Georgealbert

Picture of arrest. Police in Koh Phangan have arrested a 27-year-old Russian woman and her 41-year-old Myanmar employee for illegally selling e-cigarettes and shisha products to tourists. A separate raid also led to the arrest of a 55-year-old Thai woman for a similar offence. On 15 February, Pol. Lt. Col. Charoenchai Boonkliang of the Surat Thani Provincial Investigation Unit, along with a special operations team, conducted raids on illegal e-cigarette sellers operating on the island. The first arrest was of Miss Sofia Gaifullina, a Russian national, who was caught with 47 e-cigarettes, nine shisha pipes, and 60 packs of flavoured shisha tobacco. She was taken into custody at Dons Professional Cannabis, located in Moo 1, Koh Phangan. She faces charges of working without a permit and possessing goods that had not passed customs clearance or were subject to import restrictions. Her employee, Miss Sandar Win, a 41-year-old Myanmar national, was also arrested for working illegally without a permit. In a separate operation, police arrested Miss Oraphan Thongtrong, 55, a Thai national, at an unregistered second-hand clothing shop in Moo 1, Koh Phangan. Officers found 33 e-cigarettes in her possession. She was charged with selling untaxed and restricted goods. All three suspects have been handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities continue to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and shisha products, which remain prohibited under Thai law. -- 2025-02-16

Trench Collapse Buries Two Workers During Drainage Construction at Hospital Two construction workers narrowly escaped with their lives, after being buried by a trench collapse while working on a drainage system at Nong Ki Hospital in Buriram province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351911-trench-collapse-buries-two-workers-during-drainage-construction-at-hospital/

Picture from responders Two construction workers narrowly escaped with their lives, after being buried by a trench collapse while working on a drainage system at Nong Ki Hospital in Buriram province. At approximately 15:00 on 15 February, the Nong Ki Rescue Association received an emergency call reporting that two workers had been trapped under a mass of soil while installing drainage pipes at the hospital construction site. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they found the victims, 55-year-old Boontham Saenkhanung and 35-year-old Sakol Yongthaisong, partially buried under the collapsed earth. Boontham was trapped up to his thighs, while Sakol was covered up to his neck, leaving only his head exposed. Rescue workers carefully used rescue equipment, including hydraulic spreaders, but mostly working with their hands to excavate the soil while ensuring the safety of both the victims and the rescue team, as there was a risk of further collapse. After a 30-minute operation, both men were successfully freed. Following the rescue, medical personnel conducted initial assessments, finding that both workers had sustained minor injuries, including bruises and scratches. They were also in a state of shock. The victims were transported to Nong Ki Hospital for further medical evaluation. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. -- 2025-02-16

Boat Capsizes in Yala: Father Drowns While Crossing River A boating incident occurred in the village of Ban Ja-la-kee, sub-district of Ba Jaew, Bannang Sata District, Yala, on the morning of February 15, resulting in the drowning of a 59-year-old man. The victim, identified as Mr. Abdulmana (also known as Wa-Ya Sae Pa-Joo-La), was one of three family members crossing a river to collect rubber sap. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351896-boat-capsizes-in-yala-father-drowns-while-crossing-river/

Picture from responders. A boating incident occurred in the village of Ban Ja-la-kee, sub-district of Ba Jaew, Bannang Sata District, Yala, on the morning of February 15, resulting in the drowning of a 59-year-old man. The victim, identified as Mr. Abdulmana (also known as Wa-Ya Sae Pa-Joo-La), was one of three family members crossing a river to collect rubber sap. At approximately 08:45, the boat carrying the father and his two children capsized while returning from their trip. The two children managed to swim to safety, but the father was swept away by strong currents and drowned. Rescue teams, including local volunteers and officials, quickly began a search operation. Due to the high water levels in the nearby Bang Lang Dam, the search efforts faced significant challenges. At 15:45, after hours of searching, the body of Mr. Abdulmana was found about one kilometre downstream from the site of the capsize. The body was recovered and transported to a local hospital for further processing. Authorities have expressed their condolences to the family and assured that a full investigation into the incident will follow. -- 2025-02-16

