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Picture courtesy of Matichon A 35-year-old man died after a grenade he attempting to throw exploded in his hand, following a failed attempt to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend. The incident occurred around 08:00, on 25 May in Samo Thong Subdistrict, Tha Chana District, Surat Thani Province. Four others were injured in the blast, two men and two women. Police investigators, led by Pol. Lt. Chinakrit Sawatdiwong from Tha Chana Police Station, responded to reports of an explosion outside a single-storey cement house in Village No. 1. Emergency rescue workers from the Chon Saratha Surat Thani Foundation also attended the scene. The deceased, later identified as Mr. Surapong Thongnak, was found lying face-down in front of the house. Blood from multiple wounds pooled around his body. A nearby parked car had shattered windows, believed to be caused by the force of the explosion. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Surapong had come to the residence in an attempt to reconcile with his former partner. Witnesses said he was visibly agitated and allegedly intended to stab her with a pair of scissors inside the house. However, local residents, who had been sitting outside drinking coffee, intervened and stopped him. Following this confrontation, Mr. Surapong returned to his white Honda Civic, retrieved a grenade of unknown type and pulled the pin before hurling it toward the group in front of the house. The grenade failed to detonate. As he attempted to throw a second device, it exploded prematurely in his hand, killing him instantly and injuring four bystanders. All injured individuals were taken to Tha Chana Hospital for treatment. Forensic officers from Region 8 were called in to investigate the scene and confirm the type of explosive used. Police are continuing their inquiry and working to determine how Mr. Surapong came into possession of military-grade explosives. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-26.

Soil Expert in Chaiya Crashes New Car – Wife Killed, Two Children Seriously Injured Picture courtesy of Matichon. A respected soil expert from Chaiya district, Surat Thani, was involved in a road crash on the afternoon of 24 May. The incident occurred around 15:20 on Highway 41 southbound in Tha Sathon Subdistrict, Phunphin District. One fatality and three serious injuries were reported, all from the same family. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361765-soil-expert-in-chaiya-crashes-new-car-–-wife-killed-two-children-seriously-injured/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A respected soil expert from Chaiya district, Surat Thani, was involved in a road crash on the afternoon of 24 May. The incident occurred around 15:20 on Highway 41 southbound in Tha Sathon Subdistrict, Phunphin District. One fatality and three serious injuries were reported, all from the same family. The emergency response team from Tha Rong Chang rescue unit, along with Phunphin police and medical personnel, rushed to the scene after reports of a white Isuzu four-door pickup truck crashing into a tree. The crash took place just past a palm oil extraction factory in Moo 3. Rescuers found the vehicle severely damaged, with the front cabin crushed against a roadside tree. All four occupants, two adults and two children, were trapped inside and required hydraulic rescue tools to be extricated. The driver was identified as Mr. Somkit Chitphet, 66, widely known as “Kru Heet,” a prominent figure in community-based land development and owner of the Pa We Subdistrict Soil Technology Transfer Centre. He sustained lacerations to his body and a deep cut on his forehead. His wife, Mrs. Kanchuree, 62, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was unconscious at the scene and later died from her injuries at Tha Rong Chang Hospital. The couple’s 14-year-old son suffered a severely injured left leg and was transferred to Surat Thani Hospital for specialised treatment. Their 6-year-old daughter also sustained serious injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Somkit had recently purchased the vehicle just 10 days before the crash. The family was travelling from their home in Pa We Subdistrict, Chaiya District, to attend to personal matters when Mr. Somkit, lost control and veered off the road. The exact cause of the crash is still under police investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-26.

Phatthalung: 14-Year-Old Girl Dies from Suspected Overdose in Bedroom Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The discovery was made in Phatthalung province on 25 May, as a 14-year-old girl was found dead in her bedroom from a suspected overdose. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361763-phatthalung-14-year-old-girl-dies-from-suspected-overdose-in-bedroom/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The discovery was made in Phatthalung province on 25 May, as a 14-year-old girl was found dead in her bedroom from a suspected overdose. At approximately 12:45, officers from Khao Chaison Police Station received a report of a young girl found unresponsive at a residence in the Khao Chaison district. Police investigators, rescue volunteers and a duty doctor from Khao Chaison Hospital were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officials discovered the body of a 14-year-old girl, referred to only as Miss A, lying on her side in her bedroom. Numerous blister packs of medication were found nearby. Initial findings indicate the medication was for treating a heart valve condition and the prescribed dosage was one pill per day. Authorities have collected the medicine as evidence. The girl’s father told police that he had gone to wake his daughter to ask her to wash her school uniform, only to find her lifeless. He explained that he usually allowed her to sleep in on weekends, as she attended school during the week. He suspects his daughter may have taken an overdose. He added that she had recently become increasingly social with friends, which had led to occasional parental scoldings. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.

