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Picture courtesy of Thaich8 A key figure linked to the Wat Rai Khing embezzlement scandal has been arrested in Pattaya, intensifying scrutiny over the 300-million-baht corruption case that has rocked Thailand’s religious establishment. Ms Aranyawan Wangthaphan, 28, was apprehended, at approximately 16:30 on 15 May, by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) at a condominium on Pattaya Second Road, Chonburi, as part of the widening investigation into alleged financial misconduct by Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat (Yam Kittintharo), the abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom and chief monk of Region 14. The arrest follows an extensive financial probe, which revealed that significant sums from Wat Rai Khing’s official accounts were repeatedly transferred into the personal bank account of the abbot. These funds were then allegedly passed on to Ms Aranyawan, who acted as a gambling broker, using her connections to transfer the money into various online baccarat platforms. According to investigators, transactions exceeding 300 million baht were traced between 2021 and 2025, all originating from the temple’s finances. Ms Aranyawan is no stranger to law enforcement. In December 2024, she was arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) for her involvement in another illegal gambling network. She was released on bail and was awaiting trial when this latest scandal came to light. Authorities say she played a central role in this case, acting as a financial intermediary and credit facilitator for the abbot’s gambling activities. Described by police as a “key cog” in Thailand’s underground online gambling industry, Ms Aranyawan reportedly held multiple bank accounts and managed financial flows for several illegal betting sites. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360791-nakhon-pathom-temple-abbot-in-hot-water-300-million-baht-embezzlement-shock/ Adapted by Asean Now from Thaich8 2025-05-16.

Vietnamese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Gold Prospecting in Loei Forest Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Two Vietnamese men have been arrested after allegedly being caught illegally digging for gold ore in a protected forest area in Loei province. The incident took place in the public forestland near Ban Bong village in Na Pong subdistrict, Mueang Loei district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360803-vietnamese-nationals-arrested-for-illegal-gold-prospecting-in-loei-forest/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Two Vietnamese men have been arrested after allegedly being caught illegally digging for gold ore in a protected forest area in Loei province. The incident took place in the public forestland near Ban Bong village in Na Pong subdistrict, Mueang Loei district. On the evening of 14 May, police at Mueang Loei Police Station, led by Pol Sub Lt Warinya Kulnonleutsin, were alerted by local residents who had apprehended the two suspects while they were engaged in unauthorised gold prospecting activities. Officers from the forestry department, the village headman and other local authorities were dispatched to the site. Approximately two kilometres from the village, authorities found that villagers had detained the two Vietnamese men, identified only as Mr Dao and Mr Nguyen and brought them to the police station. At the scene, officials discovered a large excavation pit measuring around 3 metres in width and over 5 metres deep. They also found two sacks of gold-bearing soil, as well as shovels, hoes, a wheelbarrow, and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the operation. During questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed to digging up the soil to pan for gold, which they intended to sell. They admitted that they had been conducting this activity in the forest, which is part of a national reserve. Local residents claimed the site has been targeted by illegal prospectors for several years, and several arrests have previously been made in the same area. The two men now face multiple charges, including: • Trespassing and damaging a national forest reserve without permission • Illegal entry into the Kingdom of Thailand • Working without a legal permit All confiscated items have been seized as evidence, and the suspects have been handed over for prosecution. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting natural resources and enforcing regulations against illegal mining activities. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-16.

