Georgealbert

Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in Pilok Forest Picture courtesy of Daily News. A joint operation by officers from Thong Pha Phum National Park and soldiers from the Lad Ya Task Force has led to the arrest of an illegal gold mining gang in Pilok Forest, Kanchanaburi. The authorities seized a large number of items, including wildlife carcasses and weapons. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356264-authorities-crack-down-on-illegal-gold-mining-in-pilok-forest/

Picture courtesy of Daily News. A joint operation by officers from Thong Pha Phum National Park and soldiers from the Lad Ya Task Force has led to the arrest of an illegal gold mining gang in Pilok Forest, Kanchanaburi. The authorities seized a large number of items, including wildlife carcasses and weapons. Under the direction of Chutidet Kamonnachanut, Director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong), Chakrit Tanpirun, District Chief of Thong Pha Phum, and Colonel Phannasak Phriyaophanit, Commander of the Lad Ya Task Force, the operation was launched following intelligence reports that a group had entered the protected area with weapons to illegally mine for gold. Led by Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, Senior Forestry Officer and Head of Thong Pha Phum National Park, a team comprising park rangers and soldiers from the Lad Ya Task Force, Surasi Force, began their patrol at 16:00, on 29 March. They navigated through dense forest, following old logging trails, streams, and steep ridges for 16 kilometres westward into an area previously investigated for illegal mining. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple motorcycles parked at the site. They concealed themselves until daylight before thoroughly inspecting the area. They found numerous excavated pits measuring 1×1 metres, with depths of 10-15 metres, as well as signs of soil and rock selection for gold extraction. The soil was being transported to a stream for further sifting to extract gold deposits. At approximately 07:30 on 30 March, the officers heard voices from a group of people, both men and women, preparing food at a makeshift shelter by the stream. The team swiftly moved in and successfully detained 11 individuals, categorised into four separate cases: 1. Case 1 – Arrest of Mrs. Powah, 31, of Karen ethnicity, residing in Ban Mai Rai Pa (Por Sam Ton), Thong Pha Phum District. Seized items: six pieces of evidence, including plastic bags containing soil and gold ore, weighing over 2 kg. 2. Case 2 – Arrest of Miss Dawarn, 30, also of Karen ethnicity, from the same village. Seized items: five pieces of evidence, including plastic bags with 2.6 kg of soil suspected to contain gold ore. 3. Case 3 – Arrest of five Myanmar nationals: Mr. Saw Khopa (39), Mr. Khepli (40), Mr. Soda (30), Mr. Lek (27), and Mrs. Acy Paw (38). Authorities confiscated a .22-calibre rifle with a scope, 45 rounds of ammunition, 15 excavation tools, gold panning equipment, and filtering sheets. 4. Case 4 – Arrest of four individuals without legal residency status: Mr. Lobu (31), Mr. Tan Toon (51), Mrs. Mitui (40), and Mrs. Ae Paw (52). Authorities made a shocking discovery, seizing wildlife carcasses, including a female sambar deer (17.4 kg), two masked palm civets, a large frog, and a softshell turtle. Also seized were two homemade .22-calibre rifles, four rounds of ammunition, plastic vials containing 14 grams of gold ore, five motorcycles, and over 24 pieces of mining and panning equipment, including large sacks of excavated soil. The crackdown was carried out under the directives of Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks. They have ordered all protected area units to conduct strict anti-poaching, anti-mining, and anti-forest burning operations to safeguard conservation zones. All suspects have been handed over to Pilok Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities noted that this was not the first operation in the area. In November 2024, a similar raid took place, yet illegal miners returned to exploit the same site. This latest enforcement action sends a clear message of the government’s zero tolerance towards forest encroachment and environmental crimes. -- 2025-03-31

