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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

Picture from responders. 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. The crash occurred around 03:00, at kilometre marker 36+200 in the fast lane of Khlong Nueng subdistrict, Khlong Luang district. Police Lieutenant Worut Phumipak from Khlong Luang Police Station responded to the incident along with traffic officers, local rescue teams from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, Rangsit City Municipality EMS, and volunteers from the Hongsakul unit. At the scene, authorities found a multi-vehicle pile-up comprising four pickup trucks, onetaxi, one car, and an oil tanker. All vehicles were left stranded across the express lane, forcing authorities to close the road temporarily while recovery vehicles cleared the wreckage. Six people, three men and three women, sustained injuries and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals by emergency responders. Mr. Somsak a 59-year-old Isuzu pickup driver from Phetchabun, recounted the incident: “I was returning home from selling vegetables at Si Mum Mueang Market. Suddenly, the rear of my truck was struck, and I heard multiple crashes behind me. Then, a vehicle hit mine. I later found out the road was slick with oil.” A volunteer from the Hongsakul team confirmed the road was covered in oil but could not identify which vehicle caused the spill. Lt. Worut confirmed that the collision was likely caused by the oil spill, which made the road surface treacherously slippery. Authorities have since coordinated with Khlong Luang Municipality’s fire department to spray down the road and remove the oil residue. Tow trucks were brought in to remove all damaged vehicles and reopen the lanes to traffic. The investigation into the source of the oil spill and the precise chain of events remains ongoing. -- 2025-04-06

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. Mr. Sriwan 67 and his wife Mrs. Sumalee 55, both residents of Baan Nai Soi village in Pang Mu sub-district, Mae Hong Son province, were found dead in a reservoir located roughly 200 metres from their home. The couple had gone out in the late afternoon to clear a firebreak in an effort to prevent a nearby forest blaze from spreading into their property. According to police reports, Mrs. Sumalee was using a coconut broom to sweep dry leaves away from the edge of the reservoir when she slipped on the steep bank and fell into the deep water. Unable to swim, she began to drown. Mr. Sriwan immediately jumped in to save her but was also overcome by the water. Both lost their lives. Local authorities were alerted when the couple failed to return home. A concerned nephew began a search and discovered two face masks floating on the surface of the reservoir along with Mr. Sriwan’s shoes at the water’s edge. Emergency services, including local police, medical personnel from Srisangwan Hospital, and a volunteer rescue foundation, were called to the scene. The couple’s bodies were later recovered from the water. An initial examination by the attending physician found no signs of foul play or external injuries, and it was concluded the couple had been deceased for over four hours. Their family has not raised any suspicions regarding the cause of death, and the bodies were released to relatives for religious rites and cremation. Wildfires continue to rage across Mae Hong Son province, with over 100 hotspots reported daily, placing immense strain on local communities and emergency services. The deceased couple’s deaths highlight the deadly risks residents face as they attempt to protect their homes and livelihoods from encroaching flames. -- 2025-04-06

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. The arrest followed a warrant issued by Buriram Provincial Court (No. 93/2568, dated 24 March 2025) for 45-year-old Mr. Ek who is charged with “fraud by impersonation” and “inputting false information into a computer system.” The suspect was apprehended in front of his residence in Soi Chaeng Watthana 12, Thung Song Hong subdistrict, Lak Si district, Bangkok, by a team led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), along with Pol. Col. Suriyasuk Jirawat, Deputy Superintendent of CSD Subdivision 3. Investigators revealed that Mr. Ek had posted in a Facebook group titled “Architect-Engineer-Foreman-Consultant-Headman & Skilled Workers Job Board,” claiming to be a qualified engineer. He allegedly submitted a doctored image of a professional licence to convince a contractor to hire him for a house design project. The first job went smoothly, but problems surfaced when the contractor later engaged him for two additional site inspections. It was then discovered that one of the houses had been built outside its designated boundary markers. When police at Muang Buriram Police Station conducted an identity check, it became clear that Mr. Ek was not the licensed engineer he claimed to be. Authorities contacted the real engineer whose name and details appeared on the forged document. The deception was exposed, prompting the victim to file a formal complaint, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant. Officers later tracked the suspect to his home in the Chaeng Watthana area, where he was detained. During initial questioning, the suspect denied the charges. He has since been transferred to Muang Buriram Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-04-06

