Georgealbert

File picture for reference only. Nestlé has regained the exclusive right to distribute Nescafé in Thailand following a high-profile legal dispute that has gripped the country’s business community. The Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court has ruled in favour of the global food and beverage giant, declaring Nestlé the sole rightful owner of the “Nescafé” trademark in Thailand. The decision clears the way for Nestlé to resume production, importation, and sales of its popular instant coffee brand across the country. The ruling follows a long-standing dispute between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family, who co-founded Quality Coffee Products Co., Ltd. (QCP) in 1990. Under a longstanding agreement, QCP had been granted the rights to manufacture Nescafé in Thailand. However, Nestlé announced the termination of its agreement with QCP in 2021, which took full effect on 31 December 2024. After the contract ended, disagreements emerged between shareholders over QCP’s future operations. This led to Mr Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, a shareholder in QCP, filing a civil lawsuit at Min Buri Civil Court, seeking an injunction to temporarily bar Nestlé from producing, outsourcing, selling, or importing instant coffee under the Nescafé brand in Thailand. On 3 April 2025, the court granted the injunction, prompting Nestlé to swiftly file a petition for an emergency hearing to have the order overturned. Nestlé argued that the injunction was causing widespread disruption to supply chains, including coffee farmers, packaging suppliers, and associated manufacturers. The emergency hearing was scheduled for 17 April 2025. However, ahead of the court date, Nestlé issued a statement on 12 April, signed by Ms Khrewan Warunpaijit, Executive Director of Nestlé Professional Thailand, informing trade partners that the Central Intellectual Property Court had already issued a decisive ruling. According to the statement, the court confirmed that Nestlé is the exclusive trademark owner of both the English “Nescafé” and Thai “เนสกาแฟ” marks, allowing the company to fully resume business operations in Thailand. The verdict marks a significant turning point for Nestlé in Thailand and paves the way for the company to stabilise its coffee business after months of uncertainty. It is also seen as a landmark decision in the country’s intellectual property and corporate law landscape. -- 2025-04-14

Picture from responders. A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Bang Pahan District, Ayutthaya Province, when the body of a seven-year-old boy was discovered floating in an irrigation canal, hours after he had gone missing. The young boy, known affectionately as Tonkla, was found dead near his favourite noodle shop, sparking grief and disbelief among locals who had grown fond of him. Police Lieutenant Piyapong Sirijanyatham from Bang Pahan Police Station received the emergency call and arrived at the scene alongside Police Colonel Praderm Jitwatthapirom, and a rescue team from the Ayutthaya Ruamjai Foundation. The child’s lifeless body was found floating face-up in the Khlong Maduea canal, clad in a football shirt and shorts. Authorities estimate that he had been dead for at least eight hours. No signs of physical assault were found. The boy lived with his grandparents in Bang Duea subdistrict. His grandmother, 57-year-old Ms. Sumalee, tearfully recounted that Tonkla had gone missing the previous evening, prompting a frantic overnight search by family and neighbours. It wasn’t until the following morning that his body was discovered just outside a local noodle shop where he often played. The shop’s owner, 60-year-old Ms. Nong, was visibly shaken as she spoke. She described Tonkla as a cheerful, talkative boy who had become like a grandson to her. On the day of the incident, he had made a chilling remark that now haunts her. “He looked at me and said, ‘Granny, I won’t be here anymore today,’” she recalled. “I asked where he was going, but he didn’t answer. He just smiled and left.” Later that afternoon, Tonkla returned briefly to buy a soft drink with 20 baht given to him by a teacher. Before leaving again, he reportedly said, “Granny, you can go home now. I’ll watch the shop for you.” Shortly after, he was seen sitting alone at a stone bench near the canal, a favourite spot of his. Ms. Nong speculates that he may have accidentally slipped into the water, particularly as the area was still wet from heavy rain from earlier. In a bittersweet detail, she also shared that just days earlier she had joked with Tonkla about buying a lottery ticket. “I told him that if I won the first prize, I’d take him in and raise him myself,” she said. Tonkla had even helped her choose the ticket. She held up the ticket for reporters, tears in her eyes. Police have questioned witnesses and family members and sent the boy’s body for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are treating the case as a tragic accident, pending the final report. -- 2025-04-14

