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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 66-year-old Thai man, reportedly a senior public prosecutor and his 30-year-old daughter were arrested by police at Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture on charges of assaulting an airline employee. According to Japanese media reports, the incident occurred on 12 May at approximately 14:45, local time at the departure counter of Terminal 1. The pair allegedly became involved in a dispute with a 28-year-old airline staff member over what they claimed was poor customer service. During the altercation, the father was accused of grabbing the employee by the arm. He later claimed to be a public prosecutor and admitted to the allegations during police questioning. His daughter, who is self-employed, denied any physical contact with the staff member. Both individuals had reportedly been on holiday in Japan and were preparing to return to Thailand when the incident occurred. Further investigation by Japanese authorities confirmed the man’s identity as a senior prosecutor in Thailand, but no further details were made public. The Thai Public Prosecutors Commission has been notified of the matter and both individuals are still under investigation by Japanese law enforcement. The incident has drawn attention in both Japan and Thailand, particularly due to the father’s high-profile position in the Thai judicial system. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-17.

Wild Elephant Invades School to Feast on Mangoes Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Teachers at a rural school in Chachoengsao province are on high alert after a wild elephant broke into the school grounds in the middle of the night to raid a mango tree, on the night before the start of the new school term. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360886-wild-elephant-invades-school-to-feast-on-mangoes/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Teachers at a rural school in Chachoengsao province are on high alert after a wild elephant broke into the school grounds in the middle of the night to raid a mango tree, on the night before the start of the new school term. The incident occurred at Wat Thung Yai Chi School in Moo 3, Thung Yai Chi village, Tha Takiap district. CCTV footage captured the elephant shaking a heavily laden mango tree beside the school football field and consuming most of the ripe fruit. The disturbance was partly thwarted by “Tank”, the school’s resident dog, which barked persistently and, along with two other dogs, helped drive the elephant away. Mr Parinya Phadungkij, a teacher at the school, was among staff preparing classrooms for the start of term on 16 May. He showed reporters the site of the raid, where ripe mangoes lay scattered on the ground and the branches had been heavily stripped of fruit. According to Mr Parinya, this was the first time the school had ever experienced an incursion by a wild elephant. CCTV footage from around 03:10, showed a large elephant, approximately 2.6 metres tall, entering the school premises. It wandered past the newly built kindergarten building, passed under a connecting walkway roughly 2.7 metres high, and entered the roofless multipurpose area before exiting through the opposite gate. Minutes later, the elephant returned via the school’s football field and began shaking the mango tree at the corner. Tank the dog, alongside two others, barked loudly to chase it away. Though they initially succeeded, the elephant returned a short time later to continue feeding. Once again, Tank’s barking forced the animal back into the forested area beyond the school’s perimeter. Although the intrusion occurred during the school holiday and in the early hours of the morning, the incident has prompted staff to maintain vigilance, fearing that the elephant could return at any time, posing a danger to students. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-17.

Buriram Village in Shock as Man Attempts to Have Sex with Livestock Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Residents of a rural village in Buriram province have been left horrified after a 37-year-old man was found wandering the area requesting to have sexual intercourse with villagers’ livestock, including cows and dogs. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360885-buriram-village-in-shock-as-man-attempts-to-have-sex-with-livestock/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Residents of a rural village in Buriram province have been left horrified after a 37-year-old man was found wandering the area requesting to have sexual intercourse with villagers’ livestock, including cows and dogs. The man was later discovered naked and behaving erratically near a cattle pen, prompting fears for public safety and concerns over his mental health and possible drug use. The disturbing incident occurred in Moo 5, Chum Het Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram District. Local police were called by concerned residents after the man, later identified as Mr. Ittiporn, approached multiple villagers asking for permission to engage in sexual acts with their animals. Witnesses say he showed no signs of shame or restraint and refused to leave the area despite being repeatedly warned. Mr. Chaisak, a 70-year-old cattle owner, told reporters that Mr. Ittiporn came to his house and directly asked to have sex with one of his cows. When refused, he allegedly responded by saying he would settle for the dog if not the cow. Despite being driven away, he returned that evening and attempted to hide near the cattle pen, still making disturbing requests. Eventually, Mr. Ittiporn was found completely nude behind the cattle pen. Upon seeing authorities arrive, he climbed a tree in an attempt to avoid capture. Police tried to reason with him, but he remained uncooperative until they tricked him by pretending to offer him what he wanted. Only then did he descend, allowing officers to detain him. During the arrest, police found a used syringe among Mr. Ittiporn’s discarded belongings. He reportedly claimed it was used for HIV treatment, though villagers and authorities suspect he may have been under the influence of narcotics. His incoherent speech and erratic behaviour further fuelled suspicions of drug-induced psychosis. A background check revealed a history of substance abuse. Ms. Jiraporn Saengkutlao, the village head, expressed serious concerns over the incident. “This man poses a real threat to our community. We have children and elderly residents. This kind of behaviour is dangerous and unacceptable,” she said. “We urge relevant authorities to step in and ensure he receives the treatment he needs while protecting our community from future risks.” Mr. Ittiporn has since been transported to Buriram General Hospital for psychiatric evaluation and further investigation. Local authorities have pledged to take additional steps to ensure the safety of residents. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-17.

