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Pictures from responders. Two women, one with a mental illness and the other physically disabled, were left seriously injured after a violent altercation involving a kitchen cleaver, broke out between them at a housing estate in Samut Prakan. The incident occurred around 20:00 on 13 April, at a residence within the Fuangfah 15 Phase 1 housing estate in Phraeksa Mai, Mueang District. Local police and rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation rushed to the scene following reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found two injured women. One of the victims, 54-year-old Ms. Nuyuang Santhalunai, was lying face down in front of a local grocery shop, suffering from approximately ten severe slash wounds to her head. Nearby, another woman, identified only as “Noi”, aged around 45 and reportedly suffering from a mental condition, was seated beneath a tree with a deep facial wound. Rescue workers provided immediate first aid before transferring both women to Paolo Samut Prakan Hospital. Due to congestion in the narrow alleyways, they were moved to a nearby location for ambulance pickup. CCTV footage from the grocery store showed Ms. Nuyuang staggering into the shop, covered in blood, seeking help. The shopkeeper promptly called the authorities. Shortly after, the victim’s distressed relatives arrived at the scene, visibly shaken, with some reportedly on the verge of fainting. Inside the shared home where the altercation took place, police discovered a trail of blood and recovered two blood-stained weapons—a fruit paring knife and a meat cleaver, the latter with strands of hair attached. Both items were collected as evidence. The victim’s daughter, tearfully recounting the incident, stated that her mother and the other woman usually bickered but had never fought to this extreme. “They live together and often joke or push each other, but nothing like this has ever happened before,” she said. A volunteer from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation described the scene as particularly disturbing. “When we arrived, the older woman was unresponsive, lying in a pool of blood. Her head had multiple gaping wounds, she was in a critical state,” he reported. Mr. Wichian, 62, owner of the grocery shop, said he had earlier seen the two women playing with water, presumably part of Songkran celebrations. Moments later, one came running for help claiming she had been attacked. “They’re relatives, living in the same house. One was drunk, the other is mentally unstable. It’s the first time something like this has happened,” he added. Neighbour Ms. Joy, 56, told reporters she often heard the pair argue but never imagined it would escalate to violence. “They always bicker, especially because the mentally unstable woman often steals things. But today something triggered them and it turned serious. The older woman was also drunk at the time,” she said. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are expected to assess whether charges can be filed, given the mental health status of the alleged attacker. Both women remain in hospital under close medical supervision. -- 2025-04-15

Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek. An incident unfolded in the village of Kut Kha, Thung Fon District, Udon Thani Province, where a 59-year-old woman, known locally as “Pa Joy”, died after being engulfed in flames while attempting to extinguish a fire that broke out in a rice field. The blaze occurred around midday on 13 April, at the rear of the village near Nong Borm. The victim, Mrs. Saiyon, sustained fatal burns despite efforts from her husband and family to save her. She was rushed to Thung Fon Hospital but succumbed to her injuries before arrival. A visit to the site of the fire revealed scorched land spanning approximately one rai, along with charred remains of the victim’s clothing, a hat with burnt strands of hair, and a pair of boots left in the ashes. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Ms. Buanoi, a 49-year-old farmer who discovered the aftermath, explained she had been out feeding her cattle when she heard cries from the field owned by the victim’s husband. Upon arrival, she saw the husband, Mr. Luechai, and relatives desperately lifting the burnt body of his wife into a vehicle. According to Ms. Buanoi, the fire may have started naturally or from human negligence. She believed Pa Joy was attempting to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby rubber plantations when strong winds caused the flames to overwhelm her. Mr. Luechai recalled that on the day of the fire, his wife had woken early to boil corn for sale. He had gone to plough the fields and later received a call from her asking for help extinguishing a fire. When he arrived, he and other family members attempted to contain the blaze but found her collapsed amidst the flames. Choking back tears, he said they had been married for 32 years and shared a deep bond. He emphasised his belief that the fire was a tragic accident. Mr. Luechai also urged villagers to adhere to provincial regulations banning the burning of rice stubble. “Unauthorised burning can cause serious danger and loss,” he said. “Let my wife’s death be a reminder of the risks.” Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, with early indications pointing towards accidental causes, though the precise origin of the fire remains unclear. -- 2025-04-15

