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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A violent domestic dispute in Nakhon Si Thammarat ended in bloodshed after a young man attacked his stepfather with a sword, severing his hand, and injuring his mother in the process. The suspect later broke down in tears and surrendered to police following persuasion from relatives. Pol. Col. Thanapon Yaowaphak, superintendent of Chulabhorn Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, received an emergency call regarding a serious altercation at a residence in Thung Pho Subdistrict. Officers from both patrol and investigative units were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, police found a pool of blood at the front of the house and identified the victim, Mr. Sayan, who had suffered a severe wound to his right wrist, resulting in a complete hand severance. His condition was described as critical. The suspect’s mother, Ms. Saowapha, was also injured after being accidentally struck by the blade while trying to intervene. The assailant, 21-year-old Mr. Kwanchai, the biological son of Ms. Saowapha, was found visibly distressed and standing nearby, clutching a samurai-style sword approximately one metre in length. Family members urgently pleaded with him to calm down, ultimately convincing him to lay down the weapon and surrender. Mr. Kwanchai admitted to attacking his stepfather during a heated argument. Overcome with rage, he grabbed the sword and struck the older man’s hand. In the chaos, his mother was unintentionally wounded while trying to stop the altercation. Police took Mr. Kwanchai into custody and transported him for questioning. He now faces criminal charges and will be processed through the legal system. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-19.

Mystery as Man’s Body Washes Ashore in Pattaya Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A mystery is unfolding in Pattaya after the body of an unidentified man was discovered washed up on the city’s beach late morning of 18 May. Police are working to determine the cause of death and the identity of the deceased. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360984-mystery-as-man’s-body-washes-ashore-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A mystery is unfolding in Pattaya after the body of an unidentified man was discovered washed up on the city’s beach late morning of 18 May. Police are working to determine the cause of death and the identity of the deceased. At approximately 11:00, Police Sub-Lieutenant Akkarapong Saenputawong of Pattaya City Police Station was alerted to the discovery of a corpse on Pattaya Beach, directly opposite Soi 13 on Beach Road in Pattaya. He immediately responded to the scene with investigators and rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation. The body was found lying face down on the sand, clothed in a black T-shirt, bearing what appeared to be Chinese and English lettering and short denim jeans. A mobile phone was found in the man’s pocket and collected as evidence. The man, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, had no form of identification on him, and neither his name nor nationality has yet been confirmed. Initial examination revealed abrasions on the man’s right eyelid and cheekbone. Blood was also visible coming from his nose and mouth and froth was present at his lips, suggesting the possibility of drowning. Authorities estimated that he had been dead about three hours before the body was discovered. According to officials from Pattaya’s Marine Disaster Prevention Department, a speedboat operator had earlier reported seeing a body floating in the sea not far from the coast. Before rescue services could respond, the body was pushed ashore by waves. Sub-Lieutenant Akkarapong has ordered the body to be sent for a detailed post-mortem examination at Pattaya Patmakhun Hospital to determine the exact cause of death. While initial assumptions point to drowning, police are not ruling out other possibilities at this stage. Forensic teams are now working to verify the man’s identity and investigate the circumstances leading to his death. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-18.

Naked Foreign Man Escapes Hospital, Runs Amok in Pattaya Streets Picture courtesy of CH7. Residents were left stunned in the early hours of 18 May, when a naked foreign man, believed to be aged about 40, escaped from a local hospital and went on a destructive rampage through the city’s Naklua area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360977-naked-foreign-man-escapes-hospital-runs-amok-in-pattaya-streets/

Picture courtesy of CH7. Residents were left stunned in the early hours of 18 May, when a naked foreign man, believed to be aged about 40, escaped from a local hospital and went on a destructive rampage through the city’s Naklua area. At approximately 00:30, officers from Banglamung Police Station were alerted to reports of a foreign national behaving erratically and completely nude near Naklua Soi 9. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the man, armed with a chair and a large stone, wandered the area shouting incoherently and damaging nearby property. Police and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they found the man in a highly agitated state. Efforts to calm him proved difficult and he reportedly resisted all attempts at communication or cooperation. The situation escalated as the man threw objects, including stones and furniture, at the officers and rescue team members. According to Mr Kamphon Malison, a rescue volunteer, his team had been initially dispatched to provide assistance to a distressed foreign patient who had fled from a hospital. “When we arrived, he had already broken free from police custody once and continued to flee. He was in a frenzied state, throwing stones and chairs at us,” Mr Malison stated. Authorities spent around 30 minutes attempting to subdue the man, eventually restraining him with great difficulty. He was taken to Banglamung Police Station to calm down, though further details about his condition, nationality, and reasons for hospitalisation have not been disclosed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the man’s violent behaviour. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident and have not yet revealed whether any charges will be brought. Adapted by Asean Now from CH7 2025-05-18.