Gunfire & Explosions in Phuket as Teen Gang War Leaves Innocent Bystander Injured Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Chaos erupted in Phuket early morning on 25 May, when a violent clash between rival youth gangs turned a local market street into a war zone. Explosives were hurled and gunfire erupted, leaving an innocent shopkeeper injured by a stray bullet. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361760-gunfire-explosions-in-phuket-as-teen-gang-war-leaves-innocent-bystander-injured/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Chaos erupted in Phuket early morning on 25 May, when a violent clash between rival youth gangs turned a local market street into a war zone. Explosives were hurled and gunfire erupted, leaving an innocent shopkeeper injured by a stray bullet. At approximately 00:35, Lt. Sumet Phetruanthong, an investigator from Mueang Phuket Police Station, received reports of a disturbance involving motorcycles, explosives and gunfire near Chamcha Market in Talad Nuea subdistrict. Responding officers arrived to find a group of youths had fled into a shop within the market as their rivals pursued them. The assailants then fired multiple gunshots into the premises, mistakenly hitting a 31-year-old man named Jeeratip, a shopkeeper who had no involvement in the dispute. He sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm, with the bullet lodged inside. He was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital for medical treatment. Police forensic teams later recovered one 9mm shell casing, a bullet head and remnants of a large firecracker used as an improvised explosive. The incident has shocked local residents and raised concerns over the escalating violence involving youth gangs in the area. Authorities have launched an urgent manhunt for those responsible. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to identify and arrest the gang members involved. Police have pledged to intensify patrols and crack down on gang activity to restore public safety in the city. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.

Crash Claims Life of Two-Year-Old in Nakhon Phanom Picture courtesy of Siam News. A devastating road crash in Nakhon Phanom has claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and left his mother injured, prompting renewed warnings from local authorities about the dangers of transporting young children on motorcycles. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361759-crash-claims-life-of-two-year-old-in-nakhon-phanom/

Picture courtesy of Siam News. A devastating road crash in Nakhon Phanom has claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and left his mother injured, prompting renewed warnings from local authorities about the dangers of transporting young children on motorcycles. The incident occurred on 24 May, in the area of Ban Khok Hin Hae, Khok Hin Hae Subdistrict, Renu Nakhon District, as Ms. Sudarat, 27, was travelling with her two-year-old son, known as “Nong Euro”, on a motorcycle. According to initial reports, the motorcycle collided forcefully with the rear of a pickup truck after the vehicle in front stopped to make a turn to a roadside shop. The child died at the scene, while his mother sustained injuries and was rushed to Renu Nakhon District Hospital, where she is now in stable condition. Mr. Chanchai Kamchampa, Deputy Chairman of the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administrative Organisation and Ms. Bussakorn Chaitontueak, an executive from Nakae Vocational College and a local Pheu Thai family network leader, visited the family in Ban Nong Yor, Phra Song Subdistrict, Nakae District. They offered condolences and moral support in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy. The local police from Nadoon Police Station and related authorities conducted a thorough on-site investigation and are proceeding with legal steps regarding the incident. In response, officials have issued a heartfelt public warning to parents and guardians, urging them to avoid placing small children on motorcycles, especially without proper seating or protection. Mr. Chanchai further stressed the importance of using the roads responsibly, particularly when transporting young children. He also noted that the motorcycle involved in the incident had not been covered under the compulsory motorcycle accident insurance law, known as the “Por Ror Bor”. “This remains a serious issue in rural communities, where many overlook or disregard the importance of this basic protection,” he said. “For only 200 to 300 baht per year, this insurance can provide vital coverage for medical expenses and compensation in the event of an accident.” He urged all motorcycle owners to ensure they have valid and up-to-date compulsory insurance to safeguard both themselves and their passengers. Adapted by Asean Now from Siam News 2025-05-26.

