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Pictures from responders. A commuter bus transporting factory staff overturned and plunged into a roadside ditch on the morning of 7 April, leaving 15 people injured, according to local reports. The incident occurred at approximately 08:30 on the northbound side of the Asia Highway, directly opposite the central market in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district. Emergency services rushed to the scene where they found the upturned vehicle submerged in a drainage canal. First responders confirmed that 15 passengers sustained injuries, 13 classified as minor and two more serious, but not life threatening. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals, including Ratchathani Hospital and Asia Hospital, for further treatment. Local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident, which remains unclear at this stage. -- 2025-04-07

PM Paetongtarn Visits State Audit Office Collapse Site, Vows Government Support Pictures courtesy of Khoasod. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the site of the collapsed State Audit Office building on the evening of 6 April, to offer moral support to government officials and volunteers who continue rescue and recovery operations amid perilous conditions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357025-pm-paetongtarn-visits-state-audit-office-collapse-site-vows-government-support/

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the site of the collapsed State Audit Office building on the evening of 6 April, to offer moral support to government officials and volunteers who continue rescue and recovery operations amid perilous conditions. Arriving at around 19:00, the Prime Minister spoke with rescue workers, both from government departments and volunteer organisations, who have been working tirelessly since the building’s collapse. She inquired about their operational procedures, the challenges they are facing, and any further support or resources required from the state. In discussions with police officers at the scene, Ms Paetongtarn also followed up on evidence collection processes vital for future legal proceedings. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to swift and thorough action across all areas, including compensation for damages, rescue efforts, and a full investigation into the cause of the collapse. “The government is ready to assist and support all dimensions of the response until the situation is fully resolved,” she stated. The Prime Minister’s visit came as search and rescue teams continued their complex and hazardous operations. The building’s collapse has been classified as a “pancake collapse” , one of the most dangerous and difficult structural failures to respond to, in which each floor falls directly onto the one below, creating immense compressive forces. Experts warn that the risk of further secondary collapses remains high. Rescue teams must proceed with extreme caution, as even slight shifts in rubble can destabilise remaining sections of the building. Structural engineers are working alongside rescuers, using specialised tools such as hydraulic shoring, sonar equipment, and fibre-optic cameras to safely navigate the wreckage. Complicating the operation further is the potential location of survivors in the building’s lower levels, including basement floors with poor air circulation, hazardous dust, chemicals, fungal spores and the ever present smell of death. Ventilation equipment is being used to improve air quality before entry. Drone footage on 6 April. On 6 April, one additional victim was discovered. Rescue teams halted machinery after human remains were found in the debris. A crane basket was used to lower rescuers into the identified area, where they located a body beneath the rubble. The remains were recovered and transferred for forensic examination. Rescue workers emphasised the painstaking nature of the search for “void spaces” , small pockets where the faint hope that survivors may still be trapped. Each zone is being searched by 15-member teams, using sound and heat detection, as well as visual inspection tools. The process, they said, cannot be rushed, as any hasty action could lead to further collapses. Summary 6 April: 18 Dead, 9 Initial Survivors, 76 Missing. This operation has been described by disaster response experts as “one of the most complex urban rescue efforts in recent memory”, combining technical rescue, structural engineering, and frontline experience in equal measure. The Prime Minister concluded her visit by pledging continued government support and cooperation with all involved agencies to ensure that rescue, recovery, and accountability proceed swiftly and transparently. -- 2025-04-07