Local Government Employee in Sisaket Caught Dealing Meth During Lunch Break Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities in Khun Han District, Sisaket Province, arrested a 30-year-old subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) employee for allegedly dealing methamphetamine during his lunch break. A subsequent search of his home revealed a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357682-local-government-employee-in-sisaket-caught-dealing-meth-during-lunch-break/

Explosion Behind Temple in Narathiwat Injures Four Paramilitary Officers Picture courtesy of Matichon. Four paramilitary officers were injured in an early morning explosion behind Chai Rattana Ram Temple (Ban Thai Temple) in Rangae District, Narathiwat Province, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357681-explosion-behind-temple-in-narathiwat-injures-four-paramilitary-officers/

Vespa Rider Dies After Crashing Into Abandoned Spirit House Pedestal A 31-year-old man lost his life in a motorcycle crash, early morning on 13 April, after crashing into a discarded spirit house pedestal along a roadside in Pathum Thani province. The incident occurred without any visible signs of braking, suggesting the rider had taken no actions ro avoid the collision. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357680-vespa-rider-dies-after-crashing-into-abandoned-spirit-house-pedestal/

Vietnamese Woman Arrested for Stealing from Tourists During Songkran Festival Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 42-year-old Vietnamese woman has been arrested after sneaking into Thailand through an illegal border crossing and stealing from tourists during the busy Songkran holiday. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357677-vietnamese-woman-arrested-for-stealing-from-tourists-during-songkran-festival/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a dramatic development, former Director of Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism, Nopparat Benjawatananun, was arrested by US Marshals inside a hospital in Texas on 11 April. The arrest was made under a provisional warrant issued in connection with his involvement in a major corruption scandal involving misappropriated funds allocated for temple renovations and development projects, commonly referred to in Thailand as the “temple fund kickback” or “Wat-gate” scandal. Mr Nopparat had fled Thailand over eight years ago, reportedly settling in the United States before formal charges were filed. According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), he amassed unlawful wealth amounting to over 500 million baht, stemming from fraudulent dealings related to the state-sponsored temple restoration subsidy programme. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) had already issued at least four asset seizure orders against Mr Nopparat and his associates, including fellow former Buddhism Office Director Panom Sornsilp. The seized assets have been valued at approximately 94.2 million baht. Authorities say Mr Nopparat lived comfortably in the US during his years on the run. His arrest marks a significant step forward in ongoing efforts to bring fugitive officials to justice. Thai prosecutors, working in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General and US authorities, have formally requested his extradition to face trial in Thailand. Pol Lt Gen Jaroonkiat Parnkaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, along with Pol Maj Gen Prasong Chalermpan, Commander of the Anti-Corruption Police Division, confirmed the arrest and stated that Mr Nopparat is expected to appear before a Texas court as part of extradition proceedings. Mr Nopparat is also facing multiple other criminal investigations, with dozens of case files still pending. The NACC confirmed that 36 of 47 total corruption cases related to the temple fund scandal remain under active investigation. Other high-profile suspects named in related cases include former deputy director Pranom Khongpikul and several senior monks. The extradition process is expected to take some time due to the legal procedures involved, but Thai authorities remain committed to seeing Mr Nopparat returned to stand trial. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A horrific murder has shocked the local community in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province, after a 60-year-old man was beaten to death and his body burned in a rubbish pit in what police describe as a crime of passion and jealousy. The suspect, identified as Mr Boonlert, 49, was arrested on 13 April at his mother-in-law’s home in Non Han subdistrict, following a manhunt by local police. He later confessed to killing Mr Sumon, 60, in a fit of rage after allegedly believing he was attempting to assault his wife inside a rural hut. According to the investigation, officers from Chum Phae Police Station, led by Pol Col Rakchat Rueangcharoen, responded to a report of a murder and body concealment in a public woodland near Ban Non Chat, Na Nong Thum subdistrict. At the scene, police discovered bloodstains, a wooden club, and a hoe, believed to have been used in the attack. A short distance away, they found a two-metre-wide smouldering rubbish pit containing the partially burned body of a man in a green shirt and black shorts. The victim had extensive injuries and his body was around 30% charred. The victim was later identified as Mr Sumon, a local resident. Initial reports suggested that he had visited the hut owned by Mr Boonlert, who was not at home at the time. Mr Boonlert’s 34-year-old wife told investigators she had returned from a local village music event to find her husband drinking with the victim. She later left again after an argument broke out between the two men. Mr Boonlert claimed that upon returning from foraging in the forest that evening, he saw Mr Sumon arriving at the hut and entering while his wife was inside. Believing that the man intended to sexually assault her, following earlier reports from his wife that Mr Sumon had been persistently pursuing her, Mr Boonlert said he hid in the woods and watched. When he saw Mr Sumon enter the hut alone, he rushed in, kicked the man out of the structure, and beat him three times with a wooden stick, killing him. He then dragged the body to a nearby pit, set it alight, and fled with his wife on the victim’s motorbike. Police charged Mr Boonlert with murder and concealment of a corpse. He remains in custody as the investigation continues. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 32-year-old man was fatally shot in what police believe may have been a revenge killing, following a late-night ambush at his remote field hut in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province. The victim, identified as Mr Phongsak, known locally as “Kluay”, was found dead early morning on 13 April, beneath a small wooden bridge leading to his rural shelter, located about five kilometres from Ban Non Sawan village in Khao Khok subdistrict. Officers from Ban Bua Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sombun Deekasem, were called to the scene at around 09.00, after villagers reported a suspected shooting. Rescue workers from Song Muang Foundation also responded. Upon arrival, police discovered Mr Phongsak lying on his back with both legs submerged in a water channel beneath the bridge. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head, inflicted by a 9mm firearm. Investigators found four spent cartridges scattered near the rear of the hut, suggesting the assailant had approached stealthily before opening fire. According to police, the attack appeared to be a targeted ambush. It’s believed the first shots missed, prompting the victim to flee towards the bridge, where he was struck in the head and fell. A younger acquaintance of the victim, who had been drinking with him earlier that night, told police that Mr Phongsak had been socialising with his uncle and a group of friends, around five people in total, outside the hut. The witness had left to check fishing lines around 500 metres away and later heard multiple gunshots, fearing for his safety he fled home. He returned the next morning with relatives and discovered the body. Mr Phongsak’s cousin, 45-year-old Ms Paphichaya, said the deceased had previously been married with children but was living alone in the hut. He was known to frequently host friends and acquaintances at the property. Ms Paphichaya added that her cousin may have been involved in illicit activities, including drug use. She revealed that someone had recently messaged him on Facebook with the threatening words: “You got my brother jailed. I will get you back.” Another local had warned him to leave the area following rumours of an affair with a married woman, but Mr Phongsak refused, insisting he had done nothing wrong. “There were signs something bad might happen,” she said. “We had tried to prepare ourselves, but it’s still a terrible shock.” Police are pursuing two main lines of enquiry: a possible drug-related dispute or a personal feud involving a romantic entanglement. Investigators are reviewing social media communications and interviewing witnesses to identify suspects. The investigation remains ongoing. -- 2025-04-14

