Georgealbert

Picture courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา A 27-year-old Russian man has died after falling from the ninth floor of a condominium building in Jomtien, Pattaya, late night of 21 May. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall, which is believed to have involved drug-induced hallucinations. At approximately 23:45, Pol. Sub-Lt. Kriengkrai Kaewpipop, deputy investigation officer at Pattaya City Police Station (Dongtan sub-branch), received a report of a fatal fall at a local condominium in the Jomtien area. Emergency services rushed to the scene and found the body of Mr. Mikhail Dolgh, a Russian national, lying at the base of the building. Police cordoned off the area to prevent unauthorised access. An inspection of Mr. Dolgh’s ninth-floor apartment revealed drug and cannabis paraphernalia and a quantity of cannabis. No signs of forced entry, theft, or struggle were found. Security personnel at the condominium told police that, prior to the incident, Mr. Dolgh had exhibited signs of extreme paranoia and hallucination. He was reportedly shouting incoherently about ghosts chasing him and they were threatening to kill him. Witnesses said he appeared agitated and was seen running up and down the building multiple times. According to the condominium’s security guard, Mr. Dolgh was known to be a frequent cannabis user. A resident who happened to be outside witnessed the man falling from the ninth floor and immediately alerted security staff, who then called the police. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that drug-induced psychosis may have contributed to the incident. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm what drugs may have been taken, as the investigation remains ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from ที่นี่ พัทยา 2025-05-20

Man Shot Dead in Gang Clash Along Bangkok Canal Picture courtesy of Amarin. Police are preparing to issue arrest warrants following a violent clash between rival groups along the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in Bangkok, which left one man dead and three others injured. The incident occurred at around 02:00 on 21 may. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361378-man-shot-dead-in-gang-clash-along-bangkok-canal/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. Police are preparing to issue arrest warrants following a violent clash between rival groups along the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in Bangkok, which left one man dead and three others injured. The incident occurred at around 02:00 on 21 may. The deceased, identified as Mr. Bodeesorn, 29, a tuk-tuk driver, was fatally shot in the chest with an unidentified calibre firearm during the chaos. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage in the area to track down those involved in the altercation, which quickly escalated from a planned fistfight into a deadly shootout. Friends of the deceased gave statements at the Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station. Mr. Suphalert 28, told investigators that the confrontation stemmed from a dispute between his younger acquaintances and a local youth known as “No.” An initial agreement was made for a one-on-one fight to resolve the conflict, but tensions flared when “No” returned with reinforcements and a firearm. According to Suphalert, Mr. Bodeesorn stepped in to defuse the situation and was shot in the process. Three others sustained injuries during the brawl and are receiving medical treatment. Investigations are ongoing, and officers are working swiftly to identify and apprehend all parties responsible for the violence. Arrest warrants are to be issued shortly. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-22.

Volunteer Officer Shot While Protecting Teachers Outside Yala School Picture courtesy of Siam News. A volunteer defence officer was seriously injured on the morning of 21 May, in a shooting incident while on duty guarding teachers near a local school in Bannang Sata district, Yala province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361377-volunteer-officer-shot-while-protecting-teachers-outside-yala-school/

Picture courtesy of Siam News. A volunteer defence officer was seriously injured on the morning of 21 May, in a shooting incident while on duty guarding teachers near a local school in Bannang Sata district, Yala province. At approximately 07:45, Pol. Sgt. Paritath Nookliang, a radio officer at Bannang Sata Police Station, received a report from the village protection unit (Chor Ror Bor) that an unknown number of assailants had opened fire with unidentified firearms on a team of volunteer officers. The attack took place in Moo 3, Ban Ngo-Kapo, Bannang Sata subdistrict, while the officers were conducting a routine security operation along the route to Ban Tao Poon School (Bangkok Bank 16). The gunfire injured one officer, later identified as Asst. Volunteer Officer (AVO) Wanasri Wata 30, of Jakwa subdistrict in Raman district, also in Yala. Wanasri sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was reported to be in critical condition. Emergency responders from the Hilal Ahmar Foundation and fellow officers rushed him to Bannang Sata Hospital. He was later transferred to Yala Central Hospital for urgent medical intervention. Security forces, including police, paramilitary rangers, and administrative officers, quickly sealed off the area to ensure safety. Police Colonel Atthaphon Kunluangmanaso, Superintendent of Bannang Sata Police Station, and Deputy Inspector Lt. Arifin Mesa led a team from the Yala Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, forensic investigators and other relevant authorities to examine the scene and gather evidence. Witness statements are also being collected in an effort to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. According to initial reports, a group of 7–8 volunteer officers was stationed at the school gate when gunfire erupted. The assailants, whose number and identities remain unknown, fled into the surrounding terrain, making use of their local knowledge. Following the incident, the Yala Area Education Office District 2 instructed the school’s administration to suspend classes for the day as a safety precaution while the investigation continues. Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by an insurgent group active in Bannang Sata and nearby areas, targeting security personnel in an effort to assert their presence and capabilities. Adapted by Asean Now from Siam News 2025-05-22.

