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

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

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

Smuggler Caught with 5,000 Litres of Diesel Hidden Under Empty Shipping Container Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A cunning attempt to smuggle nearly 5,000 litres of diesel across the Thai-Malaysian border was foiled on 24 April, when military personnel discovered a heavily modified 18-wheel lorry concealing fuel beneath an empty shipping container. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358865-smuggler-caught-with-5000-litres-of-diesel-hidden-under-empty-shipping-container/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A cunning attempt to smuggle nearly 5,000 litres of diesel across the Thai-Malaysian border was foiled on 24 April, when military personnel discovered a heavily modified 18-wheel lorry concealing fuel beneath an empty shipping container. The operation was led by the Thep Satra Task Force, 5021 Infantry Company, under the command of Colonel Taweeporn Kanathong and Deputy Commander Colonel Thanapon Nuysuk. The team, headed in the field by Captain Suphanat Raksawat and Lieutenant Wanchailem Yueangyuk, worked in close coordination with the Customs Enforcement Division of the Sadao border checkpoint. Officers, including Ms. Niramol Sriwutichan, Director of the Customs Control Division, and Mr. Angkul Ruangsuk, Chief of Customs Enforcement, set up a checkpoint along Kanchanavanich Road in Ban Pru Tiew, Sadao District, Songkhla Province. During the routine inspection, a suspicious container truck registered in Songkhla was pulled over. The driver, 28-year-old Mr. Fadil, claimed he was transporting an empty container. However, upon inspection, officials found the container had been covertly modified to store diesel fuel. Ten concealed fuel tanks were discovered, both within the container itself and underneath, containing approximately 4,900 litres of diesel in total. Mr. Fadil admitted under questioning that he was employed by a well-known transport company and was paid to drive back and forth between Thailand and Malaysia. He disclosed that he filled the diesel tanks at a petrol station in Malaysia, where the fuel cost only 20 baht per litre, and planned to offload the fuel at a site in Chalung Subdistrict, Hat Yai. Authorities have handed Mr. Fadil and the seized diesel over to the Sadao Customs Office for legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-26.

Death of Taxi Driver Following Road Rage Incident with Truck Driver in Nakhon Pathom Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A taxi driver has been found dead in roadside grass following a violent road rage incident involving a six-wheeled truck in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358863-death-of-taxi-driver-following-road-rage-incident-with-truck-driver-in-nakhon-pathom/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A taxi driver has been found dead in roadside grass following a violent road rage incident involving a six-wheeled truck in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom province. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of 25 April, was widely circulated on social media. Reports indicate that a pink-and-white taxi was involved in a minor collision with a six-wheel truck, after which the truck driver exited his vehicle, approached the taxi, and assaulted the driver. Witnesses allege that the truck driver also seized the taxi driver’s mobile phone before returning to his vehicle. In an attempt to flee and seek help, the taxi driver drove away and reported the incident to nearby police patrol officers, claiming that he had been attacked and robbed by the truck driver. Shortly after, local residents and rescue personnel discovered the taxi abandoned in a patch of roadside grass. The driver was found inside the vehicle, unresponsive. Rescue workers from the Pranpitak Foundation’s radio centre in Sam Phran attempted to resuscitate the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the truck driver involved in the altercation had turned himself in to police. The case is currently under investigation, with police expected to conduct a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-26.

UPDATE Police Aircraft Crash: Wreckage Pulled Ashore Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Authorities have successfully hauled ashore the wreckage of a police aircraft that crashed into the sea approximately 150 metres from the coast near the border between Cha-am district in Phetchaburi province and Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Rescue and recovery operations were carried out under increasing pressure as the tide began to rise during the afternoon. At around 16:00 recovery teams began towing the fuselage to the shoreline using heavy-duty winch equipment. A 30-tonne crane was used in conjunction with high-tension slings to carefully drag the aircraft across the shallow surf, with a secondary six-wheel support vehicle deployed to prevent the tow truck from slipping on the wet sand. A 50-tonne trailer was also positioned nearby in preparation for moving the aircraft to a secure location for further forensic investigation and evidence collection. Earlier, officials had retrieved smaller debris and components that had broken off during the crash and were floating in the water. Patrol vessel 527 and Marine Police officers were on site to secure the area during the delicate operation. Officials warned that it is still unclear how long it will take to safely lift the wreckage onto a trailer and transport it for examination. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Pilot Dies After Police Aircraft Crash Near Hua Hin Royal Thai Police pilot, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaturong Watthanapraisarn, has succumbed to his injuries following the aircraft crash earlier today. The police aircraft crashed into the sea near Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358781-police-aircraft-crashes-into-sea-off-cha-am-leaving-four-dead/page/2/#findComment-19757795

