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UPDATE Mystery Deepens in Rayong Suitcase Murder as Witness Reports Suspicious Conversation Picture from responders. A crucial witness has come forward in the shocking case of a woman’s body found stuffed inside a suitcase in Ban Chang district, Rayong. CCTV footage and witness testimony suggest that a group of men may have been involved in the crime, prompting police to intensify their investigation. Security cameras captured footage from 27 January at 17:50, showing a suspicious white Toyota Fortuner and a white pickup truck repeatedly circling the entrance to the area where the body was later discovered. A woman who provided a tip-off reported seeing three men in the area around 18:00 PM, engaged in a conversation. She recalled hearing one of them ask, “Is this spot okay?” to which another replied, “Yes, but wait until it gets darker.” The witness, who was collecting vegetables near a rubbish disposal area at the time, said she left immediately due to a sense of fear. Ban Chang police have confirmed that forensic teams have successfully extracted DNA from the victim. However, they are now working to locate relatives to compare DNA samples and confirm the victim’s identity. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. A fisherman named Udorn, who frequently visits the area, revealed that he had noticed the suitcase as early as 29 January but did not suspect anything unusual at the time. It was only on 7 February, when a strong odour emerged, that he and others decided to investigate, leading to the grim discovery. On 9 February, Police Lieutenant Colonel Siri Sirimi, Deputy Head of Investigations at Ban Chang Police Station, described the case as “exceptionally difficult.” Authorities are now focusing on forensic evidence, including a distinctive suitcase brand that is unavailable in Rayong but is commonly sold in major shopping malls in Pattaya, Chonburi. Investigators plan to visit these locations to determine whether the suitcase was purchased locally or ordered online. Additionally, the suitcase contained two 10-kilogram weight plates, which police initially suspected were from a local gym. However, after checking fitness centres in the area, no matches were found. The victim has been identified as an Asian woman aged between 30 and 40, approximately 155 cm tall. She had black hair with some brown highlights and had undergone cosmetic surgery on her nose and breasts. No visible tattoos or signs of physical assault were found, though police have not ruled out the possibility that any tattoos may have been removed before her death. With investigators from Region 2, Rayong provincial police, and Ban Chang police station working together to narrow down suspects, officials remain tight-lipped about key details to prevent tipping off the perpetrator. -- 2025-02-10

Canadian Man Found Dead in Car in Phuket, Leaves Farewell Letter About Beloved Cat A 53-year-old Canadian man has been found dead in his car in Phuket, having left behind a poignant farewell letter, expressing his deep sorrow and concern for his beloved cat. The discovery was made by local police on 10 February, after receiving a report from a member of the public at 09:15. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351357-canadian-man-found-dead-in-car-in-phuket-leaves-farewell-letter-about-beloved-cat/

Picture from responders. A 53-year-old Canadian man has been found dead in his car in Phuket, having left behind a poignant farewell letter, expressing his deep sorrow and concern for his beloved cat. The discovery was made by local police on 10 February, after receiving a report from a member of the public at 09:15. The man, identified as Ian Donald Macaulay, was found deceased in his vehicle near the entrance to Nui Beach, on the Kata-Saiyuan road in the Karon area of Phuket. Authorities were intially unable to open the car door and also called for forensic experts and medical staff to examine the scene. Upon investigation, police found a letter written in English addressed to someone named Naza. The contents of the letter outlined Macaulay’s deep personal struggles, revealing the torment he had been enduring, including constant headaches, ear issues, and uncertainty about the number of surgeries he required. Macaulay, who was 53 years old, also mentioned the financial difficulties caused by the collapse of his business and the strain it placed on his family. In his emotional farewell, Macaulay expressed his wish to have his body cremated within one day, with his ashes scattered in the ocean at Kamala Beach. He also urged the recipient of the letter to ensure that his cat be given a loving home, stating: “The most important thing is the cat, so please make sure they have a good home.” The letter further expressed his gratitude towards those who had supported him and conveyed apologies for the difficulties he had caused. He acknowledged that those around him may not have known him during a time when he was not under stress and pain, thanking them for being there for him during his struggles. Police investigations revealed that Macaulay was the owner of a company that operated a booking platform, which appeared to have faced financial difficulties. He had also been dealing with chronic health issues, as referenced in his letter. The authorities have sent Macaulay’s body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a thorough autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The Canadian Consulate has been informed, and authorities are in the process of contacting his family abroad to arrange for further actions. 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. -- 2025-02-10

This can be a very dangerous junction, with 3 roads converging into the Y junction and many drivers ignoring the road marking and rights of way.