Buriram: Man Killed by Falling Tree While Cutting It Down Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 34-year-old man from Buriram lost his life after a tree he was cutting down fell on him, crushing him to death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361376-buriram-man-killed-by-falling-tree-while-cutting-it-down/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 34-year-old man from Buriram lost his life after a tree he was cutting down fell on him, crushing him to death. The incident occurred at around 18:00 on 20 May in the village of Khok Khamin, Phlapphlachai district. The victim, identified as Mr. Sutthiphong “Jiw” Saksathaporn, had been using his chainsaw to cut down a large tree in his mother’s garden when the tree unexpectedly falling onto him. His parents, Mr. Seng Saksathaporn (75) and Mrs. Hueng Saksathaporn (76), told authorities that their son was a quiet man who was often cutting trees. He had told them he was going to fell a tree in the garden, despite there being no clear reason or need to do so. He left the house around 10:00 and failed to return by afternoon, prompting a search that led to the discovery. A local resident, Mr. Mongkhon Sukprakhon (60), said the deceased had a reputation for regularly cutting down large and often ancient trees without any ritual or spiritual observance. “He never once lit incense to seek permission from the spirits,” said Mr. Mongkhon. “He once cut down a 100-year-old bodhi tree and an old sugar palm without performing any rituals.”. He believes it was bad karma that killed him. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-22.

Facebook Page Admin Arrested for Running Illegal Overseas Tour Operation Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 37-year-old woman has been arrested for operating illegal overseas tours through a popular Facebook page, in a crackdown on unlicensed travel businesses by authorities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361375-facebook-page-admin-arrested-for-running-illegal-overseas-tour-operation/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 37-year-old woman has been arrested for operating illegal overseas tours through a popular Facebook page, in a crackdown on unlicensed travel businesses by authorities. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuekaam, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, and Police Major General Phongsayam Meekhantong, Deputy Commissioner, ordered the operation as part of a nationwide campaign to stamp out ten types of criminal activity, with particular emphasis on unlicensed guides, illegal tour operations, and nominee businesses. Following intelligence gathering and undercover investigation led by Police Colonel Man Rotthong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Bukhuntos from the Tourist Police Investigation Division, officers uncovered that a Facebook page called Trekventure was openly offering international travel packages without a valid tour operator licence. Posing as interested customers, undercover officers communicated with the page administrator, selected a travel programme, and arranged a meeting to pay and receive a receipt. Surveillance teams monitored the encounter and moved in to apprehend the individual when she arrived in person. The suspect was identified as Ms. Phat Panjarakphokin, aged 37. Upon inspection, she was unable to produce any official documentation or licences permitting her to operate a tour business. Authorities confirmed she had not registered under Thailand’s Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act. Ms. Phat was charged with operating an unlicensed tour business. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. She was handed over to investigators at Pak Kret Police Station for legal proceedings. The arrest forms part of a broader initiative by the Royal Thai Police to regulate the travel industry, protect consumers and crack down on unauthorised operators. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-22.

