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Picture from responders. Police in Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province, are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains in a public canal. Authorities believe the remains may belong to an elderly man who went missing late last year. The investigation, led by Police Colonel Preecha Nisaisom, superintendent of Plaeng Yao Police Station, began after locals reported finding the skeleton near Ban Wang Ka Thak in Moo 7, Wang Yen Subdistrict. Officers, including Lieutenant Tanang Wannasiri and forensic experts from Chachoengsao, were dispatched to the scene to examine the remains. The skeletal remains were described as dry and blackened. No weapons or personal items were discovered near the site, which was located in a public canal surrounded by vegetation. Police reviewed missing person reports and found that in early December 2024, relatives of an elderly man with dementia had reported him missing. The man, who had been struggling with memory loss due to age-related conditions, had disappeared from his home in the same area. To confirm the identity of the deceased, police contacted a local woman, referred to as “Nang Jai”, who is believed to be a relative of the missing man. DNA samples were collected from her and sent to the Police General Hospital’s Forensic Science Institute for genetic comparison with the remains. Police Colonel Preecha stated that the investigation is proceeding according to legal protocols and that the results of the DNA comparison will be crucial in determining the identity of the deceased. The discovery has left the local community shaken. Residents have expressed their sadness over the loss and urged families to remain vigilant in caring for elderly relatives with memory impairments, especially those who may wander off or become disoriented. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including foul play, but preliminary findings suggest the man may have accidentally wandered into the area and become unable to find his way back. -- 2025-01-19

Train station construction closes Ratchathewi flyover for 3 years by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Bangkok officials announced the closure of the Ratchathewi intersection flyover for three years to facilitate the construction of the Ratchathewi underground electric train station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349161-train-station-construction-closes-ratchathewi-flyover-for-3-years/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 19 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349209-thailand-live-sunday-19-january-2025/

UPDATE Firefighters Continue to Battle Blaze on Khao Krathing as Helicopters Join Effort At 15.00 authorities gave an update that the fire continues to burn across Khao Krathing, forcing authorities to launch an extensive firefighting operation involving helicopters, forestry officers, and ground teams. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349157-forest-fire-on-khao-krathing-sattahip-poses-threat-to-residential-areas/#findComment-19522429

UPDATE Firefighters Continue to Battle Blaze on Khao Krathing as Helicopters Join Effort Picture from responders . At 15.00 authorities gave an update that the fire continues to burn across Khao Krathing, forcing authorities to launch an extensive firefighting operation involving helicopters, forestry officers, and ground teams. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment deployed helicopters in the afternoon of January 18, to survey the affected areas and prepare for water-bombing missions. Forestry officials and firefighters, have also been sent on foot to reach the source of the blaze deep within the hilly terrain. Emergency crews have been battling the blaze for more than 20 hours straight. Despite their relentless efforts, the fire remains active, with new flare-ups occurring due to the rugged terrain and dry conditions. The fire, which is still burning across multiple hotspots and is believed to have been started by human activity. Authorities have pointed to local grass burning as the cause, with the flames rapidly spreading into the surrounding forested areas. “This is clearly the result of human actions,” one official stated. “Someone set fire to dry grass, and it quickly spread uphill. This has caused significant disruption and danger for everyone involved.” Officials have warned that such irresponsible actions, including setting fires to clear land, have far-reaching consequences for the environment and communities nearby. They urged the public to avoid activities that could spark wildfires, particularly during the dry season. The operation is ongoing, with authorities vowing to extinguish the fire, as fire crews remain on standby at strategic locations, to protect residential areas should the fire move close. -- 2025-01-18

UPDATE Foreign Husband and Thai Wife Arrested for Methamphetamine Use After Chumphon Incident In a shocking turn of events in Chumphon, Komchadluek News reported that the foreign man and his Thai wife were arrested after being found to have used methamphetamine ( “yaba”) while driving. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349108-foreigner-holds-thai-wife-at-gunpoint-in-car-–-police-in-chumphon-launch-search/page/2/#findComment-19522278