Young Man Shot Dead on Roadside in Late-Night Attack Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 22-year-old man was shot dead while riding his motorcycle late at night in Uthai Thani province. Police suspect the killing may be linked to cockfighting gambling or drug-related conflicts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356257-young-man-shot-dead-on-roadside-in-late-night-attack/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 22-year-old man was shot dead while riding his motorcycle late at night in Uthai Thani province. Police suspect the killing may be linked to cockfighting gambling or drug-related conflicts. At 22:30 on 29 March, local police in Thap Than District received a report from a passerby that a man was lying motionless beside a Honda Wave motorcycle on the Sawang Arom–Thap Than Road, near the entrance to Khok Wua village in Nong Yai Da subdistrict. Upon arrival, authorities found the victim lying on his back. He had sustained four gun shot wounds, one in the left chest, one in the left arm, one in the left hip, and one in the left waist, with all bullets lodged inside his body. The victim was identified as Mr. Tontakarn, a resident of Nong Yai Da, Thap Than District. Police documented the crime scene and collected evidence for further investigation. The victim’s uncle, Mr. Praphan, stated that Tontakarn lived with him and five other family members. He was unaware of any conflicts his nephew might have had. According to him, Tontakarn did not drink alcohol or use drugs, but he was passionate about cockfighting and frequently attended matches in different locations. On the night of the incident, he left home on his motorcycle, but his family did not know his destination. Investigators found a mobile phone in the victim’s pocket, which was seized for analysis. Police believe the murder could be linked to cockfighting gambling disputes or potential drug-related involvement. Further inquiries and forensic examinations are underway, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspect. -- 2025-03-31

Two Young Children Killed in Six-Wheel Lorry Crash in Phetchabun Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A crash in Phetchabun province has claimed the lives of two young children and left three adults seriously injured after a six-wheel lorry lost control and overturned, crashing into a pedestrian bridge. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356256-two-young-children-killed-in-six-wheel-lorry-crash-in-phetchabun/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A crash in Phetchabun province has claimed the lives of two young children and left three adults seriously injured after a six-wheel lorry lost control and overturned, crashing into a pedestrian bridge. The Phetchabun Provincial Road Safety Administration Centre (PRSC) reported that the incident occurred at approximately 01:35 on 31 March. The lorry overturned near the Pananikom Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital, located on the Saraburi-Lom Sak Road in Ban Tok Subdistrict, Mueang District. Emergency responders found five victims at the scene. A 37-year-old man suffered severe back pain, chest tightness, and abrasions across his body and face but remained conscious. A 17-year-old male sustained a deep laceration on his right foot measuring 10-15 cm, along with multiple abrasions. A third victim, aged 20, also suffered abrasions but was fully conscious. Two young boys, aged three and eight years old, were pronounced dead at the scene. Rescue teams from the Rom Pho Phetchabun Foundation used hydraulic cutting tools to extract the victims from the wreckage. The bodies of the deceased children were taken to the forensic department of Phetchabun Hospital for further examination. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash and no other vehicle is believed to be involved. -- 2025-03-31

Police Investigate Mystery Death of Man Found in Bangkok Park Pond Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta. Authorities have launched an investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in a pond at Suan Luang Rama IX Park. The unidentified individual was found with two five-kilogram dumbbells attached to his belt, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356254-police-investigate-mystery-death-of-man-found-in-bangkok-park-pond/

Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta. Authorities have launched an investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in a pond at Suan Luang Rama IX Park. The unidentified individual was found with two five-kilogram dumbbells attached to his belt, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Emergency responders were called to the scene after a passerby spotted the body floating face down in the water. Rescuers retrieved the deceased, who is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old. However, his identity and nationality remain unknown, as no identification documents were found on him. Police have confirmed that there were no visible wounds or signs of physical violence on the body. At this stage, the initial cause of death remains undetermined, and authorities are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination. Suan Luang Rama IX Park, one of Bangkok’s largest public parks, is a popular spot for joggers, families, and visitors seeking respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The discovery of a body in its waters has left many parkgoers unsettled, with speculation mounting over whether the incident was a case of suicide or foul play. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the deceased. -- 2025-03-31

