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Bulgarian National Arrested for Planting Malware in ATMs Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 50-year-old Bulgarian man has been arrested in connection with a sophisticated scheme to disable ATM machines across Thailand by installing data transmission cables embedded with malware. Authorities say the cyberattack has already affected at least 13 machines and has caused serious disruption to financial institutions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362111-bulgarian national-arrested-for-planting-malware-in-atms/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 50-year-old Bulgarian man has been arrested in connection with a sophisticated scheme to disable ATM machines across Thailand by installing data transmission cables embedded with malware. Authorities say the cyberattack has already affected at least 13 machines and has caused serious disruption to financial institutions. The arrest was announced at a press conference on 28 May, held at the Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 (TCSD2) in Muang Thong Thani, where senior police officials, including Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan and Police Major General Siriwat Deepor, confirmed the suspect’s involvement in a wider network of international criminals targeting ATM infrastructure. According to Police Colonel Weerkwin Sermsri Thanachai, the case was triggered in March 2025 when a financial institution reported suspicious activity involving an individual posing as a legitimate ATM maintenance technician. The suspect, equipped with a master key, allegedly opened ATM cabinets, replaced internal data cables and removed the original cables. Subsequent investigations revealed that the replacement cables contained a virus known as “Jackpot,” which could be activated via an embedded SIM card using internet signals. The malware disrupted the machines’ electrical systems, rendering them unable to dispense cash, thus undermining the country’s financial security. Police investigators tried to trace the suspect and his accomplices, believed to be two or three foreign nationals, using CCTV footage. They identified a rented white Honda City vehicle used in the operation and tracked it to the rental company, which provided the suspect’s personal information. Surveillance led police to a residence in Bang Phlap, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. On 27 May, officers executed a search warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court and arrested Mr. Ivan Valtsev at the premises. Inside the house, police recovered several stolen data cables and computer equipment believed to be linked to the crimes. Mr. Valtsev faces a slew of charges, including night-time theft involving security breaches, the unauthorised interception of computer data, malicious modification of computer systems, and actions aimed at disrupting the functionality of critical infrastructure. The charges also include unauthorised access to secured computer systems used by banks and other financial institutions, with potential implications for national economic and public security. The malware installed on the ATMs, meant the machines were fully under the control of the suspect to dispense cash as required, to him or his accomplices only. The suspect has partially denied the allegations, claiming he was only responsible for opening the ATMs and that the equipment found in his possession belonged to him. Police are now intensifying efforts to locate his accomplices and investigate any broader network involved in the cybercrime. Full details will be released as the investigation continues. The case highlights increasing concerns over digital threats to financial institutions and the need for robust cybersecurity measures in Thailand’s banking sector. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Man Shot Dead by Housemate Over Unpaid Rent in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 49-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his housemate following a heated argument over unpaid rent in Nonthaburi province late night of 27 May, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362110-man-shot-dead-by-housemate-over-unpaid-rent-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 49-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his housemate following a heated argument over unpaid rent in Nonthaburi province late night of 27 May, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The incident occurred at approximately 23:30, at a single-storey house in Bang Rak Yai Subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong District. Police Colonel Phrut Jamrungratsan, Superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station, received the report and dispatched officers along with forensic medical staff and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation to investigate. At the scene, officers found a .38 calibre revolver and a single spent cartridge case on a wooden table outside the house. Nearby, the body of the victim, identified as Mr. Adul, 30, was found lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the temple. The alleged shooter, Mr. Somchai, 49, the brother-in-law of the property owner, reportedly fled on a motorcycle immediately after the shooting. According to the homeowner, who asked to be referred to as Mr. A, both the victim and suspect had been renting a room in the house and were known to be friends. Mr. A explained that he lived there to maintain the property on behalf of his employer and occasionally called on the two men for help with chores such as cleaning fish tanks or gardening. On the night of the incident, Mr. Somchai had arrived first and was drinking with Mr. A when Mr. Adul arrived shortly after. A dispute quickly erupted between the two renters over unpaid rent. During the argument, Mr. Somchai reportedly grabbed a revolver, which Mr. A claimed he kept on the table for security due to frequent thefts in the area and shot Mr. Adul in the head before fleeing. Police have collected evidence from the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage along the suspected escape route to track down the gunman. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging Mr. Somchai to surrender. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Australian Injured & Vehicles Damaged After Concrete Collapse at Pattaya Condominium Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Panic broke out in Pattaya on the evening of 28 May, after a loud crash was heard and large chunks of concrete fell from a high-rise condominium on Pratumnak Hill, injuring a foreign man and damaging several motorbikes parked nearby. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362108-australian injured-vehicles-damaged-after-concrete-collapse-at-pattaya-condominium/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Panic broke out in Pattaya on the evening of 28 May, after a loud crash was heard and large chunks of concrete fell from a high-rise condominium on Pratumnak Hill, injuring a foreign man and damaging several motorbikes parked nearby. At approximately 18:00, emergency services were alerted to the incident at Unixx South Pattaya, a condominium situated on Pratumnak Road in Pattaya, Chonburi. Videos and images posted online shortly after the event showed broken cement debris scattered around the base of the building and concerned foreign residents reacting to the collapse. One tourist, identified as Mr Paul Dennis Smith, a 57-year-old Australian national, sustained injuries to his head, right arm and leg after being struck by falling debris. Emergency personnel from Sawang Boriboon Foundation provided first aid at the scene before urgently transporting him to a nearby hospital. Several parked motorcycles also sustained damage from the falling concrete. Initial investigations revealed that the debris came from a concrete panel and fittings, attached to the building’s outer wall. City engineers and Pattaya Mayor inspected the site and confirmed that the collapse did not affect the building’s main structure. However, reports suggest that the damaged section had previously been identified in photographs but had not yet been repaired. Eyewitness Mr Veerapol, 59, who was swimming in the condominium pool at the time, recounted seeing the cement slab plummet to the ground. “Everyone near the pool started running. I got out of the water and ran for my life,” he said. Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, arrived at the scene personally and has ordered a thorough investigation. City engineers have also launched a more detailed structural assessment. Early indications suggest the section that collapsed had shown signs of deterioration prior to the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-29.

UPDATE Snatch Thief Arrested While Charging Phone to Gamble Online in Pattaya Mall Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Sattahip have arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with a violent snatch-and-run robbery, after tracing him to a quiet corner of a Pattaya mall where he was charging his phone and gambling online using stolen money. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362013-woman-injured-in-violent-bag-snatching-incident-in-sattahip/#findComment-19832562

UPDATE Snatch Thief Arrested While Charging Phone to Gamble Online in Pattaya Mall Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police in Sattahip have arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with a violent snatch-and-run robbery, after tracing him to a quiet corner of a Pattaya mall where he was charging his phone and gambling online using stolen money. The incident occurred in the early evening of 27 May, when a woman was attacked by a man who violently dragged her along the road while snatching her shoulder bag. The bag contained 9,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone. Security camera footage captured the harrowing moment, clearly showing the suspect’s actions. The video quickly circulated online, prompting swift action by officers from Sattahip Police Station. Investigators worked through the night to identify and track down the suspect, later identified as Mr Apichart Wongphuri, 37. Authorities discovered he was planning to flee the area via a public van from central Pattaya. However, Mr Apichart’s plan fell apart when his phone battery died. In a bid to recharge it, he entered a department store in central Pattaya and sat quietly near the toilets to plug in. Police, already scouring the area, spotted him and made the arrest before he had time to react. Mr Apichart confessed to the crime during interrogation, stating that he committed the robbery to fund his online gambling habit, buy drugs and give some money to his mother. He told officers he had been in financial desperation and specifically targeted a woman, believing she would be less likely to resist or pursue him. Following the arrest, police were able to trace the mobile phone he had stolen. He had already sold it for just 150 baht. Officers are now investigating the shop that purchased the phone as part of the broader inquiry. Before his arrest, Mr Apichart was reportedly unaware that officers were watching him. He had been engrossed in an online slot game and later complained, “The jackpot never hit, you caught me before it could!” Mr Apichart has been charged and is currently in custody at Sattahip Police Station, where he is expected to face multiple legal proceedings for robbery and related offences. Adapted by Asean Now from Sattahip News 2025-05-29.

