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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.

Man High on Drugs Stabs Uncle in Udon Thani, Once Prosperous, Now Ruined by Addiction Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A man reportedly suffering from drug-induced hallucinations stabbed his uncle in a violent altercation in Chai Wan district, Udon Thani province. The suspect, who had once returned home wealthy after working in South Korea, has seen his life spiral into ruin due to severe methamphetamine addiction. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361137-man-high-on-drugs-stabs-uncle-in-udon-thani-once-prosperous-now-ruined-by-addiction/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A man reportedly suffering from drug-induced hallucinations stabbed his uncle in a violent altercation in Chai Wan district, Udon Thani province. The suspect, who had once returned home wealthy after working in South Korea, has seen his life spiral into ruin due to severe methamphetamine addiction. At approximately 12:15 on 18 May, police at Chai Wan Police Station were alerted to an incident involving a mentally unstable individual under the influence of drugs. The attack occurred at a small hut in a rice field on the outskirts of Ban Phia Pu, Village 8, Chai Wan subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers found 59-year-old Mr Thanat seriously injured with three stab wounds to his ribcage. He had run to nearby villagers for help. Emergency responders rushed him to Chai Wan Hospital, but due to a punctured lung, he was transferred in critical condition to Udon Thani Central Hospital. The suspect, 44-year-old Mr Kat, is the victim’s biological nephew. After the stabbing, he calmly walked home, where police later apprehended him. During the arrest, officers recovered two knives used in the attack. Mr Kat has been charged with attempted murder. In his statement to police, Mr Kat claimed the stabbing was in self-defence. He alleged that his uncle had been staying at his field hut for several days, disturbing his belongings and asking relatives for money. Mr Kat confronted his uncle, asking why he didn’t work and accused him of being a burden. According to Mr Kat, his uncle then became enraged, picked up two knives and charged at him. In the ensuing struggle, Mr Kat claims he disarmed his uncle and stabbed him twice in the side, not intending to kill but to protect himself. He admitted to taking one methamphetamine pill earlier that morning. Mr Kat’s 69-year-old mother, Ms Paithoon, told police her son had returned from South Korea several years ago with hundreds of thousands of baht. He used the money to build a house, buy farmland and purchase prized buffalo. However, he became addicted to methamphetamine, sold off his buffalo to buy drugs, and is now virtually penniless. She admitted that her son began using drugs in South Korea and returned mentally unstable. Family members, including an aunt who recently had an argument with Mr Kat over unpaid debts and his attempts to sell her buffalo, submitted a video clip to the police showing his erratic behaviour. They had intended to request rehabilitation before the stabbing occurred. Chai Wan Police Chief, Pol. Col. Ratphonchai Phensongkram, confirmed that both the suspect and victim have a history of substance abuse. Mr Thanat was reportedly addicted to marijuana and had been estranged from his wife. He had moved in with his nephew in the field hut, where the altercation took place. The police are continuing their investigation and Mr Kat remains in custody. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-20.

Big Bike Crash Leaves Rider Dead – Final Wave Farewell Before Crash Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 34-year-old man was killed in the early hours of 19 May, after his powerful motorcycle slammed into the rear of a parked trailer on Bangna-Trad Road in Chachoengsao province, in a crash described as shocking by witnesses and friends. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361136-big-bike-crash-leaves-rider-dead-–-final-wave-farewell-before-crash/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 34-year-old man was killed in the early hours of 19 May, after his powerful motorcycle slammed into the rear of a parked trailer on Bangna-Trad Road in Chachoengsao province, in a crash described as shocking by witnesses and friends. The fatal crash occurred around 01:00 near a U-turn in front of a major shopping mall at kilometre marker 41, inbound towards Bangkok. Pol. Lt. Suriya Phumwat, an investigator from Bang Pakong Police Station, responded to the scene along with a local rescue unit. The victim, identified as Mr Thanaphon, was found lying on his back in the middle lane of the three-lane highway. His body was severely mutilated, with catastrophic head injuries and brain matter scattered across the road. He was wearing a black t-shirt, three-quarter shorts, and trainers. A damaged full-face helmet was found near to his body. Close to the scene, officers discovered a green big bike registered in Bangkok. The front of the motorcycle was wrecked. Approximately 200 metres away, a trailer truck with a Samut Prakan registration plate was found parked in the left lane, showing damage to the rear section. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police inquiries. According to Mr Chaipruek a 28-year-old fellow rider and close friend of the deceased, the group of big bike enthusiasts had gathered in the city of Paet Riu earlier in the evening. On their return journey, they had planned to drop off another group member in Chonburi. However, as they approached the U-turn near Talat Lao, the victim unexpectedly accelerated ahead, turned back, and waved goodbye, an eerie gesture now believed to have been his final farewell. “We had agreed to go together to Chonburi, but suddenly he just sped off, waved, and turned around,” said Mr Chaipruek. “Moments later, we reached the scene and discovered that he had crashed and died.” Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and have begun questioning the trailer driver to establish the circumstances leading to the collision. The body has been taken to Bang Pakong Hospital for autopsy and authorities are working to contact the victim’s family. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

Karen Man Arrested for Illegal Gold Prospecting in Thong Pha Phum National Park Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have arrested a 19-year-old Karen man for illegally excavating soil in search of gold within Thong Pha Phum National Park, while nine others involved in the activity fled the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361135-karen-man-arrested-for-illegal-gold-prospecting-in-thong-pha-phum-national-park/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have arrested a 19-year-old Karen man for illegally excavating soil in search of gold within Thong Pha Phum National Park, while nine others involved in the activity fled the scene. The operation took place in the Pilok Ki forest, Moo 4, Pilok sub-district, Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi province. The raid was led by Mr Chakrit Tanpirun, District Chief of Thong Pha Phum, and Mr Yutthapong Damsrisuk, Chief of Thong Pha Phum National Park, under the coordination of Mr Chutidet Kamonchanut, Director of Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong). The operation was launched following a tip-off from a local community leader, who reported that individuals had returned to illegally mine gold in a previously seized 14-rai plot, an area where an earlier case had resulted in arrests and asset confiscation (Case 11/2024, Asset Seizure 3/2024). The arrested suspect, identified only as Mr Chaidan, a stateless Karen man with a recognised ID card, resides in Tha Khanun sub-district, Thong Pha Phum district. He was apprehended at the site, while nine others managed to escape into the surrounding forest. Authorities confiscated items of evidence from the scene, Mr Chaidan faces multiple charges under environmental and forestry laws, including: • Illegal deforestation and encroachment under the Forest Act 1941 • Degradation of reserved forest land under the National Reserved Forest Act 1964 • Alteration of national park land under the National Parks Act 2019 • Illegal excavation of minerals affecting ecosystems, also under the National Parks Act 2019 • Operating unauthorised commercial activities within a protected area “This conduct poses a serious threat to natural resources in an essential watershed forest. We are pursuing strict legal action and will continue to track down those who fled to ensure they face justice,” said Mr Chutidet. The suspect has been handed over to investigators at Pilok Police Station for prosecution. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-20.

Nakhon Phanom University Lecturer Killed in Car Crash on Dangerous Curve Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A respected academic from Nakhon Phanom University has died in a road crash, after he lost control of his vehicle and overturned on a notorious curve in Tha Uthen district on the afternoon of 18 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361134-nakhon-phanom-university-lecturer-killed-in-car-crash-on-dangerous-curve/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A respected academic from Nakhon Phanom University has died in a road crash, after he lost control of his vehicle and overturned on a notorious curve in Tha Uthen district on the afternoon of 18 May. Police Lieutenant Phutthiphong Uttarasri, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Tha Uthen Police Station, received a report from local residents of a serious road crash on Ban Na Phiang Road in Chaiyaburi Subdistrict. Emergency medical personnel from Tha Uthen District Hospital and rescue volunteers from the local authority were dispatched to the scene. There they found a black Toyota four-door pickup truck that had overturned and smashed through an electricity pole after crossing from the inbound lane toward the city of Nakhon Phanom. The vehicle was extensively damaged. The driver had been thrown from the vehicle and was found dead at the scene. The deceased was later identified as Dr Anuwat Phonthip, a lecturer in Social and Environmental Development at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Nakhon Phanom University. Initial investigations suggest Dr Anuwat was travelling back from his hometown in Seka District, Bueng Kan Province and was en route to the university for an upcoming meeting. It is believed he was driving at high speed when he lost control on the dangerous bend, leading to the fatal crash. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash. Dr Anuwat’s body was taken for autopsy before being released to his family. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.

Not a Thai Vessel, Confirms Thai Maritime Agency After Drug Bust by Indonesian Navy Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC) has confirmed that the vessel AUNGTOETOE 99, recently seized by the Indonesian Navy with nearly two tonnes of narcotics onboard, is not registered under the Thai flag, despite being found displaying one. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361133-not-a-thai-vessel-confirms-thai-maritime-agency-after-drug-bust-by-indonesian-navy/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC) has confirmed that the vessel AUNGTOETOE 99, recently seized by the Indonesian Navy with nearly two tonnes of narcotics onboard, is not registered under the Thai flag, despite being found displaying one. The dramatic seizure took place on 13 May off the coast of Sumatra, near Selat Durian and Tanjung Balai Karimun in Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province. Indonesian naval forces intercepted the vessel following suspicious behaviour, it carried no fishing equipment or evidence of recent fishing activity. A thorough search of the ship revealed approximately 1.9 tonnes of narcotics, comprising 705 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,200 kilograms of cocaine, all packed in large sacks. The combined street value is estimated at over 7 trillion Indonesian rupiah, equivalent to approximately 428 million USD. The vessel was flying a Thai flag at the time of interception, prompting the Thai authorities to investigate its nationality. However, the Thai-MECC announced today that a check against the national ship registry turned up no record of AUNGTOETOE 99 being a Thai vessel. Five individuals were detained in the operation: a Thai man believed to be the captain and four Myanmar nationals serving as crew. All were found to be without proper identification documents and are currently being held in Batam, Indonesia. The Indonesian Navy has since handed the case over to the country’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), which is now leading a broader investigation into the drug trafficking network behind the shipment. Authorities are working to trace the origin and intended destination of the narcotics, and whether the Thai national has connections to larger syndicates in the region. The Thai Naval Attaché in Jakarta initially alerted Thai-MECC to the seizure, prompting an immediate internal review. Thai officials are now working in coordination with Indonesian and other international maritime agencies to verify further details about the vessel’s registration, ownership, and potential links to transnational crime. As of now, officials say there is no evidence the vessel was officially registered in Thailand, despite the flag it was flying. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-20.