Blaze Claims Life of Lawyer Trapped Behind Home Window Bars Picture courtesy of Amarin. A house fire claimed the life of a 49-year-old lawyer on the morning of 25 May, after he became trapped behind window security bars while attempting to escape the blaze. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361757-blaze-claims-life-of-lawyer-trapped-behind-home-window-bars/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A house fire claimed the life of a 49-year-old lawyer on the morning of 25 May, after he became trapped behind window security bars while attempting to escape the blaze. Police and emergency services were called to a two-storey home in Bua Thong 4 housing estate, Soi 7, on Ban Kluai–Sai Noi Road, Bang Bua Thong District, at around 08.30. The fire had already engulfed the lower floor and was rapidly spread internally to the upper level, where the victim was found. The deceased, identified as Mr. Chatchai Songsom, was discovered in a harrowing position, hanging head-first from a bedroom balcony window. It appeared he had desperately tried to escape the smoke and flames, but was fatally hindered by tightly fitted steel window bars. Neighbours reported that Mr. Chatchai worked as both a lawyer and an official in the excise department. Firefighters had to proceed with extreme caution while retrieving the body due to thick smoke and debris, which continued to pose dangers at the scene. One other person, a off duty police officer, sustained injuries during a brave rescue attempt. Pol. Sgt. Maj. Uros Sombun of the Central Investigation Bureau spotted the fire and climbed into the house to assist, but suffered smoke inhalation and a laceration to his arm caused by the metal bars. He was promptly transported to Pimonrat Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses said the blaze started on the ground floor and spread with alarming speed. Residents in the area said Mr. Chatchai was upstairs when the fire broke out. With all exits barred by metal grilles, he had no viable escape route as the flames and smoke blocked the staircase. Investigators are examining the cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing to either an electrical short circuit of a faulty household appliance. Forensic experts have been called in to carry out a thorough investigation, while police continue to collect witness statements and evidence. The incident has sparked discussion around home safety, particularly the risks posed by window security bars that, while deterring intruders, can also fatally trap residents during emergencies. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-26.

Shocking Schoolyard Attack: Girl Dragged Into Woods & Assaulted by Older Students Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A disturbing video has gone viral on social media, showing a female secondary school student being violently assaulted by two older schoolmates in a wooded area behind their school in Phen District, Udon Thani province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361756-shocking-schoolyard-attack-girl-dragged-into-woods-assaulted-by-older-students/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A disturbing video has gone viral on social media, showing a female secondary school student being violently assaulted by two older schoolmates in a wooded area behind their school in Phen District, Udon Thani province. The clip, widely shared online, shows a girl in school uniform being slapped, punched, kicked and dragged by her hair as two other female students take turns attacking her. The caption accompanying the video reads: “Everyone loves their children #DevilChild Penpittayakom.” The brutal incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute involving a shared romantic interest. According to the 13-year-old victim, a student at a local school, she was targeted after warning one of the older students that they were at risk of being ambushed over the boy they both had been speaking to. The two older students, also pupils at the same school, allegedly responded by assaulting her. The victim stated that the abuse began earlier in the school day, when the two senior students allegedly cornered her in a classroom and physically attacked her. Later, after school had ended, they dragged her into a nearby wooded area and assaulted her again, with no intervention from school staff or bystanders. The girl suffered bruises to her legs, elbows and neck as a result of the attack. The victim’s mother, who works in Chonburi province, rushed to Udon Thani immediately after being shown the video by another daughter. She filed a police report at Phen Police Station and has demanded full legal action be taken against those responsible. “My daughter is quiet and reserved. Watching that video broke my heart,” the mother said. “She was attacked simply because she warned someone about a possible ambush. That doesn’t justify what they did to her.” The school’s director responded to press inquiries by stating the matter had been reported to police and was being treated as a case of student altercation. “Police have taken statements from the injured student and are in the process of calling in the older students for questioning. The incident took place after school hours and many witnessed it. It appears to have been a case of teenage conflict, not premeditated violence,” the director said. The school plans to facilitate a mediation meeting between the families of those involved on the upcoming school week. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing. Officers have already interviewed the victim and intend to summon the attackers and witnesses for further questioning. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.

Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Department Store Worker Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 44-year-old department store employee died in a horrific motorcycle crash after his big bike struck a power pole and split in two, on a main road in Ayutthaya province on the evening of 24 May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361754-motorcycle-crash-claims-life-of-department-store-worker/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 44-year-old department store employee died in a horrific motorcycle crash after his big bike struck a power pole and split in two, on a main road in Ayutthaya province on the evening of 24 May. The crash occurred at around 17:30 on Highway 2053, near the base of the railway overpass in Moo 7, Ko Rian subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Panya Amatsena of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station responded to the emergency call and rushed to the scene with emergency responders from Ayutthaya Hospital, the local rescue service and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. At the crash site, officers found clear evidence of a high-impact collision with a large power pole. Scattered fragments of the motorcycle were spread across the roadside. A helmet had been thrown off in the crash. Nearby, a white and red Honda CBR 650 with registration from Bangkok was discovered at the bottom of a 3-metre roadside drop, severely damaged with its front wheel detached. Rescue personnel found the unconscious rider a short distance away. Despite immediate efforts to perform CPR and transport him to Ayutthaya Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. The deceased was identified as Mr Jeerawat Kumchan, a 44-year-old employee at the HomePro store inside Big C Ayutthaya. Identification was made through a staff badge and a signature orange HomePro apron found in his backpack. He resided in the Grand Market area of Uthai District, Ayutthaya. Shortly after the crash, his 23-year-old son, Mr Patipan Kumchan, arrived at the scene and was devastated upon recognising his father’s body. He confirmed his father regularly took that route home from work and speculated that he may have been heading to visit a friend after finishing his shift. Mr Krisada Srichanngam, a rescue worker from Ko Rian Subdistrict Administration, stated that he was en route to another emergency when he noticed a crowd gathered at the crash site. Upon stopping to assist, he found the rider still had a faint pulse, and CPR was performed in coordination with the police. Sadly, the man could not be saved. Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Officers plan to interview witnesses and review CCTV footage from nearby locations. The body has been sent to Ayutthaya Hospital for autopsy. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.

Body of 28-Year-Old Woman Found in Bedroom Under Suspicious Circumstances Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of the body of a 28-year-old woman, found under mysterious circumstances inside her locked home in Don Samrong village, Phanom Thuan district, Kanchanaburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361753-body-of-28-year-old-woman-found-in-bedroom-under-suspicious-circumstances/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of the body of a 28-year-old woman, found under mysterious circumstances inside her locked home in Don Samrong village, Phanom Thuan district, Kanchanaburi province. The deceased, identified as Miss Phattraphon Kongklan, known to friends as “Looktan” , was discovered at approximately 12:30 on 24 May after a neighbour reported a foul smell coming from her residence. Officers from Phanom Thuan Police Station, medical staff from Chao Khun Phai Boon Hospital, forensic officers, and rescue volunteers arrived swiftly at the scene. The house, a single-storey concrete building, was found securely locked from the outside with a heavy padlock on the front door. The rear door had been bound shut using a plastic strap tied through the lock mechanism, appearing to deliberately prevent entry. Upon gaining access, officers found the woman’s body lying face-up in the bedroom with the air conditioning still running. The corpse was decomposed and swollen, indicating she had likely been dead for at least three to four days. The room showed signs of disturbance, with household items scattered, but no valuables appeared to have been taken. A gold necklace and 37,000 baht in cash were found with the body. Miss A, a friend of the deceased and the person who discovered the body, told police she last saw Looktan on 17 May. After multiple unanswered phone calls, she decided to visit the house. Unable to open the front door, she attempted entry via the back and found the unusual lock. A preliminary examination revealed a laceration on the victim’s forehead, although investigators stated it did not appear to be the cause of death. The body has since been sent for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause. Police have obtained CCTV footage from neighbouring houses, which shows a man arriving in a pickup truck at around 04:10 on 18 May. He was accompanied by Looktan, who exited the vehicle with him. The truck remained parked outside the house until approximately 05:00 on 20 May, when the same man was seen leaving alone and driving away. Investigators from Phanom Thuan Police Station are now working urgently to identify and locate this man for questioning, as they seek to determine whether the death was accidental, self-inflicted, or the result of foul play. Authorities are treating the case as suspicious and are waiting forensic results as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.