Thai Customs Seize Over 12.56 Million Baht Worth of Illegal Goods in Nationwide Crackdown Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Customs Department has announced a crackdown on illegal goods, including e-cigarettes, foreign cigarettes and smuggled fuel, with a total estimated value exceeding 12.56 million baht. The seizures followed extensive surveillance and coordinated raids across multiple provinces during May 2025. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362105-thai-customs-seize-over-1256-million-baht-worth-of-illegal-goods-in-nationwide-crackdown/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Customs Department has announced a crackdown on illegal goods, including e-cigarettes, foreign cigarettes and smuggled fuel, with a total estimated value exceeding 12.56 million baht. The seizures followed extensive surveillance and coordinated raids across multiple provinces during May 2025. Mr. Phanthong Loikunlan, Advisor on Tax Development and Administration and spokesperson for the Customs Department, revealed that enforcement teams carried out inspections in warehouses, shops and border checkpoints as part of the department’s ongoing campaign against smuggling. Seizures 1. E-Cigarettes and Accessories – Total Value: 7.43 Million Baht • Songkhla Province: Customs Region 4 officials, together with Hat Yai Airport Customs, uncovered 22,136 pieces of e-cigarettes and accessories hidden in parcels at a private courier company. Estimated value: 6.93 million baht. • Sungai Kolok Checkpoint: A patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle at the border and found 1,646 e-cigarette units, worth approximately 400,000 baht. • Chumphon Customs: A general freight truck was found transporting 552 e-cigarettes, valued at 102,400 baht. 2. Foreign Cigarettes – Total Value: 5.06 Million Baht • Khlong Yai, Trat Province: The Investigation and Suppression Bureau, in cooperation with Khlong Yai Customs, seized 93,200 foreign cigarettes during a border patrol. • Nong Khai Checkpoint: Officers discovered 15,200 cigarette in a private vehicle. • Songkhla Province: Customs Region 4 and Hat Yai Airport Customs seized 972,000 foreign cigarettes from parcels. • Unregistered Shop in Hat Yai: A further 8,360 were found in an illegal retail operation. • Chumphon Customs: 10,800 were recovered from a freight truck. 3. Smuggled Fuel – Total Value: 74,020 Baht • Khlong Hoi Khong District, Songkhla: Officials raided an unregistered warehouse suspected of housing untaxed goods. They found 1,000 litres of diesel in a large tank and 1,020 litres of petrol stored in 34 containers. Ongoing Enforcement According to the spokesperson, from the beginning of the 2025 fiscal year (1 October 2024 to 26 May 2025), Customs has seized: • E-cigarettes and accessories: 1,066,042 items, valued at 111.63 million baht • Cigarettes: 39,060,397, valued at 189.34 million baht • Fuel: 179,655 litres, valued at 5.51 million baht • Alcoholic beverages: 36,059 litres, valued at 8.62 million baht The Customs Department reaffirmed its commitment to continue strict enforcement and suppression of smuggled goods in line with national anti-smuggling policy. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Man Falls to His Death from Fifth-Floor Balcony in Mysterious Circumstances in Samut Prakan Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 60-year-old man fell to his death from the fifth floor of a state housing complex in Samut Prakan under unclear circumstances, just days before his planned retirement. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362103-man-falls-to-his-death-from-fifth-floor-balcony-in-mysterious-circumstances-in-samut-prakan/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 60-year-old man fell to his death from the fifth floor of a state housing complex in Samut Prakan under unclear circumstances, just days before his planned retirement. The incident occurred at around 18:50 on 27 May at Building 53 of the Praeksa 2 Eua-Arthorn housing project, located in Praeksa Mai subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. Police officers from Bang Pu Police Station, along with rescue personnel from Praeksa Mai Municipal Rescue and Ruamkusol Foundation, were dispatched to the scene following an emergency call. At the rear of the building, officers discovered the body of Mr. Suprom Lomdee, 60, a native of Phana District in Amnat Charoen Province. He was found lying on his side, severely injured with a laceration to his chin and a fractured