Georgealbert

Picture courtesy of Matichon Police in Chiang Mai have arrested a Malaysian man who held a Chinese student at knifepoint and robbed him after running out of money following a gambling spree. The suspect, Mr Eng Chee Hon, 34, was apprehended on charges of armed robbery and overstaying his permission to stay. The arrest was announced at a press conference on 27 May, held at Chiang Mai City Police Station, led by Pol Lt Gen Krittaphon Yeesakorn, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5. He was joined by senior officers including Pol Maj Gen Yutthana Kaenchan, Chief of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, and Pol Maj Gen Worapong Kamlu, Chief of Investigation Division Region 5. According to police, the suspect had used a knife to rob Mr Tan Liaing, a 28-year-old Chinese national and university student, in the parking area of City Tower Condominium on Thapae Road, Chiang Mai. The victim had gone there to exchange 10,000 USDT (a cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar) for cash. During this latest exchange, the suspect produced a knife, stole ฿135,000 in cash and fled the scene. Following a swift investigation involving local police, immigration officers and tourist police, Mr Eng was arrested at a condominium in San Sai District. Officers recovered the stolen money, a Honda Zoomer-X motorbike, a knife, a white helmet, clothing and other items believed to be connected to the crime. Mr Eng confessed to the crime, telling officers he had come to Chiang Mai from the Philippines on a tourist visa at the invitation of a Vietnamese friend. He said he had spent heavily on gambling and entertainment, running out of funds. He had also entered a romantic relationship with a Myanmar woman during his stay. Authorities noted that Mr Eng used cryptocurrency transactions as a tactic to lure his victim, exchanging digital currency for Thai baht at a loss to build trust. After exhausting his funds, he turned to robbery. Pol Lt Gen Krittaphon stated that Mr Eng had overstayed his three-month permission to stay and would face two charges: armed robbery and using a weapon in a public space, plus residing in Thailand illegally after his permission had expired. “This is the first arrest in three months involving a foreign suspect and a foreign victim,” said Pol Lt Gen Krittaphon. “The victim is a Chinese student with a one-year visa who has been residing in Chiang Mai for over six months. We will continue to enforce immigration and criminal laws strictly to keep Chiang Mai safe.” He also highlighted that Chiang Mai is now regarded as the safest and most tourist-friendly city in ASEAN due to its effective crime prevention and rapid response. “Some cases have been solved in under 24 hours. We will continue maintaining these standards,” he added. The victim later presented a gift basket to Pol Lt Gen Krittaphon and the investigation team in gratitude for their swift and effective response. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-28.

Two Electrocuted After Farm Vehicle Overturns and Drags Power Line into Canal Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two men lost their lives in an incident in Pak Phli district, Nakhon Nayok province, when a small agricultural tractor (commonly known as an “e-taen”) overturned into a canal, pulling down a live power line into the water. The incident occurred at approximately 18:30 on 26 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361995-two-electrocuted-after-farm-vehicle-overturns-and-drags-power-line-into-canal/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two men lost their lives in an incident in Pak Phli district, Nakhon Nayok province, when a small agricultural tractor (commonly known as an “e-taen”) overturned into a canal, pulling down a live power line into the water. The incident occurred at approximately 18:30 on 26 May. Police officers from Pak Phli Police Station and rescue teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation responded to an emergency call reporting an overturned farm vehicle and suspected electrocutions near a fishpond in Village 5, Tha Ruea Subdistrict. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the overturned e-taen vehicle beside the pond. Underneath the trailer, submerged in the water, was the lifeless body of Mr. Porntep, 32, the owner of the fishpond. Nearby lay his relative, Mr. Nitiphon, 34, who had burn marks on his right hand and foot, both men having been electrocuted. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Porntep had been using the tractor to pull water spinach from a canal adjacent to his fishpond. It is believed the vehicle lost control and overturned into the water. In the process, it struck a power line, which had become entangled in overgrown aquatic vegetation, causing the cable to fall into the water. In a desperate attempt to save his cousin, Mr. Nitiphon jumped into the canal, unaware that it had become electrified. He was also fatally electrocuted. The grieving family members were present at the scene as officials recovered the bodies. The police have sent the deceased for autopsy at a local hospital and will proceed with an investigation in accordance with legal procedures before releasing the bodies to the family for religious rites. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-28.