UPDATE Pilot Dies After Police Aircraft Crash Near Hua Hin Royal Thai Police pilot, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaturong Watthanapraisarn, has succumbed to his injuries following the aircraft crash earlier today. The police aircraft crashed into the sea near Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Doctors confirmed that the pilot had suffered multiple severe injuries, including fractures to the right foot, ankle, shin and arm, along with internal trauma. He remained unconscious and required urgent surgical intervention to control internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity. Despite doctors’ best efforts, Chaturong passed away at 15:58 while undergoing emergency surgery. This brings the total number of fatalities in the incident to six. The Royal Thai Police had earlier called for blood donations of type O in an attempt to stabilise the officer’s condition. National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimon had also confirmed that Chaturong was an experienced pilot. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Full Investigation Ordered into Incident Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The National Police Chief has ordered a full investigation into the fatal crash of a police aircraft off the coast of Hua Hin, which claimed the lives of five police officers and left one more in critical condition. Early reports indicate the aircraft veered sharply to the right before plunging into the sea. The incident occurred near Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, during a routine flight on the morning of 25 April. The aircraft, operated by the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division, had successfully passed all ground checks and showed no signs of malfunction before take-off. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, visited the crash site personally and confirmed that the aircraft appeared to lift off normally but travelled only a short distance, about 100 metres from the shoreline, before it suddenly banked to the right and crashed into the sea. “The ground checks showed no irregularities. However, shortly after take-off, the aircraft tilted unnaturally before falling into the sea. A formal aviation investigation is underway to determine the exact cause,” Gen. Kittirat said. He added that the inquiry, being handled by the police aviation unit, is expected to take around 15 days. Although the exact reason for the crash is still unknown, early evidence suggests a critical issue may have developed during the take-off phase. Gen. Kittirat assured that standard legal autopsies would be conducted, but stressed that the cause of death in each case was already apparent due to the nature of the crash. The police chief also stated that the Royal Thai Police will closely coordinate with the families of the victims throughout the investigation process. The force will host religious rites on behalf of the deceased for one to two nights. “All five officers are considered to have died in the line of duty, as they were operating under official orders to test the aircraft. They will receive full benefits and honours according to official policy,” Gen. Kittirat confirmed. The crash has cast a sombre shadow over the police aviation division, and the Royal Thai Police have pledged transparency and diligence in uncovering the cause of the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Pilot Hailed a Hero After Steering Failing Aircraft into the Sea to Avoid Civilian Casualties & is Now Reported to be Alive A Thai police pilot has been praised for his extraordinary bravery after successfully diverting a malfunctioning aircraft away from a residential area and into the sea, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic tragedy for local civilians. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358781-police-aircraft-crashes-into-sea-off-cha-am-leaving-four-dead/#findComment-19757412