neck. He had apparently fallen from his flat on the fifth floor, room number 653/37. Inside his apartment, no signs of a struggle or disturbance were found. His shoes were discovered removed and placed neatly near the balcony, from where he is believed to have fallen. According to eyewitnesses, he appeared to have climbed out, hanging dangerously from the rear balcony moments before the fall. One resident in a neighbouring building, Mr. Supachai Paisonthi, 31, told reporters that he had just returned from work when he noticed the man hanging precariously from the balcony. “I shouted to ask what he was doing, but he seemed unable to hold on. I ran to get help from the building manager, but by the time they arrived, he was already lying on the ground,” he said. “At first, he was still breathing.” Another witness, Ms. Donlaya Wongwien, 30, explained that she had been alerted by someone who noticed the man in distress. “I didn’t know him personally as we live in different buildings, but someone called me to take a look. When I arrived, he had already fallen. I called the rescue team, but it was too late.” The deceased was known to live alone, friends and family arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. His colleagues, including his supervisor, described him as a respected and long-serving employee with no known conflicts at work. “We were supposed to have a farewell party for him today, to mark his retirement at the end of the month,” one colleague said. “But it was postponed due to flooding. He never caused any trouble and was well-liked. We’re all in shock.” The cause of the fall remains unclear and police are continuing their investigation to determine whether it was accidental or if other factors may have contributed. No evidence of foul play has been found so far. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-29.

Hunting Trip: Thai Man Accidentally Shoots Himself Dead in Rubber Plantation Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 26-year-old man was killed after accidentally shooting himself in the neck during a hunting trip with his mother in a remote rubber plantation in Surat Thani province during the morning of 28 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362101-hunting-trip-thai-man-accidentally-shoots-himself-dead-in-rubber-plantation/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 26-year-old man was killed after accidentally shooting himself in the neck during a hunting trip with his mother in a remote rubber plantation in Surat Thani province during the morning of 28 May. At approximately 11:30, Police Colonel Narong Rakprathum, superintendent of Khiri Rat Nikhom Police Station, reported the incident to Police Colonel Sirichai Suksat, Deputy Commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police. A team comprising local investigators, forensic officers from Region 8 and rescue workers was dispatched to the scene in Moo 10, Khao Pao Subdistrict. The location, a steep and difficult-to-access rubber plantation, required officers to proceed on foot. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Sakorn, a native of Udon Thani province, lying on his back in a pool of blood. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound, with the bullet entering under his chin and exiting through the nape of his neck. A homemade flintlock gun was found near the body and collected as evidence. According to the victim’s mother, who was present at the scene, her son had invited her to join him in the forested plantation to hunt wild animals. She had been tasked with placing palm seeds to lure game, while her son loaded the gun with gunpowder and lead shot. During this process, the firearm is believed to have accidentally discharged, fatally wounding the man. Authorities have sent the body for a post-mortem examination at a local hospital and plan to conduct a thorough interview with the mother to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have not ruled out any possibilities but currently suspect an accidental discharge as the cause of death. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Former Village Headman Shoots Female Subdistrict Official & Brother Dead Over Land Dispute Picture courtesy of Naewna. A shocking double murder has rocked the normally quiet district of Na Muen in Nan province, after a former village headman allegedly shot dead a female subdistrict official and her brother in what police suspect was a bitter land dispute. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362100-former-village-headman-shoots-female-subdistrict-official-brother-dead-over-land-dispute/