Drunken American Throws Rock through Window in Pattaya Over E-Cigarette Dispute Picture courtesy of MGR. A street brawl erupted in Soi 11, (Soi Honey), Pattaya Second Road, around 21:00 on 27 May, after an intoxicated American man reportedly became aggressive when he was unable to purchase an e-cigarette at a local cannabis shop. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361992-drunken-american-throws-rock-through-window-in-pattaya-over-e-cigarette-dispute/

Picture courtesy of MGR. A street brawl erupted in Soi 11, (Soi Honey), Pattaya Second Road, around 21:00 on 27 May, after an intoxicated American man reportedly became aggressive when he was unable to purchase an e-cigarette at a local cannabis shop named SWEET69. According to eyewitnesses, the visibly drunk man entered the cannabis dispensary and persistently asked to buy an e-cigarette, which the shop does not sell. When staff repeatedly declined his requests, a heated argument ensued. The man then exited the premises and began shouting profanities in front of the shop, making obscene gestures, and sarcastically wishing the staff wealth. Matters escalated when the foreigner picked up a rock and hurled it at the shop’s window, shattering the glass. Despite attempts by a friend to restrain him, the man refused to calm down. The incident took another turn when an unidentified local youth, seemingly fed up with the man’s behaviour, ran towards him and began punching him, triggering a scuffle. The fight quickly attracted a crowd, with bystanders cheering as the situation descended into a public spectacle. Eventually, some members of the public intervened to separate the parties involved. Picture captured from video. As tensions simmered, the American man reportedly began arguing with another passerby, believed to be of Indian descent and was once again struck during a brief altercation. The owner of the cannabis shop, who reported the incident to the police, clarified that the young man who assaulted the foreigner was not affiliated with the business. She stated that the youth had likely been provoked by the man’s disruptive and disrespectful behaviour, as shown in widely circulated video footage of the incident. Police have since taken the American, who they have not named and suffered facial injuries, into custody on charges of property damage. Officers confirmed they are currently working to identify and apprehend the individual who assaulted him. Adapted by Asean Now from สายข่าวพัทยา 2025-05-28. ScreenRecording_05-28-2025 03-58-34_1.mp4

Sorry, but you clearly don’t understand BLEVE. LPG is boiling all the time when in a tanker, hence it will always contain liquid and gas. A spark could cause a leak to catch fire, but would not cause a instant BLEVE, like you seem to think. It would take time to increase the pressure within the tanker, before the internal pressure causes a catastrophic rupture. Hence why in a fire situation cooling spray would be applied to the tanker at the same time attempts are made to extinguish the fire. You also clearly have never attended an emergency, a basic incident size up will show that there was no risk of a BLEVE, here. The first responders applied water spray until no leak was confirmed. When righting the tanker a leak occurred, hence hose-lines were in place, to disperse the vapour, dilute the vapour outside of its flammable range (typically LFL 2.1% and UFL 9.5%). Any spark would have caused a minor fire, easily controlled and extinguished and no BLEVE.

Agree that any crash could damage the integrity of any tanker. But there is still no risk of a BLEVE in this situation. Where is any possible ignition source. Traffic was stop - no risk from combustion engines. Personal deployed behind water spray lines, hence reducing the risk of any leak igniting, as it will be outside of flammable range. Only electrical risk is overhead power lines, but vapour density of LPG means it sinks, heavier than air. No signs of LPG leak and also no signs of a tank rupture as there is no pooling of liquid LPG. A BLEVE can’t t occur without a fire and exposure to heat. Exposure to sunlight will not cause a BLEVE. So responders are not being brave, just applying a competent understanding of the risks and hazards. If it was on fire, then yes there is an increased risk of BLEVE, not just from structural integrity damage, but being on its side, the pressure relief value will probably be within the liquid LPG, depending on how full the tanker was. A relief value will not operate in the liquid level as it does not expand, hence why it is on top, so always within the LPG gas area. Consideration also needed to be given to how full the tanker is at the time of the incident. A full tanker will have more liquid LPG and will be capable of absorbing more heat and hence lowering the risk of rupture .

