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UPDATE Man, 23, Arrested for Brutal Assault on Monk Over Failed Drug Deal Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Nonthaburi have arrested a 23-year-old man for the vicious assault of a Buddhist monk, reportedly carried out after a dispute involving a failed drug transaction. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358484-monk-in-nonthaburi-brutally-assaulted-over-debt-dispute/#findComment-19753502

UPDATE Man, 23, Arrested for Brutal Assault on Monk Over Failed Drug Deal Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Nonthaburi have arrested a 23-year-old man for the vicious assault of a Buddhist monk, reportedly carried out after a dispute involving a failed drug transaction. The incident occurred on the night of April 19th, when two men armed with a firearm entered the quarters of Phra Phromphong, a monk residing at a temple in Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province. The attackers forcibly took the monk from his kuti (monastic residence), drove him away from the temple, and severely beat him before abandoning him by the roadside in Pak Kret District. The assault took place around 23:00. On April 22nd, the Nonthaburi Provincial Court issued arrest warrant No. 574/2568, leading to the arrest of Mr Pharadet, 23, identified as the primary assailant. The second suspect, Mr Ratchanon, 25, who acted as the getaway driver, is reportedly cooperating with police and is expected to surrender shortly. During initial questioning, Mr Pharadet admitted to assaulting Phra Phromphong. While he declined to speak in detail to the media, police investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over 14,000 baht allegedly given to the monk to purchase methamphetamine. When the drugs were not delivered, the suspects returned to reclaim the money. Upon learning the monk could not repay them, even after unsuccessfully attempting to borrow the sum from his mother, they beat him severely. Phra Phromphong remains in serious condition following the attack. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further charges are expected to be filed once Mr Ratchanon is in custody. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-24.

Elderly Man Shoots Thai Village Headman Dead in Long-Running Feud Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A 72-year-old man has been arrested after fatally shooting a local headman in Bueng Kan province, in what police say was the culmination of a years-long feud. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358648-elderly-man-shoots-thai-village-headman-dead-in-long-running-feud/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A 72-year-old man has been arrested after fatally shooting a local headman in Bueng Kan province, in what police say was the culmination of a years-long feud. Police were alerted to the shooting early on the morning of 23 April. Officers from Sri Wilai Police Station, along with rescue personnel and a hospital medical examiner, arrived at the scene in Moo 4, Huai Lik Santisuk village, Chum Phu Phon subdistrict, where they discovered the body of Mr. Piyanat Sianglam, 53, lying on the roadside. He had sustained fatal shotgun wounds to the head and right shoulder. Mr. Piyanat, who served as the headman of Chum Phu Phon, had reportedly been involved in repeated disputes with his neighbour, Mr. Kam Muang Suwantrai, the suspected gunman. Witnesses and relatives confirmed a history of animosity between the two men. According to Mr. Kam Muang, he had long felt threatened and humiliated by the victim, claiming the headman had repeatedly insulted, harassed, and even threatened to have him killed. On the morning of the incident, Mr. Kam Muang saw the headman in front of his garden and, overwhelmed by long-standing resentment, shot him from the second floor of his home using a shotgun. He then went inside to bathe and later confessed to police. A search of the suspect’s home led to the discovery of a long-barrelled shotgun and a used 12-gauge shell concealed under a blanket on his bed. Mr. Kam Muang admitted to owning and using the weapon in the killing. He told police he had bought the gun five years earlier for 7,000 baht from an unknown man for personal protection. Neighbours confirmed the ongoing feud, citing frequent verbal altercations over parked vehicles, livestock, and property boundaries. Mr. Kam Muang, who reportedly suffers from stress-related health issues, lived with his grandson while his daughter and son-in-law stayed at a rubber plantation. The headman’s mother, 72-year-old Mrs. Wipat Sianglam, recounted numerous past conflicts stemming from shared community space and animal husbandry. She described her son as hot-tempered but kind-hearted, while characterising the suspect as deeply resentful and prone to violent outbursts. On the morning of the killing, the headman had reportedly stopped by his garden to feed his horse before taking his daughter to a medical appointment. While picking up a fallen Thai flag from his fence, he was shot. Police have ruled out other motives, including political or official duties and charged Mr. Kam Muang with murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is currently in custody and awaiting further legal proceedings. The victim’s body has been released to his family for funeral rites. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-04-24. Quote