Three Thais Accused of Fronting for China Railway No 10, Since it’s Inception Picture courtesy of Khaosod The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has revealed that three Thai nationals allegedly acted as nominee shareholders for China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the contractor behind the recently collapsed State Audit Office building. The DSI claims the trio were used to disguise foreign ownership from the very founding of the company on 10 August 2018. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357024-three-thais-accused-of-fronting-for-china-railway-no-10-since-it’s-inception/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. DSI Director-General Police Major Yutthana Praedam explains a chart showing the names of three Thai nationals. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has revealed that three Thai nationals allegedly acted as nominee shareholders for China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the contractor behind the recently collapsed State Audit Office building. The DSI claims the trio were used to disguise foreign ownership from the very founding of the company on 10 August 2018. The revelations came during a high-level investigation meeting held on 4 April, chaired by Justice Minister Pol Col Taweesong Sodsong and attended by DSI Director-General Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, Deputy Director-General Pol Lt Surawut Rangsai, and 36 special case officers. According to the DSI, the three Thai individuals named as shareholders are: Mr Sophon Meechai (holding 40.7997%), Mr Prajuab Siriket (10.2%), and Mr Manas Sri-anan (0.0003%). All are suspected of serving as nominee shareholders to mask the true foreign control of the firm. Authorities plan to summon the individuals for questioning. Investigators found that the company shares its registered address with eight other firms within the same network. Combined, these companies have been awarded at least 27 government contracts worth over 10 billion baht. When investigators visited Mr Prajuab’s home in Roi Et’s Phon Sai district, they found only his wife, who stated that her husband works as a construction labourer earning just over 10,000 baht a month. Officials flagged this as inconsistent with his legal status as a shareholder in multiple businesses, reinforcing suspicions of a nominee arrangement. The DSI is also tracing the whereabouts of Mr Sophon and Mr Manas. DSI Director-General Yutthana confirmed that, beyond nominee violations, the agency is also investigating alleged bid-rigging under the Price Submission Act. The probe aims to determine whether the Thai shareholders were deliberately used to conceal the Chinese company’s ownership. Investigators are now mapping the broader joint venture structure involving China Railway and 11 associated entities. Initial scrutiny is being applied to Italian-Thai Development PCL, which won the tender for the State Audit Office project. DSI is prioritising the nominee case while also examining 29 contracts awarded to China Railway between 2019 and 2024. These include infrastructure, government buildings, and the first phase of the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project, valued at 9.3 billion baht. In parallel, DSI is probing Xin Ke Yuan Co., Ltd., which supplied steel to the collapsed building. The Ministry of Industry previously found that some of the steel products failed to meet Thai industrial standards. Investigators are examining whether the faulty materials may also be linked to fake tax invoices and broader standards violations. The inquiry is ongoing. -- 2025-04-07

Crash Claims Lives of Two 14-Year-Old Schoolboys in Ranong Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Two 14-year-old schoolboys were killed instantly after the motorcycle they were riding lost control and collided with a signpost urging motorists to reduce their speed in Ranong province on Saturday evening. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357023-crash-claims-lives-of-two-14-year-old-schoolboys-in-ranong/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Two 14-year-old schoolboys were killed instantly after the motorcycle they were riding lost control and collided with a signpost urging motorists to reduce their speed in Ranong province on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 16:30 on 6 April, near a sharp bend on Phetkasem Road at the Sam Yaek Suan junction, inbound to Ranong town, in Bang Non subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Puriphat Suksawat, deputy investigator at Mueang Ranong Police Station, received a report of a serious motorcycle crash. Emergency medical teams from Ranong Hospital, volunteers from the Ranong Songkroh Rescue Foundation and traffic police were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers discovered the bodies of two school pupils, later identified as Mr. Laphatkon and Mr. Phongsathorn, both aged 14. The boys, dressed in sports kits, were found lying on the pavement in pools of blood, having died at the scene from the force of the impact. Around 50 metres from the scene of the collision, officers found a badly damaged Honda PCX motorcycle, registration from Ranong, lying in the middle of the road. The front of the vehicle was extensively damaged, believed to be from the initial collision with the post, after which it skidded along the road. Two mobile phones were discovered nearby, but attempts to unlock them using fingerprint scanners failed due to passcode protection. A search beneath the motorcycle seat revealed a registration document, which police used to trace the vehicle’s owner and contact the family of the deceased driver. Preliminary investigations suggest the two boys had told their parents they were heading out for a game of badminton as part of their evening exercise routine. They were riding at speed when they entered a bend, veered into the inner lane, clipped the kerb, and struck a roadside post bearing a community speed reduction sign. Rescue workers erected a screen to shield the bodies from view, while doctors from Ranong Hospital conducted an initial examination. The bodies were transferred to the hospital’s forensic department for a full autopsy. CCTV footage from a nearby camera captured the moment the motorcycle approached the bend at high speed, veered sharply inwards, and struck the kerb before the crash. However, the actual impact with the signpost was not captured on camera. Police investigations are ongoing. -- 2025-04-07

Senator Concerns Over 6 Delayed Southern Construction Projects Involving Chinese Contractor Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Songkhla senator has raised the alarm over six delayed state construction projects across southern Thailand involving a Chinese contractor, warning of a risk that the projects may be abandoned altogether. The matter is now set to be brought before the Senate for further investigation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357012-senator-concerns-over-6-delayed-southern-construction-projects-involving-chinese-contractor/

13-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shoots Teen Over Meth Dispute in Loei Province Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 13-year-old boy has been taken into custody after allegedly shooting and killing a 19-year-old peer during a dispute over a methamphetamine tablet in Chiang Khan district, Loei province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357011-13-year-old-boy-fatally-shoots-teen-over-meth-dispute-in-loei-province/

Samut Prakan: Woman Dies in House Fire, Niece Escapes by Jumping from Window A fire in Samut Prakan claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman while her 12-year-old niece managed a harrowing escape by leaping from a second-storey window. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357009-samut-prakan-woman-dies-in-house-fire-niece-escapes-by-jumping-from-window/

Heroic Seven-Year-Old Drowns After Saving Younger Friend from Large Pond A seven-year-old boy has drowned after heroically rescuing his five-year-old friend from drowning in a deep pond in Sri Narong District, Surin Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357008-heroic-seven-year-old-drowns-after-saving-younger-friend-from-large-pond/

Street Argument Turns Deadly: Drunken Dispute Ends in Fatal Shooting at Bangkok Car Park Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A night out at a popular Songkran-themed event ended in tragedy when a heated argument between two groups turned deadly in a Bangkok car park. A 36-year-old bar owner was fatally shot in the early hours of the morning of 6 April, by a 27-year-old food vendor following a confrontation allegedly sparked by a drunken altercation between two women. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357007-street-argument-turns-deadly-drunken-dispute-ends-in-fatal-shooting-at-bangkok-car-park/

Mother Devastated After Discovering Son Dead at Crash Scene Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A mother was left heartbroken in the early hours of the morning of 6 April, after she drove past a crash site and realised the overturned motorcycle belonged to her son, who was found dead at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357006-mother-devastated-after-discovering-son-dead-at-crash-scene/

Man Slashed with Samurai Sword After Throwing First Punch in Samut Prakan Brawl Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 25-year-old man was rushed to hospital after being slashed in the arm with a samurai-style sword during a violent altercation in Samut Prakan. The victim, who reportedly initiated the fight, sustained a deep gash that nearly severed his right arm. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357004-man-slashed-with-samurai-sword-after-throwing-first-punch-in-samut-prakan-brawl/

Seven Injured in Pickup Truck Crash in Sisaket Seven people were injured, two of them seriously, in a road crash involving a pickup truck that overturned multiple times and crashed off the road in Sisaket province on 5 April. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357003-seven-injured-in-pickup-truck-crash-in-sisaket/

Two Arrested for Illegal Crop Burning in Phichit, Found with Lighters in Hand Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Two men have been arrested in Phichit province after being caught red-handed setting fire to rice stubble, contributing to thick smog and hazardous PM2.5 pollution across the region. One of the suspects was found holding a lighter at the scene, authorities confirmed. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357002-two-arrested-for-illegal-crop-burning-in-phichit-found-with-lighters-in-hand/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 13-year-old boy has been taken into custody after allegedly shooting and killing a 19-year-old peer during a dispute over a methamphetamine tablet in Chiang Khan district, Loei province. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on 6 April near a wooded area beside Ban Saraphae School in Hat Sai Khao subdistrict. Lieutenant Rewut Boonyaem, a duty officer from Chiang Khan Police Station, received reports of a shooting and immediately coordinated with investigators, medical staff from Chiang Khan Hospital, and local rescue workers to attend the scene. Police arrived to find the victim, identified as Mr. Atthaphon 19, lying on his back beneath a tree. He had been shot once in the chest with a .22 calibre homemade handgun and was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, a 13-year-old boy named Peeraphat remained at the scene and surrendered to police along with the firearm allegedly used in the shooting. He was taken to Chiang Khan Police Station for questioning, with arrangements made for a multidisciplinary team to be present for a formal interview, in accordance with procedures involving juvenile suspects. According to the initial police report, the two had gone into the wooded area to hunt birds. The older teen reportedly had one methamphetamine pill in his possession. When the younger boy asked to share it, the victim told him he had already taken it, sparking an argument between the pair. The boy told investigators that the older teen became aggressive and threatened him with a knife. In response, the 13-year-old allegedly drew the homemade pistol he had brought and fired once, hitting the older teen in the chest and causing fatal injuries. Police are continuing their investigation and have not yet filed formal charges. The case is likely to draw public concern over youth access to firearms and drugs in rural areas. -- 2025-04-07

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Songkhla senator has raised the alarm over six delayed state construction projects across southern Thailand involving a Chinese contractor, warning of a risk that the projects may be abandoned altogether. The matter is now set to be brought before the Senate for further investigation. Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul reported receiving complaints from members of the public regarding severe delays in government-backed projects overseen by China Railway Number One (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating through a joint venture with multiple Thai subcontractors. Concerns have mounted that subcontractors, having won contracts at unrealistically low prices, may be facing financial difficulties, prompting fears that they will either abandon the works or cut corners using substandard materials. Senator Chaiyong conducted on-site inspections of the affected projects, which include: • Government officers’ accommodation for the Region 9 Appeal Court (THB 386 million) • Outpatient building at Songkhla Hospital (THB 424 million) • Passenger terminal at Narathiwat Airport (THB 343 million) • Dormitory building at Phuket Rajabhat University (THB 129 million) • Office building for Provincial Electricity Authority in Phuket (THB 210 million) • Housing and community services project in Phuket (THB 343 million) According to the Senator, delays were evident across all six sites, with some particularly severe. For instance, the Narathiwat Airport terminal project is 60% behind schedule, while the Songkhla Hospital outpatient facility is over 40% delayed, both figures significantly beyond acceptable thresholds in the construction industry. The delays have led to substantial inconvenience for the public, particularly where existing facilities are overcrowded and ill-equipped to meet demand. The recent collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building, due to an earthquake, has further intensified concerns over the structural safety of ongoing projects. Chaiyong stressed that in light of growing public distrust, state agencies responsible for overseeing these developments must urgently summon the involved companies, including China Railway Number One and its Thai partners, for an explanation. He called for comprehensive inspections of construction materials and practices across all affected projects to ensure full safety compliance. The Senator added that initial investigations suggest the joint venture won contracts with unrealistically low bids, which may have led to cost-cutting through the use of subpar building materials. Industry insiders have also voiced concern over widespread malpractice in the public construction bidding process, alleging the use of bribes, political lobbying, and under-the-table payments to secure contracts. These are then resold to local subcontractors at further reduced rates, often resulting in financial strain, abandonment of projects, and serious compromises in construction quality. Insufficient oversight and collusion among project supervisors are also believed to be contributing to the crisis. The issue is now being escalated to the Senate for formal discussion, with calls for urgent regulatory intervention to prevent further disruption and protect public safety. -- 2025-04-07

Serial Conman Arrested After Posing as Police Officer to Scam Victims Across the Country Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Nakhon Pathom after a string of fraudulent schemes in which he posed as a police officer to dupe victims into buying second-hand air conditioning units and used cars. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357001-serial-conman-arrested-after-posing-as-police-officer-to-scam-victims-across-the-country/

Outcry in Prachinburi Village as Acrid Smell from Chinese-Owned Factory Sparks Health Fears Picture courtesy of Matichon. Residents of Moo 9 in Bo Thong subdistrict, Kabin Buri district, are voicing growing anger over foul, chemical-like odours they believe are coming from a nearby Chinese-owned electronic waste recycling plant. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357000-outcry-in-prachinburi-village-as-acrid-smell-from-chinese-owned-factory-sparks-health-fears/

Woman Dies in Crash as Car Slams into Stationary Lorry on Bangkok Expressway A 31-year-old woman was killed instantly and a male passenger seriously injured when a car crashed at high speed into the rear of a stationary six-wheeled lorry on a Bangkok expressway in the early hours of the morning of 6 April. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356999-woman-dies-in-crash-as-car-slams-into-stationary-lorry-on-bangkok-expressway/

Furious Banana Farmer Sets Thief’s Motorcycle Ablaze After Repeated Thefts Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A banana farmer took justice into his own hands after repeated thefts from his plantation, culminating in the dramatic torching of a suspected thief’s abandoned motorcycle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356998-furious-banana-farmer-sets-thief’s-motorcycle-ablaze-after-repeated-thefts/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A night out at a popular Songkran-themed event ended in tragedy when a heated argument between two groups turned deadly in a Bangkok car park. A 36-year-old bar owner was fatally shot in the early hours of the morning of 6 April, by a 27-year-old food vendor following a confrontation allegedly sparked by a drunken altercation between two women. The incident occurred at approximately 00:20, in the parking lot of Tawanna 2 shopping complex, located in the Bang Kapi district of the capital. Officers from Lat Phrao Police Station, including Pol. Lt. Rattaphum Chamamek, responded swiftly to reports of gunfire in the area. When police arrived, they found a pool of blood at the scene, but the victim, Mr. Jaturawit, also known as “Top”, had already been rushed to Vejthani Hospital. He had sustained two gunshot wounds from a .38-calibre revolver, one beneath the left ribcage and another on the right side. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. According to witnesses and initial police reports, the shooting occurred shortly after a dispute between two women, one from each party, who reportedly bumped into each other while leaving the Songkran festival at the venue. The argument escalated and continued as the two groups approached their vehicles. Officers on patrol in the vicinity reported hearing gunshots and were alerted by bystanders that the shooter had fled to a white Toyota Corolla Cross parked near the scene. Police quickly surrounded the vehicle and detained the suspect, later identified as Mr. Kittiphum, who was found seated in the back seat with a head injury. Inside the vehicle, officers recovered a locally made silver .38 revolver. The weapon, placed beside the suspect, had one remaining live round in its chamber and five spent shells. All items were seized as evidence. During interrogation, Mr. Kittiphum confessed to the shooting, stating that he worked with his mother selling fermented rice noodles and had attended the “Khot Piak” Songkran event at Tawanna earlier that night with a group of male and female friends. He claimed the argument started when his female companion was involved in a verbal altercation with a woman in Mr. Jaturawit’s group. As tensions rose while the parties were returning to their cars, the situation spiralled out of control, leading him to draw his weapon and shoot. Police have charged Mr. Kittiphum with murder and illegal possession of a firearm. He remains in custody as the investigation continues. Senior police officials, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Thanantorn Rattanasitthiphak, Metropolitan Police Division 4 Commander, and forensic teams from the Police General Hospital, are overseeing the case. Authorities have stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene and interviewing additional witnesses to build a complete picture of the events leading up to the fatal shooting. -- 2025-04-07