UPDATE Foreign Husband and Thai Wife Arrested for Methamphetamine Use After Chumphon Incident Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. In a shocking turn of events in Chumphon, Komchadluek News reported that the foreign man and his Thai wife were arrested after being found to have used methamphetamine ( “yaba”) while driving. This incident began when a Facebook post went viral, reporting a black Ford 4-door pickup truck driven by a foreign man and his wife trying to get out the passenger door. Following the alert, Chumphon Highway Police and Ban Nahu Police Station set up a roadblock and intercepted the vehicle near the Kuan Hin Mui railway station in Ban Nacah, Laeng Suan District. The wife, later identified as Ms. Lamai, claimed that the couple had argued over jealousy issues, and she attempted to leave the car after consuming wine. She expressed regret for causing the disruption. Upon calming down at the police station, officers from the Chumphon Tourist Police grew suspicious of the couple’s behavior, which appeared erratic and indicative of drug use. The smell of narcotics was detected inside the vehicle, and police requested a urine test. Both individuals tested positive for methamphetamine, and further testing confirmed the presence of the drug in their system. The Swiss national, 42-year-old Sandro, was charged with using and possessing methamphetamine without authorisation, while Ms. Lamai, 36, faced the same charge. Both confessed during interrogation that they used the drug to alleviate body aches, with the last dose taken on January 17 while en route to Krabi. Ms. Lamai later expressed deep remorse for the incident, explaining the frequent arguments with her foreign husband, citing jealousy and anxiety from their business dealings overseas. She revealed that her husband had attempted suicide twice due to stress from business losses and growing paranoia, even suspecting her of infidelity during a trip to Vietnam. She also stated that damage to the pickup truck was mistakenly attributed to her supposed affair, though it was her husband who was driving at the time. On January 18, the couple was transferred to Laeng Suan Provincial Court. Both now face legal consequences for their actions, and the case has highlighted the dangers of methamphetamine use and the strain it can place on personal relationships. -- 2025-01-18

UPDATE Fire at Khao Krathing, Sattahip: Royal Thai Navy Deploys Helicopter to Help Extinguish Blaze Picture and video courtesy of Sattahip News. The fire which has burnt all night at Khao Krathing in Sattahip, has prompted action from the Royal Thai Navy. A helicopter has been deployed to combat the flames, bringing much-needed reassurance to local residents. Without the helicopter’s intervention, officials stated, the fire would have been nearly impossible access and to extinguish. Fire teams on the ground are still deployed to protect residential properties, if the fire spreads. -- 2025-01-18 ScreenRecording_01-18-2025 10-02-46_1.mp4

Forest Fire on Khao Krathing, Sattahip Poses Threat to Residential Areas A fierce forest fire has erupted on Khao Krathing, near Bang Saray, Sattahip district, Chonburi, dangerously close to residential areas. Firefighters battled to contain the flames, which continue to spread uncontrollably. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with authorities unable to confirm whether it is a natural phenomenon or human-induced. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349157-forest-fire-on-khao-krathing-sattahip-poses-threat-to-residential-areas/

Picture from responders. A fierce forest fire has erupted on Khao Krathing, near Bang Saray, Sattahip district, Chonburi, dangerously close to residential areas. Firefighters battled to contain the flames, which continue to spread uncontrollably. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with authorities unable to confirm whether it is a natural phenomenon, accidental or intentional human action. The fire was first reported at 19:30 in Moo 6, Kled Kaew Municipality. It began in the mid-section of the mountain and has rapidly spread. Despite extensive efforts, firefighting vehicles have not been able to reach the fire’s centre due to challenging steep and rough terrain. Emergency teams from multiple agencies, including naval firefighters from Sattahip Naval Base, Kled Kaew Fire Department, and the Udomsak Subdistrict Municipality Fire Department, have formed a defensive line to prevent the fire from advancing into residential areas. Fire crews are on standby throughout the night, ready to respond to any situation, if the fire moves towards residential areas. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm. Although the fire is yet to be brought under control, measures are in place to ensure the safety of the local population. Plans are being prepared to deploy aerial firefighting operations by the Royal Thai Navy on the morning of January 18, should the fire persist and it is found necessary. -- 2025-01-18

