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Staff Shuttle Bus Destroyed by Fire Near Ayutthaya Temple In the early morning of of 21 April, a staff shuttle bus was completely destroyed by fire on the outbound side of Rojana Road, near the entrance arch of Wat Khan Ham in Khan Ham Subdistrict, Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358328-staff-shuttle-bus-destroyed-by-fire-near-ayutthaya-temple/

Pictures from responders In the early morning of of 21 April, a staff shuttle bus was completely destroyed by fire on the outbound side of Rojana Road, near the entrance arch of Wat Khan Ham in Khan Ham Subdistrict, Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The incident occurred at approximately 05:30. Police officers from Uthai Police Station received an emergency call and promptly coordinated with local firefighters from Khan Ham Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, along with rescue personnel from the Phuttha Sawan Foundation. Upon arrival, emergency responders were met with flames engulfing a white shuttle bus, bearing yellow licence plate from Lopburi. The fire was spreading rapidly and posed a risk to nearby shops. Firefighters deployed water hose-lines to battle the blaze and prevent it from spreading. A loud explosion was also reported during the incident. It took more than 45 minutes to bring the flames under control, by which time the bus had been completely gutted, leaving only smoke and smouldering wreckage. According to the 43-year-old driver, Mr. Kittima, he had parked the bus with the engine running while he went to use the restroom. He estimated he was away from the vehicle for less than five minutes. Upon returning, he saw flames already emerging from the front of the bus. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board at the time. In addition to the bus, a motorcycle parked nearby and signage belonging to an adjacent shop sustained damage from the heat. There were no reported injuries or fatalities. Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire. Forensic officers have been called in to examine the vehicle and assist with any legal proceedings. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon. -- 2025-04-21

Seven Dead as Runaway Bus Slams into Trucks and Bursts into Flames At least seven people have died and 39 others were injured after a passenger bus suffered brake failure and ploughed into three trucks before catching fire in a horrific early morning crash. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358317-seven-dead-as-runaway-bus-slams-into-trucks-and-bursts-into-flames/

Pictures from responders. At least seven people have died and 39 others were injured after a passenger bus suffered brake failure and ploughed into three trucks before catching fire in a horrific early morning crash. The incident occurred around 02:00 on 21 April, along a downhill stretch of road at Khao Thon in Buprahm subdistrict, Na Di district, Prachinburi province. The bus driver, operating on the Rayong–Nong Khai route and registered in Udon Thani, lost control while descending and collided with a convoy of trucks. Police Lieutenant Siwaphat Phuriphat Chaibunchoo, investigating officer at Wang Khon Daeng Police Station, confirmed the tragedy. The bus rammed into three trucks, including a white 22-wheel Hino from Pathum Thani and a white 10-wheel Isuzu from Nakhon Ratchasima. Despite the severity of the collision, the truck drivers were unharmed. The driver of the bus, his assistant, and five passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was reportedly crushed behind the wheel, a detail described by first responders as “an impact too severe for survival.” The 39 injured include 24 men and 15 women, all of whom were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Eyewitness Lamson Puangphu, who was driving behind the ill-fated bus, said he noticed the vehicle descending at high speed. “I knew right away the brakes had failed,” he recounted. “I followed cautiously and then saw the crash unfold. I pulled over immediately and tried to help.” Mr. Lamson attempted to assist trapped passengers, urging them to exit the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. “I shouted to everyone to get out,” he said. “Luckily, some managed to escape before the fire took hold.” Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash and whether any safety violations were involved in the operation of the bus. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod. -- 2025-04-21 ScreenRecording_04-21-2025 08-37-58_1.mp4