Pattaya’s 345-Million-Baht Marina Parking Project Left Abandoned for 17 Years Picture courtesy of Sophon A long-abandoned marina parking project in South Pattaya has become a stark symbol of failed urban planning, poor project management, and wasteful public spending, with over 345 million baht of taxpayer funds yielding nothing but rust and rubble. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360883-pattaya’s-345-million-baht-marina-parking-project-left-abandoned-for-17-years/

Picture courtesy of Sophon A long-abandoned marina parking project in South Pattaya has become a stark symbol of failed urban planning, poor project management, and wasteful public spending, with over 345 million baht of taxpayer funds yielding nothing but rust and rubble. The South Pattaya Marina Parking Facility, located near the Bali Hai Pier, was envisioned in 2008 as a state-of-the-art docking and vehicle parking solution to alleviate congestion and support the city’s booming marine tourism industry. Funded with a staggering 735 million baht from central government coffers, the project comprised two major components: an automated car park for 417 vehicles and a hydraulic boat parking system capable of accommodating over 360 vessels. While the car park component is in limited operation, the marina itself has never been functional since completion in October 2013. Now, nearly two decades after construction began, the facility lies deteriorated and unusable, a cautionary tale of what can happen when large-scale infrastructure projects are poorly conceived and executed. The irony is stark. Pattaya is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation in a bid to revive its status as a tourist destination post-COVID. City officials have heavily promoted revitalisation projects through mainstream and social media, including upgrades to Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya’s main marine transport hub, which can see over 10,000 tourists daily travelling to destinations like Koh Larn. Millions of baht have been invested into improved roofing for weather protection, upgraded floating pontoons to support tourist vessels, and newly allocated budgets to tackle long-neglected issues such as public toilet facilities. Pattaya is actively marketing itself as a model city of “universal design” and tourism infrastructure excellence. But amidst this forward-looking vision lies a forgotten megaproject. The marina parking facility was designed to be a game-changer. Instead, it was a logistical and technical failure from the start. The hydraulic system, intended to lift and store boats safely out of the water, was never operational. Boat operators complained early on that the system was incapable of handling real-world conditions, rendering the docks unusable for the speedboats servicing the area. Compounding the issue, in 2015, just two years after the project was completed, Tropical Storm Vamco (locally known as “Wa Mok Ko”) struck South Pattaya. The resulting storm surge and sediment accumulation severely damaged the underwater infrastructure. Large parts of the hydraulic system were buried and now corroded beyond repair. Although the city filed legal action against the project designers, Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court later ruled that the city itself bore responsibility due to inadequate feasibility studies and failure to anticipate environmental risks. Critics, including local stakeholders, say the city’s failure to consult marine operators and industry professionals during the planning phase was a fatal flaw. Instead of designing a system tailored to real operational needs, city officials approved blueprints disconnected from practical maritime realities. Moreover, the complete absence of a long-term maintenance plan and the failure to conduct environmental impact assessments have only magnified the project’s deterioration. The South Pattaya Marina Parking Project stands today as a neglected concrete ghost facility overtaken by corrosion and tropical decay. It exemplifies the risks of fast-tracked development, top-down decision-making and superficial consultation with stakeholders. While Pattaya presses forward with new tourism initiatives, this abandoned marina should serve as a lasting reminder: real progress depends not just on spending, but on sound planning, inclusive design and sustainable management. City officials are now under increasing pressure to either rehabilitate the marina or formally decommission the site and reallocate future budgets with greater transparency and public input. Adapted by Asean Now from Sophon 2025-05-17.

