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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. At approximately 04:15, the Sawang Boonchuay Rescue Association in Trat Province received a call to collect a patient from Soi Wat Tha Phrik, located in Tha Phrik sub-district of Mueang District, and transport them to Trat Hospital. The team, led by Mr. Atthaphon Laiwalak and accompanied by two other volunteers, arrived promptly at the location. However, upon arrival, their ambulance was suddenly cut off by a grey Honda City. The driver, later identified as Mr. Kwanjai, also known locally as “Nong”, aged between 45, exited the vehicle brandishing a firearm and proceeded to threaten the rescue crew. He claimed the ambulance was aiding a burglar in fleeing from his home. Mr. Atthaphon recounted that despite repeatedly explaining their medical mission, the man continued to aggressively point the weapon at the ambulance and shout accusations. With tensions escalating, the rescue team was forced to contact local police for urgent assistance. Later at 04:40, the emergency 191 call centre received a report of a burglary at a house in the same area. The caller was, in fact, Mr. Kwanjai himself. Police Lieutenant Samnuek Promsawat from the Tha Phrik outpost responded immediately to the scene. Upon arrival, he engaged with the visibly agitated Mr. Kwanjai, who insisted a thief had escaped in the ambulance. Lt. Samnuek then secured the firearm, which had been returned to the suspect’s car. Soon after, Police Lieutenant Somchok Thipyot, head of the city patrol unit, arrived with backup. Lt. Samnuek then accompanied Mr. Kwanjai to his residence, located about 50 metres away, to investigate the alleged break-in. The wooden, elevated single-storey house showed no signs of forced entry or disturbance. Occupants inside the house claimed they had no knowledge of any burglary, only that the lights had suddenly turned on. Further inspection of Mr. Kwanjai’s belongings and behaviour revealed signs of paranoia and anxiety. He spoke rapidly, sweated profusely and claimed he had seen four to five shadowy figures, both men and women, fleeing his property. He admitted to firing a gun into the air and then pursuing what he believed to be the getaway vehicle, the rescue ambulance. Police escorted Mr. Kwanjai, his vehicle, and the weapon to Mueang Trat Police Station. A check of the firearm revealed it was registered, though not under Mr. Kwanjai’s name. He refused to undergo a drug test, prompting officers to file preliminary charges under the Firearms Act and for resisting an officer. It later emerged that Mr. Kwanjai had a prior conviction. In 2015, he was imprisoned for fatally shooting a rival during an altercation at a convenience store in Tha Phrik. He had only recently been released. Police are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of further charges pending the results of ongoing inquiries. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-25.

Laos Deports Thai Murder Suspect and 10 Others After Drug Party Arrest Picture courtesy of Matichon. A fugitive wanted for murder in Thailand, along with 10 other Thai nationals, has been deported from Laos following their arrest for drug-related offences in Savannakhet Province, officials confirmed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361688-laos-deports-thai-murder-suspect-and-10-others-after-drug-party-arrest/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A fugitive wanted for murder in Thailand, along with 10 other Thai nationals, has been deported from Laos following their arrest for drug-related offences in Savannakhet Province, officials confirmed. Among those returned is Jakrapong “Joe” Joomkham, who had previously been granted bail after being charged with the intentional killing of Chertsak Ngsri, a nightclub security chief in Kantharalak district, Sisaket Province, on 18 January. Joe fled across the Mekong River into Laos after the incident. Authorities from Thailand’s Surasak Montri Task Force, led by Maj Gen Sukontharat Chawapong, along with senior military and police officials, crossed the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge from Mukdahan to Savannakhet on 23 May to receive the suspects at the border checkpoint. The extradition is part of ongoing bilateral cooperation under the Thai-Lao Security Agreement. On the Lao side, the handover was facilitated by Lt Col Kaew-Udon Sonthikumman of Savannakhet’s Internal Security Division, and Lt Col Sikun Samlanchai of the Anti-Narcotics Police, alongside immigration officers. Jakrapong, despite being on bail for a serious criminal charge, had crossed into Laos with accomplices and was found partying and using drugs, disturbing local communities by playing loud music. Lao authorities arrested the group, prosecuted them, and subsequently deported them after they served short sentences or were fined. Of the 11 Thai nationals deported, nine are men and two are women. Ten come from Sisaket Province and one from Chonburi. Two face outstanding drug warrants, while one, Jakrapong, faces charges of murder and firearms violations. Those without outstanding warrants were medically screened and had their criminal records updated before being processed through immigration. The case highlights the challenges in managing transboundary crime and the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement within the Mekong subregion. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-25.

