Georgealbert

Chaos as Car Crashes into Navy Guard Post in Sattahip Navy personnel were forced to flee for their lives as a speeding car crashed into a naval guard post in Sattahip, leaving the structure in ruins and the driver critically injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351720-chaos-as-car-crashes-into-navy-guard-post-in-sattahip/

Picture from responders. Navy personnel were forced to flee for their lives as a speeding car crashed into a naval guard post in Sattahip, leaving the structure in ruins and the driver critically injured. The incident occurred at approximately 22:30 on 13 February near the security checkpoint of the Naval Ordnance Department at the entrance to Hat Sattahip Thung Prong Pier. Police from Sattahip Station, along with rescue teams from Apakorn Kiatwong Hospital and local emergency services, were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a white Mazda car, registration from Bangkok, overturned and lodged within the wreckage of the guard post. The driver, identified as Mr. Songwut Tarathin, 40, was trapped inside the vehicle with severe injuries. Emergency responders provided immediate first aid before transporting him to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital for urgent medical care. Eyewitness accounts from duty officers at the checkpoint described a dramatic sequence of events. They reported that the car had exited the military base at high speed, heading towards Sukhumvit Road. Moments later, the sound of screeching tyres echoed through the area, prompting the guards to scatter in different directions to avoid being hit. The vehicle then ploughed into the security post with immense force, destroying the structure. Following the incident, police recorded details at the scene and will summon the driver for questioning once his condition stabilises. Authorities have stated that he will be held responsible for the damage caused to government property and will face legal action. -- 2025-02-14

Royal Thai Navy Commences 2025 Annual Training Under “Train as You Fight” Slogan The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officially launched its 2025 annual training exercises on 13 February under the guiding principle of “Train as You Fight.” Admiral Jirapon Wongwit, the Commander-in-Chief of the RTN, presided over the opening ceremony at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi, alongside senior naval officers and participating personnel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351719-royal-thai-navy-commences-2025-annual-training-under-“train-as-you-fight”-slogan/

Picture courtesy of RTN. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officially launched its 2025 annual training exercises on 13 February under the guiding principle of “Train as You Fight.” Admiral Jirapon Wongwit, the Commander-in-Chief of the RTN, presided over the opening ceremony at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi, alongside senior naval officers and participating personnel. Following the ceremony, Admiral Jirapon observed demonstrations of naval and aerial operations and inspected the array of weaponry and equipment that will be used during this year’s exercises. The annual training is the navy’s most critical exercise, designed to simulate real combat scenarios, progressing from peacetime conditions to crisis situations and ultimately full-scale national defence operations. The training is structured to enhance strategic thinking, doctrinal familiarity, and operational capabilities across all naval units. To achieve this, the navy has integrated specific training objectives into command post exercises (CPX) and field training exercises (FTX) to align with its overarching defence strategy. This year’s training will focus on national defence operations within the Second Naval Area Command. Key components include command post drills and intensive field and sea-based exercises. One of the highlights is the Operation 72 Long-Range Task Force Drill, featuring an amphibious transport group composed of HTMS Chang, HTMS Angthong, HTMS Surin, and HTMS Man Nai. These vessels will be escorted by a protection fleet, including HTMS Naresuan, HTMS Chao Phraya, and HTMS Kraburi, with additional air and marine combat units providing support. Other significant training operations include: • Surface-to-air missile launches from HTMS Chakri Naruebet using Mistral missiles. • Joint operations between the navy and air force. • Amphibious warfare drills to enhance coastal defence capabilities. • Counter-terrorism exercises focusing on offshore gas platforms. • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. • Search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea. • Oil and chemical spill response drills to mitigate maritime environmental hazards. • Marine Corps integrated battalion-level training exercises, incorporating live-fire drills (CALFEX). • Air defence and coastal defence training exercises. Additionally, the RTN has invited personnel from the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Air Force, and the National Maritime Security Command Centre to participate, reinforcing inter-service cooperation and joint operational readiness. This annual training exercise is a cornerstone of Thailand’s naval preparedness, ensuring the RTN remains capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests in an ever-evolving security landscape. -- 2025-02-14

Body of Man Found Floating Near Mahanakorn Bridge Authorities in Nonthaburi have discovered the body of a man suspected to be the same individual who jumped from Mahanakorn Bridge in an apparent suicide attempt two days ago. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351718-body-of-man-found-floating-near-mahanakorn-bridge/