UPDATE Malaysian Street Racers Apologise After Late-Night Car Stunt in Hat Yai Picture courtesy of Matichon. A group of young Malaysian tourists has issued a formal apology after being caught racing their vehicles in a noisy late-night stunt through the streets of Hat Yai. The group, consisting of 10 men and women aged between 21 and 25, were driving six modified saloon cars, which drew the ire of local residents due to the loud engine noise and dangerous driving behaviour. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360944-malaysian-tourists-cause-uproar-in-hat-yai-with-noisy-midnight-street-racing/#findComment-19807970

UPDATE Malaysian Street Racers Apologise After Late-Night Car Stunt in Hat Yai Picture courtesy of Matichon. A group of young Malaysian tourists has issued a formal apology after being caught racing their vehicles in a noisy late-night stunt through the streets of Hat Yai. The group, consisting of 10 men and women aged between 21 and 25, were driving six modified saloon cars, which drew the ire of local residents due to the loud engine noise and dangerous driving behaviour. According to police reports, residents of Hat Yai were disturbed during the night by the sound of multiple cars revving their engines and driving in convoy, prompting complaints to local authorities. CCTV footage confirmed the presence of six Malaysian vehicles driving in a manner that obstructed traffic and disturbed the peace. Police from the Kho Hong Police Station, led by Pol. Col. Apichart Wannako, alongside the Tourist Police and local traffic officers, launched an investigation into the incident. The team was able to locate and apprehend all six vehicles and their drivers based on the CCTV evidence. Interpreters were brought in to facilitate communication with the tourists. The group was taken in for questioning and subjected to a session to raise awareness about Thai traffic laws. They were also fined for multiple offences under the Road Traffic Act, including: 1. Operating vehicles with unauthorised modifications 2. Incomplete or non-compliant vehicle equipment 3. Obstructing traffic flow 4. Reckless driving 5. Altering the condition of vehicles illegally After the legal process was completed, the tourists offered a public apology, bowing in a wai gesture. A spokesperson for the group expressed remorse, stating, “We sincerely apologise to the people of Hat Yai for the noise and disruption we caused. It won’t happen again. We are truly sorry.” Pol. Lt. Col. Thanawat Baimadpanjor, Deputy Superintendent of Kho Hong Police Station, emphasised that all foreign tourists must strictly follow the laws, particularly traffic regulations, during their stay in the Kingdom. He urged tour guides and travel operators bringing in visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore to ensure their clients understand and comply with local rules. Following the conclusion of their three-day visit to Thailand, the group returned to Malaysia. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-18.

Van Crashes into Lorry, Three Dead Including One-Year-Old Girl Picture courtesy of Matichon. A road crash occurred on the morning of 18 May, just 30 kilometres from its destination when a passenger van carrying a family group collided with the rear of a 10-wheeled lorry, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a one-year-old girl and injuring four others. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360973-van-crashes-into-lorry-three-dead-including-one-year-old-girl/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A road crash occurred on the morning of 18 May, just 30 kilometres from its destination when a passenger van carrying a family group collided with the rear of a 10-wheeled lorry, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a one-year-old girl and injuring four others. The crash took place on the southbound side of Asian Highway 41 in front of a Volvo repair centre in Moo 3, Khlong Sai Subdistrict, Tha Chana District, Surat Thani Province. Emergency responders from Tha Chang and Phunphin rescue teams, along with ambulances from Tha Chang and Tha Rong Chang Hospitals, were quickly dispatched to the scene. The crash involved a silver Toyota Commuter van and an Isuzu 10-wheeled lorry registered in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The lorry, carrying goods and covered by a tarpaulin, sustained minor rear damage. However, the van suffered severe frontal destruction due to the high-speed impact. Initial reports confirmed that the van was carrying seven family members travelling from Bangkok to their home in Khao Hua Khwai, Phunphin District. Upon reaching a diversion zone where traffic was slowing, the van failed to decelerate and crashed directly into the back of the lorry. At the scene, one fatality and six injuries were reported. Of the injured, three were in critical condition. Emergency teams transported four victims to Tha Chang Hospital, where a one-year-old girl later succumbed to her injuries. Another victim died at Tha Rong Chang Hospital in Phunphin, raising the death toll to three. The incident is currently under investigation by Tha Chang Police, who are working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-18.

