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Authorities have apprehended a 36-year-old man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting young women by pretending to be an employer seeking foreign housemaids. Police suspect that there may be additional victims beyond those already identified. The suspect, referred to only as Mr. Panya, was arrested in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, on September 28, by a specialised team from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Worapol Lertwirayapong. During the arrest, officers seized two mobile phones and a motorcycle used in the commission of the crimes. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court, which charged Mr. Panya with multiple serious offenses, including: 1. Rape through coercion and violence. 2. Committing indecent acts against a person over the age of 15 through threats and violence. 3. Abduction for indecent purposes using deception and coercion. The investigation began on September 25, 2024, when Mr. Panya contacted a 19-year-old woman from Myanmar, referred to as Ms. Ning. She had posted a job advertisement on Facebook, seeking employment as a maid. Mr. Panya offered her a position with a starting salary of 7,500 THB during a trial period, promising to increase it to 9,000 THB afterward. Believing his offer, Ms. Ning agreed to meet him at a location in Bang Bua Thong, where her relatives dropped her off. Upon arrival, Mr. Panya picked her up on his motorcycle, claiming he would take her to her new job. However, he instead led her to a nearby hotel, falsely stating it was a temporary accommodation. Once inside, he violently assaulted her before abandoning her on the roadside and confiscating her phone to prevent her from seeking help. Following the incident, Ms. Ning reported the assault to the police. Authorities swiftly launched a manhunt and were able to apprehend Mr. Panya. During interrogation, he denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was a consensual transaction for sexual services. However, further investigation revealed a history of similar offenses. In May 2024, Mr. Panya was implicated in a similar case involving a 19-year-old Laotian woman who reported the incident to police. Additionally, there was another case from August 2024 involving a Myanmar woman in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. At the time of his latest arrest, Mr. Panya was out on bail for previous charges. Law enforcement officials believe that there are likely more victims and are urging anyone affected to come forward as the investigation continues. Authorities are committed to expanding their inquiries to ensure justice for all victims. Picture courtesy of Workpoint. -- 2024-09-29

36-Year-Old Arrested for Serial Sexual Assaults, Posing as Employer Seeking Foreign Maids Authorities have apprehended a 36-year-old man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting young women by pretending to be an employer seeking foreign housemaids. Police suspect that there may be additional victims beyond those already identified. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339333-36-year-old-arrested-for-serial-sexual-assaults-posing-as-employer-seeking-foreign-maids/

Police Sergeant Dies After Crashing into Barrier with Gunshot Wound to the Head A police sergeant driving a black Ford Ranger pickup truck crashed into a barrier on Highway 24, heading toward Chok Chai District in Nakhon Ratchasima. Upon investigating the crash, authorities discovered that the driver had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339332-police-sergeant-dies-after-crashing-into-barrier-with-gunshot-wound-to-the-head/

A police sergeant driving a black Ford Ranger pickup truck crashed into a barrier on Highway 24, heading toward Chok Chai District in Nakhon Ratchasima. Upon investigating the crash, authorities discovered that the driver had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred around 21:40 on September 27, when police from the Non Thai Police Station received a report of a crash. Officers, including Pol. Col. Charin Chintapala, Chief of Chok Chai Police Station, and other high-ranking officials, rushed to the scene. At the crash site, officers found the black Ford Ranger, registered in Bangkok, had collided forcefully with a concrete barrier. Inside the vehicle, they identified Sgt. Nattapol (last name withheld), an investigator from the Buriram Provincial Police Station, severely injured in the driver’s seat. Emergency responders quickly transported him to Chok Chai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Upon further examination, it was revealed that Sgt. Nattapol had sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. A 9mm Sig Sauer P320 pistol was found on the floor near the driver's seat. Initial investigations suggest that Sgt. Nattapol had been under considerable stress related to legal proceedings against his wife, who had recently been charged with violating the Gambling Act in Buriram Province. It is believed that the sergeant was on the phone with his wife when he became overwhelmed by the situation, leading to the incident. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash and the fatal gunshot wound. Picture from responders. -- 2024-09-29