AOT Reports 36 Billion Baht in Revenue, 68 Million Passengers in First Half of Fiscal Year Picture courtesy of Matichon. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has announced strong financial and operational results for the first half of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – March 2025), reporting total revenue of 36.2 billion baht and a net profit of over 10.3 billion baht. Passenger numbers soared to 68.42 million across its six airports, marking an 11.76% increase compared to the same period last year. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360802-aot-reports-36-billion-baht-in-revenue-68-million-passengers-in-first-half-of-fiscal-year/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has announced strong financial and operational results for the first half of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – March 2025), reporting total revenue of 36.2 billion baht and a net profit of over 10.3 billion baht. Passenger numbers soared to 68.42 million across its six airports, marking an 11.76% increase compared to the same period last year. Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, Acting President of AOT, revealed that the six airports under AOT’s management, Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai, handled 414,377 flights in the first six months of the fiscal year, a 12.90% rise year-on-year. International flights accounted for 237,511 movements, while domestic flights totalled 176,866. Of the 68.42 million passengers, 42.34 million were international travellers and 26.08 million domestic. Aviation-related revenue rose to 18.18 billion baht, up 17.82% year-on-year. Ms. Paweena attributed the growth to increased air traffic and strategic initiatives, including incentive schemes and marketing support for airlines, aimed at boosting regional connectivity. She also detailed AOT’s long-term development plans to strengthen Thailand’s position as a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia. Major projects include expanding Suvarnabhumi Airport to handle 75 million passengers annually by 2030 and enhancing Don Mueang’s capacity to 50 million passengers per year by 2033. Expansion of international terminals at Chiang Mai and Phuket airports is also underway, alongside feasibility studies for a second airport in both provinces. In addition to airport expansion, AOT is developing commercial zones around airports to create sustainable revenue. Initiatives include the AOT Property Showcase, public-private partnership (PPP) projects, ground service facilities, cargo services, and the construction of Junction Buildings with parking and rail links. On sustainability, AOT continues to receive international recognition. It remains a member of the DJSI World and Emerging Markets indices and has maintained an ‘A’ rating in the SET ESG Ratings. The company aims for Net Zero Emissions by 2044 through clean energy use, solar installations, and electric vehicle deployment. Suvarnabhumi Airport was ranked 39th among the world’s best airports by Skytrax in 2025 and was named the 3rd most improved airport globally. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-16.

Thirteen Chinese Nationals Arrested for Working Illegally in Rayong Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Immigration police officers, accompanied by officials from the Rayong Provincial Employment Office, carried out an inspection at a Chinese-operated company in Nikhom Pattana Sub-district, Nikhom Pattana District, Rayong Province, following reports of illegal employment activity. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360801-thirteen-chinese-nationals-arrested-for-working-illegally-in-rayong/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Immigration police officers, accompanied by officials from the Rayong Provincial Employment Office, carried out an inspection at a Chinese-operated company in Nikhom Pattana Sub-district, Nikhom Pattana District, Rayong Province, following reports of illegal employment activity. During the inspection, authorities discovered 13 Chinese nationals, aged between 35 and 58, working at the premises without the required permits. None of the individuals were able to communicate in Thai, prompting the use of a Chinese interpreter to inform them of the charges. All 13 were charged with working without official authorisation in violation of Thai labour laws. They were subsequently taken to Nikhom Pattana Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officials have not yet disclosed the name of the company involved, but investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of any further violations and whether the employer will also face prosecution. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

