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UPDATE Body Recovered of Worker Who Fell into Orange Line Shaft in Bangkok Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. After more than 130 hours of painstaking search and rescue operations, emergency crews have recovered the body of a construction worker who fell into a 19-metre-deep shaft at an Orange Line railway construction site in central Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361072-construction-worker-trapped-after-falling-into-deep-pit-at-bangkok-subway-site/#findComment-19823718

UPDATE Body Recovered of Worker Who Fell into Orange Line Shaft in Bangkok Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. After more than 130 hours of painstaking search and rescue operations, emergency crews have recovered the body of a construction worker who fell into a 19-metre-deep shaft at an Orange Line railway construction site in central Bangkok. The victim, identified as Mr. Sarawut Chantasorn 33, from Sisaket Province, fell into a foundation pile hole on 19 May while working on the dismantling of an old footbridge at the future Lan Luang Station, part of the Orange Line (Bang Khun Non–Thailand Cultural Centre section). The incident occurred near Soi Lan Luang 6 and 8 in the Maha Nak area of Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. Following days of around-the-clock efforts, search teams pinpointed his likely location at a depth of 11.5 metres. At 19:00 on 24 May, rescue teams from the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit and the Ruamkatanyu Foundation intensified their recovery attempts. Officials including Mr. Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Mr. Phet Phumma, District Director of Pom Prap Sattru Phai, were present to oversee the operation, alongside senior officers from Nang Loeng Police Station. At 19:12, a specialised rescue team abseiled into the shaft, aided by air ventilation tubing to supply air below. Additional reinforcements, four specialist personnel from Rescue Operation Unit 4, were called in by 20:00 due to the complexity of retrieving the body, which was found in a standing position surrounded by dense soil. A plan was made to excavate half the upper body and use harnesses to secure the remains without causing further damage. By 22:30, rescue staff had fastened a safety harness around the chest and upper thighs. At midnight, the body was finally lifted from the muddy shaft. The operation concluded at 00:07 on 25 May. The body was immediately sent for forensic examination at the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, with medical and evidence teams already briefed. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) issued a statement of condolence following the successful recovery of the deceased worker’s body. Mr. Wittaya Phanmongkol, Acting Governor and Deputy Governor for Operations at MRTA, acknowledged the tragedy and expressed his deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Sarawut. He confirmed that all contractors and project consultants have been instructed to provide full compensation and support. He also extended gratitude to all supporting agencies, including the Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Office, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Nang Loeng Police Station, the Metropolitan Electricity and Water Authorities, rescue foundations and the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Service. “The search and recovery faced significant challenges due to the confined space and safety risks. But thanks to the tireless efforts and collaboration of all parties involved, the operation was ultimately successful,” he said. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Gunman on Drugs Shot Dead After Shootout with Police in Suphan Buri Picture courtesy of Amarin A drug-fuelled gunman was fatally shot by police in a dramatic daylight shootout in Suphan Buri province on the afternoon of 24 May, leaving two police officers injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361711-gunman-on-drugs-shot-dead-after-shootout-with-police-in-suphan-buri/

Picture courtesy of Amarin A drug-fuelled gunman was fatally shot by police in a dramatic daylight shootout in Suphan Buri province on the afternoon of 24 May, leaving two police officers injured. At approximately 12:10, officers from Sam Chuk Police Station were alerted to reports of a man brandishing a firearm and threatening locals in the Bang Khwak Market, Moo 6, Sam Chuk Subdistrict. The suspect, later identified as Mr. Thawatchai Sukrak, 29, fled the scene on a motorcycle, heading toward Rajamangala University of Technology’s Suphan Buri campus. Responding to the call were Pol.Sub.Lt. Som Phatthamanee, head of the Yan Yao patrol unit, and Pol.Sub.Lt. Arthit Sombunkit. They gave chase but were met with gunfire from the suspect, who struck Officer Som in the left shoulder and Officer Arthit in the right leg. In response, police returned fire, hitting Mr. Thawatchai in the chest. Despite being wounded, he managed to flee through Bang Khwak Market, where he was later found collapsed on the roadside. Officers apprehended him and rushed him to Sam Chuk Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators at the scenes recovered a 9mm handgun with three live rounds in the magazine and four spent shell casings. Bloodstains were found at multiple locations and a police vehicle was damaged, with one tyre shot out. Eyewitness Mrs. Supannee Khemphet, the owner of a nearby motorcycle shop, described the terrifying moments. “At first, I thought it was just a tyre bursting, but the sound was too loud. Then one of the shop boys ran inside saying they were shooting. I ran upstairs and looked out the window, there were police officers running and many gunshots. I was so scared.” The suspect’s mother later confirmed that her son had long struggled with drug addiction. “He didn’t have a job. This happened because of drugs. I don’t blame the police. He had stolen the gun used in the shooting, its owner had only just reported it stolen an hour before.” Authorities are continuing their investigation while both injured officers are recovering in hospital. Police have praised their swift response and vowed to review security procedures. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-25.