Air Force Scrambles F-16s to Intercept Aircraft Near Kanchanaburi Border Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets in an emergency operation after detecting a high-performance aircraft approaching Thai airspace near the western border province of Kanchanaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360882-air-force-scrambles-f-16s-to-intercept-aircraft-near-kanchanaburi-border/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets in an emergency operation after detecting a high-performance aircraft approaching Thai airspace near the western border province of Kanchanaburi. According to an official statement posted on the Royal Thai Air Force’s social media page, the urgent mission was launched at 12:42 on 16 May, when radar systems detected an aircraft resembling a K-8 attack jetheading towards Thai territory. The jets were scrambled from Wing 4 in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan, with orders to intercept and identify the aircraft. This incident mirrors a similar situation earlier in the month. On 6 May 2025, Thai air defence systems detected an unidentified aircraft near the border opposite Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province. At the time, the RTAF also launched two F-16 fighters from Wing 4 to intercept the aircraft and demonstrate a deterrent posture. Following the interception, air patrols were conducted over Mueang and Sai Yok districts to ensure continued aerial security in the region. The deployment of fighter aircraft underscores heightened vigilance in the region amid concerns over border incursions and unauthorised aerial activity. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-17.

Bangkok Police Arrest “Young Entrepreneurs” Gang for Disguised E-Cigarette Deliveries Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Metropolitan Police Division 3 have arrested two members of a criminal group known as “Young Entrepreneurs”, who exploited a national e-cigarette shortage by distributing illegal products while posing as food delivery riders. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360881-bangkok-police-arrest-“young-entrepreneurs”-gang-for-disguised-e-cigarette-deliveries/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Metropolitan Police Division 3 have arrested two members of a criminal group known as “Young Entrepreneurs”, who exploited a national e-cigarette shortage by distributing illegal products while posing as food delivery riders. The suspects, identified as Mr. Pongsiri (27), known as Pong, and Mr. Phat (27), known as Pok, were detained after a covert police operation in the Thong Romklao market area of Min Buri. Officers seized a large quantity of illegal vaping products disguised in parcels intended for online delivery. Under the command of Pol Col Krit Komnoi, the operation was carried out by a team led by Pol Lt Col Jamnong Prasopsukmangdee. Investigators uncovered that the group had been operating an online e-cigarette distribution service from a seemingly closed shop front. Orders were placed via social media or messaging apps, with payments made by bank transfer. Products were then delivered by couriers impersonating Line Man food delivery drivers, complete with uniforms and delivery boxes mounted on motorbikes. Surveillance confirmed the operation’s method: one suspect was seen in a Line Man jacket placing parcels into a delivery box and riding away on a red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle. Officers intercepted him on Romklao Road and searched the parcels, uncovering nine popular disposable e-cigarette devices. A subsequent raid on the store revealed further inventory: • 18 standard e-cigarette devices • 85 disposable e-cigarettes • 229 bottles of e-liquid • 1,013 accessories including pods and coils In total, 1,354 illegal items were seized, along with marketing materials, QR code payment signs linked to a Kasikorn Bank account, a tablet running inventory software, and sales records showing daily earnings of up to 100,000 baht. During interrogation, Pong admitted the group called themselves “Young Entrepreneurs” and had been active since the government launched a crackdown on e-cigarette distribution, which had caused product shortages and driven up prices. He stated that the shop was leased by associates “Ms. Patch” and “Mr. Mam”, who handled online orders. Pok managed inventory and packaging, while Pong acted as the delivery rider to avoid suspicion. Their customer base stretched across Bangkok’s outer districts, including Romklao, Lat Krabang, Min Buri, and Nong Chok, with deliveries reportedly made as far as Nakhon Nayok for a fee of 800 baht. Both suspects face two main charges: 1. Illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, in violation of Consumer Protection Board Order No. 9/2558. Penalty: up to 3 years’ imprisonment, a 600,000 baht fine, or both. 2. Possession of smuggled goods not declared through customs, violating Section 246 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560. Penalty: up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a 500,000 baht fine, or both. The accused and all seized items have been transferred to Min Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-17.

