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Picture courtesy of Matichon. Authorities have arrested four Chinese nationals suspected of managing and developing an illegal online gambling website. The suspects, who allegedly earned over 1.6 million baht per month, were detained in a home in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok. The arrests were part of a wider crackdown on illegal foreign operations in Thailand, ordered by National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet. Pol Col Milin Pianchang, Superintendent of Division 1, Tourist Police Bureau (TPB), and Pol Lt Col Natthaphon Khonlak, Deputy Superintendent of Division 1, TPB, led the operation. Acting on intelligence received in February, police discovered that a group of Chinese nationals was living in a rented house in Soi Lat Phrao 87. They were reportedly unemployed but paying 46,000 baht per month in rent, raising suspicions of illegal activities. Further investigations confirmed their involvement in online gambling, leading police to obtain a search warrant from the Criminal Court. On 7 March, officers from Division 1, TPB, led by Pol Lt Col Nimit Janyalak, raided the property. They arrested four Chinese nationals and seized four computers and eight mobile phones. The suspects were charged with, “Organising, promoting, or advertising gambling activities without official authorisation.” The accused were taken to Huai Khwang Police Station for further legal proceedings. Police examined the confiscated computers and found evidence linking the suspects to a gambling website. The four individuals reportedly worked as administrators and programmers, managing and maintaining the platform for other Chinese clients. They were allegedly paid around approximately 1.6 million baht per month for their services. Additionally, they received a one-time payment of 1 million baht per completed gambling software program. Pol Col Milin urged the public to be cautious when engaging in online financial transactions, particularly through social media or suspicious links. He advised people to verify the legitimacy of websites before entering personal or banking details to avoid falling victim to online scams. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover further links in the illegal gambling network. -- 2025-03-09

Picture courtesy of Matichon. The mayor of Nong Prue Subdistrict in Samut Prakan province has defended the installation of solar-powered streetlights designed in the shape of aeroplanes, despite recent, renewed criticism from social media users who argue that the project is a waste of funds. The mayor insisted on 7 March, that the local community is satisfied with the initiative and that the concerns voiced online are irrelevant. Adum Klinphuang, the mayor of Nong Prue Subdistrict, clarified that the project to install these aeroplane-shaped streetlights had been in the works for about four to five years. The project is part of a larger road development initiative in collaboration with Suvarnabhumi Airport, which involves the construction of a road leading to the airport that has been underway for two years. The total cost of the road upgrade, which includes the installation of the aeroplane-shaped streetlights, is nearly 400 million baht. The streetlights themselves account for approximately 20 million baht of the budget. While some social media users have expressed concerns about the frequency of the streetlights and the potential waste of public funds, Mayor Adum was dismissive of the criticisms. “Those who are criticising may not be from the area. I’m not concerned because the people here are happy with the project,” he said. “As a subdistrict administrative organisation, we focus on developing our own area. If the locals are happy, that’s enough for us.” The streetlights are designed to serve as a symbol of the subdistrict, which has a longstanding association with aviation. The ongoing road development project, spanning more than two kilometres, will see the installation of additional aeroplane-shaped lights. Currently, the authorities are in the process of hiring contractors to carry out the next phase of the work. Moreover, the mayor revealed that there are plans for a further installation of 156 aeroplane-shaped streetlights in areas of the subdistrict, specifically in villages 2 and 3, with a project cost set at 17 million baht. One local resident, Ning, aged 58, shared her thoughts on the streetlight installation. “When the aeroplane-shaped lights were put up, I felt they illuminated the area well. Normally, this place wasn’t very bright, but there were already streetlights. As for the debate about the design, I don’t have an opinion. It’s up to people’s thoughts. I think the lights are fine, though they’re a bit frequent.” The ongoing development and planned expansion of the project are set to continue, with the authorities emphasising that the unique design of the streetlights will remain an integral part of the subdistrict’s identity. -- 2025-03-09

Picture from responders. Lamphun police are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered on the morning of 8 March, inside a car in Li district. Officers believe he had been deceased for at least five hours before being found. The Phutthaisawan Foundation in Lamphun received a report of the incident and dispatched a team to the scene near Wiang Chedi Old Field in Li subdistrict, Li district, Lamphun province. Investigators from Li Police Station accompanied them. At the scene, authorities found a black Volvo parked with the deceased man seated in the driver’s seat. A charcoal stove was also discovered inside the vehicle. Emergency medical staff from Li Hospital, along with rescue volunteers and police officers, conducted an initial examination. They estimated that the man had been dead for no less than five hours. However, the exact cause of death remains under investigation. Authorities have now transferred the body to the forensic unit at Lamphun Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Police are continuing their enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. 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. -- 2025-03-09