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. Mr. Veerith Amrapal, Governor of the SRT, announced that in response to directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the SRT had expedited structural inspections for the third-phase contract area (Section 3-1), which includes the Kaeng Khoi–Klang Dong and Pang Asok–Bandai Ma stretches. This move followed a 28 March earthquake that raised concerns about the safety of infrastructure under construction. According to Mr. Veerith, SRT engineers and independent experts thoroughly examined the affected areas and found no signs of cracking or structural damage. The high-speed rail structures were designed to withstand seismic activity and operational vibrations, in compliance with established engineering standards. Further inspections were carried out in collaboration with specialists from the Department of Rail Transport, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), and the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand. Steel samples were collected from the Muak Lek and Thap Kwang storage sites, where materials for the 3-1 contract section are held. Laboratory testing was conducted to assess a range of engineering and quality benchmarks, including: • Yield Strength • Tensile Strength • Elongation • Bending Test • Chemical Composition The test results confirmed that all steel samples met or exceeded required standards in every category. These findings indicate that the steel is of high quality, structurally sound, and safe for use in railway construction, consistent with international guidelines. Mr. Veerith emphasised that the SRT enforces rigorous quality control measures throughout the entire process. This includes certifying steel at the manufacturing stage, testing materials upon arrival at construction sites, and continuous monitoring during construction. Only materials that pass all required inspections are approved for use, ensuring compliance with contract conditions and maintaining public safety. -- 2025-04-06

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. Pol. Sub-Lt. Sarawi Jaemjang from Muang Saraburi Police Station received the emergency call early morning on 5 April and arrived on the scene with rescue personnel from the Sawang Rattanatrai Thammasathan Foundation. A Honda motorcycle was found crushed and dragged by an Isuzu six-wheeled lorry registered in Saraburi. The impact was so severe that the rider’s helmet was thrown off, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman who had been riding pillion sustained serious injuries, including a fractured right leg, and was rushed to Saraburi Hospital. Further investigation at the site revealed that three more vehicles had collided. A company staff shuttle bus had crashed into the rear of a postal delivery lorry after it was struck from behind by a 22-wheel cement trailer. Seven female workers onboard the shuttle bus were injured, with three sent to Saraburi Hospital and four to Kasemrad Saraburi Hospital. Mr. Wisit, 56, the postal lorry driver, said he witnessed the initial crash when a six-wheeled truck hit the motorcycle. As traffic suddenly slowed, he braked, only to be rear-ended by the large cement trailer, which was followed closely by the shuttle bus crashing into the back of the six-wheeled lorry. Mr. Mongkol, 34, the cement trailer driver, stated he had been transporting cement from Kaeng Khoi district to Bangkok. He said a pickup truck in the middle lane abruptly braked, causing the postal lorry to swerve. Though he attempted to brake, he was unable to avoid a collision. The driver of the staff shuttle bus explained that he had been en route to drop workers off for the morning shift. As he tried to veer slightly right to avoid the pile-up ahead, the trailer also shifted lanes, leading to a glancing collision between the two vehicles. Police have gathered statements from all involved drivers and recorded evidence at the scene. The body of the deceased has been sent for a full autopsy at Saraburi Hospital to determine the precise cause of death. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the multi-vehicle crash. -- 2025-04-06

EVA Air Flight BR67 Makes Emergency Landing at Suvarnabhumi After Circling Thai Skies Picture courtesy of Matichon. An EVA Air flight en route from Bangkok to London was forced to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport on April 5, after circling over Thailand’s airspace for several hours. Flight BR67, which had departed at 13:01 from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, experienced an issue that led to a dramatic change in itsflight path. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356913-eva-air-flight-br67-makes-emergency-landing-at-suvarnabhumi-after-circling-thai-skies/

Bangkok Building Collapse: China Defends Its Companies Heavy machineries are deployed to clear the rubble from an under construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday's earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) The Chinese embassy implores against defaming Chinese firms following the collapse of an unfinished State Audit building during last week’s earthquake in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356867-bangkok-building-collapse-china-defends-its-companies/

