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Minivan Crashes into Elephant, Injuring Two; Elephant Later Found Dead A minivan travelling downhill collided with an elephant crossing the road in Chonburi province early morning on 17 February, leaving two people injured. The elephant initially walked away from the scene but was later found dead. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352086-minivan-crashes-into-elephant-injuring-two-elephant-later-found-dead/

Pictures from responders. A minivan travelling downhill collided with an elephant crossing the road in Chonburi province early morning on 17 February, leaving two people injured. The elephant initially walked away from the scene but was later found dead. The accident occurred at approximately 05:00 on Highway 344, near kilometre marker 44, in Moo 2, Hang Sung subdistrict, Nong Yai district. Authorities arrived at the scene to find a severely damaged Volkswagen minivan, registered in Rayong. According to reports, the minivan was descending a hill near Ban Huai Yama, just before a PTT petrol station, when it struck an elephant that was crossing the road towards Hang Sung. The collision resulted in injuries to two passengers, a man and a woman. Following the collision, locals spotted an elephant near a restaurant called “Khrua Rim Suan” before it wandered behind the Suksomboon factory. Witnesses reported that the elephant appeared agitated, charged towards lights, and chased barking dogs. At around 10:00, on 17 February, the elephant was discovered collapsed and lifeless in a wooded area behind the factory. Authorities later inspected the site and arranged for the elephant’s carcass to be properly buried in a designated area. -- 2025-02-18

Man Shoots Woman Dead Over Unpaid Loan, Claims Financial Ruin Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 57-year-old man has been arrested for fatally shooting a 49-year-old woman in Maha Sarakham province, allegedly in a fit of rage over an unpaid bank loan that left him facing financial hardship and a ruined credit score. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352084-man-shoots-woman-dead-over-unpaid-loan-claims-financial-ruin/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 57-year-old man has been arrested for fatally shooting a 49-year-old woman in Maha Sarakham province, allegedly in a fit of rage over an unpaid bank loan that left him facing financial hardship and a ruined credit score. Police officers, led by Lt. Col. Thongdee Hatti and Capt. Chanyut Kaewjinda from Wapi Pathum Police Station, responded to the shooting in Nong Hai subdistrict, Wapi Pathum district. At the scene, they found Ms. Wanphen, 49, critically wounded with gunshot injuries, one to the right side of her chest and two to her left shoulder. Three spent bullets were recovered nearby. Despite being rushed to Wapi Pathum Hospital, she was later pronounced dead. The suspect, identified as Mr. Wichai, 57, fled the scene with a .38-calibre firearm. However, police quickly tracked him down and arrested him in a wooded area approximately 100 metres from the crime scene. During interrogation, Mr. Wichai admitted to the shooting, explaining that seven years ago, he, his partner, and Ms. Wanphen had each taken out a 50,000-baht bank loan, acting as guarantors for one another. While he and his partner had repaid their debts, Ms. Wanphen had defaulted entirely. As a result, the bank initiated legal proceedings and threatened to seize his partner’s farmland, leaving him financially ruined and blacklisted by the credit bureau. On the day of the incident, Mr. Wichai had been drinking with neighbours when he saw Ms. Wanphen arrive on a motorcycle. He confronted her, demanding she repay the loan, but she refused, saying she had no money. Enraged, he retrieved a revolver he had purchased four years ago for 5,000 baht and shot her until the weapon was empty before attempting to flee. Police have charged Mr. Wichai with murder, and he remains in custody as investigations continue. -- 2025-02-18

Elderly Man Crashes Pickup Truck Carrying Disabled & Elderly Passengers into Lorry, Injuring Fourteen people were injured when an 83-year-old man driving a pickup truck carrying disabled and elderly passengers crashed into the back of a ten-wheel lorry in Samut Prakan on the evening of 17 February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352083-elderly-man-crashes-pickup-truck-carrying-disabled-elderly-passengers-into-lorry-injuring/

