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Picture from responders. Police officer Lt. Yutthaphon Boonkoet of the Najomtien Police Station received a report at approximately 18.45 on December 11, of a high-speed motorcycle rear-ending a car, resulting in two individuals being injured. The crash occurred at the entrance of Wat Nong Jab Tao, on Sukhumvit Road heading toward Pattaya, Najomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District. Emergency responders from Wat Yan Sangwararam Hospital and Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Rescue Foundation were dispatched to the scene. At the crash site, authorities found an orange-and-black motorcycle (license plate from Chiang Mai) overturned and damaged in the middle of the road. The motorcycle’s riders, both foreign nationals, no further details disclosed, as neither individual carried identification documents, and their names remain unknown. Both were immediately transported to Wat Yan Sangwararam Hospital for treatment. Nearby, a yellow MG3 sedan (license plate from Rayong) was found with damage to its rear. The driver, Ms. Chutikarn Sornsuwan, 26, remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Ms. Chutikarn explained that she had just left the MG service center near Wat Nong Jab Tao and was merging onto Sukhumvit Road with her turn signal on. While doing so, she noticed the high-speed motorcycle approaching but was unable to avoid the collision. The motorcycle crashed directly into the rear of her vehicle. She promptly called for emergency assistance. Police documented the scene and have taken Ms. Chutikarn’s statement. They will await the recovery of the injured riders to gather their accounts before proceeding with legal action. -- 2024-12-12

Pattaya Police Raid Karaoke Bars: Underage Patrons & Illegal Workers Discovered In the early hours of the morning of December 12, at 05:35., a police task force led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), raided several karaoke bars in Pattaya following reports of illegal activity. The operation involved officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Pattaya Police, and other law enforcement agencies. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345994-pattaya-police-raid-karaoke-bars-underage-patrons-illegal-workers-discovered/

Picture from raid. In the early hours of the morning of December 12, at 05:35., a police task force led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), raided several karaoke bars in Pattaya following reports of illegal activity. The operation involved officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Pattaya Police, and other law enforcement agencies. The raid targeted four establishments located in Soi Koh Phai 2, Pattaya. Acting on intelligence from an informant, authorities investigated allegations of illegal employment of foreign workers, operating beyond permitted hours, and possible links to drug-related offenses and influential figures in the area. Four Karaoke Bars were Inspected, the establishments were: 1. Route 66 Karaoke 2. Num Karaoke 3. Happy Time Karaoke 4. Eunice Karaoke While three of the venues (Route 66, Happy Time, and Eunice Karaoke) were found operating within legal licensing terms, Num Karaoke was discovered to be in violation of multiple laws. The bar was still open and upon inspection, officers were alarmed to find four underage customers, including a 14-year-old patron. Further investigation revealed that nine of the establishment’s employees were undocumented workers from Laos and Myanmar. Authorities conducted drug tests on both staff and patrons, uncovering eight individuals who tested positive for drugs. A thorough search of the premises did not uncover any additional illegal items or contraband. The manager of Num Karaoke has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including: • Operating a business without a license • Employing foreign nationals without valid work permits • Allowing minors under the age of 18 to enter and use the services Additionally, one individual with an outstanding arrest warrant linked to fraudulent bank accounts was detained and transferred to the Cyber Crime Investigation Division for further prosecution. -- 2024-12-12

SUV Crashes into Karaoke Bar, Injuring 3 in Bangkok An SUV driven by a 56-year-old woman crashed into a karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Rat Burana district, leaving one person seriously injured and two others injured. The driver claimed she lost control of the steering wheel, prompting authorities to investigate the vehicle for potential mechanical failures before pursuing legal action Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345987-suv-crashes-into-karaoke-bar-injuring-3-in-bangkok/

