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Authorities Seize Over 15,000 Packs of Smuggled Cigarettes in Sa Kaeo Pictures courtesy of CIB. Police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have seized more than 15,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes, hidden by the roadside in Sai Thong Subdistrict, Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo. The estimated tax value of the confiscated goods exceeds six million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355783-authorities-seize-over-15000-packs-of-smuggled-cigarettes-in-sa-kaeo/

Pictures courtesy of CIB. Police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have seized more than 15,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes, hidden by the roadside in Sai Thong Subdistrict, Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo. The estimated tax value of the confiscated goods exceeds six million baht. On 25 March, law enforcement officials, under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, Commander of the CIB, instructed officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) to investigate the case. Leading the operation were Pol. Maj. Gen. Thatphoom Charuprat, Commander of the ECSD, along with senior officers including Pol. Col. Wichak Tharom, Pol. Col. Chakkrit Seributr, and Pol. Col. Wiwat Chitsophakun. The seized contraband included: • 10,000 packs of CRAVEN Classic cigarettes • 4,500 packs of No. 555 Gold cigarettes • 500 packs of L&M Green cigarettes Authorities discovered the cigarettes hidden in large cardboard boxes along a rural road in Sai Thong Subdistrict, approximately 3–5 kilometres from the main highway. The area is primarily agricultural, with cassava and sugarcane plantations. The operation was launched following a tip-off from an informant who reported that illegal cigarettes would be smuggled into the area between 23:00 and 01:00 AM on 23 March. Officers set up surveillance but found no individuals attempting to collect the goods. As a result, they seized the cigarettes and transported them to the ECSD for further investigation. The suspects involved are likely to face multiple charges, including: 1. Possessing and distributing illegally imported goods that have not passed through customs procedures, under the Customs Act. 2. Possessing or selling untaxed goods, under the Excise Tax Act. Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to prevent the smuggling of contraband goods across Thailand’s borders, emphasising the importance of cracking down on illegal trade that undermines national revenue and public health regulations. Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the smuggling operation. -- 2025-03-26

Woman Arrested for Blackmailing Victim with Explicit Images Picture courtesy of CIB A woman has been arrested in Prachinburi for blackmailing a victim with explicit images, demanding money in exchange for not releasing them. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), apprehended Ms. Rungarun on charges of extortion and fraud involving computer-related offences. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355782-woman-arrested-for-blackmailing-victim-with-explicit-images/

Drunken Woman Removed from Minivan Later Fatally Struck by Car After Running onto Road Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A woman who was heavily intoxicated and causing a disturbance on a minivan was asked to leave and rest at a resort. Later that night, she ran onto a main road and was fatally struck by a vehicle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355781-drunken-woman-removed-from-minivan-later-fatally-struck-by-car-after-running-onto-road/

Picture courtesy of CIB A woman has been arrested in Prachinburi for blackmailing a victim with explicit images, demanding money in exchange for not releasing them. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), apprehended Ms. Rungarun on charges of extortion and fraud involving computer-related offences. The arrest took place at a market in Tha Tum, Sri Maha Phot District, Prachinburi Province. The investigation began after the victim reported receiving a friend request and engaging in conversation via the Facebook application. The suspect allegedly lured the victim into a sexually explicit video call, during which she secretly recorded intimate images and videos. She then used these recordings to demand 50,000 baht, threatening to share them with the victim’s Facebook contacts if payment was not made. Fearing exposure, the victim negotiated the sum and initially transferred 11,000 baht to the suspect’s bank account under the name Ms. Rungarun. However, the suspect later attempted to extort further payments, at which point the victim refused and reported the matter to the police. Following an investigation, officers traced Ms. Rungarun to Prachinburi, where she had been hiding. Upon locating her, officers arrested her and transferred her to Lom Kao Police Station for further legal proceedings. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the CIB, Pol. Maj. Gen. Witthaya Sripraserthphap, Commander of the CSD, and Pol. Col. Eksit Pansita, Superintendent of CSD Subdivision 4. The arrest team was led by Acting Pol. Lt. Col. Narawit Piasu, along with officers from Subdivision 4 of the CSD. -- 2025-03-26

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A woman who was heavily intoxicated and causing a disturbance on a minivan was asked to leave and rest at a resort. Later that night, she ran onto a main road and was fatally struck by a vehicle. Police in Surat Thani received a report of a fatal accident on the northbound side of the Asia 41 Highway, near a resort in Ban Na San district, Surat Thani. Officers from Tha Chi Police Station, forensic specialists, and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a 33-year-old woman, identified as Angsuma. She was wearing an orange short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts, with no shoes. Her body showed signs of multiple fractures consistent with a vehicle collision. Investigations revealed that the deceased had been travelling alone from Hat Yai in a rented minivan with other passengers. During a meal stop in Thung Song district, she consumed a significant amount of alcohol, to the point where she became uncontrollable and disruptive. Due to her behaviour, the minivan driver made the decision to drop her off at a nearby resort to rest. CCTV footage from the resort later captured the woman running out of her room at approximately 03:00, on 25 March. Resort staff confirmed that she had been staying alone and had left suddenly during the night. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident. -- 2025-03-26

