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Missing 10-Year-Old Boy Found Drowned in Temple Pond in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 10-year-old boy who went missing overnight was found dead on the morning of 19 May, in a pond outside a temple, sending shockwaves through the local community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361154-missing-10-year-old-boy-found-drowned-in-temple-pond-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 10-year-old boy who went missing overnight was found dead on the morning of 19 May, in a pond outside a temple, sending shockwaves through the local community. Police in Phra Phrom district confirmed the discovery of the body of the child, known as “Fan”, a special needs student at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Special Education Centre. His body was found floating face down in a pond in front of Wat Sakhu Tai, Moo 3, Chang Sai Subdistrict. The tragic discovery was made around 11:30 by one of Fan’s teachers, who had been handing out flyers to locals and monks at the temple to aid in the search. Upon leaving the temple grounds, the teacher spotted the boy’s lifeless body near the edge of the water and immediately alerted authorities. Rescue workers and police, led by Pol. Lt. Anan Boonphet of Phra Phrom Police Station, along with medical staff and a local foundation team, recovered the child’s body. No signs of physical assault or injury were found, suggesting accidental drowning. Fan had been missing since the evening of 18 May. His mother, Ms. Pooncharasmith, 41, said she finished work at around 22:00 and noticed he wasn’t home. Seeing that his shoes were also gone, she feared he had wandered off again. He had reportedly gone missing on several previous occasions but was usually found within minutes. On this occasion, CCTV footage from the local Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) showed him walking past a road near Wat Sakhu Tai at 21:26. This prompted family members and local residents to begin an urgent search, which continued into the early hours of the morning. The boy’s disappearance was officially reported to Phra Phrom police. Speaking through tears, Ms. Pooncharasmith said the temple, located approximately two kilometres from their home, was familiar to Fan, who had previously visited to make merit and attend community events. “I never imagined it would end like this,” she said. Police believe that the child may have fallen into the large, unlit pond during the night. The water is said to be three to five metres deep in places. With no signs of foul play, the family did not request a further investigation and have since taken custody of the body for funeral rites. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

UPDATE Songkhla Provincial Council Moves to Oust Councillor “Golf” as Police Reveal Trove of Amulets in Seized Safe Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) has taken the first formal steps toward removing Councillor Siradon “Golf” Plaiduang from office, amid mounting legal trouble following his alleged involvement in a violent assault on a border patrol officer during last week’s election. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19811235

UPDATE Songkhla Provincial Council Moves to Oust Councillor “Golf” as Police Reveal Trove of Amulets in Seized Safe Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) has taken the first formal steps toward removing Councillor Siradon “Golf” Plaiduang from office, amid mounting legal trouble following his alleged involvement in a violent assault on a border patrol officer during last week’s election. Photographs of the embattled councillor have already been taken down from official display boards across the council’s offices, leaving only a single image from his first council meeting in uniform. The PAO is now preparing for a special session to vote on his removal, expected within 15 days. To initiate the session, at least one-third of the 36-member council, must sign a petition. Signatures began being collected today, and officials are expected to finalise the list of signatories within a day. The move follows the highly publicised incident on 11 May, in which Siradon allegedly ordered subordinates to physically assault a border patrol officer who was providing security at a polling station in Phawong subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla district. Meanwhile, in the criminal investigation, police have opened a safe seized from Siradon’s residence. The operation was witnessed by Siradon and his father, Somyos Plaiduang, a Democrat MP for Songkhla’s 3rd district. Inside the black “PILOT” safe, investigators found a staggering array of valuable religious artefacts and jewellery. The inventory includes a large collection of amulets, particularly numerous gold-framed images of the revered monk Luang Pu Thuad, as well as gold necklaces, bracelets and other religious and superstitious items. Notable contents include: • Several gold-encased Luang Pu Thuad amulets, including famous “iron-shaped” backings and small figurines • Amulets from Wat Laem Sai and other temples • Rare medals of revered monks such as Luang Pho Khong • Figurines and artefacts linked to Thai folk spirituality, such as images and charms associated with the child spirit “Ai Khai” • Children’s gold jewellery, including bracelets, anklets, and rings • Unique items such as a stingray tail bone, a miniature golden bell, and silver pendants Police confirmed the list was verified by both Siradon and his father and documented thoroughly in their presence. Deputy Election Commission Director for Songkhla, Pol. Lt. Col. Somnuk Kullmanee, confirmed that the national legal team of the Election Commission of Thailand is reviewing whether Siradon’s actions could constitute obstruction of electoral officials, a serious offence under election law. A formal complaint could be filed as early as this week, depending on the outcome of the legal review. In the meantime, Siradon and six associates remain in custody at Songkhla Provincial Prison. Authorities are considering transferring them to a detention facility in Bangkok as investigations continue. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-20.

