapped inside an 18-wheeler container truck, license plate registered in Bangkok. Inside the container were several large panes of glass, all of which had shattered into pieces. Beneath the debris lay the lifeless body of Mr. Kaung San Wint, a 21-year-old Burmese national. He was found forced against other construction materials, with fatal injuries to his neck and face caused by the broken glass. Eyewitnesses recounted that the container truck had been delivering glass and construction materials to the site. The deceased had climbed onto the truck to move the glass panes when they suddenly toppled over, crushing him beneath their weight, as the panes shattered upon impact.. Initial investigations suggest that while Mr. Kaung San Wint was attempting to unload the glass, but the stacked panes, resting against the side of the container became unstable and collapsed. The police have taken photographs and documented the scene. Several other workers sustained minor injuries during the incident, including the site manager, a Chinese national, who was cut on his left wrist by broken glass while attempting to assist. Authorities are now working to contact the victim's family and a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. Picture from responders. -- 2024-10-23

Man High on Drugs Chases Motorcyclist with a Machete in Buriram In an incident in Buriram province, a man high on drugs wielded a machete and attempted to decapitate a motorcyclist. Police later apprehended the suspect, who was revealed to have a history of mental illness and previous heavy methamphetamine use Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341436-man-high-on-drugs-chases-motorcyclist-with-a-machete-in-buriram/

In an incident in Buriram province, a man high on drugs wielded a machete and attempted to decapitate a motorcyclist. The victim narrowly escaped by making a quick U-turn. Police later apprehended the suspect, who was revealed to have a history of mental illness and previous heavy methamphetamine use, raising concerns for public safety. On October 21, Pol. Lt. Col. Krittapas Sakram, Superintendent of Satuek Police Station in Buriram, received a report from local residents about a man behaving violently on the Sarakor Sai-Ngam road. The suspect, identified as Mr. Ti (alias), aged 55, was reportedly chasing motorcyclists with a machete. The incident occurred in front of Mr. Ti’s house, where he was found hiding after attempting to slash Mr. Boonlue (surname withheld), aged 57, who was riding his motorcycle. Fortunately, Mr. Boonlue was able to avoid injury by quickly turning his motorcycle around. Police arrived at the scene and used restraining tools to enter Mr. Ti’s home and bring him under control. While being apprehended, the suspect was agitated but coherent. Upon questioning, Mr. Ti admitted to using cannabis but denied consuming methamphetamine. He was taken to Satuek Hospital for further treatment of his psychiatric condition. Mr. Boonlue recounted that he was riding his motorcycle for errands when he saw Mr. Ti waving a machete in the middle of the road. Alarmed, he immediately braked and turned around. Mr. Ti, however, swung his machete towards his head, narrowly missing. Afterwards, Mr. Boonlue observed that Mr. Ti was specifically targeting motorcyclists, allowing cars to pass unbothered. He flagged down other motorcyclists to warn them to take alternate routes and called the authorities to intervene. Village chief Wicha Champadang of Moo 5, Sarakor Sai village, explained that Mr. Ti had a history of methamphetamine use, which had left him mentally unstable. Although he had previously exhibited violent outbursts within his home, this was the first time he had escalated to threatening people in public. Mr. Ti has been taken into custody and treated multiple times before but was always released back into the community. This raised concerns among locals, especially parents, as many students ride motorcycles along the same road on their way to school. Village leaders have urged the authorities to find a permanent solution, fearing that a more serious incident could occur if the situation is not addressed. Picture courtesy of Khaosod. -- 2024-10-23

Three Dead and Two Injured in Fatal SUV Crash in Nakhon Ratchasima The incident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province, when a Toyota Fortuner SUV veered off the road, leaving three dead and two injured. The accident took place near the “Rad Na Yod Phak” curve in Khok Sung sub-district, Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341434-three-dead-and-two-injured-in-fatal-suv-crash-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

The incident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province on October 22, when a Toyota Fortuner SUV veered off the road, leaving three dead and two injured. The accident took place at approximately 13:25 near the “Rad Na Yod Phak” curve in Khok Sung sub-district, Mueang District. The rescue team from Hook 31 unit in Chor Hor received the emergency call reporting the crash. According to initial reports, the vehicle was traveling from Buriram, carrying five passengers who were on their way to participate in a Kathin robe offering ceremony in Dan Khun Thot district. Upon arrival at the scene, rescue personnel found that the vehicle had skidded off the road and plunged into a roadside area. Sadly, three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, two women and one man, with two of the victims having been thrown from the vehicle. Two others, one man and one woman, sustained injuries. Volunteers from Hook 31, together with paramedics from Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, immediately provided first aid and transported the injured to the hospital for further treatment. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital’s forensic unit for further investigation. The authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, which is believed to have occurred due to a loss of control of the vehicle, possibly due to speed. Pictures from responders. -- 2024-10-23

Novice Monk Electrocuted at Temple After Handling Cable Found in Trash A 20-year-old novice monk was electrocuted and died when the he pulled the old cable, as the temple was undergoing cleaning by local devotees. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341433-novice-monk-electrocuted-at-temple-after-handling-cable-found-in-trash/