Picture from responders. Authorities in Nonthaburi have discovered the body of a man suspected to be the same individual who jumped from Mahanakorn Bridge in an apparent suicide attempt two days ago. At approximately 12:30 on 13 February, the Nonthaburi City Police Station received a report of a body found floating under Mahanakorn Bridge in Muang Nonthaburi. Emergency services, including staff from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Science, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of a male, believed to be aged between 30 and 35 years. Initially it was feared that the jumper was a teenage student, as the outfit resembled a school PE outfit. He was wearing a purple t-shirt and purple trousers, and was found face down in the water. However, no identification documents were found on the body, making it difficult to confirm his identity. Pop, a 38-year-old officer from the Nonthaburi City Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, who was part of the recovery team, confirmed that no identification was found on the deceased. He explained that a previous report on 11 February mentioned a man in a purple shirt jumping from the same bridge. Based on this, it is believed that the body found is the same person who jumped from the bridge earlier. The earlier incident occurred when 20-year-old college student Taweesap Namphueng reported witnessing the man in the purple shirt and black shorts standing on the bridge’s railing before leaping into the river. No belongings were left behind at the scene. Despite a search by the Poh Teck Tung Foundation for over an hour, the man’s body was not recovered at that time. It wasn’t until 13 February that the body was found floating in the same area. Upon closer inspection, the body had a distinctive birthmark on the back and a head injury, likely caused by a collision with the bridge’s pillar while submerged in the water. Police continue to investigate the death to confirm the identity of the deceased. They have asked the public, particularly those with missing persons, to report to the Nonthaburi City Police Station. The body will be sent to the Institute of Forensic Science for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. 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. Related article; https://aseannow.com/topic/1351607-teenager-in-sportswear-jumps-from-bridge-and-disappears-into-river/ -- 2025-02-14

Man 64, Chokes to Death on Pork Intestine Despite Rescue Efforts A 64-year-old man choked to death while eating pork intestine at his home in Wichian Buri district, Phetchabun province, on 13 February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351716-man-64-chokes-to-death-on-pork-intestine-despite-rescue-efforts/

Picture from responders. A 64-year-old man choked to death while eating pork intestine at his home in Wichian Buri district, Phetchabun province, on 13 February. Emergency services from Wichian Buri Hospital’s 1669 radio dispatch centre received a distress call reporting the incident at a residence in Bo Rang subdistrict. Rescue teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation rushed to the scene but were unable to save the man. The deceased, identified as Somsak, was found lying on the ground wearing only a sarong, with a bowl of pork intestine in soup, beside him. Officers from Wichian Buri Police Station and medical examiners from the hospital arrived to conduct an initial investigation. Khamron, a 43-year-old neighbour who witnessed the event, described how Somsak began choking and attempted to spit out the food but failed. Realising the seriousness of the situation, Khamron alerted the victim’s relatives, who tried various life-saving measures, including abdominal thrusts and trying to manually clear the airway with their fingers. However, the man’s condition deteriorated rapidly, with him turning blue before succumbing. Responders on arrival attempted CPR, but were unable to clear the airway, with the obstruction deeply lodged and blocking all rescue efforts. Authorities and medical staff were satisfied with the cause of the death from examination at the scene and subsequently released the body to the family for religious funeral rites. -- 2025-02-14

UPDATE Police Offer Reward to Identify Mystery Woman Found in Suitcase Police in Ban Chang are offering a 50,000-baht reward for information leading to the identification of an unidentified woman whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in a body of water near a golf course. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351161-body-of-woman-found-stuffed-in-suitcase-in-rayong/page/2/#findComment-19585809

UPDATE Police Offer Reward to Identify Mystery Woman Found in Suitcase Picture from responders. Police in Ban Chang are offering a 50,000-baht reward for information leading to the identification of an unidentified woman whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in a body of water near a golf course. On 7 February, officers from Ban Chang Police Station discovered the body of a 30- to 40-year-old woman inside a discarded suitcase. The victim was estimated to have been dead for at least 10 days. Her identity remains unknown, and police are appealing to the public for help in solving the case. Authorities have released the following details about the victim in hopes that someone will recognise her: 1. A woman aged between 30 and 40 years old 2. Dark brown hair, 48 cm long 3. Slim build, approximately 155 cm tall 4. Breast implants (240cc), with no tattoos; some fingernails painted reddish-brown 5. Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) In a bid to expedite the investigation, businessman Chukiat Supawimon, a transport industry entrepreneur, has offered a 50,000-baht reward for anyone who can provide information that helps identify the victim or leads to the arrest of those responsible. The police have set up a LINE Official Account for tips, with a QR code available for the public to scan and submit information. Authorities are also examining serial numbers on the victim’s breast and nose implants, which could provide clues about her nationality and medical history. -- 2025-02-14

