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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 55-year-old man has died in a crash after his Honda City sedan ploughed into the rear of a parked 22-wheeled truck in Phuket in the early hours of morning of 25 April. The incident occurred at approximately 01:50 on Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road inbound to Phuket Town, in Ratsada Subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Saruta Phumduang, an investigator at Muang Phuket Police Station, responded to the call alongside doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital and local emergency services. At the scene a large truck with Chumphon plates was found parked on the roadside. The heavily damaged white Honda City, registered in Phuket, had collided with the back of the truck and remained lodged beneath it. The driver of the sedan, identified as Mr. Preecha, 55, was found dead behind the wheel, slumped toward the passenger seat. He had suffered severe head trauma and facial injuries. Notably, the car’s speedometer was frozen at 180 km/h, raising suspicions that the vehicle may have been travelling at high speed at the time of impact. The lorry driver, Mr. Somporn, 52, was uninjured and remained at the scene. He told police the truck had been legally parked at the roadside. An eyewitness, Mr. Khajornsak, 31, who had been driving a pickup truck recounted: “I was driving along the road and saw the car come out of a side road at high speed. Not long after, there was a massive crash, it just went straight into the truck, like it didn’t try to swerve or brake.” Authorities transferred Mr. Preecha’s body to Vachira Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination. Police are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash and will review CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Authorities Suspect Lorry Driver Fell Asleep Picture from responders. The incident took place in the lane of a designated rest area. A white Chevrolet Captiva SUV had pulled over behind a white fuel tanker to attend to a child passenger. The SUV was carrying ten individuals, both adults and children, en route to visit relatives in Rayong province. A lorry crashed into the back of the SUV at speed. The SUV was completely crushed in the impact. The force of the collision pushed the SUV into a fuel tanker parked ahead it. Eight fatalities were confirmed at the scene, and two individuals with serious injuries were transported to hospital by emergency crews. Preliminary investigations suggest that the lorry driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel and veered off the motorway into the SUV. Police are continuing to examine CCTV footage and are conducting a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Uzbek Man Arrested in Pattaya for Attempting to Exchange Counterfeit US Dollars Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya have apprehended a 31-year-old man from Uzbekistan after he attempted to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange outlet in central Pattaya. Fulls story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358758-uzbek-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-attempting-to-exchange-counterfeit-us-dollars/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya have apprehended a 31-year-old man from Uzbekistan after he attempted to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange outlet in central Pattaya. Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, confirmed that the suspect, identified as Mr. Iskandarkhuja, was arrested at a hotel in city. The arrest followed a tip-off from a currency exchange shop in the city which reported that a foreign tourist, described as a fair-skinned male, had exchanged US dollars for Thai baht amounting to approximately 80,000 baht. Upon inspection, the dollar bills were found to be counterfeit. CCTV footage and documentation identifying the foreign suspect were handed over to Pattaya police investigators. Officers quickly traced Mr. Iskandarkhuja to room 2202 on the second floor of the hotel where he was staying. A search of the room uncovered two money exchange slips placed on a bedside table, as well as $3,000 in counterfeit US currency concealed inside a shoulder bag. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to bringing the counterfeit banknotes from Turkey with the intention of using them for daily expenses. He claimed he had planned to exchange the dollars for Thai baht or other foreign currencies to fund his stay in Thailand. Mr. Iskandarkhuja was taken into custody along with the counterfeit currency and the CCTV footage, which captured evidence of the crime. He faces charges of possession and intent to circulate counterfeit US currency, fully aware of its falsified nature. Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu urged local business operators, particularly those in the currency exchange sector, to remain vigilant. He invited any additional victims or witnesses to come forward and file complaints with Pattaya City Police Station. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-04-25.

