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UPDATE Rescue Team Claims Highly Unusual CNG Tank Placement in Tragic Bus Fire A popular social media page has shared images from a rescue team revealing an unusually placed CNG tank in the bus involved in a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 23 students. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339544-school-bus-fire-claims-multiple-lives-and-injures-young-students-in-rangsit/?do=findComment&comment=19276616

UPDATE Rescue Team Claims Highly Unusual CNG Tank Placement in Tragic Bus Fire A popular social media page has shared images from a rescue team revealing an unusually placed CNG tank in the bus involved in a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 23 students from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani Province. The rescue team described the tank placement as unprecedented, leading to grim conclusions about the cause of the fire. The page ‘Drama-addict’ posted a story from the rescue team on-site. They discovered that the gas tank, which they believed one of the primary causes of the fire, were installed in an abnormal location within the bus. The post read: "The rescue team on the scene sent this to raise public awareness. You may have seen the CNG tank at the back of the bus, but I want to inform you that I am one of the firefighters who inspected all the heat sources. We found two additional tanks installed inside the lower deck of the bus." The post explained that the tanks were located behind the driver’s seat on the right side and behind the front door on the left. These positions were highly unusual, as they had seen no other bus with CNG tanks installed in such spots. The firefighter expressed concern, stating, "If there had been a gas leak, the gas would have had no way to escape. It would circulate within the lower deck and flow up the stairs to the second deck. Since CNG gas is lighter than LPG, it rises, unlike LPG, which stays near the ground." The firefighter emphasised the dire consequences of the tank's improper placement and the difficulty in containing such a dangerous situation. -- 2024-10-02

Lieutenant Nattabodin Thong-in, Deputy Investigator of Nong Prue Police Station, received a report at 03.05 on October 2, of a car crashing into a shop, causing damage and injuries. The incident occurred at a red-light intersection on Second Jomtien Road, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Authorities immediately coordinated with Sawang Boriboon Pattaya rescue teams to investigate. Upon arrival, they found a black Subaru SUV, license plate from Bangkok, that the driver had lost control and crashed into a solar cell shop. The shop's glass windows were shattered, and the vehicle itself was damaged after plowing into the building. Two individuals were injured: Mr. Katiphot Jirapong, 38, initially identified as the driver, and Mr. Piyabutr Ongyiu, 42, both sustaining minor injuries. Rescue teams provided first aid and transported them to the hospital. CCTV footage from the scene showed the car speeding before losing control and crashing into the shop. Fortunately, vehicles on the main road was very quiet, preventing a potentially more serious accident. Lt. Nattabodin expressed doubts about the statements given by the car's occupants, but gave no further details. He plans to review CCTV footage for clarification and the individuals were tested for alcohol levels. If alcohol was found to exceed legal limits, appropriate legal action will follow. Picture from responders. -- 2024-10-02

SUV Crashes into Shop, Two Injured in Jomtien A car crashed into a shop, causing damage and injuries. The incident occurred at a red-light intersection on Second Jomtien Road, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339645-suv-crashes-into-shop-two-injured-in-jomtien/

A 25-year-old man was found dead in his car in the parking lot of a market on Ratchaphruek Road, Bang Khun Kong Subdistrict, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi. Authorities, led by Police Lieutenant Watcharaphon Sukhonthawit from Bang Kruai Police Station, were alerted at around 11:30 and immediately responded to the scene alongside rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and a medical examiner from the Institute of Forensic Science. Upon arrival, police discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Chalit, aged 25, inside a blue Honda CR-V. He was found reclining in the driver’s seat with a single pink rose on his chest and a photo of a young woman beside him. Further investigation revealed numerous pink roses scattered near the man’s feet, while the front passenger seat contained a bottle of liquor, a cigarette pack, pills, and a letter addressed to his girlfriend, a promotional model, in which he wrote, "I’m sorry." Near the passenger seat, police also found a newly purchased charcoal stove and a bag of coal, suggesting that the man used the stove to create carbon monoxide to end his life. A local food vendor, Mrs. Nit, mentioned that the deceased had visited her restaurant around 19:30 the previous evening. After eating, he entered a nearby convenience store before disappearing. It was only later that she learned his car had been parked overnight in the lot where he was eventually found. The victim’s mother, Mrs. Saowanee, 60, arrived at the scene in distress. She explained that her son had left home the previous afternoon, determined to reconcile with his girlfriend, Ms. New, who had recently broken up with him. He had been trying to win her back for several days, but no one expected the situation to end this tragically. Mrs. Saowanee revealed that her son had confided in her, expressing his deep love for his girlfriend and his inability to cope with the breakup. While the couple had their differences, the mother emphasised that her son, though hot-tempered, had never physically harmed his girlfriend. However, his stubbornness may have contributed to the breakup, leading his girlfriend to leave him. The mother also shared that she discovered the location of her son’s car after contacting his girlfriend, who informed her of the vehicle’s GPS coordinates. She rushed to the scene, only to find that her son had already taken his own life. She added that her son had suffered from depression for some time, though he had been under treatment and seemed to be improving. Initial forensic reports suggest that the victim died from suffocation 5-7 hours before being found. The body was sent to hospital for an autopsy. 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. -- 2024-10-02