Cyber Police Operation “Dawn in Mae Sot” Dismantles Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation In a significant operation dubbed “Dawn in Mae Sot,” Thai cyber police have successfully dismantled an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in the Mae Sot district of Tak province, which was found to be illegally using electricity and causing lost costs, exceeding 4 million baht. In addition to the mining operation, police seized a substantial cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351715-cyber-police-operation-“dawn-in-mae-sot”-dismantles-illegal-bitcoin-mining-operation/

Pictures courtesy of CCIB In a significant operation dubbed “Dawn in Mae Sot,” Thai cyber police have successfully dismantled an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in the Mae Sot district of Tak province, which was found to be illegally using electricity and causing lost costs, exceeding 4 million baht. In addition to the mining operation, police seized a substantial cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation, led by Police Major General Tri Rong Phiwphan, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), and his team, targeted six locations in Mae Sot following an investigation into the illegal use of electricity and firearm violations. The investigation began when authorities uncovered that a commercial building was being used for unauthorised Bitcoin mining activities. This building, located in the Don Chai community of Mae Sot, had been previously reported as disconnected from the electricity supply. However, ongoing suspicious activity in the building led to the discovery that electricity was still being used unlawfully. Further investigations revealed that the building had been modified to bypass electricity meters, resulting in substantial losses to the local electricity provider. In addition to Bitcoin mining equipment, police also found several firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and homemade weapons, as well as large quantities of ammunition. The raid, carried out in the early hours of 13 February, led to the following key findings across six locations: 1. Bitcoin Mining Facility: 12 Bitcoin mining machines were discovered, along with evidence of electricity theft amounting to damages of over 4 million baht. 2. Firearms Seizures: A variety of illegal firearms were seized, including a 9mm handgun, a shotgun, and a homemade Thai-made rifle, alongside large amounts of ammunition. 3. Additional Finds: At other locations, police confiscated items such as e-cigarettes, loan agreements, and mobile phones. The authorities also collaborated with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Provincial Electricity Authority, and local military personnel to examine a suspicious communication tower hidden in a rubber plantation near the Moei River. The tower had been illegally transmitting signals, with no permissions from the authorities, and was believed to be used for cross-border communication to facilitate criminal activity, including supporting illegal Myanmar-based call centre scams. The signal panels were removed before the raid, and investigations into the individuals behind the operation are ongoing. Police have confirmed that charges will be brought against those involved in the illegal Bitcoin mining operation and electricity theft. Offenders face penalties under Section 242 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine up to four times the value of the stolen goods, or both. Authorities are also expanding their investigation to uncover further details about the illegal communication network and its links to transnational criminal activities. -- 2025-02-14

Mother Uses Three-Year-Old Son as Hostage in High-Speed Phuket Rampage A shocking incident unfolded in Thalang district, Phuket, as a 33-year-old woman, Nilaa Chusen, used her three-year-old son as a hostage while leading authorities on a chaotic high-speed chase, crashing into multiple vehicles before her truck’s tyre burst, allowing rescuers to save the child. The woman, however ran off. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351714-mother-uses-three-year-old-son-as-hostage-in-high-speed-phuket-rampage/

Picture from responders. A shocking incident unfolded in Thalang district, Phuket, as a 33-year-old woman, Nilaa Chusen, used her three-year-old son as a hostage while leading authorities on a chaotic high-speed chase, crashing into multiple vehicles before her truck’s tyre burst, allowing rescuers to save the child. The woman, however ran off. The incident, which has gone viral on Thai social media, began on 13 February 2025, when local municipal officers in Thepkasattri subdistrict witnessed a pickup truck recklessly hitting multiple vehicles in various locations. • The rampage started near Lotus Express in Thalang, where she clipped a motorcycle. • She then hit a foreign female tourist in front of Big C Bang Jo. • Continuing for about 100 metres, she struck another motorcyclist before veering left towards Bang Jo Prison, with police giving chase. • Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle near a lake in Bang Maruan, but she kept driving until a tyre burst. Baramee, 34, Nilaa’s husband, was on the back of the pickup truck during the incident. He later explained that the couple had been arguing about household expenses after dropping their first child at school that morning. “I couldn’t calm her down, and she just drove off, shouting she was taking the child. I ran after the truck and managed to jump onto the back, but after that, I barely knew what was happening,” he said. He described using a rope to tie himself to the truck for safety while trying to intervene. He was unaware of all the crashes but confirmed hearing multiple impacts. At one point, municipal officers tried to break the vehicle’s windows using a toilet bowl and a ladder. During the chase, Baramee eventually jumped from the truck, only to be hit by another car. He quickly got up, only slightly injured and returned home to fetch another vehicle in a desperate attempt to find his wife. Nilaa reportedly suffers from depression and has been in treatment for two years. Since the crash, she has been out of contact, with her phone remaining in her husband’s possession and her whereabouts unknown. Their son, though physically unharmed, is severely shaken. “He is terrified. I need time to help him recover from this ordeal,” Baramee stated, offering a public apology for the distress caused. Police are investigating the case, with legal action pending. “Whoever is at fault must face the consequences,” said Baramee, urging his wife to come forward and seek help. -- 2025-02-14

