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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/

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. Police were alerted to the incident at around 16:00, on 27 May. Police Lieutenant Poomin Iem-ong of Chum Phae Police Station received the report of a suspected homicide in Moo 9, Ban Lang Nonchat, in Non Han subdistrict. Senior officers, investigators and local rescue volunteers quickly arrived at the scene. The body of Mr. Jarae Boonmang, aged 61, was discovered lying on his back in the middle of a village road, directly in front of a residence. He had suffered significant head injuries and was partially covered in dirt. A metre-long bloodstained wooden stick was found approximately 30 metres away and was seized as evidence. Traces indicated the body had been dragged roughly 20 metres. The suspected attacker, Mr. Sombat Naewprasert, aged 51, was found at his home nearby, heavily intoxicated and giving inconsistent statements. He was taken into custody and later escorted to the scene for a crime reconstruction. Preliminary investigations revealed that both men had been drinking together since morning at a neighbour’s house as part of the village’s traditional “Bun Bang Fai” (Rocket Festival) celebrations. A verbal argument escalated during the gathering, but onlookers intervened and separated them, urging both to return home. However, the victim reportedly followed Mr. Sombat to his home and reignited the quarrel. In a fit of rage, Mr. Sombat punched Mr. Jarae, causing him to fall. He then grabbed a piece of firewood from behind his house and struck him multiple times. The suspect then dragged the body onto the road and attempted to bury it using a hoe. Chum Phae Police Superintendent, Colonel Rakchat Rueangcharoen, confirmed that the incident stemmed from a drunken dispute. While Mr. Sombat does not have a history of drug use, he is known to consume alcohol heavily and is currently under psychiatric treatment. The suspect will undergo a full medical examination and testing for narcotics, although initial reports indicate no illegal substances were involved. Police will proceed with criminal charges following completion of the investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

UPDATE Pattaya Go-Go Shut For 1 Day After Australian Managers Involved in Tourist Assault Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Authorities from Bang Lamung District ordered the temporary closure of a Go-Go bar in Pattaya after a violent altercation involving two Australian, the bar’s managers and a foreign tourist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361888-two-australian-men-surrender-to-pattaya-police-after-brawl-with-foreigner-over-unpaid-bill/page/3/#findComment-19830580

UPDATE Pattaya Go-Go Shut For 1 Day After Australian Managers Involved in Tourist Assault Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Authorities from Bang Lamung District ordered the temporary closure of a Go-Go bar in Pattaya after a violent altercation involving two Australian, the bar’s managers and a foreign tourist. The altercation started at “Play Girlz,” located in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya. The video, which was handed over to local officials, allegedly shows the two Australian men assaulting a tourist. The injured individual has yet to file a formal complaint with police. According to early reports, the suspects, identified as Mr. Carlos Anthony Madafferi 25 and Mr. Isaac Biagio Madafferi, 20, both Australian nationals, claimed they were provoked after the tourist refused to pay a bar tab and allegedly threw the first punch. The brothers later voluntarily presented themselves to police, expressing remorse and asserting that the incident escalated unexpectedly. In response to the viral footage and growing concern over the incident, Bang Lamung District Chief Mr. Patcharapach Srithanyanon instructed Deputy District Chief Mr. Natthaphop Yomchinda to coordinate with Pattaya City Police. Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Suchart Dusadee, officers from multiple agencies raided Play Girlz late on the evening of 27 May. Officials carried out a thorough inspection of the venue, separating male and female staff, verifying documents, checking employee records and conducting drug tests. No illegal substances were found and no staff tested positive for drugs. Both Mr. Carlos and Mr. Isaac Madafferi were present at the scene during the inspection. They acknowledged their involvement in the incident and publicly apologised. As a consequence, district officials ordered the bar to close for one day as a disciplinary measure. Mr. Yomchinda also warned business operators throughout the city to strictly uphold safety standards and avoid taking the law into their own hands. “If there are disputes or problems, contact authorities immediately. Vigilante justice is absolutely unacceptable,” he said. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-28.

