Georgealbert

Picture from responders. A newlywed couple was forced to make a dramatic escape when a fire broke out in a hotel in Ubon Ratchathani, sending thick black smoke billowing from the eighth floor. The fire, which started around 13:00 on 9 March, prompted an emergency response from local firefighters. Police Captain Theerajet Tornnoi of Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station received the report and coordinated with municipal fire crews and rescue teams to contain the blaze. Upon arrival, firefighters found dense black smoke pouring from room 802 on the right side of the building. Crews battled through the smoke to extinguish the flames, bringing the situation under control within 30 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A hotel guest, identified only as Mr A 25, who had just celebrated his wedding at the hotel the night before, described the terrifying ordeal. “I was taking a shower when I heard what sounded like an electrical short circuit from a nearby room. Suddenly, thick smoke filled the hallway, and I realised there was a fire,” he said. “My wife and I ran out of our room and tried to activate the fire alarm switch, but it didn’t work. We looked for an emergency exit but couldn’t find one. When we pressed the lift button and saw it was still operational, we rushed downstairs to alert the staff, only to be met with indifference, as if nothing had happened. It was incredibly frustrating,” he added. Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit in either an electric kettle or a minibar fridge, which then spread to wooden furniture in the room. Forensic specialists will conduct further inspections to confirm the exact cause. The hotel, a well-known establishment in Ubon Ratchathani, had 38 occupied rooms at the time of the incident. Fortunately, no guests were harmed, but the chaotic evacuation and alleged failure of safety systems have raised serious concerns. -- 2025-03-10

Factory Worker Dies in Motorcycle Crash on Flyover A 33-year-old female factory worker was killed in a crash on the morning of 9 March, after losing control of her motorcycle and falling off a flyover in Sri Racha, Chonburi. Her devastated boyfriend arrived at the scene and broke down in tears as he embraced her lifeless body. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354103-factory-worker-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-on-flyover/

Pictures from responders. A 33-year-old female factory worker was killed in a crash on the morning of 9 March, after losing control of her motorcycle and falling off a flyover in Sri Racha, Chonburi. Her devastated boyfriend arrived at the scene and broke down in tears as he embraced her lifeless body. The incident occurred at approximately 09:15 over Motorway Route 7 at kilometre 2+600, heading towards Laem Chabang. Police Lieutenant Tossawat Photi, an investigator with the Nong Kham Police Station, was alerted to the crash and arrived at the scene along with rescue personnel from the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha Foundation. At the crash site on the U-turn bridge over the motorway, officers found a grey-black Honda Wave motorcycle, registered in Lopburi, leaning against the flyover concrete barrier. On the motorway about 10 metres below, lay the body of the victim, face-down on the road. Shortly after, the woman’s boyfriend and relatives arrived at the scene. Overcome with grief, he rushed to her body, sobbing uncontrollably. He told authorities that she had just finished her shift at a local factory in the Sahapat Industrial Estate and was on her way home when the crash occurred. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim lost control of her motorcycle and crashed into the bridge’s barrier before falling onto the motorway below. However, authorities will conduct a full inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash. The woman’s body has been transferred to Laem Chabang Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being released to her family for funeral rites. -- 2025-03-10

Man Mysteriously Falls to His Death from Fourth-Floor Car Park in Shopping Centre A man has died under mysterious circumstances after falling from the fourth-floor car park of a well-known shopping centre in Samut Prakan. The incident, which occurred around midday, on 9 March, was reported to local police, who are now investigating. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354101-man-mysteriously-falls-to-his-death-from-fourth-floor-car-park-in-shopping-centre/

Picture from responders. A man has died under mysterious circumstances after falling from the fourth-floor car park of a well-known shopping centre in Samut Prakan. The incident, which occurred around midday, on 9 March, was reported to local police, who are now investigating. Police Lieutenant Weerapong Boontor, an investigator with Samrong Nuea Police Station, arrived at the scene along with forensic officers and rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Upon arrival, they found the body of a man, believed to be around 60 years old, lying motionless on the ground near the car park. The area was immediately cordoned off, and a tarpaulin was placed over the deceased while awaiting a forensic examination. An inspection of the fourth-floor car park, from where the man is suspected to have fallen, revealed a pair of shoes neatly placed on the ground, along with a shopping trolley and a bottle of water. Authorities have documented these items as evidence. Initial assessments suggest that the man fell approximately 20 metres to his death. A local motorcycle taxi driver stationed near the shopping centre, stated that he heard a loud noise while waiting for passengers. “It sounded like something heavy hitting the ground. When I ran over to check, I saw a man lying there and immediately contacted the authorities,” he recounted. Similarly, a food delivery rider who was nearby reported hearing a loud sound, initially mistaking it for a car running over a metal grate. “I was shocked when I realised it was a person who had fallen,” he said. The taxi rider also noted that this was not the first incident of its kind at the shopping centre. “This is the third time someone has fallen from the car park,” he claimed, though he was unaware of the victim’s identity or circumstances. Lieutenant Weerapong stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident and to locate the victim’s family. The deceased has been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital for a post-mortem examination. 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. -- 2025-03-10