Indian Tourist Found Dead on Koh Samet with Head Bound in Plastic Bag Pictured courtesy of Workpoint. The body of a 49-year-old Indian male tourist has been discovered wedged among rocks near Ao Som on the southern side of Koh Samet, with initial investigations revealing his head was bound with a black plastic bag secured by a luggage strap. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360959-indian-tourist-found-dead-on-koh-samet-with-head-bound-in-plastic-bag/

Pictured courtesy of Workpoint. The body of a 49-year-old Indian male tourist has been discovered wedged among rocks near Ao Som on the southern side of Koh Samet, with initial investigations revealing his head was bound with a black plastic bag secured by a luggage strap. Police on Koh Samet, located in Moo 4, Phe Subdistrict, Mueang District, Rayong Province, received a report late afternoon on 17 May, regarding the discovery. The body had apparently been washed ashore by the tide. Officers from the island’s patrol unit and rescue workers from the Sawang Phra Kuson Foundation were dispatched to the scene. The body was found in a state of decomposition, indicating the man had been dead for approximately two days. There were no identification documents or personal effects found on the body. According to Mr Khajornsak, a rescue worker who responded to the scene, a local resident reported spotting a body lodged in the rocks at around 17:00. Authorities were immediately notified, and the body was retrieved and brought ashore for further examination. Police forensic teams and a coroner conducted an initial examination on-site and documented the evidence. The body was subsequently transported back to Ban Phe on the mainland. The deceased has been identified as Mr Kakumanu, a 49-year-old Indian national who had been staying at a resort on Koh Samet. Resort staff had earlier reported him missing after being unable to make contact with him. Despite initial search efforts, he remained unaccounted for until his body was discovered floating in the sea near Ao Som. The investigation is ongoing, with police treating the death as suspicious due to the manner in which the body was bound. Authorities are continuing to collect evidence and seek information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Mr Kakumanu’s death. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-18.

Villagers Demand Action After Foreigner’s Pit Bulls Maul Dog to Death Pictures courtesy of Amarin. Fear has engulfed the residential community of Areeya Village, in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, after a foreign national reportedly allowed two pit bulls to maul a locals pet dog to death in full view of onlookers. The man allegedly stood by and watched the brutal attack unfold without making any effort to stop it, prompting widespread outrage among villagers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360957-villagers-demand-action-after-foreigner’s-pit-bulls-maul-dog-to-death/

Pictures courtesy of Amarin. Fear has engulfed the residential community of Areeya Village, in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, after a foreign national reportedly allowed two pit bulls to maul a locals pet dog to death in full view of onlookers. The man allegedly stood by and watched the brutal attack unfold without making any effort to stop it, prompting widespread outrage among villagers. The latest incident, which took place inside the housing estate, has heightened tensions in the neighbourhood, with residents concerned for the safety of children, elderly people, and their pets. Locals say this is not the first time the foreign resident’s dogs have attacked, yet no effective measures have been taken to address the threat. According to residents, the foreign man, whose name and nationality was not disclosed, has repeatedly let his pit bulls roam the village unsupervised Mrs Kaem Nutchimplee, also known as “Auntie Chaem,” aged 60, was the owner of the dog that was killed. She described how her pet was outside her home when the pit bulls were unleashed upon it. “He just let them loose and stood there doing nothing. My dog didn’t stand a chance. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, but no one has done anything about it,” she said. Another local, Mrs Kantong Breaker, 70, recounted a previous incident involving her grandchild, who was verbally threatened by the same man while out walking their dog. “He shouted at my grandchild and acted aggressively, right in front of our home. We live in fear now.” Mr Supachai Wongmuangkam, 48, also came forward with his concerns, stating that the man frequently causes disturbances in the community. “He drinks heavily, argues with the security guards, and even sets off fireworks. The peace we once had is gone. Many people are too frightened to go for a walk or let their children outside.” Residents have joined forces to file a complaint with Nong Prue Police Station. They are demanding immediate intervention by the relevant authorities to prevent future attacks and to impose strict regulations on dangerous pets and irresponsible owners. Villagers are calling for stronger protections and enforcement to restore safety and peace to their once-quiet community. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-18.