Mall Worker Terrified as Knife-Wielding Thieves Steal Cash & Ring in Pattaya Picture courtesy of SiamChon A female shopping mall employee was left traumatised on the night of 24 May, after being held at knifepoint and robbed by three men, just outside of Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361709-mall-worker-terrified-as-knife-wielding-thieves-steal-cash-ring-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon A female shopping mall employee was left traumatised on the night of 24 May, after being held at knifepoint and robbed by three men, just outside of Pattaya. The incident occurred at approximately 22:35, when Pol. Col. Sarawut Nuchanart, Superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station, received a report of an armed robbery. The attack happened on the railway road near the crossing at Soi Siam Country Club, in the Nong Prue subdistrict. Police investigators were immediately dispatched to the scene. The victim, Ms. Rattana aged 37, works as a sales assistant at a shopping mall in Pattaya. Visibly shaken, she told officers that she was riding her motorcycle home from work when she was followed and forced to stop, by three men on two motorcycles just after the junction on the railway road. One of the men threatened her with a knife, holding it to her stomach, before forcibly taking 32,000 baht in cash from her handbag as well as a gold engagement ring. After the robbery, the assailants fled at high speed. According to Ms. Rattana, the suspects appeared to be drug users, with a strong smell of cannabis lingering on them. Once she regained composure, she immediately reported the incident to police. Police attended the crime scene and radioed in an attempt to intercept the suspects along likely escape routes, but were unable to locate them. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage in the area in hopes of identifying and apprehending the culprits. The investigation is ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-25.

British Fugitives Arrested for Robbery & Fraud, Linked to Nominee Businesses on Koh Samui Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Immigration and crime suppression authorities have arrested two British nationals wanted in the UK for serious criminal offences, including robbery and fraud. The suspects had fled to Thailand and were living on the resort island of Koh Samui, where they were allegedly operating multiple businesses under nominee arrangements. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361698-british-fugitives-arrested-for-robbery-fraud-linked-to-nominee-businesses-on-koh-samui/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Immigration and crime suppression authorities have arrested two British nationals wanted in the UK for serious criminal offences, including robbery and fraud. The suspects had fled to Thailand and were living on the resort island of Koh Samui, where they were allegedly operating multiple businesses under nominee arrangements. The first suspect, Mr Kieren Daniel Farrer Thornton, aged 38, was apprehended by a joint task force led by Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 6. Thornton was arrested on 24 May near a pier in Moo 4, Bo Phut subdistrict, Koh Samui, following a warrant issued by Thailand’s Criminal Court (Warrant No. 524/2568, dated 19 May 2025). He is wanted in the UK for armed robbery and is considered a fugitive under international law. He has since been handed over to the Office of the Attorney General’s International Affairs Department for extradition proceedings. The second arrest involved Mr Ashton Kevin Saunders, also known by the alias “Ben Ashton,” aged 37. Saunders had entered Thailand on a tourist visa and presented himself as a high-profile businessman operating in the popular tourist area of Chaweng Beach. Investigations by immigration and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that Saunders had previously been convicted of fraud by a UK court and had fled the country to avoid imprisonment. Following his arrest, Thai authorities revoked his permission to remain in the Kingdom, citing his criminal history and status as a wanted individual. Saunders will now be deported back to the United Kingdom to serve his sentence. Authorities also uncovered that Saunders and his family had allegedly established a network of seven companies on Koh Samui using nominees, with Thai nationals registered as shareholders on behalf of foreign owners, a practice considered illegal under Thai law. A search warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court enabled officers to inspect all seven companies linked to Saunders. If sufficient evidence of wrongdoing is found, the businesses involved will face legal action for violating company and immigration laws. Thai officials have vowed to prosecute all offences to the fullest extent of the law and to continue cooperating with international agencies to prevent fugitives from using Thailand as a safe haven Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