Sales Assistant Fabricates Robbery to Cover Up Missing Cash From British Boyfriend Picture courtesy of Siam News. A sales assistant in Pattaya has admitted to fabricating a story about being robbed at knifepoint in order to cover up the loss of 32,000 baht in cash, after a police investigation revealed no evidence of the alleged incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361709-mall-worker-terrified-as-knife-wielding-thieves-steal-cash-ring-in-pattaya/#findComment-19825108

UPDATE Sales Assistant Fabricates Robbery to Cover Up Missing Cash From British Boyfriend Picture courtesy of Siam News. A sales assistant in Pattaya has admitted to fabricating a story about being robbed at knifepoint in order to cover up the loss of 32,000 baht in cash, after a police investigation revealed no evidence of the alleged incident. The woman, identified as 37-year-old Ms. Rattana, initially claimed that she had been attacked by three knife-wielding men while riding her motorbike home from work near Siam Country Club Road in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. She told police that the alleged attackers, whom she described as drug-addicted youths on two motorbikes, had made off with 32,000 baht in cash and an engagement ring. The case, treated as a serious crime, prompted officers from Bang Lamung Police Station to launch a full investigation, including a detailed review of CCTV footage from the surrounding area. However, investigators found no evidence to support Ms. Rattana’s claim. Footage showed no suspicious activity at the time of the supposed incident, only the presence of police officers, reporters, and Ms. Rattana herself later at the scene. Growing suspicious, the police summoned Ms. Rattana for further questioning. After initially ignoring phone calls, she was eventually brought in for a formal interview. During an interrogation lasting over an hour, she broke down and confessed to inventing the story. She admitted that she had lost the money herself and feared telling her British boyfriend, worrying he would become angry. Hoping to cover up the loss, she went to the police to file a false report in order to show him an official statement. She did not expect the situation to escalate into the media and report the story publicly. Visibly emotional during questioning, Ms. Rattana expressed deep remorse, tearfully apologising to the police and acknowledging the harm her actions had caused. She also revealed that her boyfriend ended their relationship after learning the truth. A single mother, she admitted the stunt was a desperate act made without thinking about the consequences. Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Kornpong Sookvisith confirmed that officers had examined all available CCTV footage multiple times and after failing to find any corroborating evidence, held a joint meeting with the investigation and intelligence units. Confident the report was false, they summoned the woman for further questioning, ultimately leading to her confession. “This case is an important example of the consequences of filing a false police report,” said Lt. Col. Kornpong. “It not only wastes police resources but also damages the image of the area. Such actions are against the law and will not be tolerated.” The case is now being processed under laws relating to filing false reports with authorities. Adapted by Asean Now from Siam News 2025-05-26.

Red-Plated Toyota Alphard Hits Father and Son, Flees Scene Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A hit-and-run involving a black Toyota Alphard with temporary red number plates has left a father and his young stepson dead in Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi Province. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind the vehicle’s front license plate and shattered car parts, providing police with crucial evidence. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361750-red-plated-toyota-alphard-hits-father-and-son-flees-scene/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A hit-and-run involving a black Toyota Alphard with temporary red number plates has left a father and his young stepson dead in Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi Province. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind the vehicle’s front license plate and shattered car parts, providing police with crucial evidence. The fatal incident occurred at approximately 22:00 on 24 May, along a frontage road running parallel to Khlong Na Mon in Moo 1, Khlong Khwang subdistrict. Local police, medics from the Institute of Forensic Medicine and rescue personnel from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were quickly dispatched to the scene. At the scene, authorities found the bodies of 40-year-old Mr. Tiwa and his 7-year-old stepson, Master Suttikorn who had been riding on a purple Honda Wave motorcycle. Emergency responders attempted CPR at the scene, but Mr. Tiwa was pronounced dead on the road. His stepson was rushed to Sai Noi Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Debris from the crash, including the Alphard’s red licence plate, front grille, and a broken wheel arch, was scattered across the crash site. The motorcycle lay heavily damaged with its front end destroyed. A witness, who had been sitting in front of a nearby shop, reported that the Alphard was attempting to overtake a car on the left side when it struck the motorcycle. The driver then sped off toward Khun Si subdistrict. The witness shouted and tried to chase the vehicle but was unable to stop it. Another motorcyclist also attempted to pursue the fleeing car, but the Alphard accelerated and got away. CCTV footage reviewed by police captured the black Alphard following a saloon car into the narrow lane. Moments later, at the front of a motorcycle repair shop, the victim’s motorbike can be seen approaching from the left before a collision is seen. People from the shop can be seen reacting and attempting to stop the fleeing vehicle. Later that night, 38-year-old Ms. Tan, the wife of the deceased, arrived at the crash site in distress. She revealed that her husband had taken their son along to work a night shift as a security guard at a local machinery depot because she was required to work overtime and couldn’t look after the boy. She said she was devastated to learn that both had died in the crash. Police confirmed that the Alphard’s licence plate and vehicle fragments will be used to track down the driver. Legal action will be pursued once the individual is identified. The bodies of the deceased have been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for further examination. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.