Drug Dealer Shot After Firing at Officers in Undercover Sting Operation in Suphan Buri Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A notorious drug dealer known by the alias “Bo Tha Kruat” has been left in critical condition after opening fire on law enforcement officers during an undercover drug sting operation in Sam Chuk district, Suphan Buri province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358647-drug-dealer-shot-after-firing-at-officers-in-undercover-sting-operation-in-suphan-buri/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A notorious drug dealer known by the alias “Bo Tha Kruat” has been left in critical condition after opening fire on law enforcement officers during an undercover drug sting operation in Sam Chuk district, Suphan Buri province. Provincial authorities launched the operation following numerous complaints about the rampant drug trade and increasing violence in the area. Mr. Piriyah Chantadilok, Governor of Suphan Buri, ordered a special task force to investigate and suppress the local drug network. The focus quickly shifted to a known dealer, Mr. Weerayut aged 35, a resident of Tambon Yan Yao, Sam Chuk. Weerayut, who had a well-documented criminal record involving drug trafficking and firearms offences, was reportedly a high-priority target for Region 7 police. Acting on intelligence, officers arranged for an undercover agent to purchase 200 grams of crystal methamphetamine from the suspect. The deal was set to take place in the early hours of 23 April along a canal-side road between Sam Chuk and Tha Sadet. At approximately 01:30, the suspect arrived at the meeting point on a Yamaha motorcycle. As officers moved in to arrest him, he drew a handgun and opened fire in an attempt to escape. The officers took cover and returned fire, striking the suspect several times. Weerayut abandoned his motorcycle, two packets of crystal meth, a mobile phone, 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and an unknown quantity of methamphetamine tablets, before fleeing on foot into nearby woodland. Additional forces from the district office and Sam Chuk Police Station were dispatched to assist in the manhunt. Officers followed a trail of blood deep into the forest, discovering several locations where the suspect had paused to rest and tend to his injuries. At one point, he attempted to enter local homes. After two hours of methodical searching, a 9mm pistol stained with blood was found near black bin bags outside a house in Moo 8, Tambon Yan Yao. The weapon still contained seven live rounds. Eventually, officers located the injured suspect at the back of the property. He was lying on his back, semi-conscious, dressed in a black t-shirt and shorts, and using a towel to cover his face. Emergency first aid was administered at the scene before he was taken to Sam Chuk Hospital. He had sustained four gunshot wounds to his legs and left upper arm, and his left leg was broken. Records confirmed Weerayut had recently been released from prison and had returned to the drug trade. He remains under police guard in hospital, and authorities are preparing to question him as soon as his condition stabilises. Officials hope to expand the investigation and identify further members of the drug network. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-04-24.

Thailand’s Most Wanted Gunman Captured in Dramatic Police Standoff at Southern Resort Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Thailand’s top-ranked contract killer in the southern region, known for a string of violent crimes and a reputation for being heavily armed, was arrested after a tense standoff with police at a resort in Chaiya District, Surat Thani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358646-thailand’s-most-wanted-gunman-captured-in-dramatic-police-standoff-at-southern-resort/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Thailand’s top-ranked contract killer in the southern region, known for a string of violent crimes and a reputation for being heavily armed, was arrested after a tense standoff with police at a resort in Chaiya District, Surat Thani. The suspect, 38-year-old Mr Thanawat, also known as “Ae”, was apprehended by a special task force from the Royal Thai Police’s anti-gang and contract killer suppression unit. Officers had tracked him from Trang province to a resort in Pa We subdistrict, where he had checked in with his wife, reportedly to collect drug-related debts. Thanawat, with nine outstanding arrest warrants, is accused of multiple serious crimes including contract killings, evading court summons, shooting at homes, drug trafficking, and illegal debt collection. His criminal record includes the high-profile killing of a durian trader in Surat Thani in July 2023 and the execution-style murder of a woman in Nakhon Si Thammarat in March 2024. In a previous incident, Thanawat narrowly escaped death when rival gunmen shot him in the mouth in Krabi province, breaking nine of his teeth. He survived and continued his criminal activities. The arrest operation, which involved heavily armed police, was carefully planned after intelligence confirmed his location. Officers surrounded the resort and called for his surrender. For nearly an hour, Thanawat refused to emerge, locking himself in the room. Eventually, with the encouragement of his wife, he surrendered peacefully. Police later revealed that Thanawat admitted he would have “fought to the death” if not for his wife, who persuaded him to give up. He also stated he had watched a recent video of police arresting another gunman, ranked 93rd, on a mountain in Trang just days earlier, and it influenced his decision. A search of the room uncovered a cache of weapons, including a live M26 hand grenade, a loaded .357 revolver, a .22 rifle, and a shotgun, all ready for use. Thanawat is now in custody, and police are expanding the investigation to pursue his associates and further criminal links. Charges are expected to include illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and multiple counts of murder. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-24.