The incident occurred at Wat Bua Thon, located in the Suang Nuea district of Krasang, Buriram, when a 20-year-old novice monk named Wachirawut, also known as “Ngern Ball,” was electrocuted and died on October 21. The tragedy occurred around 17:30 when the temple was undergoing cleaning by local devotees. According to Phra Maha Theerathong, the temple’s abbot, the novice monk was assisting with the cleanup by organising items that were hanging around the temple. It is believed that Wachirawut noticed a loose electrical cable and attempted to pull it, unaware that it was still plugged into an outlet. The old cable broke, resulting in a fatal electric shock. The incident went unnoticed until it was too late, leading to the monk’s being found dead at the scene. Phra Maha Theerathong described Wachirawut as a dedicated novice who had been ordained for about eight years and was well-respected among his peers. He was known for his knowledge and was expected to take on a teaching role for younger novices. The abbot speculated that someone had taken the plug from a trash bin to use it, recalling that he himself had discarded it due to its worn and dangerous condition. Wachirawut’s father, 53-year-old Mr. Rahod, expressed his shock and grief over the incident, describing it as an emergency he was unprepared for. He lamented the loss of his son, who had dreams of becoming a teacher. “I don’t know who to blame; this was an accident that no one wanted to happen,” he said, conveying his deep sorrow and sense of helplessness. Picture of the damaged cable. -- 2024-10-23

In a distressing situation, authorities were searching for a 28-year-old Myanmar woman, Ms. Win, who fled from Nakhon Pathom Hospital with her 19-day-old son after learning she could not afford the medical costs. The infant was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and required further treatment. On October 2, Ms. Win gave birth to her son at Nakhon Pathom Hospital. However, the medical staff soon realised that the newborn was in a weak condition and needed additional care. Concerned for the child’s health, the hospital staff monitored the child closely. On discovering that Ms. Win and her husband had suddenly left the hospital with their son, hospital personnel reviewed surveillance footage and confirmed the couple’s departure. Fearing for the baby’s life, given his medical condition, the hospital director, Dr. Surachai Chokkranchitchai, immediately contacted local law enforcement for assistance in locating the family. Police officers from the Nakhon Pathom Highway Police Division, led by Sergeant Sirawat Wangkum and Corporal Nantawut Somboonbadee, were dispatched to track down the family. They learned that Ms. Win was working as a labourer in a nearby community in Nakhon Chai Si district. After a search, officers located Ms. Win and her child at a workers’ housing facility where she lived. The police engaged in discussions with her, emphasising the critical need for her baby to receive medical care to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. Upon understanding the gravity of the situation, Ms. Win agreed to take her son back to the hospital. Emergency medical services were arranged to transport the infant back for necessary treatment. During questioning, Ms. Win expressed her fears about the inability to pay for her son’s medical expenses, which prompted her decision to leave the hospital. Dr. Surachai assured her that Nakhon Pathom Hospital would provide care for the critically ill newborn and cover the medical costs to relieve the family’s burden. The hospital aims to stabilise the infant’s condition and ensure a safe recovery, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant families in accessing healthcare. Picture from responders. -- 2024-10-23

Motorcyclist Dies After Falling Under Bus on Ram Inthra Road A motorcyclist lost his life after being run over by a bus on Ram Inthra Road, Bangkok. The motorcyclist had attempted to overtake on the right hand side, when he lost control and fell, leading to the fatal incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341430-motorcyclist-dies-after-falling-under-bus-on-ram-inthra-road/

A motorcyclist tragically lost his life on October 22, after being run over by a bus on Ram Inthra Road, Bangkok. The motorcyclist, identified as Mr. Dan Sao, a 28-year-old Cambodian, had attempted to overtake on the right hand side, when he lost control and fell, leading to the fatal incident. At approximately 05:30, Pol. Lt. Col. Anirut Phulsawat of Bang Khen Police Station received a report of the fatal collision involving a public bus and a motorcyclist on outbound Ram Inthra Road near Kilometre 2 in the Bang Khen district. Officers and rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were dispatched to the scene. The incident occurred on a four-lane road near Soi Ram Inthra 7. Mr. Dan was found lying face down in a pool of blood. His blue Yamaha motorcycle was discovered about five metres away, overturned in the second lane. The bus, an orange-and-cream Line 95 bus, which operates between Bang Khen and Hua Mak BTS Station, was parked in the far-left lane. Bus driver Mr. Sayomphu (surname withheld), aged 40, stated that he had just departed from the Bang Khen depot and was picking up passengers along Ram Inthra Road. As he approached Soi Ram Inthra 7, the motorcycle suddenly attempted to overtake on the right at high speed, but lost balance, and skidded across the road. The rider was thrown into the path of the bus. Despite braking, Mr. Sayomphu could not stop in time, and the bus’s right rear wheel ran over the motorcyclist. Authorities transported the victim’s body to Bhumibol Hospital’s forensic department for further examination. CCTV footage from the scene will be reviewed as part of the investigation into the accident. Picture from responders. -- 2024-10-23

