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Search Ends for Remaining Missing Victims in Collapsed Auditor-General’s Office Picture courtesy of Amarin Authorities have officially ended the search for the remaining seven missing individuals following the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok. Although no additional bodies were found during the final sweep, over 100 body fragments are undergoing forensic analysis, which may help identify the remaining victims. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360333-search-ends-for-remaining-missing-victims-in-collapsed-auditor-general’s-office/

Ta Muen Thom Temple Not a Disputed Site, Thai Fine Arts Department Reaffirms Sovereignty Picture courtesy of Naewna. The ancient temple of Prasat Ta Muen Thom is not a subject of territorial dispute, according to Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, which confirmed the site has been officially registered as a Thai historical monument for over 90 years. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360332-ta-muen-thom-temple-not-a-disputed-site-thai-fine-arts-department-reaffirms-sovereignty/

Shipping Clerk Drowns After Slipping into Pond Behind Warehouse in Chiang Rai Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 23-year-old woman drowned on the evening on 9 May, after slipping into a pond while attempting to access a toilet located behind a warehouse in Chiang Rai province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360331-shipping-clerk-drowns-after-slipping-into-pond-behind-warehouse-in-chiang-rai/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Thai Airways has posted a remarkable turnaround in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, recording net profits of nearly $300 million, a 306% increase year-on-year, with total revenues reaching $1.56 billion (51.6 billion baht). The airline now stands on the brink of exiting its court-supervised business rehabilitation, with a key ruling expected on 4 June. Piyasvasti Amranand, Chairman of the Business Rehabilitation Plan Administration Committee for Thai Airways International (THAI), presented the Q1 results on 8 May. The airline’s impressive growth was attributed to increased global demand for air travel, an expanded fleet, and higher flight frequencies. Passenger numbers rose 11.6% from the previous year to 4.33 million, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) up 21.1% and 20.8% respectively, underlining strong operational momentum. Piyasvasti announced that the airline will grow its fleet from 77 to 81 aircraft in 2025, with deliveries including one Airbus A330, one Boeing 787-9, and two Airbus A321neos. A further 15 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2026. “These aircraft will feature seat-back entertainment and complimentary Wi-Fi for all Royal Orchid Plus members, regardless of status. The first deliveries are expected by year-end,” he stated. The airline is also retrofitting its Airbus A330-300s with high-speed internet. Two aircraft are already operational, offering free messaging services, with full Wi-Fi access rolling out for frequent flyers in May. Following an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 18 April and official registration of a new board of directors, Thai Airways has fulfilled the final requirements of its court-approved rehabilitation plan. A formal petition to end the process was submitted to the Central Bankruptcy Court on 28 April. The court will hear the case on 4 June. If successful, control of the company will pass from the Rehabilitation Plan Administration Committee to the newly appointed board. The airline will then begin proceedings to resume trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in the third quarter. “Resuming trade presents its own challenges, particularly in volatile financial markets. But we believe our recovery, operational discipline, and governance will instil confidence among investors,” said Piyasvasti. Piyasvasti also confirmed that Thai Smile Airways has been officially dissolved, with all of its Airbus A320 aircraft transferred to Thai Airways. Thai Smile ceased operations on 1 January 2024. Looking ahead, he noted that while May and June represent the aviation industry’s traditional low season, advance bookings remain strong. The Australian market is also showing clear signs of recovery, expected to strengthen further during the July–August period, coinciding with peak travel demand from Europe. This momentum, he added, is likely to support continued revenue growth through the second half of 2025. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Bangkok police have arrested three individuals in connection with a major counterfeit currency operation smuggling fake US dollars from Laos into Thailand. The arrests, made in the early hours of 9 May, took place at a residence in Soi Sai Mai 74/1 and at the Happy Home Resort in Bangkok. The suspects, identified as Ms Napawan (31), Mr Karan (51), and Mr Chettha (52), were found in possession of 7,000 counterfeit US $100 notes concealed in a black shoulder bag. Police also impounded a white Mazda 2 believed to have been used in transporting the fake currency. The operation was launched following a tip-off regarding a woman known only as “Tal,” allegedly involved in the distribution of forged US banknotes. At around 18:00, officers intercepted Ms Napawan as she arrived in the Mazda driven by Mr Karan. Upon search, they discovered the counterfeit bills in her possession. She later admitted her intention to sell the fake notes for 350 baht each. Mr Karan confessed to transporting the counterfeit currency across the Thai-Lao border via the Nong Khai crossing. Further investigation led police to arrest Mr Chettha at the Happy Home Resort, where he had been waiting after assisting in the smuggling operation. All three suspects are now in custody and face charges related to the possession and distribution of counterfeit currency. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the network’s wider operations, including potential links to other smuggling routes and accomplices. Police have reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious financial activity, warning that possession of counterfeit currency is a serious criminal offence under Thai law. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News. A Burmese national has been arrested following an attempted burglary at the home of a local village headman in Najomtien, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The incident occurred early morning, on 10 May at House No. 82, Moo 8, the residence of Mr. Tueanchit Sapna, known locally as “Phuyaai Toi”, the headman of Moo 8, Najomtien Subdistrict. Pol. Col. Phatthana Robru, Superintendent of Najomtien Police Station, responded swiftly to the emergency call along with Pol. Lt. Col. Adisorn Kongkoi, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, and a patrol unit. CCTV footage showed the suspect scaling the side wall of the house before leaving the premises and returning moments later with burglary tools. He then attempted to break in through a window and a door. However, a housekeeper, who had just entered the kitchen, was alerted by suspicious noises. Upon investigating, she spotted the intruder inside the property and quickly alerted another staff member before contacting Mr. Tueanchit. The suspect fled the scene once he realised he had been detected. Thanks to the quick response and coordinated efforts of police investigators, the suspect was apprehended just 20 minutes later at the Ban Amphur junction, approximately three kilometres from the scene. He was identified as Mr. Pon, a Burmese national who had entered the country illegally. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to all charges and was taken back to the scene for a formal crime re-enactment. Mr. Pon now faces multiple charges including: illegal entry into Thailand, trespassing, and attempted theft involving the destruction of property protection measures. Police have handed the suspect over to Najomtien Police Station investigators for further legal proceedings. The case remains under investigation. Mr. Tueanchit praised the police for their swift response and professionalism, stating that the officers managed to track down and arrest the suspect in just 20 minutes after receiving the initial report. Adapted by Asean Now from Sattahip News 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A high-profile host bar in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district has come under fire after a joint operation led to the arrest of multiple foreign nationals found working illegally. The Department of Employment, under the Ministry of Labour, carried out the raid in coordination with the Immigration Bureau and local police stations including Bang Sue, Sutthisan and Chokchai. Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, announced on 10 May, that the operation was launched under the directive of Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. The crackdown is part of the government’s efforts to protect job opportunities for Thai citizens and to regulate the employment of foreign nationals in accordance with the law. On 9 May, a task force inspected eight establishments across Bangkok, including massage parlours, spas, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Lat Phrao, Phaya Thai, and Huai Khwang. At one entertainment venue, described as a host bar, officers discovered several individuals believed to be foreigners preparing drinks and entertaining customers. Authorities identified themselves and requested identification documents from the workers. The inspection revealed ten foreign nationals working illegally. Of these: • One individual was working without a work permit. • Seven were working without a permit and residing in Thailand unlawfully. • Two were working without permits and had overstayed their visas. All individuals have been taken into custody and handed over to Chokchai Police Station for legal proceedings. Mr. Somchai cited the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers (2017, with subsequent amendments), which states that foreigners working without valid permits can be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 baht, deported, and banned from reapplying for work permits for two years. Employers who hire foreign workers illegally face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per individual. Repeat offenders may face up to one year in prison or fines of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per worker, and a three-year ban from employing foreign nationals. The Department of Employment urges all business operators to strictly comply with labour laws to uphold the rights of Thai workers and maintain fair employment standards. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Pickup Truck Crashes into Car in Bangkok, One Dead, Two Injured Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash in the early hours of 10 May, left one man dead and two others injured when a pickup truck driver, collided with a car, which then ploughed into a computer shop in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360330-pickup-truck-crashes-into-car-in-bangkok-one-dead-two-injured/

