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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/

Pictures 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. On 24 March, wildlife officials from Khao Yai National Park’s Khon 13 (Nang Rong) unit, along with veterinarians from Protected Area Regional Office 1 (Prachinburi) and a disaster response team, launched a mission to locate and rescue Chao Nga Diao. The operation was initiated after a local resident captured footage of the elephant crossing a road in Sarika Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok on 22 March, revealing an apparent swelling on its trunk caused by a constricting object. With thermal drones deployed to aid the search, the team focused on an area near a private golf course adjacent to the national park, a known habitat for wild elephants. At approximately 00:30 on 24 March, Chao Nga Diao was sighted. Rescuers carefully guided the elephant to a safe location, where it was sedated to allow for the removal of the snare, a thick, 90-centimetre-long metal wire looped tightly around its trunk. The operation was completed by 04:00. Veterinarians administered drugs to help awaken the elephant, closely monitoring its condition to ensure it could walk normally before withdrawing from the area. Officials will continue to track Chao Nga Diao to assess its recovery and prevent further injuries. Wildlife authorities are investigating the source of the snare, which is believed to have been set for illegal poaching or trapping. -- 2025-03-25

Thai Air Force Deploys F-16s After Myanmar MIG-29 Jets Bomb Karen Forces Near Border Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets from Wing 4 in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan, to patrol the Thai-Myanmar border following reports of Myanmar Air Force MIG-29 aircraft operating near Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355669-thai-air-force-deploys-f-16s-after-myanmar-mig-29-jets-bomb-karen-forces-near-border/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets from Wing 4 in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan, to patrol the Thai-Myanmar border following reports of Myanmar Air Force MIG-29 aircraft operating near Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. The deployment occurred amid ongoing clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Myanmar military forces in two areas opposite Tha Song Yang. Reports indicated that a Myanmar YAK-130 fighter jet dropped four bombs on the Special Operations Battalion of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLAX) at Kama Camp in Lang Boi, Hpa-An, Karen State, approximately 500 metres from the Thai border near Ban Mae Woei, Tha Song Yang District. The blasts were reportedly loud enough to be heard across the Thai side of the border. Karen forces returned fire, but suffered numerous casualties from the airstrike. However, Thai authorities confirmed that there was no direct impact on Thailand. Fighting also continued at Krue Deh Camp, opposite Ban Mae Salid Luang in Mae Song Subdistrict, Tha Song Yang, where Myanmar troops engaged Karen forces. As a result, many refugees from the conflict remained in safe zones within Thai territory. Thai military units have been placed on high alert along the border, closely monitoring the situation and ensuring security in the affected areas. -- 2025-03-25

12-Year-Old Boy Dies in Motorcycle Crash During School Holidays Picture courtesy of Khoasod. An incident has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy in Uthai Thani after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a roadside metal barrier. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355667-12-year-old-boy-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-during-school-holidays/

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. An incident has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy in Uthai Thani after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a roadside metal barrier. The incident occurred at approximately 09:30 on March 24 on the Nong Chang-Lan Sak Road, in Moo 9, Bung Fang Village, Thung Nangam Subdistrict, Lan Sak District. Police from Lan Sak Police Station, along with emergency responders from the Thung Nangam Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, rushed to the scene upon receiving the report. Upon arrival, they found the young boy unconscious in the roadside grass. Rescue workers attempted to revive him and quickly transported him to Lan Sak Hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The victim was identified as Kiatisak, a 12-year-old student in his final year of primary school. At the scene, officers discovered a red Honda Wave motorcycle, which had no licence plate, lying in the road. The vehicle had sustained damage, with broken lights and a deformed front. A witness who discovered the victim said they were driving past when they noticed the overturned motorcycle and, upon slowing down, saw the boy lying beside the road. The witness immediately alerted the authorities and local residents for assistance. However, they were unsure whether the child had crashed on his own or if another vehicle had been involved. As the boy’s school was currently on holiday, and it was likely that the boy had been visiting a friend before the crash occurred on his way home. An initial investigation of the crash site revealed impact marks on the roadside metal guardrail, suggesting that the victim was thrown onto the shoulder of the road upon collision. However, police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause, including the possibility of another vehicle being involved. -- 2025-03-25

Forest Firefighter Suffers Severe Cramp & Collapses, During Operation in Kanchanaburi A forest firefighter was rushed to hospital after suffering severe cramps, that left him unable to move and leading to him collapsing. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355665-forest-firefighter-suffers-severe-cramp-collapses-during-operation-in-kanchanaburi/