Karaoke Bar Owner Found Shot Dead in Bedroom, Husband Missing Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The owner of a karaoke bar in Sing Buri province was found shot dead in her bedroom on the evening of 13 April, prompting police to launch a manhunt for her missing husband. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357738-karaoke-bar-owner-found-shot-dead-in-bedroom-husband-missing/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A shocking incident during Songkran festivities in Nakhon Ratchasima has triggered widespread outrage after a video went viral showing a teenage male brandishing a firearm in the middle of a crowded street celebration. The footage, shared widely on social media, captured the young man aiming the weapon at a group of rivals amid the festivities, sparking panic among revellers and drawing swift public condemnation. The incident occurred on the evening of 13 April in the Nong Bua Rong area, with the youth, clearly seen pointing a gun towards another group of young men. A second male, clad in black and believed to be holding a knife-like object, joined him shortly after in what appeared to be a coordinated act of intimidation. Witnesses, including tourists and locals enjoying the traditional water-splashing celebrations, were left shocked and frightened. The video prompted an immediate outcry online, with calls for law enforcement to identify and arrest the suspects. Many netizens highlighted the clarity of the footage and expressed frustration over the recurring issue of alcohol-fuelled violence during Songkran. Police have since responded. Pol. Col. Suthinan Khongchaemdee, Superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, confirmed that an investigation was underway and that CCTV footage had helped identify the suspects. Authorities revealed the group involved is known locally as “G5”, a gang of teenagers with a history of violent confrontations. As of 14 April, police announced the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect in the incident. The youth was apprehended at a residence in the Chaloem Phra Kiat district, where officers seized a modified BB gun designed to fire 9mm rounds. A live round was found chambered in the weapon at the time of seizure. The suspect, reportedly a former student of a prestigious local secondary school, is now in custody pending legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing their search for the second individual involved in the confrontation. The incident has reignited debate over public safety during Songkran, with growing demands for stricter enforcement and preventative measures. Street activity in the Chomsurangyat Road area, where the confrontation took place, was noticeably subdued in the hours following the event, with many shops closed and fewer people engaging in festivities. Police have pledged to take strong action to ensure those involved are held accountable and to restore confidence among the public during the remainder of the holiday. -- 2025-04-15

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A horrifying drug-fuelled domestic attack in Ban Dung district, Udon Thani, has left a 31-year-old woman dead, her mother severely injured, and a local community in shock. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Mr. Anucha, was subdued by neighbours after he allegedly murdered his wife in an outburst triggered by drug-induced paranoia. The incident occurred in the early hours of 14 April. Police, led by Pol. Lt. Isaret Prasomphuet and Pol. Col. Pongpan Nakhwa of Ban Dung Police Station, responded to reports of a man violently assaulting his wife and mother-in-law at a family home. Rescue workers from Sawang Maotham Foundation were also dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found the lifeless body of Ms. B 31, inside the residence. Her body bore multiple stab wounds to the face and torso. Her right thumb and index finger had been severed, her hair had been forcibly shaved, and there were signs of trauma to her eyes. Police also discovered a blood-stained 15-inch knife, a chisel, and a homemade gun at the scene. The victim’s mother, who had attempted to intervene, suffered a deep laceration to her arm and was rushed to Somdej Phra Yuparat Ban Dung Hospital in critical condition, from blood loss. The couple’s 3-year-old child was also present, covered in blood but not physically injured. Mr. Anucha, still hallucinating when police apprehended him, admitted to taking two yaba pills out of a batch of ten he had bought in Khon Kaen. He claimed to believe his wife was unfaithful and that people were plotting to kill him, prompting the violent attack. “I warned them not to play with the system. I know what they’ve done to me,” he rambled during questioning. “I was just trying to find out the truth. My wife betrayed me.” Locals revealed that Anucha, a construction contractor, had arrived in Udon Thani from Khon Kaen on 6 April with his wife and child to visit his mother-in-law. Though previously known as a stable family man, neighbours believe the potent effects of the yaba, which he admitted to chewing rather than ingesting in a typical manner, triggered a psychotic incident. The attack reportedly began with a loud argument, followed by cries for help. Neighbours intervened and were able to restrain Anucha until police arrived. Witnesses expressed their horror at the brutality of the assault and sympathy for the victims. Later the same morning, it was reported that Mr. Anucha attempted to injure himself in custody by banging his head against the cell door, causing a severe head wound. He was transferred to Somdej Phra Yuparat Ban Dung Hospital for medical treatment. Police confirmed that Mr. Anucha is in custody and faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and drug-related offences. An investigation is ongoing. -- 2025-04-15