Picture courtesy of Naewna. A shocking double murder has rocked the normally quiet district of Na Muen in Nan province, after a former village headman allegedly shot dead a female subdistrict official and her brother in what police suspect was a bitter land dispute. The incident began on the evening of 27 May, when police at Na Muen Police Station received reports of a fatal shooting near the wooden bridge intersection in Ban Nawai, Moo 8, Bo Kaeo Subdistrict. Investigating officers, led by Police Lieutenant Winai Notip and Police Colonel Thanaphat Khorasingh, rushed to the scene. There, they discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Thanasak, 58, lying face down in the middle of the road. He had been fatally shot in the torso and right ribcage with a firearm of unknown type and calibre. Officers quickly apprehended the alleged shooter at the scene. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phen, 60, a former village headman and former member of a local volunteer defence unit, resides in Moo 12, Na Thanung Subdistrict, also in Na Muen. Mr. Phen initially confessed to the shooting, claiming it stemmed from a longstanding land dispute with the victims. In a development later that evening, at around 22:00, police were alerted to a second fatality. Ms. Suwisa, a subdistrict administrative officer (Palad Or Bor Tor) from Ping Luang Subdistrict and sister of the first victim, was found dead from gunshot wounds in the bathroom of her home in Moo 4, Na Thanung Subdistrict. Police say the suspect has so far provided confusing and inconsistent statements and has not yet revealed the location of the firearm used in the attacks. Investigators believe both killings were connected to the same land-related conflict and are working urgently to recover the weapon and determine the full circumstances surrounding the case. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and sequence of events as the community reels from the loss of two respected local figures. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-05-29.

Three Former Officials of the National Office of Buddhism Found Guilty of Embezzlement Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has ruled that three former officials of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) unlawfully amassed wealth exceeding 50 million baht through embezzlement of state funds intended for temple support. The NACC has ordered the confiscation of assets and has submitted the cases for prosecution. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362099-three-former-officials-of-the-national-office-of-buddhism-found-guilty-of-embezzlement/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has ruled that three former officials of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) unlawfully amassed wealth exceeding 50 million baht through embezzlement of state funds intended for temple support. The NACC has ordered the confiscation of assets and has submitted the cases for prosecution. Mr Saroj Phuengrumpan, Secretary-General and spokesperson of the NACC, announced that the commission had received complaints and initiated investigations into suspicious wealth accumulation by former state officials under the NOB. The probe revealed extensive irregularities, leading to formal findings of unusual wealth and legal proceedings. Case 1: Mr Phattana Suammartmontri A former senior religious academic officer, Mr Phattana was found to possess unexplained wealth totalling 24,973,519 baht. The assets, believed to result from abuse of official duties, include: • Bank accounts (8 in total) holding over 23.2 million baht, with major deposits in Krung Thai Bank branches, Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Government Savings Bank, and Kasikornbank. • A Toyota Vios vehicle, valued at over 640,000 baht. • A loan of 300,000 baht extended to an associate. • A 100-square-wah plot of land in Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom, bought for 400,000 baht. • House construction on the same land, valued at 420,000 baht. The NACC has referred the case to the Attorney General, requesting legal proceedings before the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases and recommending Mr Phattana’s dismissal from public service within 60 days under the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption B.E. 2561, Section 122. Case 2: Ms Pornphen Kittitharangkool