Police Dismantle Illegal Digital Asset Exchange Network Worth Over 14 Billion Baht Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched a major crackdown on an illicit digital asset exchange network, unravelling a complex web of unlicensed cryptocurrency transactions valued at more than 14 billion baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358757-police-dismantle-illegal-digital-asset-exchange-network-worth-over-14-billion-baht/

Picture courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched a major crackdown on an illicit digital asset exchange network, unravelling a complex web of unlicensed cryptocurrency transactions valued at more than 14 billion baht. Dubbed Operation Crypto Phantom, the high-profile investigation targeted illegal over-the-counter crypto trading operations catering primarily to foreign clients. Coordinated raids were carried out at eight locations across Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, and Bangkok, leading to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of critical evidence. According to authorities, the suspects operated underground cryptocurrency exchanges that converted Thai baht into digital assets such as USD Tether (USDT) and vice versa. These transactions took place outside of legally sanctioned trading platforms, thereby evading regulatory scrutiny. The “hand-to-hand” nature of these exchanges, often conducted in person and off-record, allowed for discreet financial movements across borders and facilitated large-scale money laundering. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) discovered over 1,000 suspicious transactions linked to transnational criminal networks. Investigators confirmed that the total transaction volume exceeded 425 million USDT, the equivalent of more than 14 billion baht. The funds were allegedly funneled into illegal operations, including drug trafficking and international call centre scams. During the raids, police confiscated numerous items including computers, mobile phones, bank passbooks, hardware wallets, and extensive financial transaction records. The operations were authorised through multiple court warrants and executed under the supervision of senior CIB officers. The illegal exchanges operated under business fronts and were located in areas such as Chalong, Cherngtalay, and Patong in Phuket; Nong Prue in Chonburi; and residential districts in Huai Khwang and Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok. Businesses involved included Ex24.pro, Cryptopida, and Money Markets, allegedly posing as legitimate digital asset platforms while operating without licences from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand. Officials have warned that providing digital asset exchange services without SEC approval is a serious offence, even for licensed money changers. At present, only 33 entities in Thailand hold official licences to operate cryptocurrency exchanges. Authorities are continuing investigations and pursuing legal action against those involved in the sprawling network. The CIB underscored the dangers of unregulated crypto transactions, highlighting the risks they pose not only to financial transparency but also to public safety, given their frequent ties to organised crime. “This operation sends a strong message: unlicensed digital asset trading will not be tolerated,” said Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and asset seizures anticipated in the weeks ahead. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-04-25.

Road Crash Claims Life of Municipal Worker, Multiple Injured in Chain Collision A fatal road crash occurred outside a local municipal office in Khlong Saen Saep Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, leading to a female municipal employee being killed in a three-vehicle collision during her morning commute. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358756-road-crash-claims-life-of-municipal-worker-multiple-injured-in-chain-collision/

