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Fire Breaks Out at Thai Massage Shop, Owner Rescued by Responders A fire erupted at a two-storey traditional Thai massage shop in Sa Nam Chai Khet, Chachoengsao, trapping the owner inside, but thanks to the quick actions of responders she was rescued safely. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352315-fire-breaks-out-at-thai-massage-shop-owner-rescued-by-responders/

Picture from responders. A fire erupted at a two-storey traditional Thai massage shop in Sa Nam Chai Khet, Chachoengsao, trapping the owner inside, but thanks to the quick actions of responders she was rescued safely. The incident occurred due to incense sticks that had been lit for a worship ritual, leading to a blaze that took approximately 60 minutes to bring under control. On the morning of 19 February, residents alerted the local fire department about the flames coming from the commercial building, located opposite the Sa Nam Chai Khet police station. Upon arrival, firefighters and police officers joined forces with volunteers from the local rescue team to combat the fire. The owner of the massage shop, Ms. Somjai, aged 40, was trapped and shouting from a window on the second floor, where the fire had originated. The rescue team faced difficulties initially due to thick smoke billowing from the building and live electrical wires restricting external access to the trapped casualty. However, they managed to enter and reach the second floor internally using breathing apparatus and successfully evacuate Ms. Somjai. During the rescue, a responder slipped and fell down the stairs, sustaining injuries. The rescue team provided first aid and transported the injured individual to Sa Nam Chai Khet Hospital for further treatment. Firefighters worked for about an hour before they were able to contain the blaze. Preliminary investigations by local police revealed that several items, including a refrigerator, electrical appliances, a wardrobe, a fan, and ceiling materials, had been damaged in the fire. Authorities believe that the cause was the incense sticks lit at the Buddhist altar located on the second floor. Fortunately, the flames did not spread to adjacent premises, averting a potentially larger disaster. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident while reminding the public to exercise caution when using incense in enclosed spaces. -- 2025-02-20

Myanmar Man Arrested for Murder of Woman Found in Woodland Next to Road A 23-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested for the brutal murder of a 44-year-old woman, whose body was discovered abandoned in woodland near a roadside in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352314-myanmar-man-arrested-for-murder-of-woman-found-in-woodland-next-to-road/

Picture from responders. A 23-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested for the brutal murder of a 44-year-old woman, whose body was discovered abandoned in woodland near a roadside in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon. The suspect, identified as Mr. Aung, was apprehended after police found him at the crime scene. According to authorities, he admitted to strangling the victim after she refused his advances and slapped him in the face. At approximately 08:00 on 19 February, officers from Ban Phaeo Police Station received reports of a woman’s body found in a dense area of acacia trees, just two metres from the Ban Phaeo–Phra Phathom Road. The deceased, identified only as Ms. A, was a petite woman with short, dyed-blonde hair. She was found partially undressed, with her top pulled up, her lower garments torn, and her neck showing severe bruising, indicating strangulation. A bite mark was also observed on her left thigh. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a blonde-haired woman walking alone in the area around midnight, but they were unsure whether she was Thai or a migrant worker. Earlier that morning, a local motorcycle taxi driver noticed a motorcycle lying overturned by the roadside, with a man lying nearby. Believing the man to be injured from a crash, the driver called for emergency services. However, when medics arrived, the man, who appeared intoxicated and spoke only Burmese, suddenly stood up and began searching for his keys. Moments later, responders discovered the woman’s body in the nearby undergrowth, leading to immediate police intervention. The man, later identified as Mr. Aung, was taken into custody and confessed during interrogation. He claimed to have taken the victim to a hotel, after which they left together on his motorcycle. When he attempted to engage with her again, she refused and slapped him, triggering his violent reaction. Authorities are now conducting further investigations before proceeding with legal action. -- 2025-02-20

Japanese Tourist Pickpocketed on First Day in Pattaya, Frustrated by Police Response Picture courtesy of TMN. A 78-year-old Japanese tourist visiting Pattaya for the first time was left frustrated after falling victim to pickpocketing on his first day in the city. He reported the crime to local police but was told to find evidence himself before officers would take further action. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352313-japanese-tourist-pickpocketed-on-first-day-in-pattaya-frustrated-by-police-response/

