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Missing Vessel and Four Passengers Feared Lost in Storm Near Koh Sukorn Authorities are still searching for a missing vessel, Porntavee, which disappeared in September 16, in a violent storm along with its captain and four passengers en route to Koh Sukorn, Trang Province. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338366-missing-vessel-and-four-passengers-feared-lost-in-storm-near-koh-sukorn/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities are still searching for a missing vessel, Porntavee, which disappeared in September 16, in a violent storm along with its captain and four passengers en route to Koh Sukorn, Trang Province. Despite a public appeal for help, there has been no sign of the boat or its occupants. The SOS Maritime group has issued alerts to seafarers in Trang and Satun Provinces, requesting their assistance in locating the 25-ton vessel, Porntavee. The boat, piloted by Supit Khaowdee, known locally as Bang Poo, was carrying three other passengers: Fak Khaowdee, Chant Songlong, and Mon Madlu, when it disappeared. The boat had departed from Palian Canal in Trang and was headed toward Koh Sukorn, also known as Pig Island. Mid-journey, the vessel was hit by a storm, and high winds caused it to vanish without a trace. It failed to dock at Koh Sukorn, prompting immediate concern. Upon receiving the distress call, local fishing boats, transport vessels, and officials from Koh Sukorn Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), along with marine police and rescue teams, launched a search operation. The search has covered the waters around Palian District, Trang, and Thung Wa District, Satun Province, but so far, no trace of the missing boat has been found. Authorities have urged all passing vessels, especially those traveling between Tha Kham and Koh Sukorn, to remain vigilant. Rescue operations are ongoing as officials hope for any signs of the lost vessel. Red dot showing last known location. -- 2024-09-17

Tornado Wreaks Havoc in Phatthalung, Damages Homes A sudden tornado struck the Phatthalung province on September 16, destroying some homes as officials scrambled to provide urgent aid. The extreme weather, which included both heavy winds and rain, devastated the area, particularly affecting the village of Ban Khuan Saeng in Tambon Khok Sai, Pa Bon District. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338365-tornado-wreaks-havoc-in-phatthalung-damages- homes/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A sudden tornado struck the Phatthalung province on September 16, destroying some homes as officials scrambled to provide urgent aid. The extreme weather, which included both heavy winds and rain, devastated the area, particularly affecting the village of Ban Khuan Saeng in Tambon Khok Sai, Pa Bon District. According to reports, the severe storm, known locally as a "Lam Hua Duan" or sudden tornado, hit late in the afternoon. After the winds subsided, it was revealed that the roofs of more than 14 houses had been ripped off, with five homes completely destroyed. In the aftermath, local officials from the Khok Sai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), as well as village leaders, immediately began surveying the damage and providing assistance to the affected residents. Khomjak Saengsiew, the village headman of Khok Sai, confirmed that 14 households had their roofs blown away, while five homes were left in ruins. In addition to the damage to homes, rubber plantations, fruit orchards, and salak gardens in the area were also badly affected. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and will submit their findings to district and provincial officials. Dechtep Khaothong, the mayor of Khok Sai SAO, stated that after receiving reports of the tornado, a team of municipal workers were quickly mobilised to help repair the partially damaged roofs. The goal is to ensure that affected families can at least have temporary shelter over night. As for the homes that were completely destroyed, repairs will begin on September 17, as some structures need to be rebuilt from scratch after the wood was blown away by the winds. Residents reported that the storm lasted only 20 minutes, but the intense wind and heavy rain caused significant destruction in that short time. -- 2024-09-17