LPG Tanker Runs Aground Near Koh Larn’s Tawaen Beach, No Gas Leak Reported Picture courtesy of Daily News. An LPG tanker ran aground near Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn, in the early hours of the morning of 25 March. Fortunately, no gas leaks or environmental hazards were reported. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355780-lpg-tanker-runs-aground-near-koh-larn’s-tawaen-beach-no-gas-leak-reported/

Pictures courtesy of Daily News. An LPG tanker ran aground near Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn, in the early hours of the morning of 25 March. Fortunately, no gas leaks or environmental hazards were reported. The incident occurred at approximately 02:00, when the vessel, identified as NP Bang Pakong (registration number 570001110), was travelling from Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao, to the Map Ta Phut Port in Rayong. According to the ship’s captain, the grounding happened while attempting to avoid a fishing boat. However, the owner of the fishing vessel, who shared footage of the incident online, criticised the tanker’s actions, insisting that his boat had been clearly visible with all lights on. His social media post accused the larger ship of reckless navigation, questioning why it had not taken evasive action sooner. Officials from Koh Larn’s local marine department inspected the site and confirmed that the tanker, had run aground on its ballast tank. Thankfully, there were no signs of a gas leak or fuel spill. In response, the shipping company arranged for a tugboat from Map Ta Phut to assist in refloating the vessel. Engineers and marine inspectors were also dispatched to assess potential damage. Meanwhile, Pattaya’s Marine Department has launched an investigation into the incident and will take any necessary regulatory actions. While the situation could have been far more dangerous, authorities have reassured the public that there was no threat to lives, property, or the environment. -- 2025-03-26

Man Jumps to His Death from Fourth Floor of Bangkok Shopping Mall A 36-year-old man jumped to his death from the fourth floor of a Central Rama 2, shopping mall in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district on March 25. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355779-man-jumps-to-his-death-from-fourth-floor-of-bangkok-shopping-mall/

Picture from responders A 36-year-old man jumped to his death from the fourth floor of a Central Rama 2, shopping mall in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district on March 25. At approximately 16:00 police from Tha Kham Police Station, along with forensic officers and emergency responders, arrived at the scene in a shopping centre on Rama II Road. The man, identified only as Mr A, was found lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the mall. Despite efforts by medics to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. CCTV footage revealed that the man had run towards an open space between escalators on the fourth floor before leaping off. During the fall, his abdomen struck a clothes rack in a clothing store below, causing severe injuries to his right side before he landed on the floor. His mother later informed investigators that her son had been undergoing treatment for a chemical imbalance in his brain at Samitivej Hospital but had recently stopped taking his prescribed medication. She believed this may have contributed to his actions. Authorities have sent the body for an autopsy and have contacted the family to arrange the necessary religious ceremonies. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. 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. -- 2025-03-26

Man Arrested for Robbing Gold Necklace from Store in Ratchaburi Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 58-year-old man was arrested within 30 minutes of committing a gold theft at a jewellery store in Lotus Mall, Photharam, Ratchaburi. The suspect, identified as Sathanpong Sriprasit, stole a 2-baht gold necklace from the store, which was located near the mall’s exit. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355778-man-arrested-for-robbing-gold-necklace-from-store-in-ratchaburi/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 58-year-old man was arrested within 30 minutes of committing a gold theft at a jewellery store in Lotus Mall, Photharam, Ratchaburi. The suspect, identified as Sathanpong Sriprasit, stole a 2-baht gold necklace from the store, which was located near the mall’s exit. According to the police, the man entered the store under the pretense of wanting to view a gold necklace. After inspecting the piece, he requested a different necklace, claiming the first one was too light. Once the staff handed him the second necklace, he quickly grabbed it and ran out of the store. The store owner, Mr. Bee Jiraratworo, immediately pursued him on foot, but the thief managed to flee in a brown Toyota Vios, heading towards the town. The police were notified and began tracking the suspect based on the vehicle’s registration number. Within 30 minutes, officers located the car at a traffic light on Phetkasem Road in Photharam. The driver, Sathanpong Sriprasit, was promptly arrested. A search of his belongings revealed the stolen gold necklace. During questioning, Sathanpong admitted to the theft, explaining that he had been struggling financially. His house and car were about to be repossessed, which led him to commit the crime. He stated that this was his first criminal act and expressed regret, mentioning his concern for his wife and two children. Police charged Sathanpong with theft using a vehicle, and he was subsequently taken to Photharam Police Station for further legal proceedings. Police Chief Police Lieutenant General Wachirapong Amornapitak praised the swift action of the officers, who were able to apprehend the suspect in such a short time. He also highlighted the role of the public, who provided the vehicle’s details, helping the police track down the suspect. Authorities have also been working closely with the jewellery store to improve security measures, including installing reinforced iron bars and thicker glass to prevent future incidents. “This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our policing in Ratchaburi,” said General Wachirapong. “Anyone attempting criminal acts in our area can be assured they will be caught.” -- 2025-03-26