Picture from responders An SUV driven by a 56-year-old woman crashed into a karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Rat Burana district, leaving one person seriously injured and two others injured. The driver claimed she lost control of the steering wheel, prompting authorities to investigate the vehicle for potential mechanical failures before pursuing legal action. The crash occurred at approximately 20:20 on December 11, near the entrance to Soi Pracha Uthit 26/1 on Pracha Uthit Road. Police from Rat Burana Station, along with emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s medical emergency team, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found extensive damage to the 12 Coins Karaoke Bar, a three-story commercial building. The front of the shop was completely destroyed, with chairs and tables strewn across the premises and the entrance obliterated. Inside the bar, a silver Mitsubishi Pajero SUV (license plate from Bangkok) was found stationary after the crash. The driver, identified as Mrs. Taweesap Nilkhong, appeared shaken but uninjured. The bar’s owner, 47-year-old Ms. Pairoh Yaokhraburi, sustained injuries to her head and body after being thrown to the floor during the impact. She was treated at the scene before being transported to Suksawat Hospital for further care. On the road outside, a red electric motorcycle (license plate Bangkok) was found overturned and heavily damaged. Its two riders were injured, with the driver, Mr. Attapol Wimansaad, 38, suffering serious injuries, including a fractured thigh and head trauma. He was rushed to Paolo Phra Pradaeng Hospital. The passenger, Ms. Bussara Saelee, 35, sustained cuts and bruises and was also hospitalised. Eyewitness Mr. Boonyarit Charoensap, 36, who was riding behind the electric motorcycle, stated that he saw the SUV suddenly swerve out from a noodle shop on the opposite side of the road before crossing into the karaoke bar. Mrs. Taweesap claimed that she had been driving out of the noodle shop’s parking area when the steering wheel became unresponsive. “I signaled to turn right and saw the road was clear, but the steering wouldn’t respond. I couldn’t avoid the motorcycles or stop the car,” she said, adding that she had never experienced such an issue despite being a seasoned driver. Ms. Pairoh, the karaoke bar owner, recounted that she had been sitting with her young nephew moments before the crash. “I was sitting on the sofa when my sister took my nephew upstairs. A minute later, the car slammed into the shop. I didn’t even see it coming,” she said, describing how the impact threw her to the ground, causing injuries to her head and hip. Dashcam footage from a passing vehicle showed the SUV suddenly cutting across the street from the noodle shop and colliding with the electric motorcycle before crashing into the karaoke bar. Police are now awaiting an expert analysis of the SUV’s mechanical systems to determine whether a malfunction caused the accident. Once the investigation is complete, legal proceedings will follow. -- 2024-12-12

A development in this story can be found here:

Buffalo Rescued After Falling into 7-Metre-Deep Well in Chonburi A 4-year-old male buffalo, affectionately named “Mum,” was rescued by local villagers and rescue workers after falling into a 7-metre-deep abandoned well in Na Wang Hin Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345974-buffalo-rescued-after-falling-into-7-metre-deep-well-in-chonburi/

Picture from the rescue. A 4-year-old male buffalo, affectionately named “Mum,” was rescued by local villagers and rescue workers after falling into a 7-metre-deep abandoned well in Na Wang Hin Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District. The incident occurred on December 10, when Mum strayed from his herd and accidentally plunged into the old well. Rescue volunteers and local residents swiftly mobilised to save the buffalo. A crane truck and ropes were used to stabilise and lift Mum from the bottom of the well. After approximately 45 minutes of effort, the team successfully pulled Mum out of the well. Upon inspection, Mum was found with multiple abrasions on his front and hind legs but no serious injuries. First aid was administered, by villagers and Mum was returned to his enclosure for rest and recovery. The community praised the coordinated efforts of all involved in ensuring Mum’s safety. -- 2024-12-12

Man Killed by Elephant in Chanthaburi Province At approximately 11:15 on December 11, the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Team in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province, received a report of a fatal elephant attack in Moo 6, Khao Lamok Reservoir Soi, Phawa Subdistrict. Full Story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345973-man-killed-by-elephant-in-chanthaburi-province/

Picture from responders. At approximately 11:15 on December 11, the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Team in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province, received a report of a fatal elephant attack in Moo 6, Khao Lamok Reservoir Soi, Phawa Subdistrict. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue personnel discovered the body of a 45-year-old man identified as Mr. Wirat Kaikaew. Originally from Bo Thong District, Chonburi Province, Mr. Wirat had been working and residing in a community forest plantation in Moo 6. The victim had suffered multiple crush injuries and broken limbs and was covered in blood. The state of the body suggests the victim had been dead for 10 to 12 hours. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred during the night when the victim was attacked by a wild elephant. Authorities, including officers from Kaeng Hang Maeo Police Station and other relevant agencies, were contacted to investigate the scene further. The body of the deceased was transported to Kaeng Hang Maeo Hospital for an autopsy. Further details regarding the incident remain under investigation. This event highlights the ongoing risks posed by human-wildlife conflicts in areas where elephants and human activities intersect. -- 2024-12-12