Myanmar Vessel Seized After Smuggling Over 5 Tonnes of Clams into Thai Waters Picture courtesy of Amarin. Authorities have intercepted a Myanmar fishing boat smuggling over five tonnes of clams into Thai waters off the coast of Ranong, in what officials described as a covert attempt to blend in with legitimate trade operations. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360800-myanmar-vessel-seized-after-smuggling-over-5-tonnes-of-clams-into-thai-waters/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. Authorities have intercepted a Myanmar fishing boat smuggling over five tonnes of clams into Thai waters off the coast of Ranong, in what officials described as a covert attempt to blend in with legitimate trade operations. The operation, carried out late on 14 May and continuing into the early hours of 15 May, was led by the Surin Islands Maritime Task Force (Phang Nga), under the direction of Mr. Sitthiphon Muangsong, Director of the Fisheries Inspection Division, and Mr. Prasan Sr-Ngam, Director of the Krabi Marine Fisheries Protection and Suppression Centre. The mission was overseen on the ground by Lt. Prasert Khongyian and included five officers working in coordination with Ranong’s provincial fisheries office and border inspection authorities. While conducting routine marine patrols near a floating seafood dock in Pak Khlong village, officers observed a large long-tail boat flying a Myanmar flag. A group of Myanmar crew members was seen unloading sacks filled with clams. Officers waited until all sacks had been offloaded before approaching for inspection. The crew failed to produce the required import documentation. In contrast, other vessels at the same location, belonging to Thai business operators, were able to present valid import permits issued by Ranong’s aquatic animal checkpoint. Authorities seized a total of 146 sacks of live clams, each weighing approximately 40 kilograms, amounting to 5,840 kilograms in total. Mr. Thiti Lohapiyaphan, Inspector General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for Region 6, was present to observe the operation as part of his field visit to assess enforcement of national fisheries policies. Officials noted that smugglers typically receive advance warning of patrols and evade capture, but in this case, it appears the vessel attempted to mask its illegal cargo among legitimate traders. The crew members have been handed over to Pak Nam police station for legal proceedings, while the confiscated clams will be returned to the sea to replenish natural stocks. Authorities hope this move will benefit local, law-abiding fishers. A portion of the clams will also be donated to schools in need, to be used in preparing meals for students. The operation reflects Thailand’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities along its borders and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-16.

UPDATE Songkhla Governor Returns ‘Golf’ Disciplinary Case to Provincial Council Amid Assault Allegations Picture courtesy of Workpoint. The Governor of Songkhla has formally returned the case of embattled councillor Mr Siradon Phlaidoung, widely known as ‘Golf’, to the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Council for disciplinary proceedings, urging it to act in accordance with the law. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19803441

UPDATE Songkhla Governor Returns ‘Golf’ Disciplinary Case to Provincial Council Amid Assault Allegations Picture courtesy of Workpoint. The Governor of Songkhla has formally returned the case of embattled councillor Mr Siradon Phlaidoung, widely known as ‘Golf’, to the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Council for disciplinary proceedings, urging it to act in accordance with the law. This follows the council’s request that the Governor intervene in the matter, after Mr Siradon was detained over serious allegations of ordering the assault of a police officer at a polling station. Mr Siradon, a member of the PAO, is currently being held at Songkhla Provincial Prison following accusations that he directed subordinates to physically attack Pol Sgt Nisathit Khonthaep, a border patrol officer, during election duties in Phawong subdistrict on 11 May. The officer had reportedly instructed the group not to take photographs inside the polling station, as per election regulations. Mr Arm Suwanraksa, a local civil society representative, filed a formal complaint on 13 May, prompting calls for an investigation into Mr Siradon’s ethical and political conduct. The councillor now faces multiple charges including: • Inciting three or more people to use force against an official while armed • Coordinating an assault on a public official on duty • Criminal association According to the PAO Act of 1997, removing a councillor on ethical grounds requires a petition signed by at least one-third of council members (12 out of 36), followed by a vote passed with a three-quarters majority. The accused must also be present to defend themselves. However, Mr Siradon’s detention has rendered his participation impossible. The PAO Council thus referred the matter to Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom for a ruling on whether Mr Siradon could remain in office. In response, the Governor stated that while he retains authority under Section 77 of the PAO Act to supervise local administrations, the matter of ethical removal lies solely with the council. Governor Chotinarin affirmed that provincial authorities are working closely with the Ministry of Interior and law enforcement to ensure due process and justice. In a separate but related issue, suspicions have emerged regarding the authenticity of Mr Siradon’s academic qualifications. Allegations suggest he may have submitted a forged Malaysian university degree when filing his candidacy. The Governor has ordered the local Election Commission to investigate, with the Ministry of Education tasked with verifying the institution in question. Should the degree prove fraudulent, further criminal charges may be filed under Thai election and fraud laws. Meanwhile, Mr Siradon and seven co-accused, including his close aides, spent their first night in the quarantine section of Songkhla Provincial Prison. The Songkhla Provincial Court denied bail, citing concerns over witness interference and the severity of the charges. Prison officials reported that the detainees showed mild signs of stress but otherwise ate normally and were cooperative. They will remain in quarantine until after prison authorities determine their placement pending trial. To prevent potential safety risks associated with their perceived influence, the prison has assigned special monitoring staff and will consider segregating them from the general population. Relatives will be permitted to visit the detainees from 19 May, while lawyers have daily access for legal consultations. The case is being closely watched by both provincial and national authorities due to its political and legal implications. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-16.