CIB Raids Illegal Chinese-Backed Timber Plant in Phitsanulok Picture courtesy of CIB. Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have raided an illicit timber processing facility in Chai Nam subdistrict, Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok, following public complaints over pollution and health hazards affecting the local community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361686-cib-raids-illegal-chinese-backed-timber-plant-in-phitsanulok/

Picture courtesy of CIB. Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have raided an illicit timber processing facility in Chai Nam subdistrict, Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok, following public complaints over pollution and health hazards affecting the local community. The operation, led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), was conducted under a court-issued search warrant after residents reported persistent air pollution, foul odours, and excessive dust believed to originate from the factory. During the raid, authorities identified four individuals at the site: Thanawut (30), Jie Mei, Cheng Qi and Wanwisak. All were charged under multiple offences, including violations of the Forest Act B.E. 2484, particularly Section 73 bis for failing to comply with licensing conditions, and the Chainsaw Control Act B.E. 2545, for possession of chainsaws without proper registration. Five illegal chainsaws were seized, all lacking authorised registration documents. Officers also confiscated unregistered logs and timber inventory books, as well as a processing ledger, revealing the facility’s operation as a veneer wood processing plant. Though officially registered under Thai national Thanawut, investigators discovered that the plant was in fact leased and operated by foreign nominees, Chinese nationals Cheng Qi and Jie Mei, in the name of a registered company. The arrangement raised serious concerns about attempts to circumvent Thailand’s foreign ownership laws. Additionally, the plant was found to be operating without the necessary public health permits, in violation of the Public Health Act B.E. 2535, for running a business deemed hazardous to public health. Authorities suspect that the foreign operators used Thai nominees to gain access to the business, a practice that may constitute unlawful foreign business control. The factory also failed to maintain legally required timber records, further deepening its legal troubles. All seized items have been handed over to relevant authorities, and those arrested face multiple charges. Investigations will continue, with authorities aiming to uncover further individuals and networks associated with the illegal operation. The case underscores the government’s commitment to tackling environmental crimes and unlawful foreign business activities in Thailand. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-25.

UPDATE Election Commission Confirms Councillor’s Degree Is Genuine Amid Broader Investigations Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Songkhla Election Commission has confirmed that the academic qualifications submitted by Provincial Councillor Siradanai Plaiduang, commonly known as “Sor Golf”, are authentic following a formal investigation triggered by public concern. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19823160

UPDATE Election Commission Confirms Councillor’s Degree Is Genuine Amid Broader Investigations Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Songkhla Election Commission has confirmed that the academic qualifications submitted by Provincial Councillor Siradanai Plaiduang, commonly known as “Sor Golf”, are authentic following a formal investigation triggered by public concern. The probe was launched after Mr. Chotinarin Kerdsom, Governor of Songkhla, along with the Department of Provincial Administration, local agencies and members of the public, requested that the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) verify Councillor Golf’s academic credentials used in his candidacy for the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) representing Hat Yai’s District 7. There had been widespread suspicion that Mr. Siradanai had submitted a falsified degree certificate to qualify for the election, prompting calls for criminal proceedings and removal from office if the allegations proved true. Pol. Lt. Col. Somnuek Kulmanee, Director of the Songkhla Provincial Election Commission, confirmed that an investigation had been conducted. Mr. Siradanai had submitted a bachelor’s degree from a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat as part of his application. The Election Commission formally contacted the university, which verified that Mr. Siradanai had indeed graduated, using a valid high school diploma from Thailand’s Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE) programme. The NFE institution also confirmed the authenticity of his secondary education qualification in a separate letter to the commission. The Election Commission concluded that there were no irregularities concerning his educational background. However, the case does not end there. Mr. Siradanai remains under investigation in separate legal matters. Notably, Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has reportedly issued an arrest warrant linking him to illegal online gambling operations, with clear financial trails allegedly connecting him to direct profits from the platforms. The Election Commission has stated it will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and relevant agencies in addressing any further allegations or legal breaches involving Mr. Siradanai. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Raid in Bangkok Shopping Mall Uncovers Counterfeit Luxury Goods – Widespread Bribery Exposed Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A large-scale operation by authorities has uncovered a major counterfeit goods ring operating openly in a prominent Bangkok shopping mall. The raid, led by a government special task force, revealed the sale of fake luxury handbags and watches, alongside widespread corruption involving multiple government agencies. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361685-raid-in-bangkok-shopping-mall-uncovers-counterfeit-luxury-goods-–-widespread-bribery-exposed/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A large-scale operation by authorities has uncovered a major counterfeit goods ring operating openly in a prominent Bangkok shopping mall. The raid, led by a government special task force, revealed the sale of fake luxury handbags and watches, alongside widespread corruption involving multiple government agencies. Mr. Jirayu Huangsub, spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the government under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is intensifying efforts to tackle all forms of intellectual property violations in line with World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations. The crackdown followed over 2,000 complaints received via the Prime Minister’s complaint centre (hotline 1111), many of which involved allegations of bribery to avoid prosecution. Bribes reportedly allowed illegal businesses to continue operating freely, including websites offering pornography, online gambling and unauthorised electronic cigarette sales. Some businesses allegedly paid monthly bribes of 50,000–100,000 baht per shop, contributing to an illicit flow of at least 200 million baht per year per area. A joint task force consisting of the Ministry of Commerce, the Royal Thai Police, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), supported by over 150 officers, carried out the raid on the mall, targeting four floors known for openly selling counterfeit brand-name products. Items seized included fake luxury handbags, watches and travel gear. Officials discovered that several shop owners were foreigners acting as frontmen, especially English-speaking staff, used to attract international customers. Authorities believe these individuals entered the country posing as tourists but were actually working illegally. It was also confirmed that many of these operations were paying bribes to named officials, referred to in reports as Ms A, Mr T and Inspector N. Mr. Jirayu stressed that the government is determined to crack down on such corruption. The operation aims to move Thailand off the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Watch List, under Special 301provisions, where it currently remains due to ongoing concerns over intellectual property rights enforcement. He noted that while the USTR still lists Thailand as a country of concern, it has acknowledged the government’s progress. Recent reforms include amendments to copyright and patent laws, as well as improvements in the regulation of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) to ensure transparency in music royalties collection. Efforts are also being made to dismantle transnational criminal networks exploiting the Thai legal and economic systems, using counterfeit trade as a cover for wider criminal activity, including human trafficking and illegal labour. Authorities warned that government officials found complicit in accepting bribes will be held accountable. Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings of counterfeit goods or corrupt officials via the Prime Minister’s Office hotline (1111). Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Police Raid Gun Trafficking Operation, Illegal Weapons Sold to Teens via Facebook Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have dismantled a clandestine firearms trafficking network dubbed “Ngor Wat Tuek”, arresting a 45-year-old man accused of illegally selling weapons, including modified guns and ammunition, through Facebook groups aimed at young buyers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361684-police-raid-gun-trafficking-operation-illegal-weapons-sold-to-teens-via-facebook/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have dismantled a clandestine firearms trafficking network dubbed “Ngor Wat Tuek”, arresting a 45-year-old man accused of illegally selling weapons, including modified guns and ammunition, through Facebook groups aimed at young buyers. The operation was launched under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with key officers from the Division of Special Investigation (DSI). Mr Thanongsak, also known as “Ngor”, was apprehended on 22 May at 21:10 outside a convenience store in Bang Phai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province. Authorities seized a large cache of illegal weapons and related items, including: • A Mossberg shotgun with registration. • A modified Sig Sauer P365 semi-automatic pistol (.380 calibre). • A Gorinco 9mm semi-automatic pistol with registration. • A Taurus Brasil .38 calibre revolver (unregistered). • Several boxes of ammunition, totalling over 200 roundsacross various calibres (.38, .340, .380, 12-gauge). • A sparta knife. • A dismantled