Georgealbert

Man Dies After Falling into Wastewater Pit in Samut Prakan A 30-year-old man lost his life after falling into a wastewater treatment pit and inhaling toxic H2S gas, in front of his friend on the night of 23 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355659-man-dies-after-falling-into-wastewater-pit-in-samut-prakan/

Picture from responders. A 30-year-old man lost his life after falling into a wastewater treatment pit and inhaling toxic H2S gas, in front of his friend on the night of 23 March. According to reports, the incident occurred at around 22:00 near a tannery in Soi 16, Tambon Tai Ban, Samut Prakan. The victim, identified as Sarawut, had been driving a Nissan Navara pickup truck when he lost control, colliding with a pavement and getting stuck on a sewer pit covering. While waiting for a tow truck, Sarawut reportedly moved to the passenger seat and reclined to rest. At some point, he opened the passenger-side door, unaware that it was positioned directly above the damaged sewer coverings. As he stepped out, he fell into the pit, which contained wastewater from the tannery and emitted strong hydrogen sulfide fumes. His friend, Banchaa 45, recounted the horrifying moment, stating that Sarawut initially remained conscious and reached out for help. However, within seconds, he appeared to lose consciousness, likely due to inhaling the toxic fumes, and sank beneath the wastewater. Emergency response teams, including rescue divers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, arrived at the scene and conducted a cautious operation due to the hazardous conditions. Ventilation tubingwas inserted into the pit, with a fan to increase oxygen levels before divers, equipped with protective suits and breathing apparatus, descended to search for the body. After approximately 15 minutes, Sarawut’s lifeless body was retrieved from beneath the sludge. Police investigations revealed that Sarawut, an electrician working in Rangsit, had been drinking earlier in the evening before setting off with Banchaa and a migrant worker to return to Pathum Thani. Unfamiliar with the route, he used Google Maps for navigation but lost control of the vehicle at the accident site. Authorities have taken Banchaa in for further questioning at Muang Samut Prakan Police Station to establish the full circumstances of the incident. -- 2025-03-25

Man with Depression Takes Own Life in Front of Onlookers Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 28-year-old man suffering from depression ended his life by jumping into a river near the 120-Year Bridge in Mueang Prachin Buri on the night of 23 March. His three-months-pregnant girlfriend was left devastated at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355658-man-with-depression-takes-own-life-in-front-of-onlookers/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 28-year-old man suffering from depression ended his life by jumping into a river near the 120-Year Bridge in Mueang Prachin Buri on the night of 23 March. His three-months-pregnant girlfriend was left devastated at the scene. At 21:30, police from Mueang Prachin Buri Police Station received a report from the Sawang Bamphen Rescue Foundation that a man had jumped into the water near the 120-Year Bridge in front of the district office on Tesaban Damri Road. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a red Honda Click motorcycle parked approximately 100 metres from the bridge, with its key still in the ignition. A black-and-white shoulder bag, a mobile phone, and an ID card belonging to Mr. Dulayawat Konngern, 28, of Ban Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Prachin Buri, were discovered nearby. Shortly after, the victim’s mother and pregnant girlfriend arrived at the scene, lighting incense sticks to pray for his spirit. The deceased’s girlfriend, who had been in a relationship with him for two years, revealed that he had long suffered from depression. She stated that his condition had worsened in recent months. Just a month ago, he had attempted to jump into the river but was talked out of it. On the night of the incident, the couple had a minor argument, after which he left and headed to the bridge. A local fisherman, Mr. Boonlert, described hearing a loud scream followed by a splash but initially thought it was a fish. He had noticed a group of people talking on the bridge before one of them suddenly jumped. Another witness, Mr. Pawarit, 23, who was fishing for shrimp nearby, said the victim asked whether the water was deep before leaping in without hesitation. “I saw him surface briefly and tried to encourage him to swim towards the shore,” Mr. Pawarit said, “but he struggled and disappeared underwater within minutes.” Rescue divers searched for over 30 minutes before recovering Mr. Dulayawat’s body. His grieving mother and girlfriend broke down in tears as his remains were brought ashore. Authorities transported the body to Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital before handing it over to the family for religious rites. 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