Woman Killed by Freight Train While Talking on Mobile Phone A 53-year-old woman was killed on evening of 8 March, after her motorcycle was struck by a freight train in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Reports suggest she was talking on her mobile phone while crossing the tracks and failed to respond the train’s warning horn. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354100-woman-killed-by-freight-train-while-talking-on-mobile-phone/

Picture from responders. A 53-year-old woman was killed on evening of 8 March, after her motorcycle was struck by a freight train in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Reports suggest she was talking on her mobile phone while crossing the tracks and failed to respond the train’s warning horn. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 19:20, near a railway crossing in Ban Phatthana, Pak Phraek Subdistrict, within Thung Song Municipality. Police, rescue workers from the Pracharuamjai Foundation, and medical examiners from Thung Song Hospital arrived at the scene to find the victim’s body in a severely mutilated state beneath the train. She was later identified as Supaporn, 53, a resident of a nearby village. A damaged motorcycle, bearing registration number from Nakhon Si Thammarat, was found at the scene. The freight train involved in the incident was en route from Kantang, Trang, and had stopped at Thung Song Junction before continuing its journey to Sungai Kolok. According to the train’s chief freight supervisor, the train driver had radioed in to report that a motorcycle had suddenly crossed the tracks in front of the locomotive, leading to an emergency stop. Upon inspection, the victim’s body was discovered on the tracks. The train driver, who has not been named, told police that the train had already slowed down when approaching the crossing. Upon seeing the motorcycle approaching, he sounded a long warning horn. However, the woman appeared unaware and continued across the tracks, leading to the collision. Witnesses confirmed that she had been talking on her mobile phone while riding her motorcycle near the railway crossing. Some locals only realised an crash had occurred when they heard the impact and rushed to the scene. Police are continuing their investigation, gathering statements and evidence for the official incident report. Authorities will also review railway safety regulations as part of the standard legal process under the Railway Transport Act. -- 2025-03-10

Deputy PM Orders Investigation into Chinese-Owned Factory Over Environmental Concerns Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has ordered an investigation into a large Chinese-funded factory under construction in Bo Thong district, Chonburi, following public outcry over the lack of environmental consultations. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354099-deputy-pm-orders-investigation-into-chinese-owned-factory-over-environmental-concerns/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has ordered an investigation into a large Chinese-funded factory under construction in Bo Thong district, Chonburi, following public outcry over the lack of environmental consultations. Over 400 local residents from Moo 4, Bo Kwang Thong subdistrict, have signed a petition demanding scrutiny of the 100-rai industrial project, which they fear could pose serious environmental and health risks. Despite previous orders from local authorities to halt construction pending public hearings, the project has continued without proper consultation. Some villagers claim the factory was previously located in Ban Bueng district, where it processed lead-based materials and was associated with significant pollution problems. They worry the relocation to Bo Thong will bring similar issues, particularly as the site is close to a school, temple, and the Phabua Khao watershed, the crucial water sources for agriculture and household use. Further concerns have emerged from residents of Moo 5, where activist Wilaiwan Niramayakul has reported illegal chemical waste dumping by a now-defunct factory that was shut down in 2018. She alleges that Chinese operators have been secretly burying hazardous waste, causing severe water contamination and foul odours, raising alarms about long-term environmental damage. In response to these complaints, Pirapan has assigned Dr Himalai Phiwphan, his adviser, along with Rattaruj Piyaphongphat, an adviser to the House Consumer Protection Committee, and Veerachai Changsarn, from the Anti-Global Warming Network, to visit the affected areas. More than 100 residents from Moo 4 and Moo 5 attended the meeting to provide evidence. Dr Himalai assured villagers that authorities would thoroughly investigate legal compliance and ensure public hearings are conducted. While there has been no official complaint regarding the illegal waste disposal in Moo 5, his team has committed to inspecting the site for potential violations. “Our party will closely monitor this case and push for real solutions. We will fight for every issue and stand by the people in protecting their rights and communities,” Dr Himalai stated. -- 2025-03-10

