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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 54-year-old woman was found dead in a pond in Udon Thani province after reportedly becoming despondent over her children’s insistence that she stop working. The tragic discovery was made at approximately 19:30 on 12 May, in the Nong Na Lam community, Sam Phrao subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani district. Police Lieutenant Songphop Khamjai of Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, along with rescue divers from the Udon Thani Dhamma Foundation, were called to the scene after receiving a report of a possible drowning. The pond, around four metres deep, took more than 20 minutes to search before the body of the deceased, identified as Ms. Ladda, 54, was recovered. According to preliminary forensic findings, the cause of death was drowning. Her body was transferred to Udon Thani Hospital’s Suwankhadee mortuary pending further arrangements by her family. Close friend Mr. Pieak, also 54, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time of questioning, told police that Ms. Ladda had sold clothes in the city and often confided in him when she was distressed. He noted that she had repeatedly expressed sorrow over her children’s decision to prevent her from working following a recent motorbike crash, in which she collided with another person. Her children paid 20,000 baht in damages and asked her to stay home, assuring her they would support her financially. “Yesterday, she told me she wanted to die,” Mr. Pieak said. “I tried to comfort her. Today she came by again, we had a drink and I made her something to eat. But when I came back with the food, she was gone.” Fearing the worst, he began searching the area and contacted authorities after recalling her earlier comments about ending her life in the pond nearby. Another local resident, 71-year-old Ms. Phunsap, the owner of the pond, said she knew the deceased well and had seen her regularly with Mr. Pieak. She described an emotional final encounter earlier that evening when Ms. Ladda hugged her tightly, massaged her arms and legs, and said, “Mother, I want to die.” “I told her not to speak like that,” Ms. Phunsap recounted. “She then bowed down and touched my feet before saying goodbye. I never imagined she truly meant it.” The case has left the local community shocked and saddened. Friends and neighbours recalled Ms. Ladda as someone who found joy in working and who struggled emotionally with the idea of staying idle, despite her children’s good intentions. 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 Khoasod 2025-05-14.

CIB Arrests Man for Selling Contraband Cigarettes via Facebook Pictures courtesy of CIB. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working under the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), have arrested a Thai man for allegedly selling untaxed and counterfeit cigarettes via online platforms. The suspect, identified as Mr. Kittiphong (alias “Yo” or “Tae”), was apprehended at a residence in Soi Khajornwit, Phraeksa Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360586-cib-arrests-man-for-selling-contraband-cigarettes-via-facebook/

Pictures courtesy of CIB. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working under the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), have arrested a Thai man for allegedly selling untaxed and counterfeit cigarettes via online platforms. The suspect, identified as Mr. Kittiphong (alias “Yo” or “Tae”), was apprehended at a residence in Soi Khajornwit, Phraeksa Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. The arrest follows an ongoing joint investigation conducted by the ECSD, the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and the Excise Department. The operation aims to combat the smuggling and sale of foreign and counterfeit cigarettes evading tax obligations. Authorities first made significant progress on 2 May 2025 when two Cambodian nationals, one male and one female, were arrested for distributing more than 50,000 boxes of illicit cigarettes via Facebook. Investigators discovered that the suspects were part of a broader network engaged in similar activities. One Facebook page used to distribute the illegal products was identified as “JE YA,” operated by a Cambodian woman. Further investigations revealed that a major customer using the alias “Tae” frequently placed large orders and redistributed the cigarettes through his own platforms. He operated a Facebook page called “KING DROM SMOK,” which had over 3,000 followers, and another page titled “Krongthip 90” with over 2,500 followers. Surveillance at Mr. Kittiphong’s residence confirmed suspicious activity. Officers observed the suspect receiving large boxes, which he transported inside the property. Upon investigation, police identified the boxes as containing “Krongthip” brand cigarettes, a product intended solely for export. A search of the premises uncovered a total of over 1,620 cartons of cigarettes, including both genuine and counterfeit packs. Mr. Kittiphong was charged with multiple offences under Thai law, including possession and distribution of untaxed goods, and handling goods known to be illegally imported or not cleared through customs. The operation was carried out under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB; Police Major General Tasanapoom Charuprat; and Acting Police Colonel Naruephon Karuna. Authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on illegal tobacco distribution networks across the country. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359973-two-cambodians-arrested-in-cross-border-cigarette-smuggling-bust/ Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-14.

