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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. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting at Government House. She stated that the new regulation aims to ensure the safety and quality of escalators and moving walkways installed in public buildings. The regulation mandates that all such products comply with the latest industry standards. Given their widespread use in commercial and public spaces, the government sees a need to enforce stricter safety measures. Under the new rules, manufacturers and importers must apply for licences before producing or bringing escalators and moving walkways into the country. Distributors may only sell licensed products that meet the prescribed standards. The regulation will come into force 90 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. -- 2025-03-30

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. Kalasin Hospital, in collaboration with Mueang Kalasin Police Station and emergency response networks, has conducted a large-scale emergency response drill in preparation for the upcoming Songkran festival in 2025. The exercise simulated real-life scenarios, including a mass casualty incident, a violent altercation among young people, and an individual causing disturbances within the hospital premises. The objective was to enhance preparedness for mass casualty events and violent situations effectively. The drill took place at the emergency room and the surgical trauma ward on the fifth floor of the 100th Anniversary Building at Kalasin Hospital. The event was led by Dr Jaruphan Manosittisak, Director of Kalasin Hospital, alongside key medical and law enforcement personnel, including Dr Thanomsin Kanmali, Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, Dr Siwaboon Chaisongkram, Deputy Director of Service Development, Busarin Khianman, Deputy Director of Nursing, and Eukarn Butphosri, Deputy Director of Administration. Also present were Police Colonel Weera Hangnak, Superintendent of Mueang Kalasin Police Station, and Dr Natthaphon Satsue, Head of Emergency and Forensic Medicine. Emergency medicine specialists, medics, police officers, and rescue workers also participated in the training. Dr Jaruphan stated that the drill was organised by the Emergency and Forensic Medicine Department in collaboration with Mueang Kalasin Police Station and emergency response networks. The aim was to ensure effective preparedness for potential mass casualty incidents and acts of violence during the festive period. The exercise involved realistic scenarios, including providing aid to victims of a major accident, de-escalating a conflict involving young people attacking a rival, and handling an individual in distress causing disturbances within the hospital. Police Colonel Weera Hangnak emphasised that the training was essential to ensure that medical personnel, emergency responders, and law enforcement officers were well-prepared with the necessary skills and equipment. The drill aimed to strengthen emergency medical systems and response capabilities, ensuring swift, accurate, and safe assistance for victims. The ultimate goal is to safeguard both residents and visitors seeking medical care during the Songkran festival. -- 2025-03-30

Thailand's Digital Card Chaos: Say Goodbye to TM6, Hello to Confusion! Picture courtesy of Vietnam Investment Review Thailand is scrapping its much-dreaded TM6 arrival form, replacing it with a new digital system—the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—from May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356153-thailands-digital-card-chaos-say-goodbye-to-tm6-hello-to-confusion/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 30 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1356187-thailand-live-sunday-30-march-2025/

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. At 00:30 on 29 March, police officers from Phetkasem Police Station, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Khomsit Rangsai, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 9, announced the arrest of Jakrit “Tang”, a resident of Samut Sakhon province. He was apprehended at Star Crab Resort in Ranong province under an arrest warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court. The suspect had been on the run since 25 March, when he allegedly robbed the Aurora gold shop inside Big C Phetkasem in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district. CCTV footage showed that he arrived in a taxi, entered the shop at 10:46 and stole six gold necklaces before fleeing. He later abandoned his delivery rider jacket and gloves near a banana tree in Soi Phetkasem 67. Police investigations revealed that after the robbery, Jakrit switched taxis multiple times to evade capture. He first travelled to Nong Phra Ong Temple in Samut Sakhon before taking another taxi to a different location in Krathum Baen district. The following day, he flew from Don Mueang Airport to Ranong, where he was eventually tracked down. During the arrest, police recovered two gold necklaces (5 baht each), THB 68,000 in cash, an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, three gold-melting torches, and a black CCDoubleO sling bag. The suspect admitted to melting the gold before attempting to sell it. He stated that he committed the crime due to family problems and financial difficulties. Further background checks revealed that Jakrit had a previous criminal record, having been convicted in 2020 for night-time burglary using a vehicle and illegal possession of firearms. He was sentenced to three years, ten months, and fifteen days in prison and was released on 28 May 2021. Pol. Maj. Gen. Khomsit urged gold shop owners to install security grilles to prevent similar crimes. The suspect has been handed over to Phetkasem Police Station for legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-30

The AN articles reflects the availability of reports in both Thai media and emergency responders social media reports. If incidents are not being reported, then we are not going to be aware of them.