Warehouse Raid Uncovers Over 50 Million Baht in Fake Branded Goods in Samut Sakhon Picture courtesy of Amarin Police have raided a warehouse in Samut Sakhon province, uncovering a massive stockpile of counterfeit branded goods worth more than 50 million baht. The operation, led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), exposed what officials dubbed a “room of secrets” hidden within a storage facility used to stockpile fake consumer products and fashion items. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361153-warehouse-raid-uncovers-over-50-million-baht-in-fake-branded-goods-in-samut-sakhon/

Picture courtesy of Amarin Police have raided a warehouse in Samut Sakhon province, uncovering a massive stockpile of counterfeit branded goods worth more than 50 million baht. The operation, led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), exposed what officials dubbed a “room of secrets” hidden within a storage facility used to stockpile fake consumer products and fashion items. The raid, conducted with officials from the Department of Intellectual Property and representatives from affected global brands, took place in the Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict of Mueang District. Two Chinese nationals were arrested on the premises: • Mr. Jiaxian, 27, Chinese national • Mr. Hang, 19, Chinese national Both were charged under The Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and the Criminal Code for possession of counterfeit goods intended for sale, using fake trademarks, and misleading consumers into believing the products were genuine. Authorities seized 78,223 counterfeit items with an estimated market value exceeding 52 million baht, categorised as follows: • Consumer goods and cosmetics: including facial lotions, cleansers, sunscreen, dietary supplements, vitamins, lipsticks, and beauty sets falsely branded under names like Ucore, Amado, Biore, Cetaphil, Eucerin, Blackmores, Durex, NARS, and Amway. A total of 73,817 items were confiscated. • Electronics and accessories: such as phone cases, LED lights, and communication devices falsely labelled as Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, HP, and Huawei , 2,954 items in total. • Fashion items: including handbags branded as LONGCHAMP, COACH, Gentlewoman, and others, 1,452 items were seized. Additionally, 12 computers and communication devices were taken in for forensic analysis to trace import routes and identify bank accounts linked to the operation. Investigations suggest the counterfeiting operation was backed by a Chinese criminal network using suburban warehouses to evade detection. Thai workers were reportedly hired to package and distribute the goods nationwide. The suspects confessed to the charges during initial questioning. Police warned that counterfeit consumer goods, particularly cosmetics and health supplements, pose severe health risks. Many products contain hazardous substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids, which can cause lasting damage to skin and internal organs. CIB officials stressed that the counterfeit industry not only endangers public health but also undermines Thailand’s economic integrity and reputation. The raid is part of a wider crackdown on cross-border organised crime and a nationwide effort to protect consumers and intellectual property rights. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-20.