Tourists at Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, have been urged to be cautious due to a large influx of colourful jellyfish spotted along the coastline. This phenomenon, observed over the past three to four days at Dongtan Beach, typically occurs during the transitional period between the rainy and cooler seasons, often following stormy weather. According to Wanthap Boonchu, a marine disaster prevention officer in Pattaya, these jellyfish pose no life-threatening danger, but contact with them may cause itching and skin irritation. As a precaution, lifeguards have been instructed to warn beachgoers to be careful while enjoying activities along the shore. Kritsana Boonsawas, the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, on September 28, further advised that if anyone comes into contact with the jellyfish, they should immediately rinse the affected area with vinegar to reduce irritation. Despite this being a regular occurrence during this time of year, extra care should be taken to ensure safety. While the jellyfish invasion has not deterred tourists from visiting Pattaya, authorities continue to emphasise the importance of caution and adherence to safety guidelines provided by officials. Picture Pattaya City. -- 2024-09-29

Colourful Jellyfish Invade Jomtien Beach: Tourists Advised to Stay Cautious Tourists at Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, have been urged to be cautious due to a large influx of colourful jellyfish spotted along the coastline. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339331-colourful-jellyfish-invade-jomtien-beach-tourists-advised-to-stay-cautious/

A former railway employee was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in his home, with blood splattered across the floor and walls. The victim’s 25-year-old son, who has autism, was discovered trembling in his bedroom, unable to comprehend the situation. Lt. Burin Thongko of Samrong Nuea Police Station received a report at noon on September 28, regarding the discovery of a body in a townhouse in Phraeksa Subdistrict, Samut Prakan Province. Officers, along with rescue and forensic teams, arrived at the scene to find the body of Mr. Sithiphan (surname withheld), aged 69, lying on his side at the base of the stairs. The victim had multiple injuries to his forehead and the back of his head, and his neck was broken. Investigators believe he had been dead for over 24 hours. Upstairs in the second-floor bedroom, officers found his son, Tham, sitting in distress on the bed. He appeared weak from hunger, having not eaten for at least two days. Bloodstains were found on his hands and feet. When rescue workers attempted to escort him downstairs, Tham became agitated upon seeing his father’s body, trying to pull his father back up the stairs while screaming. Rescuers managed to calm him before taking him outside. Neighbours reported that the father and son had lived together for years, with few visitors. They frequently heard loud noises from the house, but noticed two days of silence. Concerned, they checked on the pair and, finding no response, contacted the victim’s relatives. Upon entering the house, they discovered the tragic scene and immediately called the authorities. The victim’s sister explained that her brother had purchased the house over 20 years ago to care for his son, who has autism. The family, mostly living in Bangkok, had little contact due to the distance. She expressed shock at the death and confirmed that Tham would be taken to Samut Prakan Hospital for treatment and care. Authorities are reviewed nearby security camera footage from the past two days, which showed no signs of anyone entering the home. While the injuries suggest a blunt object was used, police have not ruled out the possibility that he may have fallen down the stairs. Investigators are currently trying to gather further information, as only the victim and his son were in the house at the time of the incident. Picture from responders. -- 2024-09-29

Death of Former Railway Employee Found at Home, Autistic Son Found Nearby A former railway employee was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in his home, with blood splattered across the floor and walls. The victim’s 25-year-old son, who has autism, was discovered trembling in his bedroom, unable to comprehend the situation. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339330-death-of-former-railway-employee-found-at-home-autistic-son-found-nearby/

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited flood-affected areas in Chiang Rai province on September 28, to assess the situation and oversee recovery operations. She received briefings from officials at the Mae Sai District Command Centre, including engineers from the military and the district chief, regarding the severe flooding in Mae Sai District's Ban Koh Sai and Ban Pha Jom villages. During her visit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn announced that by October 1, 24 main roads and the Sai Lom Joy Market, heavily impacted by mudslides, will be cleared. Additionally, Ban Mai Lung Khon School, which was badly affected, is set to be restored. However, she noted that it would take approximately 45 days for full recovery, with normalcy expected by early November. The Prime Minister acknowledged the severe damage to homes, with some structures buried under mud, leaving only their frames. A total of 64 homes were reported as completely destroyed, and the government is preparing to provide compensation as stipulated by law. Prime Minister Paetongtarn also expressed concern for the city of Chiang Rai, which was hit by the floods later than Mae Sai but experienced similar devastation. She directed that once sufficient resources are allocated to Mae Sai, heavy and light machinery should be relocated to Chiang Rai to aid in the recovery, ensuring that Mae Sai's needs are fully met first. While touring the flood-ravaged areas, the Prime Minister continuously updated her information with reports from local officials and General Songwit Noonpakdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, who provided real-time updates on the relief efforts. In her interaction with residents and workers, Prime Minister Paetongtarn thanked the teams for their dedication and reassured affected communities that relief efforts were underway. She urged residents to be patient, as the government was working tirelessly to help. The Prime Minister also instructed local Pheu Thai MPs to assess medical supply needs in the area to ensure that essential items are delivered to those in need. Additionally, she met with community leaders, including the Mu Pa Academy team, who proposed the establishment of a centre for youth mental health and education for flood-affected children. She promised that the government would consider this proposal as part of its broader recovery efforts. Before leaving Ban Koh Sai, the Prime Minister offered words of encouragement to local residents, some of whom were visibly emotional. She assured them that the government, along with military support, would stay until the situation returned to normal. This visit underscores the Thai government's commitment to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of flood-stricken communities, with recovery efforts already underway across the province. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. -- 2024-09-29