Former director of the Department of General Education in Monastic Schools, Ms Pornphen was found to have amassed 12,818,335 baht in unexplained wealth, including: • Seven bank accounts with combined deposits exceeding 10 million baht. • Two land plots in Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi, worth 800,000 baht. • Mortgage repayments to the Government Housing Bank amounting to nearly 1 million baht. Similar to Mr Phattana’s case, the NACC has referred Ms Pornphen’s case to the Attorney General and recommended her dismissal from government service. Case 3: Ms Jurairat Meesiri Previously employed in public relations under the NOB, Ms Jurairat was found to have unlawfully accumulated 10,863,181 baht, comprising: • Six bank accounts, including those in the name of her spouse, totalling millions of baht. • Suspicious vehicle finance repayments for three different cars. • Loan settlements with Government Savings Bank and Government Housing Bank, with inconsistent payment patterns. Her case has also been forwarded to the Attorney General. If full asset seizure is not possible, additional asset enforcement may be pursued within 10 years under Section 125 of the Anti-Corruption Act. All three cases highlight systemic corruption within the NOB. The NACC has emphasised its zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of public office and has reiterated its commitment to recover state assets and restore public trust. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Foreign Tourist Mistakes Monitor Lizard for Crocodile in Restaurant Scare Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A startled foreign tourist caused a stir in a local restaurant in Udon Thani after mistaking a monitor lizard for a crocodile, prompting amused reactions from staff and fellow diners. The reptile, approximately 1.3 metres long and weighing around 10 kilograms, had wandered into the restaurant from a nearby drainage canal. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362098-foreign-tourist-mistakes-monitor-lizard-for-crocodile-in-restaurant-scare/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A startled foreign tourist caused a stir in a local restaurant in Udon Thani after mistaking a monitor lizard for a crocodile, prompting amused reactions from staff and fellow diners. The reptile, approximately 1.3 metres long and weighing around 10 kilograms, had wandered into the restaurant from a nearby drainage canal. At around 16:00 on 27 May, Udon Thani municipal disaster prevention officers were called to a restaurant on bypass road 341/1 in Ban Duea community, Muang District, after reports of a large reptile hiding behind the drinks counter. Upon arrival, staff had already removed beer jugs, wine glasses and crates to clear the area. Officers then attempted to capture the reptile using a loop snare, but the frightened creature struggled and briefly escaped. Eventually, it was subdued by stepping on its body and safely removed from the premises. The lizard was identified as a monitor lizard, known in Thai as Tua Ngern Tua Thong, often found in natural waterways and forests. It was so frightened during the incident that it urinated on the spot. Officers discovered leeches on its body, which they removed using a heated tool. Disaster prevention officer Mr Manatsanun Suwanhong explained how to distinguish monitor lizards from the similar-looking “takuat” (common water monitors), noting that monitor lizards have rounded snouts while others have sharper, more pointed noses. He warned that their tails can be dangerous, as they use them to whip perceived threats. After the brief commotion, the lizard was released back into a natural area far from human habitation, where it could live peacefully. Mr Boonrit 22, a staff member at the restaurant, admitted to stroking the lizard’s tail, believing it would bring good luck. “I was scared, but I heard that touching the tail brings fortune,” he said. He also recounted the moment of confusion: “We’ve had snakes come into the restaurant before, but this time a foreign man and his girlfriend were heading to the toilet when they saw the lizard behind the counter. He screamed , ‘Crocodile! Crocodile!’ and the woman asked, ‘Does the restaurant keep crocodiles?’ I was shocked and wondered how a crocodile could possibly be in here.” After confirming it was indeed a monitor lizard, staff quickly called in the authorities, and the situation was resolved without injury. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-29.