Swiss Man Discovers Partner Dead in Apparent Suicide at Pattaya Condominium Pictured courtesy of SiamChon. A 53-year-old Thai woman was found dead in an apparent suicide at a condominium in Pattaya in the early hours of the morning of 28 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362014-swiss-man-discovers-partner-dead-in-apparent-suicide-at-pattaya-condominium/

Pictured courtesy of SiamChon. A 53-year-old Thai woman was found dead in an apparent suicide at a condominium in Pattaya in the early hours of the morning of 28 May. Police were alerted at 02:45, when Pol. Lt. Col. Chainares Pengkan, Deputy Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, Dongtan Curve sub-branch, received a report of a woman found hanged. Officers, along with emergency rescue personnel, rushed to the scene at a condominium located in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. The deceased, identified only as Mrs. Chalom, was discovered in a sitting position beside a glass door inside her condo unit. A nylon rope had been tied from a curtain rail to her neck. She was found leaning against a sofa. Authorities cordoned off the area and removed the body for examination. No signs of struggle or foul play were found in the room. Her partner, Mr. Burth, a 67-year-old Swiss national, told police that he had gone to bed earlier in the night while Mrs. Chalom remained in the living room watching television. He awoke during the night and noticed she had not come to bed. When he went to check on her, he was shocked to find her unresponsive and immediately called for help from the condominium’s security staff. The security guard confirmed that the foreign resident had come running in distress, claiming his partner had hanged herself. When staff arrived at the scene, they found the woman had no signs of life. The couple were said to have lived together at the condominium for some time and were reportedly never seen arguing. Pol. Lt. Col. Chainares documented the scene and has ordered a full autopsy to be conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital in Bangkok to determine the exact cause of death. Mr. Burth will also be interviewed further as he was the last person known to be with the deceased. Investigations are ongoing. 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. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-28.

Woman Injured in Violent Bag-Snatching Incident in Sattahip Picture courtesy of Sattahip News. A woman was dragged along a road and injured in a shocking daylight robbery after a thief on a motorbike snatched her handbag in the Bon Kai area of Sattahip. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362013-woman-injured-in-violent-bag-snatching-incident-in-sattahip/

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News. A woman was dragged along a road and injured in a shocking daylight robbery after a thief on a motorbike snatched her handbag in the Bon Kai area of Sattahip. CCTV and dash-cam footage captured the dramatic moment at around 17:00 on 27 May, when the suspect, riding a motorcycle, approached the victim who was walking along the roadside. The assailant abruptly grabbed her shoulder bag, but the woman resisted, holding tightly onto her belongings. In the struggle, she was violently dragged along the road as the thief accelerated, eventually forcing her to release the bag due to the force and pain. The suspect then sped away, making off with valuable items including a mobile phone and an undisclosed amount of cash. The woman sustained injuries from being pulled across the tarmac and was later assisted by bystanders. Sattahip police are actively investigating the incident. Officers from the local investigative unit are reviewing CCTV footage and urging the public to come forward with any information that might lead to the suspect’s identification and arrest. Authorities are appealing to anyone with knowledge of the perpetrator’s identity or whereabouts to contact Sattahip Police Station immediately or provide tips through social media channels. The incident has sparked a wave of concern on local online forums, with hashtags such as #BringCriminalsToJustice and #MakeSattahipSafeAgain trending among residents demanding swift justice and improved public safety. Police have vowed to intensify patrols in the area and are treating the case as a top priority. Adapted by Asean Now from Sattahip News 2025-05-28.