Car Loses Control and Crashes into Car Wash in Lopburi: One Dead, Multiple Injured A crash occurred late afternoon, when a car lost control, struck a utility pole, and crashed into a coin-operated car wash on Lopburi-Wang Muang Road near Kilometre Marker 5-6 in Nikom Sang Ton Eng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lopburi. The crash left one person dead and four others injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345972-car-loses-control-and-crashes-into-car-wash-in-lopburi-one-dead-multiple-injured/

Picture captured from CCTV. A crash occurred late afternoon on December 10 when a car lost control, struck a utility pole, and crashed into a coin-operated car wash on Lopburi-Wang Muang Road near Kilometre Marker 5-6 in Nikom Sang Ton Eng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lopburi. The crash left one person dead and four others injured. Police from Lopburi City Police Station, along with rescue teams from Phra Narai Maharaj Hospital and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene after receiving the emergency call. At the scene, authorities found a gray-black Mazda car with Bangkok license plate in a severely damaged state. The vehicle had collided with a utility pole before crashing into the car wash and striking the rear of a parked Toyota pickup truck. Four individuals sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Tragically, the body of Mr. Thachathon Thirathdechanon, 28, was discovered under the pickup truck. Rescue teams recovered his body for autopsy procedures. Witnesses reported that the Mazda car was traveling at high speed toward Khok Tum when the driver lost control and first collided with a white Honda car (license plate Bangkok). The vehicle then spun out, struck the utility pole, and crashed into the car wash. Remarkably, Ms. Kanyakan Sroi Sangwan, the owner of the Toyota pickup truck, narrowly avoided the crash as she had stepped away seconds earlier to dispose of trash. The impact also ejected the driver of the Mazda from the vehicle. CCTV footage revealed that the Mazda was traveling at an excessively high speed before losing control. Survivors with minor injuries explained that they had been traveling from Chonburi, visiting various locations before heading home. Fatigue and insufficient rest likely caused the driver to fall asleep at the wheel, leading to the fatal crash. Authorities have confirmed that the crash was caused by negligence and driver fatigue. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full details of the incident. -- 2024-12-12

Second Body Found Floating in Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Police from the Nonthaburi Police Station, alongside rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded to reports of a body found floating in the Chao Phraya River near Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Science were also called to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345970-second-body-found-floating-in-chao-phraya-river-in-nonthaburi/

Picture from responders. Police from the Nonthaburi Police Station, alongside rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded at 22.00 on December 10, to reports of a body found floating in the Chao Phraya River near Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Science were also called to the scene. The body was that of an unidentified man, estimated to have been deceased for at least three days. Due to the advanced decomposition of his face, identification was not immediately possible. The man was found wearing a black shirt and black trousers, both stained with mud. His body was floating face down, partially covered by water hyacinths. Rescuers retrieved the body and brought it to the area beneath the Chaloem Khet Bridge for further examination. Initial investigations revealed no identification documents on the man and no visible injuries or signs of foul play. Authorities noted the man was bald and said they would check with local police stations to see if any missing person reports matched the deceased. The body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Science for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. This incident marks the second body found in the Chao Phraya River that day. Earlier in the afternoon, a woman with short hair was found floating near the Nonthaburi Bridge. Similar to the male victim, no identification documents were found on her person. Police are continuing investigations into both cases and are seeking to locate the victims’ families. -- 2024-12-12