Armed Robber Posing as Motorcycle Taxi Driver Targets Tourist in Pattaya Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya are searching for an armed man who posed as a motorcycle taxi driver and attempted to rob victims, including a young Thai woman and a Russian tourist with her child, in two separate incidents in the Pratumnak area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358312-armed-robber-posing-as-motorcycle-taxi-driver-targets-tourist-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Pattaya are searching for an armed man who posed as a motorcycle taxi driver and attempted to rob victims, including a young Thai woman and a Russian tourist with her child, in two separate incidents in the Pratumnak area. The incidents were reported at around 20:45 on 20 April. Police Sub-Lieutenant Panasorn Khrongsit of Pattaya City Police Station received an emergency call regarding an armed robbery attempt in Soi Pratumnak 5, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Responding swiftly, police coordinated with officers from the local investigative unit and the Tourist Police. At the scene, the first victim, a 21-year-old Thai woman identified only as Ms. B, reported that a man wearing a typical orange motorcycle taxi vest approached her on a motorbike and asked if she needed a ride. She declined, saying she was walking a short distance. However, the man followed her, blocked her path, and drew a firearm without speaking. Fearing for her safety, she ran into a nearby hotel and called for help. The suspect fled the scene. Shortly after, the same suspect reportedly targeted a Russian tourist walking with her friend and three-year-old daughter near Soi Pratumnak 6. Witnesses stated the suspect circled the area on his motorcycle three times before approaching the victims in a dimly lit part of the street. He then threatened them with a gun and demanded money. Concerned for her child’s safety, the Russian woman handed over 3,100 baht in cash before the suspect sped off. Patrol units immediately dispatched to intercept the suspect, though he had already fled the scene. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations and interviewing witnesses to help track down the perpetrator. Investigators believe they have a strong lead on the suspect’s identity and the vehicle used in the escape. Officials remain confident the suspect will be apprehended shortly. Adapted by ASEAN Now from SiamChon. -- 2025-04-21

Police Raid Warehouse in Rayong Over Cash-on-Delivery Scam Using Stolen Shipping Data Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Police have busted a warehouse operation in Rayong province involved in a large-scale scam using low-quality goods imported from China, exploiting personal information from a major private delivery company to trick victims into paying cash-on-delivery (COD) for parcels they never ordered. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358311-police-raid-warehouse-in-rayong-over-cash-on-delivery-scam-using-stolen-shipping-data/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Police have busted a warehouse operation in Rayong province involved in a large-scale scam using low-quality goods imported from China, exploiting personal information from a major private delivery company to trick victims into paying cash-on-delivery (COD) for parcels they never ordered. The raid was led by Pol Maj Gen Teerachai Chamnarnmoh, commander of Region 2 Provincial Police Investigation Division, alongside several senior officers and officers from Mueang Rayong Police Station. The investigation was launched following complaints from residents who reported receiving unsolicited parcels demanding COD payments of around 300 to 400 baht. Upon opening the parcels, recipients discovered low-value items such as flip-flops, cheap sneakers, toothpaste, clothing, and unbranded cosmetics. Police traced the scam to a warehouse in the Thap Ma subdistrict, where they discovered three Myanmar nationals packing goods into parcels, affixing delivery labels bearing names and addresses lifted from a private courier database. A Thai man was also present, preparing to transport the parcels to a local courier depot. According to investigators, the criminal network behind the operation follows a three-step scheme: 1. Import and Packing: Substandard goods are imported from China and delivered to the warehouse, where staff pack them into boxes without regard to what the customer supposedly ordered. 2. Labeling and Dispatching: Pre-printed delivery labels, featuring real names and addresses harvested from courier records, are affixed to the boxes, with the sender listed as a legitimate-looking retail outlet. These are then passed to courier companies for delivery with COD charges attached. 3. Delivery and Deception: If the recipient pays the COD fee, they unknowingly receive worthless items they never requested. If the package is rejected, it is returned to the warehouse, where the same goods are repacked and sent to another target with a new label. Police confirmed that the operation was being coordinated by both Thai and Chinese nationals. Authorities are currently expanding their investigation to track down the masterminds and other members of the syndicate. Officials are urging members of the public to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited parcels, especially when asked to make COD payments, and to report any suspicious activity to the police. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod. -- 2025-04-21