Elephant Collides with Vehicle on Road in Loei An dramatic incident unfolded early morning when a wild elephant collided with a vehicle on a road in the Phu Luang District of Loei province. The crash occurred around 01:25, on February 15, when an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, driven by a local vendor, collided with the elephant as it crossed the road unexpectedly. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351895-elephant-collides-with-vehicle-on-road-in-loei/

Picture from responders. An dramatic incident unfolded early morning when a wild elephant collided with a vehicle on a road in the Phu Luang District of Loei province. The crash occurred around 01:25, on February 15, when an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, driven by a local vendor, collided with the elephant as it crossed the road unexpectedly. The truck, which was heading from the vendor’s home to the market, suffered front-end damage. The driver’s wife, Mrs. Nulan, 56, explained that the couple, who are local traders, had been driving to purchase goods for their business when the elephant suddenly emerged from the roadside and crossed the street. Despite the driver’s efforts to brake in time, the vehicle struck the elephant forcefully. Authorities were immediately alerted to the crash, with a team led by Mr. Watchara Thamsorn, head of the Elephant Food Restoration Project at Phu Luang, dispatched to the scene. Local officials, including members of the Phu Luang Wildlife Conservation Department, the Elephant Restoration Project, and volunteer wildlife watchers, began tracking the injured elephant. Initial findings show that the elephant, a full-grown adult, appeared to be moving slowly and did not show signs of dragging its legs. While the animal was not immediately located, the authorities continued their search in the surrounding area. Thankfully, there were no human injuries reported. Efforts to locate the elephant and provide assistance are ongoing as the team monitors the animal’s movements and attempts to offer support. The elephant’s condition will be closely monitored as wildlife officials work to ensure its recovery and safety. -- 2025-02-16

Police Raid Warehouse in Major Bust of Counterfeit Lotions and Creams A significant raid by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to the seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit lotions and creams, marking a breakthrough in the fight against intellectual property crime. The operation, which took place in the early hours of 15 February, targeted a warehouse in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, where officials uncovered a large stockpile of fake branded cosmetic products. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351894-police-raid-warehouse-in-major-bust-of-counterfeit-lotions-and-creams/

Man in Military-Like Attire Threatens Rescue Workers After Collision in Pattaya A confrontation unfolded at a busy intersection at South Pattaya’s Sukhumvit Road, where a man wearing military-like attire driving a Toyota Vios, with no license plate, was involved in a collision, before threatening rescue workers with a knife. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351892-man-in-military-like-attire-threatens-rescue-workers-after-collision-in-pattaya/

Police Officers Praised for Assisting Drunk Man Found Asleep by the Roadside Two police officers from Sattahip Police Station have been commended for their kindness, after assisting a heavily intoxicated man who had fallen asleep beside his parked motorcycle on the roadside. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351891-police-officers-praised-for-assisting-drunk-man-found-asleep-by-the-roadside/

Young Boxer Falls While Climbing Phatthalung’s Khao Ok Thalu A 19-year-old boxer fell while climbing the steep cliffs of Khao Ok Thalu, a well-known landmark in Phatthalung. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in bringing him to safety due to the mountain’s treacherous terrain. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351890-young-boxer-falls-while-climbing-phatthalung’s-khao-ok-thalu/

Motorcyclist Crushed to Death After Losing Control Between Two Trucks A motorcyclist was killed when he lost control while trying to ride between two trucks travelling in opposite directions. The accident occurred on Route 22 in Maenam Khu, Pluak Daeng district, Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351888-motorcyclist-crushed-to-death-after-losing-control-between-two-trucks/

Passenger Falls to His Death at Lopburi Train Station A man fell to his death at Lopburi Railway Station while attempting to disembark from a moving train, causing upset among fellow passengers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351887-passenger-falls-to-his-death-at-lopburi-train-station/

