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Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek. A 28-year-old man lost his life after being electrocuted while cleaning BBQ grill tops, at his restaurant in Rangsit, Pathum Thani. The incident occurred at around 16:00 on 6 April, at a grill restaurant located in Soi Rangsit Phiroam, Klong 1 Subdistrict, Klong Luang District. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chumphon Songngam of the Klong Luang Police Station, alongside forensic experts from Thammasat University Hospital, and rescue officers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, responded to the scene. The victim, identified as Phairoj, was found dead in the restaurant. He was not wearing a shirt, dressed in shorts, with visible burn marks on his right hand. The BBQ grill tops had fallen onto the wet floor near some electrical wiring, suggesting a possible electric shock incident. Phairoj’s wife, Parichat, 28, revealed that her husband had been cleaning the BBQ grill tops since early afternoon. When she arrived at the scene, she found him lying on the floor. She attempted to get help from a delivery person, who turned off the electricity, but it was too late, Phairoj had already passed away. Police have collected evidence and recorded the scene for further investigation. The body has been sent to the Thammasat University Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-04-08

Three Colombians Arrested in Nong Khai While Fleeing Home Theft Picture courtesy of Matichon. Immigration police in Nong Khai have apprehended three Colombian nationals suspected of stealing valuables from a housing estate in Pathum Thani province, as they attempted to flee the country via a natural border crossing into Laos. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357089-three-colombians-arrested-in-nong-khai-while-fleeing-home-theft/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Immigration police in Nong Khai have apprehended three Colombian nationals suspected of stealing valuables from a housing estate in Pathum Thani province, as they attempted to flee the country via a natural border crossing into Laos. The arrests took place around 10:30 on 7 April, following coordinated efforts between the Nong Khai Immigration Investigation Unit and local police investigators. Acting on intelligence from Region 1 Provincial Police, authorities tracked the suspects to a tuk-tuk travelling from the Nong Khai bus terminal toward Tha Bo district, a known route for illegal border crossings. Officers stopped the tuk-tuk near Nong Khai Vocational College and detained the three men, who matched descriptions of the wanted suspects. They were found purchasing bottled water at a roadside shop when officials approached and demanded identification. Upon inspection, the suspects produced passports consistent with arrest warrants issued by the Pathum Thani Provincial Court. Immigration records revealed the men had exited Thailand legally via the Nong Khai border on 20 March, but had no record of re-entry, confirming they had returned to the country through illegal means. A search of their belongings uncovered a number of high-value items believed to have been stolen during the Pathum Thani burglary. The suspects were unable to provide a credible explanation for the origin of the items, prompting authorities to seize the goods for further legal proceedings. Through an interpreter, the men admitted to having entered Thailand via an unauthorised natural crossing and acknowledged their intention to flee back into Laos with the stolen goods. Pol Col Noppadol Rakchat, Superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration, confirmed that the arrests were in line with the Royal Thai Police’s intensified crackdown on foreign nationals involved in cross-border crimes and unauthorised entry. The three suspects face charges for illegal entry and theft, and will be transferred to investigating officers in Pathum Thani for prosecution. -- 2025-04-08

Woman Dies After Car Vaults Central Reservation and Crashes Head-On into Pickup Truck A 30-year-old woman has died following a high-speed collision in Phuket, after she lost control of her car, vaulted a central reservation, and slammed head-on into an oncoming pickup truck, leaving a husband and wife seriously injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357088-woman-dies-after-car-vaults-central-reservation-and-crashes-head-on-into-pickup-truck/

Picture from responders. A 30-year-old woman has died following a high-speed collision in Phuket, after she lost control of her car, vaulted a central reservation, and slammed head-on into an oncoming pickup truck, leaving a husband and wife seriously injured. Police Lieutenant Somchai Nooboon, investigator at Kathu Police Station, was alerted to the crash by the 191 emergency call centre early morning on 7 April. The crash occurred on Phra Phuket Kaew Road in Moo 1, Kathu Subdistrict, prompting police and Kusoldharm Foundation rescue personnel to rush to the scene. At the site, officers found a heavily damaged white Toyota Yaris registered in Singburi province. The driver, identified as Ms. Panisa, 30, was found unconscious and critically injured behind the wheel. She still had a pulse and was immediately transported to Bangkok Siriroj Hospital, but sadly succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Nearby, a white Chevrolet pickup truck registered in Phuket was also found with significant front-end damage. The driver, Mr. Anon, and his wife, who was a passenger, both sustained injuries and were quickly taken to hospital for urgent treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that the Yaris was travelling from Kathu towards the Lotus Samkong intersection. As it passed a bend just beyond the Andamanda Water Park, the vehicle driver lost control and mounted the central reservation at speed, crashing directly into the oncoming pickup truck. Authorities have documented the scene and begun an investigation into the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-04-08