UPDATE ‘Phantom Run’ Organiser Taken into Custody Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Pandemonium broke out at Suan Luang Rama IX Park on the morning of 25 May, as more than a thousand furious runners gathered to demand refunds for a run event that turned out to be a scam. The so-called running event, which charged participants between 400 and 450 baht each, failed to materialise, leaving only a confused MC at the venue and a crowd of duped runners. The situation escalated when police arrived and escorted a woman believed to be the organiser away from the scene. Viral footage shared by social media page “เจ๊ม้อย v+” captured the moment of her detention, along with the audible outrage from the crowd. At one point, a scream rang out as officers took her into custody and escorted her to Phra Khanong Police Station for questioning. Reports reveal that the woman claimed she had only 1,300 baht remaining in the event’s account, a paltry sum considering over 1,000 participants had registered. A quick calculation by onlookers showed this would amount to barely 1 baht per person, sparking further outrage and disbelief among the crowd. One runner commented, “We were sold a dream of a race with prizes, T-shirts, and a great community event. But when we showed up, there was nothing. A start line, no staff, just a confused announcer telling us to start running if we wanted.” The day before the event, the organiser had set up a booth to accept last-minute registrations and sell merchandise, further misleading attendees and boosting confidence that the race was legitimate. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, while disappointed runners are filing complaints in hopes of recovering their registration fees. The police are expected to press fraud-related charges, pending further evidence. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Runners Baffled as Phantom Run Lacks Organisers, Confusion Over “Run For Destination 2025” Picture courtesy of Matichon. Early morning runners were left bewildered and frustrated on 25 May, at Suan Luang Rama IX Park in Bangkok after arriving for the much-anticipated “Run For Destination 2025” event, only to discover that no organisers were present to oversee the race. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361715-runners-baffled-as-phantom-run-lacks-organisers-confusion-over-“run-for-destination-2025”/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Early morning runners were left bewildered and frustrated on 25 May, at Suan Luang Rama IX Park in Bangkok after arriving for the much-anticipated “Run For Destination 2025” event, only to discover that no organisers were present to oversee the race. According to the event schedule, the 10km run was set to commence at 06:00, followed by a 5km race at 06:10. Hundreds of participants, many of whom had paid a 450 baht registration fee and dedicated weeks to training, arrived punctually, only to find a ghost event with no operational staff in sight. While the event setup appeared superficially ready, complete with a start line arch, activity tents, and mobile toilets, there were no officials or event coordinators on the ground to manage the run. The absence of any organising presence sparked confusion and frustration among attendees, with several taking to social media to voice their disappointment over what has been dubbed a “phantom run”. Adding to the confusion, sharp-eyed runners noticed a glaring error on the English signage at the event’s start gate, which read: “RUN FOR DESTINATION 2025 SUNDAY 28th MAY 2028 @SUANLUANG RAMA”, suggesting a race date three years and three days in the future. The typo has become a viral point of ridicule and speculation online. Several participants have questioned the event’s legitimacy and demanded accountability for the disorganised debacle. As news of the fiasco spread, local police were reportedly dispatched to the venue to receive complaints and begin an investigation. Disappointed runners are now seeking answers as to how such a large-scale event could collapse so completely, with many left wondering whether the race was the victim of administrative error or something more deliberate. Authorities have yet to confirm if any legal action will follow, but runners are calling for refunds, transparency, and assurance that future events will not suffer the same fate. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-25.