Man Fatally Attacked in Nakhon Si Thammarat Palm Plantation Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A well-known figure in Nakhon Si Thammarat was brutally attacked and killed in broad daylight in a palm oil plantation, with early indications pointing to a personal dispute or romantic jealousy as the possible motive. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362012-man-fatally-attacked-in-nakhon-si-thammarat-palm-plantation/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A well-known figure in Nakhon Si Thammarat was brutally attacked and killed in broad daylight in a palm oil plantation, with early indications pointing to a personal dispute or romantic jealousy as the possible motive. Police from Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station responded to a call reporting a fatal assault in Moo 11, Bang Chak Subdistrict. Officers, along with forensic investigators, rescue workers, and a physician from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, quickly arrived at the scene. The victim, identified as Mr. Phansak (also known locally as “Baw” or “Khao”), aged 42, was found lying face up near a pond within the plantation. He had sustained multiple blunt-force injuries to his face and torso. A bloodstained metal pipe, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered nearby along with the victim’s parked motorbike. According to family members, Mr. Phansak worked on a flood protection project in the area. Around midday, he returned home for lunch before setting off again on his motorbike to resume work. Investigators believe the suspect, known only by the nickname “Noon,” lay in wait at the plantation and ambushed Mr. Phansak using the metal pipe. In an apparent attempt to escape the attack, the victim is believed to have jumped into a pond and tried to swim to safety, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on reaching the other side. Preliminary investigations point to a personal vendetta, with motives possibly linked to a love affair or long-standing personal conflict. Mr. Phansak was reportedly a prominent and well-known figure in the local community, described by residents as a local “big man” with many acquaintances. Police are actively searching for the suspect and intend to bring him in for questioning. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers working to establish a clearer motive and secure additional evidence to support potential charges. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-28.

UPDATE Provincial Councillor ‘Golf’ Charged in Major Online Gambling & Money Laundering Case Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Cyber police have formally charged Mr Siradon Plaiduang, better known as “Sor Golf”, in connection with a large-scale illegal online gambling network and a money laundering operation with financial transactions totalling over 200 million baht. The accused has denied all charges. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19830246

UPDATE Provincial Councillor ‘Golf’ Charged in Major Online Gambling & Money Laundering Case Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Cyber police have formally charged Mr Siradon Plaiduang, better known as “Sor Golf”, in connection with a large-scale illegal online gambling network and a money laundering operation with financial transactions totalling over 200 million baht. The accused has denied all charges. At a press conference held at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Division 2 in Muang Thong Thani, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the CCIB, outlined the progress of the investigation into the gambling website WINGAME98, allegedly operated by Sor Golf. According to Lt. Gen. Trairong, investigators formally informed the accused of the charges at Songkhla Provincial Prison on 26 May. Although the councillor denied all accusations, police say the evidence, particularly financial transaction trails, is strong and growing. Authorities are now considering issuing additional arrest warrants for others believed to be involved in the case. The charges filed against Sor Golf include: • Organising, promoting, or inducing others to gamble via electronic media without permission. • Conspiring with two or more persons to commit the offence of money laundering. • Engaging in money laundering as a result of such conspiracy. Lt. Gen. Trairong further stated that several individuals under investigation may also have links to the assault of police officers during the course of the probe. Those with financial connections to the main suspects, even if their direct involvement is not yet confirmed, may be issued summonses for questioning. Preliminary investigations led by Pol. Col. Kritsada Manawongskul, Superintendent of Cyber Crime Division 5, have uncovered roughly 200 million baht in financial activity linked to the gambling operation, with Sor Golf identified as a top-tier beneficiary. When asked whether there were concerns about the potential involvement of local politicians or other influential figures, Lt. Gen. Trairong was unequivocal: “We are not worried. If the evidence leads to anyone, regardless of their status, legal action will be taken. Everyone involved will be summoned and questioned accordingly.” He also confirmed that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been contacted to assist with investigating Sor Golf’s assets and financial history. The case is part of a broader crackdown on online gambling and cybercrime, as authorities continue to pursue those behind illegal digital platforms and financial networks operating across Thailand. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-28.