Panic in Nonthaburi, ‘Suspicious Package’ Turns Out to Be Life-Sized Sex Doll Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. Residents of a condominium complex in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, were left startled in the early hours of 16 May, after a suspicious package sparked a security scare, only to reveal a surprising and humorous twist. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360880-panic-in-nonthaburi-‘suspicious-package’-turns-out-to-be-life-sized-sex-doll/

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. Residents of a condominium complex in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, were left startled in the early hours of 16 May, after a suspicious package sparked a security scare, only to reveal a surprising and humorous twist. At approximately 01:00, local police from Pak Kret Police Station were alerted to the presence of a large, unattended box near a communal rubbish area behind a condominium on Soi 12, Bon Street Road. Concerned citizens reported the object as potentially hazardous, prompting officers to attend the scene with caution. On arrival, officers discovered a large cardboard box, approximately 1.8 metres long and 40 centimetres wide, roughly the size of a human body, lying next to the bins. Following strict protocol, police opened the box with care, only to be greeted first by layers of black foam padding and a pink cloth. What they uncovered beneath caused initial alarm, a seemingly headless human body. However, further inspection revealed the “body” to be a hyper-realistic silicone sex doll, complete with a separate head wrapped in a black cloth bag. The doll, still in pristine condition, appeared unused. What had begun as a tense situation quickly turned to laughter and relief among the responding officers and the growing number of onlookers. Many had feared the worst, only to witness one of the more bizarre incidents in recent local memory. Police now believe that the doll’s owner may have discarded it discreetly, either out of dissatisfaction with its appearance, fear of discovery by guests, or simple embarrassment. Given the quality and condition of the doll, it is presumed to be a high-end item with a considerable price tag. To prevent further panic, the police have removed the doll from the scene and taken it into custody at Pak Kret Police Station. Officers noted that had it been left unattended, future passersby or refuse collectors might have made additional emergency calls, mistaking it for something far more sinister. While no crime has been committed, the unusual discovery has prompted plenty of chuckles and a reminder of the strange surprises life and night shifts, can deliver. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-17.

SRT Extends Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Tunnel Construction Due to Land Delays Pictures courtesy of Matichon. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved a 181-day extension for the construction of a key tunnel section of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, citing delays in land expropriation as the cause. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360879-srt-extends-thai-chinese-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-due-to-land-delays/

Man 57, Dies After Car Plunges Into Canal in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 57-year-old man lost his life after the car he was driving plunged into a canal in Nonthaburi province on the evening of 15 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360878-man-57-dies-after-car-plunges-into-canal-in-nonthaburi/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved a 181-day extension for the construction of a key tunnel section of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, citing delays in land expropriation as the cause. Mr. Veerath Amrapal, Governor of the SRT, announced that the SRT Board has agreed to extend Contract 3-2 of the high-speed rail project, covering civil engineering works for the Muak Lek and Lam Ta Khong tunnels, from the original completion date of 7 June 2025 to 5 December 2025. The extension was necessary due to delays in handing over expropriated land to the contractor. This affected construction work on the embankment section from DK.134+765 to DK.135+385, as well as the Pha Sadet Bridge. The SRT has now transferred all required land and has urged the contractor to complete the remaining works within the revised schedule. Notably, the extension will not affect other parts of the project and the contractor will not be entitled to claim additional expenses. The tunnel sections under Contract 3-2, valued at 4.279 billion baht, spans 12.23 kilometres, including: • 8 km of tunnels • 3.27 km of embankment railway • 0.96 km of elevated track • Four structures for railway systems • Connecting roads Construction began on 19 April 2021 and has progressed to 90% completion. In addition to the extension, the SRT board has also approved the draft of a Royal Decree to define the expropriation zones for Phase 2 of the high-speed railway, which will run from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The proposal will be submitted to Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, and then to the Cabinet for final approval. The second phase of the project will require the expropriation of 1,991 land plots covering approximately 1,345 rai across the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai, with 1,428 structures to be affected. The compensation budget is estimated at 12.42 billion baht. Phase 2 has already received approval from both the National Environment Board and the Cabinet, and preparations for the bidding process are now underway. This phase will cover a 357.22 km stretch, starting just beyond Nakhon Ratchasima station and ending at the Thai side of the Mekong River, with five new stations and supporting infrastructure. The high-speed railway is a central component of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, intended to boost regional connectivity and trade between Thailand, Laos, and China, while stimulating economic growth in Thailand’s upper northeastern provinces. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-17.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 57-year-old man lost his life after the car he was driving plunged into a canal in Nonthaburi province on the evening of 15 May. The incident occurred at approximately 20:00, near a U-turn point under the Khlong Lak Khon Bridge in the Lahan subdistrict of Bang Bua Thong. Officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station received a report of a vehicle submerged in the canal and immediately coordinated with rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a Toyota sedan submerged in the water. Rescue workers, assisted by bystanders, managed to retrieve the driver from the vehicle. The man, later identified as Mr Neti, 57, was unresponsive and showed no pulse. CPR was administered for over 30 minutes, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly after, the victim’s wife and daughter arrived and informed authorities that Mr Neti had several underlying health conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and a history of brain surgery due to a cerebral haemorrhage. Earlier that evening, he had left home saying he was going out to buy food, but did not return. Concerned by his unusually long absence, his family checked his vehicle’s GPS tracker, which indicated the signal was lost near the bridge, not far from their home. They drove out to the location and found emergency services already attempting to rescue him. According to his wife, Mr Neti would occasionally suffer seizures brought on by severe headaches. It is suspected that he may have had a seizure and lost consciousness while driving, causing the car to veer off the road and into the canal. An investigation is ongoing to confirm the exact cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-17.

