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Swarm of Giant Bees Terrorises Man in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 54-year-old man in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi Province, suffered multiple stings from a swarm of giant bees in what he believes was a karma attack prompted by his removal of wood from a local spirit shrine. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360790-swarm-of-giant-bees-terrorises-man-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 54-year-old man in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi Province, suffered multiple stings from a swarm of giant bees in what he believes was a karma attack prompted by his removal of wood from a local spirit shrine. Mr. Sutin, a local motorcycle taxi driver and fruit orchard caretaker, was attacked three separate times by a relentless swarm of Apis dorsata, giant honey bees, on the afternoon of 14 May. The incident occurred in the Muang Thong Thani housing estate. Emergency services were alerted after Mr. Sutin, covered in bee stings, was found crouched on the pavement under a white mosquito net, surrounded by 70 to 100 large bees still circling him. Rescue personnel, dressed in protective gear, used insect spray and branches to drive the bees away before administering first aid. According to Mr. Sutin, the attack began after he collected scrap wood from a small shrine at the end of the street to use as firewood. “I didn’t ask permission from the shrine or the landowner,” he said, “and as I began chopping the wood and lighting the fire, I was suddenly attacked by a few bees, which then turned into a full swarm.” Despite trying to escape with a mosquito net over his body, the bees continued to pursue and sting him as he ran to the entrance of the street. A local resident, 65-year-old Mrs. Atcharawan, witnessed the bizarre sight and called rescue services. “I saw a man with a net over him sitting by the roadside, and hundreds of bees flying around him. Locals said he had been stung multiple times and even chased into a convenience store earlier.” Mr. Sutin reported stings to his head, torso, back, abdomen, and both arms. Paramedics removed several large bee stingers from his body. However, he refused to be taken to hospital, claiming previous bee attacks had built up his resistance and he suffered no allergic reaction or fever. This wasn’t the first time the bees attacked him. Mr. Sutin described three separate encounters throughout the afternoon, growing in intensity. He firmly believes the attacks were linked to his disturbance of sacred materials. “When I lit the fire with that wood, I smelled something, a strange scent, like something spiritual. That’s when the bees came.” Fearing another attack, Mr. Sutin said he would temporarily relocate from the orchard shelter where he lives, uncertain whether the swarm might return. Authorities have not commented on the claims but urged locals to avoid disturbing spirit shrines and to report any aggressive bee colonies immediately. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

