Georgealbert

Picture from the raid. 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. The raid took place at 22:40 on September 14, after police received a tip-off about potential drug use at a party in the club, located in Soi 6, Khao Phra Tamnak. The raid, led by Pol. Col. Napaspong Khositsuriyamanee from the Chonburi Immigration Office, in collaboration with Pattaya Tourism Police, found the group drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis, and dancing to DJ music. As officers moved in, the party was brought to an abrupt halt. One Thai woman, who claimed to be the club's manager, reacted angrily, demanding a search warrant. However, her protests were silenced when officers discovered a suspicious white powder, believed to be ketamine, hidden in a plastic bag. Authorities then proceeded to check passports and identification cards, ensuring no foreign tourists had overstayed their visas. Drug tests were also conducted on all individuals present at the scene. Among those arrested was David, a 41-year-old Canadian DJ working illegally without a work permit. Additionally, Zico, a 23-year-old British tourist, was found carrying a knife, and Suwan, a 26-year-old Thai woman, who owned the club, was apprehended for employing Daniel, a 32-year-old British man working without a permit. During the arrests, Zico attempted to flee the scene, running past officers and escaping the club. A chase ensued, with police apprehending him 800 metres away, hiding in a banana grove. He was promptly taken into custody. All those arrested were taken to the Chonburi Immigration office for further questioning, with legal charges to follow. The investigation is ongoing, and those involved will face legal proceedings at Pattaya City Police Station -- 2024-09-16

Woman in Mental Distress Threatens Rescuers with Knife After Car Crash Rescue services in Trat Province were called to a 38-year-old woman who drove her car into a drainage ditch. The incident took a frightening turn when she refused assistance, brandishing a knife and displaying erratic behaviour. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338278-woman-in-mental-distress-threatens-rescuers-with-knife-after-car-crash/

Picture from responders. Rescue services in Trat Province were called on September 15, to situation where a 38-year-old woman, referred to as Ms. B, drove her car into a drainage ditch near Makro on Sukhumvit Road. The incident took a frightening turn when she refused assistance, brandishing a knife and displaying erratic behaviour. Local rescue teams were initially unable to approach Ms. B, who was holding a fruit knife and threatening anyone who came near her. Concerned for her safety, they called the local police for backup. The situation grew more complex when her 18-year-old son and a 69-year-old man, identified as Mr. A, arrived at the scene. They informed authorities that Ms. B had been suffering from depression and had consumed alcohol before the crash. As Ms. B remained agitated and uncooperative, police and rescue teams observed her from a distance for about 10 minutes, hoping she would calm down. Despite the public gathering to watch the scene unfold, Ms. B continued to wave the knife, making it impossible for rescuers to intervene. Mr. A, who had known Ms. B for years and had given her the car involved in the crash, explained that she had been battling depression for over a decade. He revealed that this wasn’t the first time Ms. B had struggled with mental health crises. With careful planning, police officers instructed Ms. B's son to try to soothe her, using the distraction to their advantage. While they conversed, police officers cautiously approached the car. In a moment of opportunity, as Ms. B switched the knife from her left hand to her right, officers swiftly grabbed her hand and disarmed her. Even then, the situation remained tense as Ms. B resisted being taken out of the vehicle. It required the combined strength of five officers and rescuers to safely remove her from the car. She was subsequently taken to Trat Hospital for treatment. Ms. B's brother, Mr. Thammanoon, confirmed that his sister had been battling depression for over a decade and had previously attempted suicide several times. He expressed his relief that she was once again saved but remained uncertain about what triggered this particular incident. The rescue operation, which could have ended in tragedy, was successfully resolved thanks to the cooperation of Ms. B's family and the quick actions of the police and rescue teams. Short video of the incident below. -- 2024-09-16 RPReplay_Final1726402769.mp4

Temporary Steel Bridge in Wang Thong Collapses as Sand Truck Attempts to Cross A.temporary steel bridge in Sukhothai Province, collapsed when an overloaded sand truck attempted to cross. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338276-temporary-steel-bridge-in-wang-thong-collapses-as-sand-truck-attempts-to-cross/

Picture courtesy of Sukhothai Highway Department In an incident during the morning of September 15, a temporary steel bridge in Wang Thong, Si Samrong District, Sukhothai Province, collapsed when an overloaded sand truck attempted to cross. The Sukhothai Highway Department has since announced a complete road closure and advised motorists to take alternative routes. The incident occurred on Highway No. 1195 between Tevet Nai and Wang Mai Khon. The bridge, which was built as a temporary solution after flooding damaged the road, gave way under the weight of the truck. The vehicle plunged into the water, causing significant damage to the structure. Authorities had previously placed warning signs at the site, prohibiting vehicles over eight tons from crossing. Despite this, the sand truck exceeded the weight limit, leading to the collapse. The Sukhothai Highway Department is currently assessing the damage and working on a repair plan. -- 2024-09-16