Ang Thong Police Catch Suspects After Double Murder Rampage Police in Ang Thong launched a manhunt for Thanakorn Thipprathueang, known as “Pee,” and his accomplice, Nopadol Insiri, known as “Ped,” after they carried out a deadly shooting spree that left two victims dead. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351885-ang-thong-police-catch-suspects-after-double-murder-rampage/

Picture from responders. Two police officers from Sattahip Police Station have been commended for their kindness, after assisting a heavily intoxicated man who had fallen asleep beside his parked motorcycle on the roadside. At approximately 01:00 on 15th February, a concerned citizen contacted the Sattahip Police radio centre to report a man who appeared to be unconscious in his vehicle near the entrance to the Prince Chumphon Park, Royal Thai Navy, in Sattahip, Chonburi. Fearing for the man’s safety, the caller requested police intervention to prevent any potential accident or criminal incident. In response, two officers, Sergeant Major Phongnapat Chotchuang and Sergeant Major Theeranai Samahathai, who were on motorcycle patrol, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a decorated motorcycle featuring a large Hello Kitty plush toy attached to the front. The vehicle was parked on the pavement, facing the wrong direction towards Sattahip Market. Nearby, a man, estimated to be around 40 years old, was found sleeping on the pavement. He was later identified as the owner of a local ice delivery business in Sattahip Market. The officers attempted to wake the man, who, upon seeing them, appeared startled. In a comical yet desperate attempt to sober up, he immediately stuffed two inhalers into his nostrils. Despite his intoxicated state, he insisted on riding his motorcycle home, but the officers intervened, fearing he could cause a crash. Instead, they offered to escort him safely. One officer rode the man’s motorcycle while he sat as a passenger, while the other officer followed closely behind. They successfully transported him home, approximately two kilometres away, without incident. Despite his excessive alcohol consumption, the man had at least adhered to the principle of “Don’t drink and drive—park and rest,” preventing any harm to himself or others. However, it was the officers’ commitment to public safety that many said, stood out. -- 2025-02-16

Picture from responders. A confrontation unfolded at a busy intersection at South Pattaya’s Sukhumvit Road, where a man wearing military-like attire driving a Toyota Vios, with no license plate, was involved in a collision, before threatening rescue workers with a knife. The incident began when the suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Somnuek, had a collision with a motorcycle before attempting to flee the scene. Emergency rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya and local residents attempted to stop him as he tried to get away. The driver pulled out a knife and attempted to attack a rescue worker who was trying to assist the injured motorcycle rider, before jumping back into his car. Rescue workers tried to convince the driver to again exit his vehicle, but the man refused. He filmed the situation on his phone and denied pulling out a knife, claiming he had not threatened anyone. He also stated that he was a foreign journalist and insisted that he was not at fault for the incident. When local police arrived, they managed to de-escalate the situation and eventually persuaded Somnuek to step out of the vehicle. Despite his initial resistance, the driver complied with further negotiations with police to start with. During the questioning, police attempted to search Somnuek but then faced resistance. Officers eventually had to subdue him, handcuffing him and discovering several weapons upon a body search. Among the weapons recovered were a folding pocket knife and also a machete in the back of the car. According to emergency responder Srirach Singruang, the incident began when the suspect’s car collided with a motorcycle at an intersection in Nong Hin, Bang Lamung. The rescue workers, who arrived to assist, noticed that the suspect appeared agitated and made threatening remarks, claiming to have powerful connections. When they attempted to intervene, the driver brandished a knife, which led to the ensuing altercation. Following the arrest, police detained Somnuek at Pattaya Police Station, where he was charged with several offenses, including carrying weapons illegally, threatening public officials, and causing a traffic accident. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full details of the incident, with the suspect facing legal action in due course. -- 2025-02-16