Prime Minister Visits Chiang Rai to Oversee Flood Relief Efforts Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited flood-affected areas in Chiang Rai province on September 28, to assess the situation and oversee recovery operations. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339329-prime-minister-visits-chiang-rai-to-oversee-flood-relief-efforts/

Two Women Arrested for Pawning Fake Gold Across Bangkok and Provinces Authorities in Bangkok have apprehended two women involved in an elaborate scam, where they pawned fake gold jewelry at various gold shops. The women used real gold clasps on counterfeit gold necklaces, tricking shop owners into believing the entire piece was genuine. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339328-two-women-arrested-for-pawning-fake-gold-across-bangkok-and-provinces/

Authorities in Bangkok have apprehended two women involved in an elaborate scam, where they pawned fake gold jewelry at various gold shops. The women used real gold clasps on counterfeit gold necklaces, tricking shop owners into believing the entire piece was genuine. Following an investigation led by the online patrol unit of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, officials became aware of a group of criminals targeting gold shops in Bangkok and other provinces, causing significant financial harm to shop owners. Acting on the orders of Police General Torsak Sukwimol, National Police Chief, and Police General Kittirat Phanpet, Deputy Police Chief, efforts were intensified to catch the perpetrators. On September 26, police teams arrested two suspects: 1. Ms. Chanidta, 39, from Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district, who was wanted under six separate warrants for fraud, including from courts in Samut Sakhon, Chonburi, and Kanchanaburi. She was apprehended at a condominium on Ladprao Road. 2. Mrs. Sukanya, 39, from Samut Prakan province, wanted on a fraud warrant from Nonthaburi Court, was arrested outside an ice factory in Bueng Kum, Bangkok. The arrests came after an incident on December 11, 2023, when Mrs. Sukanya pawned a 45.75-gram gold necklace at a well-known gold shop in Central Chaengwattana. The shop initially confirmed the gold was 96.5% pure and accepted it as genuine, paying 90,827 baht to the suspect. Later, the shop discovered the necklace was fake after the clasp came apart when exposed to heat, revealing it was glued together. Upon realising the fraud, the shop reported the incident to the police. During questioning, both suspects admitted to pawning fake gold, stating they received real gold clasps from a man known only as "Bird." They claimed they were paid 5,000 baht per baht of gold pawned. However, the police remain skeptical and are continuing their investigation to identify the mastermind behind the operation. The first suspect has been transferred to Samut Sakhon Provincial Police for legal proceedings, while the second suspect has been handed over to Pak Kret Police for prosecution. Police Major General Teeradej Thamsuthee warned gold shop owners and the public about the sophisticated method these criminals used, by attaching real gold clasps to counterfeit gold chains. He urged people to be cautious when buying or pawning gold, advising them to only deal with reputable shops and look for the Gold Traders Association certification. Picture courtesy of Siam News -- 2024-09-29

Man in Pattaya Holds Police at Bay for 4 Hours Before Taking Own Life A tense standoff lasting nearly four hours ended tragically on September 28, when a 39-year-old man, identified as Nirut Yamphuang, took his own life following a failed police negotiation. The drama unfolded in a parking lot near the popular Xzyte entertainment area in central Pattaya. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339327-man-in-pattaya-holds-police-at-bay-for-4-hours-before-taking-own-life/