Nakhon Ratchasima: Nephew Kills Uncle in Domestic Dispute Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A domestic dispute turned deadly on the morning of 19 May, when a 32-year-old man fatally stabbed his uncle during an altercation at their home in the Phimai district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361152-nakhon-ratchasima-nephew-kills-uncle-in-domestic-dispute/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A domestic dispute turned deadly on the morning of 19 May, when a 32-year-old man fatally stabbed his uncle during an altercation at their home in the Phimai district. Police were alerted to the incident at 08:15 by local officers in Tambon Krabeung Yai. Pol. Lt. Col. Witthaya Boonwan, deputy inspector at Phimai Police Station, confirmed that Mr Wirot Ngamchanat, 53, had been killed at his residence in Ban Krabeung Noi, Village 2, Tambon Krabeung Yai. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mr Wirot lying dead in the bedroom of a single-storey concrete house. He was found shirtless, dressed in black shorts, and lying in a pool of blood. The victim had sustained severe injuries, including gashes to the head. Authorities estimate he had been dead for approximately 12 hours. The alleged perpetrator, identified as Mr Nikorn or “Mos,” the victim’s 32-year-old nephew, remained at the scene and surrendered to police, admitting responsibility for the killing. He was taken into custody and escorted to the scene later to participate in a re-enactment of the incident as part of the investigation. According to the victim’s 71-year-old mother, Mrs Somsamai, the victim was her eldest son. He had recently separated from his wife after the Songkran festival and had moved back to live with her. The nephew, who is unemployed, was also residing in the same household. She noted that both men often argued, especially when her son had been drinking. Mrs Somsamai recounted that she was in her room when she overheard the pair arguing. She stepped outside the house to avoid the confrontation. It was only later she discovered her son had died inside the house and alerted police. Mr Nikorn’s mother expressed disbelief, stating her son was not known to be violent and she had no idea he would harm his uncle, who was also her brother. Phimai Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Sithisak Phrommuenwai confirmed that the suspect admitted there had been a heated argument, during which he grabbed a kitchen knife. A struggle ensued and the uncle reportedly managed to seize the knife first and struck Nikorn’s arm. The nephew then wrestled the knife back and struck the victim on the head. Mr Wirot collapsed and hit his head on the floor, later dying from his injuries. Police have charged Mr Nikorn with “assault causing death” and are continuing their investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

UPDATE Rescue Operation Continues Through the Night in Bangkok Piling Shaft Incident Picture from responders. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly through the night following the fall of a 33-year-old construction worker into a piling shaft at the Orange Line mass transit site in Bangkok’s Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361072-construction-worker-trapped-after-falling-into-deep-pit-at-bangkok-subway-site/#findComment-19811225

UPDATE Rescue Operation Continues Through the Night in Bangkok Piling Shaft Incident Picture from responders. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly through the night following the fall of a 33-year-old construction worker into a piling shaft at the Orange Line mass transit site in Bangkok’s Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. Rescue efforts have encountered significant challenges due to the unstable conditions surrounding the shaft. Ongoing earth collapses near the edge of the hole continue to hinder the operation, posing an additional threat not only to Saravut but also to the rescue teams themselves. Early in the operation, a worker bravely descended about 10 metres into the sinkhole and attempted to manually excavate space from the surrounding mud to allow the trapped worker to breathe. Additionally, a backhoe was deployed to carefully remove the mud from the edges, in a bid to stabilise the soil and prevent further collapse. Authorities attribute much of the difficulty in the rescue to the soft nature of the soil in the area, a consequence of recent heavy rain. “The efforts to save Saravut have been significantly hampered by the ground conditions, which remain highly susceptible to additional collapse,” one rescue worker noted during an interview. It has emerged that Saravut had only been working at the site for about ten days. Rescue teams are now working against the clock and battling both the elements and the unstable terrain, in an effort to reach and extract the worker safely. Adapted by Asean Now from PBS 2025-05-20.

Three Family Members Electrocuted in Incident in Trang Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A incident claimed the lives of three family members in Trang Province on the afternoon of 19 May, after they were fatally electrocuted at their home in Ban Nong Niang Taek village, located in the Na Wong Subdistrict of Huai Yot District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361149-three-family-members-electrocuted-in-incident-in-trang/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A incident claimed the lives of three family members in Trang Province on the afternoon of 19 May, after they were fatally electrocuted at their home in Ban Nong Niang Taek village, located in the Na Wong Subdistrict of Huai Yot District. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 13:30, by Huai Yot Police Station, reporting a fatal electrical incident at House No. 26, Moo 8. Responding teams from the Sawang Phakdee Trang Foundation, local police, forensic specialists and medical staff quickly attended the scene. The victims were identified as: • Mr Preecha Krongyut, aged 50, the homeowner • Mrs Amnuay Sreenuan, aged 52, his wife • Mrs Ju Krongyut, aged 89, his mother Initial findings revealed all three victims had suffered fatal electric shocks. Mrs Amnuay was found lying on her back near a clothes-drying rack, dressed in an undergarment and traditional Thai wrap, with signs of burns and bruising on her body. Mr Preecha was found nearby with burns on his left arm and a wire gripped in his hand. Mrs Ju, also found gripping a wire, had sustained visible burn injuries. Further investigation uncovered that an improvised electrified wire had been installed around the home, just 20 centimetres above the ground, as a makeshift deterrent against dogs attacking the family’s chickens. The wire, made from copper cabling, had been connected from the main house to a small shack in the back garden, and then run around the perimeter. It is believed, from a neighbours account that Mrs Amnuay was electrocuted first while hanging or collecting laundry, touching the low-lying wire. Her cries likely prompted Mr Preecha to rush to her aid, but in his panic he failed to shut off the power supply and was also electrocuted trying to pull the wire away from his wife. Moments later, Mrs Ju reportedly came to assist, only to meet the same fate. None of the victims were wearing shoes at the time of the incident, increasing their vulnerability to electric shock. The exact cause remains under investigation by forensic experts. All three bodies were examined at the scene before being taken for post-mortem examination. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