UPDATE Watermelon Vendor Dies After Being Set on Fire in Shocking Attack A Bangkok watermelon vendor who was doused in petrol and set on fire in a shocking attack at a temple in the Rama III area has died from his injuries. Mr Rachen, 52, suffered severe burns covering more than 80% of his body and was rushed to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed his death on 10 February. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351239-man-sets-victim-on-fire-in-alleged-jealousy-fuelled-attack/#findComment-19576905

UPDATE Watermelon Vendor Dies After Being Set on Fire in Shocking Attack Picture from responders. A Bangkok watermelon vendor who was doused in petrol and set on fire in a shocking attack at a temple in the Rama III area has died from his injuries. Mr Rachen, 52, suffered severe burns covering more than 80% of his body and was rushed to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed his death on 10 February. Police investigations identified the suspect as Mr Ploen, approximately 50 years old, a former driver for the temple's abbot. The victim, who also worked as a caretaker at the temple, reportedly had a long-standing feud with the suspect over a romantic rivalry. Around a month ago, Mr Ploen ended a relationship with his girlfriend, only to later discover that she had become involved with Mr Rachen, sparking jealousy and resentment. On the day of the attack, Mr Rachen was selling watermelons at the temple as usual. Witnesses say Mr Ploen approached him carrying a plastic bag filled with petrol, which he threw over the victim before immediately setting him alight. The suspect then fled the scene. Mr Rachen's son revealed that his father had been living with a new partner, Ms Kai, aged 45, for around three months. She had repeatedly received threatening phone calls from Mr Ploen, leading her to file a police complaint at Lumpini Police Station. The victim's family strongly believes the attack was motivated by the ongoing love triangle dispute. Meanwhile, officers from Lumpini Police Station are actively hunting for Mr Ploen, who remains at large. Authorities have urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward as they seek to bring him to justice. -- 2025-02-10

Man Seriously Injured in High-Speed Motorbike Collision with British National in Pattaya A serious road crash occurred at approximately 20:10 on 8 February when a motorcycle travelling at high-speed crashed into a saloon car at a Y-junction in Soi Nongkrabok, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung. Local police from Nong Prue station, along with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation and medical personnel from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, responded urgently to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351342-man-seriously-injured-in-high-speed-motorbike-collision-with-british-national-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A serious road crash occurred at approximately 20:10 on 8 February when a motorcycle travelling at high-speed crashed into a saloon car at a Y-junction in Soi Nongkrabok, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung. Local police from Nong Prue station, along with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation and medical personnel from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, responded urgently to the scene. At the site of the crash, officers found a black Honda Wave 125i motorcycle (registration from Chonburi) damaged after careering into roadside bushes. Two injured individuals lay on the road. The rider, identified as Thanathon Khamhaeng, 46, a Makro supermarket employee, sustained chest injuries and was semi-conscious. His passenger, an unidentified Thai man, suffered critical injuries. Rescue teams provided immediate first aid before rushing both victims to hospital. The other vehicle involved, a black Toyota saloon (registration from Chonburi), sustained damage to its front right side, including a shattered windshield. The driver, Mr Verahramian Hormoz, 57, a British national, remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities. A witness reported that they had been driving behind the Toyota when it slowed down at the Y-junction. Suddenly, the motorcycle, travelling at high speed, collided head-on with the front of the car, sending the riders flying in different directions. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-02-10

Man with Heart Condition Drowns After Trying to Retrieve Fishing Basket A 30-year-old man tragically drowned in a Chonburi pond after swimming out to retrieve a tangled fishing basket, despite warnings from friends. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351333-man-with-heart-condition-drowns-after-trying-to-retrieve-fishing-basket/