A tense standoff lasting nearly four hours ended tragically on September 28, when a 39-year-old man, identified as Nirut Yamphuang, took his own life following a failed police negotiation. The drama unfolded in a parking lot near the popular Xzyte entertainment area in central Pattaya. It all began earlier in the day when Patiphol Praipairat, a 20-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, reported being threatened at gunpoint by Nirut. The suspect, driving a silver Toyota Yaris, had pulled up near Patiphol's taxi stand and accused him of causing offense, brandishing a gun in the process. Patiphol managed to walk away unharmed, but Nirut fled the scene, sparking a citywide search. At around 20:00 police, acting on a tip from Patiphol who spotted the same car near the Xzyte parking lot, moved in with over 20 officers. Nirut, realising the police presence, attempted to flee but was eventually cornered inside the parking area. As tensions escalated, police, led by Deputy Investigation Chief Pol Lt Col Thananon Athiphansri, attempted to negotiate with Nirut, who confirmed through a Facebook conversation that he was indeed the person involved in the earlier incident. However, Nirut expressed that his greater concern was an outstanding arrest warrant for attempted murder from Ratchaburi province in 2014. Threatening to take his own life, Nirut demanded that officers not approach. In a shocking turn, Nirut requested a bottle of beer to steady his nerves and posted a farewell message on Facebook, saying, "I love everyone. I created this mess, and I will end it myself. This will be my last post. Don't call me, I need to save the battery for my final talk with my mom. Love you all." Police intensified their efforts as they feared for the safety of nearby residents and tourists. A 200-metre perimeter was set up around the area as Chief Pol Col Navin Theerawit, head of Pattaya Police, took over negotiations, approaching Nirut within five metres. After a 20-minute conversation that seemed to ease the tension, the chief turned his back to report to his team. At that moment, Nirut raised his gun and shot himself in the head. Medical teams rushed in but found Nirut in critical condition, with a gunshot wound to his right temple. He was taken to Pattaya City Hospital for emergency treatment. Investigators later determined the gun was a modified blank pistol. Witnesses and friends, including a 46-year-old colleague who chose to remain anonymous, expressed that Nirut had not intended to harm anyone but had become overwhelmed by fear of prosecution and job loss following the conflict with the motorcycle taxi drivers. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and have taken possession of the modified firearm as evidence. Picture and video from responders. -- 2024-09-29 RPReplay_Final1727554789.mp4

UPDATE Polish Woman Now Faces Legal Action for False Bomb Threat on Danang-Bangkok Flight Thai authorities have confirmed on September 28, that the captain of flight VZ961, operated by Thai VietJet, has filed a complaint against a Polish female passenger following her bomb threat during the Danang-Suvarnabhumi flight on September 26. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339184-polish-passenger-threatens-to-bomb-plane-mid-air-on-flight-to-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=19266766

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 29 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1339326-thailand-live-sunday-29-september-2024/

Thai Businesses Battle Severe Flood Damage and Disruptions FILE photo courtesy: Siam Rath Businesses across Thailand's North and Northeast are reeling from severe floods, with ongoing heavy rains exacerbating the situation. Many companies are scrambling to implement relief measures and maintain operations amid the deluge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339301-thai-businesses-battle-severe-flood-damage-and-disruptions/

UPDATE Polish Woman Now Faces Legal Action for False Bomb Threat on Danang-Bangkok Flight Thai authorities have confirmed on September 28, that the captain of flight VZ961, operated by Thai VietJet, has filed a complaint against a Polish female passenger following her bomb threat during the Danang-Suvarnabhumi flight on September 26. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339184-polish-passenger-threatens-to-bomb-plane-mid-air-on-flight-to-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=19266766

UPDATE Polish Woman Now Faces Legal Action for False Bomb Threat on Danang-Bangkok Flight Thai authorities have confirmed on September 28, that the captain of flight VZ961, operated by Thai VietJet, has filed a complaint against a Polish female passenger following her bomb threat during the Danang-Suvarnabhumi flight on September 26. The threat triggered an emergency response, but no suspicious objects were found on the aircraft by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. Contrary to initial reports suggesting that the airline had not pursued legal action, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) clarified that the flight's captain had officially filed the complaint. According to the 2015 Act on Certain Offenses against Air Navigation, issuing false statements or threats related to bombs in airports or on aircraft is a criminal offense under Section 22 of the act. Police are now pursuing legal action against the woman for making a false report, which caused panic among passengers and crew. This offense carries penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. If the threat had endangered the safety of the aircraft, the punishment could escalate to 5-15 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 baht. CAAT also issued a reminder that certain words, such as “bomb,” “gun,” or “terrorist,” are strictly prohibited in airports and on flights, even if spoken in jest. Such language can incite panic or misunderstanding, leading to serious legal consequences for those involved. CAAT advised words to never in airports and on planes: - Bomb - Gun or Firearm - Terrorist - Dangerous diseases Passengers are urged to avoid using these words in any context, even jokingly, to prevent unnecessary panic and potential legal action. Picture of CAAT official notice saying - “CAAT confirms a complaint has been filed against Polish woman who threatened to bomb flight” -- 2024-09-28