Former Conscript Arrested After 10 Years on the Run for Gang Rape of Soldier’s Girlfriend Picture courtesy of Matichon. A former conscript, wanted for nearly a decade in connection with the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl inside an army barracks, has finally been apprehended in a rice field in Muang district, Mukdahan. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360585-former-conscript-arrested-after-10-years-on-the-run-for-gang-rape-of-soldier’s-girlfriend/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A former conscript, wanted for nearly a decade in connection with the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl inside an army barracks, has finally been apprehended in a rice field in Muang district, Mukdahan. The suspect, identified as Sarawut 33, was arrested on 12 May, following a coordinated operation by the Provincial Police Region 1. He had been evading capture since 2015 under an arrest warrant issued by the 12th Military Circle Court, for his alleged involvement in the brutal assault. The case dates back to 16 September 2015, when the victim, then just 16, visited her soldier boyfriend at an army camp in Prachin Buri province. Tragically, instead of a safe meeting, she was allegedly led into a barracks dormitory, where her boyfriend and five other conscripts took turns raping her. The following day, after returning home, the traumatised victim confided in a relative, who immediately reported the crime to the police. Investigators swiftly gathered evidence, leading to arrest warrants for all six suspects. Of the six accused, two were previously captured, but Sarawut remained at large for nearly 10 year, until his arrest in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan. Despite his capture, sources say he continues to deny the charges. He now faces multiple counts, including: - Abducting a minor (aged 15–18) for indecent acts - Gang rape - Unlawful confinement Police Major General Teerachat Teerachatthamrong, commander of Provincial Police Region 1, confirmed the arrest and stated that Sarawut has been transferred to Mueang Prachin Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-14.

Elderly Man Killed, Wife Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash at Kanchanaburi Intersection Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A traffic collision in Kanchanaburi province claimed the life of a 73-year-old man and left his 74-year-old wife seriously injured after the elderly couple made a sudden turn on their motorcycle, cutting across the path of an oncoming pickup truck at a busy intersection. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360583-elderly-man-killed-wife-seriously-injured-in-motorcycle-crash-at-kanchanaburi-intersection/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A traffic collision in Kanchanaburi province claimed the life of a 73-year-old man and left his 74-year-old wife seriously injured after the elderly couple made a sudden turn on their motorcycle, cutting across the path of an oncoming pickup truck at a busy intersection. The incident occurred around 10:20 on 12 May at the Nong Khaw traffic lights in Tha Muang district. Police Lieutenant Waraporn Kalpakdee of Nong Khaw Police Station, along with medical personnel from Somdet Phra Sangharaja Hospital and rescue workers from the Khun Rattanawut Foundation, responded swiftly to the scene. On arrival, emergency services found a damaged motorcycle lying in the middle of the intersection. Nearby, the lifeless body of Mr. Somchai, 73, who had been driving the motorcycle, was discovered. His wife, Mrs. Sutjai, 74, who had been riding pillion, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment. CCTV footage from the area revealed that the couple had been travelling from Kanchanaburi town towards their home in Ban Nong Khaw, initially riding in the far-left lane. However, they suddenly veered right across lanes in an attempt to turn, directly into the path of a blue Toyota pickup truck travelling at speed in the centre lane. The pickup collided forcefully with the motorcycle, causing the fatal crash. Ms. Nuengruethai, 24, the granddaughter of the couple, arrived at the scene in tears after learning of the crash. Visibly distraught, she shared that her grandparents had come into town earlier that morning to visit her at her workplace. After spending a short time together, they left to return home. Not long after, she received the devastating news of the crash. Authorities have sent Mr. Somchai’s body for a full forensic examination and are continuing to investigate the crash. The driver of the pickup truck has been taken in for questioning as part of standard legal procedures. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-14.