Cyber Police Raid Three Major Gambling Sites Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has dismantled a major online gambling operation with an estimated Bt274 million in circulation, following coordinated raids on three locations across Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360789-cyber-police-raid-three-major-gambling-sites/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has dismantled a major online gambling operation with an estimated Bt274 million in circulation, following coordinated raids on three locations across Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces. The operation, led by Pol Lt Gen Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the CCIB, along with several senior officers including Pol Maj Gen Wiwat Kamchamnan and Pol Maj Gen Kritach Boonratanayot, targeted key figures believed to be behind three illicit gambling websites. Acting on intelligence, police identified that the networks were operating from rented houses used as makeshift offices to manage customer interactions and handle transactions. After obtaining search and arrest warrants, cyber police launched simultaneous raids across the two provinces. The main operation took place at a residence in Moo 12, Wiang Chai subdistrict, Chiang Rai. Officers arrested 27-year-old Ms. Prokaysiri, alleged administrator of the gambling website CS68, which boasted over 110,000 registered users and a transaction volume exceeding Bt240 million. Police also raided a house in Moo 5, Mae Sai subdistrict, arresting two suspects, 27-year-old Mr. Pinit and 31-year-old Mr. Pornphat. The pair allegedly managed the DRAGON88 gambling platform, with over 25,000 players and Bt12 million in circulation. In Moo 1, Mae Sai subdistrict of Phayao, cyber officers discovered an operation linked to Webdee999, another online gambling site with more than 40,000 users and Bt22 million in financial activity. Pol Lt Gen Trirong described the bust as one of the most significant in the northern region, revealing the extent to which illegal online gambling operations are growing in sophistication and scale. All suspects have been charged with “collaborating to organise or advertise gambling activities via electronic media without official permission”, a serious offence under the law. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other key individuals involved, including site owners, profit beneficiaries, and money mule account holders. Authorities vowed to continue the crackdown and ensure all involved are brought to justice. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Crash: Karen Driver Using Fake Licence Plates Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic police pursuit through Ayutthaya ended in a crash that left three people injured after a black saloon car with fake licence plates attempted to flee highway police. The vehicle, driven by a ethnic Karen man using forged documents, collided with a local resident’s car and overturned on the roadside. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360788-high-speed-police-chase-ends-in-crash-karen-driver-using-fake-licence-plates/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic police pursuit through Ayutthaya ended in a crash that left three people injured after a black saloon car with fake licence plates attempted to flee highway police. The vehicle, driven by a ethnic Karen man using forged documents, collided with a local resident’s car and overturned on the roadside. At approximately 17:30 on 14 May, Police Sub-Lieutenant Samart Raksasak of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station received a report from highway police regarding a suspected vehicle that had refused to stop for inspection and subsequently caused a collision. The incident occurred along the Ayutthaya–Sena Road, Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Rescue personnel from Ruamkatanyu Foundation were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they discovered a Toyota car overturned in roadside grass, with three people, one man and two women, injured. They were promptly transported to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital. Approximately 50 metres from the Toyota, police found a heavily damaged black saloon car bearing registration number from Bangkok. The car’s windshield was shattered and all four tyres were burst. The driver, a 61-year-old man, and his 31-year-old female passenger, both of Karen ethnicity, were taken into custody by highway police. Initial investigations revealed that officers from Subdivision 8 of the Highway Police had observed the vehicle on Highway 9 and identified that the licence plate was fake. When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver accelerated and fled toward Pathum Thani–Bang Pahan Road (Route 347). The chase continued until the suspect’s vehicle lost control near Worachet Intersection and collided with a local Toyota, sending both cars off the road. Upon searching the suspect’s vehicle, officers found the car’s real registration plate indicating it was originally from Chiang Mai. Police also recovered a forged driving licence, counterfeit tax disc, and other falsified government documents. No illegal substances or weapons were found in the vehicle. During questioning, the driver admitted to being a Karen national who had been living in Ratchaburi Province for over 30 years. He stated that he fled because he was an undocumented immigrant driving a vehicle with fake plates. Police have charged him with possession and use of forged official documents, reckless driving endangering others, and being an undocumented foreign national. Legal proceedings are now underway. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-16.

UPDATE Arintharat Commandos Storm House to Arrest ‘Tae Wat Yang’ After 17-Hour Stand-Off Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have successfully apprehended Natthawat, widely known as “Tae Wat Yang”, in the early hours of the morning of 16 May, following a tense 17-hour stand-off at his residence in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Si district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360731-gunman-fires-shots-into-the-air-and-takes-hostage-in-bangkok/#findComment-19803393

UPDATE Arintharat Commandos Storm House to Arrest ‘Tae Wat Yang’ After 17-Hour Stand-Off Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have successfully apprehended Natthawat, widely known as “Tae Wat Yang”, in the early hours of the morning of 16 May, following a tense 17-hour stand-off at his residence in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Si district. The arrest operation was led by Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, alongside Metropolitan Police Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Nopphasin Poolsawat. Officers from the elite Arintharat 26 commando unit were deployed on-site. At approximately 00:15, officers fired a single round at the front door before gaining entry into the house. Inside, Natthawat was found in an exhausted state and was immediately taken into custody and transferred to Bang Khun Non Police Station. Lt. Gen. Samran stated that the extended operation time was necessary due to the suspect being armed and engaging in gunfire with police officers during the initial standoff. The drawn-out negotiations aimed to wear down the suspect’s resistance and avoid escalation. “The operation was carried out according to tactical procedures. After the prolonged stand-off, we entered using minimum force and were able to apprehend the suspect without further incident,” he said. Authorities confirmed that Natthawat will be tested for drug use, with further legal action to follow pending the results. Initially, he faces two serious charges: attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and illegal possession of a firearm. Additional charges related to narcotics will be considered once test results are confirmed. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-16.

UPDATE Elite Police Prepare Rubber Bullets and Tear Gas to Subdue Armed Suspect in Bangkok Standoff Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have escalated their response to an ongoing standoff in Bangkok’s Noi district, with the elite Arintharat special operations unit preparing to use rubber bullets and tear gas to subdue an armed man who has been resisting negotiations for over eight hours. The suspect, identified as Natthawat, also known as “Tae Wat Yang”, has been barricaded in a residential area behind Wat Lakhon Tham since early morning, reportedly firing shots and acting erratically. Despite hours of negotiation involving police, family members, and a Buddhist monk, efforts to resolve the situation peacefully have thus far failed. At approximately 17:00, authorities deployed additional officers to the scene and prepared crowd control equipment, including non-lethal ammunition and tear gas launchers, should tactical intervention become necessary. The area has been completely sealed off, with police urging the public to stay away for their own safety. The atmosphere remains tense as officers reinforce security around the perimeter and prepare for all possible outcomes. Authorities continue to prioritise negotiation but have indicated that decisive action will be taken if the suspect poses an imminent threat to officers or civilians. Residents have been evacuated from nearby homes, and emergency response teams are on standby. Police have promised to provide updates as the situation develops. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-15.