Man, 44, Shot in Ambush Outside Home, Father Claims Victim is Aggressive & Addicted to Meths Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 44-year-old man is recovering in hospital after being shot outside his home in Phatthalung Province on the evening of 6 April, in what police believe may have been a targeted ambush stemming from personal conflict. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357086-man-44-shot-in-ambush-outside-home-father-claims-victim-is-aggressive-addicted-to-meths/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 44-year-old man is recovering in hospital after being shot outside his home in Phatthalung Province on the evening of 6 April, in what police believe may have been a targeted ambush stemming from personal conflict. Pol. Lt. Sommai Keosuk of Phatthalung City Police Station and Pol. Col. Yuthasak Eiamsunthon, head of investigations for the provincial police, responded to the shooting at approximately 20:10, leading a team of detectives to the scene in Ban Sai Nai Khan, Village 9, Tha Khae Subdistrict. The victim, Mr. Pairoj Chupeea, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his ribcage. He was rushed to Phatthalung Hospital, where doctors confirmed he was in a stable condition. The shooting reportedly occurred about 10 metres from the house, in a dark area of forest adjacent to the property. A trail of blood was found near a water faucet at the front of the house. CCTV footage captured Pairoj’s 19-year-old son, identified as Mr. Fiew, and a group of six friends dragging him to safety after hearing his cries for help. Fiew initially believed the loud bang was caused by a bottle exploding in the burning rubbish his father had set alight, but quickly discovered his father had been shot. According to police, Mr. Pairoj had been incinerating waste near the house while his son and friends sat nearby playing on their phones. Moments later, a gunshot rang out. Mr. Fiew reported that his father had recently expressed fear that someone was planning to harm him. He also mentioned that Pairoj had argued with a neighbour just two or three days earlier but did not elaborate on the dispute. Police have since questioned a 49-year-old neighbour, Mr. Sak, as a suspect. He was taken in for interrogation and gunpowder residue testing, before being released pending forensic results. Mr. Job Chupeea, 76, the father of the injured man, gave a frank account of his son’s history. He said Mr. Pairoj was a former construction craftsman who became addicted to methamphetamine about three years ago and could no longer work. “He is aggressive, hot-tempered, and blunt. He doesn’t care about anyone and has a history of abusing his wife when he’s angry,” Mr. Job stated, adding that his son had previously been arrested and sent for drug rehabilitation. This account was corroborated by Ms. Ying, Mr. Pairoj’s wife, who said he spent most days sleeping and doing nothing. She works late at a barbecue restaurant and rarely saw him awake. She claimed no knowledge of any recent disputes. Police are continuing their investigation and believe personal animosity may be behind the attempted killing. -- 2025-04-08

British Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport for 207-Day Visa Overstay Picture courtesy of Phuket Express A 45-year-old British woman has been arrested and detained, at Phuket International Airport after authorities discovered she had overstayed her permitted entry by 207 days, immigration officials confirmed on 7 April. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357085-british-woman-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-207-day-visa-overstay/

Picture courtesy of Phuket Express A 45-year-old British woman has been arrested and detained, at Phuket International Airport after authorities discovered she had overstayed her permitted entry by 207 days, immigration officials confirmed on 7 April. The arrest took place at approximately 11:30 by immigration officers at the airport’s international terminal. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, was preparing to depart the country when officers flagged her passport and identified the significant overstay. Immigration officials stated that the woman had been in breach of Thailand’s immigration laws, having remained in the kingdom well beyond the period permitted. It remains unclear why she overstayed or whether she had made any attempts to report her status or rectify the issue with immigration authorities prior to her arrest. -- 2025-04-08