Massage Parlour in Central Chiang Rai Busted for Prostitution Pictures courtesy of police. A late-night raid has exposed a massage parlour in the heart of Chiang Rai allegedly operating as a front for prostitution, prompting swift action from local authorities under the “Chiang Rai Clear Sky” operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360582-massage-parlour-in-central-chiang-rai-busted-for-prostitution/

Pictures courtesy of police. A late-night raid has exposed a massage parlour in the heart of Chiang Rai allegedly operating as a front for prostitution, prompting swift action from local authorities under the “Chiang Rai Clear Sky” operation. At approximately 23:00 on 12 May, Chiang Rai Governor Mr. Charin Thongsuk received reports that a massage parlour in the city centre was offering sexual services for hourly rates ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 baht. He immediately ordered Deputy Governor Mr. Prasert Jitpleecheep and Chiang Rai Chief District Officer Mr. Supot Sanmee to coordinate with administrative officials, volunteer defence corps, local police, immigration officers, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), and Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to investigate. Authorities raided a three-storey shophouse operating under the name “Noraset Health Massage” on Jetyod Road in the Rob Wiang subdistrict of Mueang Chiang Rai. The ground floor served as a reception area where clients were seen drinking alcohol, while the second and third floors were divided into seven massage rooms. Seventeen women were found on the premises. Of these, 15 were stateless persons without official registration, one was identified as a Myanmar national, and one was a Thai national. Also, two of the women were under the age of 18. The alleged manager, Ms. Nisa, aged 40, was also a stateless person holding a non-registered status card. She was assisted by Ms. Fasai, aged 29, also stateless, who was identified as the caretaker of the establishment. A search of the premises revealed large quantities of both used and unused condoms, supporting claims of prostitution. Prices reportedly varied depending on the age and appearance of the women. Both Ms. Nisa and Ms. Fasai were charged with multiple offences including procuring, managing, or facilitating prostitution, even with the consent of the individuals involved. Additional charges included managing a prostitution establishment, employing minors under the age of 18, and failing to notify the Ministry of Labour within the required 15-day period. The women providing services were charged with prostitution. Authorities are now working with multidisciplinary teams to screen for human trafficking victims, particularly focusing on the two under 18s discovered during the raid. The operation forms part of a broader campaign to crack down on illegal activities disguised as legitimate businesses and to address human trafficking and exploitation in the province. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-14.

Death of Child: Stepfather Admits to Killing and Dumping Body in Chiang Rai River Picture courtesy of Siam News. A two-year-old girl who was reported missing on 8 May has been found dead after her stepfather confessed to brutally assaulting her and dumping her body in a river in Chiang Rai province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360580-death-of-child-stepfather-admits-to-killing-and-dumping-body-in-chiang-rai-river/

Picture courtesy of Siam News. A two-year-old girl who was reported missing on 8 May has been found dead after her stepfather confessed to brutally assaulting her and dumping her body in a river in Chiang Rai province. The case began when officers from Mae Fa Luang Police Station received a report at approximately 22:00 on 8 May, that Vanida, a two-year-old girl from Huai Phueng village in Mae Fa Luang district, had gone missing without a trace. Despite an extensive search operation, there was initially no sign of the child. Police later turned their attention to the girl’s stepfather, Mr. Chamnarn Saethang 35, who exhibited suspicious behaviour and fled the home while officers were conducting enquiries. Mr. Chamnarn, the current partner of the victim’s mother, Ms. Namu Saelor, was eventually located on 11 May in Huai Phueng village. During initial questioning, Mr. Chamnarn denied any knowledge of the child’s disappearance. However, his statement was contradicted by Ms. Namu, who told police that she had seen him carry the child late on the night of 8 May. A drug test administered to Mr. Chamnarn revealed traces of methamphetamine and morphine in his system. He was immediately taken into custody on charges of drug use. Under further interrogation, Mr. Chamnarn confessed to the murder. He admitted that on 8 May, he had taken little Vanida from a storage room into the house and violently threw her onto the ground five times, resulting in her death. He then placed her body in a sack, transported it on the footrest of his motorcycle, and rode approximately five kilometres to a bridge over the Nam Khum River in Samakkhi Kao village. There, he disposed of her body in the river. Following the confession, police escorted Mr. Chamnarn to the scene, where a search team eventually discovered the child’s body about 500 metres downstream from the location where she had been discarded. An autopsy was conducted by Mae Fa Luang Hospital, and police confirmed that Mr. Chamnarn remains in custody as legal proceedings continue. Adapted by Asean Now from Siam News 2025-05-14.