Head-On Collision: Driver Crosses Lane, Kills Woman on Trike A 23-year-old man suffered critical injuries after his car veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a trike, killing its 57-year-old female driver instantly. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354097-head-on-collision-driver-crosses-lane-kills-woman-on-trike/

Pictures from responders. A 23-year-old man suffered critical injuries after his car veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a trike, killing its 57-year-old female driver instantly. The crash occurred on the Pak Chong – Nikhom Lam Takhong Road, near a PTT petrol station and a chicken rice restaurant in Nong Sarai subdistrict, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. At approximately 14:05 on 9 March, Pol. Lt. Boonlai Chaiyathip, deputy inspector of Nong Sarai Police Station, was alerted to the crash and rushed to the scene with traffic police and Sawang Witthaya Tham Pak Chong rescue workers. Upon arrival, officers discovered a white Honda Civic from Nakhon Ratchasima crashed into a large roadside tree, with extensive front-end damage. The car had also hit a nearby chicken rice restaurant, causing structural damage. The driver, identified as Mr Thanapon, 23, was found trapped in the driver’s seat with severe injuries. Rescue workers managed to extricate him and immediately transported him to Pak Chong Nana Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Nearby, officers found the wreckage of a trike, completely destroyed. The tricycle’s driver, Ms Manee, 57, had been killed on impact, her body trapped in the mangled remains of her vehicle. Initial reports from local witnesses indicate that the Honda Civic was travelling from Nikhom Lam Takhong, possibly from Wang Nam Khiao district, towards Pak Chong town when it lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic, slamming into the tricycle. The force of the impact killed Ms Manee instantly, while the car continued moving before crashing into the tree and the restaurant. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. -- 2025-03-10

Man Dies After Falling from Mango Tree into Canal in Ayutthaya The incident occurred in Bang Pahan district, Ayutthaya, when a 37-year-old man lost his life after falling from a mango tree into a canal while attempting to pick ripe fruit. His relatives launched a frantic search after he failed to return home overnight, eventually discovering his body floating in the water. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354096-man-dies-after-falling-from-mango-tree-into-canal-in-ayutthaya/

Picture from responders The incident occurred in Bang Pahan district, Ayutthaya, when a 37-year-old man lost his life after falling from a mango tree into a canal while attempting to pick ripe fruit. His relatives launched a frantic search after he failed to return home overnight, eventually discovering his body floating in the water. Police Lieutenant Piyapong Sirijanyatham, an investigator at Bang Pahan Police Station, received a report of a body found in Ban Li Canal, Moo 3, Ban Li subdistrict, Bang Pahan, Ayutthaya. Officers from the investigative unit, doctors from Bang Pahan Hospital, and the Ayutthaya Ruam Jai Foundation attended the scene. The deceased, identified as Mr Surachet, a resident of Ban Li, was found floating face down in the canal. A scrape and cut was visible above his left eyebrow, and authorities estimated that he had been dead for many hours. A broken mango tree branch was found in the water nearby, along with a white plastic bag containing ripe mangoes. His bicycle was discovered leaning against a bamboo cluster close to the tree. Ms Sureerat, 43, the victim’s aunt, stated that he worked as a welder in the construction industry alongside relatives. He was last seen on the afternoon of 8 March, and when he failed to return home that evening, his family assumed he had stayed with his relatives for work. By the following morning, after confirming he had not been at work, relatives began searching for him. Eventually, they found his body floating in the canal and alerted the authorities. It is believed that he had climbed the tree using a ladder to pick mangoes but fell when a branch broke, causing him to drown. Police conducted an investigation at the scene and questioned relatives. The Ayutthaya Ruam Jai Foundation transported the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Ministry of Justice for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-03-10

Fishing Boat Sinks in Gulf of Thailand After Collision with Cargo Ship A fishing vessel sank in the Gulf of Thailand early morning on 9 March, after being struck by a cargo ship, prompting a dramatic rescue operation. Nine crew members, including both Thai and foreign nationals, were found floating in the open sea before being airlifted to safety by the Royal Thai Navy. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354094-fishing-boat-sinks-in-gulf-of-thailand-after-collision-with-cargo-ship/