Bus Driver Blames Fainting Spell for Crash That Injured 23 Passengers in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. Twenty-three passengers sustained minor injuries when an air-conditioned city bus driver, on Route 166, veered into a concrete barrier at the Chaeng Watthana expressway exit in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, on the morning of 23 April. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358645-bus-driver-blames-fainting-spell-for-crash-that-injured-23-passengers-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. Twenty-three passengers sustained minor injuries when an air-conditioned city bus driver, on Route 166, veered into a concrete barrier at the Chaeng Watthana expressway exit in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, on the morning of 23 April. Police Captain Thapanapong Phuengmee, traffic inspector at Pak Kret Police Station, responded to the emergency call at approximately 08:40. Emergency rescue teams were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and transport them to local hospitals for treatment. The incident occurred just before the Chaeng Watthana expressway exit towards Bang Pa-in. The bus, registration from Bangkok, was found with damage to the driver’s side after crashing into the edge of the expressway barrier. Passengers were seen waiting outside the vehicle for assistance. According to reports, around 30 people were on board at the time of the crash, with 23 suffering minor injuries such as abrasions. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Mr. Krit, told police he experienced a sudden blackout while driving from the Victory Monument in central Bangkok. As the bus approached the expressway exit, he momentarily lost consciousness, causing the vehicle to swerve into the barrier. He was able to regain control and bring the bus to a safe stop. Police conducted alcohol and drug tests on Mr. Krit, both of which returned negative results. The bus company’s insurance provider has confirmed it will cover all medical expenses for the injured passengers. The damaged vehicle is being examined further to assess repair needs and confirm all safety protocols were in place at the time of the incident. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Komchadluek.2025-04-24.

Scammer Dupes Dozens in Airline Ticket and Hotel Booking Fraud on Koh Samui Picture courtesy of Kaoded. More than 20 victims gathered at Bo Phut Police Station on Koh Samui to file formal complaints against a woman accused of orchestrating a large-scale airline ticket and hotel booking scam, with damages reportedly exceeding 10 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358644-scammer-dupes-dozens-in-airline-ticket-and-hotel-booking-fraud-on-koh-samui/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. More than 20 victims gathered at Bo Phut Police Station on Koh Samui to file formal complaints against a woman accused of orchestrating a large-scale airline ticket and hotel booking scam, with damages reportedly exceeding 10 million baht. The accused, identified as Ms. Kaewta, allegedly tricked friends, colleagues, and tourism business operators by offering domestic and international airline tickets as well as hotel rooms at unrealistically low prices. The victims are located not only on Koh Samui but also in Bangkok and Chiang Rai. One of the victims, Ms. Ann, detailed how she was approached by Ms. Kaewta, who claimed to have access to discounted full-service airline tickets to Japan through a woman named Ms. Manow, allegedly her relative and a sales agent for the airline. Claiming the tickets were reserved for friends and family of employees, they offered them at a special rate of 7,000 baht per ticket. Ms. Ann initially bought three tickets, and the outbound flight went smoothly. However, on the return leg, despite prior seat reservations, no bookings were found, forcing her and her family to sit separately. Encouraged by the initial trip, Ms. Ann booked more tickets, this time three open-dated tickets at 23,500 baht each, totalling 70,500 baht, transferring the money to the account of a Ms. Jutharat. Later, she also booked ten more tickets to Japan at 7,000 baht each (70,000 baht total), and six additional tickets on behalf of a friend at 8,500 baht each (51,000 baht total), paid to the account of a Mr. Sitthipong. She further booked six tickets to Shanghai for 42,000 baht, paid directly to Ms. Kaewta. Suspicion arose when no electronic tickets were issued. On 31 March, just a day before departure, Ms. Kaewta assured that travel was confirmed, allegedly coordinating via a supposed airline supervisor named Ms. Kukkai. She instructed the victims not to go to the airport to avoid complications. By 17:00 the day before the flight, with no confirmation or tickets in sight, Ms. Ann contacted the airline directly. She was informed that the promotional tickets did not exist and that neither “Ms. Manow” nor the supposed staff member were employed by the airline. She then publicised her story on social media, discovering many others had also been deceived. The number of victims is believed to exceed 50. Ms. Kaewta, reportedly a former employee at five-star hotels in Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Rai, currently runs a private airport transfer business. Following the complaints, she has not been seen and is believed to have fled the island. Police Colonel Denduang Thongsrisuk and Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanongsak Aksornsom of Bo Phut Police Station have opened an investigation. Statements have been taken from the victims and further questioning is planned. Authorities have charged Ms. Kaewta with “defrauding the public” under Thai law. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to track down the suspect and gather evidence to bring her to justice. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-24.