73-Year-Old Woman Run Over & Killed by Van After Returning to Thailand to Visit Family Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 73-year-old woman, recently returned to Thailand after living abroad, was fatally struck by a passenger van while crossing the road during her morning walk in Ang Thong province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360578-73-year-old-woman-run-over-killed-by-van-after-returning-to-thailand-to-visit-family/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 73-year-old woman, recently returned to Thailand after living abroad, was fatally struck by a passenger van while crossing the road during her morning walk in Ang Thong province. Police Lieutenant Manit Nakpaiboon of Mueang Ang Thong Police Station responded to reports of the collision on Phothi-Phra Ya–Tha Ruea Road, near Sinphon Alley in Sala Daeng subdistrict. Emergency personnel from Ang Thong Hospital and the local rescue foundation were dispatched to the scene. The elderly woman, identified as Mrs. Janya Midgren, was found dead at the roadside. Approximately 50 metres away, a white Toyota van registered in Ang Thong was parked with its driver waiting to surrender to police. Relatives at the scene said Mrs. Janya had only recently returned from overseas to visit her children and grandchildren. She had maintained a daily routine of walking for exercise, and on the morning of the incident, had set off as usual. The van driver, 32-year-old Mr. Suphawit, stated that he was driving the vehicle on his usual route transporting workers when he noticed the woman attempting to cross the road. Although he swerved to avoid her, the van still struck her, leading to her death on the spot. Police are continuing to gather witness statements and analyse forensic evidence from the scene to determine the exact cause of the collision. Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings will follow in accordance with the law. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-14.

Really! Maybe look after the pictures and how close other buildings are. Water curtains and water spraying onto the other buildings will help stop the effects of radiated, convected and conducted heat. With no intervention by firefighters there is a high possibility that thermal damage and fire spread would be far greater and to multiple premises.

UPDATE Toxic Blaze at Furniture Warehouse Prompts Evacuations in Bangkok Suburb A fire at a furniture warehouse in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district has led to the detection of dangerously high levels of carcinogenic substances in the surrounding air, prompting authorities to evacuate residents within an 800-metre radius. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360411-blaze-rages-all-night-at-bangkok-furniture-factory/#findComment-19797786

UPDATE Toxic Blaze at Furniture Warehouse Prompts Evacuations in Bangkok Suburb Picture from responders. A fire at a furniture warehouse in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district has led to the detection of dangerously high levels of carcinogenic substances in the surrounding air, prompting authorities to evacuate residents within an 800-metre radius. At 09:55 on 13 May, Industry Minister Mr. Akanat Promphan provided an update on the blaze, which broke out at a storage facility connected to a nearby furniture factory. He confirmed that carcinogens in the air had exceeded safe limits, posing a significant public health risk. No injuries were reported, but the deteriorating air quality necessitated an immediate evacuation. Mr. Akanat said he had informed Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, in line with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to prioritise public safety. Officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and environmental agencies have been monitoring air quality closely. Initial findings suggest the fire was fuelled by plastic pellets stored in the warehouse, leading to persistent toxic fumes. Despite heavy rain, the fire remained difficult to control, requiring the use of fire suppression foam to contain it. Authorities are also investigating whether the warehouse was being used for unauthorised industrial activities. The facility is licensed only as a storage unit, but suspicions have arisen that manufacturing operations may have been carried out unlawfully. Mr. Akanat warned that if the facility is found to have violated its licence, operators could face up to two years in prison. The Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Interior will conduct a joint review of similar sites to clamp down on illegal or misrepresented industrial activity. “We must address these legal loopholes and prevent unauthorised factories from endangering public health,” the Minister said. The incident underscores the risks associated with unregulated industrial practices in urban areas and has raised calls for more stringent oversight of warehouse operations across Bangkok. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-13.