Rampaging Police Officer Shoots Vegetable Vendor in Maha Sarakham The incident unfolded in the Mittraphap sub-district of Kaedam district, Maha Sarakham, when an armed police officer went on a shooting spree, targeting a vegetable vendor. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341429-rampaging-police-officer-shoots-vegetable-vendor-in-maha-sarakham/

The incident unfolded on the morning of October 22, in the Mittraphap sub-district of Kaedam district, Maha Sarakham, when an armed police officer went on a shooting spree, targeting a vegetable vendor. The incident, which began around 06:30, left the vendor injured while sat on his motorcycle with sidecar. Authorities from Kaedam Police Station, led by Police Colonel Chaiwat Chaiphote, arrived at the scene along with an investigation team and local district officials. Reinforcements from the Special Operations Unit of Maha Sarakham Provincial Police were also called in to contain the situation. The shooter, identified as Police Sergeant Major Somporn, was seen pacing around the area, armed and wearing a yellow shirt and shorts. Officers took cover behind their police vehicles, which had been used to block the road in the village to prevent further danger. Gunshots could be heard intermittently throughout the standoff. After two tense hours, at approximately 08:30, the Special Operations Unit advanced to a closer position, forcing Sergeant Major Somporn to flee towards his residence. Negotiators quickly moved in, engaging him in a conversation that eventually persuaded him to lay down his weapon and surrender peacefully. At the scene, officers recovered bullet casings scattered along the road. The injured vegetable vendor was rushed to the hospital, where authorities are monitoring his condition. Sergeant Major Somporn was taken into custody and is now being held at Kaedam Police Station while forensic experts prepare to investigate the crime scene further. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are conducting a full investigation. Picture from responders. -- 2024-10-23

NGV Bus Catches Fire in Pathum Thani, No Injuries Reported The Pathum Thani Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office reported a bus fire incident that occurred on the Pathum Thani-Lad Lum Kaew Road. The fire broke out at a bus stop in front of Pathum Thani Hospital. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341428-ngv-bus-catches-fire-in-pathum-thani-no-injuries-reported/

The Pathum Thani Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office reported a bus fire incident that occurred around 09:15 on October 22, on the Pathum Thani-Lad Lum Kaew Road. The fire broke out at a bus stop in front of Pathum Thani Hospital, located in Bang Prok sub-district, Mueang district. According to officials, the bus, which had departed from the Nopphong Garage, was carrying approximately 15 passengers when it reached the hospital. Passengers began to disembark when flames erupted in the engine compartment. The bus driver quickly used the onboard dry powder, fire extinguisher to bring the fire under control. It was noted that the bus was equipped with six CNG gas tanks and although the driver’s identity remains unconfirmed, his swift actions prevented any escalation of the incident. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported in this incident. The fire was successfully extinguished, and the situation was brought under control before the fire service reached the bus. The incident is under investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, which was reported to have originated in the engine area of the bus. Pictures from responders. -- 2024-10-23

Two Elderly Women Injured as Car Drives Into Canal in Phayao A car driver lost control and plunged into a roadside canal near the Caltex gas station in Mae Chai sub-district, Phayao, trapping two elderly women inside. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341427-two-elderly-women-injured-as-car-drives-into-canal-in-phayao/

Emergency services were called at 9:50 on October 22, to an incident in Mae Chai district, Phayao province. A car driver lost control and plunged into a roadside canal near the Caltex gas station in Moo 4, Mae Chai sub-district, trapping two elderly women inside. Responding to the scene, Mae Chai Police dispatched officers, and multiple rescue teams were deployed, including units from the Rompho Phayao Rescue Association, Ruamjai Pattana Municipality Rescue, Sritoi Municipality Rescue, and Charoenrat Municipality Rescue. Upon arrival, rescue teams found the vehicle partially submerged in the canal, with water reaching the lower part of the door windows. Rescuers waded through the water to reach the trapped women, providing immediate first aid. Both women were carefully extracted from the car by being placed on spine boards, and carried to the canal’s edge. The first victim, a 66-year-old woman, was suffering from chest pain and discomfort. The second victim, aged 65, complained of neck and left shoulder pain, as well as chest tightness. Both women were responsive and conscious during the rescue. After being freed from the vehicle, both women were swiftly transported to Mae Chai Hospital for further medical evaluation. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. Pictures from responders. -- 2024-10-23

Phuket Cannabis Shops on Alert After Foreigners' Theft Spree File photo for reference only Cannabis shop owners in Phuket have issued a cautionary warning regarding two foreign individuals suspected of stealing over 100,000 baht in cannabis products. These thefts, reportedly orchestrated by the pair across multiple shops, have raised security concerns among local vendors who have urged the Phuket Times to disseminate the alert. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341411-phuket-cannabis-shops-on-alert-after-foreigners-theft-spree/

Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple in Phuket Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews Police arrested a Thai man for stealing from a Russian couple while the victims were enjoying Kata Beach in Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341408-thai-man-arrested-for-stealing-from-russian-couple-in-phuket/