Picture from responders. A fatal road crash occurred outside a local municipal office in Khlong Saen Saep Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, leading to a female municipal employee being killed in a three-vehicle collision during her morning commute. Police Lieutenant Sakchai Jantana, an investigator at Bang Khana Police Station, received reports of a crash involving multiple vehicles on the Bang Nam Priao–Bang Khana Road, Moo 3, Bang Khana Subdistrict. Emergency responders from Chachoengsao Rescue Unit were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a black sedan with damage to both the front and rear, positioned in the middle of the road. The driver, a 41-year-old woman and municipal employee, was critically injured and rushed to Bang Nam Priao Hospital, but she later succumbed to her injuries. Nearby, a white Toyota commuter van, registration from Chonburi, had veered off the road into a grassy area. The van was transporting five employees of an energy drink company, all of whom sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. Also involved in the incident was a white Isuzu delivery pickup truck with a closed cargo compartment, which suffered front-end damage. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had been waiting to turn into the municipal office when her stationary sedan was struck from behind by the speeding delivery truck. The force of the impact propelled her vehicle into the path of the oncoming van, resulting in a devastating head-on collision. Mr Thawatchai, 38, the van driver, told police he had just picked up night-shift workers from a factory to take them home. He recalled seeing the sedan waiting to turn when the delivery truck smashed into it, pushing it into his lane and leaving him no time to react. Authorities have launched a full investigation and will proceed with legal action. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Major Online Gambling Network Busted, Annual Turnover Exceeds 2.4 Billion Baht Picture courtesy of Amarin. Cyber Police have dismantled a major online gambling network with an annual turnover exceeding 2.4 billion baht, uncovering a sophisticated operation spanning multiple provinces and seizing assets worth over 111 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358755-major-online-gambling-network-busted-annual-turnover-exceeds-24-billion-baht/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. Cyber Police have dismantled a major online gambling network with an annual turnover exceeding 2.4 billion baht, uncovering a sophisticated operation spanning multiple provinces and seizing assets worth over 111 million baht. The crackdown followed a detailed investigation into the “OK2D” gambling network, which had previously seen nine individuals arrested in connection with the site’s administration and marketing. Authorities confiscated more than 200 items in that initial operation, valued at over 500,000 baht. Following up on the case, officers conducted further raids at two targeted locations. The first was a residence in Sam Isara, Phuket, where police seized over 5 million baht in cash, mobile phones, gold bars and jewellery, amulets, and other items, totalling 52 items worth more than 111 million baht. No suspects were present at the property at the time of the search. The second raid took place in Chiang Rai, where four suspects were arrested: Mr. Apichart (35), Ms. Kanjanasiri (28), Ms. Ratchanee (28), and Mr. Siriyam (35). According to investigators, the four acted as financial beneficiaries of the website’s owner, who is believed to have relocated operations from Myanmar. Remarkably, the suspects were reportedly shocked by the arrests, claiming they had been assured the site could operate without interference due to alleged protection from within law enforcement. One of the suspects allegedly believed that “the way had been cleared” with cyber police. However, officials have strongly denied any collusion, with cyber police reaffirming their commitment to integrity and transparency. Authorities stated that there had been no acceptance of bribes or favours from gambling networks and vowed to trace and arrest the masterminds behind the operation. The investigation is ongoing, with police expanding their probe to uncover the full scope of the criminal network and its financial backers. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-25.

Missing Man Turns Killer: Shocking Murder in Mae Hong Son Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man who had been reported missing by his family for over a week, has now become the prime suspect in the murder of a 66-year-old local man, in a bizarre and chilling case that has shocked the Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358753-missing-man-turns-killer-shocking-murder-in-mae-hong-son/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A man who had been reported missing by his family for over a week, has now become the prime suspect in the murder of a 66-year-old local man, in a bizarre and chilling case that has shocked the Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son. Police discovered the body of Mr Dike, 66, in a stream near Ban Mae Kong Kha, a village in Tambon Mae Yuam, Mae Sariang District. The victim had suffered seven shotgun pellet wounds to the chest and right shoulder. He was found kneeling forward, wearing a blue sports shirt and short jeans. A single shotgun shell casing was recovered approximately 15 metres from the scene. The suspected killer, identified as 37-year-old Mr Yutthana, had been the subject of a missing persons report for over ten days. According to police, he allegedly confessed the killing in an eerie and surreal encounter shortly after the crime. Mrs Ja-Sor, the victim’s wife, told police that on the morning of 23 April, her husband Mr Dike and a companion, Mr Kamol, had gone into the forest in search of forest products. Around 06:30, she heard multiple gunshots. A short while later, Mr Yutthana appeared at her hut, calmly asked for a cup of coffee, and told her that he had shot her husband. After drinking the coffee, he disappeared without revealing his destination. Mrs Ja-Sor later found her husband’s lifeless body in the stream, bleeding and unresponsive. She instructed her daughter and grandchildren to flee the hut and report the incident to nearby park rangers at Sala 5, part of Salawin National Park. This led to the alerting of local authorities and the launch of a manhunt for the suspect. District Chief Mr Warasak Phanthong held an emergency meeting to coordinate the search and ensure the safety of villagers in the area. A security operation was launched involving more than 50 personnel, including local administrators, members of the district volunteer force, soldiers from Ranger Battalion 36, police from Tha Ta Fang station, and local village leaders. Patrols and checkpoints have been established until the suspect is captured. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Drug-Crazed Son Sets House Ablaze in Suicide Attempt Picture courtesy of CH7 A dramatic rescue unfolded in the Phako sub-district of Kumphawapi District, Udon Thani Province, after a man under the influence of narcotics set his family home on fire in a bid to take his own life. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358752-drug-crazed-son-sets-house-ablaze-in-suicide-attempt/