New Electric Cart Crashes After Nanny Puts It in Wrong Gear Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A newly purchased electric cart crashed through a residential home just a day after being brought home, in an incident that fortunately left no one injured. The cart, driven by the family’s nanny, ploughed into the property after she allegedly put it into the wrong gear and failed to release the accelerator in time. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360956-new-electric-cart-crashes-after-nanny-puts-it-in-wrong-gear/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A newly purchased electric cart crashed through a residential home just a day after being brought home, in an incident that fortunately left no one injured. The cart, driven by the family’s nanny, ploughed into the property after she allegedly put it into the wrong gear and failed to release the accelerator in time. The incident occurred on 14 May 2025 at approximately 17.30, when the nanny was attempting to take the family’s eldest child to a nearby convenience store using the electric vehicle, which had been bought the previous day. CCTV footage from the home shows the vehicle suddenly smashing through the glass doors of the house. The homeowner, identified only as Khun Pu, recounted the terrifying moment, saying, “It was just sheer luck that no one was hurt. If we hadn’t jumped out of the way in time, someone could have been seriously injured. The shattered glass alone could have caused grave harm.” Initial claims by the nanny suggested the car’s accelerator had stuck, causing it to lurch uncontrollably. However, upon inspection by electric vehicle technicians, it was confirmed that the cart was in perfect working condition. Further scrutiny of CCTV footage reportedly showed the nanny switching the gear from reverse to drive just moments before the collision, leading to speculation that she had become disoriented and panicked, mistakenly pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. Feeling deeply remorseful, the nanny voluntarily resigned from her position the following day. Despite the property damage, estimated at around 30,000 baht, the homeowner declined to demand compensation or deduct any amount from the nanny’s salary. “We understood that it was an accident and she felt genuinely sorry,” said the homeowner. “She offered to resign out of a sense of accountability. We accepted her resignation but never asked for money. These things can happen, and thankfully, no one was hurt.” The incident has since gone viral on social media, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of familiarising oneself with new vehicles. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-18.

UPDATE Plantation Horror: Police Re-Enact Grisly Murder Scene in Trang as Families Demand Execution Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a scene of high emotion and national outrage, Police escorted four suspects through a re-enactment of a grisly triple murder and body burning at a palm oil plantation in Trang province. The suspects, accused of shooting and then immolating their victims, were met with fury from grieving relatives, who demanded the death penalty, claiming the gang was responsible for eight murders in total. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360702-nationwide-manhunt-for-plantation-murder-gang-intensifies-as-police-close-in-on-suspects/#findComment-19807560

UPDATE Plantation Horror: Police Re-Enact Grisly Murder Scene in Trang as Families Demand Execution Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a scene of high emotion and national outrage, Police escorted four suspects through a re-enactment of a grisly triple murder and body burning at a palm oil plantation in Trang province. The suspects, accused of shooting and then immolating their victims, were met with fury from grieving relatives, who demanded the death penalty, claiming the gang was responsible for eight murders in total. Leading the operation was Pol Lt Gen Piyawat Chaloemsri, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, accompanied by senior local and regional officers. The re-enactment took place in Moo 1, Kalase subdistrict, Sikao district, at a 170-rai palm oil estate where the victims were brutally killed and burned. The victims included 69-year-old plantation manager Surachet “Ko Chet” and his two employees, Anan (49) and Weerayut (41). The suspects, led by 37-year-old Suppakorn “Bin Khuan Kun” Rakwivat, were shown pointing out where the killings occurred, closely guarded by special operations officers due to the presence of agitated family members. According to police, the incident began when Ko Chet drove into the plantation with his men sitting in the back of a pickup truck. A dispute broke out with Bin and his associates. As tensions escalated, Bin’s team allegedly opened fire on Ko Chet’s men, seriously wounding them, and forced Ko Chet to drive deeper into the plantation. There, the injured Anan was coerced into transferring 40,000 baht to the wife of one of the attackers, named Jack (Piyasaak, 33), before being shot along with the others. The three bodies were dumped in a canal and set ablaze using tyres and wooden planks. Shockingly, Ko Chet was reportedly still alive during the burning and attempted to crawl out of the fire, only to be shot twice more by Jack and pushed back into the flames. Bin, during the re-enactment, tearfully claimed the incident wasn’t premeditated and that the conflict began over a verbal dispute. He expressed remorse and apologised to the victims’ families, while Jack also performed a wai in apology. However, their remorse did little to ease public outrage. Pol Lt Gen Piyawat confirmed that overwhelming evidence, including confessions and detailed reconstructions, secured the case against the suspects. He also revealed that Bin and some gang members had long criminal histories, including multiple murder charges from 2010 and 2014. Police are reopening these cases to strengthen the current prosecution. A fourth body, found 300 metres from the main crime scene and reduced to decomposed remains, is also linked to Bin, who admitted to killing a mentally ill man named Supharuek after an alleged confrontation. Relatives of the victims expressed grief and fury, slamming the justice system for allowing Bin and his gang to roam free after prior convictions. “They tortured and executed our loved ones for money and control of land. They’ve murdered eight people. That’s not a man, it’s a monster,” one family member said. “We want nothing less than the death penalty.” The police pledged to pursue the harshest possible charges, including capital punishment, as the nation reels from one of the most chilling mass murders in recent memory. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-18.