UPDATE Broker Confesses to Spending Missing Millions After Pickup Truck Submersion Incident Picture courtesy of ThaiRath In a bizarre turn of events following the mysterious disappearance of 4.2 million baht after a truck plunged into a pond, the involved broker, Mr. Thongchai Wongsuwan, has confessed to having spent nearly all of the money, leaving just 500,000 baht. He expressed remorse, stating that karma caught up with him as he planned to confess, but a car accident prevented him from doing so. The incident occurred on the morning of September 14, when Mr. Thongchai, a car sales broker from Ban Rai District, lost control of his pickup truck, sending it into a pond near Wat Huai Khanang in Nong Chang District. He initially claimed that 4.2 million baht in cash was inside the vehicle and had sunk with the truck. Local rescue teams managed to recover 500,000 baht from the water, but suspicions arose when the truck owner, Ms. Sawitree Ruammaitri, demanded a full investigation and even requested the pond be drained to search for the remaining money. However, the pumping was halted after equipment failure on September 15. At 13:30 on September 16, Mr. Thongchai met with Ms. Sawitree at Nong Chang Police Station to settle the dispute. They negotiated the return of the 500,000 baht found at the scene with she also demanded that the full remaining amount be returned in one lump sum, rather than in instalments. Mr. Thongchai stated he has now already repaid 2.1 million baht and, after today’s payment of 500,000 baht, still owes 1.6 million baht. While Mr. Thongchai offered to repay in monthly instalments of 50,000 baht, the other party requested a single payment or valuable assets as compensation. During the negotiations, Mr. Thongchai admitted that he fabricated the story about the money sinking in the pond. He explained that he was shocked and panicked at the time but did not intend to deceive anyone. He confessed that he had spent nearly all of the 4.2 million baht from the car sale, leaving only 500,000 baht. His initial plan was to confess everything, but an accident occurred, almost costing him his life, before he could do so. The investigation continues as authorities look into the case further. -- 2024-09-16

Texas Chicken, in Thailand is operated by PTT Oil and Retail Business (PTTOR), is part of OR's lifestyle business, which also includes Café Amazon and Pearly Tea. There are 97 Texas Chicken branches throughout Thailand and all will shut at the end of the month.

Pattaya Police Raid Bar for Illegally Selling Laughing Gas Balloons In the early hours officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) collaborated with Pattaya City Police to raid the bar located in Soi Jomtien 11. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338310-pattaya-police-raid-bar-for-illegally-selling-laughing-gas-balloons/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. In the early hours of September 16, at 03:35, officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), led by Pol. Col. Patthanapong Sripinproh, Deputy Commander Pol. Lt. Col. Kiattikong Thongkham, and Pol. Lt. Col. Sitth Poolwong, collaborated with Pattaya City Police to raid the bar located in Soi Jomtien 11, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The raid resulted in the seizure of two nitrous oxide gas tanks, three pre-filled gas balloons, and 60 unfilled balloons. Additionally, four illegal migrant workers and one person in charge of the bar were arrested. The raid was initiated after authorities received a tip that the bar was covertly selling nitrous oxide-filled balloons, commonly referred to as "laughing gas." After observing the bar’s activities, officers confirmed the illegal sale of the gas-filled balloons, a blatant violation of the law. The bar catered to both local and foreign patrons, and it was discovered that the bar employees were selling the balloons for 200 baht each. To avoid detection, the bar staff hid the gas tanks in a vacant locker across from the bar. When tourists placed orders, the foreign employees would cross the street to fill the balloons and deliver them to the customers, attempting to mislead authorities. However, police surveillance revealed the bar's evasion tactics, leading to the successful seizure of the illegal substances. The bar manager, along with the foreign workers who did not have work permits, was taken into custody. The authorities are now extending the investigation to issue an arrest warrant for the bar’s actual owner, who will face legal action. Under the Drug Act, the illegal sale of medical substances, such as nitrous oxide, without proper authorisation carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 baht. -- 2024-09-16

An EV fire in a car park was the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) theme for the full-scale emergency disaster drill for 2024, held on September 8.

Texas Chicken, the popular American fried chicken franchise, is saying goodbye to the Thai market after nine years. The news has left fans lamenting the loss of their favorite biscuit and fried chicken dishes. The chain's Thai Facebook page announced the closure, stating, “It’s time to say goodbye to Texas Chicken after 9 years of delicious memories! But don’t be sad, as we will part with smiles and cheer. Come and create our final memories together. Enjoy to the fullest before we close our chapter!” Texas Chicken will continue operations until September 30, 2024. Many regular customers have expressed their disappointment, particularly over the loss of the restaurant’s famed biscuits and fried chicken wraps. Some have pledged to visit more frequently in the remaining days to savour their favourites one last time. -- 2024-09-16

Two Teens Injured by Ping Pong Bomb Outside Convenience Store in Yala In the early hours of September 16, two teenagers were injured by a ping pong bomb explosion in front of a convenience store in the Sateng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yala Province. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338304-two-teens-injured-by-ping-pong-bomb-outside-convenience-store-in-yala/