Picture courtesy of CH7 A dramatic rescue unfolded in the Phako sub-district of Kumphawapi District, Udon Thani Province, after a man under the influence of narcotics set his family home on fire in a bid to take his own life. The incident occurred in the early hours of 24 April, when Kumphawapi Police Station’s communications centre received an urgent call from the 191 emergency line reporting that a man was threatening to burn himself alive inside his house in Ban Mueat Ae village, dangerously close to the local subdistrict municipality office. Officers responding to the scene found the house engulfed in flames and the suspect, a 45-year-old man identified only as Mr. Ek, locked inside and in a state of violent delusion. He reportedly warned neighbours and emergency responders to stay away, further escalating the danger as the fire threatened to spread to nearby homes. Police Colonel Wichan Suthampeng, superintendent of Kumphawapi Police Station, personally led the emergency response team, including local patrol units and investigators. Despite the high risk, Colonel Wichan successfully negotiated with the man, eventually persuading him to leave the burning structure just moments before it became fully engulfed. Firefighters from the Phako municipal fire service were then able to extinguish the blaze, which had already destroyed much of the house’s interior, including clothing, bedding, and furniture. No injuries were reported, but the incident left nearby residents shaken. Mr. Ek was immediately taken into custody and transferred to Kumphawapi Hospital, where he received a sedative to calm his condition. At the time of arrest, he was reported to be incoherent and highly agitated. Though legal proceedings are pending, the man’s parents have expressed their wish for medical treatment rather than prosecution, asking authorities to help their son recover from drug addiction. Adapted by Asean Now from CH7 2025-04-25.

CIB Intercepts Two Pickups Carrying 30 Illegal Migrants in Nakhon Sawan Pictures courtesy of CIB. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have apprehended two pickup trucks transporting a total of 30 illegal migrants from Myanmar in an operation carried out on Highway 1 near kilometre marker 355 in the Nong Krot sub-district of Mueang Nakhon Sawan District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358751-cib-intercepts-two-pickups-carrying-30-illegal-migrants-in-nakhon-sawan/

Pictures courtesy of CIB. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have apprehended two pickup trucks transporting a total of 30 illegal migrants from Myanmar in an operation carried out on Highway 1 near kilometre marker 355 in the Nong Krot sub-district of Mueang Nakhon Sawan District. The operation, led by the Highway Police Division under the command of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB, successfully intercepted the vehicles after officers noticed them travelling at unusually high speeds and carrying excessive weight. Upon stopping the vehicles, police discovered one driven by a 28-year-old Myanmar national identified as Mr. Mid, and the second driven by 31-year-old Mr. Lazin, also a Myanmar national. Inside the vehicles, police found 30 additional individuals of Myanmar nationality crammed inside the trucks and under sheeting in the truck bed, in what officers described as conditions “tighter than canned sardines.” All passengers failed to produce any documentation or passports. Mr. Mid and Mr. Lazin were charged with assisting and harbouring illegal immigrants to evade arrest. The remaining 30 individuals were charged with entering and residing in the Kingdom without permission. The operation was conducted under the direction of Police Major General Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, Commander of the Highway Police Division, and Police Colonel Thatcha Phosuwan, Superintendent of Highway Police Subdivision 1. The arresting team was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Chetsupakorn Piriya Phongphan of Highway Police Subdivision 4. All suspects and the two vehicles have been handed over to Mueang Nakhon Sawan Police Station for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-04-25.