Picture from responders. A family of three was left seriously injured after a shocking early morning crash in Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a sleep-deprived father nodded off while driving and lost control of his vehicle, slamming into a tree. The incident took place on Route 401 in Tha Sala District and left the family’s car crumpled. Rescue teams from the Nakorn Foundation, Poh Teck Tung Foundation, and Phetkasem Foundation (Sichon) rushed to the scene, where they found a grey Mitsubishi sedan (license plate from Trang) wrapped around a roadside tree. The car’s side was completely crushed, windows shattered, and the cabin severely compacted. Inside were three injured passengers: 34-year-old Mr. Parinya, the driver; his wife, 38-year-old Ms. Nuengruethai; and their 8-year-old son, whose name has been withheld for privacy. All three were trapped inside the wreckage and had to be cut free using specialist hydraulic equipment. Initial medical assistance was provided on site before the victims were rushed to Tha Sala Hospital. The parents were later reported to be in stable condition. However, the child sustained serious injuries and was transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital for advanced intensive care. According to police from Tha Sala Police Station, Mr. Parinya admitted that he had not slept the previous night, having been occupied transporting a boxer to a match during the busy Songkran festival. Fatigue caught up with him behind the wheel, leading to the devastating crash. Authorities have reminded motorists of the dangers of driving while sleep-deprived, particularly during the high-traffic Songkran holiday, when road crashes typically surge. The family, residents of Mueang District, were en route to the wife’s family home in Sa Kaeo subdistrict, Tha Sala, at the time of the crash. Police investigations are ongoing. -- 2025-04-14

Grandmother Reports Kidnapping, But Child Was Taken by His Father for Songkran Festival Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A case that initially appeared to be a child abduction sparked panic in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province on the evening of 12 April, only to be resolved as a family misunderstanding involving a father attempting to spend time with his son during the Songkran holiday. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357676-grandmother-reports-kidnapping-but-child-was-taken-by-his-father-for-songkran-festival/

Singer Threatened After Road Rage Incident En Route to Concert Picture courtesy of Khoasod A singer on his way to a concert tour organised by GMM Grammy was left shaken after becoming the target of a violent road rage incident in Pathum Thani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357675-singer-threatened-after-road-rage-incident-en-route-to-concert/

Novice Monk Attacks Abbot with Knife in Kanchanaburi Monastery Altercation Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A novice monk has been arrested after allegedly attacking the abbot of a remote temple in Kanchanaburi with a knife, leaving him seriously injured in an incident that shocked both residents and fellow clergy. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357674-novice-monk-attacks-abbot-with-knife-in-kanchanaburi-monastery-altercation/

Krabi Man Killed in His Sleep by Mentally Ill Relative Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 49-year-old man was brutally killed while sleeping at his home in Krabi province after being attacked by a mentally ill relative in a shocking and unprovoked incident that has left the local community stunned. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357673-krabi-man-killed-in-his-sleep-by-mentally-ill-relative/

Picture from responders. A 51-year-old man was shot dead outside his home in Krabi province late on the night of 12 April in what police suspect was a targeted ambush. The assailant, or assailants, are believed to have lain in wait in a nearby oil palm plantation before opening fire with a shotgun. Police from Lam Thap Police Station, along with medical staff and rescue workers, were called to the scene in Lam Thap subdistrict. The victim, identified as Mr Karun, was found kneeling face down in a pool of blood behind his partially constructed, single-storey concrete house. His body showed dozens of wounds to the head and torso caused by shotgun pellets. Several spent shotgun shells of different sizes were recovered at the scene. Police believe the killer knew the victim’s daily routine. According to initial findings, Mr Karun would regularly visit a nearby community leader’s house in the evening before returning home around 21:00. On the night of the murder, it is believed a gunman may have called out to the victim from behind the house. When he went to check, the attacker opened fire, shooting him multiple times before fleeing under the cover of darkness into the plantation. Mr Karun lived alone at the house, which was still under construction. His wife and children stayed at another home nearby. Ms Ubon, the victim’s 48-year-old sister, who lives in an adjacent house, told police she heard two loud gunshots around the time of the murder. At first, she and her husband assumed someone might have been shooting at dogs. However, moments later, they heard more gunfire, two shots followed by three in quick succession. Alarmed, she called her sister-in-law and together they went to investigate, only to find Mr Karun dead behind the house. Ms Arthityaphan, the victim’s 47-year-old wife, said her husband had been slowly building the house over time and preferred to sleep there alone while continuing the work. She was alerted by her sister-in-law, who had heard the gunshots. She rushed to the house and found the front door shut but the rear door open. There she discovered her husband’s lifeless body. She said her husband had not been in conflict with anyone recently and had focused on his farming work. An old affair from over ten years ago had long since been resolved, and she doubted it was related to the killing. She urged police to thoroughly investigate the case and swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice. Police continue to search for suspects and are examining whether the murder was linked to personal conflict or other motives. -- 2025-04-14