Admin of Online Gambling Site Royalbet789 Arrested at Home Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have arrested a 26-year-old woman suspected of managing the online gambling website Royalbet789, which reportedly handled over ฿100 million per month in transactions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356252-admin-of-online-gambling-site-royalbet789-arrested-at-home/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have arrested a 26-year-old woman suspected of managing the online gambling website Royalbet789, which reportedly handled over ฿100 million per month in transactions. On 30 March, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), led a team of officers, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Wiwat Kamchamnarn, Pol. Maj. Gen. Tinkorn Rangmat, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Kritchat Bamrungrattanayot, to raid a residence in Wiang Pa Pao district, Chiang Rai. Acting on a court search warrant (No. 123/2568) issued on 28 March, officers arrested Ms. Wanitcha Chumphon at her home in San Khilek, Wiang Kalong. Authorities had been investigating Royalbet789, a subsidiary of Royalbet.com, which offered various online gambling services, including slots, fish shooting games, card games, baccarat, hi-lo, poker, dragon-tiger, live casino games, lottery, and sports betting. Police tracked the operations to Wanitcha’s residence, where they seized: • A desktop computer • A router • Two mobile phones During questioning, Wanitcha admitted to working as an admin for Royalbet789 for a salary of ฿17,500 per month and had been employed for one month. Investigators revealed that the website had a customer base of 152,413 users and processed transactions of over ฿100 million per month. She was charged under Thai gambling laws for “organising, promoting, or advertising illegal gambling through electronic means without authorisation.” She has been transferred to Mae Chedi Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-31

Husband Kills Wife in Gruesome Knife Attack in Lampang Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A man in Lampang has been arrested after he allegedly murdered his wife with a knife in their home, later confessing to emergency responders while being treated for self-inflicted injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356251-husband-kills-wife-in-gruesome-knife-attack-in-lampang/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A man in Lampang has been arrested after he allegedly murdered his wife with a knife in their home, later confessing to emergency responders while being treated for self-inflicted injuries. At 02:45 on 30 March, the Sawang Nakhon Lampang Rescue Unit received a call from a local hospital requesting assistance in transporting an injured man found near a convenience store in Sop Tui, Mueang Lampang District. Upon arrival, rescue workers found an elderly man with multiple deep cuts on his neck. While being transported to hospital, the injured man, later identified as Mr. Rewat, made a shocking statement to rescuers, saying: “I killed my wife in our room. If you don’t believe me, go and see. The door is open.” Concerned by his confession, the rescue team decided to investigate further after dropping him off at the hospital. Upon arrival at a residence in Nakhuam Tai Community, their worst fears were confirmed. Inside the room, they discovered the body of a woman lying in a pool of blood on the mattress. The victim had severe lacerations on her neck, consistent with being attacked with a sharp weapon. Authorities found a bloodstained knife on the bed and a machete resting on a blanket. Officers from Lampang City Police Station, forensic investigators from Forensic Science Division 5, and medical staff from Lampang Hospital arrived at the scene to collect evidence. Authorities have confirmed that Mr. Rewat will undergo a full police interrogation once he recovers from his injuries. He will face legal proceedings for the brutal killing. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-03-31

Man Killed in Factory Shooting Over Unpaid Debt Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dispute over a small loan turned deadly when a man was shot and killed at a factory in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan. The suspect, who had accompanied a friend to collect a debt of just over 1,000 baht, claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356199-man-killed-in-factory-shooting-over-unpaid-debt/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A dispute over a small loan turned deadly when a man was shot and killed at a factory in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan. The suspect, who had accompanied a friend to collect a debt of just over 1,000 baht, claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked. The incident occurred at around 19:45 on 29 March, at a factory on Thepharak Road, KM 19, Bang Pla subdistrict. CCTV footage captured the altercation, which began when Mr Kan, 53, arrived on a motorcycle with his friend, Mr Toy, 48, to demand repayment from Mr Suwit Saengkhamsuwan, 28, a factory worker. At the time, Mr Suwit was sitting with three friends, including Mr Nirut Inta, 28. Tensions quickly escalated when Mr Nirut became angry and shoved Mr Kan to the ground. Mr Toy then stepped in to push Mr Nirut back, leading to a fistfight. Mr Toy briefly left the scene, but the situation reignited when he returned, this time armed with a gun. Despite another attempt to resolve the dispute, the confrontation turned violent once again. Mr Toy was seen walking towards the factory fence, where he loaded his weapon. Moments later, he fired a single shot at Mr Nirut, hitting him in the right side of the torso. The victim collapsed near the factory office entrance while Mr Toy fled to a neighbouring factory. Emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Chularat 3 Hospital attempted to resuscitate Mr Nirut, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His devastated girlfriend was seen collapsing in grief beside his body. Within 30 minutes of the shooting, Bang Phli police launched a manhunt for Mr Toy, who had jumped a factory wall in an attempt to escape. Officers later found him sitting under a tree near his accommodation, where he surrendered. He then led police to the gun, a .38 revolver, hidden at his workplace. During questioning, Mr Toy admitted to the shooting but insisted he had been assaulted first. “I never threatened anyone,” he claimed. “He attacked me first. I didn’t even know him personally, I was only there to support my friend in retrieving his money. When he punched me, I went back to get my gun. I didn’t mean to kill him, I was just firing a warning shot.” His wife expressed shock at the events, stating that her husband was usually a kind and peaceful person. “He’s a generous man who often goes to temples to make merit. I don’t understand what happened. He said he only intended to fire in the air, not at anyone.” Police have charged Mr Toy with murder, illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm in public without permission, and discharging a firearm in a public place. He was taken to the crime scene under heavy police presence for a reconstruction of events before being transferred to custody for further legal proceedings. Bang Phli police chief Pol Col Phairot Phetphloi stated that investigations would continue to trace the origin of the firearm. “If we find the seller, they will also face legal action,” he confirmed. -- 2025-03-30

