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A heartbroken mother mourns the death of her 4-year-old son, who drowned in a reservoir under construction. The boy fell into the water and was later found lifeless by rescue divers. The incident occurred at approximately 13.00 on November 23 at a water retention reservoir excavation site in Ban Nong Kra Chai, Village 11, Khok Sung Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima. The site was being developed as a water retention area for the village’s water supply system. Emergency responders from Hook 31 Rescue Unit were alerted and dispatched their specialised underwater search team to the scene. The reservoir, roughly 10 metres wide and 20 metres long, was filled with murky water and surrounded by concerned residents awaiting the rescue team. Initial reports identified the victim as Master Witthawat, aged 4. His mother, Ms. On, explained that she was working at a nearby housing project construction site, which was adjacent to the reservoir. She had allowed her son to play with the child of a co-worker. Shortly after, the co-worker’s child rushed back in panic, informing her that Witthawat had fallen into the water. Ms. On and her colleagues immediately searched for the boy but found only his shoes and a toy car abandoned near the reservoir’s edge. The steep and slippery banks, combined with the water’s turbidity, made the search challenging. The Hook 31 diving team began their operation along the shallow edges, where the water was about 3 metres deep, before extending to the centre of the reservoir, where depths reached 5 metres. After approximately 20 minutes of searching, the divers discovered the boy’s lifeless body at the reservoir’s deepest point. As his body was brought ashore, his devastated mother and grandfather broke into inconsolable cries of grief. Local police from Khok Sung Police Station conducted an investigation, and the boy’s body was taken to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for an autopsy. Mr. Chaisit Phupharat, head of the Hook 31 Buddhist Dharma Foundation in Nakhon Ratchasima, commented on the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of water bodies near children. “We suspect the children were playing near the reservoir’s edge, which is steep and unstable. Being so young, they lacked the awareness and ability to help themselves after falling in. The boy likely slipped to the bottom, where the water was deepest.” Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

Myanmar Worker Rescued After Hand Trapped in Meat Grinder for Two Hours A 26-year-old Myanmar worker endured an ordeal when his hand became trapped in a meat grinder at a pork shop in central Nakhon Nayok. It took over two hours for rescue teams to free him before rushing him to Nakhon Nayok Hospital with parts of the machine still attached to his hand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344384-myanmar-worker-rescued-after-hand-trapped-in-meat-grinder-for-two-hours/

4-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Reservoir Construction Site A heartbroken mother mourns the death of her 4-year-old son, who drowned in a reservoir under construction. The boy fell into the water and was later found lifeless by rescue divers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344383-4-year-old-boy-drowns-in-reservoir-construction-site/

A rare and extraordinary sighting of an Omura’s whale, a species rarely encountered in the wild, has left marine enthusiasts and local officials in awe. The majestic creature, measuring approximately 9-11 metres in length, was spotted near Mae Yai Island, part of the Surin Islands archipelago in Phang Nga Province. The discovery was made by officers from the Marine Security Unit of the Third Naval Area Command during a routine patrol. The team was returning from transporting a patient from the Surin Islands to the mainland in Kuraburi District when they encountered the whale surfacing gracefully near Mae Yai Island. The officers were able to capture this remarkable moment on camera, showcasing the beauty of this elusive marine mammal. The Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai), often mistaken for the more common Bryde’s whale, is one of the rarest species of baleen whales. It was first identified in 2003 based on skeletal remains, which revealed distinct differences from Bryde’s whales. Notably, Omura’s whales are smaller, with adult males reaching up to 10 metres and females up to 11.5 metres. They also have more pronounced throat grooves and a taller, less curved dorsal fin. Named after Japanese marine biologist Dr. Hideo Omura, the species remains poorly understood due to its rarity and elusive nature. In Thailand, Omura’s whales are classified as protected wildlife under the 2019 Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, ensuring their conservation in Thai waters. Encounters with Omura’s whales are exceptionally uncommon, making this sighting near the Surin Islands a significant event for marine researchers and conservationists. This region, known for its rich biodiversity, continues to serve as an essential habitat for marine life, emphasising the importance of protecting these pristine waters. Picture courtesy of Marine Security Unit -- 2024-11-24

Thai Highway Police Pursue Pickup Truck Smuggling 29 Myanmar Migrants In a dramatic operation, Thai highway police intercepted a Mitsubishi pickup truck that was attempting to smuggle 29 Myanmar nationals into the country. The truck was chased after it was spotted traveling from Hat Yai in Songkhla province towards Narathiwat, with authorities suspecting it was part of a human trafficking operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344380-thai-highway-police-pursue-pickup-truck-smuggling-29-myanmar-migrants/