Man Shoots Ex-Wife Before Taking His Own Life Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A shocking murder-suicide unfolded in a rental apartment in Mueang District, as a man shot his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself, leaving behind their two children. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355657-man-shoots-ex-wife-before-taking-his-own-life/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A shocking murder-suicide unfolded in a rental apartment in Mueang District, as a man shot his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself, leaving behind their two children. The incident occurred on the evening of 23 March, when Mr. Wiroj 40, confronted his former wife, Ms. B, 33, in the car park of her apartment complex. Armed with a .38 homemade pistol, he fired a single bullet into the right side of her head, with the bullet exiting through her left temple. Medics attempted CPR, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Just six metres away, Mr. Wiroj was found lifeless, having shot himself in the left temple, with the bullet exiting through the right side of his head. Nearby, police recovered the firearm, an empty bottle of whisky, and a bottle of water. The couple’s 18-year-old son recounted that his father was a construction worker, while his mother worked at a shopping mall. The couple had been divorced for a year, though they occasionally remained in contact. He and his nine-year-old sister lived with their paternal grandmother in Phrom Phiram District, separate from their father. The son had recently graduated and was set to start work at a shopping mall, arranged by his mother. Since his sister was on school break, the two had been staying with their mother at her apartment. On the evening of the incident, their mother had returned home from work on her Honda PCX motorcycle, with her younger daughter riding pillion. Suddenly, two gunshots rang out. His terrified sister ran upstairs, shouting that their father had shot their mother. When he rushed downstairs, he found her lying in a pool of blood. Pol. Lt. Col. Nuttachai Sakburanaphet, an investigator at Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station, confirmed that authorities were analysing forensic evidence and witness statements. The investigation suggests that jealousy or unresolved personal conflicts may have driven Mr. Wiroj to commit the heinous act. The two children now face a heartbreaking future, as family members arrange funeral rites for both victims. -- 2025-03-25

Pickup Truck Carrying Pineapples Ripped Apart After Crashing Into Tree A driver was rescued from the wreckage of a pickup truck after it crashed into a tree and was ripped apart, in Ban Hong district, Lamphun province, on 24 March. The vehicle, fully loaded with pineapples, scattered its cargo across the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355656-pickup-truck-carrying-pineapples-ripped-apart-after-crashing-into-tree/

Pictures from responders. A driver was rescued from the wreckage of a pickup truck after it crashed into a tree and was ripped apart, in Ban Hong district, Lamphun province, on 24 March. The vehicle, fully loaded with pineapples, scattered its cargo across the scene. Emergency responders from Pa Phlu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation Rescue Unit rushed to the scene near the entrance of Ban Huai La Village, Moo 3, Pa Phlu Subdistrict, Ban Hong District, after receiving a report of the collision. Police from Ban Hong Police Station were also informed. At the crash site, rescuers found a Toyota Hilux pickup truck completely wrecked after colliding with a roadside tree. The vehicle was severed in two, with the truck bed detached from the main body. The driver was found trapped behind the wheel and was quickly extricated before being transported to Ban Hong Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the pickup was heavily loaded with pineapples and was en route to Ban Hong. It is believed that the driver, who was travelling alone, fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to swerve across lanes and crash violently into the tree. The force of the impact split the truck in half, leaving pineapples strewn across the area. Bystanders initially feared the worst, but the driver was fortunate to survive the dramatic incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and have urged motorists to remain cautious, especially when transporting heavy loads over long distances. -- 2025-03-25

The problem with the current airport, run by the DOA Department of Airports, is that no airlines find it commercially viable and are not interested in scheduled flights. The airlines have reported that they would expect to find the passenger number at the military airport, as it is closer to the city, making it financially viable.

Phuket Police Hunt Foreigner Who Smashed Through Wall to Steal Cannabis Pictures courtesy of Khoasod. Police in Patong are searching for a foreign suspect who smashed a hole through the wall of a cannabis shop to gain entry and steal dried cannabis and cash in the early hours of 22 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355550-phuket-police-hunt-foreigner-who-smashed-through-wall-to-steal-cannabis/