26-Year-Old Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Killing Street Cleaner Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 26-year-old man driving a refrigerated delivery truck reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and fatally struck a municipal street cleaner in Saraburi province early on 24 April. The vehicle subsequently veered off the road, crashing into two electricity poles and causing some power-lines to collapse. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358750-26-year-old-driver-falls-asleep-at-the-wheel-killing-street-cleaner/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 26-year-old man driving a refrigerated delivery truck reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and fatally struck a municipal street cleaner in Saraburi province early on 24 April. The vehicle subsequently veered off the road, crashing into two electricity poles and causing some power-lines to collapse. The incident occurred around kilometre marker 93 on the inbound parallel road to Saraburi city, near Hinkong Phibun Anusorn School in Huai Khamin Subdistrict, Nong Khae District. Pol. Lt. Col. Chanantorn Khamkhet, investigator at the Nong Khae Police Station (Hinkong Substation), was alerted to the accident via the 191 emergency centre. Emergency services from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were dispatched to the scene, where they found a six-wheeled Isuzu truck from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya carrying chilled goods. The driver, Mr. Rungrueang, aged 26, had lost control of the vehicle, which then struck and fatally injured a 63-year-old street cleaner, Mrs. Sombat, who worked for Hinkong Subdistrict Municipality. Her body was found beneath the truck, having been dragged approximately 50 metres. Rescue workers and electricity authorities worked swiftly to retrieve the body and cut off power to the downed poles to prevent any electrical hazard. Mr. Rungrueang told police that he was transporting refrigerated goods from Wang Noi District to Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He admitted to falling asleep while driving and was only jolted awake by the impact of the collision. Ms. Siriporn, the victim’s niece, spoke through tears at the scene, saying her aunt had worked as a street cleaner and that the family was devastated by the tragic loss. Police are continuing their investigation and took Mr. Rungrueang into custody for further questioning at the Hinkong Substation. Legal proceedings are expected to follow. The body of the deceased has been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Nakhon Nayok for a post-mortem examination. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-04-25.

The incident is still under investigation and the scene is not even cleared yet, when this report was posted. So are you really expecting full details 4 hours after the crash occurred?

Repeat Offender Karaoke Bar in Chiang Rai Raided Again Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A karaoke bar in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province, has once again been shut down following a raid by provincial authorities and police, after it was found operating illegally and employing young girls, below legally permitted age, as hostesses. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358748-repeat-offender-karaoke-bar-in-chiang-rai-raided-again/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A karaoke bar in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province, has once again been shut down following a raid by provincial authorities and police, after it was found operating illegally and employing young girls, below legally permitted age, as hostesses. Authorities from the Chiang Rai Provincial Administration acted after receiving public complaints that the “Saeng Chan Café” karaoke venue was staying open past legally permitted hours and employing girls under the legal age limit. A covert operation was launched to confirm the claims, and surveillance revealed ongoing violations, despite a previous police raid on 4 May 2024, when the same venue was charged for operating without a proper licence and breaching operating hours. At approximately 00:45 on 24 April, officers executed a planned operation at the premises, located at 219 Moo 9, Pa Sang Subdistrict, Mae Chan District. The single-storey establishment was found hosting live music, with 11 customer tables and five VIP karaoke rooms in use. Upon inspection, 11 female service staff were found, including two girls under the age of 18, the youngest just 15 years old. A cashier and a manager were also present, with the latter identified as Ms. Chomphisa aged 49. While Ms. Chomphisa provided certain business-related documents, she was unable to produce a valid operating licence when requested. Further checks revealed seven patrons under the legal age of 20, none of whom had been asked to present identification upon entry. Authorities have levelled multiple preliminary charges, including: • Operating an unlicensed entertainment venue • Selling alcohol beyond legally allowed hours • Encouraging inappropriate behaviour in minors • Employing underage workers Officials have stated that a multidisciplinary team will now be assembled to assess whether any of the underage workers were victims of human trafficking. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-04-25.