UPDATE Armed Standoff in Bangkok: Drug-Addled Man Holds Police at Bay Amid Ongoing Negotiations Drone image courtesy of Amarin. An intense standoff unfolded today in Bangkok’s Isaraphap 41 area after a heavily armed man, identified as 31-year-old Natthawat “Tae”, barricaded himself in a residence and engaged in a tense confrontation with police. The incident began after Tae, reportedly under the influence of drugs and suffering from extreme sleep deprivation, fired at police officers who were attempting to apprehend him. Authorities have since deployed a large-scale containment operation, including aerial surveillance and loudspeaker-equipped drones in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Drone footage released by police shows Tae exiting his house at one point, visibly armed with a pistol of unknown make and calibre. He was later seen retrieving a screwdriver and a two-foot-long machete, before retreating into the property. At one stage, he wrapped the pistol in cloth to conceal it, took out a mobile phone and began photographing the police cordon, all while reportedly watching a live-stream of himself on a local news channel. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect is now alone inside the house, which belongs to a relative. All other occupants have been allowed to leave the property. Neighbours have also been evacuated from the area, and police have sealed off the premises, preventing any further entry. Police stated that a friend of the suspect revealed the man had assembled an improvised explosive device using explosive powder extracted from bird-scarer firecrackers. The makeshift bomb is said to be bundled together and ready to be detonated at any time. Given that the suspect is also armed with both a firearm and a knife, officers are exercising extreme caution and allowing time for the individual to calm down. Negotiations have included members of Tae’s family, brought in to persuade him to surrender. His wife revealed that the couple had been arguing for four days prior, with Tae staying awake for nearly a week due to ongoing drug abuse, leading to increasingly erratic and paranoid behaviour. She disclosed that the most recent altercation stemmed from Tae’s delusions that she was being unfaithful. Tae’s father, who has been estranged from him since the age of 12, confirmed that his son has a long history of drug involvement and domestic violence. In a chilling remark, the father expressed no objection to potential lethal force by police, stating: “Even though he is my blood, if he breaks the law and endangers others, he must face the consequences. I won’t contest it, I’m not even sure he’s my real son, given the chaos in our family.” The home where Tae has taken refuge is described as a two-storey half-wood, half-concrete structure, tightly surrounded by other homes. Police have cordoned off nearby areas, including Wat Lakhon Tham alley and Isaraphap Soi 44, due to multiple access points that could be used for escape. Tae remains holed up inside the residence. Law enforcement officers and crisis negotiators continue efforts to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. The public has been warned to avoid the area, and authorities remain on high alert due to the suspect’s unpredictable behaviour and heavy armament. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-15.

UPDATE Arintharat Police Surround House as ‘Tae Wat Yang’ Goes on Drug-Fuelled Shooting Rampage in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have identified the gunman, as 31-year-old Tae Wat Yang, who is holed up in a two-storey mixed concrete and wooden house located within a densely packed residential community behind Wat Lokorntham temple. According to reports, the man had been behaving erratically since early morning, shouting incoherently and brandishing a firearm. Concerned neighbours alerted the police after he attempted to force entry into nearby homes. Initial police efforts to approach him were met with gunfire. Fortunately, no officers or residents were injured. Authorities confirmed that four individuals were inside the house at the time but had barricaded themselves on the upper floor and were not taken hostage. The suspect remained on the lower floor, alone and armed. Tae’s wife, identified only as Jai, informed police that the man had not slept for four days and had been abusing drugs. She said the couple had been arguing continuously over paranoid suspicions that she was being unfaithful. “He hasn’t slept in days and has been using drugs. That’s why he’s hallucinating and acting like this,” she told officers while en route to collect their child from school. Neighbours corroborated her account, stating that Tae had a history of drug abuse and was known to possess a firearm. One resident, Mr. Noi, said: “No one dared to confront him. He’s dangerous. He uses drugs daily and hasn’t slept in almost a week.” The elite Arintharat special operations unit, along with officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Bang Khun Non station, has cordoned off the area. Police General Siam Boonsom is personally commanding the operation at the scene. As of 11:30, two hours after the siege began, the suspect remained barricaded inside, still armed and agitated. Officers are continuing negotiations in an attempt to resolve the standoff peacefully. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-15.