Body of Man Found Bound and Stabbed Floating in the Mekong River Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A gruesome discovery was made on the 15 May, as the body of a man was found wrapped in plastic and weighted with a concrete post, floating in the Mekong River near Phon Phisai District in Nong Khai Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360798-body-of-man-found-bound-and-stabbed-floating-in-the-mekong-river/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A gruesome discovery was made on the 15 May, as the body of a man was found wrapped in plastic and weighted with a concrete post, floating in the Mekong River near Phon Phisai District in Nong Khai Province. Police were alerted at around 09:30, when local residents spotted the body caught near the riverbank at Ban Mai Sai Thong in Kud Bong Sub-district. Pol. Sub-Lt. Wiracharn Summat, an investigative officer at Phon Phisai Police Station, responded to the scene along with investigators, a forensic doctor from Phon Phisai Hospital, and rescue personnel from Chaba 191. The body had been tightly wrapped in black plastic sheeting and further concealed beneath blue-and-white shade netting, tied with rope and bound to a concrete pillar used to weigh it down. Once unwrapped, the victim was identified as a male dressed only in a pair of trousers. His body was in an advanced state of decomposition, emitting a strong odour, suggesting he had been dead for at least a week. An initial examination revealed at least seven stab wounds and lacerations inflicted by a sharp weapon. The injuries included one wound to the neck, four to the abdomen and right side, one to the left upper arm, and one to the forehead. Notably, the neck bore a deep slash wound that encircled it, and a right finger was adorned with a brass ring. The body has been sent to Srinagarind Hospital at Khon Kaen University for a full autopsy in hopes of identifying the victim and confirming a cause of death. Investigators confirmed that no missing person reports had been filed in the past week, and there has been no contact from authorities in neighbouring Laos regarding any missing citizens. Police have appealed to the public: if anyone knows of a relative who has gone missing in the last week. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

Abandoned for Seven Years: Nursery in Trang Built But Never Used Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A government-funded nursery school building in Trang Province has stood unused for over seven years, despite nearly three million baht being spent on its construction. The building remains locked and deserted due to safety concerns and the discovery that it was mistakenly built on state agricultural land (Sor Por Kor), rather than on approved school property. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360797-abandoned-for-seven-years-nursery-in-trang-built-but-never-used/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A government-funded nursery school building in Trang Province has stood unused for over seven years, despite nearly three million baht being spent on its construction. The building remains locked and deserted due to safety concerns and the discovery that it was mistakenly built on state agricultural land (Sor Por Kor), rather than on approved school property. Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Trang, led by Yutthana Wimolmuang, were dispatched to investigate the building, located in the Na Tao subdistrict of Huai Yot district, after public outcry and pressure from social media campaigns. The pages ‘Kid Tum Ting’ and ‘Trang Anti-Corruption Club’ had earlier exposed the issue, prompting widespread criticism and calls for accountability. Despite being completed in 2018 under contract number 05/2561, with the construction project officially awarded through electronic bidding, the centre has never been used by teachers or children. The site, adjacent to Na Tao Pittayakom School, remains without a perimeter fence and lacks fundamental safety infrastructure. One side of the property borders a field, while the other sides drop off steeply into a stream, posing a significant hazard. Although the structure remains in good condition, the facility cannot be opened for use due to the absence of safety fencing, a legal requirement for nurseries. Compounding the issue, it was later discovered that the land used for construction belongs not to the school, as originally believed, but to the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), making the project technically unauthorised from the outset. Sornchai Cheechang, Acting Director of the Engineering Division at Na Tao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), said the misunderstanding originated from an assumption that the land belonged to the neighbouring school. Initial approval was based on the school’s agreement, but no thorough land verification was carried out. As a result, the request for construction funding was granted by the Department of Local Administration (DLA) without any objections. In 2020, the SAO attempted to allocate budget for constructing a safety fence, but key officials had recently retired and the project stalled due to a lack of qualified personnel. A further attempt in 2021 failed when no contractors bid on the project. Only in 2024 was legal permission finally obtained from ALRO to use the land. Currently, the SAO has allocated an additional 1.5 million baht for the construction of the fence, with hopes that the nursery will be operational by mid-2026, eight years after its completion. NACC officials acknowledged systemic failings in the planning and oversight process. Mr Yutthana said: “There should have been due diligence from the beginning, from the SAO mayor to provincial and departmental levels. We will coordinate with the Office of the Auditor General to investigate if this constituted misuse of public funds.” The building continues to be maintained by staff from the existing Na Tao nursery, located nearby in the SAO compound. While efforts have been made to preserve the structure, officials admit that over 50 children have missed out on a modern, purpose-built facility due to bureaucratic oversight. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