Police Van Transporting Suspects Crashes and Kills Elderly Woman Crossing Road An elderly woman was killed when a police vehicle transporting three drug suspects overturned after hitting her as she crossed the road with her bicycle in Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349154-police-van-transporting-suspects-crashes-and-kills-elderly-woman-crossing-road/

Picture from responders. An elderly woman was killed when a police vehicle transporting three drug suspects overturned after hitting her as she crossed the road with her bicycle in Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok. The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 on January 17. Officers from Bang Rakam Police Station received reports of a fatal crash involving a police van on the Bang Rakam-Lan Krabue Road in Moo 17, Ban Hua Bueng, Bang Rakam Subdistrict. Rescue teams from Prasat Boon Satarn Foundation were dispatched to the scene. At the site, a crowd of onlookers had gathered around the overturned police van, a Toyota registered in Bangkok. The vehicle, belonging to the Self-Reliance Settlement Police Station in Bang Rakam, was damaged, lying on its roof by the roadside. Two police officers, including the driver, and three male drug suspects seated in the back sustained minor injuries. Nearby, the victim, identified as Mrs. Sawan, a 74-year-old resident of Bang Rakam, was found unconscious after being struck while pushing her bicycle across the road. Despite the immediate efforts of a good Samaritan, Mr. Nitit Thanachutiweernan, who performed CPR for 30 minutes, Mrs. Sawan succumbed to her injuries. Rescue personnel transported Mrs. Sawan’s body to Naresuan University Hospital. Relatives have been contacted to collect her remains for funeral rites. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash and whether negligence was involved. -- 2025-01-18

Student Found Dead in Dormitory, Suspected to Be from Academic Stress An 18-year-old male student in his final year of school took his own life at a dormitory in Udon Thani, reportedly due to academic stress and concerns about disappointing his parents. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349153-student-found-dead-in-dormitory-suspected-to-be-from-academic-stress/

Picture from responders. An 18-year-old male student in his final year of school took his own life at a dormitory in Udon Thani, reportedly due to academic stress and concerns about disappointing his parents. The body of Anupol was discovered in his dormitory located in the Saeng Kaew community, Makkhaeng subdistrict, Udon Thani municipality. Police Lieutenant Prem Triamtua, an investigator from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, along with medical personnel from Udon Thani Central Hospital and rescue volunteers, arrived at the scene shortly after being notified. Anupol was found in the bathroom of his ground-floor dormitory room, wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and black tracksuit trousers. The initial investigation revealed no signs of foul play, with the cause of death determined to be asphyxiation. Medical examiners estimate he had passed away six to eight hours prior to being found. A close friend of the deceased, also 18, recounted finding the body. The friend, who regularly stopped by to wake Anupol up for school, discovered the room locked. Peering through the window, he saw his friend hanging in the bathroom. Initially thinking it was a prank, he attempted to call out but received no response. Upon entering the room, he confirmed the worst. The friend speculated that academic struggles might have contributed to the tragedy. Anupol had been failing several subjects and was at risk of not graduating, a concern that had reportedly weighed heavily on him. He also faced pressure to meet his father's expectations, as his father had promised to send him to study in China if he successfully graduated. A 16-year-old female friend and confidant of the deceased also shared insights into his state of mind. According to her, Anupol had recently expressed anxiety about his academic performance, fearing he would not meet his father's demands in time. She also revealed that Anupol had previously struggled with substance use but had given it up at her request. She did not suspect he would take such a drastic step, as he generally appeared cheerful and outgoing. Another dormitory resident, said she had not heard any unusual activity the night before. She described Anupol as a friendly and lively individual, adding that his death had come as a shock to everyone in the building. Police believe Anupol's death was likely caused by the intense pressure of his academic situation and fear of disappointing his family. His body has been sent to the forensic unit at Udon Thani Central Hospital, and arrangements are being made for his family to collect the remains. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. -- 2025-01-18

