Georgealbert

Final-Year University Student Dies in Motorcycle Crash While Home to Defer Military Service Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 25-year-old university student returning home to process paperwork for military conscription deferment has died following a motorcycle accident in Phatthalung province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356861-final-year-university-student-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-while-home-to-defer-military-service/

French Tourist Rescued After Eight-Hour Ordeal in Karon Ravine Picture courtesy of Phuket Express A 72-year-old French tourist was rescued after spending more than eight hours trapped in a deep ravine in the Karon area of Phuket. The man, identified only as Mr Celou, reportedly slipped and fell into the ravine on the morning of 4 April and was unable to climb out due to the steep and hazardous terrain. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356860-french-tourist-rescued-after-eight-hour-ordeal-in-karon-ravine/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 25-year-old university student returning home to process paperwork for military conscription deferment has died following a motorcycle accident in Phatthalung province. The incident occurred late on the evening of 3 April on the inbound stretch of the Aphai Burirat Road, near Ban Rae Curve in Kuha Sawan Subdistrict, within Phatthalung Municipality. Police from Mueang Phatthalung Station and local rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a serious crash. Upon arrival, authorities found a Honda Forza 350 motorcycle that had skidded off the road and overturned. Approximately 200 metres away, the injured rider, identified as Mr. Pakpoom, 25, was discovered lying on the road. Rescue personnel provided initial aid before transferring him to Phatthalung Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Grieving family members arrived at the hospital shortly after learning of the accident. They revealed that Mr. Pakpoom had been studying at a university in Bangkok and was in his final year. He had returned to his hometown specifically to complete the deferment process for compulsory military service. Initial investigations by police suggest that Mr. Pakpoom was riding at high speed as he approached the curve. It is believed he lost control, causing the bike to veer into the central reservation. The impact threw him from the motorcycle, leading to fatal injuries. Police plan to review CCTV footage in the area to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2025-04-05

Picture courtesy of Phuket Express A 72-year-old French tourist was rescued after spending more than eight hours trapped in a deep ravine in the Karon area of Phuket. The man, identified only as Mr Celou, reportedly slipped and fell into the ravine on the morning of 4 April and was unable to climb out due to the steep and hazardous terrain. According to the Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation, the incident occurred at around 10:35 in the Patak Soi 12 area. Mr Celou, who had been walking alone in the vicinity, found himself stranded after his fall. Thankfully, he still had his mobile phone with him and was able to contact his partner to raise the alarm. Emergency response teams arrived on the scene shortly afterwards and quickly realised that the rescue would not be straightforward. The ravine, known for its dense vegetation and steep inclines, posed significant difficulties for the rescuers. The team, made up of trained volunteers from the Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation, was forced to use specialist rope systems to descend into the ravine safely and bring the man back up. The operation lasted more than four hours, during which the rescuers carefully navigated treacherous terrain, slippery rocks, and dense undergrowth. After finally reaching Mr Celou and assessing his condition, the team began the slow and delicate process of hoisting him back up. Mr Celou, who was conscious and able to speak with rescuers throughout the ordeal, was transported to a nearby hospital for a thorough medical evaluation. Fortunately, doctors later confirmed that he had sustained only minor injuries and was expected to make a full recovery. The Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation praised the cooperation and professionalism of the rescue teams involved and reminded members of the public to exercise caution when exploring remote or rugged areas, particularly during the hot season when fatigue and dehydration can increase the risk of accidents. Local authorities have also advised tourists to always inform someone of their travel plans and to carry a charged mobile phone when hiking or walking in isolated areas. -- 2025-04-05

Rock Band Drummer Dies in Drink-Driving Crash in Chaiyaphum A 20-year-old rock band drummer lost his life in a high-speed crash after reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred late at night on a rural road in Mueang Chaiyaphum district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356857-rock-band-drummer-dies-in-drink-driving-crash-in-chaiyaphum/