Picture of the rescued crew. A fishing vessel sank in the Gulf of Thailand early morning on 9 March, after being struck by a cargo ship, prompting a dramatic rescue operation. Nine crew members, including both Thai and foreign nationals, were found floating in the open sea before being airlifted to safety by the Royal Thai Navy. The incident occurred at approximately 02:00, when the fishing boat W. Supachanon sent a distress call via satellite phone. The crew reported that their vessel had been struck by a large merchant ship and was taking on water. Shortly after, communication was lost, leading authorities to believe the boat had sunk. The collision took place around 80 nautical miles off the coast of Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The exact coordinates were reported as latitude 8°17.000’ N, longitude 101°11.500’ E. The fishing boat had departed from Pattani on 8 March with nine crew members on board. The captain, Veerawat Thaomae, 59, and his son, Thanawat Thaomae, 29, who was the ship’s engineer, were among the survivors. Also on board was Watcharapong Kaewkham, 23, along with six foreign crew members, three from Cambodia and three from Myanmar. All had been cleared by authorities before setting sail. Upon receiving the distress call, the Royal Thai Navy’s Second Naval Area Command launched an immediate search-and-rescue mission. Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, the navy commander in charge, dispatched aircraft and naval vessels from the regional base. By 10:00 a navy helicopter successfully located the stranded crew members floating in the sea and airlifted all nine to safety. They were transported back to Songkhla Naval Base. Authorities have yet to identify the cargo ship involved in the collision. Investigators will interview the rescued crew and review maritime traffic records to determine the circumstances of the crash. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by fishing crews in Thai waters and raises concerns over maritime safety regulations and ship navigation protocols in the Gulf of Thailand. -- 2025-03-10

Elderly Woman Killed, Nine Injured as Pickup Truck Crashes into Lamp Post A crash occurred in the early hours of 9 March, when a pickup truck driver, carrying elderly passengers returning from a Likay performance lost control and crashed into a lamp post in Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon. The crash left one woman dead and nine others injured, including a young child. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354092-elderly-woman-killed-nine-injured-as-pickup-truck-crashes-into-lamp-post/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred in the early hours of 9 March, when a pickup truck driver, carrying elderly passengers returning from a Likay performance lost control and crashed into a lamp post in Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon. The crash left one woman dead and nine others injured, including a young child. At approximately 01:30, officers at Krathum Baen Police Station received reports of the crash on Wirunrat Soi, near the entrance of the Tha Mai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (TAO), Village 8, Tha Mai, Krathum Baen. Emergency services, including rescue units from Krathum Baen Hospital, Vichaivej Om Noi Hospital, and Mahachai 2 Hospital, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a gold-coloured Isuzu D-Max pickup truck that had collided with a roadside lamp post. The vehicle’s front bonnet was crushed, and several passengers had been thrown from the back of the truck due to the impact. Nine people sustained injuries, including seven elderly women aged between 60 and 70, the 63-year-old male driver, and a five-year-old boy. Most of the injured suffered chest pain, fractures, and bruises. One person was critically injured and required CPR before being rushed to hospital. Four injured victims were taken to Krathum Baen Hospital, while the remaining five were treated at Vichaivej Om Noi Hospital. A 74-year-old woman, later identified as Ampai, from Tha Sao subdistrict, Krathum Baen, was found dead at the rear of the pickup truck. According to preliminary reports, the driver, named as Chuchat, had been transporting his elderly friends from a Likay performance at Wat Wang Yen in Nakhon Pathom. The group was being dropped off at various locations, with the final destination being Wat Bang Ping in Nadi, Mueang Samut Sakhon. However, as the vehicle entered the soi, he lost control and crashed into the lamp post. Police have since impounded the vehicle for further inspection and are conducted interviews with the driver and injured passengers to determine the exact cause of the crash. CCTV footage from the area is also being reviewed. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to establish the precise circumstances leading to the fatal collision. -- 2025-03-10

Debt Dispute Turns Deadly as Lender Hacked to Death with Machete A land debt dispute turned violent in Khon Kaen on 8 March, as a 61-year-old man attacked and killed his creditor with a machete following a heated argument. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354091-debt-dispute-turns-deadly-as-lender-hacked-to-death-with-machete/