Three Killed, Two Injured in Yet Another Deadly Crash on Highway 304 A road crash involving a 10-wheel lorry, a 6-wheel truck, and two pickup trucks has left three people dead, including a young boy, and two others injured. The crash occurred on the steep and winding descent of Khao Tone Hill on Highway 304 in Nadi district, Prachinburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356136-three-killed-two-injured-in-yet-another-deadly-crash-on-highway-304/

Pictures from responders. A road crash involving a 10-wheel lorry, a 6-wheel truck, and two pickup trucks has left three people dead, including a young boy, and two others injured. The crash occurred on the steep and winding descent of Khao Tone Hill on Highway 304 in Nadi district, Prachinburi province. Emergency responders from the Sajjaputtham Rescue Foundation in Kabin Buri received a call from the Highway Police in Nadi at approximately 12:10 on 28 March, reporting a multi-vehicle collision with multiple casualties. At the scene, rescue teams found bodies ejected from vehicles and others trapped in the wreckage. Hydraulic cutters were required to extract the injured and deceased. The two injured individuals were rushed to Nadi Hospital for treatment, while police from Wang Khon Daeng Station launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, focusing on the 10-wheel lorry believed to have triggered the incident. Khao Tone Hill, located at kilometre markers 210-211 on Highway 304, has long been infamous for its deadly crashes. Just last month, on 26 February, a municipal study tour bus from Phon Charoen subdistrict in Bueng Kan province overturned on the same stretch of road, resulting in 18 deaths and 31 injuries. Another devastating crash occurred on 28 February 2014, when a double-decker tour bus carrying students and teachers from Ban Dong Lhob Mai Samakkhi Wittaya School in Nakhon Ratchasima lost its brakes and slammed into an 18-wheel truck. That incident claimed 14 lives and left 37 injured. Over the past decade, multiple people have lost their lives in crashes on this treacherous section of Highway 304, raising urgent concerns about road safety measures in the area. -- 2025-03-29

Construction Worker Falls into 6-Metre Deep Highway Drainage Pit Picture courtesy of Matichon. A construction worker fell into a six-metre-deep drainage pit in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, while descending a ladder to carry out maintenance work. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to rescue him. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356135-construction-worker-falls-into-6-metre-deep-highway-drainage-pit/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A construction worker fell into a six-metre-deep drainage pit in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, while descending a ladder to carry out maintenance work. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to rescue him. At approximately 08:30 on 28 March, Pak Kret Police Station received a report of a worker falling into a wastewater treatment pit belonging to the Department of Highways. The incident occurred within the Pak Kret Irrigation Department premises, near Khlong Bang Talat along Tiwanon Road, Bang Talat subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Officers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, the Pak Kret Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division, and the Nonthaburi Municipal Ambulance Service were dispatched to assist. Upon arrival, rescue teams found 25-year-old construction worker Kiattisak lying at the bottom of the pit, approximately six metres deep and 4.5 metres wide. Initial reports indicated that Kiattisak was climbing down a ladder when he lost his footing and fell. Rescue personnel deployed a crane basket and a stretcher to lift the injured worker safely from the pit. Although he remained conscious, he complained of severe pain in his back and hips. After receiving first aid at the scene, he was transported to Pak Kret Irrigation Hospital for further medical evaluation. Officials confirmed that the pit was a drainage reservoir managed by the Department of Highways, designed to regulate water flow in the area. According to the worksite supervisor, Kiattisak routinely descended into the pit for maintenance work. However, on this occasion, he reportedly slipped while stepping onto the metal railing at the pit’s edge, causing him to lose balance and fall. Authorities have not indicated whether further safety measures will be implemented following the incident. -- 2025-03-29