Municipal Employee Dies After Motorcycle Accident in Sing Buri There was a fatal accident involving a motorcycle that had fallen into a roadside ditch. The incident occurred along the Sing Buri–Chai Nat Road In Sing Buri Province. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339296-municipal-employee-dies-after-motorcycle-accident-in-sing-buri/

Picture courtesy of Daily Nee Po Kt. Chaiwit Phengboon, an investigating officer from In Buri Police Station, was informed on September 27, of a fatal accident involving a motorcycle that had fallen into a roadside ditch. The incident occurred along the Sing Buri–Chai Nat Road in Moo 3, In Buri Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. Local authorities, including a doctor from In Buri Hospital and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officials discovered a Yamaha motorcycle, black in color, with the license plate number Sing Buri, overturned in the ditch. The vehicle was found resting on top of the deceased, identified as Mr. Udon Yomwin, 53, a staff member of the In Buri Municipal Engineering Department. The medical examiner estimated that Mr. Udon had been dead for approximately 6 to 12 hours. According to his colleagues, Mr. Udon had been out socializing with friends the previous evening. When he could not be reached the next morning, a search was conducted, ultimately leading to the discovery of his body in the ditch. Authorities have sent his body to a forensic institute to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2024-09-28

Picture from responders. A factory worker was left in shock after discovering a half-naked body floating in a canal near the Bang Pa-In Industrial Estate, Ayutthaya, on the evening of September 27. Initially, the worker thought it was a doll, only to find it was the body of a man who had been stabbed multiple times. At 17:30 Police Lieutenant Nathakorn Damrongthanawan of the Bang Pa-In Police Station received a report about a male body found in a canal inside the Bang Pa-In Industrial Estate, Moo 2, Khlong Chik Subdistrict, Bang Pa-In District, Ayutthaya. The authorities, accompanied by the Ayutthaya Ruam Jai Rescue Team, immediately arrived at the scene. The body was found floating face-down in the canal, with only the head and back visible above the water. The man was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, standing approximately 165–170 cm tall, with short hair and a beard. He was wearing only a black tank top, with the lower half of his body naked. The body showed signs of early decomposition, indicating that the man had been dead for at least a day, and his body was covered with snails. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered 7-8 stab wounds on the neck, chest, and right side of his torso, with dry blood still visible from the injuries. Ms. Prakaipetch (surname withheld), 28, a factory worker and the first to discover the body, recounted that she was on her way home with her boyfriend after work. As they rode their motorcycle along the road near the industrial estate, she noticed something floating in the canal. Initially thinking it was a doll, she stopped to take a closer look and was horrified to find it was a human body. She immediately alerted the authorities. Mr. Likhit (surname withheld), 25, another factory worker, reported that on the evening of September 26, around 20:20 he had passed the area and noticed two men sitting and talking by the canal, with a black motorcycle parked nearby. He later learned about the death at the same location. Authorities have sent the body for an autopsy. Investigators are also checking local missing person reports and reviewing CCTV footage in the area for potential leads as they continue their investigation. -- 2024-09-28

Factory Worker Shocked by Discovery of Half-Naked, Stabbed Body Floating in Canal A factory worker was left in shock after discovering a half-naked body floating in a canal near the Bang Pa-In Industrial Estate, Ayutthaya. Initially, the worker thought it was a doll, only to find it was the body of a man who had been stabbed multiple times. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339292-factory-worker-shocked-by-discovery-of-half-naked-stabbed-body-floating-in-canal/

Picture from responders. A police bus convoy traveling along Route 42, between Narathiwat and Pattani, was bombed on the afternoon of September 27, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash off the road. The incident sparked alarm among the officers on board and passing motorists. The attack took place near Tabing Subdistrict, in the Sai Buri District of Pattani Province. According to reports, an IED, explosive device planted along the road was detonated as the bus passed by. The device had been hidden in a water meter cabinet on the side of the road. In the immediate aftermath, officers were seen exiting the crashed bus, and it was confirmed that four police officers were injured in the blast. The injured officers were all transported to Songklanagarind Hospital, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province , where their injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening. Authorities are treating the incident as a serious act of violence, as the bombing of the police bus marks another bold attack in the region. An investigation is currently underway to determine who was responsible for the bombing. -- 2024-09-28

Police Bus Bombing: Four Officers Injured: Pattani A police bus convoy traveling along Route 42, between Narathiwat and Pattani, was bombed on the afternoon of September 27, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash off the road. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339290-police-bus-bombing-four-officers-injured-pattani/