Man Takes His Life After Failed Attempt to Reconcile with Girlfriend A 25-year-old man was found dead in his car in the parking lot of a market on Ratchaphruek Road, Bang Khun Kong Subdistrict, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi He was found reclining in the driver’s seat with a single pink rose on his chest and a photo of a young woman beside him. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339600-man-takes-his-life-after-failed-attempt-to-reconcile-with-girlfriend/

A gang leader known as "Taen" from Na Kluea has been accused of abducting and violently assaulting a 15-year-old boy and raping a 20-year-old assistant chef. The crimes reportedly occurred after Taen, enraged by his wife’s disappearance, took out his frustration on the victims. On October 1, Ms. A (alias), 32, brought her injured 15-year-old son, Mr. Tung (alias), to the Banglamung Police Station to file a complaint. Tung had significant injuries, including a torn ankle, swollen face, internal bleeding in his eyes, and blood leaking from both ears. The police were asked for legal advice and assistance in apprehending the attacker. Ms. A recounted that on September 30, her son was abducted by Taen, a 37-year-old well-known gang leader in the Na Kluea area. Taen forced Tung onto a motorcycle near his residence in Soi Thepprasit 11, Nong Prue, Pattaya, and took him to the Sa Lae Kong community in Na Kluea. There, Taen brutally beat the teenager until he lost consciousness. Tung was later abandoned in Soi Chaiporn Withi 8, where local residents found him and called the authorities. Tung was subsequently taken to the hospital by rescue teams. Tung revealed that he had known Taen for about a month, introduced through a mutual friend named Beer. After they met, Taen began forcing Tung to deliver drugs, and when Tung refused, he was regularly assaulted. On the night of the incident, Taen, accompanied by an unknown woman, forced his way into Tung’s friend’s house, accusing Tung of helping his wife escape, despite Tung’s denial of any involvement. The ordeal didn’t stop there. Another victim, Ms. Bam, a 20-year-old assistant chef, was also abducted by Taen. She was forced to sit at the back of his motorcycle as he searched for his missing wife. Bam and Tung were later held captive in a room in Soi Chaiporn Withi 8. There, Taen allegedly raped Bam in a fit of rage, frustrated by his inability to locate his wife. After the assault, he released both victims. In a related incident, Mr. Sarawut (surname withheld), 28, from Nakhon Ratchasima, reported to Banglamung police that he had been attacked by Taen, who threw a rock at his head and assaulted him. Sarawut confirmed that Taen was the perpetrator but was unsure of the motive. Police have received the complaints and are coordinating with other local police to find the alleged suspect for questioning. -- 2024-10-02

Notorious Na Kluea Gang Leader Abducts and Assaults Teen, Rapes 20-Year-Old A gang leader from Na Kluea has been accused of abducting and violently assaulting a 15-year-old boy and raping a 20-year-old assistant chef. The crimes reportedly occurred after Taen, enraged by his wife’s disappearance, took out his frustration on the victims. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339599-notorious-na-kluea-gang-leader-abducts-and-assaults-teen-rapes-20-year-old/