UPDATE Trapped Myanmar Worker Rescued After House Collapse in Samut Prakan Picture from responders. A Myanmar national who had been trapped under the debris of a collapsed two-storey house in Soi Thepharak 70 has been successfully rescued, authorities confirmed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361915-house-collapses-during-demolition-in-samut-prakan-—-one-trapped-beneath-rubble/#findComment-19828625

UPDATE Trapped Myanmar Worker Rescued After House Collapse in Samut Prakan Picture from responders. A Myanmar national who had been trapped under the debris of a collapsed two-storey house in Soi Thepharak 70 has been successfully rescued, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred earlier on 27 May, when a two-storey, half-concrete, half-wooden house collapsed during a demolition process in Mueang District, Samut Prakan province. The collapse left several workers injured and one man, identified as a Myanmar worker, trapped beneath large concrete slabs and rubble. Rescue teams had been battling to free the man, who remained conscious and in communication with emergency responders despite being pinned under the wreckage. Video clips from the scene showed the man calling for help as crews worked to reach him. Authorities have now confirmed that the man has been pulled from the rubble alive Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-27.

Thai Woman Falls to Her Death from Jomtien Condominium Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A Thai woman has died after falling from a wndow in a 59-storey condominium in the Jomtien area, prompting a full investigation by local authorities into the cause of her death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361919-thai-woman-falls-to-her-death-from-jomtien-condominium/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A Thai woman has died after falling from a wndow in a 59-storey condominium in the Jomtien area, prompting a full investigation by local authorities into the cause of her death. The incident occurred at approximately 07:30 on the, 27 May. Police Captain Niwat Phengkhaen, an investigator with Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a fatal fall at a condominium complex located on Jomtien Second Road, Chonburi Province. Upon receiving the call, he immediately alerted his superiors and proceeded to the scene with Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, Deputy Superintendent Police Lieutenant Colonel Arut Saphanon, a forensics team from Chonburi Division 2, medical personnel from Bang Lamung Hospital, and the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya rescue unit. The body of the deceased, a Thai woman estimated to be between 30 and 40 years of age, was discovered lying face-up near a garden area adjacent to the base of the condominium. She was dressed in a green long-sleeved top and dark blue trousers. Her body bore multiple fractures and severe head trauma, indicating that she died instantly upon impact. Initial investigations could not confirm from which floor the woman had fallen. However, investigators noted that a window on the 14th floor was left wide open, raising suspicions that this could have been the point of the fall. Forensic experts are currently collecting evidence, reviewing CCTV footage, and interviewing witnesses to determine whether the incident was an accident, a deliberate act, or if there are suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities are also working to confirm the woman’s identity and are in the process of contacting her family as part of the legal procedures. As the investigation continues, police have not ruled out any possibilities. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-27.

House Collapses During Demolition in Samut Prakan — One Trapped Beneath Rubble Pictures from responders. A two-storey house collapsed during demolition in Soi Thepharak 70, Samut Prakan, injuring three people and leaving one worker trapped under the debris, according to local rescue authorities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361915-house-collapses-during-demolition-in-samut-prakan-—-one-trapped-beneath-rubble/