Picture from responders. Fourteen people were injured when an 83-year-old man driving a pickup truck carrying disabled and elderly passengers crashed into the back of a ten-wheel lorry in Samut Prakan on the evening of 17 February. The crash occurred at approximately 19:30, on Poochaosamingprai Road, near the Khlong Khut Bridge in Samrong Klang, Phra Pradaeng district. Police from Samrong Tai Station, along with rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded to the scene. At the crash site, officers found a heavily damaged green Toyota Mighty-X pickup truck, registered in Bangkok. Nearby, 14 injured passengers, comprising elderly individuals and people with disabilities, were receiving first aid before being transported to hospital. A short distance away, a white Hino ten-wheel lorry, registered in Nakhon Sawan, was parked with visible damage to its right rear end, including a broken taillight hanging loose. Security camera footage from a nearby house captured the moment the crash occurred. The lorry was seen driving in the left lane before shifting into the middle lane to avoid a parked covered pickup truck. At the same time, the pickup truck carrying the injured passengers was driving in the middle lane and crashed into the back of the lorry. Mr. Ood, 83, the driver of the pickup truck, explained that he was transporting 13–15 elderly and disabled patients from Rajaprajanugroh Institute. They had been returning from a donation event in Bang Kapi, Bangkok, and were just a few kilometres away from their destination when the collision occurred. He claimed that the lorry suddenly changed lanes in front of him, leaving him unable to brake in time, leading to the crash. Mr. Sanom, 57, one of the injured passengers, recounted that he and other disabled individuals had gone to collect donated food supplies and were on their way back to Phra Pradaeng Hospital (Rajaprajanugroh Institute) when the collision happened. He had been seated in the back of the pickup when the impact threw passengers around violently. Mr. Sommai, 48, the lorry driver gave a different account and stated that he had been pulling over to the left side of the road to park because he had noticed a stationary vehicle ahead. He had only just stopped when the pickup truck crashed into him at full speed without any sign of braking. Authorities conducted an initial investigation, documenting the scene and taking photographs before clearing the road to ease traffic congestion. Further questioning of both drivers and injured passengers will be carried out as part of the legal proceedings. -- 2025-02-18

Elderly Woman Fatally Burned in Sugarcane Field Fire in Chonburi An 85-year-old woman lost her life after being caught in a fire that swept through a sugarcane field in Ban Bueng district, Chonburi. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked when she attempted to burn waste, but strong winds caused the fire to spread uncontrollably. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352082-elderly-woman-fatally-burned-in-sugarcane-field-fire-in-chonburi/

Picture from responders. An 85-year-old woman lost her life after being caught in a fire that swept through a sugarcane field in Ban Bueng district, Chonburi. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked when she attempted to burn waste, but strong winds caused the fire to spread uncontrollably. At approximately 13:30 on 17 February, officers from Ban Bueng Police Station received a report of a fire in a sugarcane plantation in Map Phai subdistrict. Firefighters and rescue workers from the Sin Thammasamakom Foundation were dispatched to the scene, where they found the fire rapidly consuming dry sugarcane stalks left behind after harvesting. Fire crews managed to bring the flames under control, but during the operation, they discovered the charred remains of an elderly woman in the middle of the burned field. She was found clutching a metal rake, her body positioned in a crouched posture, suggesting she had been attempting to put out the flames before succumbing to the fire. Shortly after the discovery, Ms. Jittra, the deceased’s granddaughter, arrived at the scene and confirmed she believed it was her Grandmother. She told police that her grandmother frequently visited the field to monitor the crops and burn waste, despite repeated warnings from family members about the dangers. “It seems that she was trying to clear the fire with her rake, but the strong winds must have caused the flames to spread rapidly. She may have been overcome by smoke inhalation before being caught in the fire,” Ms. Jittra speculated. Mr. Suriya Phanbua, a firefighter from the Map Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, said that his team had been alerted to the blaze and responded immediately. “We were dousing the fire when we discovered the body. As soon as we realised there was a casualty, we informed the police for further investigation,” he said. Police believe the woman may have been overwhelmed by smoke before collapsing in the fire, making it impossible for her to escape. Given her age, she may have also struggled to react quickly to the spreading flames. Forensic specialists have been called in to examine the scene and conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-02-18

Delivery Truck Crashes into Power Pole, Leaving One Dead and Two Injured A delivery truck driver veered off the road and crashed into a power pole in Nakhon Ratchasima province on the morning, of 17 February, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The crash is believed to have been caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352080-delivery-truck-crashes-into-power-pole-leaving-one-dead-and-two-injured/