Head of Reclining Buddha Collapses Less Than a Day After Consecration Residents are concerned about potential superstitions after the head of a large reclining Buddha statue unexpectedly broke off just a day after the statue’s opening ceremony. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338239-head-of-reclining-buddha-collapses-less-than-a-day-after-consecration/

Picture of the damaged before it was covered over. Residents are concerned about potential superstitions after the head of a large reclining Buddha statue at Wat Phra That Doi Saket unexpectedly broke off just a day after the statue’s opening ceremony. The temple swiftly covered the area with green tarpaulin while workers began repairs. Heavy rains in the Chiang Mai region are believed to have caused the damage, with the head collapsing due to the cement being unable to bear the weight. Initial inspections revealed that the head had fallen from the newly completed Buddha statue, which was constructed between 2020 and mid-2024, measuring 59.99 metres in length. The incident occurred early in the morning on 13 September 2024, just 24 hours after the Buddha’s opening ceremony held on 12 September. The ceremony, which marked the statue's official completion, was attended by numerous devotees and notable figures. Fortunately, the accident took place early morning, preventing any injuries. Monks at the temple have asked reporters not to take photos and explained that the collapse was due to a construction error rather than any supernatural cause. They emphasised that publicising the event might cause unnecessary panic among the local community, which is already rife with speculation about the incident. Some locals believe the collapse was due to structural issues, suggesting that the supporting materials used were inadequate to sustain the statue’s weight. Others speculate that it could be a bad omen, imagining the potential danger if the collapse had occurred during the ceremony with thousands in attendance. Despite these concerns, the temple has not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident. The contractor responsible for the statue has been tasked with urgently restoring the damaged structure to ease the worries of the local Buddhist community. -- 2024-09-15

Body of Foreign-Looking Man Found in Grassland Near Motorway Police in Chachoengsao province were alerted at 08:00 to the discovery of a body, reportedly resembling a foreign national. The body was found lying on its back in a patch of grass near the base of a utility pole along the road adjacent to the motorway at kilometre marker 44, heading towards Chonburi. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338238-body-of-foreign-looking-man-found-in-grassland-near-motorway/

Picture from responders. Police from Bang Pakong Station in Chachoengsao province were alerted at 08:00 on September 15, to the discovery of a body, reportedly resembling a foreign national. The body was found lying on its back in a patch of grass near the base of a utility pole along the road adjacent to the motorway at kilometre marker 44, heading towards Chonburi. The police estimate that the individual had been dead for at least three days before being discovered. The body was reported to have suffered blunt force head injuries, stab wounds to the face and the throat had been cut. Investigators from Chachoengsao's forensic department were called to the scene to examine the area. Among the items found was a wallet containing foreign currency but no ID, raising suspicions that the deceased may have been a foreigner. The body was sent to a forensic institute for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. And trying to identify the victim. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannabis Warehouse Fire Causes Over 3 Million Baht in Damages A fire broke out at a cannabis cultivation warehouse, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million, in Phuket, with the initial investigation pointing to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338224-cannabis-warehouse-fire-causes-over-3-million-baht-in-damages/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod A fire broke out at a cannabis cultivation warehouse, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million baht. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the blaze, with an initial investigation pointing to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause. At 07:25 on September 15, Police Lieutenant Thanyaphisit Muangchan, investigator at Thalang Police Station, Phuket, responded to a fire at a warehouse in Sri Sunthon subdistrict. Local fire departments from Sri Sunthon and Choeng Thale municipalities were called in to extinguish the flames. The warehouse, used for cultivating cannabis, was engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the structure. The facility was equipped with an automatic system controlling essential operations such as watering and temperature regulation. Firefighters worked to douse the flames inside the warehouse while others searched for openings to release the smoke and further contain the fire. It took over 45 minutes for the firefighters to bring the blaze under control. The fire is believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit, as the first responders found the electrical control panel ablaze upon arrival. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported. Phuket forensic teams will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The warehouse had been rented by 29-year-old Isarapong (surname withheld) for over a year to grow cannabis. Initial estimates suggest the damage amounts to no less than 3 million baht. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Unemployed Man Arrested for Manufacturing & Selling Homemade Firearms in Pattaya Police from Nong Prue Police Station arrested Boonmee an unemployed former ironworker, after he was caught selling homemade firearms in a sting operation. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338214-unemployed-man-arrested-for-manufacturing-selling-homemade-firearms-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police from Nong Prue Police Station arrested Boonmee Sawangwong, aged 38, an unemployed former ironworker, after he was caught selling homemade firearms in a sting operation. The arrest took place at 21:35 on September 14, at Soi Phatthanakan 2/1, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Somchonok Fakphairoj and Pol. Lt. Col. Apichat Boonkerd, who had received information from an informant about an individual illegally producing and selling firearms to local youths. Authorities planned a sting, arranging to buy a homemade firearm, known as "The Ringer," for 2,000 baht. When Boonmee arrived at the agreed location to deliver the firearm, police revealed their identities and arrested him. They seized the homemade 11mm pistol along with two rounds of ammunition as evidence. Further investigation led officers to search Boonmee’s home, where they discovered a large cache of gun parts, ammunition, and homemade silencers used to test the weapons. All items were confiscated as evidence, and Boonmee was taken to Nong Prue Police Station for questioning. During the interrogation, Boonmee admitted that he had been manufacturing the guns himself after learning how to do so through online tutorials. He explained that he turned to this activity after losing his job as an ironworker, using his knowledge of metalworking to create the weapons. He claimed it was a side job to earn extra income, selling each gun for a profit of 500 to 1,000 baht, but only to acquaintances who placed custom orders. The suspect is now in custody, and police have filed charges for the illegal production and sale of firearms. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Volunteers Involved in Serious Crash in Phichit Province A vehicle carrying rescue volunteers returning from Chiang Rai lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree. The incident left five people injured. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338210-rescue-volunteers-involved-in-serious-crash-in-phichit-province/