Lorry Driver Claims He Was Reaching for Phone Before Crashing into Drink-Driving Checkpoint Picture courtesy of Matichon. A six-wheel lorry crashed into a police drink-driving checkpoint on Ram Inthra Road, injuring three people, including a traffic police officer. The driver claimed he was reaching for his mobile phone and did not see the checkpoint ahead. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355776-lorry-driver-claims-he-was-reaching-for-phone-before-crashing-into-drink-driving-checkpoint/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. A six-wheel lorry crashed into a police drink-driving checkpoint on Ram Inthra Road, injuring three people, including a traffic police officer. The driver claimed he was reaching for his mobile phone and did not see the checkpoint ahead. The accident occurred at approximately 03:00 on 25 March, near Soi Ram Inthra 69, outbound towards kilometre 8, in Khan Na Yao district. Officers from Khan Na Yao Police Station and rescue teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation responded to the scene. The crash took place on a four-lane road, where police found a damaged white Isuzu lorry with Bangkok registration. The left front section of the vehicle was crushed, with the left door detached. Nearby, a grey Mitsubishi pickup truck, also registered in Bangkok, had sustained rear-end damage and was found in the leftmost lane. A police motorbike, belonging to the Traffic Police Division, was also overturned and damaged. Among the injured were a traffic officer, a sergeant on duty at the checkpoint, along with the pickup driver and a female passenger. All three were taken to Phyathai Nawamin Hospital for treatment. Police detained the lorry driver, identified as 33-year-old Suthep, and conducted a breathalyser test, which found no trace of alcohol in his system. Suthep stated that he was returning from Kanchanaburi after delivering construction steel and was heading back to his workplace in Romklao. While driving, he reached down to pick up his mobile phone and failed to see the checkpoint ahead. He also claimed that other vehicles obstructed his view, leading him to collide forcefully with the pickup truck. He insisted that he had not consumed alcohol before driving. Police at Khan Na Yao Station took Suthep in for further questioning and a drug test as part of the ongoing investigation. Legal proceedings will follow accordingly. -- 2025-03-26

School Trip Bus Catches Fire, All 35 Children Evacuated Safely Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath. A school trip nearly ended in disaster when a bus carrying 35 primary school students caught fire on its way back to school. Fortunately, all students and teachers on board were safely evacuated before the flames took hold. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355703-school-trip-bus-catches-fire-all-35-children-evacuated-safely/

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath. A school trip nearly ended in disaster when a bus carrying 35 primary school students caught fire on its way back to school. Fortunately, all students and teachers on board were safely evacuated before the flames took hold. The incident occurred at approximately 17:40 on 24 March, on the Khlong Aeng–Bo Rai road in Bo Phloi, Bo Rai District, Trat Province. Emergency responders from Sawang Boonchuay Rescue Unit, alongside local municipal and sub-district authorities, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officials found a Chanthaburi-registered bus engulfed in smoke, with flames visible from the rear. Fire extinguishers were used to bring the situation under control, and after approximately 30 minutes, the fire was fully extinguished. Fortunately, all 35 students, accompanied by seven teachers, escaped unscathed. According to the bus driver, 49-year-old Mr. Methee, the students from Wat Bo Phloi Rat Rangsan Community School had spent the day on an educational excursion to Ao Thammachart in Laem Ngop District. They were travelling in two buses when children in his vehicle reported that the air conditioning had stopped working and a burning smell was coming from the rear of the bus. Sensing danger, Mr. Methee immediately pulled over to investigate and noticed smoke emerging from the back of the vehicle. Acting swiftly, he opened all the doors, including the emergency exit, ensuring that every student and teacher was safely evacuated before the fire spread. Preliminary investigations suggest that the blaze was caused by a short circuit in the air conditioning system’s condenser fan. The fire broke out just 10 kilometres from the school, but thanks to the driver’s quick thinking, a possible tragedy was averted. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. -- 2025-03-25

Two Workers Electrocuted and Fall into Eight-Metre-Deep hole on Prachachuen Road Two workers were fatally electrocuted and fell into an eight-metre-deep underground utility inspection pit on Prachachuen Road late night on 24 March. The incident occurred as they were opening the road surface to access the opening. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355678-two-workers-electrocuted-and-fall-into-eight-metre-deep-hole-on-prachachuen-road/