Shopkeeper Caught Selling Illegal E-Cigarettes to Students Behind Grocery Store Front Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A female shopkeeper has been arrested in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani, after she was caught secretly selling illegal e-cigarettes to schoolchildren while operating a grocery store as a front. The arrest followed complaints from concerned parents and school officials. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362010-shopkeeper-caught-selling-illegal-e-cigarettes-to-students-behind-grocery-store-front/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A female shopkeeper has been arrested in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani, after she was caught secretly selling illegal e-cigarettes to schoolchildren while operating a grocery store as a front. The arrest followed complaints from concerned parents and school officials. At 16:00 on 26 May, District Chief Ms. Apisara Ketsin ordered Mr. Amornrithiphon Khieorungphet, the district security officer, together with members of the Territorial Defence Volunteer Corps, to launch an investigation into reports that students were using e-cigarettes at a local school. Officials coordinated with informants and launched a surveillance operation which led them to the suspect’s shop. Authorities apprehended the woman and charged her with multiple offences related to the illegal sale and possession of untaxed and prohibited tobacco products. The charges include: 1. Concealing, distributing, or knowingly receiving goods associated with customs violations, under Sections 242 and 246 of the 2017 Customs Act. 2. Selling or providing services involving baraku (hookah), electronic baraku, or e-cigarettes, including liquids for use with such devices, in violation of Order No. 24/2567 issued by the Consumer Product and Service Safety Committee on 8 July 2024. 3. Possession for sale of untaxed goods, and 4. Possession of goods on which tax has not been paid. Seized from the premises were: • Disposable e-cigarette device obtained in a controlled purchase, by investigators. • A 500 baht marked banknote used in the operation • E-cigarette pods • Refillable e-cigarette devices • 73 disposable e-cigarettes • 460 packs of foreign and export-labelled cigarettes The operation was conducted jointly by the Khlong Luang District Office and the Pathum Thani Excise Department (Zone 2). The suspect and confiscated goods were handed over to local police investigators for legal proceedings. The case shows the continued crackdown on e-cigarettes. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-28.

Three Family Members Electrocuted While Feeding Stray Dogs Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek. An incident in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, saw three family members lose their lives after being electrocuted while feeding a group of stray dogs. The event occurred early in the morning of 27 May, at a carport next to a family residence in Moo 3, Samphao Lom subdistrict. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362009-three-family-members-electrocuted-while-feeding-stray-dogs/

Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek. An incident in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, saw three family members lose their lives after being electrocuted while feeding a group of stray dogs. The event occurred early in the morning of 27 May, at a carport next to a family residence in Moo 3, Samphao Lom subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Colonel Samart Raksasak, deputy investigator at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station, received a report at 06:30, regarding multiple fatalities caused by electric shock. Emergency responders, including personnel from the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the bodies of three victims beside two parked vehicles inside a partially metal-framed and concrete carport. The deceased were later identified as Ms. Kanokporn a 75-year-old nun, Mr. Udomsak aged 73 and Mr. Teera aged 34. All were found in contact with the steel structure parts of the carport. A dog was also found dead, lying across the victims’ bodies. A rice cooker filled with freshly cooked rice, used daily to feed stray dogs, was discovered nearby. Preliminary investigations confirmed the presence of live electrical current at the scene, necessitating an immediate cutoff of power before further examination. Initial findings revealed signs of electrical burns on the victims, particularly on their hands. The carport, constructed entirely of metal, had electrical wiring improperly installed, including a circuit breaker directly mounted onto a steel pole. Wires were exposed and not encased in protective conduits, allowing moisture to seep in during heavy rainfall the previous evening, likely causing a dangerous electrical leak. Ms. Wannawimon 33, the grieving wife of Mr. Teera, recounted through tears that she had returned home during a torrential downpour the night before and had walked past the carport without noticing anything unusual. When she realised her husband was not home later that night, she did not search for him due to the weather. It was only in the morning that she discovered his lifeless body alongside his relatives and the dog. The three victims had reportedly followed a routine of preparing rice and feeding over ten stray dogs each day at the carport. Police suspect one of them may have made initial contact with the electrified structure, causing all three to be fatally shocked in succession. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Pathum Thani. Authorities are continuing to investigate and will coordinate with relevant agencies to conduct a full inspection of the property’s electrical systems. Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-05-28.