UPDATE Two Suspects Arrested in Brutal Murder and Burning of Four at Trang Palm Plantation Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Police have apprehended one of the primary suspects in a gruesome quadruple murder case involving the execution and burning of a palm plantation manager and three employees in Trang province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360702-nationwide-manhunt-for-plantation-murder-gang-intensifies-as-police-close-in-on-suspects/#findComment-19804270

A devastating fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public, in one of the worst incidents to hit the county’s emergency services in recent memory. The blaze broke out on the evening of 15 May, at Bicester Motion, a site on the grounds of the former RAF Bicester, now home to more than 50 specialist businesses, many of them focused on classic car restoration and engineering. Ten fire and rescue appliances, plus additional specialist units, including a hydraulic platform, a high-volume pump, a command vehicle and water carrier, were deployed to tackle the fast-spreading fire, which prompted urgent public safety warnings and was declared a major incident. Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky, visible from across the town, as firefighters battled through the night. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on the morning of 16 May that two firefighters lost their lives while attempting to control the inferno. Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital. The Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall, issued a sombre statement: “It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Families have been informed and are being fully supported at this extremely difficult time.” A member of the public also died in the incident, though their identity has not yet been released. The circumstances and details surrounding their death have not been released and are under investigation. As of the morning of 16 May, the fire was under control, with four fire crews remaining at the site to cover any flare ups. The cause of the fire is not yet known. An investigation is now underway, with police, scene of crime and fire investigators expected conducting a full forensic analysis of the site. Adapted by Asean Now from BBC 2025-05-16. ScreenRecording_05-16-2025 19-17-35_1.mp4

UPDATE Fourth Body Linked to ‘Bin’ as He Confesses to Killing Teenager in Trang Palm Plantation Picture courtesy of Amarin. A chilling twist has emerged in the Trang palm plantation murder case as “Bin”, the ringleader of a group already accused of three gruesome killings, has confessed to a fourth murder, that of a teenager he claims was stealing palm fruit. The man, identified as Mr Supakorn Rakwiwat, known by his alias Bin, 37, was apprehended by police on the morning of 16 May. He is believed to have led a gang responsible for the execution-style killings and burning of three men, including the plantation manager, Mr Surachet Luankiatkajorn, 69, widely known as Ko Chet, along with his two subordinates, Mr Anan Tochanok (Ko Piak), 49, and Mr Weerayut Tannula, 41. Their charred remains were found in a makeshift incineration site in the middle of an oil palm plantation in Si Kao District, Trang Province. However, the discovery of a fourth body, partially buried and burned in a nearby area, prompted further investigation. Following intense interrogation, Bin admitted to shooting and killing the unidentified teenager, claiming the boy was caught stealing palm fruit from the plantation he was hired to protect. He alleged that the landowner had authorised him to “deal with” any trespassers as he saw fit. Bin claimed that he confronted the youth, saw him stealing and shot him dead on the spot. He then attempted to cover up the crime by burning and burying the body at the rear of the plantation managed by Ko Chet. Police are currently working to identify the victim, cross-referencing missing persons reports. Bin told officers that the boy had long hair, but further forensic analysis is underway to determine the teenager’s identity. Following his confession, police escorted Bin back to his holding cell. When reporters attempted to ask whether he wished to apologise to the victims’ families or confirm his direct role in the teenager’s murder, Bin remained silent. Investigations are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-16.