Picture courtesy of DSI A significant raid by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to the seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit lotions and creams, marking a breakthrough in the fight against intellectual property crime. The operation, which took place in the early hours of 15 February, targeted a warehouse in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, where officials uncovered a large stockpile of fake branded cosmetic products. The arrest of a 34-year-old man, identified only as Mr. A, followed a meticulous investigation by the DSI’s Economic Crime Division. Mr. A was charged with possessing and distributing goods bearing counterfeit trademarks, in violation of intellectual property laws. Authorities also found substantial quantities of lotions and creams with fake trademarks that were being marketed under well-known brands. The bust was part of a larger crackdown on the illicit sale of counterfeit cosmetics online, which had been identified as a major issue in the region. Investigators had gathered evidence suggesting the illegal products were being sold through online channels, prompting the authorities to act swiftly. With a search warrant obtained from the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, the DSI and representatives of the affected companies entered the warehouse and confirmed the presence of counterfeit goods. According to officials, the counterfeit products were intended for resale to unsuspecting consumers, who were misled into thinking they were purchasing genuine branded items. Representatives from the affected companies were present during the raid and confirmed that the items seized were indeed fake. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are expanding their efforts to trace the financial transactions linked to the operation, hoping to uncover further connections to a broader network of counterfeit traders. Legal action will continue against those responsible, with further arrests anticipated as the investigation unfolds. -- 2025-02-16

Teen Motorbike Thief Flees into the Sea in Pattaya but Surrenders Due to Feeling Cold A 17-year-old boy, identified only as “Jack”, was arrested by Pattaya police after being caught attempting to steal a motorbike in the Pratumnak Soi 4 area. The suspect, who had been on a spree stealing motorbikes from various locations, was apprehended with the help of a vigilant local resident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351884-teen-motorbike-thief-flees-into-the-sea-in-pattaya-but-surrenders-due-to-feeling-cold/

“Polite” Thief Steals Gold Necklace for Valentine’s Gift in Samut Prakan Police in Samut Prakan are hunting for a gold thief who gave a polite wai before robbing a gold shop, claiming he needed the jewellery as a Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend. The incident took place at a gold shop on Nam Daeng – Bang Phli Road, Bang Kaeo subdistrict, Bang Phli district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351883-“polite”-thief-steals-gold-necklace-for-valentine’s-gift-in-samut-prakan/

Customs in Ranong Approve Fuel for PTTEP Support Vessel Amid Tightened Border Controls The Customs Department in Ranong has authorised the export of fuel to be used exclusively by a support vessel for PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), in accordance with Thailand’s current border and energy policies. The fuel will be used to support offshore oil drilling platforms in Myanmar, as part of PTTEP’s ongoing natural gas production efforts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351882-customs-in-ranong-approve-fuel-for-pttep-support-vessel-amid-tightened-border-controls/

Lorry Overturns into Canal in Chaiyaphum , Driver Trapped in Wreckage An 18-wheel lorry carrying a full load of soil lost control and plunged into a canal near Chaiyaphum city, leaving the driver critically injured and trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and spent 40 minutes extracting the unconscious driver before transporting him to Chaiyaphum Hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351881-lorry-overturns-into-canal-in-chaiyaphum-driver-trapped-in-wreckage/

Picture from responders. A motorcyclist was killed when he lost control while trying to ride between two trucks travelling in opposite directions. The accident occurred on Route 22 in Maenam Khu, Pluak Daeng district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Punnapat Sritraitan, an investigator from Pluak Daeng Police Station, responded to the scene along with emergency rescue teams. They found the lifeless body of a 31-year-old man, identified as Mr Srisakul, lying in a pool of blood. Rescue personnel attempted CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Doctors from Bangkok Pluak Daeng Hospital later confirmed his death at the scene. A preliminary investigation revealed that two vehicles were involved: the victim’s motorcycle and an 18-wheeler trailer truck. The police documented the accident scene and collected evidence for further investigation. Mr Bunnak, the 58-year-old driver of the truck, stated that he had been driving normally along the road, keeping to the edge of his lane. He was unaware of whether the motorcycle had clipped another vehicle before losing control. The victim’s body was thrown under his truck, and the incident happened so quickly that he had no time to brake or react. A local resident, identified as only Mr A, who had been driving behind the motorcyclist, described the horrific scene. He saw the victim attempting to squeeze between two large trucks, travelling in opposite directions, when the motorcycle made contact with one of them, causing it to topple. The victim was then thrown under the trailer truck’s wheels and crushed. Following the incident, police have contacted the victim’s family and summoned the truck driver for questioning. Authorities are now conducting a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-02-16