Fire Breaks Out at Thai Human Imagery Museum Workshop in Nakhon Pathom A fire broke out early on the morning of 23 April, at the wax figure sculpting workshop of the renowned Thai Human Imagery Museum, located on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Khun Kaew Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358643-fire-breaks-out-at-thai-human-imagery-museum-workshop-in-nakhon-pathom/

Picture from responders. A fire broke out early on the morning of 23 April, at the wax figure sculpting workshop of the renowned Thai Human Imagery Museum, located on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Khun Kaew Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The blaze was reported at approximately 06:20. Officers from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station quickly responded, requesting assistance from multiple local fire services. Fire engines and personnel from nearby municipalities and subdistrict administrations, including Khun Kaew, Nakhon Chai Si, Tha Tamnak, Salaya, Yai Cha, Sam Phran, Om Yai, Bang Chang, Maha Sawat, Sisa Thong, Laem Bua, Thai Yawas, Bang Toei, and Bang Krathuek, were mobilised to contain the fire. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze. Forensic investigators are examining the scene to establish how the fire started. The Thai Human Imagery Museum opened on 14 June 1989 with the aim of preserving and promoting Thai art and culture. It features lifelike wax figures of significant historical figures, Chakri dynasty monarchs, traditional Thai cultural scenes, and characters from Thai literature, including Phra Aphai Mani and poet Sunthorn Phu. There have been no reports of injuries, and the extent of the damage to the museum’s assets is still being assessed. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-24.

Khon Kaen Man Dies After Car Bursts Into Flames After Rear-Ending Truck Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash in the early hours of 23 April, claimed the life of a 36-year-old man from Khon Kaen after his car collided with the rear of a ten-wheeled truck and burst into flames. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358642-khon-kaen-man-dies-after-car-bursts-into-flames-after-rear-ending-truck/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash in the early hours of 23 April, claimed the life of a 36-year-old man from Khon Kaen after his car collided with the rear of a ten-wheeled truck and burst into flames. The incident occurred at around 01:00, on Mittraphap Road, outbound near Ban Nong Ngong in Ban Haet District, Khon Kaen Province. According to eyewitnesses, a red saloon car slammed into the back of a white Isuzu truck. Shortly after the collision, the car caught fire with the driver trapped inside. Passersby, along with a passenger from the truck, rushed to the scene armed with fire extinguishers in an attempt to rescue the trapped man. However, despite their efforts, the blaze proved too intense, and they were unable to reach him in time. Emergency services arrived shortly after and managed to extinguish the fire. The driver was found deceased in the driver’s seat, his body severely burned. He was later identified as Mr Natthaphong, 36, a resident of Khon Kaen. Mr Net, also aged 36, a passenger in the ten-wheeled truck, recounted the moments leading up to the incident. He said they were on their way back to Nakhon Ratchasima after delivering goods in Ban Fang District when they heard a loud noise from the rear of the vehicle. Initially believing it to be a burst tyre, they stopped the truck, only to discover the saloon car had crashed into them. Moments later, flames engulfed the car. Authorities believe the driver of the car may have fallen asleep at the wheel before crashing into the back of the slower moving truck. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-24.