School Van Collides with 22-Wheel Truck in Sakaeo: 23 Students Injured A crash occurred early morning when a school, open style, van collided with a 22-wheel truck at the Phak Kha U-turn in Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province. The crash left 23 students injured, 10 boys and 13 girls. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345969-school-van-collides-with-22-wheel-truck-in-sakaeo-23-students-injured/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred early morning on December 11 at 07:25, when a school, open style, van collided with a 22-wheel truck at the Phak Kha U-turn in Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province. The crash left 23 students injured, 10 boys and 13 girls. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. The female driver of the school van was injured and trapped inside the wreckage but was successfully rescued by local emergency services using hydraulic cutting equipment. She sustained severe injuries to both legs and was immediately transported to the hospital. Emergency response units, including the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and rescue teams from Watthana Nakhon and Aranyaprathet, swiftly arrived at the scene. They used multiple ambulances and equipment to transport the injured students to Watthana Nakhon Hospital for treatment. Most of the students suffered minor injuries, such as abrasions, and remained conscious during the rescue efforts. Eyewitness reports indicate that the six-wheeled school van was severely damaged upon impact with the massive 22-wheel truck. The van rammed into the side of the truck, which for some yet unknown reason was side on to the flow of the traffic. The students were all thrown forward in the van, as they were seated on bench seating with no seat belts. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the collision and reviewing any available footage, plus interviewing witnesses. -- 2024-12-12

Major Fire Breaks Out at Paper Mill in Rayong A fire broke out at the Thai Paper Mills Company, a renowned paper factory located along the Ban Khai-Ban Bueng Road in Nong Bua Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The incident occurred at approximately 14:30 on December 11, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345968-major-fire-breaks-out-at-paper-mill-in-rayong/

Picture and video from responders. A fire broke out at the Thai Paper Mills Company, a renowned paper factory located along the Ban Khai-Ban Bueng Road in Nong Bua Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The incident occurred at approximately 14:30 on December 11, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services. Pol. Lt. Col. Apichart Konetsuwan, an investigator at the Nong Krub Police Station, received the report and swiftly arrived at the scene with a team of officers, local disaster relief officials, and rescue volunteers from the Sawang Prakut Foundation. Upon arrival, the fire was raging fiercely through piles of paper stored outside the factory building, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters from nearby districts were called in to assist in battling the flames, while factory workers scrambled to escape the chaos. Efforts were made by the factory management to control the blaze. Workers attempted to use excavators, forklifts, and grappling vehicles to disperse and move the burning paper away from the fire. However, the highly flammable nature of the paper, coupled with strong winds, made containing the fire extremely challenging. According to factory staff, smoke was first spotted emanating from a large stack of compressed paper prepared for recycling. Within moments, the fire rapidly spread. Initial assessments suggest that the blaze may have been triggered by heat accumulation (spontaneous combustion) within the paper stack. The fire was still burning throughout the night, with firefighting using large water jets to contain the fire. Given the nature of the stacked paper the outside edges are burning and need to be continually extinguished with water, as the burning material is pulled away and the process repeated over and over. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fire. Forensic experts are scheduled to inspect the site on December 12, but a full inspection will have to be after the fire is fully extinguished. Factory executives and eyewitnesses will be summoned for further questioning by authorities as part of the investigation. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported in the incident. -- 2024-12-12 ScreenRecording_12-11-2024 20-00-49_1.mp4

Saraburi: Factory Bus Plunges Off Road, Injuring 17 Workers A factory worker transport bus veered off the road and overturned. The crash occurred along the Suwannason Road, on the Phachi-Nong Khae route near Wat San Wihan, at the border between Phachi and Nong Khae districts in Saraburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345967-saraburi-factory-bus-plunges-off-road-injuring-17-workers/

Pictures from responders. A factory worker transport bus veered off the road and overturned at 06.45 on December 11. The crash occurred along the Suwannason Road, on the Phachi-Nong Khae route near Wat San Wihan, at the border between Phachi and Nong Khae districts in Saraburi Province. The crash resulted in injuries to 17 workers, including 15 women and 2 men. Emergency responders from the Phutthaithisawan Foundation and Ayutthaya’s Phachi rescue team were dispatched to the scene. The injured workers were promptly transported to Nong Khae Hospital and Phachi Hospital for treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that the bus, belonging to a factory in the area, lost control before plunging off the road. Rescue workers categorised the injuries as mostly minor, with a few moderate cases. Police from the Nong Khae Station are currently investigating the cause of the incident, including the possibility of mechanical failure or driver error. The driver who was not injured was taken for questioning and testing. -- 2024-12-12