Police Sergeant Found Dead in Phatthalung Quarters After Days Unseen Picture courtesy of khaosod. A police sergeant was found dead in his official residence behind the Kong Ra Police Station, Phatthalung province, after colleagues became concerned when he had not been seen for several days and a foul odour was detected emanating from his room. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361144-police-sergeant-found-dead-in-phatthalung-quarters-after-days-unseen/

Picture courtesy of khaosod. A police sergeant was found dead in his official residence behind the Kong Ra Police Station, Phatthalung province, after colleagues became concerned when he had not been seen for several days and a foul odour was detected emanating from his room. At approximately 13:00 on 19 May, Pol.Lt. Nathacharong Inkhaw of Kong Ra Police Station responded to a report from fellow officers who discovered the body of the deceased, identified as Pol.Sgt.Maj. Somsak, a member of the station’s crime prevention unit. The discovery was made in the officer’s private quarters located behind the station. Upon entering the room, police found the body with a gunshot wound to the temple. A 9mm service pistol was found nearby, along with a spent casing and bullet. Unused rounds remained in the magazine. Investigators documented the scene and collected evidence for further examination. According to colleagues, the deceased officer was known to be a quiet and private individual who often kept to himself. He was last seen in the evening of 16 May. On the morning of 19 May, a fellow officer became alarmed by a strong odour coming from the room and made the grim discovery. Pol.Col. Natthawut Techato, Superintendent of Kong Ra Police Station, stated that initial indications suggest the officer took his own life, likely due to personal stress. “He was a reserved man who didn’t interact much with others,” he said. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out further possibilities as they await autopsy results. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

Woman Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant While Foraging for Mushrooms Picture courtesy of Amarin A 52-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, marking the first fatal elephant attack in the area this year. The incident occurred as the victim was foraging for mushrooms with family members and fellow villagers in a forested area near Ban Phu Ngern, Baan Tong subdistrict, Seka district, Bueng Kan province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361143-woman-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-while-foraging-for-mushrooms/

Picture courtesy of Amarin A 52-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, marking the first fatal elephant attack in the area this year. The incident occurred as the victim was foraging for mushrooms with family members and fellow villagers in a forested area near Ban Phu Ngern, Baan Tong subdistrict, Seka district, Bueng Kan province. The head of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, Mr. Wisanu Kumphao, received a report from the Chanaen Forest Protection Unit, regarding the fatal elephant encounter. Authorities from Sok Kam Police Station, sanctuary officials, local rescue teams, and hospital staff were dispatched to the scene. The deceased, later identified as Ms. Khunanya, had entered the protected forest area early in the morning with her husband, daughter, and a group of villagers to search for wild mushrooms. According to a heart-wrenching account given by the victim’s daughter, who witnessed the incident, the attack occurred around 06:00. She described walking just 4–5 metres behind her mother when a wild elephant suddenly emerged from the trees and charged directly at her. The elephant reportedly trampled Ms. Khunanya while emitting a single loud cry. The daughter said she heard her mother scream twice before she was fatally crushed. Panicked and unable to help, the daughter hid behind a nearby tree and attempted to scare the elephant away by lighting firecrackers. The elephant eventually retreated into the forest, allowing her to rush to her mother’s side, only to find that she had already succumbed to her injuries. The daughter then ran to seek help from other villagers. Rescue personnel later retrieved the body from the forest and transported it down from the mountainous area of Phu Wua for examination by the on-duty physician at Seka Hospital. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved when entering protected forest areas, especially during the mushroom-gathering season when human–wildlife encounters tend to increase. Local authorities are urging villagers to exercise extreme caution and to coordinate with wildlife officials when entering such areas. Wild elephants are known to roam the region and although usually peaceful, they can become aggressive if startled or if they feel threatened. Conservation officers are continuing to monitor elephant activity in the area. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-20.