Picture from responders. A serious road accident involving four vehicles has left one person dead and two others injured on Route 331 near the PT petrol station in Map Lang, heading towards Bo Win, in Si Racha District, Chonburi. The crash occurred on the morning of 13 April and involved two pickup trucks, a saloon car, and a trailer truck. Emergency responders from the Silatham Foundation’s Map Pu unit were quickly dispatched to the scene after receiving the alert. Upon arrival, rescue teams found all vehicles damaged and scattered across the roadway. Three male casualties were identified, with two suffering injuries and one confirmed dead at the scene. The first injured man sustained a torn right ear, facial abrasions, and severe pain in his left leg. He was transported by Rescue Unit 06 to Laem Chabang Hospital for further treatment. The second victim had a head wound, chest and right leg injuries, and was reportedly disoriented, unable to recall details of the crash. He was taken to the same hospital by Rescue Unit 11. The third man was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was retrieved by Rescue Unit 01 and transferred to Laem Chabang Hospital for formal identification and post-mortem examination. Authorities have yet to release the identities of those involved and are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collision. Traffic on Route 331 was temporarily disrupted as emergency teams cleared the wreckage. Police will review CCTV and interview the injured, when they recover. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities in Khun Han District, Sisaket Province, arrested a 30-year-old subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) employee for allegedly dealing methamphetamine during his lunch break. A subsequent search of his home revealed a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation, carried out on the afternoon of 11 April, was led by Mr. Pawit Rattawan, District Chief of Khun Han. Acting on intelligence reports, he deployed Mr. Jutiphet Boonnaet, Deputy District Chief for Security, along with officers from the territorial defence volunteer unit (OrSor), soldiers from Task Force 3 of the Suranaree Force, and officers from Khun Han Police Station. The suspect, Mr. Jakkrit, was apprehended at his residence in Huai Chan Subdistrict. Seized during the raid were 759 methamphetamine pills, four firearms, including a homemade handgun, a pen gun, a modified blank gun chambered for .380-calibre rounds, and a .22-calibre revolver, along with 120 rounds of ammunition, 142,000 baht in cash, a pickup truck, and a motorcycle. Mr. Pawit stated that the arrest was part of the “Quick Win” campaign under the Ministry of Interior’s policy to dismantle criminal networks and suppress narcotics trafficking. The operation also falls under the broader “Operation 238: Safeguard Nakorn Lamduan” initiative. Investigators revealed that Mr. Jakkrit, a contract employee of a local SAO, had been using his lunch break to deliver methamphetamine to local youths, reportedly selling three pills for 100 baht. Authorities had received prior intelligence about his drug-dealing activities and his possession of illegal firearms, prompting a coordinated investigation between the military, police, and district officials. He now faces multiple charges, including possession and distribution of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition without proper registration or permits. The suspect and the seized items have been handed over to Khun Han Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A group of Swiss university students have joined hands with Thai environmental volunteers in Kanchanaburi province to carry out a nature conservation project aimed at protecting the local ecosystem and promoting sustainable forest management. Mr Wasan Sunjirat, Chair of the Subdistrict Environmental Volunteer Network in Chong Sadao, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi, led the initiative in collaboration with “Our Land – A Nature Conservation Effort”, an environmental organisation working in Thailand. The event took place in Moo 5, Kaeng Pla Kot village, Chong Sadao subdistrict. The conservation activities included the construction of small check dams designed to slow water flow, increase groundwater absorption, improve moisture retention in the upper watershed, and mitigate soil erosion and riverbank collapse. These dams also help to trap sediments, thereby improving both the quantity and quality of water sources for human use and wildlife habitats. In addition to the dam building, volunteers engaged in forest restoration work by planting native tree seeds and transferring saplings into seedling bags. The aim is to strengthen the young plants in preparation for reforestation efforts, supporting biodiversity and long-term ecological balance. This initiative served not only to promote active participation in environmental protection but also to foster cultural exchange between Thai youth and the Swiss students. The project reflects the strength of international cooperation in preserving Thailand’s natural resources and highlights the role of community involvement in sustainable environmental stewardship. Organisers hailed the event as a meaningful step towards building environmental awareness and cross-cultural understanding, proving that collaborative action, local and global, can make a lasting impact. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 42-year-old Vietnamese woman has been arrested after sneaking into Thailand through an illegal border crossing and stealing from tourists during the busy Songkran holiday. The suspect, identified as Ms Nguyen, was apprehended by officers from Phra Ratchawang Police Station at a hotel in Bangkok following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Criminal Court on 12 April 2025 (Warrant No. 2358/2568). The arrest comes after a female tourist filed a complaint at Phra Ratchawang Police Station at around 11:25 on 12 April. She reported that while visiting Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm) at around 9:30, she discovered her white shoulder bag had been slashed. Inside was a wallet containing 3,000 baht in cash, a national ID card, and several credit cards. CCTV footage captured two suspects working together in the act, one distracting while the other committed the theft. Police quickly launched an investigation and obtained court warrants for both individuals based on surveillance footage and other evidence. Police say Ms Nguyen had previously been deported in an unrelated case but illegally re-entered Thailand via a natural border crossing in Ban Laem, Chanthaburi province, to commit the alleged theft during the Songkran celebrations. At approximately 17:30 on 12 April, officers raided the hotel where Ms Nguyen was staying and found her matching the description from CCTV footage. Upon questioning, she admitted her identity and confirmed she could understand and could speak Thai. During the arrest, police seized several items believed to be linked to the crime, including a blue dress, a blue shawl, black shoes, a brown Louis Vuitton-style handbag, a black Samsung Galaxy A9 phone and various foreign currencies (including U.S. dollars, Indonesian rupiah, Malaysian ringgit, and Vietnamese dong). Also found were three wallets, two box cutters, one cutter blade, shoulder wraps, foil rolls, and a copy of her passport. Ms Nguyen faces charges of theft. Authorities are currently pursuing the second suspect, who remains at large. Police have urged tourists to remain vigilant and safeguard their belongings while visiting crowded areas, especially during festivals. Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and security as part of efforts to protect visitors throughout the Songkran period. -- 2025-04-14