Mongolian Tourist Caught Stealing Goods in Pattaya Mall A Mongolian tourist has been caught shoplifting items from a high-end store in a well-known Pattaya shopping mall. The suspect, a 52-year-old man, was found using a modified suitcase to conceal stolen merchandise but was apprehended by security staff before he could escape. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353977-mongolian-tourist-caught-stealing-goods-in-pattaya-mall/

Thai Public Advised Against Sharing Anti-Cambodia Videos Picture courtesy of Facebook Stay in Thailand In a bid to prevent escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has urged the public to refrain from sharing video clips that might portray Cambodia in a negative light. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353945-thai-public-advised-against-sharing-anti-cambodia-videos/

Picture from responders. A 26-year-old petrol station worker was tragically killed when his motorcycle crashed into the back of a parked oil tanker in Samut Songkhram. The accident occurred just 100 metres from his workplace as he was rushing to start his shift. At approximately 07:00 on 8 March, Pol Lt Chanathip Ongklueab, an investigating officer from Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, received a report of the collision on the parallel road of Rama II Road in Bang Kaeo subdistrict, Mueang district. Rescue teams from the Sawang Benjatham Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found the body of Mr Suphachai 26, from So Phisai district, Bueng Kan province. He had suffered a broken neck. Despite efforts to revive him with CPR, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Nearby, his heavily damaged blue Honda Wave motorcycle, registered in Samut Songkhram, was found. The other vehicle involved was a 10-wheeler oil tanker, registered in Ratchaburi, with a dented right rear bumper. The driver, Mr Piraphat 65, from Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram, was waiting to speak with the police. He explained that he had pulled over for about five minutes to relieve himself. While washing his face and brushing his teeth, he suddenly heard a loud crash. Upon checking, he discovered the motorcycle had collided with the back of his vehicle. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr Suphachai worked as a cashier at a nearby petrol station and was hurrying to his shift and he failed to notice the stationary tanker in time and crashed into it. Authorities have transferred the victim’s body to the forensic department at Ratchaburi Hospital for an autopsy, and further investigations are ongoing. -- 2025-03-09

High Airfares in Thailand Set to Stay as Demand Stays High Picture courtesy of Paxes Travellers in Thailand can expect air ticket prices to remain elevated this year, despite hopes for more affordable travel. Key factors among major airlines—including airport fees, ground handling charges, and an ongoing supply chain disruption—are driving a steady or slightly increasing airfare trend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353929-high-airfares-in-thailand-set-to-stay-as-demand-stays-high/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 9 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1354023-thailand-live-sunday-9-march-2025/

Mongolian Tourist Caught Stealing Goods in Pattaya Mall A Mongolian tourist has been caught shoplifting items from a high-end store in a well-known Pattaya shopping mall. The suspect, a 52-year-old man, was found using a modified suitcase to conceal stolen merchandise but was apprehended by security staff before he could escape. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353977-mongolian-tourist-caught-stealing-goods-in-pattaya-mall/

Picture of arrest. A Mongolian tourist has been caught shoplifting items from a high-end store in a well-known Pattaya shopping mall. The suspect, a 52-year-old man, was found using a modified suitcase to conceal stolen merchandise but was apprehended by security staff before he could escape. At around 22:35 on March 7, security personnel at the beachfront shopping centre in Pattaya, noticed the man behaving suspiciously while browsing a fashion store. He spent an extended period in the shop without making a purchase, and security staff became concerned when they noticed that several items had disappeared from the shelves. Realising he was being watched, the suspect attempted to leave the store. Security guards stopped him for a search but initially found nothing unusual. However, upon closer inspection, they noticed his suitcase had been tampered with, featuring a large cut-out section on the top, sealed with Scotch tape to maintain its appearance. A second bag had been placed over the opening, and the front of the suitcase was tightly locked to avoid suspicion. When security staff opened the case, they discovered a haul of stolen goods, including 12 branded shirts and two handbags, with an estimated total value of 26,000 baht. Realising he had been caught, the suspect attempted to flee and physically attacked the security staff. However, several guards managed to subdue him and escort him to Pattaya City Police Station. Mall representatives initially tried to negotiate a settlement with the suspect, but no agreement was reached. As a result, police formally arrested him, and he now faces legal proceedings for theft and assault. -- 2025-03-08