CIB Arrests Vietnamese Red Notice Suspect in $300 Million Forex Scam Pictures courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested three Vietnamese nationals, including a woman wanted on an Interpol Red Notice, in connection with a large-scale investment scam that defrauded over 2,600 Vietnamese victims of more than USD 300 million. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361697-cib-arrests-vietnamese-red-notice-suspect-in-300-million-forex-scam/

Pictures courtesy of CIB. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested three Vietnamese nationals, including a woman wanted on an Interpol Red Notice, in connection with a large-scale investment scam that defrauded over 2,600 Vietnamese victims of more than USD 300 million. The arrests were carried out by officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittiphop Thongphet, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Thongnoi, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Phatthasaphong Saneesansena, at a hotel in Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. The suspects were named as: 1. Ms NGO, 30, the subject of an Interpol Red Notice dated 10 December 2024, wanted for the offence of misprision (failure to report a crime). 2. Mr Ta, 38, arrested for overstaying his visa. 3. Mr Trong, 41, also arrested for overstaying his visa. The arrests followed a request for cooperation from Vietnamese authorities, who had been investigating a criminal syndicate behind a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Vietnamese nationals. The gang lured victims with promises of high monthly returns (20%-30%) on foreign exchange (Forex) and cryptocurrency trading via fake trading platforms. Victims were initially allowed to withdraw small sums to build trust, before being encouraged to invest larger amounts. Once the funds were transferred, contact would be abruptly cut off. The transnational operation, led by a Turkish national and 35 Vietnamese accomplices, operated as a highly organised criminal enterprise. It ran 44 fraudulent “investment centres” across Vietnam, with more than 1,000 staff in cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and others. The network also maintained a presence in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Vietnamese police identified Ms NGO as a key figure in the scheme and issued warrant No. 20647/QĐTN-CSHS on 10 December 2024. Interpol subsequently issued Red Notice A2159/2-2025. It was discovered she had fled to Thailand, prompting cooperation between the Thai Royal Police and the Vietnamese Embassy to locate and arrest her. CSD officers and immigration officials traced her to a Bangkok hotel, where she was found with Mr Ta and Mr Trong, who claimed to be her bodyguards. Both men were arrested for residing in Thailand illegally. Further investigations revealed that Ms NGO had been receiving large sums of cash, around one million baht at a time, from associates in Thailand, using mule accounts in Vietnam to circumvent financial scrutiny. During questioning, Ms NGO admitted to her involvement in the scheme. She stated that the proceeds were laundered into real estate ventures in Vietnam. Funds for her personal use in Thailand were smuggled in through complex currency exchange methods to avoid detection by Thai authorities. All three suspects confessed to the charges and are being held pending extradition proceedings. Ms NGO will be handed over to Vietnamese authorities to face prosecution. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-25.

Myanmar Woman Extorted and Assaulted at Pattaya Beauty Salon Picture courtesy of TMN. A 28-year-old Myanmar national, Ms Nang Mo Syai, accompanied by two female friends, filed a police report at Pattaya City Police Station after allegedly being extorted and assaulted at a local beauty salon. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361696-myanmar-woman-extorted-and-assaulted-at-pattaya-beauty-salon/

Picture courtesy of TMN. A 28-year-old Myanmar national, Ms Nang Mo Syai, accompanied by two female friends, filed a police report at Pattaya City Police Station after allegedly being extorted and assaulted at a local beauty salon. The incident was reported at 01:20 on 24 May, to Police Lieutenant Akaraphong Saenputawong, the duty investigator. One of the victims, Ms Aye Pee, 25, also a Myanmar national, recounted the ordeal in detail. According to Ms Aye, she and her friend Ms Nang Noon Kham, 26, discovered the salon through the popular app TikTok and agreed on a hair treatment service for a total price of 17,000 baht. However, after the service was completed, the salon staff allegedly refused to let the women leave, claiming the payment was insufficient. Shortly after, four men and one woman, all wearing official looking black vests, entered the salon. The men, who claimed to be police officers, were accompanied by a Thai woman who approached one of the victims, forcefully grabbed her shirt, and slapped her across the face. The men then demanded an additional 20,000 baht from the victims and, when that sum was paid, insisted on a further 22,250 baht. Once the money had been paid in full to the satisfaction of the salon owner and the alleged enforcers, the victims were allowed to leave the premises. After regaining their composure, the group consulted one another and decided to report the incident to the police. Police have recorded the incident in the daily log as a formal complaint and have launched an investigation. Officers from Pattaya City Police Station will examine CCTV footage to identify the suspects and determine the facts of the case. Authorities have confirmed that a full investigation is underway and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Adapted by Asean Now from TMN 2025-05-25.