Picture from responders. A 30-year-old man tragically drowned in a Chonburi pond after swimming out to retrieve a tangled fishing basket, despite warnings from friends. At approximately 15:00 on 9 February, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received reports of a drowning incident at a village pond in Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders arrived to find a large crowd gathered along the shore of the large pond. On the bank lay the unconscious body of the victim, identified as Nattaphon Sributdee, 30. Rescue teams attempted CPR in a desperate effort to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His grieving mother was present and visibly distraught as she received the news. Kritsada Phlutasai, 32, a close friend of the victim, recounted the events leading to the tragedy. He explained that the group had gone fishing at the pond when Nattaphon’s bait basket became entangled in underwater vegetation. Determined not to lose the equipment, he ignored his friends’ warnings and decided to swim out to retrieve it. After successfully freeing the basket, he began swimming back but appeared to run out of strength. Witnesses suspect that his pre-existing condition caused him to suddenly lose energy. Struggling to stay afloat, he grabbed onto the vegetation and shouted for help. Kritsada and another friend immediately jumped in to rescue him. However, due to Nattaphon’s larger build, the weight and force of his movements caused all three men to momentarily sink. They finally managed to bring him back to shore and alerted emergency services, but tragically, their efforts were in vain. Nattaphon’s mother later confirmed that he suffered from a heart valve disorder, which often left him easily fatigued. She explained that he was advised to avoid strenuous activities, suggesting that the effort of swimming may have caused him to suddenly collapse. Authorities from the Nong Prue Police Station have sent the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-02-10

Construction Worker Killed in Crane Incident in Bangkok A construction worker has lost his life after a piece of crane equipment fell and struck him at a building site in Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351332-construction-worker-killed-in-crane-incident-in-bangkok/

Picture of responders at the site. A construction worker has lost his life after a piece of crane equipment fell and struck him at a building site in Bangkok. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 12:00 on 9 February after reports of a fatal incident at a construction site on Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Road, Soi 16, in the Thawi Watthana district of Bangkok. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the lifeless body of the victim, identified as Sittakorn, lying face-up on the ground, covered in blood. A large steel component from a crane was found resting on top of him. Medics at the scene confirmed that he had suffered fatal injuries. Workers on-site reported that the crane, which was actively being used in the construction project, appeared to malfunction. This resulted in a heavy piece of attached equipment detaching and plummeting to the ground, striking Sittakorn, who was working in the vicinity. “We heard a loud noise and saw the metal piece fall. It all happened so quickly. There was nothing he could do to escape,” said one worker, visibly shaken by the tragedy. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with forensic experts called in to determine the exact circumstances leading to the equipment failure. Authorities restricted access to the scene to official personnel only. While authorities have found no initial signs of foul play, they are examining whether safety protocols were properly followed and whether negligence played a role in the incident. In the wake of the fatality, officials have ordered a temporary halt to all construction activities at the site while inquiries continue. Investigators will assess the condition of the crane, the maintenance records, and whether safety measures were adequately implemented. Sittakorn’s family has been notified of his passing, and arrangements are being made for his funeral. -- 2025-02-10

It is what the driver told police, so I can only report his statement. The police investigation is ongoing, so you would hope these questions will be asked.

UPDATE Man Arrested for Dumping Myanmar Migrant’s Body by the Roadside After Death in Smuggling Attempt Authorities have arrested a man in Samut Sakhon for abandoning the body of a Myanmar migrant worker by the roadside after the victim reportedly collapsed and died inside a vehicle while being smuggled into Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351236-body-found-stuffed-in-fertiliser-sack-police-investigate-possible-link-to-triple-murder/#findComment-19576352

UPDATE Man Arrested for Dumping Myanmar Migrant’s Body by the Roadside After Death in Smuggling Attempt Picture courtesy of Khoasod.. Authorities have arrested a man in Samut Sakhon for abandoning the body of a Myanmar migrant worker by the roadside after the victim reportedly collapsed and died inside a vehicle while being smuggled into Thailand. On 8 February, police responded to reports from local residents who discovered a decomposing body on the side of the Asia Highway near a rubber plantation in Bang Klam district, Songkhla province. The body had a cloth tied around the wrist, which had initially appeared to have been binding, but now appears to have been just decorative. The body was also emitting a strong odour, suggesting it had been left there for several days. Following an investigation, officers apprehended 56-year-old Wisetsak, a resident of Samut Sakhon, near a resort in Rattaphum district, Songkhla. He was identified as the driver of a vehicle transporting undocumented Myanmar workers into Thailand. During questioning, Wisetsak admitted to transporting the migrant workers and stated that the victim had collapsed inside the vehicle before passing away. Fearing legal consequences, he decided to dump the body at the roadside on 6 February before continuing his journey. Authorities are now conducting further investigations into the smuggling operation and any additional individuals involved. Police now believe this has no connection with the brutal triple murder in the same area two years ago. -- 2025-02-10