Teenage Girl Injured in Motorbike Crash After Drinking All Night A rescue team from the Siam Rayong Foundation was called to the scene of a motorbike crash in Soi 4, Intersection of Soi 3, Route 13, Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong Province. Upon arrival, they discovered a 16-year-old girl, identified as Miss Sukanda, who had sustained minor injuries after her motorbike skidded and overturned. Concerned locals had already helped her to a nearby bus stop shelter. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349151-teenage-girl-injured-in-motorbike-crash-after-drinking-all-night/

Picture from responders. A rescue team from the Siam Rayong Foundation was called to the scene of a motorbike crash in Soi 4, Intersection of Soi 3, Route 13, Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong Province. Upon arrival, they discovered a 16-year-old girl, identified as Miss Sukanda, who had sustained minor injuries after her motorbike skidded and overturned. Concerned locals had already helped her to a nearby bus stop shelter. Residents tried to inquire about her injuries, but the girl appeared disoriented and struggled to answer coherently. She eventually admitted to having been drinking heavily with friends in a nearby village since the previous evening. After a night of partying, she attempted to ride her motorbike home to Rayong City that morning, only to lose control and crash. The rescue team questioned her in hopes of contacting her parents or finding her home address. However, the teenager could not remember where she lived or provide a contact number for her family, recalling only that she lived somewhere in Rayong Province. Out of concern for her safety, rescue workers persuaded her to return to her friend’s house to rest until she sobered up. They transported her to the friend’s residence, advising against riding her motorbike while still intoxicated. Witnesses noted that even as the girl stood, she appeared unsteady and had to be supported by bystanders to prevent further injury. The Siam Rayong Foundation issued a warning about the dangers of drink-driving, stating that this incident should serve as a cautionary tale. “This case was fortunate not to have ended tragically on a major road, where it could have resulted in serious injury or death,” they emphasised. -- 2025-01-18

Fatal Collision Between Pickup Truck and Sugarcane Truck in Kanchanaburi In the early hours of January 17, a collision between a pickup truck and a sugarcane truck occurred in Nong Prue District, Kanchanaburi Province, leaving one dead and another critically injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349149-fatal-collision-between-pickup-truck-and-sugarcane-truck-in-kanchanaburi/

Picture from responders. In the early hours of January 17, a collision between a pickup truck and a sugarcane truck occurred in Nong Prue District, Kanchanaburi Province, leaving one dead and another critically injured. The crash took place at approximately 00:35, near Ban Nong Hu Chang in Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict. Local emergency response units, including Nong Prue and Nong Pla Lai rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered a heavily damaged Isuzu four-door pickup truck that had collided with a large sugarcane truck. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while another sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The identity of the deceased and injured victims has not yet been disclosed, as authorities are in the process of notifying their families. Witnesses described the chaotic aftermath, with the pickup truck crushed from the force of the impact. The sugarcane truck, laden with harvested crops, which had been traveling slowly, stopped in the road after the collision. Debris from both vehicles was scattered across the roadway, making it difficult for traffic to pass. The sugarcane truck driver, who escaped uninjured, stated that he was transporting a full load of sugarcane to a nearby processing facility when the pickup truck appeared to lose control and collided with his vehicle. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash, although this is yet to be confirmed, as the investigation continues. Police have urged other drivers in the area to remain vigilant, especially during the sugarcane harvest season, when large trucks are a frequent sight on the roads. The sugarcane harvest season sees a significant increase in the number of heavy trucks on rural and provincial roads, which often poses heightened risks for smaller vehicles. -- 2025-01-18

Gas-Powered Taxi Engulfed in Flames: 81-Year-Old Driver Recounts Terrifying Moments A gas-powered taxi was completely destroyed in a fire near the Korp Or intersection on Chantrubeksa Road on the afternoon of January 17. The driver, an 81-year-old man, narrowly escaped with minor injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349147-gas-powered-taxi-engulfed-in-flames-81-year-old-driver-recounts-terrifying-moments/