Midnight Drama as Distressed Monk Threatens to Jump from Bridge A dramatic late-night rescue unfolded in Krabi as emergency services intervened to prevent a monk from taking his own life. The monk, reportedly distressed over a dispute with a fellow clergyman, was found holding a jerrycan of petrol, a knife, and a box of matches while threatening to jump from a pedestrian bridge. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356133-midnight-drama-as-distressed-monk-threatens-to-jump-from-bridge/

Picture from responders. A dramatic late-night rescue unfolded in Krabi as emergency services intervened to prevent a monk from taking his own life. The monk, reportedly distressed over a dispute with a fellow clergyman, was found holding a jerrycan of petrol, a knife, and a box of matches while threatening to jump from a pedestrian bridge. At approximately 23:45 on 27 March, Ao Luek Police Station received an alert regarding a man attempting to jump from a pedestrian bridge in front of Ao Luek Prachasarn School, Ao Luek Nuea subdistrict, Ao Luek district. Officers, along with emergency responders from Ao Luek Tai Municipality and the Pitak Pracha Rescue Unit, rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they identified the individual as Phra Santi, a 50-year-old monk. He appeared highly agitated, clutching a jerrycan of petrol and matches while expressing feelings of distress and regret. Authorities attempted to calm him through negotiation, but at one point, he made a move to leap from the bridge. In a swift and coordinated effort, officers tackled him to safety before transferring him to Ao Luek Hospital for further care. Mr Pratip Paklao, 38, a member of the rescue team, described the tense moments leading up to the intervention. “At 23:45 we received an initial report from the Krabi emergency command centre about an individual attempting to jump from the bridge. However, when we arrived, he was no longer there.” Shortly after, at 00:25 another call came through from the Pitak Pracha Villa Ao Luek rescue team. Phra Santi had phoned them, stating that he intended to jump from the same bridge and asking them to collect his body. Upon receiving this distressing message, police and emergency teams raced back to the scene. When officers arrived, they found Phra Santi standing on the bridge, visibly emotional. He continued to express his despair over a recent argument with a fellow monk at his temple. Police negotiators carefully engaged him in conversation, creating an opportunity for officers to subdue him safely. Authorities confirmed that there were no signs of alcohol consumption. Initial investigations suggest that the incident stemmed from emotional distress following a dispute within the temple. Phra Santi is now receiving medical and psychological support as officials continue their inquiries into the matter. -- 2025-03-29

Chiang Rai: Railway Beams Collapse, Vehicles Crushed Following Earthquake Pictures from responders The earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, had tremors felt across northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai province. The earthquake, which originated at a depth of 10 km, was caused by the movement of the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar. While no casualties have been reported, the tremor caused structural damage in Chiang Rai. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356131-chiang-rai-railway-beams-collapse-vehicles-crushed-following-earthquake/

Pictures from responders The earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, had tremors felt across northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai province. The earthquake, which originated at a depth of 10 km, was caused by the movement of the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar. While no casualties have been reported, the tremor caused structural damage in Chiang Rai. The Governor of Chiang Rai, Mr Charin Thongsuk, ordered an immediate damage assessment across all 18 districts of the province. Initial reports confirm two main areas of damage: 1. Cultural Building at Wat Tha Kham, Sri Don Chai – A portion of the roof of this historic temple sustained damage. 2. Railway Construction Site in Pa Daet District. A section of the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track railway under construction suffered a collapse. Twenty massive concrete beams, each weighing 10 tonnes, fell from an elevated railway structure. The collapse crushed six vehicles parked nearby, including two ten-wheel lorries, four pickup trucks, and a motorcycle. Despite the severity of the incident, authorities confirmed that no workers were injured or killed, as the earthquake struck during the lunch break, when most labourers were away from the construction site. The estimated cost of damages is around 15 million baht. Local officials, including Pa Daet District Chief Khwantarakun Hanka, have conducted on-site inspections. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), along with municipal authorities, is assessing the stability of remaining structures and providing aid to those affected. -- 2025-03-29

Daughter Collapses in Grief as Parents Are Hit by Car in Tragic Hit-and-Run Picture from responders. A devastating hit-and-run incident in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, struck a Myanmar couple. The wife was killed instantly, while her husband sustained severe injuries. The driver responsible fled the scene, prompting authorities to launch an urgent search. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356129-daughter-collapses-in-grief-as-parents-are-hit-by-car-in-tragic-hit-and-run/