Not really sure what you are implying. The fire started in the basement used for storage. Picture below is from before the first arrival of responders. Multiple firefighter teams were sent into the basement to try to reach the site of the fire, deploying handheld thermal imaging cameras to aid access. Given the nature of the stored material, responders were forced to withdraw for their own safety, due to the amount of heat and dense smoke being generated. Firefighting teams could only take up defensive external firefighting positions, as the fire grow unchecked in the basement and spread from the front of the premises to the rear. Remote firefighting vehicles, LUF 60, were deployed, but because of the layout in the basement were unable to access the seat of the fire. Four hours into the incident the responders were faced with an out of control fire, video below. With no lives at risk within the burning building, priority at that stage was to prevent the fire spreading to other structures from either flames, radiated heat or burning embers. Thermal drones were used to map the fire spreading throughout the building. Image below shows fire development from the front to the rear. The intensity of the fire caused structure collapse of the roof, walls and floors. No serious injuries have been reported and the investigation will take place once the structure is deemed safe and all smouldering areas are fully extinguished.

Construction Worker Killed in Big Bike Crash While on Liquor Run Near Pattaya A 29-year-old construction worker lost his life after losing control of his high-powered motorcycle and crashing into a pickup truck on a curve in Pong, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360520-construction-worker-killed-in-big-bike-crash-while-on-liquor-run-near-pattaya/

Pictures from responders. A 29-year-old construction worker lost his life after losing control of his high-powered motorcycle and crashing into a pickup truck on a curve in Pong, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 19:35 on the evening of 12 May, along Pong Road, at the Huai Yai Muk bend in Moo 6, Pong subdistrict. Emergency responders from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre were dispatched to the scene, along with Police Lieutenant Chanokkanan Tuankham of Nong Prue Police Station. At the scene, a white Toyota pickup truck bearing Chonburi registration plate was found with front-end damage. Nearby, a severely wrecked Honda motorcycle, without licence plates, was discovered. Lying lifeless in a pool of blood on the road was Mr Somrak Mabudda, the rider of the motorbike. Debris from the motorcycle was scattered across the area. Eyewitnesses reported that the motorcycle was travelling at high speed and the rider appeared to lose control while negotiating the curve, leading to a head-on collision with the pickup truck. Shortly after the incident, a friend of the deceased arrived at the scene and informed police that the pair had been drinking earlier in the evening. When they ran out of alcohol, Mr Somrak volunteered to borrow his big bike to purchase more. Lieutenant Chanokkanan conducted a thorough investigation at the crash site and is reviewed nearby CCTV footage as part of the inquiry. The body of the deceased was transported by rescue workers to Pattaya Patmakhunn Hospital, where it will be held until family members come forward. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-13.

Fire Claims Life of Woman as Electrical Blaze Engulfs Bangkok Home Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of the morning of 13 May, completely destroying a four-storey townhouse and claiming the life of a 39-year-old woman. The fire, believed to have started from an overhead power line, rapidly spread through the residence located in Soi Sakae Ngam 3, Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360516-fire-claims-life-of-woman-as-electrical-blaze-engulfs-bangkok-home/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of the morning of 13 May, completely destroying a four-storey townhouse and claiming the life of a 39-year-old woman. The fire, believed to have started from an overhead power line, rapidly spread through the residence located in Soi Sakae Ngam 3, Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district. Police Lieutenant Rattathipok Kaenpitak, the duty officer at Tha Kham Police Station, received the emergency call at approximately 02:30. Firefighters and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation responded swiftly to the scene. The property, which doubled as a shop selling t-shirts and underwear, was engulfed in flames particularly on the first and second floors. Fire crews battled the inferno for around 40 minutes before bringing it under control. One occupant, identified as Mrs Duang, a Lao national and sister-in-law of the homeowner, perished in the blaze. Her body was discovered in a second-floor bedroom, severely burned. Four other residents managed to escape the flames. The homeowner, Ms Chanthanee, recounted the terrifying ordeal, saying she first saw flames erupting from the electrical wires in front of the house before the fire quickly spread and consumed the building. She, her disabled mother and her two young nephews, aged three and twelve, were able to flee. Her mother sustained burns to both hands while escaping. Authorities from the Metropolitan Police will coordinate with forensic investigators to determine the exact cause of the fire. Mrs Duang’s body has been sent to the Department of Forensic Medicine at Siriraj Hospital for autopsy before being released to her family. Police investigations are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-05-13.