Liverpool Fan Arrested for Selling Illegal Firearms to Celebrate Premier League Title Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 29-year-old man, known by the alias “Owen” in homage to Liverpool FC legend Michael Owen, has been arrested in Chonburi province after attempting to illegally sell a firearm online to fund a celebration of Liverpool’s Premier League title win. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362097-liverpool-fan-arrested-for-selling-illegal-firearms-to-celebrate-premier-league-title/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 29-year-old man, known by the alias “Owen” in homage to Liverpool FC legend Michael Owen, has been arrested in Chonburi province after attempting to illegally sell a firearm online to fund a celebration of Liverpool’s Premier League title win. At 11:00 on 28 May, The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) held a press conference announcing the arrest of Mr. Suliphon, a Laotian national, who was found in possession of a converted .380 calibre handgun, seven rounds of ammunition and a magazine. The arrest was led by senior officers including Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan and Police Major General Sirawat Deepor, as part of an ongoing operation to dismantle illegal firearms networks operating through social media platforms. Officers from the Special Intelligence and Cyber Tools Division had discovered an active illegal weapons trade within a Facebook group boasting over 20,000 members. An undercover officer contacted a seller using the Facebook alias “Oven Ven” and arranged to purchase a handgun for 18,000 baht. The transaction was set to take place near a temple in Bo Thong district, Chonburi. At the appointed time, police intercepted a man on a motorcycle at the rendezvous point. A search revealed the weapon and ammunition. The suspect, later identified as Mr. Suliphon, admitted that the firearm was his and that he had been involved in buying and reselling weapons online for profit. He claimed to earn between 3,000 and 5,000 baht per gun. He further stated that he had bought the seized weapon for 15,000 baht and intended to sell it at a profit. He also confessed that he had adopted the nickname “Owen” out of admiration for the former Liverpool striker Michael Owen. He planned to use the proceeds from the sale to buy beer to celebrate Liverpool’s recent Premier League triumph. Police have charged him with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition without a permit, as well as carrying a firearm in public without authorisation. The suspect has been handed over to local investigators for further legal proceedings, and authorities are expanding their investigation to trace the origin of the weapon and identify others involved in the trafficking network. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

UPDATE Police Reveal Cause of Helicopter Crash: Faulty Equipment to Blame, Not Sabotage Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A senior Royal Thai Police official has confirmed that the recent police helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan province was caused by mechanical failure, not sabotage or external attack. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361652-helicopter-crash-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/#findComment-19832524

UPDATE Police Reveal Cause of Helicopter Crash: Faulty Equipment to Blame, Not Sabotage Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A senior Royal Thai Police official has confirmed that the recent police helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan province was caused by mechanical failure, not sabotage or external attack. Pol Maj Gen Wongwarit Srikham, a senior expert at the Royal Thai Police and currently seconded to the Police Aviation Division, revealed the preliminary findings during a meeting with local officials and village leaders at the Koh Lak Subdistrict Administrative Organisation. According to the investigation, the crash occurred when the helicopter’s main rotor malfunctioned, resulting in one of the blades severing the tail rotor. This caused the aircraft to lose stability and spin out of control, ultimately leading to a violent crash. Officials stressed that the incident was not the result of pilot error or negligence. Pol Maj Gen Wongwarit also addressed public speculation that the helicopter may have been shot down, given its proximity to the Thai border. “We can confirm that the helicopter was not attacked or fired upon,” he said. “There is no evidence of sabotage.” He further dismissed local rumours that someone had parachuted to safety before the crash. “Such claims are unfounded. The aircraft failed suddenly, giving no opportunity for a parachute escape. All crew members were strapped in and what witnesses saw was likely debris falling after the tail was struck.” He clarified that the loud sound reported by residents prior to the crash was not an explosion in the air, but the noise caused by the main rotor striking the tail, which created a sound similar to a blast. The wreckage of the helicopter has been transported to the Police Aviation Division in Bangkok, where it will be examined by Bell Helicopters, the aircraft’s manufacturer, to determine which component failed. The three pilots who perished in the crash have been returned to their respective hometowns for religious rites: one to Wat Nuanchan in Bangkok, another to Thong Pha Phum district in Kanchanaburi province and the third to Mueang district in Trang province. In honour of the fallen officers, the Royal Thai Police and the Police Aviation Division, in cooperation with Koh Lak Subdistrict officials, local residents and border patrol police, will hold a Buddhist merit-making ceremony on 29 May at 10:00. The event will take place at the crash site in Ban Nong Kok, Moo 1, Koh Lak subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

Man Killed in Alcohol-Fuelled Fight at Rocket Festival in Khon Kaen Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 61-year-old man has died following a violent altercation during a local rocket festival celebration in Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen province. The attack, which occurred after a dispute over alcohol, resulted in the victim being bludgeoned to death with a wooden stick and partially buried in dirt on a village road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362096-man-killed-in-alcohol-fuelled-fight-at-rocket-festival-in-khon-kaen/