In a dramatic operation, Thai highway police on November 23, intercepted a Mitsubishi pickup truck that was attempting to smuggle 29 Myanmar nationals into the country. The truck was chased after it was spotted traveling from Hat Yai in Songkhla province towards Narathiwat, with authorities suspecting it was part of a human trafficking operation. The police, working under the command of Pol. Gen. Chiraphop Puridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, set up a checkpoint on Highway 42 at the border between Patani and Narathiwat. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they discovered 29 Myanmar migrants packed inside the truck’s enclosed cargo area. The group consisted of 21 men and 8 women, all illegally attempting to enter Thailand in hopes of finding work in Malaysia. The driver, 27-year-old Muhammad Fitdaw Bin Yani from Phatthalung, was arrested. He confessed to being hired to transport the migrants from Hat Yai to Narathiwat, where they planned to cross into Malaysia. He received 1,500 baht per person from a Thai broker named “Nobin” from Yala, though his real identity remains unknown. The migrants revealed they had been traveling for three days and were nearing their final destination when they were caught by the police. They had been in contact with a Myanmar broker who facilitated their journey to Malaysia through Thailand. Authorities have charged the driver with human trafficking and aiding illegal immigration, while the 29 migrants face charges for illegal entry into the country. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the brokers involved in the smuggling operation, both in Thailand and Malaysia. This interception highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region, and authorities are working with relevant agencies to dismantle the network facilitating the illegal transport of migrants across borders. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. -- 2024-11-24

Village Head Acknowledges Inadequate Drying Space for Rice Causes Crash Injuring 3 A crash occurred when a motorcycle carrying a mother and her two sons collided with a pile of rice being dried on a road. The incident took place on the Nong Mod Daeng–Bo Din road in Tajoong Subdistrict, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344379-village-head-acknowledges-inadequate-drying-space-for-rice-causes-crash-injuring-3/

A crash occurred when a motorcycle carrying a mother and her two sons collided with a pile of rice being dried on a road. The incident took place on the evening of November 21 on the Nong Mod Daeng–Bo Din road in Tajoong Subdistrict, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province. The victims, Mrs. Sukanya, 49, her eldest son Phutawan 17, and her youngest son, 11, were returning home after selling goods at the market when the crash happened. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment and are now recovering at home. Phutawan, who was driving the motorcycle, recounted that the road was dark, and he could not see the pile of rice in time to avoid it. The collision rendered him unconscious until rescuers arrived. Mr. Teerapong, 24, the owner of the nearby rice harvester and the first to assist, said he witnessed the crash and rushed to help. He described the heartbreaking moment when the 11-year-old boy, despite being seriously injured with an open wound on the back of his head pleaded for him to help his mother first. Village Head Mr. Pramuan, 59, admitted that the issue of rice drying on roads remains difficult to resolve. Farmers often harvest their rice simultaneously, and the lack of adequate drying spaces forces many to resort to drying rice on roads. Selling wet rice is not a viable option due to lower prices. Mrs. Yupa, 55, the owner of the rice involved in the crash, explained that she had placed the rice on the road less than an hour before the crash occurred. She had planned to spread it for drying after returning from home but was informed of the incident by villagers. Mrs. Yupa expressed deep regret over the incident, stating, “I used this newly constructed road because it is rarely used by vehicles. This was my first time drying rice here, and it ended in a crash. I feel sorry for the victims and have offered them some financial assistance. I will no longer dry rice on roads, even if it means selling wet rice at a lower price.” This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by farmers and the safety risks associated with drying rice on public roads. Authorities and local leaders are urged to find sustainable solutions to prevent such incident in the future. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

Rare Omura’s Whale Spotted Near Surin Islands, Phang Nga A rare and extraordinary sighting of an Omura’s whale, a species rarely encountered in the wild, has left marine enthusiasts and local officials in awe. The majestic creature, measuring approximately 9-11 metres in length, was spotted near Mae Yai Island, part of the Surin Islands archipelago in Phang Nga Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344377-rare-omura’s-whale-spotted-near-surin-islands-phang-nga/

Young Heroes Save Woman from Chao Phraya River Leap Two young students from Wat Lad Bua Khao School are being hailed as heroes after their brave act of saving a woman who had jumped from the Bangkok Bridge into the Chao Phraya River. The incident, which could have ended tragically, has left netizens deeply impressed by the boys' courage. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344375-young-heroes-save-woman-from-chao-phraya-river-leap/