Cow Transport Truck Crashes into Truck Carrying Animal Feed Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident occurred on the morning of 19 May, when a 10-wheel truck transporting cattle collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler truck carrying animal feed. The crash resulted in the death of one individual and left another seriously injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361142-cow-transport-truck-crashes-into-truck-carrying-animal-feed/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident occurred on the morning of 19 May, when a 10-wheel truck transporting cattle collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler truck carrying animal feed. The crash resulted in the death of one individual and left another seriously injured. The incident took place at approximately 06:00 on Rama II Road, outbound at kilometre marker 51, in the leftmost parallel lane near Moo 2, Na Khok subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province. Police Lieutenant Sukkrit Suriwong, Investigating Officer at Bang Thorat Police Station, was alerted to the crash and immediately dispatched a rescue team from the Samut Sakhon Charity Foundation along with emergency medical responders. On arrival, they discovered a Hino 10-wheel truck, registered in Phetchaburi, fully loaded with cattle, which had slammed into the rear of an 18-wheeler from Nakhon Pathom. The trailer had overturned, spilling numerous sacks of animal feed across the road. Two people were trapped inside the cattle truck, the driver and a passenger. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting equipment to extricate them. The driver was critically injured and received first aid at the scene before being rushed to Mahachai 1 Hospital. Unfortunately, the front-seat passenger had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. It reportedly took emergency crews around 30 minutes to retrieve the body from the wreckage. According to eyewitnesses, the 18-wheeler had been preparing to turn into a nearby factory when the crash occurred. A loud bang was heard as the rear of the lorry was struck with such force that the trailer flipped onto its side. Witnesses immediately contacted the police. Relatives of the victims stated that the cattle truck had been travelling back to Phetchaburi after purchasing cattle in the northeastern region of Thailand. Police have since collected evidence from the scene and taken witness statements. Further investigations will involve questioning the drivers and examining CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact cause of the crash and to pursue any necessary legal action. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

Anthrax Outbreak Halts Thai Beef Exports to Vietnam, Border Trade Suffers Massive Losses Picture courtesy of Amarin An outbreak of anthrax in livestock has caused a major disruption to Thailand’s border trade, with beef exports to Vietnam suspended indefinitely. The halt has triggered an estimated monthly loss of nearly 500 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361141-anthrax-outbreak-halts-thai-beef-exports-to-vietnam-border-trade-suffers-massive-losses/

Picture courtesy of Amarin An outbreak of anthrax in livestock has caused a major disruption to Thailand’s border trade, with beef exports to Vietnam suspended indefinitely. The halt has triggered an estimated monthly loss of nearly 500 million baht. While the northeastern border province of Nakhon Phanom has not recorded any anthrax infections, it has nonetheless been severely impacted by the disease’s spread in other regions. Nakhon Phanom plays a key role in the export of live cattle through the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand to Khammouane province in Laos, a crucial route for beef exports to Vietnam. Reports indicate that Vietnam has been importing around 10,000 head of cattle per month from Thailand, generating a monthly trade value of between 300 and 500 million baht. Each animal is valued between 50,000 and 80,000 baht, making the trade a vital source of income for Thai cattle farmers. In the past two months alone, exports peaked at 15,000 cattle per month. However, Vietnam has now suspended beef imports from Thailand due to growing concerns over the anthrax outbreak, effectively freezing trade via the border checkpoint. Authorities warn that if the situation is not resolved quickly, financial losses could exceed half a billion baht per month. In response, the Department of Livestock Development, in collaboration with Nakhon Phanom provincial officials and relevant agencies, has initiated urgent talks with counterparts in Laos and Vietnam to resume the trade as soon as possible. Efforts are also being made to bolster disease prevention measures, reassure buyers, and establish new standards to restore confidence in the safety of Thai livestock. Authorities are simultaneously encouraging Thai farmers to continue and expand cattle breeding efforts, given Vietnam’s sustained demand. Officials stress that the Vietnamese market remains a significant opportunity for Thai beef producers and are working to ensure long-term stability in cross-border livestock trade. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359368-anthrax-death-reported-in-mukdahan-province/ Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-20.