Picture from responders. A delivery truck driver veered off the road and crashed into a power pole in Nakhon Ratchasima province on the morning, of 17 February, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The crash is believed to have been caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. At approximately 09:45, officers from Huai Thalaeng Police Station received a report of a crash on the Phimai-Hin Dat Road in Ban Mai Nong Prue, Lhung Pradu subdistrict, Huai Thalaeng district. Emergency responders from Hook 31 rescue team and Huai Thalaeng Hospital were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a white Isuzu six-wheel delivery truck, registered in Khon Kaen, that had crashed into a roadside power pole. Inside the wreckage, three occupants were found injured. The front-seat passenger, seated on the far left, had been crushed against the pole. Medics assessed his condition and confirmed he had died at the scene. Rescue teams used hydraulic cutters to extract his body from the mangled truck. The driver and the middle-seat passenger, a man and a woman, sustained injuries and were transported to Huai Thalaeng Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck had been travelling normally before gradually drifting off the road and into the power pole. The driver, who was able to provide a brief statement, said he was en route to deliver goods to Buriram. He admitted feeling drowsy and had stopped for a short nap at a petrol station earlier. However, he still felt fatigued upon resuming his journey and eventually lost control of the vehicle. Authorities are continuing their investigation. The identity of the deceased man remains unknown as no identification documents were found on him. Police will wait for the driver to recover before conducting further inquiries and contacting the victim’s family. -- 2025-02-18

Teenage Boy Found Dead in Lake After Leaving Home Following Argument with Mother The body of a 19-year-old teenager was discovered floating in Bung Si Than, a lake within Khon Kaen University on the morning of 17 February, over two days after he had reportedly left home following a disagreement with his mother. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352079-teenage-boy-found-dead-in-lake-after-leaving-home-following-argument-with-mother/

Picture from responders The body of a 19-year-old teenager was discovered floating in Bung Si Than, a lake within Khon Kaen University on the morning of 17 February, over two days after he had reportedly left home following a disagreement with his mother. Rescue workers from the Sawang Khon Kaen Samakkhi Foundation were alerted to the discovery after a jogger spotted the body and notified university security staff. Upon arrival, they found the body of a young male, bloated and partially decomposed, wearing an orange school T-shirt and dark blue jeans. It was estimated that he had been dead for at least 48 hours. A woman at the scene, later identified as 51-year-old Thanyalak, recognised the deceased as her son, Panyakorn, who had been missing since late night of 14 February. She recounted that she had reprimanded him for spending too much time on his phone. Shortly after, he stormed out of the house, taking only his iPhone 14 but leaving behind the charger. After being unable to reach him, she reported his disappearance to Muang Khon Kaen Police Station. When informed of the discovery at the pond, she rushed to the scene and confirmed that the clothing and body matched her son’s description. Authorities are conducting further investigations to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-02-18

UPDATE Body Found Washed Ashore After Pickup Plunges Into Sea Near Mab Ta Phut A body has been discovered washed up on a beach in Rayong after a Nissan pickup truck plunged into the sea and was quickly swept away by strong waves. The incident occurred as the driver was on his way home after work. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352001-vehicle-plunges-into-the-sea-at-map-ta-phut-pier-search-for-missing-driver/#findComment-19595489

UPDATE Body Found Washed Ashore After Pickup Plunges Into Sea Near Mab Ta Phut Pictures from responders. A body has been discovered washed up on a beach in Rayong after a Nissan pickup truck plunged into the sea and was quickly swept away by strong waves. The incident occurred as the driver was on his way home after work. On the evening of February 16, fishermen reported seeing a silver Nissan pickup truck with license plate from Bangkok, fall into the sea near the Mab Ta Phut Industrial Estate, located on Highway I-1 in Tambon Mab Ta Phut, Mueang District, Rayong. The vehicle disappeared rapidly, sinking beneath the waves amid rough weather conditions. Authorities investigating the scene found vehicle parts and a license plate, as well as traces of the truck’s skid marks leading to the water. Rescue divers from Sawang Phorakhan and a local diving team launched an overnight search for the vehicle and the driver. At 12:30 on February 17, officers received reports that a body had been found washed ashore near the Mab Ta Phut Industrial Estate. Upon arrival, police confirmed the body was that of the 52-year-old driver, Phichai Suphanmok, who worked as an excavator operator at a local company. The body was identified by his clothes, a long-sleeved plaid shirt, black trousers, and grey sneakers. His body were sent to Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital in Mab Ta Phut for a post-mortem examination. The truck was located about 1 kilometre from where it had fallen into the sea, resting on the seabed approximately 6 meters deep. The vehicle had been carried from the point of entry by the waves. Authorities later brought in a crane on a barge to complete the recovery operation, with the pickup being raised and recovered, as part of the investigation. -- 2025-02-18

Burmese Worker Fatally Stabbed in Kanchanaburi: Suspect Apprehended A Burmese national was fatally stabbed in a workers’ housing area in Kanchanaburi on the afternoon of 17 February. Authorities quickly launched a manhunt and successfully apprehended the suspect, who is also from Myanmar, shortly after the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352077-burmese-worker-fatally-stabbed-in-kanchanaburi-suspect-apprehended/