UPDATE Bus Driver Faces Two Charges After Fiery Crash Kills Teachers and Students Authorities have charged the driver of a bus involved in a tragic incident that claimed the lives of teachers and students with two offenses. The driver, 48-year-old Saman Chanputh, initially fled the scene but later turned himself in, citing shock as the reason for his escape. Investigations into the owner of the bus are ongoing as authorities examine the vehicle to determine if further charges will be filed. At around 23:30 on October 1, Police Major General Chayanan Mee-sati, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, along with Police Major General Thanayut Jonkhun, Commander of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, arrived to question Saman Chanputh. Saman Chanputh, who had gone to his wife's house in Ang Thong Province, surrendered to local police and was later transferred to the custody of Khu Khot Police Station for questioning. According to Police Major General Chayanan, Saman faces two primary charges: 1. ‘Negligent driving causing death’: Driving in a manner likely to endanger life or property, leading to fatalities and injuries. 2. ‘Failure to stop and assist’: Leaving the scene of a crash without offering assistance, identifying himself, or notifying authorities, resulting in the deaths of others. These charges fall under Section 291 of the Criminal Code and the Land Traffic Act of 1979 (Sections 43(4), 78, 157, and 160). Saman explained that he had been driving the second bus in a convoy at a speed of 70–80 km/h. As they approached the incident site, the he lost control after hitting what he described as a pothole, which may have caused a tyre blowout or an airbag failure. This resulted in the bus veering to the right and sideswiping a Mercedes-Benz before skidding into a barrier. Following the crash, Saman initially attempted to extinguish the fire using an extinguisher from another vehicle. However, panic set in, prompting him to flee to a relative’s house. He later surrendered to police at the Wiset Chai Chan Police Station. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, and a thorough inspection of the bus will determine if the vehicle's owner will face charges as well. The lawyer representing the bus company involved in the incident met with police to provide an explanation regarding the malfunction of the emergency exit door. He expressed deep regret over the incident and assured full compensation for the victims, while affirming that the bus had been regularly inspected and maintained according to transportation regulations. At 21:30 on October 1, 2024, Mr. Atthaphon Rueangsarn, known as Lawyer Til, acting as the legal representative for Shinbutr Tour Company, arrived at Khu Khot Police Station. Speaking to the media, Mr. Atthaphon conveyed condolences on behalf of the company. "No one wanted this to happen. It is a great loss for the youth of Thailand," he said, expressing the company’s sorrow over the tragedy. Mr. Atthaphon confirmed that the bus company had cooperated fully with the police investigation, providing all necessary details about the vehicle and the driver. He emphasized that the company is committed to compensating the victims and accepts civil and commercial responsibility for the incident. He also stated, "The bus has undergone regular inspections according to transportation regulations. All vehicle registrations and safety checks, including the installation of the gas system, followed proper engineering standards as required by the Department of Land Transport." Regarding the malfunction of the emergency exit door, Mr. Atthaphon explained that the door had been regularly inspected and was functioning normally. However, due to its heavy weight, it might have been difficult for the children and teachers to open in the panic of the situation. This issue is currently under further investigation. Mr. Atthaphon then proceeded to meet with investigators to provide additional statements on behalf of the bus company. -- 2024-10-02

Local authorities in Pattaya, led by Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, District Chief of Banglamung, and Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya, along with municipal safety officials, conducted a thorough inspection of entertainment venues along Walking Street in South Pattaya, on the evening of October 1. The inspection aimed to enhance safety standards and prevent potential fire hazards as the city prepares to welcome an influx of tourists during the upcoming high season. The inspection focused primarily on fire escape routes and firefighting equipment installed by venue operators. Authorities confirmed that the establishments had appropriately placed fire extinguishers and clearly marked emergency exits for tourists. The team also reminded venue managers to regularly inspect fire extinguishers and smoke alarms and to train staff on evacuation procedures in case of a fire. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet emphasized the importance of fire safety, especially as the high season approaches. "Pattaya City is working in coordination with the Banglamung District and other departments, including the building control office, to ensure that entertainment venues comply with safety standards. Our primary concern is fire safety, with a focus on accessible emergency exits and functional firefighting equipment. These measures are crucial in protecting both lives and property should an emergency occur," the mayor stated. Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, District Chief of Banglamung, highlighted the growing number of tourists expected to visit Pattaya in the coming months, particularly to popular areas like Walking Street. "This inspection, in collaboration with the mayor, aims to reassure visitors that our entertainment venues are fully prepared and safe. With fire exits, clear signage, and alarm systems in place, tourists can feel confident that their safety is a top priority," he added. The inspection is part of a broader effort by Pattaya City to ensure the safety and well-being of both local residents and tourists as the high season approaches. -- 2024-10-02

Pattaya Check Safety Measures on Walking Street Entertainment Venues Ahead of High Season Municipal safety officials, conducted a thorough inspection of entertainment venues along Walking Street in South Pattaya, on the evening of October 1. The inspection aimed to enhance safety standards and prevent potential fire hazards as the city prepares to welcome an influx of tourists during the upcoming high season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339595-pattaya-check-safety-measures-on-walking-street-entertainment-venues-ahead-of-high-season/

UPDATE The school bus driver has surrendered after fleeing the scene, police later took him away from Wichian Chaichan Police Station. During the evening of October 1, Mr. Saman, aged 48, the driver, has turned himself in at Wichian Chai Police Station. The police investigation team of Wichian Chai Police Station detained him in the superintendent’s room, closed the curtains and refused to let reporters in. He was then taken out through the back door of the station and immediately got into a black Fortuner and left the station without giving any information to reporters. -- 2024-10-01