Body of Foreign Man Found Floating Off Phuket Coast Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have recovered the body of a foreign man found floating in the sea off Phuket’s Nui Beach in Karon subdistrict. The discovery was made around 15.20 on 21 May, prompting an immediate response from Karon Police and forensic officials. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361374-body-of-foreign-man-found-floating-off-phuket-coast/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have recovered the body of a foreign man found floating in the sea off Phuket’s Nui Beach in Karon subdistrict. The discovery was made around 15.20 on 21 May, prompting an immediate response from Karon Police and forensic officials. Pol. Lt. Col. Ekkasak Khwanwan, an investigator with Karon Police Station, received the initial report and swiftly notified Pol. Col. Khunadet Na Nongkai, Superintendent of Karon Police. Senior officers and a forensics team accompanied him to the scene, located off the popular tourist beach. The body was retrieved by lifeguards using a speedboat and brought ashore for examination. The deceased, a man of foreign nationality, was found wearing only black underwear. An initial external inspection revealed no visible injuries. Crucially, investigators noted a distinctive tattoo on the man’s right arm depicting Uchiha Sasuke, a character from the Japanese anime series Naruto. Another tattoo was found on his right leg. Forensic specialists from Vachira Phuket Hospital estimated that the man had been dead for approximately three days before being discovered. Authorities have handed the body over to the Phuket Ruamjai Rescue Foundation, who transported it to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Police have begun coordinating with local hotels and police stations across Phuket to cross-check any recent missing persons reports involving foreign nationals. The man’s identity has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Gunman Armed with Rifle & Handgun Attacks Home in Kanchanaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have identified the gunman involved in a chilling armed attack on a private residence in Kanchanaburi province, in what authorities believe is linked to a dispute over the smuggling of illegal migrant workers. The suspect remains at large after failing to respond to a police summons. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361372-gunman-armed-with-rifle-handgun-attacks-home-in-kanchanaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have identified the gunman involved in a chilling armed attack on a private residence in Kanchanaburi province, in what authorities believe is linked to a dispute over the smuggling of illegal migrant workers. The suspect remains at large after failing to respond to a police summons. CCTV footage from a home in Soi Dong Sak, in Wang Ka village, Sangkhlaburi district, shows a man wearing a pink head covering concealing his identity, approaching the house with both a rifle and a handgun. At around 22:15 on 15 May, the man can be seen sneaking across the road and entering the garage area of the property. He attempts to fire the rifle, but it jams. He then draws the handgun and fires a shot toward an individual in a green shirt sitting inside the house. The bullet narrowly misses, and the suspect flees on foot moments later. The homeowner confirmed to reporters on 21 May that he and others had been sitting at the centre table in the house when the gunman appeared. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack. According to Pol. Col. Santi Pitaksakul, superintendent of Sangkhlaburi Police Station, the suspect has been identified as a man named Mr O, a former army conscript who previously worked with individuals associated with the household. The motive, investigators believe, stems from retaliation. One of the targeted individuals had been providing authorities with intelligence on local human trafficking operations, which led to multiple arrests, one of whom was a relative of the gunman. Police have since issued a summons for Mr O, but he has yet to present himself for questioning. Investigators are now pursuing the suspect with the assistance of local units, and efforts are underway to bring him into custody for further interrogation and prosecution. This incident has intensified concerns over the dangers faced by whistleblowers and informants involved in exposing illegal border trafficking in the western provinces. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Lightning Strike Kills Farmer in Front of Father Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 34-year-old man was killed instantly by a lightning strike while sheltering from the rain with his father in a small hut in the middle of a rice field in Buriram province. The father, who was sitting just inches away, survived unscathed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361371-lightning-strike-kills-farmer-in-front-of-father/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 34-year-old man was killed instantly by a lightning strike while sheltering from the rain with his father in a small hut in the middle of a rice field in Buriram province. The father, who was sitting just inches away, survived unscathed. The incident occurred at around 14:00 on 20 May in the village of Khok Khao Pattana, Kok Mamuang Subdistrict, Pakham District. Police Lieutenant Wiwat Nama-asa from Pakham Police Station responded to the emergency call along with forensic officers and rescue volunteers. The victim, Mr Thossaphon, a local resident, had gone out with his father, Mr Boonkoet 57, to plough their fields using a seated tractor. When rain began to fall, the pair sought shelter in a small wooden hut flanked by two tamarind trees approximately 2 km from the nearest village. While the rain began to ease, a sudden bolt of lightning struck the hut. Mr Boonkoet recounted the harrowing moment: “We were sitting against the same wooden post, our backs nearly touching. Suddenly there was a blinding flash followed by a deafening crack. I felt a tingling shock down my spine and heat on my