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod. Police in Patong are searching for a foreign suspect who smashed a hole through the wall of a cannabis shop to gain entry and steal dried cannabis and cash in the early hours of 22 March. Security footage from the Saensuk Smokewit shop on Soi Na Nai 8, Patong, shows a foreign man breaking into the premises at approximately 03:45. The suspect quickly covered the security camera with cloth before looting the store. The shop’s owner, Ms Jomkwan, 24, filed a report with Patong Police Station after discovering the burglary later that morning. She explained that she had closed the shop before noon on Saturday and left for her residence. When she returned at 10:00 on 22 March, she found a large hole in the gypsum wall at the back of the store. Upon checking her inventory, she discovered that 150 grams of dried cannabis, valued at 30,000 baht, had been stolen from a shelf. Additionally, the thief took a large speaker and 2,000 baht in cash from the shop’s cash draw. The incident has sparked concerns among local businesses, with Phuket news pages warning cannabis shops and other establishments to be extra cautious of some tourists resorting to criminal activity. Police are now analysing security footage and gathering evidence as they work to track down the suspect. Authorities have urged other business owners in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. -- 2025-03-24

Police Raid Illegal Poker Game in Bangkok, Arrest Nine Including South Korean Organisers Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have arrested nine people, including seven South Korean nationals and two Thai men, for running and participating in an illegal poker gambling operation in the Thonglor area of Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355548-police-raid-illegal-poker-game-in-bangkok-arrest-nine-including-south-korean-organisers/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Police have arrested nine people, including seven South Korean nationals and two Thai men, for running and participating in an illegal poker gambling operation in the Thonglor area of Bangkok. The raid, conducted at 23:30, on 21 March, was led by Pol. Col. Rattanon Ekthitikulphat, Superintendent of Thonglor Police Station, along with several senior officers and an investigative team. Acting on intelligence from an informant, officers raided an unregistered room on the third floor of the Pentacle 2 building, located on Soi Saeng Ngern (Thonglor 25), Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana District. Police arrested nine suspects, including six South Korean men, one South Korean woman, and two Thai men. They seized several gambling-related items, including: • Two decks of playing cards • 160 blue poker chips (valued at approximately 160,000 baht) • 130 orange poker chips (valued at approximately 130,000 baht) • One “All-In” poker token • A ledger tracking chip exchanges • Four mobile phones (iPhones and Samsung models) • 50,000 baht in cash The investigation revealed that Mr Chen Yong Sung (33), a South Korean national, was the main organiser of the illegal poker games. He was responsible for securing the venue and managing chip exchanges. Ms Hyuna Kang (30), also South Korean, acted as the dealer, while the remaining individuals, including the two Thai men, were gamblers. Thai suspect Weerawat (34) admitted to also acting as a doorman, ensuring only known players were allowed entry. The operation was run through bank transfers via PromptPay and Bangkok Bank accounts, both registered under Ms Kang’s name. According to Mr Chen, the illegal poker den had only been in operation for one night before the police raid. The organisers had expected to handle around 200,000 baht in gambling transactions that evening. Authorities have charged Mr Chen and Ms Kang with “organising illegal poker gambling for financial gain.” The remaining seven suspects have been charged with “participating in illegal gambling.” All suspects, along with the confiscated evidence, have been handed over to Thonglor Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-24

Police Crack Down on Loan Shark Networks Across Thailand Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal loan shark syndicates in five major provinces, uncovering a multi-million baht illicit lending scheme. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) led the operation, which resulted in the arrest of eight individuals involved in unlicensed moneylending and the seizure of assets for further investigation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355547-police-crack-down-on-loan-shark-networks-across-thailand/

Pictures courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal loan shark syndicates in five major provinces, uncovering a multi-million baht illicit lending scheme. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) led the operation, which resulted in the arrest of eight individuals involved in unlicensed moneylending and the seizure of assets for further investigation. This crackdown was part of a broader effort by the National Police’s Centre for the Suppression of Influential Criminals, Contract Killers, and Major Offenders, aiming to eliminate predatory lending practices and bring offenders to justice. Major Operations 1. Ploy Siam Capital Syndicate – Chonburi Police arrested three individuals, including a key financier known as “Tik”, for operating a loan business with interest rates of 2% per day (730% per year). The gang reportedly used firearms to intimidate borrowers, engaged in illegal street racing, and frequently displayed weapons on social media to instil fear among victims. 2. MC Credits – Khon Kaen Officers dismantled a social media-based loan shark network operating under the name MC Credits. Suspect Natthanan was arrested for lending at a rate of 1.546% per day (564.43% per year). Victims who failed to meet repayment deadlines were subjected to threatening debt collection tactics, raising concerns over personal safety. 3. White-Collar Loan Sharks – Pathum Thani & Bangkok A group of three suspects, including Surathin, Ratsarin, and Phattharaporn, was found to be charging exorbitant interest on personal loans. Victims who borrowed 50,000 baht were later forced to repay 250,000 baht, with many losing their assets due to aggressive repossession tactics. Financial records revealed transactions exceeding 10 million baht. 4. Northern Loan Shark Network – Chiang Mai Authorities arrested Kanya, a notorious illegal moneylender operating in Doi Saket District. She was found to be charging 186% annual interest, primarily targeting motorcycle owners who used their vehicles as collateral. The operation spanned six key locations across five provinces, leading to: • Eight arrests on illegal moneylending charges • Seizure of 11 assets linked to illicit activities • Confiscation of millions of baht in cash and financial records The crackdown was led by Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, alongside senior officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division. Police have urged the public to report illegal moneylenders and have pledged to continue efforts to dismantle exploitative financial networks that prey on vulnerable borrowers. -- 2025-03-24