Picture from responders. A forest firefighter was rushed to hospital after suffering severe cramps, that left him unable to move and leading to him collapsing. The incident occurred while he was battling a wildfire near the Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi. The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has expressed concern and ordered close monitoring of his condition, in hospital. At approximately 14:00 on 24 March, Nopphan Khetphut, head of Forest Protection Unit KJ.4 (Ulom) and the Thong Pha Phum Forest Protection and Development Unit, reported that a firefighter from the support team for wildfire control in Tha Khanun subdistrict suffered a serious muscle cramp while carrying out operations on a mountainside opposite the dam. The cramp, which started in his abdomen and spread to his legs, rendered him immobile. The emergency occurred after the firefighter had been working in the field since 08:30, battling the wildfire in extreme conditions. Fellow team members quickly called for assistance from local rescue services, including the Kanchanaburi Rescue Unit (Thong Pha Phum division), the Boonwipa Rescue Base, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Thong Pha Phum District, and medical personnel from Vajiralongkorn Dam. Rescuers managed to extract the injured firefighter from the hazard zone and transport him safely to Thong Pha Phum Hospital. Following the incident, Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, expressed his deep concern for the firefighter’s well-being. He has instructed supervisors to monitor his recovery closely and has extended his support to all frontline personnel who continue to work under demanding and dangerous conditions. He also emphasised the need for strict safety measures and closer oversight to protect the health and safety of those involved in firefighting operations. This incident highlights the immense risks faced by wildfire suppression teams, particularly during the dry season, when wildfires are more frequent. Firefighters must contend with intense heat, toxic smoke, dehydration, exhaustion, and the physical strain of carrying heavy equipment up steep terrain. They also face dangers from fast-moving fires, all while operating in remote areas with limited access to medical assistance. Authorities continue to stress the importance of firefighter safety, as they work tirelessly to protect Thailand’s forests and natural resources from the devastating impact of wildfires. -- 2025-03-25

Two Women on Motorcycle Crash into Cyclist, Killing Her A road collision in Phan Thong, Chonburi, claimed the life of a 63-year-old woman after two women on a motorcycle crashed into the back of her bicycle at speed. The elderly cyclist suffered a fatal head injury, while the two riders sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355664-two-women-on-motorcycle-crash-into-cyclist-killing-her/

Picture captured from CCTV. A road collision in Phan Thong, Chonburi, claimed the life of a 63-year-old woman after two women on a motorcycle crashed into the back of her bicycle at speed. The elderly cyclist suffered a fatal head injury, while the two riders sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. At approximately 17:00 on 24 March, Phan Thong police and rescue workers from Thammarat Maneerat Foundation responded to a crash on the Nong Tamlueng–Nong Faep Road in Moo 7, Nong Tamlueng Subdistrict. Upon arrival, they found a black and red Honda Wave motorcycle, registered in Chonburi, lying by the roadside. The riders, a 25-year-old woman and her 30-year-old companion, were seriously injured. Emergency responders provided first aid before transporting them to Phan Thong Hospital. Nearby, a bicycle was discovered with severe damage to its rear wheel. The victim, identified as Mrs. Naneng Wutthiphong, 63, was found unconscious with a severe head injury and no pulse. Rescue workers attempted CPR but were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Although no eyewitnesses were present at the time of the crash, CCTV footage captured the moment of impact. The video shows the woman cycling along the road when the motorcycle, travelling at high speed, collided forcefully with the back of her bicycle, causing both vehicles and their riders to crash onto the road. Police are awaiting the recovery of the injured motorcyclists for further questioning and will examine CCTV footage in detail as part of their investigation. Legal proceedings will follow as appropriate. -- 2025-03-25

Squid Vendor Stabs Friend to Death After Heated Argument While Drinking Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident occurred early morning on 24 March, in Ubon Ratchathani when a squid vendor fatally stabbed a friend during an alcohol-fuelled gathering. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355663-squid-vendor-stabs-friend-to-death-after-heated-argument-while-drinking/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. An incident occurred early morning on 24 March, in Ubon Ratchathani when a squid vendor fatally stabbed a friend during an alcohol-fuelled gathering. At 02:20, police in the Kheun In district received a report that a man had been attacked and later died at Kheun In Hospital. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 39-year-old Chalermpol, who had suffered fatal knife wounds to the right side of his neck and left chest. The attack took place at Chalermpol’s home in Kheun In village, located in the Kheun In subdistrict. The suspect, 37-year-old Thongsai was apprehended at 02:50, shortly after the incident, outside his residence in the same village. Police found the weapon, a sharp-pointed knife, at the scene. According to Thongsai’s confession, the altercation occurred after both men had been drinking together. Thongsai explained that Chalermpol, in an intoxicated state, began speaking provocatively and loudly, which led to Thongsai becoming enraged. In a fit of anger, Thongsai grabbed a knife used for his squid, from his vehicle and stabbed Chalermpol, resulting in the victim’s fatal injuries. Thongsai has been charged with murder and unlawfully carrying a weapon in public without just cause. He is currently in police custody and will face further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-25