Picture from responders. In the early hours of September 16, two teenagers were injured by a ping pong bomb explosion in front of a convenience store in the Sateng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yala Province. The Yala Narenthorn Emergency Medical Centre alerted the Chao Mae Thapthim Rescue Radio Unit just after midnight, reporting the incident at the "Malay Bangkok" convenience store. Upon receiving the information, rescue teams immediately dispatched emergency vehicles to the scene. Two male victims, aged 14 and 15, were found injured upon arrival. The first victim, a 14-year-old male, had suffered a severe laceration to his left palm, with his left thumb having been blown off. The second victim a 15-year-old male, reported leg pains, which was a suspected broken leg and multiple scrapes across his body. Emergency responders administered first aid at the scene before transporting both individuals to Yala Central Hospital for further treatment. The incident is currently under investigation, with police reviewing CCTV to identify if the two were innocent victims or if the ping pong bomb was theirs. -- 2024-09-16

UPDATE 3.8 Million Baht Still Missing in Temple Pond, Water Pump Fails Again The search for 3.8 million baht that allegedly sank in a temple pond remains unsuccessful as complications continue to delay the operation. A faulty water pump and the inability to stop water flow into the pond have hindered efforts. The lady owed the money, who hails from Nakhon Sawan has requested the pond be drained to verify the presence of the missing funds. However, heavy rain forced them to halt their efforts and water continues to flow into the pond from a nearby canal, as the main valve cannot be closed. Adding to the problem, the pump first used ti drain the water had malfunctioned, leaving the pond still full and halting further search attempts. Ms. Sawitree, 42, who is owed the missing funds, explained that after the rain and pump failure, no further searches were conducted.. She expects the draining process to resume on September 16, with police from Nong Chang Police Station planning to question those involved as part of the ongoing investigation. -- 2024-09-16

UPDATE Brutal Murder of Myanmar Man: Body Dumped Alongside Motorway Police now believe that the body of is a young Myanmar man. He was found brutally murdered and abandoned in an overgrown area near the motorway in Chachoengsao. The victim, estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, had been severely beaten, with a slashed throat and multiple stab wounds on his face. The body was found near kilometre marker 44 of the motorway heading towards Chonburi, in a secluded area overgrown with grass near a construction site. The victim was wearing a black and white t-shirt, gray pants, and blue flip-flops, with a gray waist bag containing four Myanmar banknotes. According to the medical examination, the man had a 20 cm long slash wound across his neck, stab wounds on both cheeks, a 4 cm cut on his right eyebrow, and a crushed skull. The man had been dead for at least three days, and no identification documents were found on him. The grisly discovery was made by Mr. Prachum Pengsuwan, a 77-year-old local resident, who stumbled upon the body while fishing in a nearby canal. "I smelled something foul and followed the scent until I found the body. From his appearance, it was clear he wasn’t from around here," Mr. Prachum said. Police believe the victim could have been a migrant worker, possibly from one of the nearby construction camps or factories. They are investigating whether the murder occurred at the scene or if the body had been dumped there after the killing. One theory is that the victim may have been involved in a dispute, which escalated to murder. Authorities are currently examining nearby CCTV footage and checking local workplaces for any missing persons to help solve the case. -- 2024-09-16

Two Men Survive Capsized Boat Ordeal For 4 Hours Two men were saved after their boat capsized during a fishing trip off the coast of Bang Lamung, Chonburi. The men, who had been stranded in the sea for more than four hours, survived by using empty water bottles to stay afloat. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338294-two-men-survive-capsized-boat-ordeal-for-4-hours/