Tourist Bus Catches Fire in Sattahip, Passengers Escape in Panic A group of foreign tourists had a narrow escape when their tour bus caught fire on a highway in Chonburi province. The driver managed to stop the vehicle in time, allowing all passengers to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the engine. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351319-tourist-bus-catches-fire-in-sattahip-passengers-escape-in-panic/

Picture from responders. A group of foreign tourists had a narrow escape when their tour bus caught fire on a highway in Chonburi province. The driver managed to stop the vehicle in time, allowing all passengers to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the engine. The incident occurred at approximately 10:05 on 9th February along Highway 7, section 5, near kilometre marker 142 in the Plutaluang subdistrict of Sattahip. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ratthaphon Wanna, Deputy Superintendent of the Highway Police Division, received a report of a burning tour bus carrying international tourists and immediately dispatched officers and rescue teams to the scene. On arrival, emergency crews found a Hino tour bus with its engine compartment ablaze. Firefighters battled the flames for over 30 minutes before bringing the situation under control. The bus had been transporting 11 foreign tourists, who had arrived on a cruise ship docked at Laem Chabang, along with a tour guide and the driver, bringing the total number on board to 13. Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, and another vehicle was arranged to take them to their destination. The driver explained that he had picked up the tourists from Laem Chabang and was en route to Sattahip when he noticed oil leaking onto the road. Moments later, flames erupted from the engine compartment. Reacting swiftly, he pulled over and instructed everyone to exit the vehicle before the fire spread. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire, but initial reports suggest a fuel leak may have been the source. -- 2025-02-10

Security Guard Killed After Domestic Dispute Turns Violent An early morning altercation between a security guard and his estranged wife ended in tragedy when he was fatally stabbed during a heated argument in a car park in Lak Si district. The suspect, his 49-year-old wife, was arrested at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351317-security-guard-killed-after-domestic-dispute-turns-violent/

Picture from responders. An early morning altercation between a security guard and his estranged wife ended in tragedy when he was fatally stabbed during a heated argument in a car park in Lak Si district. The suspect, his 49-year-old wife, was arrested at the scene. At approximately 00:30 on 9 February, officers from Thung Song Hong Police Station responded to reports of a fatal stabbing at an apartment complex in the Thung Song Hong area of Lak Si, Bangkok. Upon arrival, they were joined by forensic investigators, medical examiners from Chulabhorn Hospital, and volunteer rescue workers. Police discovered the body of 44-year-old Mr. Sitthichai a security guard, lying in a pool of blood. He was dressed in a security uniform with a motorcycle taxi vest over it. A deep stab wound to the neck was identified as the cause of death. A search of the victim's belongings revealed a single bullet in his trouser pocket. Nearby, officers found a firearm, an unused shotgun cartridge, and a bloodstained knife inside a basket. Also present at the scene was a woman, later identified as Ms. Somphit, the victim's estranged wife. She was visibly intoxicated and suffering from a head injury. During initial questioning, Ms. Somphit admitted to stabbing her husband. She explained that they had separated over three months ago and had not been living together. According to her statement, the victim arrived at the apartment's car park at around 23:00 on 8 February, a place where she often cooked meals. When he did not find her there, he called her to meet him. Their conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument. At one point, the victim allegedly insulted her with a derogatory term and struck her on the head with a gun. In response, she grabbed a nearby knife and stabbed him in the neck, killing him. Following the incident, police took Ms. Somphit to the hospital for treatment before transferring her into custody for further questioning. She is expected to face criminal charges as investigations continue. -- 2025-02-10

UPDATE Myanmar National Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Throwing Dog Into the Sea Immigration police have arrested a 19-year-old Myanmar national for animal cruelty after a video of him repeatedly throwing a dog into the sea surfaced on social media, sparking widespread public outrage in Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351223-cyber-police-to-take-legal-action-against-man-who-threw-dog-into-the-sea/#findComment-19575758