Trailer Truck Following GPS Topples Power Pole, Flattens Car in Khon Kaen Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Chaos broke out in central Khon Kaen on the 23 April, after a trailer truck carrying a backhoe followed GPS directions into the city centre, snagging overhead power lines and causing a utility pole to crash down onto a black Honda saloon, damaging the vehicle and injuring its occupants. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358639-trailer-truck-following-gps-topples-power-pole-flattens-car-in-khon-kaen/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Chaos broke out in central Khon Kaen on the 23 April, after a trailer truck carrying a backhoe followed GPS directions into the city centre, snagging overhead power lines and causing a utility pole to crash down onto a black Honda saloon, damaging the vehicle and injuring its occupants. Pol Col Yosawat Kaewsuebthannit, superintendent of Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station, was conducting routine inspections when he received an urgent report from the 191 radio centre of the incident. He promptly alerted superiors and coordinated with Khon Kaen Hospital, local rescue units, the Provincial Electricity Authority, and traffic police to respond to the emergency. The incident occurred at the busy Sri Chan intersection near the Bank of Thailand branch, approximately 300 metres from the city police station. Authorities arrived to find the fallen power pole crushing the Honda on Sri Chan Road, in the direction of Khon Kaen Hospital. Rescue personnel quickly freed the driver and passenger, both of whom sustained minor injuries. Nearby, a yellow trailer truck with a backhoe loaded onto its rear was found parked on Klang Muang Road, in front of the Bank of Thailand museum, heading toward the Khon Kaen provincial hall. Broken power and communication lines lay strewn across the area. According to Pol Col Yosawat, the trailer driver was taken in for questioning. He stated that he was transporting the backhoe from Bangkok to Udon Thani and had simply been following GPS instructions, which routed him through Khon Kaen’s centre. As the truck reached the Sri Chan intersection, its height caught the overhead cables, which snagged and caused the power pole to collapse onto the nearby car. The force also brought down communication lines, prompting widespread power outages and traffic disruption across the heart of the city. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-04-24.

UPDATE 34 Million Ferrari Reduced to Wreckage in Fiery Crash on Bangkok Highway Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A Ferrari worth 34 million baht was completely destroyed in a dramatic high-speed collision in Bangkok, which involved three vehicles and resulted in a fire that engulfed two cars. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358546-supercar-destroyed-in-fiery-three-vehicle-collision-in-bangkok/#findComment-19752505

UPDATE 34 Million Ferrari Reduced to Wreckage in Fiery Crash on Bangkok Highway Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A Ferrari worth 34 million baht was completely destroyed in a dramatic high-speed collision in Bangkok, which involved three vehicles and resulted in a fire that engulfed two cars. The crash occurred in the early hours on Borommaratchachonnani Road. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a white Ferrari and a black Mercedes-Benz ablaze. Reports confirmed that the driver of the Mercedes-Benz, a man, was injured and taken to Ratchaphiphat Hospital, while the 22-year-old driver of the Ferrari, identified only as “Fiat”, sustained only minor injuries and declined hospital treatment at the time. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage with assistance from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to determine the precise cause of the accident. All vehicles were heavily damaged, and police intend to question the owners of both the Ferrari and the Mercedes-Benz as part of their investigation. Later on 23 April, Mr. Kamol, aged 55, father of the Ferrari driver, accompanied his son to Thammasala Police Station to provide a statement. He explained that his son had been returning home from dropping off his girlfriend at around 02:00, when a pickup truck allegedly cut in front of him. This sudden manoeuvre he said then caused the Ferrari to clip the rear of the pickup, making him spin out and strike the Mercedes-Benz, resulting in both cars catching fire. “Both drivers managed to escape their vehicles in time and spoke briefly before separating to seek medical attention,” said Mr. Kamol. “My son was experiencing chest discomfort due to the impact. The Ferrari was purchased in 2022 for 34 million baht and registered in my wife’s name. It was only insured for 24 million baht.” He added that he had always warned his son to drive cautiously and avoid reckless behaviour. “We’re thankful no one was seriously hurt or killed,” he said. “We are cooperating fully with the investigation. If we’re found to be at fault, we’ll take full responsibility.” Police will be calling all involved parties for further questioning to determine legal liability. Adapted by ASEAN Now from ThaiRath 2025-04-23.