Picture and video from responders At approximately 06:10 on September 15, an incident occurred on Route 117 in the Ban Yang Ha Lum area, Nen Po Subdistrict, Sam Ngam District, Phichit Province. A vehicle carrying rescue volunteers returning from Chiang Rai lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree. The incident left five people injured. Local rescue teams immediately arrived on the scene to assist the injured, who were categorised as three critically injured and one with serious injuries and one with minor injuries. Three victims were taken to Sam Ngam Hospital, where their conditions were reported by the hospital as follows, Thanaporn, suffering from a punctured lung, Jutamas, experiencing chest tightness/broken ribs and Jantima, who succumbed to her injuries and was dead on arrival. Two additional victims were transported to Wachirabarami Hospital. One is currently unconscious in the ICU, while the other remains conscious and responsive to questions. Authorities from Nong Sano Police Station are investigating the cause of the accident and initial information from one of the casualties, it appears the driver may have fallen asleep. Video of the scene below. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1726366360.mp4

Absolute nonsense. I have posted many articles about exercises and drills and the training takes place all the time. Don’t let reality get in the way of your blinkered daily Thai bashing. Here is an example from this week. https://aseannow.com/topic/1337685-bangkok-conducts-full-scale-emergency-disaster-drill-for-2024/

Bailey Bridge in Ban Pang Ka Closed for Repairs Following Flash Flood Damage The temporary Bailey Bridge near Ban Pang Ka in Chiang Rai Province has been closed for repairs after a flash flood from the Ngao River caused significant damage to its support pillars Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338200-bailey-bridge-in-ban-pang-ka-closed-for-repairs-following-flash-flood-damage/

The temporary Bailey Bridge near Ban Pang Ka in Chiang Rai Province has been closed for repairs after a flash flood from the Ngao River caused significant damage to its support pillars. The flood, which occurred early morning on September 14, swept away the pillars, leaving the bridge unsafe for travel. Mr. Supawich Chuprempree, Deputy Director of Chiang Rai Highway District 2, announced the closure following an inspection by local officials. The inspection revealed that the bridge was swaying dangerously, prompting an immediate suspension of all vehicle traffic. The closure affects all types of vehicles, and detours have been set up for local communities. Coordination with Bridge Construction and Restoration Centre 1, based in Phichit, has been made to carry out emergency repairs. The centre's team were dispatched, and it is expected that the bridge will reopen later on September 15, after the necessary reinforcements are installed. The damage to the bridge was attributed not only to the flash flood but also to repeated violations of weight restrictions. Despite warnings, heavy trucks weighing more than 8 tons and exceeding 2.5 metres in height frequently used the bridge, accelerating its deterioration. The combined impact of the flash flood and overweight vehicles led to the structural instability that necessitated the closure. Video of the bridge on September 14 below. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1726284821.mp4

Passenger Van Crash in Rayong Leaves 11 Injured A serious crash involving a passenger van that had veered off the road near the intersection of Gong Din heading towards Chanthaburi. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338199-passenger-van-crash-in-rayong-leaves-11-injured/