Picture from responders. A devastating hit-and-run incident in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, struck a Myanmar couple. The wife was killed instantly, while her husband sustained severe injuries. The driver responsible fled the scene, prompting authorities to launch an urgent search. The crash occurred around 23:30 on 27 March, near the entrance of Pinehurst Golf Course in Khlong Nueng subdistrict. Pol. Lt. Warut Phumipak, an investigator from Khlong Luang Police Station, received the report and rushed to the scene with traffic police, rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, and emergency responders. At the site, they discovered the lifeless body of a woman, later identified as Ms. Pata, 52, a Myanmar national. Her body lay by the roadside near a severely damaged bicycle, which had been split in two by the impact. A Toyota emblem was found at the scene, possibly belonging to the vehicle involved. Nearby, emergency responders had already transported the injured victim, Mr. Prek Saim, 46, also a Myanmar national, to Thammasat University Hospital for urgent treatment. Witnesses stated that the victims were a married couple who worked at Pinehurst Golf Course. They commuted home by bicycle every night. The incident became even more heartbreaking when their daughter arrived at the scene. Upon seeing her mother’s lifeless body, she collapsed in grief, sobbing uncontrollably. Relatives had to carry her to a vehicle and take her home. Pol. Lt. Warut and his team documented the scene and began examining CCTV footage to identify the vehicle involved in the collision. Authorities are actively working to track down the driver and bring them to justice. The body of Ms. Pata has been sent to Thammasat University Hospital’s forensic unit for further examination. The investigation remains ongoing. -- 2025-03-29

Former Police Officer Opens Fire on Neighbours, Injuring Three in Phrae Picture courtesy of Workpoint A former police officer, holding the rank of Police Senior Sergeant Major, opened fire on his neighbours in Phrae, injuring three people. The incident is believed to have been sparked by the suspect’s suspicion that his fighting cock had been poisoned. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356128-former-police-officer-opens-fire-on-neighbours-injuring-three-in-phrae/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint A former police officer, holding the rank of Police Senior Sergeant Major, opened fire on his neighbours in Phrae, injuring three people. The incident is believed to have been sparked by the suspect’s suspicion that his fighting cock had been poisoned. Police Lieutenant Suthipoj Thananchai, an investigator at Huai Ma Police Station, received a report of a shooting in which three individuals were injured. Emergency responders from Phrae Hospital, the Maelai Municipality Rescue Unit, and the Phrae Volunteer Rescue Association were dispatched to the scene, along with officers from Huai Ma Police Station, Phrae Provincial Investigation Division, and local administrative officials. The shooting took place outside a two-storey wooden house in Moo 4, Huai Ma subdistrict, Mueang Phrae district. The house had no perimeter fence, and 13 spent bullet casings were found scattered on the ground. One of the victims, Mr Tosaphon, 65, was found lying in a pool of blood on the road in front of his house, suffering from gunshot wounds to his abdomen and leg. Nearby, Mr Nikhom, 59, had been shot in the right leg and torso. The third victim, Mrs Priya, 52, Tosaphon’s wife, had sustained gunshot wounds to her arms, legs, and body. She managed to flee the scene and seek help at a nearby clinic, from where emergency services were alerted. The injured were given first aid and transported to Phrae Hospital for further treatment. Police then proceeded to the home of the suspect, identified as Sompong, 65, a former deputy inspector. He was found inside his house, intoxicated and shouting incoherently. Officers spent approximately 30 minutes negotiating with him before he agreed to surrender and was taken into custody at Huai Ma Police Station. Village headwoman Pawina Choksakulsub stated that she had heard multiple gunshots but was too afraid to go outside. Once the situation calmed, she assisted in transporting the injured to hospital. She confirmed that two of the victims remained conscious, while one was unresponsive. She further explained that Sompong had been in a longstanding dispute with Tosaphon over the death of his fighting cock. He believed that Tosaphon had poisoned the bird, leading to the violent attack. Authorities are now conducting further investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. -- 2025-03-29