M4 replica intended to be converted into a real firearm. The suspect had allegedly been advertising guns in a Facebook group called “Thai Homemade Guns and Blank Gun Modifications”. Under the alias “Sirisak”, police officers, posing as buyers, contacted him and negotiated a deal for 60,000 baht. The exchange was arranged at the convenience store where he was eventually caught with the weapons hidden in a box wrapped in second-hand clothing. During questioning, Mr Thanongsak confessed to selling illegal firearms for several years. He claimed that his initial interest stemmed from a desire to protect his family, which includes three teenage sons. Financial difficulties and access to online gun communities led him to begin manufacturing and selling weapons, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht. Police have charged him with multiple firearms offences, including: • Illegal sale of firearms and ammunition without proper authorisation. • Possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence. • Carrying weapons in public without legitimate reason or permission. Mr Thanongsak and the confiscated items have been transferred to Bang Si Mueang Police Station for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Husband & Wife Arrested for Running Investment Scam Involving Scrap Air Conditioners Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A husband and wife have been arrested in Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, after being accused of orchestrating a widespread investment scam that defrauded numerous victims across Thailand. The couple posed as contractors and lured victims into bogus deals involving the resale of used air conditioners, old electrical wiring and industrial machinery. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361683-husband-wife-arrested-for-running-investment-scam-involving-scrap-air-conditioners/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A husband and wife have been arrested in Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, after being accused of orchestrating a widespread investment scam that defrauded numerous victims across Thailand. The couple posed as contractors and lured victims into bogus deals involving the resale of used air conditioners, old electrical wiring and industrial machinery. According to police, Mr Lertchai 50mand Ms Waree 54, were apprehended on multiple fraud charges following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division of Special Investigation (DSI). The arrests were carried out by Operation Team 3 under the direction of Pol Lt Col Chada Sesawet. The suspects reportedly targeted individuals encountered through their work in the construction sector. They claimed to have acquired 100 second-hand air conditioners from a defunct hotel, priced at 1,000 baht each, and invited victims to invest in the purportedly profitable resale. The scheme extended to similar pitches involving used electrical wiring allegedly sourced from a hotel in the Khao Yai area, valued at 320,000 baht and outdated milling machinery supposedly worth 300,000 baht. Once victims transferred funds, the couple vanished and ceased all contact, delivering no goods or returns on the promised investments. Mr Lertchai is wanted under three separate warrants: • Warrant 179/2564, issued by the Bangkok South District Court on 9 July 2021 for fraud, related to a case under the jurisdiction of Thonglor Police Station. • Warrant 26/2567, issued on 30 January 2024 by the Nakhon Pathom District Court for joint fraud. • Warrant 370/2567, dated 6 September 2024, issued by the Nonthaburi District Court, again for joint fraud. He has now been handed over to Thonglor Police for legal proceedings. Ms Waree is facing similar charges, with two outstanding warrants: • Warrant 371/2567, issued by the Nonthaburi District Court on 6 September 2024 for joint fraud. • Warrant 27/2567, issued by the Nakhon Pathom District Court on 30 January 2024, also for joint fraud. She confessed to using the money obtained from the scams for personal expenses and has been transferred to Nonthaburi Police for further investigation and prosecution. Police have urged anyone who may have fallen victim to similar scams to come forward and provide statements to assist in the ongoing investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

11-Year-Old Thai Boy Weighing Over 150kg Dies After Month-Long Hospitalisation Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An 11-year-old autistic boy known for his compulsive habit of eating soil and suffering from extreme obesity has died after nearly a month of hospital treatment. His passing has left his grandparents, who raised him since birth, devastated. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361682-11-year-old-thai-boy-weighing-over-150kg-dies-after-month-long-hospitalisation/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An 11-year-old autistic boy known for his compulsive habit of eating soil and suffering from extreme obesity has died after nearly a month of hospital treatment. His passing has left his grandparents, who raised him since birth, devastated. The boy, named Phum, from Ban Non Sang in Na Kae District, Nakhon Phanom province, weighed over 150 kilograms and reportedly could not wear regular clothing due to his size. He was diagnosed with autism and exhibited pica, a condition involving the compulsive consumption of non-food items, often crying if he was not allowed to eat soil. Phum lived with his elderly grandparents in poverty while his parents worked in Bangkok. According to family reports, the boy had been admitted to Na Kae Hospital on 25 April before being transferred to Sakon Nakhon Hospital due to the severity of his condition. He succumbed to multiple chronic illnesses at 23:00 on 22 May. His grandfather, Mr Winai Korn Polarachom, 66 and grandmother, Mrs Thanarak Polarachom, 63, said they were informed of Phum’s death late at night. Despite rushing to the hospital, they were unable to see him before he passed. Phum had suffered from several critical health conditions including an enlarged heart, pulmonary oedema, high blood pressure and diabetes. Mrs Thanarak shared that they had emotionally prepared for his passing after doctors warned them of his deteriorating state. “I cried until I had no tears left,” she said. Ms Maneewan Polarachom, 58, the assistant village head and Mr Winai’s sister, noted that she had frequently checked in on Phum and was heartbroken by the number of tubes and machines connected to him during his hospitalisation. Although the family initially considered bringing him home, his mother had asked to wait until the end of the month, a wish that came too late. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358914-appeal-for-11-year-old-thai-boy-weighing-150kg-with-autism-rare-obesity-condition/ Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Motorcyclist Killed Instantly After Crashing into 18-Wheeler in Chachoengsao Pictured courtesy of Khaosod. A young man was killed on impact after his motorcycle collided with an 18-wheeled lorry in Chachoengsao province on the evening of 23 May. The crash occurred when the rider attempted to overtake but failed to return to his lane in time, crashing head-on into the heavy vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361681-motorcyclist-killed-instantly-after-crashing-into-18-wheeler-in-chachoengsao/

Pictured courtesy of Khaosod. A young man was killed on impact after his motorcycle collided with an 18-wheeled lorry in Chachoengsao province on the evening of 23 May. The crash occurred when the rider attempted to overtake but failed to return to his lane in time, crashing head-on into the heavy vehicle. At approximately 20:00, Pol. Lt. Prasert Detchsupha, deputy investigation officer at Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station, was notified of a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and an lorry on a road in Moo 2, Nam Daeng subdistrict. Medical personnel from Phutthasothon Hospital and local rescue workers were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found the wreckage of a Honda Wave motorcycle with Sa Kaeo registration plates scattered across the roadside in front of a factory. The motorbike was completely destroyed, with the front wheel detached. The body of the rider, later identified as Mr. Rattanasak of Khlong Udom Chonlajorn subdistrict, lay nearby. He was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered a crushed skull after his head became trapped beneath the lorry’s wheels. No formal identification documents were found on the deceased, though a vehicle payment card bearing his name was recovered. The lorry involved, bearing Nonthaburi plates, showed signs of impact damage on its front right side, with a shattered headlamp and visible dents. Mr. Panuphat, 46, the lorry driver, stated that he was transporting goods from Lat Krabang and was nearing the drop-off point when the incident occurred. According to him, the motorcycle was travelling at high speed and attempted to overtake another vehicle by moving into the oncoming lane. “I honked repeatedly to warn him, but he kept swerving and accelerating. He came straight at me. I couldn’t swerve away because I would have gone off the road,” Mr. Panuphat recalled. Police believe the motorcyclist may have been under the influence of alcohol, citing his erratic behaviour and failure to react to the truck’s warning horn. “A sober person would likely have slowed down or moved back into the correct lane upon seeing an oncoming lorry and hearing the horn,” said an officer at the scene. The body has been sent to Phutthasothon Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have contacted the man’s relatives to arrange for funeral proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Elderly Man Falls to Death from Sugar Palm Tree — Third Similar Family Fatality Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 74-year-old man fell to his death from a sugar palm tree in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province, in an incident that echoes two previous fatalities within the same family over the past three decades. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361679-elderly-man-falls-to-death-from-sugar-palm-tree-—-third-similar-family-fatality /