UPDATE Pilot Hailed a Hero After Steering Failing Aircraft into the Sea to Avoid Civilian Casualties & is Now Reported to be Alive A Thai police pilot has been praised for his extraordinary bravery after successfully diverting a malfunctioning aircraft away from a residential area and into the sea, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic tragedy for local civilians. The incident occurred near Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, when a police aircraft from the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division experienced a critical malfunction. Initial reports suggest that the plane was veering towards a populated area, prompting the pilot to make a last-second decision to steer it out over the sea. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, accompanied by Provincial Governor Sitthichai Sawatsan, Lt. Gen. Nitinan Langyanai, Commander of the Border Patrol Police, and other senior officials from aviation and forensic units. They collectively honoured the fallen officers and paid tribute to the pilot’s selfless actions. Further to the earlier Police statement, it is now reported that the crash only claimed the lives of five skilled officers onboard and injured one, who is identified as Pol. Lt. Col. Jaturong Watthanapraisarn, the pilot, who miraculously survived. He is currently receiving treatment at Hua Hin Hospital, where doctors report he sustained multiple facial fractures and a punctured lung requiring chest drainage. Crucially, he shows no signs of brain injury. Plans are in place to transfer him to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok if necessary . Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. A special committee and forensic team will examine all aspects of the incident. Recovery efforts are underway, with the Police Aviation Division, Marine Police, and Border Patrol Police collaborating to lift the wreckage from the sea within the next day, ensuring no evidence is lost or damaged. Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased for religious ceremonies. Families of both the victims and the injured are being closely supported, and the Police Chief has pledged full welfare assistance and a dignified funeral for the fallen officers. “This is a tragic loss of highly skilled personnel, but their sacrifice undoubtedly saved many civilian lives,” said Gen. Kittirat. “We will ensure justice, accountability, and above all, honour their memory with the utmost respect.” The airport on google maps, end of the runway can be seen in the video below. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-25. ScreenRecording_04-25-2025 14-11-55_1.mp4

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UPDATE Motorway Crash Claims Eight Lives, Including Three Children The devastating multi-fatality crash on Motorway Route 7 has claimed the lives of eight people, including three children, following a violent collision involving a lorry and a family SUV. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358744-horrific-motorway-7-crash-claims-eight-lives/page/2/#findComment-19757021

UPDATE Motorway Crash Claims Eight Lives, Including Three Children Picture from responders. The devastating multi-fatality crash on Motorway Route 7 has claimed the lives of eight people, including three children, following a violent collision involving a lorry and a family SUV. The impact of the crash was so severe that all eight occupants of the SUV died at the scene. Emergency responders described the victims’ bodies as being severely disfigured, leaving a grim and heartbreaking scene. Three other individuals were injured and transported to Chularat 9 Hospital. Among the deceased were three young children, as well as several generations of a family travelling together. The victims have been named as: Master Phacharapol Jaemkrachang, son of Mr Aphiwat Jaemkrachang Mr Aphiwat Jaemkrachang, driver and owner of the SUV Ms Arinya Ontapha, wife of Mr Aphiwat Ms Kantharat Phumcherm, daughter of Ms Arinya Mrs Moon Ontapha, mother of Ms Arinya Ms Jaruwan Khonnok Miss Natthida Kaewubai, daughter of Ms Jaruwan Miss Natthawadee Kaewubai, daughter of Ms Jaruwan The three injured survivors are: Mr Saneh Doktakian, the lorry driver Ms Hathaimaas Phumcherm, daughter of Ms Arinya Miss Phimlapat Ontapha, aged 12, daughter of Mr Praitoon The incident has shocked the many, with people reacting in horror to the news that an entire family unit , spanning grandparents to grandchildren, was virtually wiped out in a matter of seconds. One particularly heartbreaking detail is that the family had only recently purchased the SUV, with social media posts revealing it had been collected just six days prior to the crash. As investigations continue, Thai authorities are expected to examine both mechanical and human factors, including whether the lorry driver was fatigued or travelling at excessive speed. Grief-stricken relatives have begun gathering in Udon Thani, where funeral arrangements are expected to take place in the coming days. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-25.