Picture courtesy of TMN A 78-year-old Japanese tourist visiting Pattaya for the first time was left frustrated after falling victim to pickpocketing on his first day in the city. He reported the crime to local police but was told to find evidence himself before officers would take further action. At 00:40 on 19 February, Mr. Yoshiki Matsuura, accompanied by his Thai female friend, filed a complaint with Pattaya City Police Station, reporting that he had been pickpocketed near a jewellery store in front of Walking Street, Pattaya. Mr. Matsuura explained that while he was exploring Pattaya’s nightlife, a Thai man approached him, engaged in small talk, and stayed nearby for 5–10 minutes. Shortly after, he realised his bag had been unzipped and several valuable items were missing, including: 1. 1,400 baht in cash 2. Two credit cards linked to a Japanese bank 3. Two driving licences Realising the theft, he immediately contacted his Thai friend, who accompanied him to the police station to report the incident, particularly concerned about his stolen credit cards and licences. However, upon filing the report, Mr. Matsuura was only given a single sheet of paper as confirmation and was told by investigators to find evidence himself. Officers reportedly advised him to check CCTV footage on his own and, if he identified a suspect, to report back so police could make an arrest. Adding to his frustration, the incident occurred just a few metres from a Pattaya Tourist Police service point, but when he sought help there, he was simply advised to report the crime at the main police station. Deeply disappointed by the lack of support, Mr. Matsuura is urging police to take action to locate the suspect and recover his stolen property. -- 2025-02-20

Headteacher Shot by Husband in Attempted Murder-Suicide in Buriram A 52-year-old headteacher was critically wounded after being shot in the head by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself, in an incident in Buriram Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352312-headteacher-shot-by-husband-in-attempted-murder-suicide-in-buriram/

Picture from responders and captured from CCTV. A 52-year-old headteacher was critically wounded after being shot in the head by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself, in an incident in Buriram Province. The shooting took place on the morning of 19 February in Ban Khu Khat, Khu Mueang District, with eyewitnesses reporting hearing gunshots and a car horn blaring before the attack. At 09:30, police officers from Khu Mueang Police Station and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a silver Isuzu pickup truck parked on the roadside. Inside, Mrs. Nahathai, a school principal in Lam Thamenchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, was found slumped over the steering wheel, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of her head, with the bullet exiting through the side of her mouth. She was still breathing and was rushed to Khu Mueang Hospital in critical condition. On the front passenger seat, officers discovered the body of Mr. Somsak 46, the victim’s husband, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the right temple. Spent shell casings were found inside the vehicle, and a bullet had also struck a nearby house. CCTV footage from a nearby home captured the couple’s vehicle sounding its horn continuously as it drove through the village before stopping. Moments later, two gunshots rang out. A 71-year-old retired police officer, who witnessed the incident, reported that Mr. Somsak lowered the car window and said, “She wants to die,” before immediately shooting his wife. He then closed the window and, moments later, shot himself. It is believed that Mrs. Nahathai may have honked the horn to attract attention before she was shot. The victim’s elder brother, Mr. Somphan (60), revealed that the couple had been married for years but had no children. His sister worked as a school principal, while Mr. Somsak ran a grilled pork skewer business. He stated that his brother-in-law was known to be highly jealous, especially when teachers from her school messaged her late at night. Although she repeatedly reassured him that there was nothing inappropriate, his suspicions persisted. Additionally, Mr. Somsak had been battling colon cancer for over five years, and his deteriorating health may have contributed to his emotional distress, ultimately leading to this tragic outcome. Police continue to investigate the case, but all evidence suggests that the incident was an attempted murder-suicide motivated by jealousy and personal struggles. -- 2025-02-20

Minibus Explodes in Chonburi: Driver Escapes as Flames Consume Vehicle A dramatic explosion and fire consumed a minibus, leaving only charred remains and a stunned driver. The vehicle, recently repaired and meant for transporting factory workers, erupted in flames shortly after leaving the garage, fortunately with no passengers on board at the time. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352311-minibus-explodes-in-chonburi-driver-escapes-as-flames-consume-vehicle/