Picture from responders. A 20-year-old rock band drummer lost his life in a high-speed crash after reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred late at night on a rural road in Mueang Chaiyaphum district. Police and rescue teams were not called to the scene until the next morning to the incident on the Chaiyaphum-Tat Ton Road, near kilometre marker 8-9 in front of Rungwiman Resort, in Tambon Nafai, after local residents reported a serious accident. Officers from Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Siri Jandeesri, confirmed that a blue Nissan car had struck a roadside streetlight before spinning off into a grass-covered area beside the road. The vehicle was found completely wrecked, and next to it lay the lifeless body of a young man later identified as Sakdanan Kulwong, a resident of Phu Khieo district in Chaiyaphum province. Sakdanan, was the drummer for local rock group “Rock Koeb Sia,”. His body showed extensive injuries, including facial lacerations from broken glass, multiple fractures, and a broken neck. Medical personnel at the scene estimated he had been dead for at least six hours prior to discovery. Preliminary investigations revealed that Sakdanan had spent the evening drinking with friends at a nightlife venue near Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University. According to witnesses, he borrowed money from a friend before deciding to drive to meet his girlfriend at a restaurant in central Chaiyaphum. Police believe he lost control of the car before it struck the streetlight, causing him to be ejected through the front windscreen before the vehicle spun off the road and came to rest in the undergrowth. The body was transported to Chaiyaphum Hospital for a full autopsy. -- 2025-04-05

Tour Bus Crashes Off Road in Surat Thani – Multiple Injuries, Including Foreign Tourists Pictured courtesy of Matichon. A road crash occurred in Surat Thani, on 4 April, after a tour bus veered off the road and crashed, leaving dozens injured, including several foreign tourists. Emergency services rushed to the scene and engaged in a large-scale rescue operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356809-tour-bus-crashes-off-road-in-surat-thani-–-multiple-injuries-including-foreign-tourists/

Pictured from rrsponders. A road crash occurred in Surat Thani, on 4 April, after a tour bus veered off the road and crashed, leaving dozens injured, including several foreign tourists. Emergency services rushed to the scene and engaged in a large-scale rescue operation. The crash happened at approximately 12:05 on Highway 44 (Southern Seaboard), near a Bangchak petrol station in Bang Sawat Subdistrict, Phra Saeng District. According to the Kuson Sattha Rescue Foundation, the bus reportedly lost control and careened off the roadside embankment. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. Initial reports indicate that between 10 and 20 passengers were injured in the crash. Several were trapped inside the wreckage and required urgent extraction. Rescue workers deployed cutting tools and emergency medical equipment to free the injured from the severely damaged vehicle. Emergency responders confirmed that a number of the injured were foreign nationals travelling as part of a tour group. The nationalities and full extent of their injuries have not yet been confirmed. Ambulances from nearby districts were dispatched to the crash site, with multiple victims being transported to hospitals in Surat Thani for urgent treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. Eyewitness accounts are being collected, and CCTV footage from along the route is being reviewed. Officials from the Ministry of Transport have expressed concern and pledged a full investigation. A representative stated: “We are working closely with local authorities to determine the cause and will be reviewing transport company safety procedures. The safety of both Thai citizens and international tourists is our top priority.” -- 2025-04-04

UPDATE Armed ‘Rider’ Robber Nabbed After Fleeing with Wife to Sakon Nakhon Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A man disguised as a food delivery rider who staged a daring armed gold heist at a major shopping mall in Bang Phli has been arrested after fleeing with his wife to her hometown in Sakon Nakhon. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356740-armed-robbery-at-bang-phli-gold-shop-suspect-flees-with-400000-worth-of-jewellery/#findComment-19708474

UPDATE Armed ‘Rider’ Robber Nabbed After Fleeing with Wife to Sakon Nakhon Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A man disguised as a food delivery rider who staged a daring armed gold heist at a major shopping mall in Bang Phli has been arrested after fleeing with his wife to her hometown in Sakon Nakhon. The robbery, which occurred on 2 April, took place on the second floor of a well-known department store in Bang Phli Yai subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province. The suspect made off with gold jewellery worth over 400,000 baht. Following swift investigative efforts, police from Bang Phli Police Station traced the suspect and his wife to a house in Kut Bak subdistrict, Kut Bak district, Sakon Nakhon province, where both were apprehended late night on 3 April. Initial investigations revealed that after the robbery, the couple fled separately before regrouping and hiring a taxi to drive them from Samut Prakan to the wife’s family home in Sakon Nakhon. Police confirmed recovery of the stolen items, including a 3-baht gold necklace, which the suspect had pawned for 120,000 baht. The suspect was transported back to Bang Phli Police Station for further questioning and will face legal proceedings -- 2025-04-04