Soldiers in Kanchanaburi Intercept Vehicle Smuggling 26 Illegal Migrant Workers Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Soldiers from the Lardya Task Force under the Surasee Military Command, in coordination with local police and administrative officers, intercepted a truck smuggling 26 undocumented migrant workers, believed to be from Myanmar, in a tightly packed sealed container at a checkpoint in Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360796-soldiers-in-kanchanaburi-intercept-vehicle-smuggling-26-illegal-migrant-workers/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Soldiers from the Lardya Task Force under the Surasee Military Command, in coordination with local police and administrative officers, intercepted a truck smuggling 26 undocumented migrant workers, believed to be from Myanmar, in a tightly packed sealed container at a checkpoint in Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi. The operation was launched following intelligence reports indicating that illegal migrant workers would be transported along this route. Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division and head of the Surasee Military Command, ordered Colonel Phannasak Priaopanit, Commander of the 29th Infantry Regiment and head of the Lardya Task Force, to coordinate with Border Patrol Police Company 135 and Thong Pha Phum Police Station to establish a joint checkpoint at the Thong Pha Phum three-way junction in Tha Khanun Subdistrict. At approximately 07:30 on 15 May, officers stopped a suspicious box truck. The vehicle was driven by a 47-year-old man, accompanied by a 37-year-old woman. Upon inspecting the cargo area, authorities discovered 26 migrant workers crammed inside with no identification documents. Preliminary questioning revealed that the driver had picked up the workers in Ban Khanun Khli, Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, with the intention of delivering them to employment in Chonburi Province. The driver admitted to receiving a fee of 25,000 baht per person for the transportation. The driver, the woman and all 26 migrant workers were taken into custody and transferred to Thong Pha Phum Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on human trafficking and illegal cross-border labour smuggling in the region. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-16.

U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City: Ambitious Step Towards Becoming a Aviation Hub Pictures courtesy of MGR. The U-Tapao International Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project is poised to become a cornerstone of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with the strategic goal of establishing U-Tapao as the country’s third major international airport and a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360795-u-tapao-airport-and-eastern-aviation-city-ambitious-step-towards-becoming-a-aviation-hub/