Pictures from responders. A dramatic explosion and fire consumed a minibus on the night of 18 February, leaving only charred remains and a stunned driver. The vehicle, recently repaired and meant for transporting factory workers, erupted in flames shortly after leaving the garage, fortunately with no passengers on board at the time. The incident occurred around 21:30 on Route 331, near the “Khao Ruea Taek” curve in Khlong Kiew subdistrict, Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders from Khlong Kiew Police Station, along with firefighters and rescue teams from the Si Thammasamakhom Foundation, rushed to the scene, where they found the minibus engulfed in flames. Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately 30 minutes before bringing it under control, but the vehicle was utterly destroyed. The driver, known as “Uncle Lek,” aged 60, was the sole occupant of the minibus and suffered only minor injuries. He declined hospital treatment after the ordeal. “I had just collected the minibus from the repair shop and was driving it back for its usual worker transport duties,” Uncle Lek recounted. “Suddenly, I heard a loud explosion from the rear. I had no idea what caused it until I smelled something burning and saw flames spreading rapidly. I stopped the vehicle and ran for my life. Before I knew it, the entire bus was ablaze.” Local police are now working alongside forensic investigators from Region 2 to determine the cause of the explosion. Initial investigations are focusing on a potential leak in the gas fuel system, which may have triggered the catastrophic event. Authorities will examine the burnt remains of the vehicle and collect evidence to establish whether mechanical failure, electrical faults, or other factors contributed to the fire. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing flames leaping from the engine compartment, indicating a possible malfunction that led to the explosion. “It all happened so fast. One minute we were minding our own business, and the next, there was this massive explosion,” said a local resident who saw the flames from a distance. -- 2025-02-20

Two Dead After Chinese Nationals’ Car Collides with Cement Truck in Chonburi A collision on the Motorway 7 frontage road in Chonburi has left two Chinese nationals dead and two others injured after their car suddenly cut in front of a cement truck. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352272-two-dead-after-chinese-nationals’-car-collides-with-cement-truck-in-chonburi/

Pictures from responders. A collision on the Motorway 7 frontage road in Chonburi has left two Chinese nationals dead and two others injured after their car suddenly cut in front of a cement truck. The crash occurred at kilometre marker 110+900 in Takhiantia Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, during the morning of 19 February. According to reports, a white Ford car with four Chinese passengers exited a tunnel under the motorway, before abruptly pulling in front of the truck, leaving the truck driver unable to brake in time. The impact was severe, trapping the car’s occupants inside. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya and medical personnel from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya arrived swiftly at the scene. Despite their efforts, two passengers suffered critical injuries and could not be revived, while the other two were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. The force of the crash also caused the Ford sedan to spin out of control, striking a black Toyota Yaris parked by the roadside and then back into the path of the braking truck. The car’s owner, Mr. Koppon 43, stated that he had been stopping for a meal when he saw the Ford emerge from the tunnel just before the collision with the truck. Mr. Sombat 56, the driver of the cement truck, explained that he had been transporting cement from Saraburi to Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate when the Ford suddenly appeared in his path. He insisted that he had no time to brake, leading to the devastating crash. Officers from Bang Lamung Police Station examined the scene and gathered evidence, initially suspecting that the Ford’s sudden manoeuvre caused the fatal collision. However, a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause and any potential legal actions. -- 2025-02-19

Any aircraft making a squawk 7700 code, will see it come up as an automatic alert on the Flightradar24 app. and similar. There is a set of 3 squawk codes created by the ICAO that are used when an aircraft is facing safety or emergency concerns. Squawk 7700, is the emergency squawk code, and indicates that the aircraft is in distress or has an incident onboard and needs priority handling from air traffic control. Squawk 7500: This code indicates that the aircraft is subject to unlawful interference (hijack). Squawk 7600: This code indicates that the aircraft has experienced a radio failure and is unable to transmit or receive messages. So no leaks, just it is in the public domain. That is why most airlines will or should be proactive and issue a statement as soon as possible to clear up and avoid any misunderstandings.

Thai Woman Assaulted by Chinese Ex-Boyfriend, Police Release Suspect Without Charges Picture from the scene courtesy of SiamChon A 23-year-old Thai woman was left bloodied and terrified after allegedly being assaulted by her Chinese ex-boyfriend, who reportedly attempted to cut off her toe during the attack. Shockingly, local police released the suspect without pressing charges, citing a private settlement between the parties. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352221-thai-woman-assaulted-by-chinese-ex-boyfriend-police-release-suspect-without-charges/