Picture from responders. In the early hours of September 15 at 03:00, emergency services were alerted to a serious crash involving a passenger van that had veered off the road near the intersection of Gong Din, located 500 metres from the traffic light junction, heading towards Chanthaburi. The incident occurred in the subdistrict of Gong Din, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. According to reports, the van driver lost control and ran off the road, causing injuries to 11 passengers on board. Among the injured, one individual was trapped inside the vehicle, requiring to freed by responders.. Volunteers from the Phutthasat Rescue Foundation promptly arrived on the scene to provide emergency assistance. The injured were quickly transported to Klaeng Hospital for further medical attention. Rescue teams worked to free the trapped individual, and their condition is currently said to be serious by hospital staff. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the incident. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorcyclist Swept Away by Floodwaters in Sriracha, Chonburi A motorcyclist was swept away by strong floodwaters and into a storm drain, on Route 331 near the Caltex gas station, heading towards Map Yang Phon. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338198-motorcyclist-swept-away-by-floodwaters-in-sriracha-chonburi/

Picture and video from responders. An incident occurred late night on September 14, in Sriracha District, Chonburi Province, when a motorcyclist was swept away by strong floodwaters on Route 331 near the Caltex gas station, heading towards Map Yang Phon. The area is located close to the Pinthong 1 Industrial Estate. The victim, identified as a male motorcyclist, was reportedly caught by the fast-moving water on the road and was swept into a storm drain. Despite rescue efforts, he remains missing as search and rescue teams continue to comb the area, but were unable to enter the drainage time, where they believe the body is possibly trapped, due to the amount of flowing water. Volunteers from the Pheuyeng Thai Sriracha Rescue Foundation responded promptly to the scene, providing support and coordinating with local authorities. The situation was reported by a local emergency team at 23:50, with the Nong Kham Police Station taking charge of the investigation and rescue efforts. Flooding in the area, exacerbated by heavy rains, has raised concerns about the safety of roads and infrastructure, particularly near industrial zones. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to locate the missing man and assess the risk of further incidents. Video of the scene below. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1726352112.mp4

Truck Owner Distressed as Broker Crashes Vehicle into Pond, 4.2 Million Baht in Cash Lost A pickup truck owner is in distress after a broker crashed a vehicle into a pond, resulting in the loss of 4.2 million baht in cash. So far, only 400,000 baht has been recovered. Efforts are underway to drain the pond and retrieve the remaining cash. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338197-truck-owner-distressed-as-broker-crashes-vehicle-into-pond-42-million-baht-in-cash-lost/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A pickup truck owner is in distress after a broker crashed a vehicle into a pond, resulting in the loss of 4.2 million baht in cash. So far, only 400,000 baht has been recovered. Efforts are underway to drain the pond and retrieve the remaining cash. At around 07:30 on September 14, 2024, reporters were informed of a pickup truck that had driven into a pond near Wat Huai Khanang, located in Village 1, Nong Yang Subdistrict, Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province At the pond, local residents and disaster prevention officials from Uthai Thani Provincial Administration Organisation were using pumps to drain the water. Ms. Sawitree Ruammaitree, 42, the truck owner, revealed to reporters that she had sold two trucks to a broker named Mr. Thongchai Wongsuwan for over 4 million baht. According to her, the buyer transferred a 120,000-baht deposit, with the remaining 4.2 million baht to be delivered in cash that day. In the early hours of the morning, Mr. Thongchai was bringing the 4.2 million baht in cash to Ms. Sawitree in Nakhon Sawan. However, while driving near the pond, Mr. Thongchai reportedly dozed off and crashed into the water, along with the cash. Divers were called in to help recover the vehicle and search for the submerged money. They found some of the cash in two cardboard boxes, each containing 200,000 baht, totaling 400,000 baht. Mr. Thongchai was taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities are now draining the pond to search for the remaining 3.8 million baht. Village chief Mr. Paradorn Thongpha said that at around 05:00, a monk from the temple called him, reporting that a vehicle had plunged into the pond. He rushed to the scene, where locals and monks helped rescue the injured driver. Mr. Thongchai then revealed there was over 4 million baht in the vehicle, prompting the rescue team to search the pond. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

20 Baht Store in Chiang Rai Accused of Price Gouging Amid Floods A 20 Baht store in Chiang Rai has come under fire for taking advantage of the recent floods by significantly raising prices. The store reportedly removed old price tags and hand wrote a new, inflated prices, with a basic squeegee being sold for 299 Baht. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338171-20-baht-store-in-chiang-rai-accused-of-price-gouging-amid-floods/