Picture of arrest. A land debt dispute turned violent in Khon Kaen on 8 March, as a 61-year-old man attacked and killed his creditor with a machete following a heated argument. The suspect, Pimon Selakorn, 61, was taken into custody after he admitted to fatally striking Surachart “Hia Xiang”, 65, a well-known tree nursery owner in Chum Phae, with a 50 cm-long machete. The victim suffered a severe wound to the right side of his neck and was rushed to Phu Pha Man Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The altercation took place at 12:30 when Surachart visited Pimon’s home to demand repayment of a four-rai land mortgage. Witnesses reported that the discussion quickly escalated into a heated argument. In a fit of rage, Pimon grabbed the machete and struck Surachart across the head and neck. The injured man attempted to flee to his car but collapsed beside the vehicle before he could escape. Nearby residents immediately called emergency services, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Following the attack, Pimon remained at the scene, waiting for police to arrive. He later confessed to the crime, stating that he acted out of anger when Surachart insisted on reclaiming the debt. Police from Phu Pha Man Police Station took Pimon into custody and charged him with murder, pending further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-10

Grandmother and Four-Year-Old Grandson Drown in Incident in Buriram Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 67-year-old grandmother and her four-year-old grandson drowned in a pond in Krasang district, Buriram province, after the child is believed to have fallen in and the grandmother attempted to rescue him. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354090-grandmother-and-four-year-old-grandson-drown-in-incident-in-buriram/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 67-year-old grandmother and her four-year-old grandson drowned in a pond in Krasang district, Buriram province, after the child is believed to have fallen in and the grandmother attempted to rescue him. On 8 March, local police, along with rescue divers from Sawang Chanyatham Foundation, were called to a large pond measuring approximately 35 by 45 metres, with a depth of six metres, in a rice field in Ban Raka, Ban Prue subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers found a child’s shoe, along with a hat, a bag, and a betel nut mortar near the water’s edge. Divers located the bodies of the grandmother, identified as Ms. Chan, and her grandson, known as Rambo, together beneath the water. Ms. Chan, a farmer who cared for two buffaloes, had been looking after her grandson as his parents worked in another province. She regularly took him to the fields, unwilling to leave him alone at home. When Ms. Chan failed to return with the buffaloes before evening, her 65-year-old sister, Sri, became concerned and went to look for her. Upon discovering her sister’s hat by the pond and a child’s shoe floating in the water, she feared the worst and alerted authorities. Mr. Phet, 44, Ms. Chan’s son, described how devoted his mother was to her grandson, never letting him out of her sight. “It is likely that Rambo accidentally fell into the pond, and my mother, in an attempt to save him, was unable to keep herself afloat due to the pond’s depth,” he said. Relatives confirmed they do not suspect foul play, and police have released the bodies to the family for funeral rites. -- 2025-03-10

Illegal Lion and Liger Seized from Home in Songkhla Authorities have raided, on 8 March, a luxury residence in Mueang Songkhla district, seizing a white lion, a liger, and two large elephant tusks, following reports of illegal wildlife possession. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354089-illegal-lion-and-liger-seized-from-home-in-songkhla/

Picture courtesy of NRECSD Authorities have raided, on 8 March, a luxury residence in Mueang Songkhla district, seizing a white lion, a liger, and two large elephant tusks, following reports of illegal wildlife possession. The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Phusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECSD), alongside officers from Protected Area Regional Office 6 (Songkhla). Upon searching the house in Phawong subdistrict, officers discovered: • A female white lion • A male liger (a crossbreed between a lion and a tiger) • Two large elephant tusks The owner, identified as Mr. Gomet, was not present at the time of the raid. Authorities seized the animals and ivory as evidence pending further investigation. Officials will summon Mr. Gomet to verify whether he legally obtained the exotic animals and ivory. Under Thai law, the unauthorised possession of controlled wildlife is a criminal offence. Authorities plan to charge him with “possession of wildlife without official notification to authorities,” and further legal action may be taken once the owner is questioned. -- 2025-03-10

Reckless Street Racer Crashes Head-On into Oncoming Motorbike, Both Riders Seriously Injured A high-speed street race ended in a head-on collision in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao, leaving both riders unconscious and seriously injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354086-reckless-street-racer-crashes-head-on-into-oncoming-motorbike-both-riders-seriously-injured/