This is CCTV footage from around 12:06, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road (inbound) captured the moment of the incident. The footage shows the three buses traveling in the middle lane, one following the other. If you look closely, just before a curve in the road, a black Mercedes-Benz can be seen in the right-hand lane next to the second bus. As the second bus approached the curve, it entered alongside the black Mercedes-Benz. Later, smoke appears to begin to billow from the area. I have zoomed the video, to highlight the incident area, but that has reduced the quality of the image. My Movie.mp4

This video sadly shows the intensity the fire reached before the first emergency responders could reach the bus. The fire seems to have spread rapidly and the investigation will need to determine if this was partially or fully caused by any damage to the NGV system after the collision with the Benz and concrete barrier. I also wonder if all the children were wearing seat belts and with the ratio of children to adults if this slowed any possible evacuation. Consideration also has to be given to where the bus ended up, in the outside lane, with teachers possibly concerned at first with the dangers of traffic, before becoming aware of the fire. Looking at the pictures and videos, many of which are too horrific, it appears that some of the bodies are located in the seating areas, with also a build up of approximately 10 children at the rear emergency exit.. This evening after the bodies had been cleared from the bus, authorities were attempting to tow the bus from the scene, when a small secondary fire ignited. This was quickly extinguished by responders who were there standing-by, but is being reported that leaking gas caused this new fire. A truly tragic incident, but the forensic investigation should be able to establish the cause of the fire and you can only hope that something is done to try to prevent this type of incident occurring again. (This is my personal post, not part of the AN news team reporting) RPReplay_Final1727780436.mp4

UPDATE School Janitor Recounts Tragic Moments of School Bus Fire A janitor from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkaram School in Uthai Thani, who was on the third bus, shared the harrowing details of the accident involving the second bus, where a yire blowout led to a collision and deadly fire. The driver of the bus remains missing as rescue efforts continue. According to Preecha Muangchan, a 50-year-old school janitor, three buses were part of the trip, and he was riding on the third bus. He described seeing the second bus suffer a left-front tyre blowout, causing it to lose control and sideswipe a black Mercedes-Benz E200 before crashing into a road barrier. The driver quickly stopped and attempted to check the situation, but the fire erupted rapidly. The bus involved in the accident had 44 passengers, including students ranging from kindergarten to ninth grade. Initial reports indicate that 19 people—three teachers and 16 students—managed to escape the burning bus. Six of those rescued sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital, while others remain missing. The bus driver has yet to be found. Military personnel have also been deployed to manage traffic, and camouflage nets have been placed around the bus to shield the scene from public view as forensic officers are on the bus conducting investigations and gathering evidence to determine the cause of the incident. At the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, Assistant Commissioner-General and Acting Deputy Commissioner-General, provided updates on the tragic bus fire that claimed numerous lives. Pol. Lt. Gen. Prachuap stated that police are reviewing CCTV footage along the route taken by the three-bus convoy to identify whether the bus in question was involved in a collision or other incident prior to the fire. Given the gas leak on the bus, further investigation with the Department of Land Transport is underway to confirm if the gas system was installed or modified after purchase and whether it met safety standards. The bus operator will also be held accountable once identified, though no conclusions have been reached as of yet. The forensic medical team from the Police General Hospital will collaborate with the forensic unit at Thammasat University Hospital, located near the accident site, to assist with victim identification. Pol. Lt. Gen. Prachuap urged bus operators to ensure their vehicles meet the necessary safety standards before offering services to the public to prevent further tragedies in the future. -- 2024-10-01

UPDATE Field Trip Bus Fire Death Toll Expected to Rise Police have confirmed that the bus was transporting students from Wat Khao Phraya School in Uthai Thani Province on an educational trip to the Ayutthaya Historical Park and the Central EGAT Learning Centre. There were 44 passengers onboard, including 6 teachers and 38 students. According to Preecha, a 50-year-old school janitor who was present, the bus suffered a front-left tyre blowout while traveling on Vibhavadi Road, causing it to veer into a median barrier. Shortly after, the entire bus erupted into flames. Out of the 44 people onboard, only 19 been confirmed as able to escape before the fire intensified, 16 students and 3 teachers. One of the teachers recounted the terrifying moment, explaining that the bus door failed to open as the fire broke out, trapping the remaining students and teachers inside. Rescue workers quickly arrived at the scene, managing to bring the blaze under control after a lengthy battle. Police and responders are trying to confirm how many victims there are, as for a time the recovery effort was suspended due the gas cylinders on the bus leaking. The death toll is expected to rise. -- 2024-10-01