Man Dies After Motorbike Crashes into Concrete Post and Plunges into Fish Pond A 25-year-old man lost his life after he veered his motorbike off a curve, struck a concrete post and it hurled him into a nearby fish pond in Ban Pho district, Chachoengsao province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357084-man-dies-after-motorbike-crashes-into-concrete-post-and-plunges-into-fish-pond/

Picture from responders. A 25-year-old man lost his life after he veered his motorbike off a curve, struck a concrete post and it hurled him into a nearby fish pond in Ban Pho district, Chachoengsao province. At approximately 11:00 on 6 April, officers from Ban Pho Police Station and local rescue workers responded to reports of a body found in a fish pond near the entrance to the Yui intersection, en route to Wat Krathum in Moo 2, Sanam Chan subdistrict. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of Mr. Thiwat Seenet floating in the pond, in an initial state of decomposition. It is believed he had been dead for over 24 hours. A motorbike with registration from was also found submerged in the water and was later retrieved by rescue personnel. Police reported no signs of a struggle or foul play at the scene. Initial investigations suggest that Mr. Thiwat likely lost control of his motorbike while navigating a curve, crashed into a nearby concrete post, and was thrown into the pond. He is believed to have lost consciousness and subsequently drowned. A local fish pond owner, who first discovered the scene, said he had been inspecting the area as usual when he noticed damage to a concrete post near the pond. Finding it unusual, he inspected the surroundings more closely and was shocked to discover the submerged motorbike and the deceased man’s body. He immediately contacted the police and rescue team. Police have continued their investigation, collecting evidence and examining the scene to determine the precise cause of the incident. -- 2025-04-08

Jealous Husband Kills Wife in Brutal Attack Before Failing to Take Own Life Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A domestic dispute has ended in horror after a jealous husband fatally stabbed his wife in a fit of rage, before attempting and failing to take his own life. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357082-jealous-husband-kills-wife-in-brutal-attack-before-failing-to-take-own-life/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A domestic dispute has ended in horror after a jealous husband fatally stabbed his wife in a fit of rage, before attempting and failing to take his own life. Police in Pakham District, Buriram Province, responded to a call in the early hours of the morning of 7 April, to reports of a fatal stabbing by the roadside near Baan Mai Daeng Hua Krasang. Upon arrival, officers discovered a modified yellow Mitsubishi car with Rayong licence plates abandoned at the scene. The vehicle had sustained front-end damage, having apparently struck a black-and-white concrete post before veering off the road. Nearby, the body of a 37-year-old woman, referred to only as Ms B, was found with three stab wounds to her chest. Her body was taken to Pakham Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The assailant was not immediately located. Later, police were informed that a man had attempted suicide at his residence in Ban Khok Charoen, Pakham District. He was rushed to Pakham Hospital in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed the man as Mr Wichan 44, the husband of the deceased woman. He is believed to have stabbed his wife before attempting to end his own life. The couple’s 18-year-old daughter, who witnessed the events unfold, told police that her parents had travelled from Pattaya, Chonburi Province, where her father worked as a hotel maintenance technician and her mother as a cashier. They had returned to Buriram to visit family and had picked her up that morning to visit her maternal grandmother. She said her parents began arguing violently in the car on the way to the grandmother’s house, a fight she believed stemmed from her father’s jealousy. She claimed he had previously accused her mother of infidelity on at least two occasions. She also noticed bruising on her mother’s face during the argument. The daughter recounted how her father stopped the car in front of a temple and ordered her out. When she refused, he forcibly pulled her from the vehicle and drove off alone with her mother still inside. Later, she learned that her mother had been stabbed and left by the roadside. “I rushed to the hospital to see my mum, only to find out she was dead,” she said tearfully. “I believe my dad did it out of jealousy. I’m heartbroken. I don’t know if I can forgive him, but he is still my father.” Mr Wichan remains in hospital in serious condition under police supervision. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the case. -- 2025-04-08

Could be rubber, but thick smoke can be produced by many things and is normal produced because of incomplete combustion, where carbon particles (soot) are produced instead of being fully oxidised in the blaze. Large quantities of tightly stacked items, do not allow enough oxygen to complete the fire process. Other items that result in thick black smoke are; Plastics (especially PVC or other chlorinated plastics). Oils and greases. Wood with high moisture content or low-quality wood, wet wood or poorly seasoned wood. Synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and polyester.