The link to the online form, in English is in the OP. Posted again below. here

Thailand’s 2025 Census: What You Need to Know Thailand’s 2025 Population and Housing Census officially began on 1 April 2025, with all eligible residents required to take part. Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the census is a vital process that helps shape national policies on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic planning. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356756-thailand’s-2025-census-what-you-need-to-know/

Thailand’s 2025 Population and Housing Census officially began on 1 April 2025, with all eligible residents required to take part. Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the census is a vital process that helps shape national policies on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic planning. The census, usually conducted every ten years, was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s survey will take place in two phases, with data collection running until 19 June 2025. Who Must Complete the Census? The census includes: • Thai citizens residing in Thailand on Census Day – All Thai nationals present in the country on 1 April 2025 must participate. • Thai and non-Thai residents temporarily abroad – Those who usually live in Thailand but are overseas on Census Day will still be counted. • Thai government personnel stationed abroad – This includes military personnel, civil servants, and diplomats, as well as their families. • Foreign residents who have lived in Thailand for at least three months – Non-Thai nationals who have been in Thailand since 1 January 2025 or earlier are also required to participate. Who is Exempt from the Census? Certain groups are not required to take part in the census, including: • Foreign diplomats, military personnel, and civil servants based in Thailand, along with their families. • Short-term foreign residents and tourists who have been in Thailand for less than three months prior to 1 April 2025. • Refugees and undocumented migrants living in refugee camps, who are not included in the census data collection. How Will the Census Be Conducted? The census will take place in two phases, offering both online and in-person data collection: Phase 1: Online Data Collection (1–20 April 2025) During this period, residents can submit their information online through: • The NSO website (here) • The ‘Tang Rat’ application (available on Google Play and the App Store, but in Thai language only) The online survey will be available in seven languages: • Thai, English, Vietnamese, Burmese (Myanmar), Laotian, Cambodian, and Chinese Participants can switch languages by selecting the option in the top-right corner of the website. A family representative can fill out the form for an entire household, meaning individual household members do not need to submit separate entries. Importantly, no sensitive personal data will be collected. The survey will not ask for ID numbers (passport or Thai ID), bank details, or income information. Instead, it will focus on: • Household location • Type of household and residence • Number of people in the household Phase 2: In-Person Data Collection (21 April – 19 June 2025) For those who do not complete the survey online, census officials and volunteers will visit households in person. The NSO has confirmed that census teams may include English-speaking volunteers, particularly in areas with large foreign communities, such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Why Is the Census Important? The census provides crucial data to support national development. Information collected will be categorised into: • Population count • Household numbers • Types of buildings (including houses, shophouses, condominiums, and vacant rental properties) Accurate census data allows the government to plan better public services, ensuring appropriate resources are allocated to education, healthcare, transport, and housing. What Happens Next? Once the census is completed, the NSO will analyse the data and publish its findings, which will guide long-term policy decisions. -- 2025-04-04