Cyber Police Dismantle Major Online Gambling Network “CS68 Club” in Phetchabun Picture courtesy of InsideThailand. Cyber police have arrested a key figure behind the administration of one of the country’s largest online gambling networks, “CS68 Club,” during a coordinated raid in Phetchabun Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361695-cyber-police-dismantle-major-online-gambling-network-“cs68-club”-in-phetchabun/

Picture courtesy of InsideThailand. Cyber police have arrested a key figure behind the administration of one of the country’s largest online gambling networks, “CS68 Club,” during a coordinated raid in Phetchabun Province. The operation, carried out by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), was ordered by Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiewphan, Commissioner of the CCIB. The raid was led by Police Major General Kritachaya Bamrungraṭtanos, with senior officers from divisions 2 and 4, alongside investigators from the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), executing a search warrant at a residential property in Mueang District. According to Lt Gen Trirong, the crackdown was in line with the Royal Thai Police’s policy under Police General Phitthirat Phanphech, who has called for urgent action against online gambling operations, which are seen as a threat to Thai society, particularly among the youth. Authorities had been investigating the website “CS68 Club,” which they describe as a major online gambling platform boasting over 100,000 members and generating a staggering monthly turnover of more than 240 million baht. The site offered various forms of illegal gambling, including slot games, fish shooting games, card games, baccarat, hi-lo, pok deng, dragon tiger, live casinos and lottery games. The site operated through a sophisticated banking system using domestic bank accounts and automated fund transfers, including so-called “mule” accounts to conceal financial trails. Players could deposit and withdraw money directly via the website, supported by a team of administrators tasked with resolving user issues and encouraging continued participation in gambling activities. The raid targeted a property at 119/48, Moo 2, Mae Sadiang Subdistrict, where officers arrested 32-year-old Ms Nitaya Kantha, a Chiang Rai native, alleged to be the head of the admin team for the CS68 Club network. Police seized a mobile phone containing evidence of multiple bank transfer slips linked to various individuals involved in the operation. During questioning, Ms Nitaya admitted to managing the admin team for over two years, receiving a monthly salary of 25,000 baht. Her responsibilities included recruiting admins, managing team finances, and distributing salaries to nearly ten administrators under her supervision. Ms Nitaya has been charged with “organising or facilitating gambling, or directly or indirectly advertising or soliciting others to gamble via electronic media without authorisation from the relevant authorities.” She has been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. The investigation into the broader network is ongoing, with authorities determined to track down all individuals involved in the CS68 Club operation. Adapted by Asean Now from InsideThailand 2025-05-25.

Minibus Crashes in Heavy Rain Leaving Eight Injured on Sukhumvit Road, Rayong Picture courtesy of Amarin. A road crash narrowly avoided leading to a tragedy on the morning of 24 May, when a passenger minibus skidded off the road and overturned in a roadside drainage ditch amid heavy rain in Rayong province, injuring eight people. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361694-minibus-crashes-in-heavy-rain-leaving-eight-injured-on-sukhumvit-road-rayong/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A road crash narrowly avoided leading to a tragedy on the morning of 24 May, when a passenger minibus skidded off the road and overturned in a roadside drainage ditch amid heavy rain in Rayong province, injuring eight people. The crash occurred at approximately 08:10 near the entrance to U-Tapao Airport on the inbound Sukhumvit Road in Ban Chang district. According to the Siam Rayong Foundation’s radio operations centre, a white passenger minibus operating the Chonburi–Pattaya–Sattahip–Rayong route veered off the slick road and overturned into a drainage canal roughly two metres deep. Emergency services and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they discovered the vehicle lying on its side. All eight occupants, including the 53-year-old driver, Mr. Wichai Karamruen, were trapped inside. Four passengers, including Mr. Wichai, sustained serious injuries, while the remaining four suffered bruises and suspected fractures. In a stroke of good fortune, a group of Royal Thai Navy officers happened to be passing by the scene and quickly intervened, helping to extricate the victims from the wreckage and administer first aid. They also assisted in managing traffic to prevent further incidents until official rescue personnel arrived and transported the injured to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr. Wichai explained that he had picked up passengers in Chonburi and was en route to Rayong when the crash occurred. He said torrential rain had made the road slippery, causing the vehicle to spin out of control before tumbling into the drainage ditch. Ms. Narisa Suttijak, 45, one of the injured passengers, described the moment, as she was seated at the rear of the van. “The rain was heavy, and the van was going quite fast. It began swerving violently before flipping over. Everyone was screaming. We were so lucky the navy officers stopped to help us,” she said. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution during adverse weather conditions. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-25.