Picture from responders. 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. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 04:30, on outbound Phetchaburi Road near Wat Mai Chong Lom in Bang Kapi Subdistrict, Huai Khwang District. Police Lieutenant Paisan Suthaphot of Makkasan Police Station, together with medical staff from Ramathibodi Hospital and rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, responded swiftly to the emergency. At the scene, officers found a black Ducati big bike torn apart and severely damaged, lying on the inbound lane of Phetchaburi Road, around 15 metres from the point of impact. Nearby, the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered with multiple fractures and signs of catastrophic trauma. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were later identified as Mr. Jakraphat 28, who was driving the motorcycle, and Ms. Chaloda 29, who was riding pillion. The lorry involved in the crash, a white Hino ten-wheeler registered in Bangkok, was found parked across the outbound lane with damage to the rear right-hand side. Its rear lights were broken, and debris including the bike’s front shock absorbers and fuel tank was strewn across the road. An eyewitness reported hearing the roar of the big bike moments before the crash. “I heard the engine screaming down the road and then saw the bike hit the back of the lorry at high speed. The impact was massive, the motorcycle shattered, and the riders were thrown into the opposite lane.” Police have temporarily closed both sides of the road to clear the wreckage and document the scene. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from nearby cameras and interviewed witnesses as part of their inquiry. The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the forensic unit at Ramathibodi Hospital for autopsy. Authorities are in the process of contacting the families to arrange for the release of the bodies. -- 2025-04-06

Chinese Businessman Found Dead on a Pattaya Beach Picture courtesy of SiamNews. A 40-year-old Chinese national, identified as Mr Ronghua Qiu, was discovered dead early morning on 5 April, on a secluded stretch of a Pattaya beach, sparking mystery and speculation about the cause of his untimely demise. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356907-chinese-businessman-found-dead-on-a-pattaya-beach/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 6 April 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1356934-thailand-live-sunday-6-april-2025/

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. The decision was made by Police Lieutenant General Kittisak Durongkhiboon, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 6, who signed an urgent order reassigning Police Colonel Amornwit Mantong from his post. The removal comes in response to a serious dereliction of duty, after he failed to promptly notify authorities about the fatal incident. According to the directive, an internal police radio message (No. 0021.122/311) clearly instructed all station heads to report any major, distressing, or newsworthy incidents to the Region 6 Commissioner within one hour of occurrence. Despite this, no report was made following an event that took place in the Wang Sai Phun jurisdiction: a 9-year-old child had picked up what turned out to be an explosive device, which subsequently detonated, killing the boy. To ensure a thorough investigation and uphold transparency and accountability, the following measures have been implemented: 1. Police Colonel Amornwit Mantong is to be reassigned to assist at the Region 6 Operations Centre, relieved of all duties in his previous role. 2. Police Colonel Sucheep Sittirat, Deputy Commander of Phichit Provincial Police, is appointed Acting Superintendent of Wang Sai Phun Police Station until further notice. These changes are effective immediately and will remain in place until an official order declares otherwise. The nature of the child’s death, coupled with the failure to report the incident, has prompted concerns about communication and procedural compliance within local law enforcement agencies. The investigation into both the circumstances of the explosion and the oversight in reporting is ongoing. -- 2025-04-06

EVA Air Flight BR67 Makes Emergency Landing at Suvarnabhumi After Circling Thai Skies Picture courtesy of Matichon. An EVA Air flight en route from Bangkok to London was forced to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport on April 5, after circling over Thailand’s airspace for several hours. Flight BR67, which had departed at 13:01 from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, experienced an issue that led to a dramatic change in itsflight path. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356913-eva-air-flight-br67-makes-emergency-landing-at-suvarnabhumi-after-circling-thai-skies/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. An EVA Air flight en route from Bangkok to London was forced to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport on April 5, after circling over Thailand’s airspace for several hours. Flight BR67, which had departed at 13:01 from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, experienced an issue that led to a dramatic change in its flight path. According to reports, the plane, which had been flying towards London, was unable to continue on its course due to a problem with its front landing gear. As a precaution, the pilots made the decision to burn fuel in order to reduce the aircraft’s weight to a safe level before initiating an emergency landing. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-36N (ER) registration B-16738, was carrying a full complement of passengers, began to circle in Thai airspace while the pilots carried out the necessary procedures to ensure the safety of all on board. After several hours of circling, the decision was made to return to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thankfully, the flight landed safely back at the airport with no reported injuries. Emergency crews were on standby as the plane touched down, and the passengers were taken off the aircraft. A spokesperson for EVA Air later confirmed that the incident was caused by a problem with the front wheel’s tyre, which prompted the emergency landing. The airline expressed gratitude for the professionalism of its flight crew and reassured passengers that their safety remained its top priority. Following the safe landing, the airline will continue to investigate the cause of the issue with the landing gear and has promised to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of future flights. -- 2025-04-05