Drunk Foreign Woman Flips Car, Dances at Phuket Crash Scene Picture courtesy of Khaosod Residents were left stunned after a drunk foreign woman crashed into a parked car, overturned her own vehicle, and then began dancing and smoking beside the wreckage. The bizarre incident took place on the afternoon of 3 April in Mai Khao, Phuket, near a local Supercheap store in Moo 4. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356755-drunk-foreign-woman-flips-car-dances-at-phuket-crash-scene/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod Residents were left stunned after a drunk foreign woman crashed into a parked car, overturned her own vehicle, and then began dancing and smoking beside the wreckage. The bizarre incident took place on the afternoon of 3 April in Mai Khao, Phuket, near a local Supercheap store in Moo 4. According to eyewitnesses, the woman, accompanied by a foreign male passenger, was heavily intoxicated and incoherent at the time of the crash. She had been driving an MG car, which collided with a parked vehicle before flipping onto its roof. Instead of reacting with concern, she reportedly turned on loud music, smoked a cigarette, and danced next to the wreckage. Her male companion watched on and as both posed for photos beside the overturned vehicle. Local residents claim that this was not her first reckless incident. Just two days earlier, on 1 April, the same woman had allegedly crashed her motorbike into another parked vehicle and fled the scene without taking responsibility. The incident has sparked concern and frustration among locals, with many questioning whether current visa policies have contributed to an increase in disruptive behaviour by tourists. Authorities have yet to confirm what legal consequences the woman will face for the crashes. -- 2025-04-04 Video courtesy of Phuketinsta. -4216517357492996985.mp4

Brawl in Pattaya After Chinese Tourist’s Public Urination Picture courtesy of Kaoded Police in Pattaya were called to break up a late-night altercation between a group of motorcycle taxi drivers and Chinese tourists after a dispute over public urination escalated into a physical confrontation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356752-brawl-in-pattaya-after-chinese-tourist’s-public-urination/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded Police in Pattaya were called to break up a late-night altercation between a group of motorcycle taxi drivers and Chinese tourists after a dispute over public urination escalated into a physical confrontation. The incident occurred at 23:35 on 4 April near Soi 6, Pattaya Beach Road. Police Lieutenant Sontaya Khonsap, deputy inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, received the report and dispatched officers to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found the two groups arguing heatedly, with bystanders attempting to defuse the situation. Witnesses reported that the confrontation had already turned physical, resulting in minor injuries to both parties. Police intervened and escorted them to Pattaya Police Station for further questioning. According to statements from the motorcycle taxi drivers, three Chinese tourists entered a private area and began to relieve themselves. When the drivers attempted to stop them, the tourists allegedly ignored their warnings and responded aggressively. The situation escalated when one of the tourists grabbed a driver by the collar and threw the first punch, triggering a brawl. At the police station, both sides were interviewed to determine the full circumstances of the altercation. Officers stated that if either party wished to press charges, legal action would be taken. However, if both groups chose to settle the matter amicably, they would be allowed to apologise and go their separate ways. Police reminded both tourists and locals to respect public regulations and private property, urging visitors to familiarise themselves with local customs and laws to avoid unnecessary conflicts. -- 2025-04-04

Fatal Bus Crash in Khon Kaen: One Dead, One Injured A crash occurred early morning on 3 April, on Mittraphap Road, in front of Tha Phra Market, Khon Kaen province, when a long-distance passenger bus travelling from Udon Thani to Bangkok collided with a parked lorry. The crash resulted in the death of the bus driver and left one passenger injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356751-fatal-bus-crash-in-khon-kaen-one-dead-one-injured/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred early morning on 3 April, on Mittraphap Road, in front of Tha Phra Market, Khon Kaen province, when a long-distance passenger bus travelling from Udon Thani to Bangkok collided with a parked lorry. The crash resulted in the death of the bus driver and left one passenger injured. At 06:50, emergency responders were alerted to a serious collision on the busy highway. A passenger bus on the Udon Thani–Bangkok route had crashed into the rear of a stationary lorry parked along the roadside. Rescue teams, including medics and local police, arrived at the scene to assist the injured and assess the damage. The bus driver was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. A passenger sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have yet to release details on the victim’s condition. Police secured the site and were conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility or driver fatigue, could have contributed to the collision. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to determine whether the stationary lorry was legally parked and whether the bus driver attempted to brake before impact. -- 2025-04-04