Picture from responders. A 31-year-old man lost his life in a motorcycle crash, early morning on 13 April, after crashing into a discarded spirit house pedestal along a roadside in Pathum Thani province. The incident occurred without any visible signs of braking, suggesting the rider had taken no actions ro avoid the collision. Police Lieutenant Colonel Pornchet Phonmool, Investigating Officer at Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station, was alerted to the incident on Sema-Fa Kram Road in Prachathipat subdistrict, Thanyaburi district. Emergency responders, including doctors from Prachathipat Hospital and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were dispatched to the scene. The deceased was identified as Mr Thossawat Kongkoet, aged 31, from Bang Khen, Bangkok. His body was found still astride a maroon Vespa motorcycle bearing Bangkok licence plate. Nearby, a fallen concrete pedestal, formerly part of a spirit house, lay beside the roadside. Initial reports suggest that Mr Thossawat had been riding from Rangsit towards Khu Khot when he appeared to lose control and collided with the pedestal, which had been discarded on the side of the road. Volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation confirmed that there were no skid marks at the scene, indicating he had not applied the brakes before the crash. Following an inspection of the site, Lt Col Pornchet documented the evidence and arranged for the body to be transported to the Forensic Medicine Unit at Thammasat University Hospital for further examination. Authorities will contact the deceased’s family to arrange for the funeral. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Four paramilitary officers were injured in an early morning explosion behind Chai Rattana Ram Temple (Ban Thai Temple) in Rangae District, Narathiwat Province, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The incident occurred at approximately 06:45 on 13 April, in Moo 3, Tanyong Mas subdistrict. According to initial investigations, an unknown assailant drove a motorcycle with a sidecar carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) and parked it near the wall behind the temple, adjacent to the sleeping quarters of the 4503rd Ranger Company. After placing the vehicle, the perpetrator was reportedly picked up by another vehicle heading toward Bulo Kading Village, Moo 12, also in Tanyong Mas. The force of the explosion caused significant damage to the surrounding area, including the perimeter wall, which was left shattered with debris scattered across the site. The blast wounded four ranger volunteers stationed at the compound: 1. Volunteer Ranger Aiyuming Dureh – sustained shrapnel injuries to the left side of his back. 2. Volunteer Ranger Masabree Masalae – suffered chest tightness and pain in the left ribcage. 3. Volunteer Ranger Setthasat Phakamas – experienced chest tightness. 4. Volunteer Ranger Jakkanarong Kongnuan – also reported chest tightness. Police from Rangae Police Station, along with military and forensic teams, investigated the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage for leads. No group has claimed responsibility at this time. The southern border provinces of Thailand, including Narathiwat, have experienced ongoing unrest and sporadic acts of violence, often involving attacks on security forces. Authorities have stepped up security in the area following the incident. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A novice monk has been arrested after allegedly attacking the abbot of a remote temple in Kanchanaburi with a knife, leaving him seriously injured in an incident that shocked both residents and fellow clergy. The attack took place at around 07:00 on 12 April at a temple in Moo 2, Nong Lu subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri district. Police were alerted to the scene where 39-year-old Phra Chan, the abbot of the temple, had suffered severe head injuries after being struck with a bladed weapon. He was rushed to Sangkhla Buri Hospital by local villagers and temple disciples. Doctors later confirmed he was in a stable condition and out of immediate danger. The suspect, known as Nen Daeng, 50, is a newly ordained novice monk awaiting full ordination. After the incident, he remained inside the temple complex. Police travelled to the location by longtail boat, arriving approximately ten minutes later. Upon their arrival, they found Nen Daeng waiting to surrender peacefully. Officers recovered a 30-centimetre knife believed to have been used in the attack. In his statement to police, Nen Daeng explained that he had previously been ordained but had disrobed and lived as a layperson for several years before deciding to return to the monastic life. He had recently joined the temple as a novice monk in preparation for re-ordination. During his stay, he claimed that the abbot had frequently criticised and scolded him over trivial matters, which caused growing frustration and emotional distress. On the morning of the incident, a verbal dispute reportedly escalated. Nen Daeng alleged that Phra Chan grabbed him by his robes and punched him in the face. Enraged, he retaliated by striking the abbot with the blunt side of the knife. “I didn’t intend to kill him,” he told officers. “I used the flat edge of the blade to hit his head. I just wanted to defend myself after being assaulted.” Following the attack, other monks and lay followers intervened and rushed the injured abbot to hospital. Nen Daeng returned to his quarters, where he waited for the authorities to arrive. Police escorted the suspect to Sangkhla Buri Police Station for further questioning. He will be formally disrobed before facing criminal charges. Authorities confirmed that he will be charged with causing grievous bodily harm, with investigations ongoing. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Khoasod A singer on his way to a concert tour organised by GMM Grammy was left shaken after becoming the target of a violent road rage incident in Pathum Thani. The artist, who was being transported by a motorcycle taxi rider, was travelling to Zeer Rangsit shopping mall when the incident unfolded near a U-turn beneath the Kaew Bridge in Thanyaburi district. According to police reports from Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station, the rider, identified as 28-year-old Mr Ariya, was riding in the left lane when a white Isuzu pickup truck suddenly veered into his path without signalling. The pickup struck his leg, causing minor injuries. Mr Ariya recounted that after the collision, he shouted at the driver to question the reckless manoeuvre. A woman in the pickup reportedly apologised from the passenger seat. However, the situation escalated when the driver exited the vehicle armed with a box cutter and began verbally abusing the rider, allegedly threatening to stab him and the passenger, the singer. The drama intensified when a bystander began filming the confrontation. Enraged, the driver returned to his vehicle and appeared to attempt to ram both the rider and the witness before exiting the vehicle again, this time wielding a pointed knife. He then chased both the rider and the good Samaritan with the weapon. The singer, identified only as “Tee,” later told reporters he feared for his life. “I just called a rider to take me to the concert venue. I didn’t expect anything like this. I have a career in entertainment under the GMM Grammy label and was about to go on tour. I was terrified I wouldn’t make it to perform.” Police Colonel Parinya Thongma, superintendent of Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station, stated that officers had identified the driver and were attempting to bring him in for questioning. So far, the man had failed to present himself but indicated he would cooperate at a later time. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A case that initially appeared to be a child abduction sparked panic in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province on the evening of 12 April, only to be resolved as a family misunderstanding involving a father attempting to spend time with his son during the Songkran holiday. At around 20:00, officers at Tha Ruea Police Station were alerted by an elderly woman who reported her nine-year-old grandson missing from outside their home near Wat Satue temple. She feared the child had been abducted, claiming a suspicious covered pickup truck with large stickers had driven off with the boy. The report prompted an urgent response. Police radioed a description of the vehicle to neighbouring precincts, and officers from Tha Chang Police Station in Nakhon Luang district established a checkpoint near Wat Sam Thai. There, they intercepted a vehicle matching the description. Inside, they found the missing boy, seated calmly beside a middle-aged man who was identified as Mr Noppadon 37. The pair were taken back to Tha Ruea Police Station for questioning. Mr Noppadon explained that he was, in fact, the boy’s biological father. He said he had separated from the child’s mother when their son was about one or two years old, after which the boy was raised by his maternal grandmother. Since the separation, Mr Noppadon claimed he had been prevented from having any contact with his son, neither through visits, phone calls, nor social media. According to his statement, he happened to be delivering goods in Ayutthaya on the day of the incident and took the opportunity to see his son. After being refused access by the family, he waited nearby until the boy eventually came outside to meet him. The child reportedly agreed to go with him willingly to celebrate Songkran in Roi Et province. “I didn’t kidnap him,” Mr Noppadon told police. “I just wanted to take my son to enjoy Songkran together. I intended to return him afterwards.” Deputy Police Inspector Pol Lt Thawatch Tuprom said the incident caused alarm among both the public and authorities, as suspected child abductions are extremely rare in the area. Police are currently treating the case as a domestic misunderstanding and are continuing to investigate, taking statements from all involved to determine appropriate next steps. The boy was later returned safely to his family. -- 2025-04-14