Foreign Driver Crashes Car, Flips onto Its Side in Pattaya In the early hours of 8 March, emergency services in Pattaya responded to a dramatic crash involving a luxury sedan. The incident occurred at around 02:30 in front of the Nong Prue Municipal Kindergarten in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353950-foreign-driver-crashes-car-flips-onto-its-side-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. In the early hours of 8 March, emergency services in Pattaya responded to a dramatic crash involving a luxury sedan. The incident occurred at around 02:30 in front of the Nong Prue Municipal Kindergarten in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Upon arrival, rescue teams and officers from Nong Prue Police Station discovered a black Mercedes-Benz, registration from Bangkok, resting on its side. The vehicle driver had reportedly lost control, struck the central reservation, and flipped over. The driver, a foreign national, sustained minor injuries but appeared disoriented and distressed. Witnesses at the scene reported that the car had been travelling at high speed before losing control. Authorities noted that the driver was incoherent and appeared intoxicated. He was taken into custody at Nong Prue Police Station for further questioning and to undergo legal proceedings. Police have yet to confirm the driver’s identity or nationality as investigations continue. -- 2025-03-08

Helicopter Pilot Takes Quick Action to Ensure Safety During Firefighting Operation in Lampun Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek In a dramatic moment on March 7, a helicopter pilot from the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation made a swift decision to detach the water bucket after it became entangled in a fisherman’s net during a firefighting operation in Lampun Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353949-helicopter-pilot-takes-quick-action-to-ensure-safety-during-firefighting-operation-in-lampun/

Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek In a dramatic moment on March 7, a helicopter pilot from the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation made a swift decision to detach the water bucket after it became entangled in a fisherman’s net during a firefighting operation in Lampun Province. The incident occurred as the helicopter was attempting to retrieve water from the Mae Sa Reservoir in Si Bua Ban, Muang District, to combat wildfires in the nearby Mae Tha area. As the helicopter began to lift off with the Bambi bucket full of water, it became caught in a fishing net set by local villagers. This caused the helicopter to be unable to gain altitude. In a split-second decision, the pilot chose to release the water bucket, allowing the helicopter to safely ascend. The bucket, however, sank to the bottom of the reservoir, more than 10 metres deep. Following the incident, emergency teams were dispatched to recover the submerged equipment. Divers from the 5th Region Disaster Response Unit, Phetkasem Rescue, and Tevathit Rescue successfully retrieved the water bucket from the depths of the reservoir. The operation was deemed a success, with no injuries reported and the helicopter able to continue its vital work in extinguishing the wildfires. The incident highlights the risks faced by emergency response teams in difficult conditions, with pilots and crews making crucial decisions to ensure both their safety and the success of the mission. The firefighting operation in the region remains ongoing as efforts continue to contain the wildfires. -- 2025-03-08

Bangkok Governor Welcomes Private Sector Donation of Emergency Ambulances Picture courtesy of Matichon. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has expressed his appreciation for the donation of two fully equipped emergency ambulances worth 5 million baht from Fier Corporation Ltd. The vehicles, complete with life-saving medical equipment, were handed over to Bangkok’s Erawan Centre to support emergency medical services across the capital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353948-bangkok-governor-welcomes-private-sector-donation-of-emergency-ambulances/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has expressed his appreciation for the donation of two fully equipped emergency ambulances worth 5 million baht from Fier Corporation Ltd. The vehicles, complete with life-saving medical equipment, were handed over to Bangkok’s Erawan Centre to support emergency medical services across the capital. The handover ceremony took place at Bangkok City Hall, Phra Nakhon District, where Governor Chadchart received the ambulances from Tharat Sukontharat, President of Fier Corporation Ltd., and Naapa Sukontharat, the company’s Vice President. Fier Corporation, a leading importer, manufacturer, and distributor of emergency medical vehicles, has a core policy of giving back to society. The company aims to assist communities with urgent needs, particularly in critical healthcare and emergency response sectors. With Bangkok experiencing a high volume of road crashes and emergency medical cases, the company recognised the growing need for additional ambulances. In response, it pledged two state-of-the-art emergency vehicles to support the Erawan Centre’s life-saving operations. At the event, several high-ranking officials were present to witness the donation, including Deputy Governor Associate Professor Tawida Kamolvej, Bangkok Permanent Secretary Dr Wantanee Watthana, and Phanumas Sukhumporn, among others. Also in attendance were advisors to the Governor and executives from the Erawan Centre and the Bangkok Medical Services Department. Governor Chadchart commended the private sector’s role in enhancing Bangkok’s emergency medical infrastructure. The new ambulances will be immediately deployed to assist accident victims and critically ill patients, strengthening the city’s rapid response capacity. The initiative highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in improving urban healthcare services and ensuring quicker, more efficient medical assistance for Bangkok residents. -- 2025-03-08