UPDATE Chiang Mai Hotel Dara Devi Ravaged by Fire – No Insurance Coverage, Site was Officially Closed Picture from responders The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) Region 1 (Chiang Mai) confirmed that the hotel had no active insurance policy at the time of the incident. Moreover, the hotel is officially listed as “closed” and was not operating as an accommodation business at the time of the fire. Earlier this year, the property saw a modest revival with the launch of “Kad Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai” on 21 February 2025, marking the first activity on the premises in years. The market event, held monthly in front of the hotel grounds, attracted significant public interest, offering locals and tourists a chance to shop and photograph the iconic exterior of the hotel. The main building itself, however, remained closed to visitors. Mr. Suphan Sethapanich, Chairman and CEO of Siam Estate Dhara Dhevi Co., the firm behind the recent revival efforts, acknowledged that full restoration of the hotel would require substantial investment. The market initiative was viewed as the first step in revitalising the landmark. The fire has now added further complications to the already challenging effort to rehabilitate the estate. With no insurance coverage and the property still under bankruptcy proceedings, the future of Dhara Dhevi remains uncertain. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-04-23

Your opening comment ‘And a little suspicious’, this from the poster than sees conspiracy in everything. I remember the same nonsense after the Alaska Airlines door blow out. This fire has nothing to do with Covid, the hotel has new owners, with a joint venture company, Siam Estate Dhara Dhevi Co. managing the premises since December 2023, read the full article, not just cherry pick the bits that fit your reality. The investigation has only just began, yet we have a self confessed ‘wingnut’ making unqualified statements and trying to deflect the topic, just to suit their own agenda.

Total conspiracy theory nonsense. The investigation has only just started and here you are again making unqualified, uneducated statements, that have zero relation to the real world.

UPDATE Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: From Bankruptcy to Revival and Now a Devastating Blaze Once hailed as one of Thailand’s most luxurious hotels, the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai has experienced a dramatic rise, fall, and recent attempt at revival, only to suffer a devastating fire just two months after returning to limited public operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358543-blaze-erupts-at-chiang-mai’s-dhara-dhevi-hotel/#findComment-19751760

UPDATE Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: From Bankruptcy to Revival and Now a Devastating Blaze Picture courtesy of Matichon. Once hailed as one of Thailand’s most luxurious hotels, the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai has experienced a dramatic rise, fall, and recent attempt at revival, only to suffer a devastating fire just two months after returning to limited public operation. Founded in 2002, the Dhara Dhevi was built in an opulent Lanna architectural style on over 148 rai, in the Tha Sala subdistrict of Chiang Mai. With 123 rooms and a construction budget of 3 billion baht, the five-star resort was once managed by the Mandarin Oriental Group (2004–2013) and considered among Thailand’s most prestigious destinations. In late 2015, Inter Far East Energy Corporation (IFEC) acquired the property for over 2.5 billion baht. But following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the hotel was forced to shut down operations temporarily in May and filed for business rehabilitation in June that year. The request was denied, and the hotel was declared bankrupt in November 2020, leading to asset seizure and auction proceedings by the Legal Execution Department. Multiple auction rounds followed. After several failed attempts, IThermal Power Co., a subsidiary of IFEC, successfully bid 2.01 billion baht in December 2021, but later failed to complete payment, forfeiting a 110 million baht deposit. In January 2023, the hotel was auctioned again. Fierce bidding saw the price skyrocket by 80% within a year. IThermal emerged victorious, this time securing the property for 3.59 billion baht. In December 2023, a joint venture company, Siam Estate Dhara Dhevi Co., was formed to manage and redevelop the site. On 21 February 2025, the resort hosted its first public activity in years: the “Kad Dhara Dhevi” weekend market. Located at the hotel’s entrance, the market aimed to revive local Lanna culture and attract tourism, despite the hotel itself remaining closed during asset reorganisation. Drone footage on the morning of 23 April, showing the extent of the damage and destruction. The revival, however, has been dealt a tragic setback. In the early hours of 23 April, a fire broke out in the hotel’s wooden front structure. Emergency services battled the flames for over three hours. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the extent of the structural damage is still under assessment. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. The Dhara Dhevi, once a symbol of elegance and Northern Thai heritage, now faces yet another uncertain chapter. Locals and investors alike wait anxiously to see whether the historic site can rise from the ashes once more. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon. -- 2025-04-23