back. When I turned around, my son was slumped over, unresponsive. I held his head and saw he had burns across his body and foam at the mouth. He was already gone.” Emergency responders found Mr Thossaphon’s body with severe burns from the head down to his torso, as well as multiple bone fractures. Signs of a lightning strike were visible on the hut’s wooden post. His mother, Mrs Kamonrat 52, expressed heartbreak over a sentimental loss, her son’s two-baht gold necklace, which he had worn since his monkhood, was destroyed in the incident. “We searched all around the hut and found only a few melted fragments of the chain. He was such a good son, always working hard. It’s devastating.” Medical officials later explained that Mr Boonkoet likely survived due to the wooden post they leaned against remaining dry, preventing the electrical discharge from reaching him. Authorities have documented the scene and will continue investigations as per legal procedures. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of lightning during rainy season. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Bus Driver Steals from Romanian Tourist’s Credit Card Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A tour bus driver has been arrested after stealing a Romanian tourist’s credit card and using it to make a series of unauthorised ATM withdrawals totalling 280,000 baht, police have confirmed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361370-bus-driver-steals-from-romanian-tourist’s-credit-card/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A tour bus driver has been arrested after stealing a Romanian tourist’s credit card and using it to make a series of unauthorised ATM withdrawals totalling 280,000 baht, police have confirmed. The victim, identified only as Ms Cristina, had been travelling from Koh Phangan to Phuket when her card went missing. After realising the card had been used fraudulently, she filed a complaint at Saku Police Station in Phuket. The case was quickly taken up by immigration and provincial police across Surat Thani and Phuket. According to Police Colonel Naruwat Phuttharo, Commander of Surat Thani Immigration Police, the suspect was tracked down through CCTV footage, which showed him withdrawing money 14 times from various ATMs across Surat Thani city using a white vehicle. The suspect, Mr Channarong, 34, was later arrested at his home on Talad Mai Road in Mueang District, Surat Thani. A court-approved search of the property uncovered 280,000 baht in cash, as well as the clothes he was seen wearing in the CCTV footage. During questioning, Mr Channarong confessed to the crime. He admitted to finding the credit card on his tour bus, along with a note containing the PIN code. He said he tested the card and upon confirming it worked, made repeated cash withdrawals over several days. He now faces multiple charges, including theft, unauthorised possession and use of another person’s electronic card and misappropriation of personal documents in a way likely to cause harm. The suspect has been transferred to Saku Police Station in Phuket for further legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that the stolen funds would be returned to the tourist following the completion of the investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Pickup Truck Crashes While Rushing Injured Child to Hospital – One Dead, Six Injured Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash occurred in the early hours of the morning of 21 May, in Pathum Thani province when a pickup truck driver, rushing a critically injured toddler to hospital, lost control on a curve and overturned, killing a 4-year-old boy and injuring sixothers, including a 2-year-old who had earlier been injured falling from a building. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361368-pickup-truck-crashes-while-rushing-injured-child-to-hospital-–-one-dead-six-injured/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash occurred in the early hours of the morning of 21 May, in Pathum Thani province when a pickup truck driver, rushing a critically injured toddler to hospital, lost control on a curve and overturned, killing a 4-year-old boy and injuring six others, including a 2-year-old who had earlier been injured falling from a building. The incident took place around 01:00, on the Pathum Thani–Lat Lum Kaeo Road, near the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) office. Police investigators, forensic officers from the Ministry of Justice, and emergency rescue teams were dispatched to the scene immediately following reports of the crash. At the site, officers found a damaged Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, which had struck the central reservation before overturning and coming to rest on the opposite side of the road after skidding over 100 metres. Debris from the crash was scattered along the road. Some 50 metres from the vehicle, emergency responders discovered the body of a 4-year-old boy lying motionless in the street. A 2-year-old boy was found seriously injured, with five adult males inside the truck and all were transported to Pathum Thani Hospital for emergency care. According to Mr Phat 26, who was among the injured, the group had been en route to Pathum Thani Hospital after the 2-year-old had fallen from the second floor of an apartment block in Sam Khok district. Seven people were travelling in the vehicle, five adults and two children, when the driver lost control navigating a curve in the road, causing the vehicle to flip and eject the child. The 4-year-old boy died at the scene, while the injured child received emergency CPR at the scene before being rushed to hospital in critical condition. The remaining five adults were treated for various less serious injuries. Police, led by Pol. Sub Lt. Sirawit Chaiyawan, have launched a full investigation into the crash. Forensic teams recorded evidence from the scene and will examine CCTV footage in an effort to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities will question the driver and survivors as part of the ongoing inquiry. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Gunfire in Nonthaburi: Former Village Headman Targeted in Drive-By Shooting Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A shooting incident unfolded in Nonthaburi on the night of 20 May, as a former village headman and prospective candidate for local government narrowly escaped death in what appears to be a politically motivated attack. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361366-gunfire-in-nonthaburi-former-village-headman-targeted-in-drive-by-shooting/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A shooting incident unfolded in Nonthaburi on the night of 20 May, as a former village headman and prospective candidate for local government narrowly escaped death in what appears to be a politically motivated attack. At approximately 21:00, Mr. Suchart Kaewpradit 61, reported to Bang Sri Muang Police Station that he had been the target of a shooting while driving his white Toyota Yaris along Ratchaphruek Road. Mr. Suchart had just left a funeral for a former village headman at Wat Sing Thong in Pak Kret District and was en route home. As he turned left onto Rattanathibet Road, near the Bang Rak Noi MRT station, gunshots rang out. Four shots were fired in rapid succession, one of which struck the driver’s side door of Mr. Suchart’s vehicle. In fear for his life, he immediately steered into a nearby petrol station to escape further danger. From there, he proceeded to the police station to report the incident. Police inspections confirmed a bullet hole in the driver’s side door. Fortunately, Mr. Suchart was unharmed. Forensic investigators were called to examine the car and recovered a bullet lodged inside the door. The type of firearm used is currently under investigation. Mr. Suchart stated that he had no known personal conflicts and has always maintained a peaceful relationship with local residents during his tenure as headman of Bang Rak Noi Subdistrict. However, he did mention an unusual occurrence before the incident: “Just as I was about to leave the temple, someone shouted, ‘Did the headman change cars?’ I looked around but couldn’t see who said it.” He dismissed the possibility of a road rage incident, noting that traffic was orderly and other vehicles were travelling normally. While uncertain of the motive, he acknowledged that he is preparing to run for the position of Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) chairman later this year, with elections expected in six months. “The attack came without warning. If the shot had been slightly higher, it might have hit me,” he said. “I have no idea who would want to harm me. I’ve always worked to help the community.” The police have impounded Mr. Suchart’s vehicle for further forensic analysis and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the assailant. Investigators are working to determine whether the attack was politically motivated or linked to another cause. The case has raised alarm in the local political landscape, underscoring tensions ahead of the upcoming SAO elections. Police have vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Two Chinese Fugitives Arrested at Bangkok Airport Over Multi-Billion Baht Money Laundering Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two Chinese nationals wanted under arrest warrants have been detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport in connection with a massive money laundering operation worth over 5 billion baht, involving the purchase of a hotel in Bangkok’s Silom district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361365-two-chinese-fugitives-arrested-at-bangkok-airport-over-multi-billion-baht-money-laundering/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two Chinese nationals wanted under arrest warrants have been detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport in connection with a massive money laundering operation worth over 5 billion baht, involving the purchase of a hotel in Bangkok’s Silom district. Police Major General Cherngron Rimphadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, announced that the arrests followed a directive from Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonlaks, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, to rigorously screen individuals with outstanding arrest warrants entering or leaving the country. On 20 May at around 16:00, immigration police, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sila Phuttiraphiphan and officers from the Immigration Bureau’s Special Operations Division, apprehended the suspects shortly after their arrival at the airport to catch a flight. The suspects have been identified as: 1. Mr Zhao Chuanbo, also known as Donggua, a 41-year-old Chinese national, wanted under a Nonthaburi Provincial Court warrant (No. 665/2568, issued 15 May 2025). He faces charges of extortion, and wilfully damaging, destroying, concealing, or rendering useless a will or legal document, to the detriment of others or the public. 2. Mr Huang Jianping, aged 39, also a Chinese national, facing identical charges under warrant No. 666/2568, issued by the same court on the same date. Authorities confirmed that Mr Donggua is the subject of an Interpol red notice and had entered Thailand illegally. He is believed to be a key figure in a large-scale international money laundering syndicate. The investigation revealed that funds from China were laundered through the acquisition of a high-end hotel in Silom, Bangkok, valued at over 5 billion baht, alongside a range of other related assets. The suspects are now in custody pending extradition proceedings and further investigation into their financial network and activities within Thailand. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

Passenger numbers are based on the number of emergency exits on an aircraft. The A320 Neo has 8 exits, 2 at the front, 2 at the rear and 4 over the wings. It would appear that the Manufacturer’s guidance and airline policy, when one door is not available would be to reduce the number of passengers being carried, hence why passengers were taken off the flight.

Update on this article can be found here: