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British Man Arrested After Violent Outburst in Phuket Picture courtesy of Khaosod A 39-year-old British man has been arrested following a violent outburst in Phuket on Thursday, April 4. The suspect, named only as Mr. George, allegedly tried to steal rob a local convenience store, attempted to open a motorcycle seat, and physically attacked the store’s owner. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356933-british-man-arrested-after-violent-outburst-in-phuket/

Furious Contractor Torches Home After Two Years of Work for Just Hundreds of Baht A furious contractor who claimed he received only a few hundred baht for two years of work has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a three-storey home in Na Jomtien, Sattahip district, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356932-furious-contractor-torches-home-after-two-years-of-work-for-just-hundreds-of-baht/

Arsenic Contamination in Kok River Exceeds Safety Limits, Residents Warned Not to Use Water Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Environmental authorities have issued a warning to residents of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai following the discovery of dangerously high levels of arsenic in the Kok River, which flows from Myanmar into Thailand. The contamination, which is believed to be linked to gold mining activities upstream in Myanmar’s Shan State, has prompted health advisories for local communities. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356931-arsenic-contamination-in-kok-river-exceeds-safety-limits-residents-warned-not-to-use-water/

Motorcycle Crash Claims Lives of Mother and Daughter, One-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured In an incident on 5 April, a mother and her daughter lost their lives after the motorcycle they were travelling on crashed into a tree in the Phanom district of Surat Thani. A one-year-old boy, who was also on the motorcycle, suffered serious injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356930-motorcycle-crash-claims-lives-of-mother-and-daughter-one-year-old-boy-seriously-injured/

UPDATE CIB Arrests Suspect in Brutal Murder of Karen Woman in Mae Sot Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking Division (Bok. Pa), has apprehended a 54-year-old suspect, Mr. Decha, in connection with the brutal murder of a Karen woman in Mae Sot. The suspect faces charges of “murder” and “illegally moving a body.” Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356929-cib-arrests-suspect-in-brutal-murder-of-karen-woman-in-mae-sot/

15 Billion Expressway Project to Connect Koh Chang Boosting Trat’s Economy and Tourism Pictures courtesy of Matichon. A new expressway linking the mainland to Koh Chang is set to be constructed with a budget of THB 15 billion, aiming to significantly enhance the economy and tourism in Trat province. The project, announced on 5 April, is currently in the second phase of public consultation, with the final route selection based on engineering, financial, and environmental factors. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356928-15-billion-expressway project-to-connect-koh-chang-boosting-trat’s-economy-and-tourism/

127 Arrested in Raid on Illegal Gambling Den in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have successfully raided an illegal gambling den in Nonthaburi, arresting 127 individuals, including 34 men and 93 women, in a crackdown on a Dragon Tiger card game operation. The raid, which took place on 4 April 2025 at around 16:00, which followed extensive intelligence gathering by local law enforcement and specialised police units. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356927-127-arrested-in-raid-on-illegal-gambling-den-in-nonthaburi/

Woman Who Cut Painter’s Rope at Condo Arrested, Fleeing Court Sentence for Attempted Murder Picture courtesy of Police Special Operations Unit A woman, who gained national attention in 2021 for cutting the rope of a painter working on a high-rise condo, has been arrested after evading a court sentence for attempted murder and property damage. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356926-woman-who-cut-painter’s-rope-at-condo-arrested-fleeing-court-sentence-for-attempted-murder/

Ban for Double-Decker Buses on Seven Risky Routes During Songkran Festival File picture from reference only. The Ministry of Transport has announced a ban on double-decker interprovincial buses from using seven identified high-risk routes during the upcoming Songkran holiday, citing safety concerns. Violations of the new regulation could result in fines of up to 50,000 baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356925-ban-for-double-decker-buses-on-seven-risky-routes-during-songkran-festival/

Couple Drowns While Fighting Wildfire in Mae Hong Son Picture courtesy of Daily News. An incident has shocked a small community, after a couple drowned while attempting to protect their farmland from advancing wildfires. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356924-couple-drowns-while-fighting-wildfire-in-mae-hong-son/

Seven-Vehicle Collision on Oil-Slicked Phahonyothin Road Injures Six A road crash involving seven vehicles on the outbound Phahonyothin Road in Pathum Thani early morning on 5 April, has left six people injured after a oil spill caused dangerous driving conditions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356923-seven-vehicle-collision-on-oil-slicked-phahonyothin-road-injures-six/

Pictures from responders. A furious contractor who claimed he received only a few hundred baht for two years of work has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a three-storey home in Na Jomtien, Sattahip district, Chonburi. Police Lieutenant Yutthaphon Boonkoet of Na Jomtien Police Station received an emergency call at around 10:30 on 5 April, reporting a case of arson. He rushed to the scene with Police Colonel Phatthana Robru, the district police chief, investigative teams, rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation, and municipal fire services. Upon arrival, flames and smoke were seen billowing from the first and second floors of the home, which was part of a connected row of similar properties. Firefighters took over 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. The fire caused extensive damage to furniture and electrical appliances, particularly on the lower floors. The suspected arsonist, identified as Mr. Sinchai 57, was apprehended at the scene. He had suffered injuries from broken glass and was taken to hospital under police guard. During police questioning, Mr. Sinchai admitted to the arson, citing a long-standing grievance with the homeowner, Ms. Helen. He had been contracted to repair the property and was living in one of the rooms. According to his statement, he received only a few hundred baht for two years of work and was recently denied access to retrieve his belongings. Mr. Sinchai said he had requested to enter the house to collect his clothes and personal items but was refused. Instead, the homeowner reportedly threw his possessions down from the second floor in plastic bags and cloth sacks. Enraged, he kicked in the front glass door and set fire to the property. Mr. Chaloem 60, a security guard, confirmed that Mr. Sinchai had been involved in a dispute with the homeowner the previous day over unpaid wages. The confrontation had reportedly escalated when Mr. Sinchai came to retrieve his belongings and medication for a chronic illness, only to find the door locked and his possessions thrown outside. In a fit of rage, he smashed the glass door, entered the house, and set fire to the lower level before waiting at the scene for police to arrive, saying he was ready to face imprisonment. Police are currently awaiting forensic reports from Region 2 Scientific Crime Detection Centre in Chonburi to support charges against Mr. Sinchai, who faces prosecution for trespassing and arson. -- 2025-04-06

Picture and CCTV courtesy of Khaosod A 39-year-old British man has been arrested following a violent outburst in Phuket on Thursday, April 4. The suspect, named only as Mr. George, allegedly tried to rob from a local convenience store, attempted to open a motorcycle seat, and physically attacked the store’s owner. The incidents began at around 07:05, when the suspect parked his motorcycle outside the shop in Thalang District. The owner of the store, Warin Dokbua, 51, said that he had never seen the man before and was unaware of his presence in the area. According to Warin, the suspect had been involved in previous altercations before arriving at his shop. Surveillance footage from the store shows Mr. George attempting to force open the seat of a three-wheeled motorcycle parked outside. When he failed, he reportedly ran into the store’s kitchen, grabbed a knife, and tried to cut wires in an attempt to remove the seat. Warin described the man as appearing intoxicated or under the influence of some substance. “He wouldn’t listen when I tried to stop him and physically attacked me,” he said. “He even threw a bottle of petrol at me from the front of the store.” The situation escalated as the suspect try to flee the scene and pushed a family off a motorcycle. After the violent spree, Warin filed a report at Thalang Police Station. Officers later seized the motorcycle the suspect had been riding, which was found to have been stolen from the Saku Police Station jurisdiction, adding a further charge to the case. Phuket Immigration police detained the British man on April 4. Authorities have stated that communication with the suspect has been difficult due to his unstable mental state. He has been placed in a controlled environment to calm down before being formally questioned. Following this, he will be transferred to Thalang Police Station to face criminal charges. -- 2025-04-06 ScreenRecording_04-05-2025 16-55-38_1.mp4

UPDATE Police Chief Removed for Failing to Report Bomb Incident Involving 9-Year-Old Picture courtesy of Khoasod. In a dramatic move, the Superintendent of Wang Sai Phun Police Station in Phichit province has been removed from his position for failing to report a shocking incident in which a 9-year-old boy died after picking up an explosive device. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356616-nine-year-old-child-killed-by-explosive-device-in-phichit-province/#findComment-19712456

Fake Engineer Arrested at Home for Forging Professional Licence to Take on House Projects Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A man posing as a licensed engineer has been arrested at his home in Bangkok after allegedly forging official documents and deceiving clients into hiring him for home design and construction projects, one of which resulted in costly building errors. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356922-fake-engineer-arrested-at-home-for-forging-professional-licence-to-take-on-house-projects/

Five-Vehicle Pile-Up in Saraburi Leaves One Dead, Eight Injured Picture from responders. One person has died and eight others have been injured following a five-vehicle crash on Phahonyothin Road in Saraburi province. The crash, which occurred at kilometre marker 104 in the inbound lane toward Bangkok, involved a six-wheeled lorry, a motorcycle, a staff shuttle bus, a 22-wheel trailer truck, and a Thailand Post delivery truck. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356921-five-vehicle-pile-up-in-saraburi-leaves-one-dead-eight-injured/

Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking Division (Bok. Pa), has apprehended a 54-year-old suspect, Mr. Decha, in connection with the brutal murder of a Karen woman in Mae Sot. The suspect faces charges of “murder” and “illegally moving a body.” The arrest took place at an unregistered shack in Moo 7, Mae Kasa sub-district, Mae Sot district, Tak province. According to reports, the Mae Sot Police Station received a tip-off about a body found on the Mae Sot-Mae Jarao Road. The victim, identified as Mi E, a Myanmar national, had been stuffed into a green fertiliser sack and left by the roadside. Upon further investigation, the police identified Mr. Decha and another suspect, Mr. Sompet, as being involved in the crime. Police later discovered that the suspects had fled to a cattle farm. Following a search, Mr. Decha was found and arrested. He was subsequently handed over to the Mae Sot Police for further legal proceedings. In his confession, Mr. Decha stated that the deceased was the wife of his younger brother, Mr. Sompet. He explained that during a heated argument, he had assaulted Ms. Mi E, causing her to fall and strike her head against a tractor. As a result, she began to bleed. He then enlisted the help of a Burmese worker, Mr. Awei (who had been arrested previously), to place the body in a sack and dump it by the roadside. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet, Commissioner of the CIB, and Police Brigadier General Wittaya Sriprasert, Commander of the Anti-Trafficking Division, was a success with the diligent work of the officers involved. The case continues to be investigated, and Mr. Decha will face legal action for his involvement in the crime. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353116-body-of-schoolgirl-found-stuffed-in-sack-in-tak/ -- 2025-04-06

Picture from responders. In an incident on 5 April, a mother and her daughter lost their lives after the motorcycle they were travelling on crashed into a tree in the Phanom district of Surat Thani. A one-year-old boy, who was also on the motorcycle, suffered serious injuries. At 14:05 emergency services were alerted to the scene of the crash on a section of road in Moo 7, Km 74. The motorcycle, a red and black Honda Wave 100, was found without a licence plate. Three individuals were discovered at the site, all critically injured and unresponsive. Rescue workers from the Thakhuan-Phanom rescue team, along with medics from Phanom Hospital, rushed the victims to the hospital. Tragically, despite efforts to save them, two individuals passed away. At 15:45 the mother and her 12-year-old daughter were confirmed dead, while the young boy remains in critical condition. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, and their relatives have not come forward to assist. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. -- 2025-04-06

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Environmental authorities have issued a warning to residents of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai following the discovery of dangerously high levels of arsenic in the Kok River, which flows from Myanmar into Thailand. The contamination, which is believed to be linked to gold mining activities upstream in Myanmar’s Shan State, has prompted health advisories for local communities. Dr. Amphon Benjapolpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, confirmed that tests in the Mae Ai District of Chiang Mai revealed arsenic levels of 0.026 mg/L, well above the legal safety limit of 0.01 mg/L. The river also showed elevated levels of lead, with readings of 0.076 mg/L, surpassing the acceptable limit of 0.05 mg/L. This contamination poses serious health risks, including skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, and long-term effects such as skin cancer and nerve system disorders. Dr. Nithirat Boontanon, Director of Health Centre 1 in Chiang Mai, advised residents in the affected areas, including districts in Chiang Rai such as Mueang, Wiang Chai, Wiang Chiang Rung, Mae Chan, Doi Luang, and Chiang Saen, to avoid swimming in or using the river water for drinking, cooking, or washing. He recommended using treated tap water for all domestic needs. The contamination is believed to have originated from gold mining activities near the river’s source in Myanmar. Local sources reported that mining operations, authorised by the United Wa State Army, have resulted in the discharge of contaminated water into the Kok River, leading to visible turbidity and arsenic levels far above safe standards. The mining activities involve widespread earth disturbance, releasing harmful chemicals into the waterway. Environmental experts have urged further monitoring of the river, particularly regarding the potential for mercury contamination in aquatic life. They also called for immediate testing of river fish and sediment for other hazardous substances. While cyanide, commonly used in gold mining, was not detected, authorities have stressed the importance of continued vigilance. Health officials have reported cases of local residents experiencing symptoms consistent with arsenic poisoning, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress. Authorities are working to communicate the risks to affected communities and are advising those who feel unwell to seek medical attention promptly. The situation highlights the growing concerns over transboundary pollution in Southeast Asia, with calls for stronger governmental action and international cooperation to address cross-border environmental issues. -- 2025-04-06

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have successfully raided an illegal gambling den in Nonthaburi, arresting 127 individuals, including 34 men and 93 women, in a crackdown on a Dragon Tiger card game operation. The raid, which took place on 4 April 2025 at around 16:00, which followed extensive intelligence gathering by local law enforcement and specialised police units. The operation targeted a private residence in the Soi Achiraya Phattana 2 area of Bang Krui, Nonthaburi, which was being used to host an illicit gambling game. The house was set up with a gambling table for Dragon Tiger, a popular card game. Police entered the premises after gamblers opened the door and swiftly apprehended those involved. Among the items seized were a Dragon Tiger gambling table, three surveillance cameras, 68,080 baht in cash, and hundreds of playing chips and cards. According to police reports many of the arrested individuals came from outside the local area, including from Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Bangkok. The event was raided after intelligence suggested that a group of out-of-town gamblers had come to participate in the illegal activity. During questioning, the detained suspects admitted they had arrived the day before the raid and were unaware of the impending police action. One of the arrested individuals, 57-year-old Noppadon, confessed to being the operator of the gambling establishment. He was charged with organising gambling and profiting from illegal betting activities, while all players were charged with participating in unauthorised gambling. The police action was coordinated by local police chief Pol Col Raksak Mekchinda from the Phayai Bang Police Station and Pol Col Jirayas Wannitkul, the superintendent of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police, who together deployed over 50 officers in a successful effort to dismantle the operation without any of the participants fleeing. The arrested individuals have been taken into custody and will face further legal proceedings. -- 2025-04-06

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. A new expressway linking the mainland to Koh Chang is set to be constructed with a budget of THB 15 billion, aiming to significantly enhance the economy and tourism in Trat province. The project, announced on 5 April, is currently in the second phase of public consultation, with the final route selection based on engineering, financial, and environmental factors. Kajphoj Udonthamphakdee, Deputy Governor of the Strategic and Planning Division at the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), explained that the public consultation sessions are designed to allow stakeholders to provide feedback on the most suitable route options for the project. This stage follows detailed studies on the engineering feasibility, economic impacts, and potential environmental effects. The route selection process has identified three primary factors: engineering and traffic, economic investment, and environmental impact. These criteria will help to compare and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed route. The option with the highest overall score will be the one taken forward for detailed design and construction. The project will offer two preliminary designs: the first involves a four-lane expressway with concrete barriers separating traffic in each direction. Each lane will have a width of 3.5 meters, with additional shoulder space on both sides of the road. The second design option includes a bridge spanning the sea, with two main sections. One design would feature a bridge with a span of approximately 200 meters to accommodate large vessels passing beneath, while the second would have a span of 50-60 meters for smaller vessels. Construction of the expressway, which will cost an estimated THB 13 billion, alongside land acquisition costs of THB 2 billion, is expected to begin in 2029 and open for service by 2032. This project is expected to improve accessibility to Koh Chang, facilitating travel for both locals and tourists, and boosting the province’s tourism industry. -- 2025-04-06

SRT Confirms Steel Used in Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Project Meets International Standard Picture courtesy of Khoasod. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has confirmed that the steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project meets all international engineering and safety standards, following public concern over structural integrity after a recent earthquake. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356920-srt-confirms-steel-used-in-thai-chinese-high-speed-rail-project-meets-international-standard/

Couple Killed Instantly as Big Bike Slams into Lorry in Bangkok A man and woman were killed in the early hours of the morning of 5 April, after the high-powered motorcycle they were riding slammed into the rear of a ten-wheel lorry in Bangkok, splitting the bike in two and hurling their bodies across the road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356919-couple-killed-instantly-as-big-bike-slams-into-lorry-in-bangkok/