School Bus Fire Claims Multiple Lives and Injures Young Students in Rangsit In a tragic incident, a fire broke out on a school bus on Vibhavadi Road, near Zeer Rangsit in Pathum Thani Province, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many kindergarten students. Emergency services raced to provide aid. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339544-school-bus-fire-claims-multiple-lives-and-injures-young-students-in-rangsit/

In a tragic incident, a fire broke out on a school bus on Vibhavadi Road, near Zeer Rangsit in Pathum Thani Province, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many kindergarten students. Emergency services raced to provide aid. At 12:25 on October 1, 2024, reports confirmed that a fire engulfed a bus carrying students from Wat Khao Phraya School in Uthai Thani Province. The accident occurred on Vibhavadi Road in the Khu Khot subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani. Volunteer rescue teams from Hongsa Khong Luang 21 were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the bus completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked urgently to extinguish the blaze, and initial reports confirm multiple casualties, including up to 10 fatalities and many injured students. Both the express and local lanes of inbound Vibhavadi Rangsit Road have been closed indefinitely to facilitate rescue efforts and transport the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. According to early reports, there were 42 individuals aboard the bus, including kindergarten students and teachers. So far, 19 individuals have been confirmed to have escaped unharmed. Emergency personnel have not yet been able to fully assess the damage inside the bus. Pictures and video from responders -- 2024-10-01 16678268f847d1bd3e813cb047fdaf64.mp4

The incident occurred in the early hours of October 1, Ban Haet District, Khon Kaen province, where a vehicle collided with the rear of a truck, resulting in a fatal fire. The incident left two people dead and one injured. The collision caused the car to burst into flames, and two of the people were unable to escape the vehicle. Despite rescue efforts the two individuals died in the burning vehicle. The one person who survived the collision was rushed to Sirindhorn Ban Had Hospital with serious injuries. Local emergency services, including volunteers and officers from Ban Had Police Station, responded promptly to the scene. When the fire was extinguished a number of burnt weapons, which are believed to be legal, were removed from the wreckage. The two bodies had to be cut from the remains of the vehicle and were transported to hospital for a formal autopsy. The identity of the victims has not been disclosed yet. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Picture and video from responders. -- 2024-10-01 My Movie.mp4

Two Dead, One Injured in Fiery Crash Involving Car and Truck in Khon Kaen The incident occurred in the early hours of October 1, Ban Haet District, Khon Kaen province, where a vehicle collided with the rear of a truck, resulting in a fatal fire. The incident left two people dead and one injured. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339520-two-dead-one-injured-in-fiery-crash-involving-car-and-truck-in-khon-kaen/

The incident occurred at approximately 05.30 October 1, on motorway 7, in front of the 7-Eleven distribution centre, when a car rear-ended an 18-wheeler truck, leading to the death of the driver. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the identity of the victim have not yet been released. Picture and video from responders. -- 2024-10-01 RPReplay_Final1727746734.mp4

Crash on Motorway 7: Woman Killed After Car Collides with Truck & is Then Run Over by Van The incident occurred at approximately 05.30 October 1, on motorway 7, in front of the 7-Eleven distribution centre, when a car rear-ended an 18-wheeler truck, leading to the death of the driver. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339507-crash-on-motorway-7-woman-killed-after-car-collides-with-truck-is-then-run-over-by-

UPDATE British man 29, kills pal 58, with fatal punch which smashed his head into pavement in drunken row outside Pattaya hotel. The Australian tourist has now reportedly died , as reported in the international media, after smashing his head on the pavement from his British friend throwing a fatal punch. The 58-year-old had been drinking beer with the Brit, 29, when they had a drunken row in front of their hotel in Pattaya. The pair came to blows in the street on September 27 as locals watched. The Brit reportedly threw a punch that caused the Aussie to smash his head on the pavement. Medics were called to the scene at around 04:30, where they found the Australian man on the ground with no pulse. They performed CPR and rushed him to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, but they said he could not be revived. Police Major Tanongsak Inphadung of the Pattaya City Police Station confirmed the Aussie's tragic death and identified his British pal as the suspect. He said: "The suspect still denies the charges, but he cannot contest this because we have complete evidence. We have security camera footage from the restaurant and four witnesses who drank together with them. The suspect was drunk at the time. We need to wait for the autopsy results to see if the deceased was also drunk, but he was seen drinking for hours before the incident." Police requested the court to detain him at Pattaya Remand Prison. The suspect refused to say anything, even though we had an interpreter, and he will get a lawyer to defend the lawsuit. The cause of death is still pending and the reason for their fight has not been clarified by officials. -- 2024-10-01

Thank you, I will post this an Update.