Pick-up Truck Crosses Lane Crosses Central Divide Crashes into Bus, Leaving 27 Injured A serious road crssh involving a pick-up truck and a public bus has left 27 people injured, four of them critically, in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353947-pick-up-truck-crosses-lane-crosses-central-divide-crashes-into-bus-leaving-27-injured/

Pictures from responders. A serious road crssh involving a pick-up truck and a public bus has left 27 people injured, four of them critically, in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani. The incident occurred at approximately 14:15 on 7 March, near a well-known barbecue restaurant, close to Ubon Ratchathani University, on the Warin-Det Udom Road. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. According to initial investigations, a white Isuzu pick-up truck attempted to overtake another vehicle at high speed but the driver lost control, colliding with the central reservation before careering over it and into an oncoming public bus operating on the Ubon-Det Udom-Na Chaluai route. The crash caused the pick-up truck to rebound into a second pick-up, a black Isuzu, which was travelling in the same direction as the bus. The impact also caused the bus to to bounce over the central reservation, coming to rest with the front of the bus on the opposite carriageway. Emergency response teams, including Ubon Ratchathani University’s medical rescue unit and various local rescue squads, arrived swiftly. The accident was classified as a mass casualty event, with 27 people sustaining injuries. • Four individuals suffered critical injuries and were rushed to Warin Chamrap Hospital and Ubon Ratchathani University Hospital. • Six people sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Warin Chamrap Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani University Hospital, and Sapphasitthiprasong Camp Hospital. • Seventeen others, with minor injuries, were transported to multiple hospitals in the area. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting tools to free a person trapped inside the wreckage, who had to be removed through a window on a spinal board. The swift response by emergency teams ensured that all casualties received medical attention as quickly as possible. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash and are expected to question the drivers involved. -- 2025-03-08

8-Tonne Bryde’s Whale Found Dead Near Bang Pu Seawall Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An 8-tonne Bryde’s whale was found dead, floating near the Bang Pu seawall in Samut Prakan province. Authorities suspect the whale was fatally struck by a vessel, and a detailed necropsy is underway to confirm the cause of death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353943-8-tonne-bryde’s-whale-found-dead-near-bang-pu-seawall/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An 8-tonne Bryde’s whale was found dead, floating near the Bang Pu seawall in Samut Prakan province. Authorities suspect the whale was fatally struck by a vessel, and a detailed necropsy is underway to confirm the cause of death. At around 08:30 on the morning of 7 March, Mr Bancha Udomsamuthiran, an adviser to the Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, received a report from local residents that a large whale carcass had been spotted near the rocky shore of Bang Pu, close to Soi Bang Pu Municipality 88, Sukhumvit Road. Officials from the Department of Fisheries were immediately dispatched to investigate. Upon arrival, authorities found the carcass of an adult female Bryde’s whale, measuring approximately 9 metres in length and estimated weighing around 8 tonnes. The whale was in a state of decomposition, floating belly-up. Deep lacerations, resembling injuries caused by a boat’s propeller, were found on its head and body, suggesting it may have been struck by a large vessel. Experts estimate the whale had been dead for at least three days. Marine officials used boats to tow the carcass to shore near the rear of a local municipal school. Specialists from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Department of Fisheries will conduct a necropsy to determine the precise cause of death. According to Mr Bancha, this whale was likely one of the Bryde’s whales that inhabit the upper Gulf of Thailand. It is possible that the whale was struck while feeding, as these whales are known to be non-aggressive and primarily consume small fish. They may sometimes approach boats out of curiosity, putting them at risk of collisions with large vessels. However, he stressed that this is currently only a hypothesis. A full examination of the whale’s remains will be necessary to confirm the actual cause of death. Bryde’s whales are an endangered species, with only around 100 individuals recorded in the Gulf of Thailand. This discovery marks the first known Bryde’s whale fatality in Thai waters in 2025. Once the necropsy is complete, officials plan to bury the remains. -- 2025-03-08

Violence Erupts at School as Student Stabs Older Peer in Cafeteria Picture courtesy of Komchadleuk. An incident occurred at a school in Nonthaburi on March 6, when a 13-year-old student attacked a 18-year-old student with a knife in the school cafeteria. The victim sustained severe injuries, including a punctured lung, and damage to three major blood vessels. His classmates rushed to help, but one of the would-be hero was also injured, sustaining a stab wound to the shoulder. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353942-violence-erupts-at-school-as-student-stabs-older-peer-in-cafeteria/