UPDATE Myanmar National Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Throwing Dog Into the Sea Picture courtesy of immigration. Immigration police have arrested a 19-year-old Myanmar national for animal cruelty after a video of him repeatedly throwing a dog into the sea surfaced on social media, sparking widespread public outrage in Thailand. The viral clip, which showed a young man hurling a dog into the sea multiple times, caused significant distress among Thai social media users. In response, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet ordered an urgent investigation, instructing Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, to track down the individual and ensure swift legal action. On 9 February at 11:00 the suspect, identified as Mr Thi Ha Aung, also known as “Nut,” aged 19, voluntarily presented himself at Samut Prakan Police Station alongside representatives from the Watchdog Thailand Foundation, confirming that he was the person seen in the video. Under the supervision of Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak and Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanarot, immigration officials, along with officers from the Investigation Division of the Immigration Bureau (IDIB), questioned the suspect. During the interrogation, Mr Thi Ha Aung admitted that the incident actually occurred in late 2023 in Pak Nam Beach, Chumphon Province. At the time, he was 17 years old and had been drinking with a companion, identified as Mr Leutsouphanh, also known as “Ouan”. In a state of intoxication, they encountered a dog on the beach, and Mr Thi Ha Aung proceeded to throw it into the sea multiple times. The suspect claimed that he later fell out with Mr Leutsouphanh, whom he believed had created a fake Facebook page under the names “Myanmar Orphan” and “Shepherd Boy”, where the video was uploaded to expose him. In response, Mr Thi Ha Aung contacted the Watchdog Thailand Foundation to explain his actions, apologise to the public, and express his willingness to face legal consequences. The suspect has now requested to travel to Chumphon Province to formally surrender to the authorities handling the case. Coordination is underway between Chumphon Immigration and Pak Nam Chumphon Police Station, where the crime took place. Police have confirmed that Mr Thi Ha Aung will face legal charges under Thailand’s animal cruelty laws, and his right to remain in the country is expected to be revoked. Further legal proceedings are ongoing as authorities continue their investigation. -- 2025-02-10

Man Shot Dead While Trying to Break Up Fight at Funeral in Phayao A 49-year-old man was fatally shot while attempting to stop a fight between two men at a funeral in Phayao. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351316-man-shot-dead-while-trying-to-break-up-fight-at-funeral-in-phayao/

Picture from responders. A 49-year-old man was fatally shot while attempting to stop a fight between two men at a funeral in Phayao. The shooting occurred at around 23:30 on 8th February at a funeral in Ban Sri Boonchum, Lo Subdistrict, Chun District. Police from Chun Police Station, along with rescue teams, rushed to the scene after receiving a report of the incident. At the scene, emergency responders found the victim, identified as Mr. Khan Thewi, 49, lying on the ground with a severe gunshot wound to the left side of his chest. The bullet, fired from a .357- calibre homemade handgun, had passed through his body. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at Chun Hospital. According to initial investigations, the altercation began when Mr. Komkrit Boonwong, 29, and Mr. Phiphat Phonphrommuang, 48, got into a heated argument and physical fight during the funeral. Mr. Phiphat reportedly attempted to shoot Mr. Komkrit but the gun misfired. He then struck Mr. Komkrit in the face and head with the firearm before reloading and preparing to fire again. It was at this moment that Mr. Khan intervened, questioning Mr. Phiphat's actions. In response, the gunman turned and shot him in the chest before continuing his attack on Mr. Komkrit outside the funeral, leaving a trail of blood on the street. Following the shooting, Mr. Phiphat fled the scene but later surrendered to the police. Authorities confiscated the .357-calibre homemade handgun and formally charged him with murder, illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm in a public place without a valid reason, and assault with intent to kill. Mr. Komkrit, who sustained injuries from the assault, has since filed a formal complaint against Mr. Phiphat, seeking further legal action. The suspect remains in police custody and will be taken to court for further proceedings. -- 2025-02-10

Fisherman Found Dead in Water After Suspected Alcohol-Related Fall A 42-year-old fisherman was found dead in an irrigation ditch in Huay Yai, Chonburi, on 9 February, after what is believed to have been a fall while intoxicated. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351314-fisherman-found-dead-in-water-after-suspected-alcohol-related-fall/