Picture from the scene courtesy of SiamChon A 23-year-old Thai woman was left bloodied and terrified after allegedly being assaulted by her Chinese ex-boyfriend, who reportedly attempted to cut off her toe during the attack. Shockingly, local police released the suspect without pressing charges, citing a private settlement between the parties. At approximately 23:35 on 18 February, police in Huai Yai received a distress call about a woman who had been violently attacked in a secluded alley off Highway 331 in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Officers arrived at the scene to find the young woman in a state of shock, covered in blood, and trembling with fear. According to local witnesses who found her, the woman, whose name has been withheld for privacy, had managed to escape from her assailant and seek help from residents in the area. The suspect, a Chinese national, remained at the scene, unable to flee after dropping his car keys. Meanwhile, two of his associates, one Chinese and one Burmese, managed to escape in a pickup truck. The victim, identified only as “Tuktata,” told police that she had broken up with the suspect a week prior. He had pleaded with her to meet one last time, promising to leave her alone afterward. Trusting his word, she agreed to meet him and got into his car. However, she quickly grew suspicious when she realised they were driving a considerable distance into an unfamiliar area. An argument ensued, and the suspect eventually stopped the vehicle in a dark, deserted alley. It was then that he launched his brutal attack. He allegedly struck her face with a metal rod, slammed her head against a tree, and threatened to cut off her toe with what appeared to be a pair of industrial scissors. His accomplices stood by, acting as lookouts, showing no intention of stopping the assault. Seizing a moment of distraction, the woman managed to break free and flee toward a nearby house, where residents called the police. The police apprehended the Chinese suspect, whose details have not been disclosed and took him to Huai Yai Police Station. However he was quietly released an hour later without any formal charges. When questioned officers stated that a financial settlement had been reached between the parties but refused to disclose further details, citing confidentiality. Sources suggest the suspect paid the victim between 40,000 and 50,000 baht as compensation. Meanwhile, friends of the suspect claimed that he and the victim had a turbulent relationship, often breaking up and reconciling. However, they expressed surprise at the extreme violence displayed in this incident. -- 2025-02-19

Rescue Volunteers Resuscitate Woman After Car Crash into Kanchanaburi Canal A 28-year-old woman has miraculously survived a near-fatal crash in Kanchanaburi after rescue volunteers successfully revived her using CPR. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352219-rescue-volunteers-resuscitate-woman-after-car-crash-into-kanchanaburi-canal/

Picture from responders. A 28-year-old woman has miraculously survived a near-fatal crash in Kanchanaburi after rescue volunteers successfully revived her using CPR. The incident occurred at 09.00 on 18 February, near Phoksap Bridge in Moo 6, Don Cha-em Subdistrict, Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi. The Khun Rattanawut Foundation received an emergency report about a collision involving a car that had veered off the road and plunged into a two-metre-deep canal. Upon arrival, rescue workers found the car submerged underwater, with only part of the rear end visible. Without hesitation, volunteers jumped into the canal and managed to extract the driver from the sinking vehicle just in time. Once brought to shore, the woman was found unconscious with no pulse. Acting swiftly, the rescue team administered CPR for approximately 10 minutes and used a AED (automated external defibrillator) before successfully restoring her heartbeat. She was then rushed to Makarak Hospital for urgent medical attention. The injured woman, identified as Ms. Rak remained unconscious and was admitted to the ICU for close monitoring. The incident has garnered widespread praise on social media, with many commending the bravery and quick action of the Khun Rattanawut Foundation volunteers. Their efforts in performing CPR and stabilising the patient have been hailed as nothing short of miraculous. -- 2025-02-19

Physical Education Teacher Found Dead in Krabi Teacher’s Accommodation An incident occurred in Krabi on 18 February when a female physical education teacher was found dead in her teacher’s accommodation. The body of 31-year-old Miss View was discovered by a fellow teacher, who had grown concerned when she failed to attend her morning class. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352217-physical-education-teacher-found-dead-in-krabi-teacher’s-accommodation/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred in Krabi on 18 February when a female physical education teacher was found dead in her teacher’s accommodation. The body of 31-year-old Miss View was discovered by a fellow teacher, who had grown concerned when she failed to attend her morning class. At 10:00, authorities were alerted to the incident. Police, along with rescue officers and a medical team from Krabi Hospital, arrived at the scene, a two-storey wooden house located in the Krabi Yai district. Miss View was found on her bed, covered by a blanket, with no visible signs of injury. Authorities believe she had been dead for at least 8 to 10 hours. There was no indication of foul play, and the room showed no signs of forced entry or ransacking. According to a colleague, the victim was last seen around 21:00 on 17 February, when she was in good spirits, chatting with her fellow teachers before heading home for the night. When she did not appear for her class the next morning, her colleague went to check on her. After knocking on the door with no response, they forced entry and found the teacher unresponsive. The police are awaiting take statements from the deceased’s family and close colleagues. A full autopsy will be conducted to determine if Miss View had any underlying health conditions. -- 2025-02-19