Tea Shop Robber Arrested After Violent Attack in Bangkok, Suspect Caught in Ubon Ratchathani Picture captured from CCTV. Police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Phitsanulok in connection with a violent armed robbery at a tea shop in Bangkok’s Chalong Krung district. The suspect, who stabbed a female employee and stole a gold necklace and cash, was tracked down and apprehended while hiding near the Laos border. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358310-tea-shop-robber-arrested-after-violent-attack-in-bangkok-suspect-caught-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Picture captured from CCTV. Police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Phitsanulok in connection with a violent armed robbery at a tea shop in Bangkok’s Chalong Krung district. The suspect, who stabbed a female employee and stole a gold necklace and cash, was tracked down and apprehended while hiding near the Laos border. The robbery took place around 20:00, on 19 April at the Majitea bubble tea shop on Soi Chalong Krung 29. CCTV footage captured the moment a masked man entered the shop as it was closing, grabbed the 21-year-old employee, and dragged her at knifepoint to the back of the premises. He then stabbed her in the waist, stole her gold necklace (weighing one baht, worth approximately 50,000 baht), locked her inside the shop, and fled. The victim was later rescued and rushed to Chularat 9 Hospital, where she remains in stable condition. Investigators from Chalong Krung Police Station and Metropolitan Police Division 3 launched an urgent investigation. That same night, police inspected the scene and interviewed the victim’s boyfriend, who reported that the suspect had used force to subdue her and committed the robbery before escaping through the front of the shop. Following leads from CCTV footage and a tip-off from a member of the public, investigators identified the suspect as Mr. Wallop Kasiya, who was using the Facebook profile “Son-in-law of Ubon, Man from Phitsanulok.” Surveillance footage confirmed he had used a grey Honda Scoopy motorcycle (registration number from Phitsanulok) during the escape. Mr. Wallop was later tracked to room D14 of an apartment complex on Chalong Krung Road in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district. There, officers found the suspect’s motorcycle, a black helmet, grey-and-orange jacket, and grey Gito sneakers used during the robbery. However, by the time officers arrived, Mr. Wallop had already fled the capital. He escaped in a white Toyota Revo pickup truck (registration in Bangkok) to his girlfriend’s home in the border town of Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani province. With cooperation from local police, Mr. Wallop was arrested at the address, where officers also recovered the stolen gold necklace and the pickup truck used during his flight. During initial questioning, Mr. Wallop confessed to the crime, stating that he committed the robbery because he was short of money following the Songkran holiday. Police are now in the process of transferring the suspect back to Bangkok for formal charges. He will face multiple counts including armed robbery, assault, and unlawful detention. The investigation continues. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon. -- 2025-04-21

Newborn Baby Abandoned in Grassland with Umbilical Cord Still Attached Picture courtesy of Matichon. A newborn baby boy has been rescued after being discovered abandoned in thick grassland near the Mun River in Chok Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The infant was found lying face-down on his umbilical cord, without any clothing or covering, but has since been confirmed to be in good health. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358309-newborn-baby-abandoned-in-grassland-with-umbilical-cord-still-attached/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A newborn baby boy has been rescued after being discovered abandoned in thick grassland near the Mun River in Chok Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The infant was found lying face-down on his umbilical cord, without any clothing or covering, but has since been confirmed to be in good health. The incident occurred early on the morning of 20 April, at a remote overgrown area near a bridge marking the boundary between Moo 1 Ban Rai and Moo 3 Ban Tha Ang villages in Tha Ang subdistrict. The location, approximately 300 metres from the village road, was filled with dense vegetation over two metres high. Mr. Rewin, local village headman, said that around 06:00, a local resident reported hearing crying from the area. Upon arrival, they found a male infant lying face-down in the grass, with his legs protruding from the undergrowth. The baby was still crying and had not been wrapped in any cloth. Emergency services and police were called immediately, and the child was rushed to Chok Chai Hospital. The village headman noted that the baby appeared to have been thrown into the undergrowth rather than placed gently, as his position suggested no deliberate arrangement. Blood was still visible on the baby’s body, suggesting he had only recently been born. Medical staff at Chok Chai Hospital confirmed the infant is in stable condition and weighs a healthy 3.4 kilograms. The man who first discovered the baby, 42-year-old Mr. Naphat, said he had been out collecting eel traps when he heard what he initially thought was a bird. Upon listening more closely, he realised it was the cry of a child. Following the sound, he was shocked to find the newborn lying in the grass, still attached to his umbilical cord and very much alive. Chok Chai Police have launched an investigation, deploying detectives to track CCTV footage from nearby roads to identify the person or people responsible for abandoning the baby. Authorities are now urgently working to locate the mother and others who may be involved. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon. -- 2025-04-21

32-Year-Old Man Dies While Searching for Shellfish in Chonburi Picture courtesy of Khoasod. An incident occurred this morning in Chonburi province when a 32-year-old man lost his life while foraging for blood cockles in the sea during hot weather conditions. Authorities believe the extreme heat may have triggered a pre-existing medical condition, leading to his sudden collapse and subsequent death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358308-32-year-old-man-dies-while-searching-for-shellfish-in-chonburi/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. An incident occurred this morning in Chonburi province when a 32-year-old man lost his life while foraging for blood cockles in the sea during hot weather conditions. Authorities believe the extreme heat may have triggered a pre-existing medical condition, leading to his sudden collapse and subsequent death. At approximately 10:30 on 20 April, Pol. Capt. Kawin Juirat, an investigative officer at Mueang Chonburi Police Station, received a report of a deceased individual found in the sea near the new pier in the Mueang district. Police officers, accompanied by a rescue team from the Tri Khunatham Foundation, responded promptly to the scene. Rescue personnel discovered the body of Mr. Sumanas Khayankan, 32, lying face down in the mud along the shoreline. His body was retrieved using improvised cage, raised and lowered via a folklift truck. A large crowd of local residents and the deceased’s grieving relatives had gathered at the scene. According to Mr. Yo, the victim’s uncle, Mr. Sumanas suffered from epilepsy. On this occasion, he had gone to collect shellfish to support his family. It is believed that the combination of intense heat and his underlying condition caused him to faint and fall into the water unnoticed, leading to his death. His uncle only learned of the death after being informed by a local who discovered the body. Police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. The remains will then be released to the family for religious rites and funeral arrangements. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod. -- 2025-04-21