Ex-Police Officer Murders Sister-in-Law and Injures Sister Over Property Dispute Picture courtesy of Matichon. A former police officer has been arrested after fatally shooting his sister-in-law and seriously injuring his sister during a violent dispute over property ownership in the Bang Mod area of Chom Thong, Bangkok, on 23 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355546-ex-police-officer-murders-sister-in-law-and-injures-sister-over-property-dispute/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A former police officer has been arrested after fatally shooting his sister-in-law and seriously injuring his sister during a violent dispute over property ownership in the Bang Mod area of Chom Thong, Bangkok, on 23 March. At 13:05 police responded to reports of gunfire at a residence, where they found the suspect, 69-year-old Mr. Sorachai, a former officer with the Sam Wa Tawan Tok Police Station, in possession of a .38 revolver. The weapon contained five live rounds. Authorities discovered that Mr. Sorachai had fired two shots inside the house, one of which struck and killed his sister-in-law, Ms. Sirinat, with a bullet entering her head and exiting through her cheek. Despite efforts by rescue workers to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Ms. Siamnight, Mr. Sorachai’s sister, was critically injured, with a bullet wound to her right eye. She was rushed to Bang Mod Hospital in a serious condition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the family members over the ownership of the property. According to reports, arguments over the house had escalated over time, leading to the violent outburst. At the scene, police found Mr. Sorachai struggling to wrestle the firearm back from his younger brother, Mr. Thanawat Saetang, who had intervened to prevent further violence. In his statement, Mr. Thanawat confirmed that the family had long been at odds over the property, with repeated arguments fueling tensions. The shooting was reportedly the culmination of these unresolved disputes. Mr. Sorachai has been charged with murder and attempted murder. He is currently in police custody as further investigations continue. Authorities have confirmed that the body of Ms. Sirinat has been sent to the Police General Hospital for an autopsy. -- 2025-03-24

Armed Robber Steals Over 7 Million in Gold in Daring Heist at Shopping Mall Picture captured from CCTV A gunman made off with gold jewellery worth more than 7 million baht in a brazen armed robbery at a gold shop inside a busy shopping mall in Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya, on 23 March. The entire heist lasted less than a minute. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355545-armed-robber-steals-over-7-million-in-gold-in-daring-heist-at-shopping-mall/

Picture captured from CCTV A gunman made off with gold jewellery worth more than 7 million baht in a brazen armed robbery at a gold shop inside a busy shopping mall in Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya, on 23 March. The entire heist lasted less than a minute. At around 18:30, police from Phra In Racha Police Station were alerted to the robbery at Yaowarat Asia Gold Shop, located inside the Lotus shopping centre on the Asian Highway. Officers, including senior police investigators and forensic teams, arrived at the scene to assess the situation and gather evidence. CCTV footage showed the suspect, a man approximately 170 cm tall, entering the shopping centre wearing a green cap with a sunshade, a black jacket, grey trousers, and black trainers. He carried a white cloth bag in his right hand. He walked directly to the gold shop, stepped behind the counter, and brandished a firearm, threatening the shop staff. He then forced an employee to place gold necklaces from the display cases into his bag before calmly walking out of the store. The entire incident took less than 60 seconds. The stolen items included: • Three 20-baht gold necklaces • Two 15-baht gold necklaces • Seven 10-baht gold necklaces The total weight of the stolen gold was approximately 160 baht , with an estimated value of 7.8 million baht. A shop employee recounted the terrifying moment: “I was behind the counter when the man walked in from the side of the store. He pulled out a gun, told me to stay quiet, and ordered me to hand over the gold. After taking what he wanted, he walked out and left on a motorbike taxi.” Another witness, a shopping centre employee, said he was collecting trolleys near the gold shop when he heard someone shout that the store had been robbed. He attempted to chase the suspect but stopped when the gunman pointed his weapon at him. “I took cover and saw him ride away on a motorbike taxi,” he said. Police investigations confirmed that the suspect acted alone. He had walked into the shopping centre from the Asian Highway entrance and used Exit 1 to escape. Authorities believe he paid a motorcycle taxi to drop him off at ProtoGo rest stop, 2 km from the shopping centre. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to determine how the suspect continued his escape. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to track down the suspect and recover the stolen gold. -- 2025-03-24