Drunk Myanmar Man Crashes Pickup into Motorbike, Killing 1 and Injuring 1 Before Fleeing A 39-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing his pickup truck into a motorcycle, leaving one woman dead and another seriously injured. The driver fled the scene but was later found hiding in a bush. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356198-drunk-myanmar-man-crashes-pickup-into-motorbike-killing-1-and-injuring-1-before-fleeing/

Pictures from responders. A 39-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing his pickup truck into a motorcycle, leaving one woman dead and another seriously injured. The driver fled the scene but was later found hiding in a bush. The fatal accident occurred at around 21:00 on 29 March, on Sukhumvit Road, near a petrol station in Ban Rong Po, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation responded to reports of a collision involving a Toyota Vigo pickup truck and a black Honda PCX motorcycle. At the scene, the motorcycle was found severely damaged after being rear-ended. Nearby, medics attended to two victims. Ms Warunee Yimsing, 39, was in critical condition, and despite efforts to resuscitate her, she was later pronounced dead. Her companion, Ms Tipawan Boonkong, 36, sustained head injuries and multiple abrasions. She was stabilised at the scene before being rushed to hospital for treatment. Police investigators discovered a broken front bumper and a vehicle registration plate at the scene, helping them identify the suspect’s pickup truck. Shortly after, a silver Toyota Vigo with significant front-end damage was found abandoned approximately one kilometre away. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered an open bottle of white liquor, confirming suspicions that alcohol played a role in the crash. Locals in Soi Bang Lamung 8 later spotted a suspicious man hiding in the undergrowth and detained him until authorities arrived. The man was identified as Mr Min, 39, a Myanmar national. Upon questioning, he admitted to being the driver of the pickup and confessed to consuming alcohol before the incident. He claimed he had fled out of panic and had not seen the motorcycle before the collision. Ms Tipawan, the surviving victim, told police that she and her girlfriend had been riding their motorcycle on Sukhumvit Road when they were suddenly struck from behind. Both were thrown off the bike, and the pickup driver sped away without stopping to check on them. Police arrested Mr Min and took him for a blood alcohol test while also reviewing CCTV footage from the crash site. According to Deputy Investigation Inspector Pol Lt Wongsakorn Makkhanan of Bang Lamung Police Station, legal proceedings are now underway, and the suspect will be prosecuted accordingly. -- 2025-03-30

British Man Dies After First Muay Thai Fight on Koh Samui Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 30-year-old British man has died after participating in his first Muay Thai fight on the island of Koh Samui. The man, identified as Joseph Itai Rinomhota, collapsed after receiving a kick to the ribs during his bout at Samui International Stadium on the night of 28 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356186-british-man-dies-after-first-muay-thai-fight-on-koh-samui/