Lampang: Toyota Fortuner Crashes into Tree, Over Ten Injured A serious road crash occurred on the morning of 28 March, in Lampang, as a Toyota Fortuner veered off the road and crashed into a tree, leaving more than ten people injured. One individual was trapped inside the vehicle, requiring urgent rescue efforts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356127-lampang-toyota-fortuner-crashes-into-tree-over-ten-injured/

Picture from responders. A serious road crash occurred on the morning of 28 March, in Lampang, as a Toyota Fortuner veered off the road and crashed into a tree, leaving more than ten people injured. One individual was trapped inside the vehicle, requiring urgent rescue efforts. At approximately 09:10, the Lampang Rescue Association, in coordination with volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Koh Kha Rescue Unit, responded to the incident on the Lampang-Tak Road. The crash took place on the inbound lane towards Lampang, near the Koh Kha weigh station in Koh Kha district. Ambulances from Koh Kha Hospital were also dispatched to the scene. Rescue teams found a Toyota Fortuner, bearing Chiang Mai registration, severely damaged after colliding with a tree. More than ten individuals sustained injuries, with one person trapped inside the wreckage. Emergency responders worked swiftly to extract the trapped victim and provide first aid before transporting the injured to a nearby hospital. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle, leading to the collision. Further updates are expected as officials assess the circumstances surrounding the collision. -- 2025-03-29

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Maybe try reading the OP, “Good Samaritans and other tourists had already moved him to the roadside before the rescue team arrived”, before posting.

Yes, the Kamov KA-32 helicopter, is a Russian-designed twin-rotor helicopter and is used by the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), which currently has four operational helicopters. The DDPM can configure the KA-32 helicopters for use in firefighting, rescue operations and haze pollution control.

Restaurant Owner Loses Nearly 200,000 Baht to M-Flow Payment Scam File picture for reference only. A restaurant owner in Samut Prakan has fallen victim to an online payment scam, losing nearly 200,000 baht, after clicking on a fraudulent M-Flow payment link. The victim, Mr Boonrod Watthanawisankul, 60, is now warning others to be extremely cautious when making online financial transactions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356026-restaurant-owner-loses-nearly-200000-baht-to-m-flow-payment-scam/

File picture for reference only. A restaurant owner in Samut Prakan has fallen victim to an online payment scam, losing nearly 200,000 baht, after clicking on a fraudulent M-Flow payment link. The victim, Mr Boonrod Watthanawisankul, 60, is now warning others to be extremely cautious when making online financial transactions. Mr Boonrod, the owner of Rabieng Talay Restaurant in Bang Pu, shared his story after realising he had been scammed. He had received an SMS claiming to be from M-Flow, Thailand’s electronic toll payment system, stating that he had an outstanding fee of 30 baht. As his partner had recently driven through an M-Flow toll without immediate payment, he assumed the message was legitimate. Without suspicion, he clicked the link, which directed him to a website that closely resembled the official M-Flow portal. After entering his vehicle registration details, he was shown a payment amount of 36 baht and proceeded to pay online using his credit card. Upon confirming the payment, an OTP (one-time password) verification code was sent to his phone, which he entered as usual. Moments later, he received a notification stating that 4,836 Swiss francs (191,654 baht) had been deducted from his account. Realising something was wrong, he immediately contacted his bank, who confirmed that he had fallen victim to a scam. Shortly after, he received another message stating that his previous transaction had failed and that he needed to re-enter the OTP. This time, the amount shown was 51 million Lao Kip (around 8,000 baht). Fortunately, having already realised the scam, he did not proceed with the second transaction. Mr Boonrod has since reported the fraud to his bank, which is reviewing the case under its dispute resolution policies. He remains hopeful of getting his money back, as he had previously been scammed out of 20,000 baht through a similar scheme and was eventually refunded. “I just want to warn everyone: scammers are everywhere, and they come in all forms,” he said. “Always be extremely cautious when making online payments. Never click on links from unknown sources, and always verify directly with the official website before proceeding with any transaction.” With an increase in online fraud cases, Thai authorities are urging the public to be cautious, especially regarding unsolicited payment requests via SMS and email. Officials recommend verifying any suspicious messages directly with the relevant organisations and never sharing personal financial information on unfamiliar websites. -- 2025-03-28