Picture from responders. A crash during the Songkran holiday has claimed the life of a 33-year-old man after his car overturned in heavy rain on the southbound lane of Phahonyothin Road in Phayao Province. The incident occurred in the early hours of 14 April in Moo 4, Ban Mae Ka Tok Wak, Mae Ka Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District. Police from Mueang Phayao Police Station were alerted to the crash and coordinated with rescue personnel from Luecha Phayao Foundation, who rushed to the scene. Emergency services arrived to find a black saloon car with Chiang Mai licence plates, overturned on the rain-slicked road. The vehicle was heading southbound towards Lampang Province when the driver reportedly lost control. The driver, identified as Mr. Natthaphon, 33, was found trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue workers used hydraulic tools to free him from the crumpled vehicle. He had suffered severe injuries to his face and torso. Despite receiving immediate first aid at the scene, Mr. Natthaphon succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards. Initial investigations suggest the crash was caused by slippery road conditions due to persistent rainfall throughout the day, leading to the driver losing control and the car overturning. According to local authorities, this fatality is one of three road deaths reported in Phayao Province during the first three days of the Songkran holiday. In total, 16 road crashes have occurred so far in the province, leaving 14 people injured. The police have urged motorists to exercise extra caution, especially in poor weather conditions, as holiday traffic and unpredictable road surfaces significantly increase the risk of crashes. -- 2025-04-15

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A brutal murder took place at a gas station in Chonburi province late night, when a male employee allegedly stabbed a female cashier to death before fleeing with a bag of cash destined for the station’s safe. At approximately 23:20 on 13 April, Police Lieutenant Colonel Ratchaphon Ratchawakan of Don Hua Lo Police Station received a report of a stabbing at a gas station on Sukprayoon Road inbound to Chonburi city, in Don Hua Lo subdistrict. Emergency responders from Thammasat Mani Rat Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found Ms. Kornkanok a 44-year-old woman from Sisaket province, lying unconscious in a pool of blood inside a room at the gas station. She had sustained two stab wounds to the left side of her chest. Rescue personnel attempted CPR but were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the station owner’s daughter, the victim was responsible for collecting and securing daily revenues. The alleged assailant, identified as Mr. Sarut, a 25-year-old Karen man from Tha Song Yang district, Tak province, had been employed at the station as a gas pump attendant since 22 February. It is believed that the attack occurred when Ms. Kornkanok was preparing to deposit the day’s cash into the station’s safe. Mr. Sarut is suspected of seizing the opportunity to steal the money by fatally stabbing her with a sharp object and fleeing with the cash bag. Mr. Sarut has since disappeared, taking the stolen money with him. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses and staff. A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice. -- 2025-04-15