Major Fire Breaks Out at Ratchaburi Candle Factory, Firefighters Struggled to Contain It A massive fire has engulfed a candle casting factory in Ratchaburi, with firefighters still struggling to bring the blaze under control. Emergency crews were deployed to the site, working all night to prevent the flames from spreading further. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351642-major-fire-breaks-out-at-ratchaburi-candle-factory-firefighters-struggled-to-contain-it/

Picture from responders. A massive fire has engulfed a candle casting factory in Ratchaburi, with firefighters still struggling to bring the blaze under control. Emergency crews were deployed to the site, working all night to prevent the flames from spreading further. The fire broke out at 20:05 on 12 February, in a storage building containing materials used in the candle-making process, located in Tha Rab Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ratchaburi Province. Local authorities immediately dispatched multiple fire engines from various agencies to the scene. Firefighters have used water and foam to suppress the flames, but due to the highly flammable nature of the stored wax, the fire spread rapidly. As the wax melts, it has created streams of burning liquid which further fuelled the blaze inside the warehouse. Officials restricted access to the area to prevent any civilian casualties. In response to the crisis, authorities set up a temporary emergency command centre to coordinate firefighting efforts. The district office, disaster prevention and mitigation teams, and the provincial administrative organisation were all actively involved in managing the situation. Mr. Kesha Saksomboon, a Member of Parliament for Ratchaburi, visited the site alongside emergency responders. He stated that this factory had suffered a major fire approximately 20 years ago and has now been hit by another devastating incident. The factory owner informed us that large quantities of candle-making materials had been stored inside the affected building, Mr. Kesha said. At this point, the exact cause of the fire is still unknown. To improve access for fire crews, authorities deployed excavators to break through the factory’s walls, allowing fire teams to reach the heart of the blaze. Additional foam trucks were brought in to aid in extinguishing the fire. The full extent of the destruction remains unclear, and investigations into the cause of the fire will commence once the situation is safe to enter all areas. -- 2025-02-13

I had to censor the picture as the original is too graphic. Looking at the damage to the body and the trampled area around it, it looks likely that this was caused by an elephant.

Beach Mat Vendor Stabs Customer in Drug-Induced Delusion on Pattaya Beach A 33-year-old man was stabbed in the neck and arm during a late-night altercation on Pattaya Beach, allegedly by a beach mat vendor who was reportedly under the influence of drugs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351616-beach-mat-vendor-stabs-customer-in-drug-induced-delusion-on-pattaya-beach/

Picture of arrest. A 33-year-old man was stabbed in the neck and arm during a late-night altercation on Pattaya Beach, allegedly by a beach mat vendor who was reportedly under the influence of drugs. The incident occurred at 01:05 on 13 February, in front of Soi 10 on Pattaya Beach Road, prompting a swift response from Pol. Lt. Chaowalit Suwanmanee of Pattaya City Police and rescue personnel from Sawang Boriboon Foundation. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Mr. Jakkrit, 33, suffering from stab wounds to his neck and right arm. He was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital for further medical attention. Witnesses reported that the beachfront was crowded with both Thai and foreign tourists enjoying the night, as entertainment venues had closed early due to a Buddhist religious holiday banning alcohol sales. The suspect, later identified as Mr. Prayot, 34, attempted to flee but was apprehended nearby in Soi 10 after a brief chase. During questioning, Prayot claimed that the victim and his group had rented mats from him to celebrate a birthday. He alleged that the group insulted and verbally abused him, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Prayot insisted that he was initially involved in a fistfight but was overpowered when the group attempted to restrain him. He denied using any weapon, claiming he only tried to escape. A bystander who witnessed the brawl confirmed that both groups exchanged heated words before engaging in a fistfight. The suspect was seen fleeing the scene before being captured hiding in an alley. During the arrest, police found a packet of crystal methamphetamine near the suspect’s hiding spot, which was collected as evidence. However, the weapon used in the stabbing was not immediately recovered. Mr. Bee, 31, a friend of the victim and the birthday celebrant, told police that he had previously employed the suspect. He claimed that Prayot appeared to be hallucinating from drug use, believing the group was talking about him behind his back. Bee admitted that his friends became irritated by the suspect’s erratic behaviour, which escalated into a brawl. He said they never expected Prayot to use a knife. Following his arrest, Prayot tested positive for crystal meth and admitted to recent drug use. However, he continued to deny involvement in the stabbing. Authorities have launched an investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage, to determine the full sequence of events. Police sources revealed that this is not the first time Prayot has been in trouble with the law. On 21 October last year, he was involved in another knife incident, attempting to attack municipal officers in a previous altercation. Prayot remains in police custody as authorities gather further evidence to proceed with criminal charges. -- 2025-02-13