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 49-year-old man was brutally killed while sleeping at his home in Krabi province after being attacked by a mentally ill relative in a shocking and unprovoked incident that has left the local community stunned. Police were alerted to the killing at around 13:00 on 12 April. Lieutenant Sorpit Khongphum, Deputy Inspector at Lam Thap Police Station, received the report of a fatal stabbing in Moo 6, Ban Khun Sai, Lam Thap subdistrict, Krabi. Officers from the local investigation team, forensic specialists from Krabi Provincial Police, a medical examiner from Lam Thap Hospital, and rescue workers from Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation attended the scene. The incident occurred in a single-storey home, where officers discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Santichai 49, lying in a pool of blood in the main living area. He had suffered a deep knife wound to the left side of his chest, along with several smaller cuts on his arms and legs. A blood-stained machete, approximately one metre in length, was later found discarded by the roadside a short distance from the house. The suspected attacker, Mr. Wiwat 47, a relative of the victim’s wife, was later found sitting at a nearby residence roughly 500 metres away. Police apprehended him without incident and brought him in for questioning. The victim’s wife told police that she and her husband had just returned from working on their farm. Her husband said he was tired, had a meal, and went to lie down. She then left to run errands. During her absence, their son called to inform her of the attack. She returned home to find her husband dead. In a tearful statement, she said she was unable to comprehend the tragedy. “There were never any problems between them. We all knew he [the attacker] had mental health issues, but he had never shown any signs of violence toward my husband.” Initial questioning of the suspect proved difficult. Police said he was incoherent and made contradictory claims, at one point alleging a business dispute involving the military and the victim. Officers believe these statements to be delusional and consistent with mental illness. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect has a history of psychiatric treatment. He will undergo a full psychiatric evaluation before further legal proceedings are undertaken. -- 2025-04-14