Picture from responders. Two men were saved after their boat capsized during a fishing trip off the coast of Bang Lamung, Chonburi. The men, who had been stranded in the sea for more than four hours, survived by using empty water bottles to stay afloat. The incident occurred near Koh Jun, Na Kluea, when rescue teams were alerted at 22:05 on September 15. Authorities, including Pattaya City’s marine rescue team and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue workers, quickly coordinated efforts to locate the missing men. The two survivors, identified as 35-year-old Jakrapan Sombat and 45-year-old Sumit (surname withheld), were found exhausted but alive. Both had been floating in the sea for hours after their 18-foot fiberglass boat was struck by a sudden storm while they were squid fishing. Jakrapan explained that they were caught off guard by strong winds and high waves, which caused their boat to capsize. With no warning, they were thrown into the sea, miles from shore. Jakrapan managed to retrieve water bottles from the boat’s storage compartment before the boat sank,, emptied them, and used them to help stay afloat as they were carried by the current. Despite the changing winds and drifting further from shore, the men’s luck turned when they spotted the marine rescue centre. They called out for help, and soon, their distress signals were noticed. Udomsak Wirasuk who was part of the rescue, saw the two men waving for help amidst the strong waves. He immediately steered his boat toward them and managed to bring them safely to shore. Both men, though weak, were given immediate first aid and did not require hospitalisation. Their boat remains underwater, with efforts underway to recover the wreckage. -- 2024-09-16

Minivan Collides with Pickup Truck at Chanthaburi Intersection: 20 Injured A crash occurred in Chanthaburi Province, involving a collision between a minivan and a pickup truck at a busy intersection. The crash left 20 people injured. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338285-minivan-collides-with-pickup-truck-at-chanthaburi-intersection-20-injured/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred in Chanthaburi Province, involving a collision between a minivan and a pickup truck at a busy intersection. The crash left 20 people injured, prompting an urgent response from local rescue teams. The incident took place on September 15, when the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Unit in Chanthaburi received reports of the incident at the Chanthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) intersection, located on Highway 3 in Mueang District, Chanthaburi. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue workers found a white Toyota minivan with front-end damage, suggesting a high-speed impact. Not far from the minivan, a gray Isuzu pickup truck was found with damage to its rear. The force of the collision had left many of the minivan’s passengers injured, as they were thrown around inside. Rescue teams quickly moved to assess the situation. A total of 19 injured passengers were initially treated at the scene, with one more person trapped, the driver pinned by his legs. Using specialised rescue equipment, the team worked to extricate the trapped victim. After administering first aid on-site, all injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Mueang Chanthaburi Police. Early reports suggest that one vehicle may have been speeding or failed stop at the intersection’s traffic lights. The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing CCTV. -- 2024-09-16

Neighbour's Chilling Discovery: Foul Odour Leads to Shocking Find of Decomposing Body The discovery was made in Udon Thani after neighbours followed a foul odour emanating from a nearby house, leading to the grim find of a decomposing body inside. The deceased was found naked and is believed to have been dead for over a week. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338282-neighbours-chilling-discovery-foul-odour-leads-to-shocking-find-of-decomposing-body/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The discovery was made in Udon Thani after neighbours followed a foul odour emanating from a nearby house, leading to the grim find of a decomposing body inside. The deceased, identified as Mr. Thanakrit, 60, was found naked and is believed to have been dead for over a week. Police were alerted to the scene at 10:30 on September 15, following reports from concerned neighbours. Lt. Nattawat Ladawan, a deputy investigator at Udon Thani’s city police station, responded to the call, accompanied by medical personnel from Udon Thani Hospital and local rescue volunteers. The incident took place in a two-story house in a suburban area of Udon Thani. Upon arrival, relatives and neighbours had already broken into the house, suspecting something was wrong. Inside, they found Mr. Thanakrit’s lifeless body on the living room floor. There were no signs of external injury or struggle either inside or outside the house. It is believed he had been dead for at least a week. His father, Mr. Amporn, arrived at the scene to perform a traditional ritual, lighting incense to call his son's spirit home. Neighbour Suwanna revealed that the foul smell had been lingering for days. Initially, she thought it was the odour of rubber from a factory about 10 kilometres away. However, the smell intensified, leading her husband to clean their trash bins, thinking the odour came from there. The truth was discovered when Mr. Thanakrit’s relatives arrived and decided to investigate the house. "His house had been locked for days, but the lights were still on. When they broke in, the stench was overwhelming, and they found his body," Suwanna said, visibly shaken. She also mentioned that Mr. Thanakrit had lived alone since separating from his wife, and had previously owned a dog, which she had not seen in some time. “I had no idea he had passed away inside. I’ve felt uneasy for days, smelling that foul odour. Now, I believe his spirit was trying to let us know," she added, recalling that she had also heard voices outside her house late at night, further deepening her eerie feelings about the incident. Mr. Thanakrit’s sister, Sumarat, shared that her brother was a direct sales worker who had lived alone since his divorce. His two daughters lived in Bangkok and abroad. Although they communicated regularly through messaging apps, she had not heard from him for a week. “I last spoke to him on August 23, his birthday. He was still in good spirits and even visited our father recently. When I couldn’t contact him for a week, I grew worried.” Authorities suspect that Mr. Thanakrit’s death was due to complications from a pre-existing condition, as he had suffered from a stroke in the past. His body has been transferred to Udon Thani Hospital for further examination, after which it will be handed over to the family for funeral rites. -- 2024-09-16