Foreign Workers Smuggled in Pickup Truck Seized at Border Checkpoint In a successful operation conducted by local authorities in collaboration with the military, a group of foreign workers attempting to enter Thailand illegally was arrested at a border checkpoint in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352216-foreign-workers-smuggled-in-pickup-truck-seized-at-border-checkpoint/

Picture of arrest. In a successful operation conducted by local authorities in collaboration with the military, a group of foreign workers attempting to enter Thailand illegally was arrested at a border checkpoint in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province. At around 08:00 on 18 February, Police General Naywat Phadermchit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 7, and Police General Phonchai Chaloedet, Commander of Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, received a report from officers at the Sangkhlaburi Police Station. They had intercepted a Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck attempting to smuggle foreign workers across the border. The truck, which had a modified rear bed, was registered under the license plate number from Phetchaburi. The vehicle was driven by a 33-year-old man, identified as Mr. Akwa, a stateless individual. Upon searching the truck, authorities discovered 10 male and 5 female foreign workers, hidden in the truck bed and covered by sacks of cassava. The suspects were immediately arrested and will face legal proceedings for illegal immigration and people smuggling. This successful operation highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat human trafficking and prevent illegal border crossings. -- 2025-02-19

Man Killed in Trench Collapse at Construction Site in Surat Thani A 45-year-old man lost his life after being buried by a trench collapse while working at a construction site in Phun Phin district, Surat Thani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352214-man-killed-in-trench-collapse-at-construction-site-in-surat-thani/

Pictures from responders. A 45-year-old man lost his life after being buried by a trench collapse while working at a construction site in Phun Phin district, Surat Thani. The incident occurred at approximately 11:25 on 18 February, at the Hat Thip Company, located in Moo 3, Tha Rong Chang subdistrict. Emergency services from the Tha Rong Chang Rescue Team were called to the scene, where they discovered the victim, Mr. Somphian, from Mueang District, Mukdahan, lying face down and partially buried by soil. The victim’s face had been fully covered with the soil and rescuers dug him out using hand tools. The victim had suffocated and was unresponsive, with attempts at CPR being unsuccessful. Mr Somphian being pronounced dead at the scene. According to the rescue team, Mr. Somphian had been working to level the ground where a pipe had been laid when the soil around the side of excavation site collapsed, burying him under the weight of the earth. His relatives have been notified of his passing, and his body was transferred to Tha Rong Chang Hospital for further examination. Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the collapse at the construction site. -- 2025-02-19

Mentally Ill Woman Takes Child Hostage in Sisaket A mentally ill woman experiencing a psychotic episode took her three-year-old daughter hostage and assaulted her own mother in Sisaket province. Authorities successfully intervened and transported the woman to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352213-mentally-ill-woman-takes-child-hostage-in-sisaket/

Picture from responders. A mentally ill woman experiencing a psychotic episode took her three-year-old daughter hostage and assaulted her own mother in Sisaket province. Authorities successfully intervened and transported the woman to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. The incident occurred in Ban Chan, Sam Subdistrict, Mueang Sisaket District, where local police and rescue workers from Sawangjit Sisaket Dhammasathan Foundation responded to the scene. The woman, identified as Ms. Wannakan Landa, 28, resisted officers and attempted to assault them while repeatedly stating that she did not want to leave and insisted on staying with her child. It took 20 minutes for authorities to subdue her and transport her for medical attention. Her mother, Ms. Phen Landa, 55, revealed that Wannakan had suffered from mental health issues for years. She previously worked in Bangkok, where she developed a drug addiction before returning home, where her psychiatric condition deteriorated. “She has been treated many times, but it never fully helped. Today, she suddenly attacked me from behind while I was eating. I fear that one day she might harm me or my granddaughter again,” Phen stated. She also confirmed that Wannakan had not taken her psychiatric medication for months and pleaded with authorities to ensure she receives long-term treatment, saying she is willing to cover any medical costs necessary. Authorities have since transferred Ms. Wannakan Landa to Sisaket Hospital for psychiatric evaluation and care. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. -- 2025-02-19