Interior Ministry Denies Claims on Thai “White Card”, Blames Social Media for Misinformation Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. The Ministry of Interior has firmly denied claims circulating on Chinese social media that suggest the Thai “White Card” makes it easy for foreigners to acquire Thai citizenship and property rights. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361693-interior-ministry-denies-claims-on-thai-“white-card”-blames-social-media-for-misinformation/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. The Ministry of Interior has firmly denied claims circulating on Chinese social media that suggest the Thai “White Card” makes it easy for foreigners to acquire Thai citizenship and property rights. Ms Traisulee Traisoranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and spokesperson for the ministry, clarified that such claims are misleading and do not reflect the reality of Thailand’s legal and administrative processes. Her comments came in response to a viral post dated 23 May, which appeared to promote the so-called “White Card” as a shortcut to Thai nationality and related benefits. The “White Card”, officially known as the Card for Persons Without Legal Status in Civil Registration, is issued under strict legal criteria. It is designed to provide identification for stateless individuals or those without nationality, not as a pathway to full citizenship. “The information being circulated on Chinese social media distorts the truth,” said Ms Traisulee. “The Department of Provincial Administration follows stringent protocols in verifying and granting registration status. Recipients must meet all conditions prescribed by law.” She emphasised that possession of the card does not equate to automatic rights to Thai citizenship, property ownership, or employment. The ministry has urged the public not to be misled by online narratives and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and adherence to legal processes in all nationality-related matters. The Ministry of Interior has called on international media and social media platforms to exercise caution and accuracy when discussing sensitive issues involving national security and immigration policy. Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-05-25.

Oil Residue Blankets Mae Ramphueng Beach, Tourism & Local Businesses Hit Hard Picture courtesy of Anarin. A stretch of Mae Ramphueng Beach in Rayong province has been severely affected by black oil residue, leaving a one-kilometre section coated in dark sludge. The contamination has forced tourists to abandon the area, with beach chairs left empty and nearby restaurants reporting a sharp drop in customers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361692-oil-residue-blankets-mae-ramphueng-beach-tourism-local-businesses-hit-hard/

Picture courtesy of Anarin. A stretch of Mae Ramphueng Beach in Rayong province has been severely affected by black oil residue, leaving a one-kilometre section coated in dark sludge. The contamination has forced tourists to abandon the area, with beach chairs left empty and nearby restaurants reporting a sharp drop in customers. The black residue, suspected to be carbon-based oil sediment, is believed to be linked to a previous 2022 oil spill in the area. Locals say that the tar-like deposits have become a recurring issue, resurfacing periodically, especially during the rainy season. Mr Narong Thuamcharoen 50, a local resident, said, “This black material is oil sediment from the 2022 spill. It has been coming back again and again, but this time it’s much worse. The beach is covered.” Another local, Ms Sarita Aksornsri 49, voiced concerns over potential environmental impacts. “I worry about sea life ingesting this sediment. Could this be why marine animal populations seem to be declining?” Local fisherman Mr Worawut Kongnarong 54, added that the origin and nature of the residue remain unclear. “Since the previous oil spill, we’ve seen these black clumps come ashore more often, some weighing as much as three kilograms. With the southwest monsoon, more will surely appear. It seems like the government has little control over industrial waste in the sea.” He added grimly, “Whatever is dumped out there is now washing up. It’s killing the environment, and soon it’ll kill our livelihoods too. There might not be any small-scale fishing left if this continues.” In response, officials from the Tambon Tapong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) have deployed staff to clean the affected beach area. However, many locals are calling for stronger and more sustained government action to protect marine resources and prevent further ecological degradation. Mae Ramphueng Beach, once a popular destination, now faces an uncertain future as environmental damage continues to mount. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-25.