Som Tam Vendor Discovers Body as She Goes to Relieve Herself Picture courtesy of SiamChon. In a chilling turn of events, the body of 42-year-old Bua Son, a man from Ubon Ratchathani, was discovered in a remote patch of forest near an old market in Soi Thung Klom Tan Mun 10, Nong Prue, Chonburi. The discovery was made around 15:05, on 3 April, after a passer-by stumbled upon the decomposing body in a dense thicket. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356750-som-tam-vendor-discovers-body-as-she-goes-to-relieve-herself/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. In a chilling turn of events, the body of 42-year-old Bua Son, a man from Ubon Ratchathani, was discovered in a remote patch of forest near an old market in Soi Thung Klom Tan Mun 10, Nong Prue, Chonburi. The discovery was made around 15:05, on 3 April, after a passer-by stumbled upon the decomposing body in a dense thicket. The body was found near a makeshift shelter made of tarpaulin, where the man had been living and working as a caretaker for a nearby excavator. The area is a remote, overgrown spot with a dirt mound and heavy vegetation. It is suspected that the man had been dead for at least 24 hours, based on the condition of the body. No signs of physical violence were found, leading authorities to believe it could be a natural death. A 55-year-old local woman, identified as Khwan, who sells som tam near the site, recalled seeing the man frequently, as he was often around the area guarding machinery. She explained that she was the one who found the body after walking into the forest to relieve herself. “I noticed the foul smell and then, to my horror, saw his lifeless body,” Khwan said, describing the shock of the discovery. “I immediately ran out and called the police.” Locals revealed that the deceased had been missing for two days before being discovered. His employer had been searching for him but had no luck. The last time anyone saw him was when he had been helping his employer collect grass near the very spot where his body was found. Locals speculated that the man had health issues, as he was known to drink heavily, consuming alcohol in place of water. Police secured the scene and conducted an investigation. Lieutenant Colonel Natbadin Thong-in, Deputy Investigation Officer from Nong Prue Police Station, ordered a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death. The body has been sent to the Police General Hospital’s Forensic Institute for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. As authorities continue their investigation. -- 2025-04-04

Phayao State Audit Office Building Left Unfinished, Budgeted at 70 Million Baht Picture courtesy of Khoasod. In another case of abandoned public construction, the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Phayao, has been left incomplete despite a budget of 70 million baht. The building, which is situated near the Phayao Immigration Office, has been left in a state of disrepair, with only the framework of the three-story structure and weeds now growing around the site. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356749-phayao-state-audit-office-building-left-unfinished-budgeted-at-70-million-baht/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. In another case of abandoned public construction, the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Phayao, has been left incomplete despite a budget of 70 million baht. The building, which is situated near the Phayao Immigration Office, has been left in a state of disrepair, with only the framework of the three-story structure and weeds now growing around the site. According to reports from local sources, the project began on 18 August 2021 with an expected completion date of 10 April 2023. However, almost two years after the deadline, construction was halted by the contractor, leaving the building unfinished. The original contract included the construction of the main building, three residential floors, two guardhouses, and two bridges. To date, the contractor has only completed about 30% of the work, leaving the site abandoned. In response to concerns from the public, the director of the SAO Phayao office clarified that the building had not been abandoned. Rather, the previous contractor, based in Lampang, had simply abandoned the project before completing the construction. The building was not left derelict but had been halted by the contractor after making minimal progress. The SAO Phayao office has already taken action against the contractor and is now planning to use the remaining budget to hire a new contractor to finish the construction. This case follows a similar situation in Roi Et, where a 58 million baht project to build an SAO office was also abandoned by the contractor after nearly a year of inactivity. The issue of contractors leaving projects incomplete has become a point of concern for several government departments, as both time and taxpayer money are lost in these unfinished projects. The Phayao project’s future now lies in the hands of a new contractor, who will be tasked with completing the building and ensuring the allocated funds are used efficiently to fulfil the original plan. -- 2025-04-04

Lorry Driver Found Dead in Highway Restroom After Sending Farewell Message to Son Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 52-year-old lorry driver was found hung, in a highway restroom in Mae Sot, Tak province, after sending a distressing farewell message to his son the night before. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356747-lorry-driver-found-dead-in-highway-restroom-after-sending-farewell-message-to-son/