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 74-year-old man fell to his death from a sugar palm tree in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province, in an incident that echoes two previous fatalities within the same family over the past three decades. Police were called to the scene in Khok Tan grove, Village No. 12, Pho Ngam subdistrict, after the man’s body was discovered beneath a tall palm tree, estimated to be over 15 metres high. Forensic medics from Prachantakham Hospital, along with rescue volunteers, confirmed that the man had died from a broken neck. He had reportedly been dead for more than four hours by the time authorities arrived. The victim, a local resident, was found lying on his back with blood coming from his mouth and nose. There were no signs of foul play or physical struggle. Devastated family members and neighbours gathered at the site in mourning. According to his 72-year-old wife, her husband had earlier driven her to Prachantakham market to sell sugar palm juice and mangoes. After finishing her errands, she tried to contact him for a lift home but received no response. Concerned, she called their son to pick her up instead. Upon arriving home, she noticed that all the vehicles were parked, but the man was nowhere to be found. Seeing that the palm-cutting knife was missing and ropes were still hanging from the palm trees, she feared the worst. Her suspicions were confirmed when she found his body beneath one of the trees, with a broken palm frond nearby, suggesting he may have slipped while reaching for a frond. “In our family, this has happened before,” she said. “His father died in a similar incident 30 years ago, and two years ago, his cousin, Phuyaikao, also fell to his death from a palm tree.” The family has long been involved in traditional sugar palm harvesting, producing fresh sugar juice and palm sugar as their primary livelihood. Their work has supported the education of their three children through to university and vocational qualifications. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Thai Woman Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Over Money Laundering & Online Gambling Network Links Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 34-year-old Thai woman was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport upon returning to the country, following a warrant issued in connection with a major online gambling and money laundering network. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361678-thai-woman-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-over-money-laundering-online-gambling-network-links/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 34-year-old Thai woman was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport upon returning to the country, following a warrant issued in connection with a major online gambling and money laundering network. Police Lieutenant General Cherngron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, revealed that the arrest was made as part of a broader directive from Police Lieutenant General Phanumart Boonlakham, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, to strengthen scrutiny of individuals with outstanding arrest warrants entering or leaving Thailand. On the afternoon of 24 May, officers from the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation and Suppression Division (Division 2), in coordination with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and the immigration checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport, apprehended Ms. Chatupapha aged 34, as she arrived on Thai Airways flight TG551 from Ho Chi Minh City. She was wanted under Criminal Court warrant no. 1101/2566, dated 10 April 2023, on multiple serious charges, including “organising illegal online gambling, conspiracy to commit money laundering and participating in money laundering activities.” Ms. Chatupapha is alleged to be part of a criminal syndicate operating illegal online gambling platforms between 2016 and 2017. Well-known sites such as SBOBET, IBCBET, FIFA55, and AMBBET were reportedly used in the operation. Investigators also discovered financial evidence linking her to suspicious transfers of funds, including a transaction of 1.5 million baht received from so-called “mule accounts” connected to the gambling network. Following her arrest, Ms. Chatupapha was taken to the Immigration Division’s operations centre before being handed over to officers from the Crime Suppression Division’s Division 3 for legal proceedings. Authorities continue to investigate the wider network and further arrests are expected as the probe progresses. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-25.

Drunken Jealousy Turns Deadly as Vegetable Vendor Fatally Stabbed in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 38-year-old Laotian vegetable vendor was fatally stabbed in the chest with a pair of scissors by a jealous, intoxicated man in a community near Bang Khen, northern Bangkok, on 23 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361668-drunken-jealousy-turns-deadly-as-vegetable-vendor-fatally-stabbed-in-bangkok/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 38-year-old Laotian vegetable vendor was fatally stabbed in the chest with a pair of scissors by a jealous, intoxicated man in a community near Bang Khen, northern Bangkok, on 23 May. The attack occurred at approximately 17:30, in Soi Prasert Manukit 3, within the Ban Mankhong community behind the Army Science Department, alongside the Bang Bua canal. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they discovered the victim, Mr. Uthai, also known as Ton, lying in a pool of blood. He had sustained a single fatal stab wound to the left side of his chest. The suspect, identified as Mr. Peerapol or “Bank” aged 30, initially fled the scene but was later apprehended by police after being located hiding in nearby undergrowth. Officers from Bang Khen Police Station, led by Superintendent Pol. Col. Anan Warasat, were able to pressure the suspect into surrendering. Bank later confessed to the crime, telling investigators that he acted out of jealousy, believing the victim had been speaking too frequently with his partner. According to Ms. Lek, 51, the suspect’s partner, Bank would often become aggressive and paranoid when intoxicated. “He’s usually a kind and loving person when sober, but when drunk he becomes volatile, destructive, and overly sensitive,” she said. She recalled that the victim had earlier sold her two packets of dried chilli before driving away, only for Bank to call him back under false pretences and launch a sudden, fatal attack. Ms. Tong, 34, the victim’s wife, told reporters that she and her husband had recently reunited after a period of living apart due to work. The couple had only been back together for a month and were planning to take their child on a trip. She rushed to the scene upon hearing the news and witnessed attempts to resuscitate her husband, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A local resident, known only as Ms. A, said the suspect had a reputation for aggressive behaviour when drunk, frequently causing disturbances and even assaulting his former partners. “The victim was well-liked, a peaceful man who never caused trouble,” she added. “No one ever saw him argue with Bank.” Police confirmed that Mr. Bank has been charged with causing bodily harm resulting in death. Further psychiatric evaluation is expected to be conducted, with a psychologist scheduled to assist in the ongoing investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

Family Accuses Police of Attempted Murder After M16 Fired at Drug Suspect’s Vehicle Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 22-year-old man wanted on drug-related charges has turned himself in to police after his family and legal representatives accused officers of using excessive force, including firing an M16 rifle at his vehicle, during an attempted arrest. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361667-family-accuses-police-of-attempted-murder-after-m16-fired-at-drug-suspect’s-vehicle/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 22-year-old man wanted on drug-related charges has turned himself in to police after his family and legal representatives accused officers of using excessive force, including firing an M16 rifle at his vehicle, during an attempted arrest. On 23 May, lawyer Pattanawanai Boonraksa escorted Mr. Thanawit, a resident of Thung Tako District, to surrender to police at Thung Tako Police Station in Chumphon province. He was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Lang Suan Provincial Court on 21 May on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine for personal use. Police allege that on 20 May, Mr. Thanawit was involved in drug use at a residence in Thung Takhrai sub-district belonging to a relative, Ms. Orawan, aged 33. Officers from the Region 8 investigation unit approached the house, where they reportedly found Thanawit near a silver Isuzu pickup truck. Upon being asked to submit to a search, he allegedly fled in the vehicle. Officers say they fired shots at the tyres using an M16 assault rifle in an attempt to stop him. Despite this, Thanawit managed to escape. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned roughly two kilometres away. No illegal items were found inside. A search of the house, conducted with the village headman present, uncovered a .38-calibre revolver, a BB gun, several rounds of ammunition, drug paraphernalia and one methamphetamine pill. Police say these items prompted the arrest warrant. Mr. Thanawit, who denies all allegations, has since filed a counter-complaint against the officers involved, accusing them of attempted murder, property damage and filing false charges. Lawyer Boonraksa claims the young man was unaware the men who approached him were police, as they were in plain clothes and arrived in an unmarked sedan. Fearing an attack, Thanawit panicked and fled, only realising his vehicle had been shot at after it veered off the road. He then contacted a friend to take him to a relative’s home in Tha Chana district and later sought legal assistance. Mr. Thanawit insists he was at the house for only a short time to visit relatives and pick kaffir lime leaves for cooking, and denies any drug use. Ms. Orawan and her husband Mr. Boonrit, the homeowners, later gave statements in support of Thanawit. Mr. Boonrit admitted that the seized firearm and methamphetamine belonged to him, not Thanawit. He claimed the house had been locked when he left and expressed concern about the police’s conduct during the raid. Witnesses, including local residents and Ms. Orawan’s mother, Mrs. Khreuwan, aged 56, supported Thanawit’s claim that he arrived alone and was not involved in any drug gathering. They expressed fear and disbelief at the police’s use of force and questioned why, if multiple people were allegedly involved, only Thanawit was pursued. “The police behaved like criminals,” said Mrs. Khreuwan. “They didn’t identify themselves and started shooting. Anyone would have run.” The village headman confirmed he was called to witness the house search after it was already conducted. He noted that while weapons and what appeared to be drug-related items were present, he was not shown methamphetamine pills as part of the official seizure record. He added that while he was unfamiliar with Thanawit personally, the police likely had some basis for the search. The case is expected to proceed to court, where Mr. Thanawit’s counterclaims against the police will also be dealt with. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.