Picture courtesy of Khoasod A potentially deadly incident was narrowly avoided during Songkran celebrations in Ban Chiang village, Udon Thani province, after a heavily intoxicated man deliberately attempted to ram his pickup truck into homes and children playing with water in the street. At around midday on 13 April, local authorities received a call from Mr. Pongthep Sitthiprom, the village headman of Moo 2 in Ban Chiang, Nong Han district, reporting that a drunk man had driven a pickup truck through the village during Songkran festivities, crashing into two houses and attempting to run over several children playing in front of their homes. Terrified children and nearby residents were forced to flee for their lives as the vehicle sped towards them. The suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Mr. Manop, a local resident of Ban Chiang, was reportedly heavily intoxicated and incoherent when apprehended by villagers. Witnesses stated he could barely sit upright and had to be tied up with rope as he attempted to flee the scene. CCTV footage from the village’s community centre showed the man driving erratically from the direction of a nearby slaughterhouse, before abruptly steering his vehicle into a tent where children were celebrating Songkran. In a shocking video captured by residents, he could be heard shouting, “What are you interfering for? I’ll run everyone down!” before ramming houses numbered 116 and 146. Mr. Beer, the owner of one of the damaged homes, recounted that his daughter and her friends had been playing with water outside when the man approached. “He was passed out in the middle of the road. I confronted him, and he got up and responded, threatening to kill everyone,” said Mr. Beer. The suspect then reversed his pickup and deliberately drove it into a power pole near the house, forcing an elderly man and several children to flee. Officers from Nong Han Police Station arrived shortly after and took Mr. Manop into custody. A search of his vehicle uncovered two bottles of alcohol and two methamphetamine tablets. Officers also found documents indicating he was currently under probation and had been ordered to perform community service at a local temple. He now faces serious charges including attempted murder and property damage. In a dramatic twist, the suspect’s own mother arrived at the scene and, visibly distressed, condemned her son’s actions. “Make him pay for this. He’s violent even at home. I’ve had enough, he drinks and uses drugs. Do what you need to do, I won’t protect him,” she told police. -- 2025-04-15

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod. A shocking case of domestic violence has shaken the Phuket community after CCTV footage revealed the harrowing final moments of a woman begging her partner to stop beating her, a plea which went unanswered, ending in her death. The incident occurred at around 22.45 on 13 April at a rented room in the Wichit subdistrict of Mueang District, Phuket. Police were alerted by residents who reported a violent altercation between a man and a woman. Upon arrival, officers from Wichit Police Station, accompanied by forensic teams, medical personnel from Vachira Phuket Hospital, and rescue foundation staff, found a 28-year-old woman, later identified as Ms. Supatra, lying face-down in a pool of blood near the bathroom. The victim, wearing a black short-sleeved T-shirt and purple shorts, bore visible injuries including facial wounds and bruising across her body. She was pronounced dead at the scene, with investigators estimating she had died at least an hour prior to their arrival. Inside the room, her boyfriend, 30-year-old Mr. Hatthanai, was found sitting calmly, waiting to surrender. He was immediately taken into custody and brought to Wichit Police Station for further questioning. During interrogation, Mr. Hatthanai reportedly confessed to assaulting Ms. Supatra by slapping, punching, and kicking her repeatedly until she became unresponsive. The brutal attack was captured by security cameras, which played a crucial role in documenting the assault. The CCTV footage, timestamped at 19:00 on 13 April, showed Mr. Hatthanai stepping out of the room and encountering Ms. Supatra sitting near a parked motorbike outside. He immediately attacked her with a kick. As she cried out, “Please stop, I’m hurt already,” he ordered her back into the room. Moments later, neighbours reported hearing her continuous screams from inside, which eventually fell silent. The body has been sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death. The case has drawn public outrage across social media platforms and raised renewed calls for more robust measures to combat domestic violence in Thailand. Police continue to investigate, with Mr. Hatthanai facing charges of murder. -- 2025-04-15

Probation Department Reports 1,472 Drink-Driving Cases in First Three Days of Songkran Picture courtesy Department of Probation. Department of Probation has revealed that within the first three days of the Songkran holiday period this year, there have been 1,579 traffic-related cases dealt with, under court-ordered probation orders, with a staggering 1,472 involving drink-driving offences. Chiang Mai ranks highest in the country with 136 cases, followed by Samut Prakan (123 cases) and Bangkok (118 cases). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357730-probation-department-reports-1472-drink-driving-cases-in-first-three-days-of-songkran/