Parents Expose Pattaya Private School Over Fake Diplomas and Receipts Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A private school in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, is under intense scrutiny following allegations from parents and students of issuing fake educational certificates and forged tuition receipts. More than 50 individuals have already filed complaints with Nong Prue Police Station and are preparing to take the case to local authorities including the Damrongdhama Centre. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360497-parents-expose-pattaya-private-school-over-fake-diplomas-and-receipts/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A private school in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, is under intense scrutiny following allegations from parents and students of issuing fake educational certificates and forged tuition receipts. More than 50 individuals have already filed complaints with Nong Prue Police Station and are preparing to take the case to local authorities including the Damrongdhama Centre. The scandal came to light after a group of concerned parents contacted the media, prompting reporters to investigate the school. The allegations include fabricated diplomas, falsified grade reports and counterfeit payment receipts, many of which were allegedly signed and distributed by the school’s deputy director. One parent, Ms Suree Jaita, 44, recounted her experience. Her daughter first enrolled at the school in 2020 but had to pause her studies due to health issues. She re-enrolled in 2024 and completed only one term before the school claimed she had already graduated, issuing a full set of higher vocational (Por Wor Sor) transcripts despite incomplete coursework. The deputy director also demanded 40,000 baht in tuition, of which only 10,000 baht was later refunded. Another student, a 19-year-old identified as Ms Yu, said she had paid tuition for six full terms. However, when she requested her academic documents, the school claimed payment had been received for only three. The receipts she had been given turned out to be forgeries, allegedly signed by the deputy director himself. This, she said, cost her the chance to use her qualifications to apply for jobs. Numerous other students and parents have made similar claims, they paid tuition directly to the deputy director but were either issued fake documents or told they needed to pay again in order to receive genuine certificates. Some students who had completed lower secondary school (Mathayom 3) over three years ago have still not received their diplomas, preventing them from pursuing further education or employment. In response, a group of parents recently met with the school’s director, who confirmed that complaints had been received since March. The school has reportedly filed a police complaint against the deputy director for document forgery. However, parents remain sceptical, expressing concern that the school is not taking firm action and may be protecting the accused. As a result, they plan to escalate the matter further through official government channels in search of justice. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-13.

Vietnamese National Caught in Attempted Illegal Border Crossing Aboard Laos Bus in Nong Khai Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Immigration officers in Nong Khai have arrested the driver and a staff member of a cross-border bus service operating between Vientiane and Nong Khai for smuggling a Vietnamese national across the Thai-Laos border. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360496-vietnamese-national-caught-in-attempted-illegal-border-crossing-aboard-laos-bus-in-nong-khai/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Immigration officers in Nong Khai have arrested the driver and a staff member of a cross-border bus service operating between Vientiane and Nong Khai for smuggling a Vietnamese national across the Thai-Laos border. The arrest followed a tip-off received by the Nong Khai Immigration Investigation Unit, under the direction of Pol. Col. Noppadol Rakchat, Superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration, along with senior officers Pol. Lt. Col. Thanoosil Duangkaewngam and Pol. Lt. Col. Thiyaphat Rangsiphramakun. Officials were informed that a bus from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was regularly transporting Vietnamese nationals illegally through the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint. Officers stationed at the checkpoint observed the targeted bus after it departed from the Nong Khai bus terminal. As passengers disembarked to undergo standard immigration procedures, officers searched the vehicle and discovered a Vietnamese man hiding in a passenger seat, attempting to avoid immigration inspection. The man was identified as Mr Cong Khue Truong, 64, holding Vietnamese passport. Records showed that he was previously deported from Thailand for working illegally and had been blacklisted, making his presence in the country unlawful. Immigration officers detained both the driver, Mr Vongphaseang, and the bus attendant, Ms Pudsana, both citizens of Laos,for questioning. During the investigation, both admitted to picking up Mr Truong from the Nong Khai terminal and attempting to smuggle him back into Laos, each receiving a promised payment of 2,000 baht. Mr Truong claimed he had paid an agent 15,000 baht to arrange the illegal passage, aware that he was barred from entering or leaving Thailand through official channels. The driver and attendant have been charged under Section 64 of Thailand’s Immigration Act for “harbouring and concealing an alien.” Mr Truong has been charged with “illegal entry.” All three individuals, along with the bus, were handed over to Muang Nong Khai Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities say they will continue to crack down on cross-border smuggling operations and have urged transport operators to strictly comply with immigration laws. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-13.