UPDATE Two Suspects Arrested in Brutal Murder and Burning of Four at Trang Palm Plantation Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Police have apprehended one of the primary suspects in a gruesome quadruple murder case involving the execution and burning of a palm plantation manager and three employees in Trang province. The suspect, 37-year-old Supakorn, also known as “Bin Khuan Kun”, was taken into custody during the early hours of 16 May, following intense manhunt operations. Authorities report that Bin was found hiding in an oil palm plantation in Kalase subdistrict, Sikao district, where the horrific killings had occurred on 11 May. Police had issued arrest warrants for four individuals in connection with the crime: • Supakorn (Bin Khuan Kun), 37 • Charonchai (Taem), 32 • Piyasak (Jack), 33 • Raphiphan (Thueak), 36 Authorities revealed that Bin, believed to be the ringleader, had initially attempted to negotiate terms for a voluntary surrender through relatives, including requests for bail. However, police firmly rejected any conditions. When investigators identified Bin’s hideout, they swiftly launched a tactical operation and arrested him without resistance. Police believe the suspect feared being shot during the arrest and therefore surrendered peacefully. He was transferred to Kok Yang Police Station in Kantang district for interrogation, where he later confessed to all charges under intense questioning by Pol Col Ekkarat Suansaen, Deputy Commander of Trang Provincial Police. Meanwhile, another suspect, 32-year-old Charonchai, was also captured the previous night in Wang Wiset district. His arrest followed close surveillance after police detected movement in the area. He remains in custody at Wang Wiset Police Station. The remaining two suspects, Piyasak, who is alleged to have been the gunman, and Raphiphan, are still at large. Police operations to apprehend them are ongoing, and authorities have made it clear that they are prepared to use deadly force if necessary during the arrests. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

UPDATE Trang Quadruple Murder Case: Victim’s Vehicle Found Dumped in Canal Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Trang province have uncovered a major lead in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder and burning of four victims in what is believed to be a gang-related crime. The pickup truck belonging to one of the victims has been recovered from a canal, where it had been abandoned in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360702-nationwide-manhunt-for-plantation-murder-gang-intensifies-as-police-close-in-on-suspects/#findComment-19804206

UPDATE Trang Quadruple Murder Case: Victim’s Vehicle Found Dumped in Canal Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police in Trang province have uncovered a major lead in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder and burning of four victims in what is believed to be a gang-related crime. The pickup truck belonging to one of the victims has been recovered from a canal, where it had been abandoned in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. On 11 May, the charred remains of four individuals were discovered in a palm oil plantation in Moo 1, Kalase subdistrict, Sikao district, Trang province. The victims were allegedly murdered and subjected to a gruesome burning method known locally as nang yang. Authorities have since issued arrest warrants for four suspects: Supakorn Rakwiwat, also known as “Bin Khuan Kun”, 37; Jaranchai Samathi, 32; Piyasak Suwanmanee, 33; and Rapeepan Boonkua, 36. All remain at large. On 15 May at around 17:30, Pol. Col. Ekkerat Suansan, Deputy Commander of Trang Provincial Police, was informed that the suspects had abandoned a silver Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck, the property of 69-year-old Surachet Luankiatkajorn, the caretaker of the plantation and one of the murder victims, in a water diversion canal in Na To Ming subdistrict, Mueang Trang district, in front of the Chulabhorn Dam floodgate. CCTV footage from the area shows the stolen pickup truck turning off onto a service road along the irrigation canal, following a lead vehicle driven by Jaranchai, one of the wanted men. Another camera later captured only one vehicle leaving the area, raising suspicions. Officers inspecting the opposite bank, behind Chulabhorn Rajabhat College in Trang, found disturbed grass and soil at the canal’s edge, along with oil slicks on the water surface. Divers from the Kusonsathan Trang Foundation were dispatched and located the submerged vehicle after a 20-minute search. The truck was recovered and found to still have its ignition key in place. Both the front and rear licence plates had been removed by the perpetrators. No other physical evidence or personal items were discovered inside the vehicle. Authorities believe the vehicle was deliberately submerged to hinder the investigation and destroy forensic evidence. The manhunt for the four suspects is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