Authorities Raid Illegal Shop Selling Kratom, Cannabis, & E-Cigarettes in Sisaket Sisaket Governor Anupong Suksomnit assigned Deputy Governor Suriya Butchinda, along with Sukhit Luangsakulthai, District Chief of Sisaket, and Amorn Nambut, Acting District Chief of Sisaket City, to lead a joint operation targeting illegal activities in the area. The raid was conducted in coordination with local law enforcement, public health officials, and the provincial anti-narcotics centre. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344374-authorities-raid-illegal-shop-selling-kratom-cannabis-e-cigarettes-in-sisaket/

Authorities Raid Bar in Pattaya for Operating Beyond Legal Hours In the early hours local authorities and police raided a well-known bar in South Pattaya for violating operating hours, disrupting a lively night for patrons and employees. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344373-authorities-raid-bar-in-pattaya-for-operating-beyond-legal-hours/

Two young students from Wat Lad Bua Khao School are being hailed as heroes after their brave act of saving a woman who had jumped from the Bangkok Bridge into the Chao Phraya River. The incident, which could have ended tragically, has left netizens deeply impressed by the boys' courage. The story gained widespread attention on social media after it was reported on November 22, around 19:30. According to a post by the volunteer rescue organisation, Bang Phong Phang Foundation, a 17- year-old woman had leapt from the Bangkok Bridge in an apparent attempt to end her life. Fortunately, the two 12 year old students, witnessing the event, immediately jumped into the river to rescue her. With remarkable bravery and quick action, they managed to pull the woman to safety. After being brought ashore, volunteers provided first aid before transporting her to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital for further care. The rescue, captured on video and shared widely online, has drawn overwhelming praise for the boys' heroic deed. Social media users have expressed admiration for their courage and selflessness, celebrating the young students as role models for their peers. Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Video from Bang Phong Phang Foundation Facebook. -- 2024-11-24 ScreenRecording_11-23-2024 16-54-38_1.mp4

Sisaket Governor Anupong Suksomnit assigned Deputy Governor Suriya Butchinda, along with Sukhit Luangsakulthai, District Chief of Sisaket, and Amorn Nambut, Acting District Chief of Sisaket City, to lead a joint operation targeting illegal activities in the area. The raid on November 22, at 13.30, was conducted in coordination with local law enforcement, public health officials, and the provincial anti-narcotics centre. The operation was launched following complaints submitted by local residents through the Sisaket Provincial Damrongtham Center. Residents reported disturbances caused by a shop known as “Bang Top,” located within a dormitory complex in Phanta Yai Community, Sisaket City Municipality. The shop was accused of openly selling kratom-infused drinks, cannabis, and e-cigarettes to students and the public 24/7, causing significant disruption in the neighbourhood. Upon arrival, authorities discovered three individuals operating the illegal shop: • Thanaphat Meeboon, 20, from Khukhan District, Sisaket • Theerapat Duanyai, 22, from Wang Hin District, Sisaket • Dechawat Songmuang, 22, from Det Udom District, Ubon Ratchathani The suspects were caught producing kratom-infused drinks and selling cannabis and e-cigarettes. A search of the premises revealed a large stash of contraband and equipment, including: • 2,380 foreign-brand cigarettes • 170 e-cigarette pods • 1,719 bottles of cough syrup • 6 kratom-boiling pots • 26 bottles of kratom-infused drinks • 10 kilograms of cannabis flower buds • 4,224 empty bottles • Business signage, weighing scales, and cash totaling 296,480 baht Authorities seized all items as evidence. The suspects were charged with multiple offenses, including: 1. Producing and selling food products (kratom) in violation of the Food Act of 1979. 2. Selling modern medicine without authorization under the Medicine Act of 1967. 3. Possession of untaxed goods (foreign cigarettes) under the Excise Tax Act of 2017. 4. Selling controlled herbs (cannabis) without permission under the Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection Act of 1999. 5. Violating regulations prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes and related products under Consumer Protection Committee Order 27/2567. Notably, this shop had been raided three times in the past but continued its illegal activities, reopening in the same location with a larger operation. Despite repeated warnings, the operators showed blatant disregard for the law. The three suspects, along with the confiscated items, were taken into custody and handed over to the Sisaket City Police for further legal proceedings. Picture from the raid. -- 2024-11-24