Picture from responders. A seven-year-old boy has drowned after heroically rescuing his five-year-old friend from drowning in a deep pond in Sri Narong District, Surin Province. On the afternoon of 5 April, emergency services from the Surin New Disaster Relief Association, along with divers from the VR Rescue Unit, Tadan Rescue Unit, and Sawang Sa Sia Gong Rescue Team, were called to assist in the search for the missing child near a recently dredged pond in Ban Nong Thep village, Narong Subdistrict. The pond, approximately one rai in size and 10 to 15 metres deep, is located about 500 metres from the boy’s home. Divers searched for about 30 minutes before recovering the body approximately 10 metres from the edge of the pond. The boy was identified as Nonthaphat, known affectionately as “Ole,” a student at Ban Lamong School in Sri Narong. According to the account given by the five-year-old survivor, Asawin, the boys had been playing marbles earlier in the day before deciding to go fishing at the pond. After setting their fishing lines, the trio jumped into the water to play. They attempted to swim towards a wooden pole in the middle of the pond when Asawin began to struggle and called for help. Ole swam to his aid, allowing the younger boy to climb onto his back, successfully saving him. However, Ole then disappeared beneath the surface and did not resurface. Ole’s 59-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Saraniang, who had raised him since his parents separated, shared her grief and heartbreak. She explained that the children sometimes sneaked off to swim, and she would usually follow to scold them. On this occasion, she was unwell and had gone to the local hospital. After returning and resting, she was informed that her grandson had drowned. Local villagers and emergency responders mourn the selfless bravery of young Ole, whose final act was one of pure courage and love. -- 2025-04-07

Pictures from responders. A fire in Samut Prakan claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman while her 12-year-old niece managed a harrowing escape by leaping from a second-storey window. The incident occurred at around 10:30 on 6 April in Soi Chumchon Bang Ping, off Srinakarin Road, in Bang Mueang subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Suphawit Keerirat, an investigator from Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station, received reports of a house fire and immediately coordinated with local fire services from the Bang Mueang Municipality. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-storey home, partly concrete and partly wooden, engulfed in flames. Large quantities of stored recyclable materials and household items outside the house had caught fire and fuelled the blaze, which rapidly spread into the main structure. Fire crews battled the inferno for more than 30 minutes before managing to contain it. After the flames were extinguished, authorities discovered the charred body of Ms. Sumalee 47, near the staircase on the second floor. Her body showed extensive burns. According to her 12-year-old niece, four people lived in the house, but her mother and grandfather had gone out to work that morning. The girl had been sleeping upstairs with her aunt when she awoke to the smell of smoke. Upon investigation, she found that a pile of recycled rubbish stored outside had caught fire. She alerted her aunt, urging her to escape. However, her aunt, who was reportedly unwell and suffering from muscular weakness, initially dismissed the blaze as a minor grass fire. Moments later, as the flames surged through the house and blocked the front exit, the girl made the desperate decision to jump from a second-floor window to safety. Her aunt tried to escape, but the fire had already spread too far. Neighbours reported hearing her screams for help, but no one could reach her due to the intensity of the blaze. Within minutes, her voice fell silent. A local bus driver, who had been repairing his vehicle across the street, said he heard an explosion and came outside to witness the fire raging through the home. He also heard Ms. Sumalee’s cries for help but was unable to assist due to the ferocity of the flames. The niece speculated that the fire may have started from a mosquito coil that her aunt had lit and then discarded from the upper floor, possibly still smouldering when it landed in the pile of rubbish. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. Forensic investigators have been called to examine the scene and determine the official cause of the blaze. -- 2025-04-07