Gunman Fires Shots into the Air and Takes Hostage in Bangkok Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic hostage situation unfolded in the heart of Bangkok on the morning of 15 May, after a man fired several gunshots into the air and held a hostage inside a residential property in the Bangkok Noi district. The elite Arintharat special operations police unit has been deployed, and negotiations are currently underway. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360731-gunman-fires-shots-into-the-air-and-takes-hostage-in-bangkok/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A dramatic hostage situation unfolded in the heart of Bangkok on the morning of 15 May, after a man fired several gunshots into the air and held a hostage inside a residential property in the Bangkok Noi district. The elite Arintharat special operations police unit has been deployed, and negotiations are currently underway. At approximately 09:45, officers from Bangkok Noi Police Station responded to reports of gunfire in Soi Wat Lakkorn Tham, Ban Chang Lo sub-district. Upon arrival, police discovered that a 31-year-old man, identified as Mr. Tae, had entered a local community in search of his girlfriend. When he was unable to locate her, he became agitated and began firing shots into the air, sparking panic among residents. Witnesses reported that the suspect was intoxicated and in an unstable emotional state. After discharging his weapon six times, he reportedly took a hostage inside a nearby home. Local police swiftly sealed off the area and began negotiations to de-escalate the situation. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom arrived on the scene to oversee the operation. Initial efforts by officers to negotiate with the suspect were met with resistance, as he fired shots in the direction of police personnel. No injuries were reported at that stage. Authorities confirmed that the suspect remained uncooperative and showed no willingness to surrender. As a precaution, the Arintharat special response unit was dispatched to assist with the ongoing standoff. Police have successfully evacuated other residents from the immediate vicinity and are continuing attempts to resolve the situation peacefully. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15.

Midnight Horror as Man 24 Dies After Jumping from Shopping Centre Car Park in Bangkok Pictures courtesy of Amarin In an incident that occurred in the early hours of 15 May, a 24-year-old male graphic designer lost his life after jumping from the sixth floor of a multi-storey car park behind a well-known shopping mall in the Ram Inthra area of Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360725-midnight-horror-as-man-24-dies-after-jumping-from-shopping-centre-car-park-in-bangkok/

Pictures courtesy of Amarin In an incident that occurred in the early hours of 15 May, a 24-year-old male graphic designer lost his life after jumping from the sixth floor of a multi-storey car park behind a well-known shopping mall in the Ram Inthra area of Bangkok. Police from Bang Khen Station were alerted to the incident at approximately 00:20. They arrived at the scene accompanied by forensic officers, a duty doctor from Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. The body of the deceased, identified as Mr. Charatch, was found lying face down in a pool of blood at the entrance road to a nearby housing estate. He was dressed in black shorts, a grey t-shirt, and a white long-sleeved top. He had sustained severe injuries to his face and head. Authorities confirmed that he had jumped from the sixth floor of the adjacent car park. Preliminary investigations revealed that the young man had left his home in Soi Sukhaphiban 5 at an unspecified time prior to the incident. He had parked his Honda car, at a petrol station near the shopping mall before making his way to the parking structure. It is not yet clear how he accessed the rooftop area, and police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the premises. A pair of shoes belonging to the deceased was found on the sixth floor of the car park, further confirming the suspected point of descent. Reports suggest that Mr. Charatch had told friends that he previously contemplated suicide at this very location. Shortly after the incident, the victim’s girlfriend arrived at the scene and broke down in tears upon seeing his body. His parents later arrived and were equally distraught. Following an on-site examination by forensic experts and the hospital’s duty physician, the body was transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital. Police have since invited the deceased’s parents and girlfriend for further questioning to help determine the motive behind the apparent suicide. The investigation remains ongoing. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-15.

Driver Electrocuted After Van Crashes into Power Pole in Phuket Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 29-year-old van driver died in the early hours of the morning of 15 May, after he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a high-voltage power pole, triggering a fall of live wires that electrocuted him at the wheel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360718-driver-electrocuted-after-van-crashes-into-power-pole-in-phuket/

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A 29-year-old van driver died in the early hours of the morning of 15 May, after he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a high-voltage power pole, triggering a fall of live wires that electrocuted him at the wheel. The fatal incident occurred around 01:20 in Soi Thep Anusorn, Wichit subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province. Police Lieutenant Rainthip Kaewsaen, deputy investigator at Wichit Police Station, received the report and quickly coordinated with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers, medical staff from Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and specialists from Vachira Phuket Hospital. Upon arrival, emergency responders found a silver Toyota van with yellow commercial plates (registration from Phuket) severely damaged, its front crushed against a power pole. The pole, carrying high-voltage lines was leaning precariously against the front of the van, with live wires causing electrical arcing. Officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority were called in to cut the power supply before any rescue attempts could begin. Inside the wreckage, the body of Mr. Thanakorn Phatawong, the driver, was discovered slumped behind the steering wheel, with visible burn marks and injuries consistent with electrocution. His legs were trapped and pinned under the steering column and dash board. With the electricity isolated, rescue teams used hydraulic tools to attempt extraction, but the crushed power pole had pinned the vehicle so tightly that efforts were unsuccessful until a hydraulic platform and crane, from the electricity authority were brought in to stabilise the pole. After nearly two hours, the body was finally recovered. An eyewitness reported hearing a loud crash and initially believed a vehicle had lost control and hit a nearby shop. On closer inspection, it became clear a van had collided with a power pole. The witness saw the driver trying to move but, moments later, a broken cable fell striking the driver and vehicle, igniting a small fire. Staff from a nearby convenience store rushed out with fire extinguishers and were able to extinguish the flames. There were no other vehicles involved, and officials believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Mr. Thanakorn was driving alone and had been travelling from Chao Fah West Road. The body has been sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy, to determine the cause of death, as the investigation continues. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15.

Trat: Motorcyclist Killed After High-Speed Collision with Durian Truck Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash has left a man dead after his motorcycle collided at high speed with a pickup truck loaded with durians in a village in Trat province. The victim’s mother and wife, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, were left inconsolable upon seeing his body. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360705-trat-motorcyclist-killed-after-high-speed-collision-with-durian-truck/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash has left a man dead after his motorcycle collided at high speed with a pickup truck loaded with durians in a village in Trat province. The victim’s mother and wife, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, were left inconsolable upon seeing his body. The incident occurred at around 18:10 on 14 May in Hin Phloeng Village, Moo 11, Wang Krachae Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trat Province. Police Lieutenant Boonma Thatong, an investigator at Mueang Trat Police Station, responded to the emergency call along with rescue volunteers from the Sawang Boonchuay Foundation. At the scene, officers found a pickup truck with a full load of durians, its front right side crushed and the headlight shattered. The right wheel was also damaged. The driver, 27-year-old Mr. Teerarat, was unharmed. Nearby, in a rambutan grove beside the road, lay the body of a man with severe injuries including head trauma, broken arms and legs, with his motorcycle destroyed.. His mother and wife collapsed in grief upon seeing his body, crying uncontrollably. Mr. Teerarat told police he had just harvested durians from an orchard near the scene and was en route to deliver them to a collection facility in Chanthaburi province. He stated that the motorcyclist was travelling at high speed and appeared to lose control, veering directly into the front of his vehicle. Despite attempting to swerve, Mr. Teerarat was unable to avoid the crash. Emergency personnel later transferred the body to a local hospital for further procedures. Police are continuing their investigation and will proceed with legal action as necessary. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15.

Chinese Man Claims Attempted Murder Over Knowledge of Business Secrets Picture courtesy of Amarin. A Chinese national has filed a police complaint at Phaholyothin Police Station, Bangkok, claiming he was assaulted and threatened with death after allegedly discovering sensitive information about a Chinese-funded company operating in Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360703-chinese-man-claims-attempted-murder-over-knowledge-of-business-secrets/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A Chinese national has filed a police complaint at Phaholyothin Police Station, Bangkok, claiming he was assaulted and threatened with death after allegedly discovering sensitive information about a Chinese-funded company operating in Thailand. The incident came to light when Mr Chanatat Patamapuwadol, a former MP candidate for Ayutthaya, and Dr Anantachat Buasuwan, a former member of the Chatuchak District Council, escorted the victim, a man from Hong Kong, to the police station to report the matter. According to Mr Chanatat, the attack occurred on 12 May at around 09:00, in the Samrong area of Bangkok, directly opposite a major department store. The victim alleges he was physically assaulted by an unidentified man and woman, sustaining injuries in the attack. Fearing for his life, the man fled to the Chatuchak district to seek help from Mr Chanatat and Dr Anantachat. He claimed he had been warned not to go to the police or seek medical assistance, under threat of being killed. The threats, he said, stemmed from his accidental discovery of confidential information relating to an online snack-selling business, allegedly backed by Chinese capital through a Thai nominee in the Samrong area. Mr Chanatat confirmed that he had initially helped the victim file a formal record of the incident and had contacted the relevant authorities to arrange further protection and legal support. The victim has since been assisted in retrieving his belongings from his condominium and relocated to a safe location. Authorities will investigate the claims and determine whether further legal action will be taken against the individuals involved in the alleged assault and threats. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-15.

UPDATE Councillor Golf and Associates Denied Bail Over Polling Day Assault Pictures courtesy of Amarin. A Songkhla provincial court has denied bail to local councillor Siradon Phlaiduang, widely known as “Councillor Golf”, and seven of his associates, following their arrest for the alleged assault of a police officer during municipal elections on 11 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19801351

UPDATE Councillor Golf and Associates Denied Bail Over Polling Day Assault Pictures courtesy of Amarin. A Songkhla provincial court has denied bail to local councillor Siradon Phlaiduang, widely known as “Councillor Golf”, and seven of his associates, following their arrest for the alleged assault of a police officer during municipal elections on 11 May. The court ruled that the case is of serious public concern, involving a violent attack on a police officer during the performance of official duties. It cited fears of witness tampering and the audacious nature of the alleged offence as reasons for refusing temporary release. All eight men were immediately remanded to Songkhla Provincial Prison. The incident took place at Polling Station 7 in Moo 2, Phawong Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District, during voting for the Phawong subdistrict mayor and council. The victim, Police Senior Sergeant Major Nisathit Kongthep of Border Patrol Police Company 43, was providing election security when he was reportedly set upon by the group at the direction of Mr Phlaiduang. Siradon Phlaiduang, 28, is the son of Democrat Party MP Somyot Phlaiduang, who represents Songkhla’s Constituency 3 and serves as the party’s deputy secretary-general. The case has cast a political shadow over the Democrat Party, although MP Somyot has denied any involvement and condemned the use of violence. The suspects, escorted under heavy police guard from Mueang Songkhla Police Station to court, were named as follows: 1. Mr Siradon Phlaiduang (Councillor Golf), 28 2. Mr Phongthep Wadwilai (alias Nueng Freedom), 41 3. Mr Numsek Thongsri, 34 4. Mr Rapeepong Sawatchookaew, 40 5. Mr Jakkrapong Thepchoom, 45 6. Mr Sasarun Sangaobankok, 38 7. Mr Sarayut Noochaikaew, 32 The group faces three serious charges: 1. Acting together in a group to violently obstruct an officer in the performance of duty, including use of weapons; 2. Assaulting an officer during official duty; 3. Participating in a criminal gang. When approached by reporters as he was led to the transport vehicle, Mr Phlaiduang remained tight-lipped. From inside the van, he briefly called out, “I didn’t do it.” Asked whether he had ordered the attack, he shook his head but did not respond further. Public backlash over the incident has been swift. On 13 May, a civic representative submitted a petition to the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), calling for an urgent ethics investigation. Calls have mounted for Mr Phlaiduang to be suspended from office pending the outcome of legal proceedings. PAO President Supit Pitaktham acknowledged the public’s concerns but maintained the incident was a private legal matter, not a political one. He also stated that there has been no coordination with MP Somyot and clarified that despite Mr Phlaiduang’s involvement with the PAO’s “New Songkhla Power” team, there is no formal political link between his organisation and the Democrat Party. In a statement released yesterday, MP Somyot expressed regret over the incident and insisted that the law must take its course. “I do not support violence in any form,” he wrote. “Let the justice system proceed without interference or bias.” The case continues to be closely monitored by both the media and the public, as questions grow over political influence, election security and the accountability of local officials. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-15.

Nationwide Manhunt for Plantation Murder Gang Intensifies as Police Close in on Suspects Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Authorities have launched a major manhunt for four fugitives wanted in connection with a gruesome quadruple murder in a palm oil plantation in Trang province. The killings, described by police as a “nang yang” (tyre-burning) execution, have shocked the nation with their brutality. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360702-nationwide-manhunt-for-plantation-murder-gang-intensifies-as-police-close-in-on-suspects/