Allocation of Over 26 Million Baht to Upgrade Public Toilets at 63 Tourist Sites Nationwide Picture courtesy of Khoasod. The Department of Tourism has announced a major nationwide initiative to improve tourist infrastructure with a budget exceeding 26 million baht. The funding will be used to renovate public toilet facilities at 63 key tourist attractions across the country in a bid to enhance visitor experience and support Thailand’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358791-allocation-of-over-26-million-baht-to-upgrade-public-toilets-at-63-tourist-sites-nationwide/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. The Department of Tourism has announced a major nationwide initiative to improve tourist infrastructure with a budget exceeding 26 million baht. The funding will be used to renovate public toilet facilities at 63 key tourist attractions across the country in a bid to enhance visitor experience and support Thailand’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub. Mr. Jatuporn Pakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, revealed that the initiative is in line with the government’s urgent policy to elevate Thailand’s tourism standards and reinforce its image as a world-class travel destination. The renovations are part of a broader programme to standardise and upgrade public toilet facilities, ensuring they meet tourism-specific criteria of cleanliness, accessibility, and safety. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving four main government agencies: • Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (27 sites) • National Office of Buddhism (18 sites) • Department of Local Administration (17 sites) • Fine Arts Department (1 site) The Department of Tourism will also coordinate with provincial tourism and sports offices to monitor progress and ensure that improvements are completed in time for the upcoming high tourist season at the end of the year. Mr. Jatuporn emphasised that accessible and hygienic public restrooms are a key component in creating a positive experience for all visitors, including international tourists, families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. He also noted the project aligns with the government’s “Ignite Thailand” vision, which aims to boost national unity and competitiveness in global tourism. “This investment is about more than just restrooms, it’s about elevating our tourism standards and leaving a lasting impression on every visitor,” he said. The upgraded facilities are expected to reflect Thailand’s commitment to hospitality, cleanliness, and inclusivity, key attributes for sustaining growth in the nation’s vital tourism sector. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-25.

Former Monk Shoots Ex-Nun After Rejection, Then Takes Own Life Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 24 April, in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a recently defrocked monk shot a woman, his former fellow temple resident and then turned the gun on himself after she spurned his advances. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358789-former-monk-shoots-ex-nun-after-rejection-then-takes-own-life/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning of 24 April, in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a recently defrocked monk shot a woman, his former fellow temple resident and then turned the gun on himself after she spurned his advances. Police Colonel Thawatchai Sangkhomittakul, head of Tha Sala Police Station, led a team of investigators, forensic officers, and rescue personnel to the scene at a residence in Moo 12, Klai Subdistrict. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of 46-year-old Mr. Anon Sangthong in a second-floor bedroom. He was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head, with a .357 calibre revolver beside him. Two rounds had been fired; four more remained in the weapon. The victim of the shooting, 39-year-old Ms. Jiranan, was found critically injured with a gunshot wound to the left side of her chest and severe head trauma from being struck. She was initially rushed to Tha Sala Hospital before being transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital for urgent treatment. Initial investigations revealed that both individuals had recently left monastic life, Mr. Anon having been a monk and Ms. Jiranan a nun at the same temple in Sichon District. Sources say that Mr. Anon had developed romantic feelings for Ms. Jiranan during their time at the temple. After both had disrobed, Mr. Anon reportedly pursued her persistently, though she refused to engage with him. At approximately 01:00, Mr. Anon contacted Ms. Jiranan’s younger sibling to ask about her whereabouts. Despite being told she was not at home, he allegedly became agitated and angry when his calls went unanswered. At 03:00, Mr. Anon arrived at Ms. Jiranan’s house on a motorcycle, climbed over the fence, and broke into the home by smashing a window. He then entered her bedroom, struck her on the head, and shot her in the chest. Believing she was dead, he turned the gun on himself and died instantly. Ms. Jiranan, however, survived and managed to seek help. Her current condition is said to be critical. It has also emerged that Ms. Jiranan is married to a foreign national, who is currently overseas. Her return to lay life followed a period of ordination as a nun, during which Mr. Anon had also been a monk at the same temple. Police are continuing their investigation into the events leading up to the attack, as more details emerge about the breakdown of a relationship rooted in shared religious life. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-04-25.

UPDATE Deranged Man Burns Down Wife’s House, Killing Elderly Mother-in-Law — Arrested After Manhunt Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A manhunt has ended in the arrest of a deranged son-in-law who allegedly set fire to his wife’s home in a fit of rage, resulting in the tragic death of his elderly mother-in-law. The horrific incident occurred in Moo 1, Nam Tan Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358521-man-sets-fire-to-estranged-wife’s-home-elderly-mother-in-law-burned-to-death/#findComment-19756855