Pictures from responders. A two-storey house collapsed during demolition in Soi Thepharak 70, Samut Prakan, injuring three people and leaving one worker trapped under the debris, according to local rescue authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 09:20 on morning of 27 May. The Poh Teck Tung Foundation received an emergency call via the Samut Prakan rescue centre (hotline 1669), reporting the structural collapse. The residence, a partially concrete, partially wooden building, was undergoing demolition by a contractor when it suddenly completely gave way. Rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene and successfully pulled three injured workers from the rubble. All three were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. However, one individual remained trapped inside the debris. Rescue personnel reported still hearing cries for help from beneath the wreckage and were working urgently by hand to reach the individual in time. Local resident Khomsan Bunmirat told reporters that the house, over 30 years old, had long been in a dilapidated state and was leaning precariously. After the last tenant moved out, the owner decided to demolish the building to make way for a garage. Khomsan witnessed the collapse first-hand, just 30 minutes after workers resumed demolition on the second day of the operation. He recalled that four workers were inside at the time. Due to the unstable state of the debris, residents in the area refrained from entering the site to assist, fearing further collapse. At time of this report, rescue teams remain on site, working to extract the trapped worker. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-27.

Do you not think the article would have mentioned if the tree was being cut down or trimmed? Here to help you, a picture before the rescue.

Malaysian Tourist Found Dead in Betong Hotel Room Picture courtesy of NBT. A 67-year-old Malaysian tourist was found dead in his hotel room in the southern Thai town of Betong, Yala, prompting a police investigation into the cause of death, which remains unclear. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361911-malaysian-tourist-found-dead-in-betong-hotel-room/

Picture courtesy of NBT. A 67-year-old Malaysian tourist was found dead in his hotel room in the southern Thai town of Betong, Yala, prompting a police investigation into the cause of death, which remains unclear. The incident occurred on the morning of 26 May. Police were alerted to the discovery of a body at a hotel in the town centre and swiftly responded. Pol Sub Lt Jakarin Laksana, an investigator from Betong Police Station, led the team to the scene, accompanied by senior officers, detectives, medical personnel, and rescue volunteers from the Sawang Betong Dhammasathan Foundation. The deceased, identified as Mr. Kannuva Naidu Poleach, was found lying face-down on the floor of Room 711 on the seventh floor of the hotel. Officers thoroughly examined the room and collected evidence before transferring the body to Betong Hospital for a post-mortem examination. According to a friend of the deceased, Mr. Kannuva had travelled to Betong as part of a group of 30 Malaysian tourists who arrived by bus on 24 May. Eleven of them, including the deceased, were staying at the same hotel, while the rest were staying elsewhere. On the night before his death, five members of the group had gathered in one room to drink beer. Mr. Kannuva later went to sleep in a friend’s room directly opposite his own and never returned to his assigned room, which was located three doors away. The following morning, when friends went to wake him for their return journey, they found him unresponsive and alerted hotel staff. Police have since raised concerns over inconsistencies in the statements provided by the deceased’s friends. Officers noted that some individuals appeared confused, possibly due to lingering intoxication or shock and one line of inquiry is the possible involvement of illegal drugs. A suspicious white powder was found in the room, which has been sent for analysis. One friend told police that Mr. Kannuva suffered from multiple health conditions but refused to take his medication, preferring instead to drink beer. The group of friends who had been drinking with the deceased were taken in for questioning at Betong Police Station as authorities continue to investigate the true cause of death. Police have stated that no conclusion will be drawn until autopsy results and forensic analysis of the white substance are complete. Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-05-27.

International Crime Rings Targeted in Phuket Crackdown Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta. A police operation has dealt a blow to several transnational criminal networks operating illegally in Phuket, with local and regional authorities launching coordinated raids across the island. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361906-international-crime-rings-targeted-in-phuket-crackdown/

Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta. A police operation has dealt a blow to several transnational criminal networks operating illegally in Phuket, with local and regional authorities launching coordinated raids across the island. The crackdown, led by the Phuket Provincial Police in partnership with Region 8 Police Command, targeted illicit businesses run by foreign nationals accused of undermining legitimate Thai enterprises. Over the course of the operation, officers raided seven locations, but only resulting in four arrests and the seizure of 255 items of physical evidence. Chinese “Grey” Syndicate Targeted At the heart of the crackdown was a so-called “grey” syndicate involving a group of Chinese nationals. The group allegedly laundered illicit funds through a car rental business, GRQ ALPHARD CLUB and invested in high-value properties and businesses, including international schools, boutique hotels and fine dining establishments. Police issued seven arrest warrants in connection with the syndicate. Two suspects were apprehended during the raids, while four are believed to have fled Thailand. Authorities suspect the group’s investments were part of a wider strategy to clean illegally obtained capital under the cover of legitimate tourism-sector ventures. Investigators have linked the group to over 1 billion baht in unauthorised investments and believe it also ran the vehicle operation targeting international tourists via social media, bypassing local rental services. Australian Gang and Bitcoin Heist Raids also uncovered a criminal network with ties to Australia, believed to be behind a large-scale cryptocurrency robbery involving Bitcoin. A search in Patong led police to an illegal cannabis farm, an unlicensed tattoo parlour and a private residence, all allegedly part of a covert criminal operation. Russian-Israeli Rental Scheme Exposed Another significant find came with the arrest of a Russian national thought to be at the centre of an illegal car and motorcycle rental scheme. Nine cars and 46 motorcycles were seized, all believed to be operated without the required permits. Investigators say the scheme involved both Russian and Israeli nationals in what appears to be a cross-border collaboration. Illegal Cannabis Factory Discovered Police raided an illegal cannabis processing facility in the Rawai area. Although officially registered under a Thai national’s name, authorities believe the operation was controlled by foreign criminals using nominee arrangements to mask ownership. Over 200 cannabis-related products and pieces of equipment were confiscated. Officials from the Public Health Office joined police in the operation, which highlighted the increasing use of nominee structures by foreign entities to circumvent Thai ownership laws. Ongoing Investigations and Phase Two Authorities have vowed to intensify their campaign against international criminal operations embedded in Thailand. Speaking at a press conference following the raids, a police spokesperson confirmed that this operation was merely the first phase, with a broader and more comprehensive crackdown already in planning. “This operation sends a clear message: Thailand will not be a safe haven for international criminal networks,” a senior officer stated. “We are committed to dismantling these operations and restoring lawful economic activity, especially in key tourism zones like Phuket.” Local business owners have welcomed the intervention, saying that foreign-run illegal operations have made it increasingly difficult for legitimate Thai companies to compete. The investigation continues, with police expected to pursue further leads and expand their inquiry into the foreign-run enterprises that continue to exploit legal loopholes and nominee structures. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-27.

Two Australian Men Surrender to Pattaya Police After Brawl with Foreigner Over Unpaid Bill Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Two Australian nationals have turned themselves in to Pattaya police following a early morning altercation in Soi Buakhao that left a foreign man injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361888-two-australian-men-surrender-to-pattaya-police-after-brawl-with-foreigner-over-unpaid-bill/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. Two Australian nationals have turned themselves in to Pattaya police following a early morning altercation in Soi Buakhao that left a foreign man injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the 26 May, involved a violent clash between foreign nationals outside a local establishment. Footage of the fight, widely circulated on social media, clearly captured the faces of the alleged perpetrators, prompting swift public reaction and police scrutiny. At approximately 18:35 on 26 May, Carlos, 25 and Isaac, 20, both Australian citizens, reported to Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, to explain their involvement and declare their innocence. They were accompanied by two Thai security staff from the venue, identified as Theerasak, 40, and Worawut, 35. Carlos, who identified himself as the venue’s manager, denied ownership of the establishment. He stated that the altercation stemmed from the victim refusing to pay his bill. According to Carlos, he attempted to resolve the situation by holding the man’s mobile phone as collateral, prompting the customer to punch him in the head. Carlos admitted to retaliating, after which the security guards intervened and escorted the man outside. The dispute escalated when the customer allegedly returned and continued to provoke the group, resulting in the melee caught on camera. Picture courtesy of Amarin Deputy Superintendent Arut confirmed that the other party involved has not yet filed a police report. Authorities are now working to locate the individual and gather more details. In the meantime, police have documented the identities of all four individuals involved in the incident. Immigration officers have also been contacted to investigate whether Carlos, who described himself as the restaurant’s manager, possesses valid work documentation. The case remains under investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-27.