Village Chief Discovers Five Grenades During Road Construction in Phayao A shocking discovery of five hand grenades halted a road construction project in Huai Pum Village, Chiang Kham District. The explosives, believed to date back to the Communist insurgency era, were safely removed and destroyed by authorities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344372-village-chief-discovers-five-grenades-during-road-construction-in-phayao/

In the early hours of November 23, local authorities and police raided a well-known bar in South Pattaya for violating operating hours, disrupting a lively night for patrons and employees. Led by Lieutenant Chonlathit Layananon, Deputy District Chief of Chonburi Province, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirachat Nuthes, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, a team of officials carried out an inspection of nightlife venues in Bang Lamung District. The operation aimed to ensure compliance with entertainment regulations, focusing on Pattaya’s entertainment hotspots. During the sweep, officers discovered the Thonglor Pattaya bar in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, still in full swing after 03.00. The venue was operating with flashing lights, loud music, and patrons enjoying drinks and dancing. Authorities entered the bar unannounced, immediately ordering staff to cease activities, turn off the music, and turn on the lights. Patrons and staff were separated for identity checks, while urine tests were conducted to screen for drug use. Initial investigations revealed no illegal substances or contraband on the premises. The bar’s manager, identified as Mr. Surawit 24, was taken into custody. He faces charges for operating an entertainment venue beyond permitted hours. The case has been handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings. This raid underscores the ongoing efforts by Chonburi provincial authorities to enforce regulations on nightlife establishments and curb unlawful activities in the Pattaya area. Picture of the raid. -- 2024-11-24

5,000 Litres of Smuggled Fuel Seized in Satun Waters Authorities have seized 5,000 litres of untaxed fuel and apprehended two suspects in a joint operation targeting fuel smuggling in the coastal waters of Satun Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344371-5000-litres-of-smuggled-fuel-seized-in-satun-waters/

Electric Tricycle Fire Causes Injury and Property Damage in Mae Hong Son Mae Hong Son City Police, under the direction of Pol. Col. Pasawin Kaewtai, reported a fire incident on November 23, at approximately 02:55. Pol. Lt. Boonrub Yubon, the investigating officer, was alerted by the Sam Mok Radio Centre about an electric tricycle catching fire. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344370-electric-tricycle-fire-causes-injury-and-property-damage-in-mae-hong-son/

A shocking discovery of five hand grenades halted a road construction project in Huai Pum Village, Chiang Kham District, on November 22. The explosives, believed to date back to the Communist insurgency era, were safely removed and destroyed by authorities. Police Captain Worakorn Onkhoksung, Commander of Border Patrol Police Company 326, was alerted to the incident by the village chief of Huai Pum, Moo 14, Rom Yen Subdistrict. The grenades were found along the roadside near a mango orchard on the route leading to the remote mountain village. Upon arrival, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team from Border Patrol Police Division 32 secured the site. The grenades, identified as old but fully functional Chinese-made fragmentation hand grenades, were discovered in a metal box near the orchard. Officers placed protective rubber tires over the devices and established a 200-metre safety perimeter. Preliminary inspections confirmed that the grenades remained intact and operational, with a blast radius of approximately 20 metres. Authorities suspect the explosives were remnants of the Communist insurgency, as the village is located in a mountainous area near the border between Thailand and Laos, historically a conflict zone. The village chief explained that the grenades were uncovered during excavation work for the road construction project. “While supervising the roadwork near the mango orchard, I noticed objects resembling old grenades in the soil. I immediately reported it to the local Border Patrol Police base,” he said. The EOD team safely retrieved the grenades, recorded the incident, and later conducted a controlled detonation to neutralise the threat. Authorities have reiterated the importance of vigilance in areas near former conflict zones, urging locals to report any suspicious objects to ensure public safety. Picture courtesy of EOD team. -- 2024-11-24