UPDATE Deranged Man Burns Down Wife’s House, Killing Elderly Mother-in-Law — Arrested After Manhunt Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A manhunt has ended in the arrest of a deranged son-in-law who allegedly set fire to his wife’s home in a fit of rage, resulting in the tragic death of his elderly mother-in-law. The horrific incident occurred in Moo 1, Nam Tan Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. The suspect, 38-year-old Mr Anek, is said to have committed the act following a domestic dispute with his wife, Ms Anchalee. During the blaze, Ms Anchalee’s 79-year-old mother, Mrs Rai-ai, who suffered from hearing impairment, was unable to escape and died from severe burns. According to investigators, Mr Anek had previously threatened to burn down the house. On 22 April, he allegedly followed through on the threat, dousing the bedroom in thinner and setting it alight before fleeing the scene by car. Authorities finally apprehended Mr Anek at a temple in Takli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, after he drove directly into a police checkpoint. He was taken into custody by officers from In Buri Police Station and Sing Buri Provincial Police for questioning. Following an hour-long interrogation, police escorted Mr Anek back to the crime scene to conduct a re-enactment of the events. As he was brought to the location, grieving relatives of the deceased gathered, shouting curses at him, with some attempting to break through police lines to confront him physically. During the re-enactment, Mr Anek demonstrated how he parked his car, entered the house, and poured thinner in the bedroom before igniting the fire. Witnesses reported that he shouted “Darling, I’m sorry” during the act. After the demonstration, he raised his hands in a wai and said he wished to apologise to his wife and the deceased’s family. His apology was met with an angry outcry from relatives, including shouts of “I will never forgive you,” to which Mr Anek responded, “I already gave you a chance.” Investigators revealed that after the arson, Mr Anek removed his vehicle’s licence plates in Nong Soi Thong Subdistrict, Takli, then stayed at a local resort. He later borrowed a staff member’s phone to call a relative in Ayutthaya, which helped police track and arrest him. Mr Anek is currently in custody awaiting formal charges, including arson and murder. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-25.

Suspected Poacher Killed by Wild Elephant in Chanthaburi Forest Picture courtesy of NBT. A man was found dead in a forest area in Chanthaburi province, with evidence suggesting he may have been killed by a wild elephant during an alleged illegal hunting trip. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358788-suspected-poacher-killed-by-wild-elephant-in-chanthaburi-forest/

Picture courtesy of NBT. A man was found dead in a forest area in Chanthaburi province, with evidence suggesting he may have been killed by a wild elephant during an alleged illegal hunting trip. Mr. Tantikorn Puangsakul, head of Rapid Response Unit 9 at the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, reported that at approximately 17:00 on April 23, officials from Rapid Response Unit 9 and the Khlong Khrok Forest Protection Unit were conducting a wild elephant population survey in Ban Khlong Khrok, Moo 10, Phawa Subdistrict, Kaeng Hang Maeo District. The operation was part of an ongoing census and demographic study of wild elephants in the Eastern Forest Complex, overseen by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. During the operation, the team was alerted to the discovery of a body in a nearby forested area in Ban Bo Maduea, Moo 9, also in Phawa Subdistrict. Officials from the sanctuary, local administration, and Kaeng Hang Maeo police inspected the scene, located within the proposed boundary extension of the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary and Khun Chong National Forest Reserve, about 600 metres from a known elephant trench. The deceased was identified as Mr. Anan, 68, a resident of Phawa Subdistrict. Around the body, officers discovered a backpack, a headlamp, a compass, and a gun-mounted scope, but notably, no firearm was found. Authorities suspect that villagers or relatives of the deceased, who arrived at the scene before officials, may have removed the weapon. Evidence around the body, including wild elephant tracks, suggests that the man may have been killed by an elephant. Authorities believe Mr. Anan was engaged in illegal hunting at the time of his death. He reportedly had a prior conviction for wildlife poaching in 2023, for which he had received a suspended sentence. The body has been transferred to Kaeng Hang Maeo Hospital for autopsy. Officials continue to investigate the incident while reinforcing the importance of wildlife conservation and legal enforcement in protected forest areas. Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-04-25.

Pattaya Tests New Drainage System to Prepare for Future Flooding Picture courtesy of Sophon. Pattaya City is ramping up its efforts to mitigate urban flooding ahead of the upcoming rainy season, with city officials testing the first phase of a major drainage system along the eastern railway road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358787-pattaya-tests-new-drainage-system-to-prepare-for-future-flooding/