Pictures from responders. A 19-year-old boxer fell while climbing the steep cliffs of Khao Ok Thalu, a well-known landmark in Phatthalung. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in bringing him to safety due to the mountain’s treacherous terrain. At around 09:00 on 15 February, emergency services received a report from a bystander that a young man had fallen while attempting to scale the peak of Khao Ok Thalu, located within Phatthalung Municipality. Rescuers, along with police officers and border patrol unit 434, were dispatched to the scene, carrying ropes and climbing equipment. They ascended the 1,225-step stairway leading up the mountain to reach the incident site. The fall occurred beyond the staircase, near the mountain’s famous natural rock hole. The victim plunged approximately 50 metres down a steep cliff, a section often considered dangerous and challenging for climbers attempting to reach the summit. Eyewitnesses, who were descending the mountain at the time, reported hearing a loud thud before rushing back up to investigate. They discovered the injured climber suffering from wounds to his face, arms, and legs, as well as severe neck pain. Unable to assist, they alerted nearby climbers, who hurried to his aid. At 10:00 rescue volunteers reached the victim and provided first aid. He was identified as Nattawut, a 19-year-old resident of Chai Buri subdistrict in Mueang Phatthalung district and a boxer from a well-known local school. Due to the steep terrain, the process of bringing him down was slow and difficult. Finally, at 10:55 rescue teams successfully carried him to the base of the mountain before transferring him to hospital for further medical treatment. Khao Ok Thalu is one of Phatthalung’s most recognisable landmarks. It is a popular destination, particularly in the early morning and on weekends, when visitors climb to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city. -- 2025-02-16

Picture from responders. A man fell to his death at Lopburi Railway Station while attempting to disembark from a moving train, causing upset among fellow passengers. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanandorn Thiangsan, an investigator from Tha Hin Police Station, received a report on 14 February, of the incident and arrived at the scene with a medical examiner from Anandamahidol Hospital and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. The incident occurred on Platform 1, where the body of a Thai man, estimated to be about 50 years old, was found face down with severe injuries. No identification documents were found on him, but he was wearing an adult diaper, suggesting he may have been a patient with special needs. A military officer who witnessed the incident recounted that as Northern Line Train 207 (Bangkok–Nakhon Sawan) approached the platform, the man suddenly attempted to step off the train before it had come to a complete stop. He lost his balance, fell, and was fatally injured on impact. Railway staff at Lopburi and Ban Mo stations identified the deceased as “Odd,” a well-known local from Ban Mo district in Saraburi. He was reportedly a frequent train traveller, often riding aimlessly and exhibiting erratic behaviour. Authorities had previously warned him about inappropriate public conduct, but he had ignored their cautions. It is believed that his haste to exit the train, combined with physical frailty, led to the fatal incident. Police have sent his body for autopsy and are working to contact his family for funeral arrangements. -- 2025-02-16

Chemical Leak at Samut Sakhon Cold Storage Facility Leaves Eight Unconscious A chemical leak at a cold storage facility in Samut Sakhon has left at least eight workers unconscious, while 24 others suffered symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the affected workers to Samut Sakhon Hospital for treatment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351879-chemical-leak-at-samut-sakhon-cold-storage-facility-leaves-eight-unconscious/