Authorities have seized 5,000 litres of untaxed fuel and apprehended two suspects in a joint operation targeting fuel smuggling in the coastal waters of Satun Province. On November 22, officers from the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command, led by Captain Santi Buanium, Deputy Director of the Maritime Enforcement Command Center for Satun, and Captain Rattapon Kaekrachai, head of the Satun Provincial Naval Task Force, launched the operation following intelligence reports. The reports indicated illegal fuel transfers along the coastline near Ban Nern Soong in Tambon Tanyong Po, Muang District. During the operation, authorities discovered a local fishing boat and a silver Toyota pickup truck parked near a makeshift pier. The boat was actively transferring untaxed diesel fuel into containers loaded onto the truck. Upon inspection, officials found 4,000 litres of diesel stored on the boat, a blue-and-red vessel weighing 12 gross tons, and an additional 1,000 litres in barrels in the truck’s cargo area. The boat’s operator, identified as Mr. Bawra 54, a resident of Tambon Tammalang, and the truck driver, Mr. Fittree 18, a resident of Tambon Yan Sue, were taken into custody. Neither suspect could produce tax payment documents for the fuel. Both men were charged under Section 203 of the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560 for possessing goods that had not been taxed. The suspects agreed to pay fines totaling 161,000 baht, with Mr. Bawra fined 128,800 baht and Mr. Fittree fined 32,200 baht. The confiscated fuel was handed over to the Satun Provincial Excise Office for further examination. The arrests were recorded at Muang Satun Police Station as part of the Royal Thai Navy’s ongoing crackdown on illegal maritime smuggling, in line with national directives to combat tax evasion and other unlawful activities in Thailand’s coastal regions. Picture courtesy of RTN -- 2024-11-24

Mae Hong Son City Police, under the direction of Pol. Col. Pasawin Kaewtai, reported a fire incident on November 23, at approximately 02:55. Pol. Lt. Boonrub Yubon, the investigating officer, was alerted by the Sam Mok Radio Centre about an electric tricycle catching fire. The incident occurred at house number 24/1 on Phadung Muay To Road in Chong Kham Subdistrict, Mueang District, Mae Hong Son Province. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found an almost completely burned electric tricycle parked in front of the house. The fire also damaged the eaves of the house. The homeowner, identified as 74-year-old Mrs. Thepin Pongwadi, sustained burn injuries while attempting to turn off the electrical breaker and passing by the burning vehicle. She was taken to Srisangwal Hospital for treatment. Authorities documented the scene and captured photographic evidence. According to an investigation involving eyewitness accounts and Mrs. Thepin’s statement, the fire likely originated from the electric tricycle. On November 22, at approximately 18:00, Mrs. Thepin had been charging the tricycle parked in front of her house. Around 02:20, a neighbour’s dog barked unusually loudly, prompting Mrs. Thepin and the neighbor to check outside. They discovered the electric tricycle ablaze, with the flames spreading to the eaves of the house. Neighbours worked together to extinguish the fire, using fire extinguishers and a hose pipe. While trying to switch off the electrical breaker, Mrs. Thepin sustained injuries as she passed by the burning tricycle. Fortunately, neighbours managed to put out the fire before it spread further. The exact cost of the damages is still being assessed. Authorities will collaborate with forensic specialists in Mae Hong Son to investigate the cause of the fire further. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with charging electric vehicles and the importance of proper safety measures. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

Unlucky 25-Year-Old Assaulted, Then Arrested for Possessing Crystal Meth A 25-year-old man in Pattaya had an unfortunate turn of events early morning. After being assaulted by two assailants, he was found in possession of crystal methamphetamine and promptly arrested by police. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344369-unlucky-25-year-old-assaulted-then-arrested-for-possessing-crystal-meth/

Police Bust Illegal Vehicle Trading Network, Seize Over 83 Items Worth 5 Million Baht The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), has dismantled a criminal network involved in the illegal sale of “pawned vehicles” and other unlawfully obtained automobiles. The operation, conducted across multiple provinces, resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of 83 items, including vehicles and other related equipment, valued at over 5 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344368-police-bust-illegal-vehicle-trading-network-seize-over-83-items-worth-5-million-baht/

Security Guard Arrested as Administrator of Secret Group with Over 100,000 Spy Camera Files The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has apprehended a security guard in Prachuap Khiri Khan for running a secret online group distributing voyeuristic content, including footage of women in public restrooms and under their skirts in public spaces. The operation, described as a serious threat to public safety, uncovered over 100,000 illicit files hosted on a Telegram group managed by the suspect. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344367-security-guard-arrested-as-administrator-of-secret-group-with-over-100000-spy-camera-files/

Thailand to Repatriate Over 900 Endangered Lemurs and Tortoises to Madagascar The Thai government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has announced plans to repatriate 963 rare and endangered animals to Madagascar. The official ceremony for the handover will take place on November 27, with the actual transport set to be carried out in stages via Qatar Airways on November 28, November 30, and December 2, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344366-thailand-to-repatriate-over-900-endangered-lemurs-and-tortoises-to-madagascar/