Russian National Arrested for Overstaying of 268 Days Picture courtesy of Immigration. A 24-year-old Russian man has been arrested for overstaying his entry stamp by 268 days. The arrest took place at 09:30 on 6 April, when immigration officers from the Chiang Saen Immigration Office, led by Police Colonel Thanissorn Sangthanak, conducted a routine inspection in areas known for housing foreign nationals at risk of overstaying. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357047-russian-national-arrested-for-overstaying-of-268-days/

Picture courtesy of immigration. A 24-year-old Russian man has been arrested for overstaying his entry stamp by 268 days. The arrest took place at 09:30 on 6 April, when immigration officers from the Chiang Saen Immigration Office, led by Police Colonel Thanissorn Sangthanak, conducted a routine inspection in areas known for housing foreign nationals at risk of overstaying. The officers spotted the man, who appeared to be a foreigner, in the area near the Mekong River, close to the Huay Kieng Village, Mueang Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the individual was a 24-year-old Russian national from Salekhard, Russia. The man, who was carrying a Russian passport, was found to have overstayed his permitted time by 268 days. He was immediately taken into custody and charged with violating immigration laws under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. The Russian national was later transferred to Chiang Saen Police Station for legal proceedings. Immigration authorities continue to enforce stringent checks to prevent overstays and ensure compliance with Thailand’s immigration policies. . -- 2025-04-07

Russians Hold One in Four Foreign Work Permits in Phuket, Official Report Reveals File picture for reference only A newly published report from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) has shed light on a significant demographic shift in the island’s workforce: Russian nationals now account for one in every four valid work permits issued to foreigners in the province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357035-russians-hold-one-in-four-foreign-work-permits-in-phuket-official-report-reveals/

File picture for reference only A newly published report from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) has shed light on a significant demographic shift in the island’s workforce: Russian nationals now account for one in every four valid work permits issued to foreigners in the province. According to the PPEO’s Labour Market Overview for April 2025, a total of 15,620 valid work permits have been granted to foreign nationals currently working legally in Phuket. Of these, 3,926 were issued to citizens of the Russian Federation, making up a remarkable 25% of all foreign work permit holders on the island. This sharp rise in Russian work permit holders underscores the enduring appeal of Phuket among Russians, not just as a holiday destination but increasingly as a place to live and work. The island’s sunny climate, relatively low cost of living, and business opportunities in tourism, wellness, and real estate are believed to be key drivers behind this trend. Following Russia, the leading countries of origin for foreign work permit holders in Phuket are: • Philippines – 1,470 permits • China – 1,202 permits • United Kingdom – 1,150 permits • France – 856 permits • India – 707 permits • Italy – 446 permits • United States – 402 permits • Australia – 363 permits • Ukraine – 355 permits • Germany – 333 permits Several other nationalities are also notably represented in Phuket’s foreign workforce, including Turkey (232), South Africa (201), Canada (191), and Myanmar (191). Beyond nationality, the report also provides a detailed breakdown of the industries in which foreigners are legally employed in Phuket. The hospitality sector remains dominant, with: • 1,538 work permits issued to foreigners working in hotels • 1,461 permits for those in the food and beverage industry • 1,301 permits for individuals working in schools and other educational institutions In addition, 1,102 foreigners are employed as consultants, while 876 are working with travel agents and tour operators. Other notable categories include: • 224 permits in computer-related establishments • 199 permits in sports facilities, such as diving, windsurfing, golf, and tennis • 187 permits in other entertainment activities • 141 permits in other residential facilities The report also notes that 6,184 work permits fall under the category of ‘Other Activity Types’, highlighting the breadth of roles undertaken by foreign nationals on the island. The growing diversity of Phuket’s expatriate workforce has prompted renewed conversations among policymakers and business leaders regarding labour integration, the enforcement of work regulations, and the need for strategic planning to support the island’s economic and social development. -- 2025-04-07

Staff Bus Overturns and Plunges Into Ditch in Ayutthaya – 15 Injured 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. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1357036-staff-bus-overturns-and-plunges-into-ditch-in-ayutthaya-–-15-injured/

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/