Drunk BMW Driver Arrested in Pattaya for Brandishing Gun at Bystander Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A 41-year-old man was arrested in Pattaya after allegedly brandishing a firearm and threatening a motorcyclist while heavily intoxicated. The suspect, identified only as “Big”, was driving a BMW sedan when he confronted the victim on Pattaya Third Road. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356185-drunk-bmw-driver-arrested-in-pattaya-for-brandishing-gun-at-bystander/

Mother and Autistic Son Rescued as Car Rolls into Canal Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A mother and her autistic son narrowly escaped drowning after their car rolled into a canal in Khlong Ha, Pathum Thani, while she was closing the gate of their home. A bystander jumped into the water and smashed the car window to pull them out just before the vehicle was completely submerged. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356184-mother-and-autistic-son-rescued-as-car-rolls-into-canal/

Italian-Thai Joint Venture Liable for Rebuilding Collapsed SAI Building, Says Prosecutor Picture courtesy of Matichon. Dr Thanakrit Worathanachakul, a senior prosecutor and legal expert, has confirmed that under the terms of the construction contract, the Italian-Thai Joint Venture (ITD-CRCC) is responsible for reconstructing the collapsed State Audit Office (SAI) building, even if the collapse was caused by an earthquake. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356182-italian-thai-joint-venture-liable-for-rebuilding-collapsed-sai-building-says-prosecutor/

Son Kills Stepfather in Jealous Rage Over Mother’s New Marriage Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 22-year-old man has been arrested for shooting his stepfather in the back of the head, allegedly out of jealousy and resentment towards his mother’s new marriage. The suspect later admitted to consuming 10 methamphetamine pills a day before committing the crime. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356181-son-kills-stepfather-in-jealous-rage-over-mother’s-new-marriage/

UPDATE Delivery Rider Arrested for Gold Heist at Bangkok Shopping Mall Picture captured from CCTV A 24-year-old delivery rider has been arrested for robbing a gold shop in a Bangkok shopping mall, making off with gold necklaces weighing a total of 30 baht. The suspect later melted the gold before attempting to sell it, claiming financial difficulties as his motive. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355802-robber-steals-gold-worth-15-million-baht-from-bangkok-mall/#findComment-19694692

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 30-year-old British man has died after participating in his first Muay Thai fight on the island of Koh Samui. The man, identified as Joseph Itai Rinomhota, collapsed after receiving a kick to the ribs during his bout at Samui International Stadium on the night of 28 March. According to Pol. Col. Denduang Thongsrisuk, superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station, officers received a report of the incident at 00:05 on 29 March from Thai International Hospital, where Rinomhota was pronounced dead. Authorities, along with medical staff from Koh Samui Hospital, conducted a preliminary post-mortem examination at the scene. Rinomhota’s trainer, Nanthawat, reported that the British fighter entered the ring at approximately 21:30 for his debut match. In the third round, the referee stopped the fight after Rinomhota sustained a heavy kick to his right ribcage. Despite being able to leave the ring unaided and remove his gloves normally, he began experiencing muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, and dizziness while unwrapping his hand wraps. About five minutes later, he collapsed and his heart stopped beating. Emergency responders performed CPR at the venue before transporting him to Thai International Hospital, where medical staff attempted resuscitation for approximately one hour before declaring him dead at 23:00. Immigration records indicate that Rinomhota had travelled to Thailand nine times, entering under various visa exemptions, including a 30-day visa-free entry and a 60-day temporary stay permit. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of death and will coordinate with the British Embassy regarding further arrangements. -- 2025-03-30

Cabinet Approves New Industry Standards for Escalators and Moving Walkways Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. The Thai Cabinet has approved a new ministerial regulation requiring escalators and moving walkways to meet updated industrial standards. Under the new rules, manufacturers and importers must obtain licences before selling these products in Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356180-cabinet-approves-new-industry-standards-for-escalators-and-moving-walkways/

Construction Supervisor Falls to His Death in 7-Metre Underground Cable Duct Pit A construction supervisor lost his life after stumbling and falling into a 7-metre-deep underground cable duct pit in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356178-construction-supervisor-falls-to-his-death-in-7-metre-underground-cable-duct-pit/