Police Vehicle Collides with Motorcycle, Crashes into Lamp Post Leaving Driver Injured A police vehicle was involved in a serious crash on 24 March, colliding with a motorcycle before crashing into a lamp post, leaving the police officer driving the vehicle with severe injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355662-police-vehicle-collides-with-motorcycle-crashes-into-lamp-post-leaving-driver-injured/

Pictures from responders. A police vehicle was involved in a serious crash on 24 March, colliding with a motorcycle before crashing into a lamp post, leaving the police officer driving the vehicle with severe injuries. At 13:00 the crash occurred on the Chiang Mai–Phrao Road (heading into Chiang Mai), near Nong Wai village, Mae Faek subdistrict, San Sai district, Chiang Mai province. The crash involved a police pickup truck, which the driver lost control after striking a motorcycle, then hit a lamp post, overturning in the process. Rescue teams from Mae Jo and local emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. They found the overturned police vehicle, marked with the emblem of the 5th Division, Border Patrol Police. Two police officers, a man and a woman, were able to exit the vehicle and were reported with non-life-threatening injuries. However, the driver, Sergeant Major Sekson Tangjai, had to be extracted from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries and was rushed to San Sai Hospital. Meanwhile, the motorcycle rider, a male, was found with minor injuries. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by local authorities. -- 2025-03-25

Pattaya: Immigration Officers Crack Down on Illegal Foreign Workers Police Colonel Napassapong Kosit-suriyamanee, Head of Chonburi Immigration Police, coordinated on 24 March, with the Department of Social Development and Welfare, Pattaya Police Station, and Pattaya Tourist Police to conduct a raid on a commercial building in Pattaya. The operation targeted foreign nationals living illegally in the city. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355661-pattaya-immigration-officers-crack-down-on-illegal-foreign-workers/

Picture from raid. Police Colonel Napassapong Kosit-suriyamanee, Head of Chonburi Immigration Police, coordinated on 24 March, with the Department of Social Development and Welfare, Pattaya Police Station, and Pattaya Tourist Police to conduct a raid on a commercial building in Pattaya. The operation targeted foreign nationals living illegally in the city. The building, located in Soi Pattaya Klang 16, off Pattaya Sai 2 Soi 5, Moo 9, Bang Lamung District, had been converted into rental rooms on the second and third floors, with the ground floor used for a restaurant and traditional Thai massage shop. Authorities acted after receiving complaints about a large number of foreign nationals residing at the location. Upon investigation, authorities discovered 16 foreign nationals, including men and women from Myanmar and India, staying in the building. Two individuals were found without passports, and several others were found to be overstaying their visas. All were detained for questioning, and their immigration status is under further investigation. In addition to prosecuting the illegal residents, authorities are pursuing legal action against the building’s owner for failing to report the foreign tenants within the required 24-hour timeframe. The raid is part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal immigration in Pattaya and ensure compliance with Thai immigration laws. -- 2025-03-25

Car Bomb Targets Subdistrict Official in Pattani A car bomb explosion targeted a subdistrict administrative officer in Mai Kaen District, Pattani, flipping her vehicle upside down and leaving her injured. Authorities suspect it was another act of violence aimed at destabilising the region. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355660-car-bomb-targets-subdistrict-official-in-pattani/

Picture from responders. A car bomb explosion targeted a subdistrict administrative officer in Mai Kaen District, Pattani, flipping her vehicle upside down and leaving her injured. Authorities suspect it was another act of violence aimed at destabilising the region. At 09:10 on 24 March, officers from Mai Kaen Police Station, Pattani, received a report of a bomb explosion on Rang Mod Daeng Road, near Rang Mod Daeng Ponoh religious school. Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a white car overturned, damaged by the blast. Inside the wreckage was Mrs. Temduang, 53, the Palad (permanent secretary) of Don Sai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO). She had sustained injuries and was immediately transported to Mai Kaen Hospital for treatment. Following the incident, police and military personnel cordoned off the area to ensure safety before conducting a thorough examination. Security forces are investigating the cause and motive, with early assessments suggesting the bombing was part of an effort to instigate unrest in the region. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence to track down those responsible. -- 2025-03-25

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