Raja Ferry Considers Special EV-Only Ferry Service to Koh Samui Raja Ferry Public Company Limited, the leading ferry operator servicing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, is considering introducing a special ferry route exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes as the company works to address fire safety concerns associated with EV batteries, which led to the temporary suspension of EV transportation on its ferries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345966-raja-ferry-considers-special-ev-only-ferry-service-to-koh-samui/

File picture for reference only. Raja Ferry Public Company Limited, the leading ferry operator servicing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, is considering introducing a special ferry route exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes as the company works to address fire safety concerns associated with EV batteries, which led to the temporary suspension of EV transportation on its ferries. The announcement has sparked both support and criticism. While some commend the precautionary measure prioritising passenger safety, others, including EV owners and tourists planning year-end trips to Koh Samui, have expressed frustration over the inconvenience. The suspension has raised concerns, especially with the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaching, when travel demand peaks. Mr. Puttapong Wimolpan, Deputy Managing Director of Port Operations at Raja Ferry, explained that the decision to temporarily halt EV transportation stemmed from potential risks of battery overheating, which could lead to fires. To mitigate these risks, the company is actively procuring advanced fire suppression equipment, including car fire blanket and extinguishing agents, tailored to combat EV battery fires. Additionally, Raja Ferry is preparing to train its crew in handling EV-related fire emergencies, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure passenger safety. “We understand the concerns of EV users who rely on our services and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Safety is our utmost priority, and we are taking proactive steps to address the issue,” said Mr. Puttapong. To accommodate EV owners during this transition period, Raja Ferry is exploring the possibility of launching a dedicated ferry route specifically for electric vehicles. This special service would be equipped with enhanced fire safety measures to ensure a secure environment for both passengers and vehicles. “Our management is actively discussing solutions to minimize disruptions for EV users. We are working to implement safety measures as quickly as possible, including the potential launch of EV-only ferry services,” added Mr. Puttapong. The company’s temporary suspension of EV transportation underscores the challenges of integrating electric vehicles into existing infrastructure. While the situation has inconvenienced some travelers, Raja Ferry’s commitment to improving safety standards reflects the growing importance of adapting to the demands of sustainable transportation. Raja Ferry has reassured the public that they are expediting the necessary upgrades and training to resume EV services safely in the near future. Further updates on the special EV-only ferry service are expected as the company finalises its plans. Original story here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345785-ev-owners-frustrated-as-samui-ferries-restrict-ev-transport-over-new-year-period/ -- 2024-12-12

Motorcyclist Severely Injured After Crashing into Parked Pickup Truck in Pattaya A motorcyclist was severely injured after colliding with the rear of a parked pickup truck in Soi 22, Mab Yailia, off Soi Nernplubwan, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, early morning. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345965-motorcyclist-severely-injured-after-crashing-into-parked-pickup-truck-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A motorcyclist was severely injured after colliding with the rear of a parked pickup truck in Soi 22, Mab Yailia, off Soi Nernplubwan, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, early morning. The accident occurred at approximately 03:00 when rescue services from Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Radio Center received a report of the incident. Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders found 22-year-old Akkaradech Kongsathit lying face-down in a pool of blood with abrasions across his body. He was promptly given first aid before being transported to Bang Lamung Hospital for further treatment. Nearby, the victim’s red Honda PCX motorbike, license plate from Nakhon Phanom, was discovered severely damaged. The white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, license plate from Chonburi, had a broken right tail light from the collision. The truck driver, 49-year-old Phinyo Panngeon, stated that he had parked on the roadside to relieve himself in the nearby bushes. He suddenly heard a loud crash and rushed back to find the injured motorcyclist behind his vehicle. Phinyo immediately contacted emergency services for assistance. Police have documented the scene and collected evidence. The pickup driver has been taken in for further questioning, and CCTV footage from the area will be reviewed to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2024-12-12

UPDATE Cause of Death of Five Workers in Fermented Fish Factory in Phetchabun The workplace incidnt at a fermented fish factory in Lomsak District, Phetchabun Province, that claimed the lives of five workers, was likely due to exposure to dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345790-5-workers-found-dead-at-fermented-fish-factory-pit-in-phetchabun/#findComment-19441352