Picture from responders. A Burmese national was fatally stabbed in a workers’ housing area in Kanchanaburi on the afternoon of 17 February. Authorities quickly launched a manhunt and successfully apprehended the suspect, who is also from Myanmar, shortly after the incident. At approximately 13:50, the Pitak Kanchanaburi Rescue Centre received an emergency report from the 191 police radio centre regarding a fatal stabbing incident in Soi 1, Kaeng Sian subdistrict. Rescue personnel and police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, responders found the body of a male victim, identified as a Myanmar national, lying on his back inside a row of rented rooms. A single stab wound was found beneath his left ribcage. Medical examiners, along with police investigators, conducted an initial examination at the scene. Witnesses reported that the suspect, also a Myanmar national, had fled the scene after attacking the victim, who was believed to be his supervisor at a construction site. He ran towards an area near Wat Tha Nam Tuen School in an attempt to escape. Police from Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station, along with volunteers, swiftly launched a search operation. After a short pursuit, the suspect was successfully apprehended and taken into custody. Police Investigator Pol. Lt. Col. Sam-ang Supaphattananan is leading the inquiry into the case. The motive for the attack has yet to be determined, but initial reports suggest that it may have stemmed from a workplace dispute. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the suspect remains in police custody pending further legal proceedings. -- 2025-02-18

Double Tragedy at Traffic Lights: Truck Overturns, Elderly Woman Fatally Hit A traffic crash in Suphan Buri resulted in two separate incidents, leaving one elderly woman dead and a truck overturned at a busy intersection. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352075-double-tragedy-at-traffic-lights-truck-overturns-elderly-woman-fatally-hit/

Picture from responders. A traffic crash in Suphan Buri resulted in two separate incidents, leaving one elderly woman dead and a truck overturned at a busy intersection. The initial crash occurred at the Sri Prachan intersection when a pickup truck carrying papayas overturned after crashing into a traffic light pole. Police and rescue teams were called to the scene, where they found the overturned vehicle with its cargo scattered across the road, blocking traffic. The driver, 27-year-old Anupap, explained that he was transporting papayas from Nan to Ratchaburi’s Sri Muang Market. As he approached the intersection, the traffic light turned red unexpectedly. Attempting to stop, he braked suddenly, but due to his high speed and the curve in the road, he lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn. Fortunately, he sustained only minor injuries. While police and rescue workers were clearing the scene, a second incident unfolded. An 82-year-old woman, identified as Amapai, was struck by a white SUV as she crossed the road, at the intersection. The impact left her critically injured, and she was rushed to Sri Prachan Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The SUV driver, 34-year-old identified only as Ms. B, a hospital worker, was visibly shaken and in tears at the scene. She told police that she had been driving to work and proceeded through the green light, unaware that the elderly woman was crossing. “I only looked at the traffic signal and didn’t see her. I feel shocked and deeply sorry,” she said. Amapai’s younger brother, who owns a business nearby, rushed to the scene upon hearing the news. He explained that his sister regularly crossed the intersection to shop at the local market. CCTV footage confirmed that Ms. B had crossed the intersection with the flow of traffic, while Amapai had nearly reached the far lane when she was struck. Police have charged Ms. B with reckless driving causing death. Further investigations are underway to finalise the case. -- 2025-02-18

UPDATE Chinese Tourist Flees Thailand After Suspected Drug Overdose Death of Woman A Chinese tourist accused of involvement in the drug-related death of a 22-year-old Thai woman has fled the country, raising questions about the police response and legal proceedings. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351973-chinese-man-faces-arrest-over-death-of-thai-woman-in-hotel-room/#findComment-19595474