Surin: Farmer 61, Killed by Lightning While Checking His Rice Field Picture courtesy of Workpoint. An incident occurred in the rural district of Sangkha, Surin province, where a 61-year-old man was fatally struck by lightning while tending to his rice field. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361691-surin-farmer-61-killed-by-lightning-while-checking-his-rice-field/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. An incident occurred in the rural district of Sangkha, Surin province, where a 61-year-old man was fatally struck by lightning while tending to his rice field. The victim, identified as Mr Jamnaeng, was a resident of Phon Chai village, Moo 5, in Ban Chob subdistrict. Emergency responders and police were dispatched to the scene after reports emerged that a man had been struck by lightning during a storm. Authorities arrived to find Mr Jamnaeng lying lifeless near a small hut in the middle of a rice field. A medical team confirmed that he had no pulse and had died instantly from the lightning strike. His body was later transferred to Sangkha Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being released to the family for funeral rites. Speaking from the family home, where the funeral is being held, Mr Jamnaeng’s wife, Mrs San 62, shared details of the incident. She explained that she and her husband normally worked the rice fields together, but that day she had stayed home due to a leg injury. Heavy rain had fallen in the afternoon, prompting Mr Jamnaeng to check on the fields to ensure water levels didn’t damage the young rice plants. By 15.30, when he hadn’t returned home for lunch, Mrs San grew concerned and went to the field to look for him. There, she found her husband unconscious in the hut and immediately called relatives in the village for help. Rescue workers arrived shortly after, but it was too late, he had already succumbed to the lightning strike. The hut, located in the middle of the field, stood beside a large “Tae” tree. Officials noted signs of a lightning strike on the tree’s trunk, and broken wooden debris scattered in the area confirmed the severity of the incident. The tragic death serves as a sombre reminder of the dangers faced by farmers working in open fields during stormy weather. Local authorities have urged rural communities to take extra precautions during the rainy season. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-25.

Scandal Erupts Over Vietnamese Durian Mixed with Thai Fruit in Export Fraud to China Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek A scandal has rocked Thailand’s durian export industry following revelations that Vietnamese durian is being illicitly mixed with Thai durian before being exported to China. The operation, allegedly orchestrated by Chinese investors, is believed to be one of the causes behind the recent decline in durian prices and reduced demand from Chinese buyers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361690-scandal-erupts-over-vietnamese-durian-mixed-with-thai-fruit-in-export-fraud-to-china/

Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek A scandal has rocked Thailand’s durian export industry following revelations that Vietnamese durian is being illicitly mixed with Thai durian before being exported to China. The operation, allegedly orchestrated by Chinese investors, is believed to be one of the causes behind the recent decline in durian prices and reduced demand from Chinese buyers. Rayong MP Phongsathorn Sornpetchanarin led a joint task force of government officials and local citizens in a raid on a rubberwood warehouse in Klaeng district, Rayong province, after receiving a tip-off. Upon inspection, they discovered two refrigerated container trucks, one filled with peeled frozen durian from Vietnam and another empty truck apparently prepared to transport the produce to Laem Chabang port. The Chinese national present, identified as the owner of the cargo, failed to provide documentation for the import and transportation of the Vietnamese durian, claiming the papers were at a processing plant in Chanthaburi. Mr Phongsathorn has since filed an official complaint with police inspector Pol Lt Sayan Panjarak at Ban Kram Police Station. He is expected to meet with the provincial governor to discuss decisive action against the perpetrators. Insiders say Vietnamese durians have previously faced strict inspection in China due to chemical residue, especially cadmium, leading to import restrictions and plummeting domestic prices. To bypass these controls and raise export value fraudulently, some traders have turned to blending the Vietnamese produce with Thailand’s premium durian. Police are now gathering evidence to prosecute those involved in the smuggling operation, with the goal of protecting the international reputation of Thai durian. The incident has intensified fears among Thai growers. During the operation on the night of 22 May, officials found three containers involved: 1. Truck registration Chonburi, container number FSCU 5869275: fully loaded with peeled frozen durian and sealed with tag number P15199. 2. Truck registration Chonburi, container number FSCU 5910933: also fully loaded with peeled frozen durian. 3. Truck registration Chonburi, container number OTPU 6488932: empty container, unsealed. One of the drivers initially refused to disclose his purpose, claiming only to be transporting an empty container. Under questioning, he admitted that his employer from Laem Chabang had instructed him to pick up a durian shipment. The scandal has raised concerns about a potential oversupply of Thai durians as Chinese buyers reduce their orders. With prices falling, farmers are at risk of serious financial losses. Some fear a repeat of previous years when plummeting prices drove some growers to desperate measures, including suicide due to overwhelming debts. Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-05-25.

Emergency Rescue Crew Threatened by Armed Man Who Mistook Them for Criminal Accomplices Picture courtesy of Matichon. An alarming incident unfolded in the early hours of 24 May, when a rescue team rushing to help transport a patient to hospital was threatened by an armed man who mistakenly believed they were helping criminals flee the scene of a burglary. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361689-emergency-rescue-crew-threatened-by-armed-man-who-mistook-them-for-criminal-accomplices/