Gunman Surrenders After Killing Woman in Front of Her Son & Taking Hostage in Nakhon Pathom Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A man who shot and killed a 42-year-old woman in front of her 10-year-old son has surrendered to authorities following a dramatic hostage situation in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358747-gunman-surrenders-after-killing-woman-in-front-of-her-son-taking-hostage-in-nakhon-pathom/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A man who shot and killed a 42-year-old woman in front of her 10-year-old son has surrendered to authorities following a dramatic hostage situation in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom province. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old “Champ”, had fled the scene of the fatal shooting, which took place at a rented room in Wang Taku Subdistrict, Mueang District, on the morning of 24 April. According to the victim’s daughter, who witnessed the attack, the assailant initially knocked on the front door and fired two warning shots, appearing enraged. The family attempted to flee via the back of the house but were intercepted by the gunman. The mother and her 10-year-old son retreated to a bedroom, where the suspect followed and fired two shots at the woman, killing her instantly in front of the child. He then escaped on a motorcycle via Malaiman Road. Investigators suspect a dispute involving informal loans may have been the motive and the suspect was a debt collector. Following the attack, Champ rode into hiding in Sam Phran District, where he abducted a woman who runs a local shop. Reports suggest that the suspect had a romantic interest in the woman, who was already in a relationship. He took her as a hostage and held her in a two-storey rented room in Soi Petro 16, Tha Kham Subdistrict. Police quickly sealed off the area and coordinated with the suspect’s mother and relatives in a bid to defuse the situation peacefully. The suspect was seen emerging briefly from the room with a firearm in hand before retreating inside. Negotiators worked for several hours to encourage his surrender. Eventually, Champ agreed to give himself up without further violence. Police confirmed his surrender and said he is now in custody for questioning. Authorities continue their investigation, and Champ is expected to face charges of murder, illegal possession and use of a firearm, and kidnapping. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Indonesian Fishing Boat Seized for Illegally Operating in Thai Waters Near Koh Lipe Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A foreign fishing vessel believed to be Indonesian was intercepted and seized by Thai authorities after it was found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Lipe. Five Indonesian nationals, including the boat’s captain and four crew members, were taken into custody. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358746-indonesian-fishing-boat-seized-for-illegally-operating-in-thai-waters-near-koh-lipe/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A foreign fishing vessel believed to be Indonesian was intercepted and seized by Thai authorities after it was found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Lipe. Five Indonesian nationals, including the boat’s captain and four crew members, were taken into custody. The operation was led by Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Director of the Third Naval Area Command’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC Region 3). Acting on intelligence from the Satun Provincial Vessel Monitoring Centre, Navy personnel launched a patrol to investigate a suspicious vessel operating west of Koh Lipe, approximately 13.75 nautical miles offshore. Naval forces deployed a high-speed patrol boat, “MECC 4006,” and rigid inflatable boats to the area. Upon locating the vessel, authorities boarded and detained all crew members without resistance. The boat and its crew were then escorted to Koh Lipe for legal processing. All five men, confirmed to be Indonesian nationals, are currently in police custody while legal proceedings are initiated. Initial reports suggest the vessel had been illegally fishing in Thai waters, in violation of the country’s maritime sovereignty and resource protection laws. Rear Admiral Sentaibua Buanium, Deputy Director of the Satun MECC, praised the swift coordination between local fishing networks and maritime authorities. The suspicious vessel was first spotted by local fishers, who promptly reported it to officials, a move that proved instrumental in the vessel’s capture. Authorities have reiterated the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding Thailand’s marine resources and have reminded the public to report any suspicious maritime activity. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.