Man Caught Smuggling 17.6kg of Heroin Hidden in Pet Food & Coffee Picture courtesy of The Standard. A Thai national has been arrested at the Nong Khai border checkpoint after attempting to smuggle more than 17.6 kilograms of heroin concealed within bags of pet food and coffee. The drugs, with an estimated street value of over 61 million baht, were intercepted during a joint operation by multiple law enforcement agencies. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360955-man-caught-smuggling-176kg-of-heroin-hidden-in-pet-food-coffee/

Picture courtesy of The Standard. A Thai national has been arrested at the Nong Khai border checkpoint after attempting to smuggle more than 17.6 kilograms of heroin concealed within bags of pet food and coffee. The drugs, with an estimated street value of over 61 million baht, were intercepted during a joint operation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The arrest took place around 18:30 on 16 May, when the suspect, identified only as Khunakon, entered Thailand from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, carrying two large bags. Inside were various consumer goods, including coffee and pet food. Customs officers became suspicious of the packaging and subjected the bags to an x-ray scan. The scan revealed suspicious white powder hidden within five coffee bags and 13 bags of pet food, specifically cat and rabbit food. Field testing with ONCB051 reagent turned the samples purple, confirming the presence of a Category 1 narcotic, heroin. Preliminary questioning revealed that Khunakon had travelled to Vientiane, Lao PDR, to seek information regarding his younger brother, who had been arrested there on charges related to the possession of e-cigarettes. While in Vientiane, he was contacted via WhatsApp by a woman named Pinthip, also known as “Eye,” who told him someone would deliver luggage for him to carry across the border. At approximately 14:40 the same day, an unidentified Black male handed Khunakon the luggage and instructed him to deliver it to a domestic courier company in Songkhla province. The recipient’s information was to be provided after he had crossed into Thailand. Khunakon boarded a public bus back to Thailand and was apprehended while passing through customs. Khunakon was taken into custody along with the narcotics and transferred to the investigative team for formal prosecution under the strict narcotics laws. Adapted by Asean Now from The Standard 2025-05-18.

Former Monk’s Aide Confesses to Depositing Funds for Gambling Ring Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A former monk’s aide has confessed to depositing large sums of cash into a woman’s bank account on more than a hundred occasions, funds now suspected to be tied to an online gambling network. The case, unfolding rapidly in Bangkok, has shaken both religious and law enforcement circles as investigators widen their probe into illicit financial activities linked to the monastic community. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360954-former-monk’s-aide-confesses-to-depositing-funds-for-gambling-ring/