Picture from responders. A gas-powered taxi was completely destroyed in a fire near the Korp Or intersection on Chantrubeksa Road on the afternoon of January 17. The driver, an 81-year-old man, narrowly escaped with minor injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 13:25, prompting Lieutenant Warinthon Khunurat, deputy inspector of the Sai Mai Police Station, to rush to the scene. The blaze engulfed a green and yellow taxi, licence platefrom Bangkok, which was parked in the first lane of the road heading towards the Korp Or intersection. Firefighters from the Royal Thai Air Force quickly arrived and managed to extinguish the flames, but not before the vehicle was completely destroyed. Nearby trees also sustained damage from the intense heat. The driver, identified as Mr. Anan Phattanakhomsan, aged 81, sustained burns on his arms and was treated at the scene by rescue personnel. According to Mr. Anan, the fire began in the engine compartment while he was driving along Chantrubeksa Road. He immediately pulled over and attempted to contain the flames, but they spread rapidly, leaving him with no choice but to flee away from the vehicle. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing towards a malfunction in the vehicle’s gas system. -- 2025-01-18

Elderly Man Killed in Train Collision in Nakhon Si Thammarat An incident occurred on 17 January, when an elderly man was struck and killed by a local train in Ronnaphibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The victim, identified as 68-year-old Udon, from the nearby Kwan Chum sub-district, was found in a devastating condition after being run over by the Yala-Nakhon Si Thammarat local train (train number 456). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349146-elderly-man-killed-in-train-collision-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture from responders. An incident occurred on 17 January, when an elderly man was struck and killed by a local train in Ronnaphibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The victim, identified as 68-year-old Udon, from the nearby Kwan Chum sub-district, was found in a devastating condition after being run over by the Yala-Nakhon Si Thammarat local train (train number 456). Emergency responders from the Ronnaphibun Police Station, along with medical staff and rescue teams from the Taiteck Siang Tsing Foundation, arrived at the scene, where they discovered human body parts scattered along the railway tracks for sone distance. The victim's remains were subsequently collected and identified as Udon, a local resident who was known to frequently walk along the railway tracks. Initial investigations revealed that Udon, who had some hearing difficulties, had been walking on the railway tracks after running errands in the village. Witnesses reported that he likely turned his back to the approaching train, unaware of its proximity due to his hearing impairment. The train driver was unable to stop in time, resulting in the fatal collision. The train's crew immediately informed the station master, who notified the authorities. The train continued on its route after the incident, and the driver and station staff will provide statements to the police for further investigation, as per the standard procedure for incidents involving trains. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident, but it serves as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with walking along railway tracks. -- 2025-01-18

Sattahip Police Seize 58,000 Methamphetamine Pills in Major Drug Bust Police in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, have announced on January 17, the arrest of a 35-year-old man in possession of 58,000 methamphetamine pills during a raid at a residence in Plutaluang Subdistrict. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349144-sattahip-police-seize-58000-methamphetamine-pills-in-major-drug-bust/

Picture courtesy of Sattahip police. Police in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, have announced on January 17, the arrest of a 35-year-old man in possession of 58,000 methamphetamine pills during a raid at a residence in Plutaluang Subdistrict. The operation, led by Police Colonel Thanaphon Klinkasorn, superintendent of the Sattahip Police Station, alongside Deputy Superintendent Suvichak Rueangnuamdee and Investigation Inspector Akkarachai Wongkhamsom, resulted in the capture of Mr. Weeradech Sakwilaiporn, also known as “Sam.” Acting on a tip-off from an informant, police conducted a search of the property at house number 100/82 in Moo 2, uncovering the large haul of methamphetamine pills. The suspect was immediately taken into custody for questioning and legal proceedings. During the interrogation, Mr. Weeradech revealed that the drugs belonged to an individual identified as “Nut,” who had temporarily stored the methamphetamine at the house and promised to collect it later. Authorities believe this is the same “Nut” connected to a high-profile case involving the abduction of a Chinese businessman by a gang linked to rogue police officers in Bangkok. Further investigations revealed that the drugs were smuggled into Thailand from a neighbouring country, Laos. According to Mr. Weeradech, the latest shipment consisted of approximately 300,000 pills, some of which had already been distributed before his arrest. Police are continuing their investigation into the wider drug network and any connections to other criminal activities. This significant drug seizure highlights the ongoing battle against narcotics in Thailand and the cross-border nature of the drug trade. -- 2025-01-18