Drug Gang Busted in Dramatic Shootout with Rayong Police Picture captured from dash-cam. Police in Ban Chang, Rayong province, arrested four individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation following a dramatic car chase and gunfire exchange in the early morning of 20 April. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358306-drug-gang-busted-in-dramatic-shootout-with-rayong-police/

Picture captured from dash-cam. Police in Ban Chang, Rayong province, arrested four individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation following a dramatic car chase and gunfire exchange in the early morning of 20 April. Officers from Ban Chang Police Station, under the command of Pol. Col. Thanongsak Kamamat, superintendent of the station, attempted to intercept a vehicle believed to be transporting narcotics. The operation, led by the station’s investigative unit, escalated when the main suspect, a 20-year-old man referred to as only as “Mr. C”, abandoned the vehicle and opened fire on police as he fled the scene. Fortunately, no officers or civilians were injured during the shootout. The suspect left behind two young women in the vehicle, aged 21 and 20, who were promptly taken into custody. Upon searching the vehicle, a grey Honda Civic,, officers discovered a cache of illegal substances including 4,000 methamphetamine pills, 270.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 10 sachets of drug-laced collagen. The women, identified by police only as “Ms. A” and “Ms. B”, have been charged with conspiring to distribute narcotics for commercial purposes and drug use. “Mr. C”, was later apprehended and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a weapon in a public area without permission. Police also seized a 9mm magazine in his possession. All the suspects have been handed over to Ban Chang Police investigators for further legal proceedings. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Workpoint. -- 2025-04-21

Knife-Wielding Man Arrested After Attempted Robbery of Young Woman on Footbridge Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 36-year-old man was arrested less than 24 hours after he attempted to rob a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint on a pedestrian overpass in front of a technical college in Samut Prakan province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358305-knife-wielding-man-arrested-after-attempted-robbery-of-young-woman-on-footbridge/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 36-year-old man was arrested less than 24 hours after he attempted to rob a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint on a pedestrian overpass in front of a technical college in Samut Prakan province. The suspect, identified as Mr Jeerasak, was apprehended by police near the entrance of a housing estate on Sukhumvit Road in Mueang district. He is accused of committing armed robbery on the evening of 19 April. The victim, Ms Sujitra, told police she was walking down the pedestrian bridge in front of Samut Prakan Technical College at around 19:00 when she was suddenly grabbed from behind. The assailant held a knife to her and demanded her mobile phone. When she resisted, he snatched her handbag, which contained approximately 300 baht in cash, and fled the scene by boarding a songthaew. Investigators from Bang Pu Police Station swiftly launched a manhunt, using eyewitness accounts and local surveillance footage to track the suspect’s movements. Mr Jeerasak was arrested the following day without incident. During questioning, he confessed to the crime, stating that he initially intended to use the stolen money to travel home. However, when the sum proved insufficient, he used it to purchase methamphetamine instead. Police have charged Mr Jeerasak with armed robbery, and he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. Authorities praised the quick response of officers, which led to the suspect’s rapid capture and potentially prevented further incidents. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod. -- 2025-04-21