Phayao Authorities Recover Body of Missing Man After 25 Days in Jungle Picture courtesy of Kaoded. After more than three weeks of intense searching, authorities in Phayao province have recovered the body of a 68-year-old man who went missing in the jungle late last month. The remains of Mr Chalat Phonyiam, a resident of Ban Cham Kai, were found deep in a remote forest area after he had been missing for 25 days. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361139-phayao-authorities-recover-body-of-missing-man-after-25-days-in-jungle/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. After more than three weeks of intense searching, authorities in Phayao province have recovered the body of a 68-year-old man who went missing in the jungle late last month. The remains of Mr Chalat Phonyiam, a resident of Ban Cham Kai, were found deep in a remote forest area after he had been missing for 25 days. Mr Chalat, who had ventured into the mountains to forage on 24 April, was last seen near Doi Mon Tu Chao Chai Phrathat Noi in Moo 11, San Khong sub-district, Dok Khamtai district. Following his disappearance, local officials, police, forest rangers, rescue teams, and volunteers launched a large-scale search operation, navigating treacherous terrain in hopes of finding him alive. On the morning of 19 May, officials confirmed the discovery of his body in dense jungle near the border between Ban Cham Kai and Ban Cham Muang in Pong district. The body was found lying on its back, wearing camouflage clothing, with the left arm resting on a tree branch. A firearm was also found nearby. Authorities estimate that Mr Chalat had been dead for several days. Leading the recovery operation was Acting Sub-Lieutenant Bamrung Khamwai, district chief of Dok Khamtai, alongside Police Colonel Bowon Chaiyakam, superintendent of Dok Khamtai Police Station. A coordination meeting was held earlier in the day at the district office to plan the retrieval of the body, which involved a physically demanding trek through the jungle. The body was transported back for forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death. Initial examination does not suggest foul play, though an autopsy will be conducted by forensic medical specialists. This case comes after an earlier five-day search for another elderly man in the area, highlighting the dangers faced by villagers who rely on forest resources and frequently venture into remote terrain. Local officials have urged caution for those entering forested areas, stressing the importance of informing authorities or neighbours before heading into the jungle alone. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-20.

Man Arrested After 10 Years on the Run for Brutal Machete Attack Over Inheritance Dispute Picture courtesy of Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) After more than a decade in hiding on a remote island, a 69-year-old man has been arrested by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for the attempted murder of his own sister during a violent dispute over inheritance. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361138-man-arrested-after-10-years-on-the-run-for-brutal-machete-attack-over-inheritance-dispute/

Picture courtesy of Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) After more than a decade in hiding on a remote island, a 69-year-old man has been arrested by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for the attempted murder of his own sister during a violent dispute over inheritance. Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) of the CIB apprehended the suspect, Mr Patiphol at a pier on Ko Chik Island, Moo 1, Bang Chan subdistrict, Klaeng district, Chanthaburi province. The arrest stems from a violent incident that occurred over ten years ago, when Mr Patiphol, enraged by a disagreement over the division of family inheritance, allegedly struck his younger sister on the head with a machete, leaving her with serious injuries. He then fled the scene and went into hiding. After a lengthy investigation and years of tracking, police discovered that the suspect had taken refuge on Ko Chik, an isolated island in the Gulf of Thailand. Officers closely monitored his movements before successfully apprehending him. Mr Patiphol has been charged with “attempted murder” and “carrying a weapon in public without reasonable cause.” He has since been handed over to Muang Chumphon Police Station for further legal proceedings. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the CIB; Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the CSD; and Police Colonel Phattarawut Onchuai, Superintendent of Subdivision 5, CSD. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-20.