Picture from responders. Two workers were fatally electrocuted and fell into an eight-metre-deep underground utility inspection pit on Prachachuen Road late night on 24 March. The incident occurred as they were opening the road surface to access the opening. At approximately 23:55, Pol. Lt. Kiritiphon Phathongphinit, an investigator from Prachachuen Police Station, received a report that two individuals had received an electric shock and fallen into an underground cable vault near the entrance of Soi Prachachuen 37 in the Lat Yao area of Chatuchak District, Bangkok. Emergency services, including the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Bang O and Lat Yao fire and rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene with specialised rope rescue equipment. Upon arrival, responders found the inspection pit, to be around 7–8 metres deep, with two unconscious men lying at the bottom. Before rescue operations commenced, electricity authorities were contacted to ensure there were no live electrical hazards. Additionally, checks were conducted for the presence of hazardous gases inside the pit. Once deemed safe, a crane was deployed to assist in lifting the concrete covers and to lower responders to retrieve the bodies. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased were Myanmar nationals employed by a company responsible for constructing the underground vault. Moments before the incident, the workers had been cutting into the road surface covers, so they could be lifted to gain access to the pit when they were electrocuted and fell inside. Police investigators, forensic officers, and medical personnel from Prachachuen Police Station examined the scene and took witness statements from fellow workers. The bodies were later handed over to the Ruamkatanyu Foundation for transfer to the Police General Hospital, where a detailed autopsy will be conducted . Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. -- 2025-03-25

Serious Accident on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip Picture courtesy of Sattahip News. At 21:00 on March 23, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanit Thipakdee, Deputy Head of Investigation at Sattahip Police Station, was notified of a serious collision involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle on Sukhumvit Road, heading into Sattahip, just before the Bang Saray intersection, in Bang Saray, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The crash left one individual critically injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355677-serious-accident-on-sukhumvit-road-in-sattahip/

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News. At 21:00 on March 23, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanit Thipakdee, Deputy Head of Investigation at Sattahip Police Station, was notified of a serious collision involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle on Sukhumvit Road, heading into Sattahip, just before the Bang Saray intersection, in Bang Saray, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The crash left one individual critically injured. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found a 34-year-old man, later identified as Mr. Chawalit, suffering from severe injuries. He had a large wound on his left abdomen and abrasions on his back. Emergency responders provided immediate first aid before transferring him to Sattahip Hospital, Kilometre 10. Nearby, authorities discovered the wrecked motorcycle, a Yamaha Filano in beige and grey, with license plate number from Chonburi. The motorcycle had been badly damaged and was wedged between a red Ford pickup truck with license plate from Suphanburi, which had significant damage to its front end. The driver of the truck, identified as 47-year-old Ms. Sirikarn, was found in a state of shock and refused to provide a statement. Caution video contains images of the crash. Eyewitnesses reported that the pickup truck had been driving erratically at high speed since leaving Pattaya. The truck swerved across lanes before crashing into the back of the motorcycle, causing the severe injuries. Investigators have questioned the driver of the pickup truck about the cause of the crash. Additionally, CCTV footage from the area has captured the incident, showing the pickup truck speeding before the impact. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities plan to gather further testimonies from the driver and the injured motorcyclist to proceed with legal action. -- 2025-03-25

America University Professor Falls to Death from Bangkok Condo Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 64-year-old American professor was found dead after falling from a condominium in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district. Police suspect stress-related personal issues may have been a factor and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355673-america-university-professor-falls-to-death-from-bangkok-condo/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 64-year-old American professor was found dead after falling from a condominium in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district. Police suspect stress-related personal issues may have been a factor and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. At approximately 18:00 on 24 March, Police Lieutenant Colonel Montree Khamkhao, an investigator from Pathumwan Police Station, received a report of a foreign national falling to his death from a high-rise building. Authorities, including forensic officers, emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, and medical examiners from the Police General Hospital’s Forensic Institute, were dispatched to the scene. The deceased, identified as an American dental professor from a prestigious university, was discovered lying motionless at the base of the condominium. Witnesses, including the building’s caretaker, reported that they had seen the professor standing by a window on the 26th floor before he suddenly fell. Attempts were made to intervene, but he had refused to let anyone approach. Police are investigating the floor and room where the deceased had been staying and are looking into any personal issues that may have led to the incident. Further inquiries will be conducted to determine the exact cause of his death. 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. -- 2025-03-25

Injured Khao Yai Elephant Rescued from Snare Trap Picture courtesy of Matichon. A wild elephant known as “Chao Nga Diao” (One-Tusk) was successfully rescued after being found with a snare trap tightly wound around its trunk, causing severe swelling and distress. Veterinarians and park rangers worked through the night to free the animal. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355671-injured-khao-yai-elephant-rescued-from-snare-trap/