UPDATE Chinese Tourist Flees Thailand After Suspected Drug Overdose Death of Woman Picture captured from CCTV A Chinese tourist accused of involvement in the drug-related death of a 22-year-old Thai woman has fled the country, raising questions about the police response and legal proceedings. The case revolves around Ms. Airada, known as “Nong Ai,” who died of a suspected drug overdose in a Bangkok hotel. Authorities believe she was with a Chinese national, identified as Mr. Duying Wu, who allegedly encouraged her to take illegal substances. Forensic evidence collected at the scene included traces of “Happy Water” and ketamine, powerful narcotics widely used in China. According to Associate Professor Dr. Weerasak Jaratchaisri, a forensic expert at Srinakharinwirot University, Happy Water is a dangerous mix of eight different drugs, comprising both stimulants and depressants. It is particularly hazardous when consumed with alcohol, as this accelerates the absorption of the substances into the bloodstream, potentially leading to circulatory failure. Although toxicology reports are still pending, forensic experts suggest the possibility that Nong Ai was forced to take the drugs. Her family insists she had no history of drug use, fuelling concerns that she may have been coerced. The case has drawn widespread attention, especially after reports surfaced that Thai police had engaged in discussions with the victim’s family regarding compensation. This sparked public criticism, with concerns that authorities were assisting the suspect rather than seeking justice for the victim. Former Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Wichai Sangprapai acknowledged that such negotiations could be interpreted in two ways, either as an attempt to secure a financial settlement, similar to traffic accident cases, or as an inappropriate effort to shield the suspect. Despite growing scrutiny, Mr. Wu managed to leave Thailand before an arrest warrant could be issued. Critics argue that police acted too slowly, failing to prevent his escape. However, senior officials defended the process, stating that gathering sufficient evidence to issue a warrant takes time. With the prime suspect now outside Thailand, authorities face mounting pressure to coordinate with international law enforcement to bring him to justice. Meanwhile, the victim’s family continues to demand answers and accountability. -- 2025-02-18

Rottweiler Chases and Injures 4.5-Metre King Cobra in Krabi; Snake Escapes to Safety A giant king cobra was chased and mauled by a Rottweiler in Krabi, leaving the snake injured and desperately seeking refuge. The incident unfolded on February 16, when the snake, measuring 4.5 meters and weighing 20 kilograms, was discovered hiding near a water jar outside the home of 62-year-old former village head, Chaisilp Klangrak, in Klong Ya, Ao Luek district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352074-rottweiler-chases-and-injures-45-metre-king-cobra-in-krabi-snake-escapes-to-safety/

Picture from responders. A giant king cobra was chased and mauled by a Rottweiler in Krabi, leaving the snake injured and desperately seeking refuge. The incident unfolded on February 16, when the snake, measuring 4.5 meters and weighing 20 kilograms, was discovered hiding near a water jar outside the home of 62-year-old former village head, Chaisilp Klangrak, in Klong Ya, Ao Luek district. The local rescue team, from the Klong Ya Khai Sawang Charitable Rescue Foundation, quickly responded to the distress call. Upon arriving, they found the injured snake coiled next to the water jar. Using specialised snake-catching equipment, the rescue team managed to safely secure the cobra within 10 minutes. Upon closer inspection, bite marks from the Rottweiler were visible across the snake’s body. The snake had reportedly been attacked by the family’s Rottweiler, prompting it to flee and seek shelter in the yard. It is believed that the snake had been searching for water, likely due to the ongoing drought in the region, when it encountered the dog. The former village head heard the barking and quickly alerted authorities, leading to the rescue of the snake, which was later treated and released back into the wild. This encounter highlights both the challenges posed by drought conditions and the dangerous interactions between wildlife and domesticated animals. -- 2025-02-18

Children Killed in Crash Between Lorry and Motorcycle in Phetchabun A crash in Phetchabun has claimed the lives of two young children after an articulated lorry collided with a motorcycle. The incident occurred at 10:00 on February 16, on Highway 3004, near kilometre marker 98+500, between Wang Pikul and Sap Somothod, in Bueng Samphan district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352073-children-killed-in-crash-between-lorry-and-motorcycle-in-phetchabun/

Picture from responders. A crash in Phetchabun has claimed the lives of two young children after an articulated lorry collided with a motorcycle. The incident occurred at 10:00 on February 16, on Highway 3004, near kilometre marker 98+500, between Wang Pikul and Sap Somothod, in Bueng Samphan district. According to the Phetchabun Road Safety Command Centre, the truck, registered in Surin, was heading towards Sap Somothod when the driver lost control and veered into the opposite lane. The vehicle then collided with an oncoming motorcycle, which did not have a license plate. The devastating crash resulted in the deaths of three people: one man, one boy, and one girl. The names and ages of the victims has not been released. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the driver was taken in for questioning. Authorities will proceed with legal actions as required. -- 2025-02-18

Neighbour Dispute Ends in Tragedy as Rubber Farmer Shot Dead A long-standing land dispute between two neighbours took a deadly turn in Nakhon Si Thammarat on 17 February, when a heated argument in a rubber plantation led to a fatal shooting. The suspect, unable to control his anger, turned himself in to police shortly after the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352072-neighbour-dispute-ends-in-tragedy-as-rubber-farmer-shot-dead/