UPDATE Former Monk’s Aide Confesses to Depositing Funds for Gambling Ring

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A former monk’s aide has confessed to depositing large sums of cash into a woman’s bank account on more than a hundred occasions, funds now suspected to be tied to an online gambling network. The case, unfolding rapidly in Bangkok, has shaken both religious and law enforcement circles as investigators widen their probe into illicit financial activities linked to the monastic community. On the evening of 16 May, officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan, apprehended Mr Ekaphot Phukhang, 25, formerly known as Phra Maha Ekaphot Phukhang. Once a close confidant to the influential monk Phra Dhammawachiranuwat (Yaem Kittintharo), the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing temple, Mr Ekaphot was detained under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court. He was taken into custody at the Government Complex in Chaeng Watthana and is now facing multiple charges under The Gambling Act and Anti-Money Laundering laws. These include promoting illegal online gambling, soliciting participation via electronic platforms, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and direct involvement in laundering illicit funds. During interrogation, Mr Ekaphot admitted to depositing cash, ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand baht, into the account of Ms Aranyawan Wangtaphan. These transactions, made through various cash deposit machines, are believed to have been on the instruction of former Abbot Yaem. Mr Ekaphot claims he was unaware of the funds’ connection to the online gambling platform “LAGALAXY911.” He has now been transferred to Thung Song Hong Police Station, with investigators seeking court approval to remand him in custody. No Bail for Key Suspects In a related development, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on 17 May authorised the first round of detention for two primary suspects in the case, Mr Yaem Inkrungkao (formerly Phra Dhammawachiranuwat) and Ms Aranyawan Wangtaphan. They are charged with embezzling state assets and abusing their official positions for personal gain. The court granted a 12-day detention order while rejecting bail requests for both defendants. Investigators strongly opposed bail due to the high financial damage involved and the risk of evidence tampering. Notably, Mr Yaem did not apply for bail, and he has been transferred to Bangkok Remand Prison. Meanwhile, Ms Aranyawan’s request for temporary release was denied. The court cited the seriousness of the charges, the digital nature of the evidence, and her involvement in another criminal case already under the jurisdiction of the Ratchada Criminal Court. Authorities fear that if released, she could interfere with witnesses or abscond. Ms Aranyawan has now been remanded to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution. The case forms part of a broader investigation into illegal online gambling networks, some of which allegedly have links to influential monastic figures. Authorities expect further arrests as the CCIB continues to examine suspicious financial flows and potential collusion involving religious and laypersons alike. The scandal has prompted renewed calls for greater financial transparency and regulatory oversight within monastic institutions. Related articles: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360815-high-profile-temple-embezzlement-case online-gambling-broker-arrested-in-pattaya/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1360791-nakhon-pathom-temple-abbot-in-hot-water-300-million-baht-embezzlement-shock/ Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-18.

Chiang Mai: MOU Signed to Boost Aerial Response to Wildfires, Disasters & Health Emergencies Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chiang Mai authorities, to enhance aerial operations in tackling wildfires, natural disasters and emergencies in Chiang Mai province a region severely affected by annual haze and environmental crises. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360953-chiang-mai mou-signed-to-boost-aerial-response-to-wildfires-disasters-health-emergencies/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chiang Mai authorities, to enhance aerial operations in tackling wildfires, natural disasters and emergencies in Chiang Mai province a region severely affected by annual haze and environmental crises. The agreement was signed on 16 May at the Chiang Mai Railway Park by Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the MNRE, alongside Mr. Pichai Lertpongadisorn, President of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation; Dr. Waranyu Chamnongprasatporn, Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Officer and representatives from the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. Speaking at the event, Mr. Jatuporn emphasised Chiang Mai’s vulnerability to severe forest fires and air pollution, particularly in mountainous districts such as Mae Chaem, Omkoi, Chiang Dao and Samoeng. These areas face recurring health and environmental threats due to seasonal wildfires and smog. They are also prone to landslides, flash floods, and other emergencies that are difficult to access by road. “To address these challenges, aerial capabilities are essential,” Mr. Jatuporn said. “Aircraft can be used for patrol missions, hotspot detection, emergency response, fire suppression and rapid assistance to residents in remote areas. This includes the evacuation of patients, delivery of relief supplies, and provision of urgent medical and public services.” The MOU aims to improve inter-agency coordination and operational efficiency in combating forest fires and reducing the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the province. It also seeks to bolster access to healthcare, rescue services and disaster response in isolated communities, ensuring greater equity in emergency and public health services across Chiang Mai. “This agreement represents a critical step toward improving the quality of life for Chiang Mai’s residents, not only during crises but also under normal circumstances,” Mr. Jatuporn concluded. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-18.

Stricter Controls on Paper Waste Imports Amid Surge in Smuggling Picture courtesy of Thai Enquirer. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has announced the implementation of more stringent regulations on the import of paper waste, in response to a rise in smuggled shipments containing prohibited and hazardous materials. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360952-stricter-controls-on-paper-waste-imports-amid-surge-in-smuggling/