Picture courtesy of Komchadleuk. An incident occurred at a school in Nonthaburi on March 6, when a 13-year-old student attacked a 18-year-old student with a knife in the school cafeteria. The victim sustained severe injuries, including a punctured lung, and damage to three major blood vessels. His classmates rushed to help, but one of the would-be hero was also injured, sustaining a stab wound to the shoulder. The attack took place around 12:30 during lunch break. According to Phattharin Hamsom, a school teacher, the students had gathered in the cafeteria for their usual lunch when the violent altercation began. The perpetrator, identified as Don, stabbed the older student in the neck, waist, and arm. Another student, who attempted to intervene, was also stabbed in the shoulder. School Principal Pramote Kamtho, who was on a work trip to Chiang Mai when the incident occurred, was immediately informed by teachers upon his return. He rushed to visit the injured students at the hospital, expressing his concern for their well-being. In a statement, Principal Kamtho confirmed that the school had strict protocols in place to prevent such incidents. Security measures include routine checks of students’ clothing for concealed weapons and the regular presence of police officers on campus to inspect student motorcycles. Don, the attacker, had hidden the weapon in his motorcycle, which was parked near a shrine outside the school grounds. The school’s policy prohibits students from bringing motorcycles onto the premises, but the weapon was retrieved from the bike after the altercation first broke out. This incident is not the first time Don had been involved in disciplinary issues. He had previously been punished for altercations and was reportedly not interested in continuing his education. Despite this, his parents had yet to transfer him to another school, and Don had been urged by the school to reconsider his academic path. The school had even suggested he take up employment instead of pursuing further studies. As investigations continue, the school has handed over the case to the police for further inquiry into the motives behind the stabbing. The principal confirmed that the student’s parents had already been preparing for his withdrawal from school before the attack took place. A fellow student from the same school shared that while they were not present at the time, they had heard about the incident. They mentioned that both students had a history of conflicts, and it was likely that this altercation stemmed from ongoing issues between them. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is left to reflect on the troubling events that unfolded within their school. -- 2025-03-08

Crash Claims Driver’s Life and Injures 12 Workers in Chonburi A crash occurred on March 7, when a pick-up truck, driving through heavy rain, collided with a power pole in Chonburi province. The crash resulted in the death of the 62-year-old driver, identified as Somporn, and left 12 workers injured, including six men and six women, who were thrown from the back of the vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353941-crash-claims-driver’s-life-and-injures-12-workers-in-chonburi/

Pictures from responders. A crash occurred on March 7, when a pick-up truck, driving through heavy rain, collided with a power pole in Chonburi province. The crash resulted in the death of the 62-year-old driver, identified as Somporn, and left 12 workers injured, including six men and six women, who were thrown from the back of the vehicle. The incident took place at approximately 14:30 on the Nong Chak-Panassnikhom road in the Ban Bueng district. Police were alerted to the scene by the local rescue team, who quickly arrived with emergency responders from Ban Bueng Hospital. Upon arrival, authorities found a Mitsubishi pick-up truck, which had crashed into a power pole. The driver was found dead at the scene, trapped inside the vehicle. Several passengers, who had been working as sugarcane cutters, were scattered on the roadside, crying out in pain. Rescue teams rushed to provide first aid and transported the injured to Ban Bueng Hospital. One of the injured, 34-year-old Sangdao, who was traveling in the truck, recounted the events. She explained that they were on their way back to their accommodation in Nong Bon Daeng when the heavy rain made it impossible to continue working in the fields. She couldn’t recall how many people were in the vehicle, but described how the truck driver lost control and struck the power pole. Some workers were thrown from the back of the truck, sustaining various injuries. Another worker, 42-year-old Somporn, who had intended to travel with the group but had stayed behind to help load sugarcane onto another vehicle, arrived at the scene after receiving a call from an injured friend. Upon arrival, he discovered that the driver, Somporn, had lost his life in the crash. The employer was also informed of the crash and was on their way to the site. Authorities have documented the scene and will question the injured passengers to determine the cause of the incident. The investigation is ongoing. -- 2025-03-08

Police Raid Tattoo Studio, Seize Weapons and Shocking Artefacts Picture courtesy of Matichon. In an operation on March 7, police from the Special Operations Unit of the Provincial Police Bureau, in collaboration with local authorities, raided a tattoo studio in the Uthai district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The raid followed complaints from local residents about a group of men carrying firearms and entering and exiting the area, causing safety concerns. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353940-police-raid-tattoo-studio-seize-weapons-and-shocking-artefacts/