British Man Says ‘I Love You’ Before Taking Own Life in Udon Thani Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 72-year-old British man took his own life in front of his wife in their home in Phon District, Udon Thani province, late on the evening of 13 April. The man, identified as David (surname withheld), reportedly said “I love you” to his Thai wife moments before fatally shooting himself under the chin with a 9mm handgun. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357727-british-man-says-‘i-love-you’-before-taking-own-life-in-udon-thani/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The owner of a karaoke bar in Sing Buri province was found shot dead in her bedroom on the evening of 13 April, prompting police to launch a manhunt for her missing husband. At approximately 19:30, Lieutenant Subin Sukkasem of the Bang Rachan Camp Police Station received a report of a woman shot dead inside a karaoke venue in Village 5, Tha Kham subdistrict, Bang Rachan district, Sing Buri. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the body of Ms. Ingfah, a 38-year-old Bangkok native, lying face up on a bed. She had sustained a gunshot wound to the head, apparently inflicted by a 9mm handgun. A bullet casing was found on the floor nearby. Authorities estimated that she had been dead for at least six hours. Mr. Chan, the bar’s caretaker, told police that the victim had opened the karaoke business just over a month ago and was in the process of applying for an official operating licence. He added that she would typically visit the venue every weekend with her husband to oversee operations and review financial accounts. According to Mr. Chan, the victim attempted to call him in the morning, but he missed the call and later found her phone unresponsive. Assuming she was asleep, he arrived at the venue in the afternoon to prepare for opening. Not finding her in the common areas, he unlocked the bedroom, saw her lying on the bed, and assumed she was still sleeping, so he closed the door and locked it again. It wasn’t until later, when he returned to check again and received no response upon calling her, that he unlocked the room and discovered she had been fatally shot. The victim’s husband has not been seen since the incident and cannot be contacted. No firearm was recovered at the scene. The body has been sent for autopsy while police continue their investigation. Authorities are actively searching for the missing husband as a person of interest in the case. -- 2025-04-15

Thailand’s Songkran Road Death Toll Reaches 100 After Just Three Days Pictures courtesy of DDPM. Authorities have reported a 100 fatalities and 752 injuries from 756 road crashes in just the first three days of the Songkran holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357731-thailand’s-songkran-road-death-toll-reaches-100-after-just-three-days/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 15 April 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1357754-thailand-live-tuesday-15-april-2025/

UPDATE Fugitive Myanmar Prisoner Arrested for Murder-Robbery in Pathum Thani After 7 Years on the Run Picture courtesy of ThaiRath . A 47-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested for the murder and robbery of a Thai man in Pathum Thani province. The suspect, identified as Mr. Maekkarin Tin Hmong Win, using the alias “Nai Nai” while in Thailand, was revealed to be an escaped convict who had been on the run for over seven years following a dramatic prison break in Myanmar. The arrest was announced at a press conference held at Khlong Luang Police Station by Provincial Police Region 1 Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Yutthana Jonkhun, along with senior immigration and investigation officers. Mr. Maekkarin was apprehended on the night of 13 April in a community near the Bang Bua Thong market in Nonthaburi province. He was found in possession of a red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle, later confirmed to belong to the victim. The murder occurred on the evening of 10 April along Leab Khlong Aen Road in Khlong Luang district. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Mr. Jor Jor, was found dead at the scene with two stab wounds to his chest and rib area. His wife, who witnessed the incident, provided crucial testimony that led investigators to the suspect. Mr. Maekkarin confessed to the crime, citing a dispute over a failed beef trading deal. He claimed the victim owed him more than 10,000 baht and refused to pay, which led to the fatal confrontation. Further investigation revealed that Mr. Maekkarin had escaped from Hpa-An prison in Myanmar’s Karen State in September 2018. He had been serving a life sentence for drug trafficking. During his escape, he and other inmates hijacked a garbage truck. Thai authorities believe he had been hiding in the country ever since. “This individual is extremely dangerous,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Yutthana. “He was sentenced to life imprisonment in a serious narcotics case and has been evading justice for over seven years. We will now coordinate with the relevant agencies regarding further legal procedures and potential extradition.” Thai police are now working with Myanmar authorities to determine how many of the escapees from the 2018 breakout have since been apprehended -- 2025-04-15