Pictures courtesy of MGR. The U-Tapao International Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project is poised to become a cornerstone of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with the strategic goal of establishing U-Tapao as the country’s third major international airport and a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia. In a significant development, the U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd. (UTA) is set to formally sign the construction and investment agreement on 18 June 2025. This signing will proceed independently of the delayed high-speed rail project that aims to connect Thailand’s three main airports. Concurrently, negotiations are underway regarding tax-free zone privileges within the Aviation City. Spanning more than 6,500 rai in Phla Subdistrict, Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, the project encompasses comprehensive infrastructure plans. These include the development of a fully integrated aviation and business city, seamless multi-modal transport connectivity, air, land, and rail and a full suite of airport facilities. The project has received strong support from both the government and private sector partners. The government recently approved amendments to the project contract, increasing investment to 40 billion baht. It has also facilitated access to soft loans and approved 24-hour operations for businesses within the Aviation City, aiming to boost investment and tourism in the area. Phase one of the project is targeted for completion and partial operation by 2028, with long-term plans to transform the site into a full-fledged “U-Tapao Aviation Metropolis.” This expansion will include increased airport capacity and commercial zones, designed to support rapid economic and tourism growth in the eastern region of Thailand. As one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the EEC, the U-Tapao and Eastern Aviation City project represents a bold vision to elevate Thailand’s position on the global aviation map while serving as a powerful driver of regional economic development. Adapted by Asean Now from MGR 2025-05-16.

Former Scrap Dealer Turns to Robbery After Gambling Losses, Gold Snatched from Market Vendor Picture courtesy of Siam News. A man who had fallen on hard times due to online gambling has been arrested after a brazen daylight robbery in which he stole a gold necklace and amulet from a market vendor in Chaiyaphum province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360794-former-scrap-dealer-turns-to-robbery-after-gambling-losses-gold-snatched-from-market-vendor/

Picture courtesy of Siam News. A man who had fallen on hard times due to online gambling has been arrested after a brazen daylight robbery in which he stole a gold necklace and amulet from a market vendor in Chaiyaphum province. The suspect, identified as Mr Patiwat Noiphueng, 30, originally from Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, was arrested on 14 May, by Chaiyaphum police after fleeing to stay with relatives in the Sai Mai district of Bangkok. The incident occurred on 20 April at the Nong Bua Rawe municipal market. Mr Patiwat allegedly stole a motorcycle belonging to a municipal officer at Chaiyaphum Town Market. He then rode to the neighbouring district, where he snatched a 1-baht gold necklace and a 50-satang gold-framed amulet of the revered monk Luang Pu Phang from a female vendor, before fleeing on the stolen bike. Following an investigation using CCTV footage and witness statements, police traced the suspect’s vehicle to a relative’s home in Bamnet Narong district, Chaiyaphum. They confirmed his identity and tracked him to Bangkok. Pol Col Prasit Premkamol, Superintendent of Chaiyaphum Police Station, dispatched officers to the capital, where the suspect was arrested at his relative’s residence. He was later brought back to Chaiyaphum for questioning. During interrogation, Mr Patiwat confessed to the crime. He revealed he once ran a scrap metal shop in Rangsit, but after becoming addicted to online gambling, he accumulated substantial debts and lost all his assets. After borrowing money from his father to invest in his business again, he squandered it on gambling, leaving him destitute. Mr Patiwat then travelled to Chaiyaphum where he intended to purchase a second-hand pickup truck. Instead, he spent his remaining money on gambling once more and ended up renting a cheap hotel in the city. Desperate, he stole a motorcycle at the market and used it to carry out the gold robbery in Nong Bua Rawe. He later sold the stolen gold at a shop in Bamnet Narong for 40,000 baht, which he used to purchase a second-hand pickup truck. Upon learning that police were pursuing him, he quickly sold the truck to a used car dealer in Pathum Thani and fled to Bangkok. Following his arrest, Pol Lt Col Thanasit Udompornwornchai, Deputy Superintendent of Chaiyaphum Police, led the suspect through a crime reenactment at three key locations: the hotel where he stayed, the scene of the motorcycle theft, and the site of the gold snatching in Nong Bua Rawe. Mr Patiwat now faces theft charges by Chaiyaphum police and additional robbery charges involving a vehicle by Nong Bua Rawe police. Adapted by Asean Now from Siam News 2025-05-16.