EOD Officers Recover 45 Military-Grade Explosives Dumped by Roadside in Chanthaburi Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. Bomb disposal experts were called into action after a shocking discovery of 45 pieces of military ordnance abandoned in a sack by the roadside in Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358304-eod-officers-recover-45-military-grade-explosives-dumped-by-roadside-in-chanthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. Bomb disposal experts were called into action after a shocking discovery of 45 pieces of military ordnance abandoned in a sack by the roadside in Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi. At around 09:00 on 19 April, officers from Khao Khitchakut Police Station received a report from local residents about a suspicious box dumped along the Khakim–Khlong Pong road in Moo 4, Chanthakhlem Subdistrict. Upon inspection, the box was found to contain dozens of explosive devices, prompting an immediate call to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Chanthaburi Provincial Police. The area was cordoned off for public safety as EOD officers conducted a careful assessment. Inside the box, they discovered 42 rounds of M79 grenades (also referred to as 10 cm mortars) and 3 rounds of 60 mm mortar shells. All of the explosives were identified as having previously been used but failed to detonate, commonly referred to as “dud” rounds. Despite being inert, the presence of explosive material inside made them extremely dangerous to handle. The EOD team safely secured the munitions using sand-filled containers to reduce the risk of accidental detonation during transport. The recovery operation was completed by 12:00 noon. According to Pol. Sub Lt. Thanwa Wongnum of the EOD unit, while the fuses of the explosives had been destroyed, the explosive charges within were still active and posed a serious threat. He urged the public never to touch or attempt to collect such items. “If you see any suspicious objects or suspected explosives, report them immediately to authorities. Do not pick them up or try to sell them, not only is it illegal, but it could cost you your life,” he warned. The recovered ordnance is being transferred to the Royal Thai Navy’s training ground, Field TR.16, where it will be safely destroyed during an upcoming military exercise. Authorities are investigating how the military-grade explosives came to be dumped in the area and are working to identify those responsible. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Komchadluek. -- 2025-04-21

Transgender Suspect Arrested After Brutal Attack on Elderly Monk in Buriram Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 34-year-old transgender individual has been arrested following a brutal pre-dawn assault on 20 April, on a 70-year-old monk at Wat Ta Sao in Huai Rat District, Buriram Province. The monk remains in critical condition with extensive injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358303-transgender-suspect-arrested-after-brutal-attack-on-elderly-monk-in-buriram/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 34-year-old transgender individual has been arrested following a brutal pre-dawn assault on 20 April, on a 70-year-old monk at Wat Ta Sao in Huai Rat District, Buriram Province. The monk remains in critical condition with extensive injuries. The suspect, identified as Phitsanu, also known locally as “Jae”, was apprehended at a petrol station in Nang Rong District later that day. The arrest followed a swift investigation by officers from Huai Rat Police Station and Buriram Provincial Police, who had traced the suspect’s movements via multiple leads, including an attempt to solicit money from a relative via chat. The attack occurred around 02:00, inside the monk’s private quarters at the temple. Phra Maha Suphatin Theawonram, a senior monk aged 70, was found with deep lacerations across his face, torso, and arms, and had sustained burns to over half of his body after being set alight. Initial reports suggested the use of a box cutter, but during a crime scene reconstruction later that evening, Phitsanu confessed to using a cleaver-style knife in the attack. Still visibly angry, the suspect told police he had long harboured resentment towards the monk, who he claimed repeatedly made irritating remarks. In a rage, he allegedly forced open the door to the monk’s quarters, slashed him repeatedly with the knife, then returned to his motorbike to retrieve a petrol-soaked cloth, which he used to ignite the monk’s robes before fleeing. CCTV and witness reports helped authorities trace Phitsanu to a self-service fuel station in the Muang Pho area, where he had added 40 baht of petrol to his motorcycle. At the time of his arrest, the suspect showed no remorse and continued to express anger toward the monk. During questioning, Phitsanu denied his earlier claim that the monk owed him 2 million baht, a story he had repeatedly told local residents and his own father. The claim, which referenced a non-existent appearance on a TV quiz programme, was dismissed as delusional by his father, Mr Khian, a former village headman, who noted his child had suffered from mental health issues for over a year. Village officials and locals further allege that Phitsanu is a habitual user of methamphetamines, which may have played a role in the violent outburst. However, police have not yet confirmed whether drugs were involved, and have stated that further testing and interrogation will be conducted. Superintendent Pol. Col. Jakkrit Srisunthon of Huai Rat Police Station said charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon have been filed. Investigators are also examining whether mental health or substance abuse were contributing factors. As of now, Phra Suphatin remains hospitalised in serious condition and has been unable to give a statement. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod. -- 2025-04-21

Fire Parcel Bursts into Flames During Delivery, Authorities Warn of Heat & Poor-Quality Goods Picture courtesy of Mono 29. A delivery worker in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province, experienced a shocking incident when a parcel in his delivery bag suddenly caught fire while he was en route on a motorbike. The blaze is believed to have been caused by excessive heat combined with substandard product quality. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358302-parcel-bursts-into-flames-during-delivery-authorities-warn-of-heat-poor-quality-goods/