UPDATE Man Shot Dead Over Stolen Cattle - Suspect Confesses to Revenge Killing Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a 53-year-old cattle owner, in what investigators believe was a revenge attack sparked by accusations of cattle theft. The victim, Mr. Sompong, also known as “Nid”, was found dead inside his cattle shed in Moo 14, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. He had sustained a single shotgun wound to the chest at close range, resulting in immediate death. The killing was allegedly motivated by a long-standing grudge linked to a dispute over missing cattle. The latest development came on the morning of 14 April, when Provincial Police Region 2 Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchkiat Jindakornsanaong, together with Nong Prue Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Natthaphon Phongsuksakul and a provincial investigative team, apprehended Mr. Wichai, 40, known locally as “Tuk”, at a roadside grocery shop approximately 3 kilometres from the scene of the crime. Police subsequently searched the suspect’s property, which also served as a cattle farm, where they seized a single-shot long-barrelled shotgun believed to have been used in the killing, along with a bronze-grey Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with Bangkok licence plates reportedly used in the attack. During questioning, Mr. Wichai confessed to the shooting, stating that he had acted out of anger after being mocked by the victim. According to the suspect, Mr. Sompong provoked him by saying: “Yeah, I’ve already slaughtered your cow. What are you going to do about it? And who the hell do you lot think you are?” Mr. Wichai said the taunt enraged him to the point that he fired a single shotgun blast, killing Mr. Sompong on the spot. He claimed that the cow in question did not even belong to Mr. Sompong, but was one of his own. According to his account, on the night of 12 April, seven of his cows escaped from a damaged enclosure near his home. He managed to retrieve five, but two remained missing. Upon tracking hoofprints, he and others allegedly followed the trail to Mr. Sompong’s property, leading to a confrontation that ended in bloodshed. Later on the 14 April, 38-year-old Wanchai Jampaboup, alias “Neng,” surrendered at Nongprue Police Station. Initially thought to be the cattle owner, Neng clarified he was merely a caretaker for the herd. He admitted to accompanying Wichai to confront Sompong, agreeing to the claim that Sompong’s provocative remarks, triggered the fatal shooting. The third suspect, 50-year-old Ninat, alias “Tu,” was also detained, completing the trio responsible for the crime. The suspects remains in custody at Nong Prue Police Station as investigations continue. -- 2025-04-15

Thailand’s Songkran Road Death Toll Reaches 100 After Just Three Days Pictures courtesy of DDPM. Authorities have reported a 100 fatalities and 752 injuries from 756 road crashes in just the first three days of the Songkran holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357731-thailand’s-songkran-road-death-toll-reaches-100-after-just-three-days/