Former District Chief Arrested for Falsifying Flood Relief Project Inspections Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), in collaboration with the Provincial Police of Nonthaburi, has arrested a former district official on charges of falsifying inspection documents for government flood relief projects, resulting in substantial financial misconduct. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360793-former-district-chief-arrested-for-falsifying-flood-relief-project-inspections/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), in collaboration with the Provincial Police of Nonthaburi, has arrested a former district official on charges of falsifying inspection documents for government flood relief projects, resulting in substantial financial misconduct. Mr. Saroj Pheungramphan, Secretary-General of the NACC, alongside senior regional officers from NACC Regions 1 and 6, and officials from the NACC offices in Tak and Nonthaburi provinces, ordered an investigation that led to the arrest of Mr. Chalorngchai, a former district clerk of Tha Song Yang District in Tak Province. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Mae Sot Provincial Court (Warrant No. J47/2568, dated 10 April 2025). Mr. Chalorngchai is accused of dereliction of duty and falsifying official documents during his tenure as Head of Security Affairs at the Tha Song Yang District Office. According to the NACC, the charges stem from misconduct in the year 2011 (B.E. 2554), when Mr. Chalorngchai was appointed to the project oversight committee for three rounds of flood relief operations in Tha Song Yang. He was responsible for inspecting 130 projects in total, 15 in the first round, 15 in the second, and 100 in the third. However, many of these projects were never implemented, despite his signed certification that all were completed as required. These false certifications were then used to facilitate disbursements of government funds to individuals who were not official contractors. His actions are alleged to violate multiple sections of the Thai Criminal Code, including Sections 157 and 162, as well as the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018), particularly Section 172, and related provisions under Sections 90 and 91 of the Penal Code. Following extensive surveillance, investigators located the accused in Bang Khanun Subdistrict, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province. Police from the Provincial Investigation Division coordinated with the NACC to carry out the arrest. Mr. Chalorngchai admitted to being the individual named in the court warrant and confirmed that he had not previously been arrested for this offence. He was taken to the Nonthaburi Provincial Investigation Division for formal booking. He has since been handed over to the Office of the Public Prosecutor for Region 6’s Anti-Corruption Case Division for further prosecution before the Region 6 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct. This arrest marks another step in Thailand’s ongoing crackdown on public sector corruption, particularly in cases involving disaster relief mismanagement. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

23-Year-Old Woman Arrested Smuggling Ketamine Across Thai-Cambodian Border Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities at a joint border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a 23-year-old Thai woman for attempting to smuggle ketamine across the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360792-23-year-old-woman-arrested-smuggling-ketamine-across-thai-cambodian-border/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Authorities at a joint border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a 23-year-old Thai woman for attempting to smuggle ketamine across the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district. At approximately 10:30 on 15 May, officers from the 1201st Ranger Company, operating under the 12th Ranger Regiment, in cooperation with the Burapha Task Force, were conducting routine inspections at Checkpoint A20 in the Khlong Luek area. Suspicious behaviour led officials to stop and search the woman, later identified as Miss Supakan Khampoot, from Suan Phueng district in Ratchaburi province. A female paramilitary officer, Corporal Papada Lomkratok, carried out a preliminary inspection and discovered a clear resealable plastic bag containing finely ground white powder concealed in the suspect’s black shoulder bag. Initial testing confirmed the substance to be ketamine, a category 2 narcotic. Miss Supakan stated during questioning that she had travelled to Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, on 12 May to visit a friend. On 13 May, she reportedly visited a nightclub named “Thonglor” with a Thai female companion known only as “Pin,” who works as a PR hostess at the venue. According to Supakan, Pin used ketamine during their visit and allegedly placed the remaining quantity into Supakan’s bag without her knowledge. Supakan denied any drug use herself and claimed she was unaware of the drugs in her possession. She was returning to Ratchaburi via the Khlong Luek crossing when apprehended. However, a preliminary urine test conducted by authorities detected the presence of ketamine in Supakan’s system, contradicting her claim of non-use. Officials remain sceptical of Supakan’s account. Following her arrest and further questioning, the suspect and the seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about cross-border drug trafficking and the role of entertainment venues in the distribution and use of illicit substances. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-16.