Labour Ministry Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Workers in Rayong Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Labour has arrested 44 illegal foreign workers at industrial sites in Rayong province, in a campaign aimed at preventing job displacement for Thai nationals and improving transparency in the labour system. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362008-labour-ministry-cracks-down-on-illegal-foreign-workers-in-rayong/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Labour has arrested 44 illegal foreign workers at industrial sites in Rayong province, in a campaign aimed at preventing job displacement for Thai nationals and improving transparency in the labour system. Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the operation was part of a proactive initiative to enforce laws governing foreign employment. The inspections took place on 26 May at Pinthong Industrial Estate 6 and a construction site belonging to Midea Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd., both located in Nikhom Phatthana District. Mr Pipat said he had instructed Mr Pichet Thongpan, the Ministry’s Inspector-General, to lead the special task force Trai Thep Phithak in coordination with the Rayong Provincial Employment Office. The operation uncovered 44 illegal foreign workers in total. Violations included: • Working beyond legal permissions under Section 8 of the Royal Ordinance on the Management of Foreign Workers: three Chinese nationals and two Myanmar nationals were found to be working without valid permits. • Violation of Section 64/2: 31 Chinese workers (33 men and 3 women in total) and eight Myanmar nationals had failed to notify authorities of their employer, workplace and job description within the required 15-day period. All individuals have been handed over to Nikhom Phatthana Police Station for legal proceedings. Mr Pichet added that the inspections follow the minister’s directive to ensure foreign labour remains within legal frameworks and does not displace Thai workers. “This initiative aims to enhance Thailand’s labour system, ensuring it is transparent, fair, and accountable. We will continue regular inspections in industrial areas across the country to ensure all foreign workers are legally employed and not a burden on society,” he stated. The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of employment laws to protect local jobs and uphold Thailand’s international reputation in labour management. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-28.

Bangkok Authorities Ban Future Events by No-Show Run Organisers Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Bangkok authorities have banned an event organiser from holding two upcoming races following a farcical no-show event over the weekend that left hundreds of runners stranded and outraged. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361715-runners-baffled-as-phantom-run-lacks-organisers-confusion-over-“run-for-destination-2025”/#findComment-19830219

UPDATE Bangkok Authorities Ban Future Events by No-Show Run Organisers Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Bangkok authorities have banned an event organiser from holding two upcoming races following a farcical no-show event over the weekend that left hundreds of runners stranded and outraged. Prapas Luengsirinapa, Chief of the Environmental Office of Din Daeng District under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), confirmed that an order was issued to prohibit Tonson 99 Sports Complex Co. from organising two additional running events they had applied for in July. The company was behind Sunday’s now-infamous “Run For Destination” event at Rama IX Park, where participants, both Thai and foreign, turned up early only to find no organisers present, no race officials and no event management. Runners, who had each paid up to 450 baht to take part, were met with nothing more than a start line gate and a mobile toilet truck. Adding to the confusion, the banner at the start line bizarrely read “Run For Destination 2025”, but below it in smaller print, the date was marked as Sunday, 28th May 2028. This glaring inconsistency baffled attendees even further, especially since the organiser’s own Facebook page had confirmed the race would take place on Sunday, 25 May 2025. Police were called to the scene as disgruntled runners began to suspect they had been scammed. Formal complaints have since been lodged. Tonson 99 Sports Complex Co. had also sought permission to host two more running events: • “Love To Run”, scheduled for 20 July at Lumpini Park, and • “Colourful Running Day”, planned for 28 July at Chatuchak Park. Both events have now been officially cancelled by City Hall, which oversees the parks. It remains unclear how many runners had paid in advance for these July events or whether any refunds will be issued. The whereabouts of the organisers are also unknown, raising further suspicions that they may now be “running from justice”. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-28.

School Transport Van Speeds Through Railway Barrier in Chonburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A van carrying schoolchildren tempted disaster after it drove through a railway crossing barrier just moments before a train passed through, sparking widespread concern about safety at the frequently breached crossing in Phan Thong district, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362007-school-transport-van-speeds-through-railway-barrier-in-chonburi/