Pictures courtesy of DDPM. Authorities have reported a 100 fatalities and 752 injuries from 756 road crashes in just the first three days of the Songkran holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Mr. Khajorn Srichawanotai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, delivered the daily update on 13 April as part of the national “Safe Driving, Accident-Free Thailand” campaign. He revealed that 39 people died and 299 were injured in 296 separate road accidents that day alone. The leading causes of the accidents were speeding (44.26%), drink-driving (29.05%), and abrupt lane changes (17.91%). Motorcycles were involved in 85.85% of the reported incidents, with straight road sections accounting for the majority of crashes (81.42%). Most accidents occurred between 18.01 and 21.00. The highest number of crashes occurred in Phuket (15), while Lampang recorded the highest number of injuries (19), and Pathum Thani, Sa Kaeo, and Chiang Rai each recorded the highest number of fatalities (3). The most affected age group was 20–29 years old, accounting for 21.89% of casualties. Over the three-day period from 11–13 April, 30 provinces reported zero fatalities. However, Bangkok recorded the highest number of deaths overall (10), while Phatthalung saw the highest total number of crashes (28) and Lampang the highest number of injuries (31). Officials stressed that the majority of the injuries and deaths were due to risky behaviours, notably not wearing helmets and drink-driving. Authorities are intensifying enforcement by increasing roadside checkpoints, 1,754 have been established nationwide, staffed by over 51,000 personnel and urging local communities to set up neighbourhood patrols and “family checkpoints” to warn and deter reckless drivers. Deputy National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Suadsong, added that in addition to alcohol, another contributing factor is drowsiness caused by certain medications. He urged provinces to launch awareness campaigns about drugs that may impair driving, including antihistamines, strong painkillers, muscle relaxants, anti-cough and anti-diarrhoea medications, and epilepsy drugs. Drivers, particularly public transport operators, should avoid driving if they are taking any such medicines. Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, reminded the public that 14 April is Thailand’s National Family Day, and many people will be travelling to visit elders or attend religious ceremonies. He urged all drivers to remain cautious, avoid speeding and drink-driving, wear protective gear, signal before changing lanes, and strictly obey traffic laws to ensure a safe and joyful holiday for all. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357667-59-dead-458-injured-in-first-two-days-of-songkran-holiday-travel-bangkok-tops-fatalities/ -- 2025-04-14

Probation Department Reports 1,472 Drink-Driving Cases in First Three Days of Songkran Picture courtesy Department of Probation. Department of Probation has revealed that within the first three days of the Songkran holiday period this year, there have been 1,579 traffic-related cases dealt with, under court-ordered probation orders, with a staggering 1,472 involving drink-driving offences. Chiang Mai ranks highest in the country with 136 cases, followed by Samut Prakan (123 cases) and Bangkok (118 cases). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357730-probation-department-reports-1472-drink-driving-cases-in-first-three-days-of-songkran/

Picture courtesy Department of Probation. Department of Probation has revealed that within the first three days of the Songkran holiday period this year, there have been 1,579 traffic-related cases dealt with, under court-ordered probation orders, with a staggering 1,472 involving drink-driving offences. Chiang Mai ranks highest in the country with 136 cases, followed by Samut Prakan (123 cases) and Bangkok (118 cases). Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakomol, Director-General of the Department of Probation, emphasised the department’s strict monitoring measures which are being used. These include the use of Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelets ordered by the courts, and collaboration with local police stations to track driver behaviour through CCTV footage. In addition to surveillance, probationers are also required to participate in community service programmes, including assisting crash victims and touring hospital morgues to instil awareness of the devastating consequences of reckless driving. On 13 April alone, 224 new probation cases were applied, 219 for drink-driving (97.77%) and 5 for driving under the influence of drugs (2.23%). Over the three-day period, 15 offenders have been fitted with EM devices: 4 for drink-driving and 11 for drug-related offences. Just three cases of reckless driving were reported. Comparative figures with last year show a slight drop. On the third day of the festival in 2024, there were 242 drink-driving probation cases, compared to 219 in 2025, a reduction of 23 cases. The department is ensuring that all probation offices nationwide remain operational throughout the holiday to accept cases and provide advice to offenders. Additionally, 87 checkpoints have been set up to support public service and inspections, with 1,938 officers deployed. Public awareness campaigns are also underway, with 356 people having participated in the activities so far. -- 2025-04-14