File picture from reference only. The Ministry of Transport has announced a ban on double-decker interprovincial buses from using seven identified high-risk routes during the upcoming Songkran holiday, citing safety concerns. Violations of the new regulation could result in fines of up to 50,000 baht. The announcement was made during the launch of the Ministry’s annual road safety campaign for the Thai New Year at the Department of Land Transport’s Road Transport Innovation and Technology Centre. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote presided over the event, which promotes safe and seamless travel under the theme “Happy Songkran: Smooth and Safe Travel Across the Transport Network.” The Ministry’s preparations for the Songkran holiday focus on two key areas: 1. Convenience and Cost Reduction – Ensuring every traveller has access to transport services, the Ministry has coordinated with relevant agencies to provide additional buses and trains, improve public transport connectivity, and station staff to offer travel information and receive complaints. A nationwide 10% fare reduction on all interprovincial buses operated by the state-owned Transport Co., Ltd. (Baw Kaw Saw) will also be applied during the Ministry’s “Leave Early – Return Late” travel window. 2. Safety Measures – Rigorous vehicle inspections will be carried out at the departure point, during transit (at checkpoints), and upon arrival. Drivers must be sober, healthy, and well-rested. Risky behaviours, such as speeding and excessive work hours, will be monitored via GPS. Buses travelling over 400 km must have at least two drivers on board. Deputy Minister Surapong also announced the implementation of new safety regulations specifically aimed at preventing deadly accidents involving double-decker tour buses. After consulting with the Department of Highways, the Ministry has identified seven hazardous routes, defined by steep inclines and past accident statistics, where double-decker buses are now prohibited: 1. Prachin Buri – Highway 304: Kabin Buri to Wang Nam Khiao 2. Phatthalung – Highway 4: Khao Phap Pha to Phatthalung 3. Phrae – Highway 103: Mae Yang Ho to Mae Teeb 4. Chiang Mai – Highway 118: Chiang Mai to Doi Nang Kaew 5. Loei – Highway 2013: Bo Pho to Khok Ngam 6. Phetchabun – Highway 2331: Cho Hoa to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park 7. Nan – Highway 1256: Pua to Doi Phu Kha National Park The Department of Land Transport will monitor these routes using GPS tracking. Any double-decker tour bus found to have violated the ban will trigger a summons for both the driver and the operator, with penalties of up to 50,000 baht. Deputy Minister Surapong assured that the new regulation will not adversely affect bus operators, as consultations have already taken place and operators have agreed to comply. Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sorapong Paitoonphong, stated that public transport usage during Songkran (11–17 April 2025) is expected to reach 2.52 million passenger trips. Of these, approximately 993,000 will travel by interprovincial buses, 770,000 by air, and 757,000 by intercity rail. -- 2025-04-06

Picture courtesy of Police Special Operations Unit A woman, who gained national attention in 2021 for cutting the rope of a painter working on a high-rise condo, has been arrested after evading a court sentence for attempted murder and property damage. The incident, which occurred in 2021, left the painter in a life-threatening situation as he was forced to flee for his life when the rope supporting him was severed. The woman, a programmer who lived on the 21st floor of the building, initially denied involvement, but later admitted to the crime, claiming she was annoyed by the painter’s presence. The case became widely known after the painter, who was working on the 32nd floor of the building in Pak Kret, was forced to seek help from a resident after the rope was deliberately cut. The woman, after initially denying the accusation, eventually confessed, stating that she had acted in a moment of frustration due to the lack of prior notice from the building’s management regarding maintenance work. On 5 April, the police’s Special Operations Unit (Commando) posted an update confirming the woman’s arrest. According to the police, on 12 October 2021, the defendant cut the painter’s rope in a fit of rage after feeling that the building’s management had not properly communicated about the ongoing work. At the time, she had claimed she had not seen the notice posted in the elevator as she was confined to her apartment. She was charged with attempted murder and causing property damage. Following her court appearance, she was granted bail to fight the case, but when the court ruling was finalised on 24 March 2025, the woman failed to report for sentencing. As a result, the Nontaburi Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for her. After an investigation, authorities discovered that the woman had been living in the Pak Kret area and rarely left her home. The police set up surveillance and successfully apprehended her. Upon arrest, she admitted her identity and acknowledged the arrest warrant. She was subsequently taken into custody and brought to court to face further legal proceedings. The operation was carried out under the direction of Police General Chiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with other senior officers involved in the arrest. The case has once again raised questions regarding the responsibility of building management in ensuring the safety and communication of maintenance work, as well as the extreme consequences of unprovoked actions born out of frustration. -- 2025-04-06