BKK EXPO 2025 Opens with Vision of a Smarter, More Sustainable Bangkok Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt officially opened BKK EXPO 2025 on the 15 May, at the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum in Khlong Toei, inviting citizens to explore the capital’s vision for a more efficient and forward-looking future. This year’s event runs from 15–18 May, under the ambitious theme: “We Work, BKK Work! – A City of Efficiency, A People of Progress.” Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360821-bkk-expo-2025-opens-with-vision-of-a-smarter-more-sustainable-bangkok/

Pictures from the event. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt officially opened BKK EXPO 2025 on the 15 May, at the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum in Khlong Toei, inviting citizens to explore the capital’s vision for a more efficient and forward-looking future. This year’s event runs from 15–18 May, under the ambitious theme: “We Work, BKK Work! – A City of Efficiency, A People of Progress.” Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Chadchart emphasised the uniqueness of Bangkok’s approach. “This isn’t just another Expo. This is a People’s Expo – a platform for everyone to engage with the future of their city. ‘We Work, BKK Work!’ reflects our belief that real progress comes from collective action across every sector,” he said. The event is divided into three immersive zones, each showcasing key dimensions of the city’s development: A Safe and Convenient City This zone highlights policies around transport, public safety and healthcare. Highlights include a real-time Command Centre simulation, allowing visitors to experience how traffic flow and urban safety are managed 24/7. Visitors can also explore an online building permit consultation clinic, an innovative street prototype, flu vaccination services, and even enjoy the event’s much-loved pet cafés, now expanded to include both dogs and cats. A Sustainable City Focused on environmental resilience and transparency in governance, this zone showcases waste management innovations, a solar-powered metropolis concept, and a night-time ecological survey. Visitors are encouraged to rethink sustainability beyond green spaces, focusing also on accountable and visible management systems. A Creative City This section highlights how Bangkok fosters inclusive growth through education, culture, and community. Attractions include a dust-free classroom model, a digital learning space, a giant Kitblox building zone, and Play Day, a free play area for children. There are also senior citizen centres, a creative district simulation, and performances by local busking artists. Beyond the thematic zones, BKK EXPO 2025 offers an array of exciting and educational features: Biodiversity Garden and Butterfly Dome A 500-square-metre butterfly garden, complete with an indoor ‘giant butterfly park’, offers an immersive nature experience for all ages. Disaster Response Command Centre A dramatic simulation space where visitors can step into the shoes of emergency commanders, front-line responders, or even disaster victims. Using cutting-edge data and technology, this exhibit offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at urban crisis management. Traffy Fondue & BMA Act Game Zone Explore interactive games and data displays that use humour and life-size board games to explain how Bangkok’s complaint management platform (Traffy Fondue) and city governance laws work in practice. City Model Plus+ A 3D urban planning room enhanced by AR, VR and AI technology, allowing visitors to scan models and see Bangkok’s evolving skyline in motion. Flavours of Bangkok and Family-Friendly Fun Attendees can sample delicious street food from across the city, stroll through an exhibition featuring over 40,000 butterflies, witness daring live rescue demonstrations, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities throughout the park. Day 1 roared to life with a fiery opening day, as firefighters stole the show with a dramatic live demonstration of fire suppression techniques. Spectator watched as fire crews executed rapid-response drills in a simulated emergency. Firefighters dashed through flames, rescued ‘casualties’ and showcased the tools and tactics that keep the capital safe. One of the most anticipated features of the event is the presence of the United SAR K9 team. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to meet the elite search-and-rescue dogs and their handlers. These four-legged heroes will demonstrate how they locate missing persons in disaster zones, combining charm with incredible discipline. Children and adults alike can interact with the K9s, pose for photos, and gain insight into the crucial role dogs play in emergency response operations. Event Details: • Dates: 15–18 May 2025 • Time: 12.00 – 20.00 daily • Venue: Benjakitti Forest Park Museum, Khlong Toei, Bangkok • Admission: Free More information is available on the official Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Facebook page and the BKK EXPO Facebook page. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-16.