Chemical Truck Brakes Fail, Crashes into Roadside Shop in Rayong A chemical truck, suffering brake failure, veered off the road and collided with a roadside shop in a dramatic incident in Rayong, although fortunately, no one was injured or killed Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351614-chemical-truck-brakes-fail-crashes-into-roadside-shop-in-rayong/

Picture captured from CCTV. A chemical truck, suffering brake failure, veered off the road and collided with a roadside shop in a dramatic incident in Rayong, although fortunately, no one was injured or killed. At approximately 10:00 on 12 February, a CCTV camera captured the terrifying moment when a chemical truck, following a pickup truck, lost control as it entered a junction on the Lahanrai-Donjan Road, Nonglalok Subdistrict, Ban Khai District. The truck spun out of control, struck a road sign, and then swerved into a shop on the side of the road, causing significant damage before coming to a halt. Following the crash, Lieutenant Colonel Apichat Konet-Suwann, from Nongkrab Police Station, rushed to the scene. The chemical truck, which was empty of chemicals at the time, was found stationary with its front bumper pressed against the shop. In addition to the shop’s damage, a streetlight pole and a directional sign were also destroyed, with police documenting the damage for evidence. The driver of the truck, identified as 52-year-old Udom explained that the vehicle had just left the depot and was empty when the incident occurred. Upon reaching the junction, he applied the brakes, but they failed to respond. With vehicles including a pickup truck and motorcycles ahead of him, he struggled to avoid a collision and ended up crashing into the shop. Plern, a 57-year-old shop owner, witnessed the truck losing control after taking a sharp turn from the junction. He reported that the driver had indicated the truck’s brakes malfunctioned, which led to the crash. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the brake failure and will proceed with legal action as necessary. -- 2025-02-13

South Korean Fugitive Arrested in Pattaya for Electronics Fraud Immigration and tourist police have arrested a 41-year-old South Korean man accused of defrauding multiple victims out of 1.155 billion won (approximately 31 million baht) through an electronics sales scam. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351613-south-korean-fugitive-arrested-in-pattaya-for-electronics-fraud/

Picture of arrest. Immigration and tourist police have arrested a 41-year-old South Korean man accused of defrauding multiple victims out of 1.155 billion won (approximately 31 million baht) through an electronics sales scam. The suspect, who had been living illegally in Thailand for 90 days beyond his permitted stay, was wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for fraud. Officers apprehended him at a residence in North Pattaya, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, following a joint operation led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Division 3, alongside Pol. Col. Ploen Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, and officials from Pattaya Tourist Police. The fugitive previously worked for a world-renowned electronics company in South Korea before being dismissed. However, he continued to pose as an employee, deceiving victims into purchasing high-end electronic goods. After receiving payments, he failed to deliver the promised products, leaving a significant number of customers defrauded. With authorities in South Korea actively pursuing him, the suspect fled to Thailand, where he attempted to evade capture by hiding in Pattaya. Thai law enforcement, acting on intelligence, tracked him down and conducted a raid, where he confessed to being the individual listed on the Interpol Red Notice. Upon verifying his identity, officials found that he had overstayed his visa by 90 days. He has been taken into custody and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings, with extradition arrangements expected to follow. Thai authorities reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on international fugitives using the country as a hideout, stressing that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in cooperating with global counterparts to ensure justice. -- 2025-02-13

Man Suffers Electric Shock in Sriracha, Emergency Teams Rush to Assist A man suffered a massive electric shock while working on a building in Sriracha, Chonburi, prompting an urgent response from rescue teams and emergency services Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351611-man-suffers-electric-shock-in-sriracha-emergency-teams-rush-to-assist/