British Man Says ‘I Love You’ Before Taking Own Life in Udon Thani Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 72-year-old British man took his own life in front of his wife in their home in Phon District, Udon Thani province, late on the evening of 13 April. The man, identified as David (surname withheld), reportedly said “I love you” to his Thai wife moments before fatally shooting himself under the chin with a 9mm handgun. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357727-british-man-says-‘i-love-you’-before-taking-own-life-in-udon-thani/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 72-year-old British man took his own life in front of his wife in their home in Phon District, Udon Thani province, late on the evening of 13 April. The man, identified as David (surname withheld), reportedly said “I love you” to his Thai wife moments before fatally shooting himself under the chin with a 9mm handgun. Pol. Lt. Sarawut Kamdet, Deputy Investigation Officer at Phen Police Station, received a report of a foreign man’s suicide at a residence in Ban Lao Subdistrict at around 21:20. Emergency services, including a duty doctor from Phen Hospital and a local rescue unit, were dispatched to the scene. At the single-storey concrete house, officers found Mr David lying on his back with a gunshot wound under his chin. A 9mm pistol was found nearby on the sofa, along with ammunition. According to his distraught wife, she had briefly gone to the bathroom and returned to find her husband loading the firearm. He then turned to her, said “I love you,” and pulled the trigger. Overcome with grief, she was seen weeping uncontrollably, with relatives on hand to comfort her. Initial investigations suggest the motive may have stemmed from jealousy. Mr David was known to be highly possessive of his wife and reportedly feared she may be seeing someone else, a suspicion compounded by his advanced age. Frequent arguments on the subject were said to have occurred between the couple. Authorities are continuing their investigation, focusing on the origin of the firearm and conducting interviews with witnesses present at the time. CCTV footage from the surrounding area will also be reviewed to support the inquiry and ensure legal procedures are followed. -- 2025-04-14

Brutal Showdown Ends in Cold-Blooded Killing Over Missing Cattle A fatal shooting shocked a rural community in Chonburi province after three cattle farmers allegedly stormed a rival’s property and gunned him down over suspicions he had stolen their missing livestock. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357706-brutal-showdown-ends-in-cold-blooded-killing-over-missing-cattle/

Picture from responders. A fatal shooting shocked a rural community in Chonburi province after three cattle farmers allegedly stormed a rival’s property and gunned him down over suspicions he had stolen their missing livestock. The incident occurred around 18:00 on 13 April at a cattle farm in Nam Phong village, Moo 14, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. Pol Lt Ong-art Thumsut, deputy investigator at Nong Prue Police Station, responded to the scene alongside the station superintendent, forensic investigators, medical personnel, and rescue workers. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 53-year-old Mr Sompong “Nid” Boonmee, the farm owner, lying lifeless in the property. He had been shot once in the chest at close range with a pump-action shotgun, the wound located just below the sternum. A key witness, 37-year-old Mr Suradech “Pae” Phattanangam, a farmhand, told police he had been chatting with the victim when a bronze pickup truck pulled up. Three men, all cattle herders themselves, stepped out. One, identified only as “Mr Neng,” reportedly confronted the victim, shouting: “Whose cow did you slaughter this morning? Mine are missing, did you butcher one of mine?” Mr Sompong denied the accusation, insisting his cattle had been acquired legally. A heated argument followed, at which point Mr Neng allegedly returned to the vehicle, retrieved the shotgun, and approached Mr Sompong before firing a single round into his chest, killing him instantly. Mr Suradech added that the gunman then turned the weapon on him, prompting him to flee into the nearby forest, where he hid until it was safe to alert the authorities. Investigations revealed that the suspects had lost seven cows the previous night, five had been recovered, but two remained missing. Coincidentally, Mr Sompong had slaughtered and sold a cow earlier that morning. The suspects, believing he had stolen one of theirs, allegedly took justice into their own hands. Pol Col Natthaphon Phongsuksakul, the Nong Prue Police Chief, confirmed that the identities of all three suspects are known, with one residing in the Wat Khao Din area, just 3 kilometres from the crime scene. Authorities are now pursuing the assailants, and if they do not surrender voluntarily, arrest warrants will be issued. The victim’s 60-year-old sister, Ms Auan, described Mr Sompong as the family’s breadwinner and a loving father to his eight-year-old son. She firmly rejected claims that her brother had stolen cattle, calling for justice and urging police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to account. Forensic teams collected evidence from the scene, and the body has been sent to the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine. The hunt for the suspects continues. -- 2025-04-14