Where is the risk of BLEVE in this incident. For a BLEVE to occur you would need direct heat and flame impact on to the tanker, to weaken it. Any fire would not instantly produce a BLEVE, so responders would have time to assess and adjust their response, should a fire ignite. There was no fire and water spray, as deployed here takes the LPG out of its flammable range and will help disperse the vapours. So trained responders, correctly dealing with a non-fire incident, as you would expect any where in the world.

Teen’s Six Hours Ordeal After Finger Gets Stuck in Door Knob Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 16-year-old girl from Pak Thong Chai district endured a six-hour ordeal after her little finger became stuck inside a malfunctioning door knob, prompting a rescue mission to free her. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361887-teen’s-six-hours-ordeal-after-finger-gets-stuck-in-door-knob/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 16-year-old girl from Pak Thong Chai district endured a six-hour ordeal after her little finger became stuck inside a malfunctioning door knob, prompting a rescue mission to free her. According to Mr. Chaisit Phuparat, head of the Hook 31 Rescue Unit in Nakhon Ratchasima, his team was contacted by the emergency department of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital early morning of 26 May. They were requested to bring specialised cutting tools to assist in freeing the girl’s finger, which had been trapped since approximately 02:00. The teenager, referred to only as Miss A, was trying to unlock the door to her bedroom when the knob jammed. In a desperate attempt to release the mechanism, she inserted her left pinky finger into the keyhole, only to find it stuck and impossible to remove. Over several hours, her finger began to swell, increasing the danger of serious injury. Initial efforts to remove the door knob at her home were unsuccessful. She was then taken to Pak Thong Chai Hospital, which lacked the specialised equipment required for extraction and later transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. At the hospital, rescue workers used precision cutting tools to dismantle the door knob piece by piece while doctors administered local anaesthetic to manage her pain. The delicate operation took over 30 minutes. Mr. Chaisit confirmed that the pinky finger was finally released without further injury, though the patient is still under medical observation. Doctors reported that the finger remained numb after removal, raising concerns about possible nerve damage. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-27.

Elder Brother with Mental Illness Fatally Attacks Younger Brother with Machete at Home Picture courtesy of CH7. An incident occurred on 26 May, in Nong Mee Subdistrict, Kut Chum District, Yasothon Province, where a man with a history of mental illness fatally assaulted his younger brother with a machete inside their family home. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361886-elder-brother-with-mental-illness-fatally-attacks-younger-brother-with-machete-at-home/

Picture courtesy of CH7. An incident occurred on 26 May, in Nong Mee Subdistrict, Kut Chum District, Yasothon Province, where a man with a history of mental illness fatally assaulted his younger brother with a machete inside their family home. Police were alerted to a homicide at a two-storey house situated about two kilometres from the nearest community, surrounded by rice fields. Upon arrival, officers, accompanied by a forensic doctor from Kut Chum Hospital and rescue volunteers, discovered the body of 43-year-old Boonmee lying face-up in the ground-floor living room. Boonmee’s face bore severe wounds inflicted by a sharp weapon, with a deep gash extending from his temple to his ear, alongside another wound on his scalp and a further cut on his left wrist. Blood was found pooled on the floor. A blood-stained machete was located at the scene, believed to be the weapon used. The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Samai, the victim’s elder brother, remained at the residence seated near the front veranda. He was reportedly incoherent and is known to suffer from a psychiatric condition. Initial interrogation revealed that Samai admitted to carrying out the attack. Police have taken Samai into custody and are proceeding with legal action in accordance with the law. Adapted by Asean Now from CH7 2025-05-27.