Newborn Baby Found Dead in Rubbish Bag on Roadside Near Pattaya Pictures courtesy of SiamChon. The body of a newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned in a black rubbish bag on the side of the road in Pattana Kan 4 Alley, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, on 23 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355544-newborn-baby-found-dead-in-rubbish-bag-on-roadside-near-pattaya/

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon. The body of a newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned in a black rubbish bag on the side of the road in Pattana Kan 4 Alley, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, on 23 March. At approximately 12:10, Pol. Col. Natchaphon Phongsuksakul, chief of Nong Prue Police Station, was alerted to the discovery by local residents. He immediately dispatched investigative officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Damchaluey Samkhanying, along with forensic teams and emergency rescue volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a large black rubbish bag abandoned near a barbed-wire fence at the edge of a wooded area. Inside the bag was a white cloth stained with blood, as well as various discarded items. The lifeless body of a newborn baby boy wrapped in a brown-patterned cloth. The infant was still attached to his umbilical cord and placenta, indicating he had been recently born. The gruesome find left both emergency responders and local residents horrified, particularly as the bag had been left exposed to the scorching midday sun. A local resident who first noticed the bag earlier that morning reported feeling uneasy, as it was unusual for rubbish to be dumped in that area. Another witness, who ultimately made the grim discovery, said they had been alerted by a passerby who spotted the remains inside the bag and called for assistance. Police are now examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and appealing to the public for any information that could help identify those responsible for abandoning the infant. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of a woman who may have recently given birth under suspicious circumstances to come forward. Meanwhile, the baby’s body has been taken for autopsy to determine the exact cause and time of death. -- 2025-03-24

Man Kills Neighbour with Machete Before Taking His Own Life in Sa Kaeo A violent dispute between neighbours in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, ended when a man fatally attacked his acquaintance with a machete before taking his own life by ingesting pesticide. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355543-man-kills-neighbour-with-machete-before-taking-his-own-life-in-sa-kaeo/

Picture from responders. A violent dispute between neighbours in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, ended when a man fatally attacked his acquaintance with a machete before taking his own life by ingesting pesticide. The incident occurred on 22 March in the village of Ban Suan Udom, Fak Huai subdistrict. Rescue teams from the Aranyaprathet Foundation were alerted by local police after reports of a fatal assault. Police investigators, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Kittiphat Khajornphongchaikun, arrived at the scene alongside forensic officers and medical personnel from Aranyaprathet Hospital. They discovered the body of Kritsanatharn Khemthit, 63, who had suffered deep machete wounds to his neck and left arm. Eyewitnesses identified the suspect as Kittichai Saikao, 49, a resident of the same village. According to initial investigations, the two men, who were acquainted, had been involved in an escalating conflict that led to the deadly attack. A machete, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene. Later that afternoon, at approximately 15:05, emergency services were called back to Ban Suan Udom following reports of a man who had ingested pesticide in an apparent suicide attempt. Upon arrival, rescuers found Kittichai unconscious, foaming at the mouth, and unresponsive. He was immediately transported to Aranyaprathet Hospital, where doctors attempted resuscitation. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Authorities have confirmed that Kittichai was the same individual responsible for Kritsanatharn’s murder. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal altercation. Officers have urged local residents to come forward with any additional information that may provide further insight into the dispute. -- 2025-03-24

Man Arrested for Arson at Satun School Amid Drug-Induced Hallucinations Police have arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of deliberately setting fire to a school in Satun province. The suspect, identified as Thanit Nuthongkaew, was found to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, with a urine test confirming the presence of narcotics. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355542-man-arrested-for-arson-at-satun-school-amid-drug-induced-hallucinations/