CIB Arrests Two Thieves Stealing Power Cables in Pattaya to Fund Drug Habit The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), along with Highway Police, has arrested two individuals responsible for stealing electrical cables along motorway 7, causing damage worth nearly 1 million baht. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338281-cib-arrests-two-thieves-stealing-power-cables-in-pattaya-to-fund-drug-habit/

CCTV image of the pair. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), along with Highway Police, has arrested two individuals responsible for stealing electrical cables along motorway 7, Pattaya-Mabprachan, causing damage worth nearly 1 million baht. The suspects, who were riding a modified three-wheeled motorcycle and sidecar, were caught cutting and stealing the cables in an attempt to sell the copper for money to fund their methamphetamine addiction. The arrests were made following a series of incidents in which power cables were cut and stolen, causing significant damage and power disruptions in the area. CIB and Highway Police had been investigating the thefts for several weeks after receiving multiple reports of missing cables along the motorway. Officers tracked the suspects’ movements and finally apprehended them while they were in the act. Authorities estimate the total damage caused by the stolen cables to be over 1 million baht. The suspects are currently in police custody and face multiple charges, including theft and damage to public property. -- 2024-09-16

Man Shot Dead at Home, Police Collect DNA Samples from Wife and Son for Investigation A 53-year-old man was shot dead at his home in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi, late on the night of 14 September. Police have collected DNA samples from his wife and son as part of their investigation. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338280-man-shot-dead-at-home-police-collect-dna-samples-from-wife-and-son-for-investigation/

Picture of the investigation team at the scene. A 53-year-old man was shot dead at his home in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi, late on the night of 14 September. Police have collected DNA samples from his wife and son as part of their investigation. At around 22:00, Pol. Lt. Suphasin Wittinanon, from Cha-am Police Station, received a report of a shooting at a residence in Moo 6, Rai Mai Pattana Subdistrict, Cha-am. Pol. Col. Somkiat Chomchai, the chief of Cha-am Police, was informed and officers, along with forensic experts from Phetchaburi, were dispatched to the scene. The incident occurred at a one-story house situated in the middle of a large pineapple plantation. The body of Mr. Sanit (surname withheld), 53, was found near the back door of the house, lying in a pool of blood. He was wearing only a sarong and had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his left temple, left shoulder, and left arm. The caliber of the gun used remains unknown. Ms. Pim Suksanan (surname withheld), 52, the victim's wife, told police that on the evening of 14 September, Mr. Sanit had been preparing to take a shower at the back of the house. As she sat inside, she suddenly heard what sounded like gunshots coming from outside. She rushed to the back and found her husband lying motionless on the ground. Terrified that the shooter might still be nearby, she hid under the bed for approximately an hour before coming out. Too shaken to drive her motorcycle, Ms. Pim walked roughly two kilometres to seek help from Mr. Chumpol (surname withheld), 34, a resident of Hua Hin and her son from a previous relationship. Together, they returned to the house and notified the police of the incident. Initial investigations revealed that the victim was known to be a quiet man who had no known disputes with anyone in the area. Police have questioned neighbours and collected gunshot residue samples from the crime scene. DNA samples from both the wife and her son have been taken for further examination. Authorities are continuing their investigation and are working to identify the perpetrator. Legal proceedings will follow as the case develops. -- 2024-09-16

Authorities Raid Pattaya Club: Foreigners & Thai Women Found Partying with Alcohol & Drugs In a raid at a popular cannabis club in South Pattaya, authorities uncovered a gathering of around 50 people, including foreign tourists and Thai women, engaging in alleged illicit activities. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338279-authorities-raid-pattaya-club-foreigners-thai-women-found-partying-with-alcohol-drugs/