Fugitive Hides in Water Service Duct to Evade Police, Rescue Team Called In Picture courtesy of Matichon A dramatic arrest unfolded on 10 May, after a man wanted on theft charges attempted to evade police by climbing through a ceiling space and then hiding inside a water service duct. The suspect was eventually removed with assistance from a local rescue team and taken into custody. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360329-fugitive-hides-in-water-service-duct-to-evade-police-rescue-team-called-in/

AOT Unveils Ambitious New Phase for Suvarnabhumi Airport: Fourth Runway & South Terminal Picture courtesy of Matichon. Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has announced a major revision of its Suvarnabhumi Airport development masterplan, aiming to significantly increase passenger capacity and strengthen Thailand’s status as a regional aviation hub. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360328-aot-unveils-ambitious-new-phase-for-suvarnabhumi-airport-fourth-runway-south-terminal/

Death of 23-Year-Old Man After Fall from Samut Prakan Apartment Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident unfolded in Samut Prakan on the morning of 10 May, when a 23-year-old man was found dead after falling from a five-storey apartment building. The man’s body was discovered in the car park of the building, located in the Thaiban Mai subdistrict of Mueang District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360327-death-of-23-year-old-man-after-fall-from-samut-prakan-apartment/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash in the early hours of 10 May, left one man dead and two others injured when a pickup truck driver, collided with a car, which then ploughed into a computer shop in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district. Police Lieutenant Pattharaphon Limthiamrat, an investigator from Bang Bon Police Station, received the emergency call at around 02:00. The incident occurred at the Bang Bon 5 and Ekkachai Road intersection in Bang Bon Tai Subdistrict. Forensic doctors from Siriraj Hospital and rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were also dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a damaged Toyota four-door pickup truck overturned. The driver, identified as Mr. Koson, 55, was found deceased and trapped inside the vehicle. Rescue personnel used hydraulic cutting tools to extract the body, with visible injuries to the head and face. Nearby, police discovered a second vehicle involved, a Toyota sedan, through the front window of the computer shop and two injured passengers, one male and one female. Both were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Mr. Ek, the owner of the computer shop at the crash site, recounted the shocking moment. “I was repairing a computer inside the shop when I heard a deafening crash. Suddenly, a vehicle came crashing into the front of my store,” he said. “I was terrified. When I rushed outside, I saw the pickup had flipped upside down.” The impact shattered the shop’s glass front and damaged several customer computers. Initial investigations suggest the pickup driver lost control before colliding with the car. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and awaiting statements from the injured to determine the cause of the crash. The deceased has been transported to Siriraj Hospital’s forensic department for autopsy, and relatives have been notified to claim the body. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 23-year-old woman drowned on the evening on 9 May, after slipping into a pond while attempting to access a toilet located behind a warehouse in Chiang Rai province. At approximately 20:20, Pol. Lt. Col. Surakit Wongyai and Pol. Capt. Natthaphong Uppor from Ban Saeo Police Station in Chiang Saen district received a report of a missing person, believed to have drowned in a pond near a warehouse in Ban San Sai Kong Ngam, Moo 10, Ban Saeo subdistrict. Rescue personnel from Wiang Pha Ngo Chiang Saen were dispatched to the scene, where they found a pond approximately 15 metres long, 6 metres wide and 3 metres deep. Divers from multiple local rescue units, including Saeng Kaew, Siam Chiang Saen, Sing 1, and Piyamitr teams, were called in to assist in the search. The victim, identified only as Ms J, a shipping clerk residing in Ban Phakham, Ban Saeo, worked at Chiang Saen Commercial Port. She had been at a storage warehouse roughly 5 kilometres from the port, regularly inspecting cargo before it was loaded for export. According to local witnesses, Ms J had been checking documents when she reportedly excused herself to use the toilet located behind the warehouse. As it was dark, she started her motorbike and used its headlights to light the way. Moments later, a faint cry was heard, but it raised no alarm among nearby workers. When Ms J failed to return, a search was launched. Her parked motorbike was discovered near the toilet. Divers located her body around 20 minutes later at the bottom of the pond, approximately 8–10 metres from the toilet. Initial investigations suggest that Ms J may have lost her footing near the pond’s edge due to poor visibility and accidentally slipped in. Unable to climb out due to the depth and darkness, she likely became exhausted and drowned. Her body has been sent for post-mortem examination before being released to her family for funeral rites. Police are continuing to investigate, though foul play is not suspected. Adapted by Asean Now from kaoded 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Naewna. The ancient temple of Prasat Ta Muen Thom is not a subject of territorial dispute, according to Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, which confirmed the site has been officially registered as a Thai historical monument for over 90 years. A recent Facebook post by the popular historical page Borannaanmaareignited public interest in the temple, amidst resurfacing concerns over sovereignty. The post stated unequivocally: “Politicians may come and go, but the sovereignty of the Thai nation must endure steadfastly.” According to official records, the Fine Arts Department surveyed and listed Prasat Ta Muen Thom as a Thai national monument in 1935 (B.E. 2478). The site currently falls under the supervision of the 5th Regional Office of Fine Arts in Prachinburi. Restoration efforts have long been conducted with full knowledge of Cambodian authorities. Located on the Thai side of the border in Ban Nong Khan Na Samakkhi, Moo 8, Ban Ta Miang Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, the temple is the largest among the Ta Muen temple complex. “Thom” means “big” in Khmer, and the complex includes three main temples: Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tot, and Ta Muen. The temple sits atop a sacred natural rock formation symbolising a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam, and was historically used for religious rituals. It lies within the Ta Muen Pass (also known as Ta Miang Pass) in the Dângrêk mountain range. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has even developed tour routes to facilitate visits by local and international tourists, highlighting the temple’s cultural significance and ease of access from within Thailand. Despite recent reports that Cambodian troops were seen near the temple site, Thai officials argue such movements amount to a violation of Thai sovereignty. Commentators warn against creating unnecessary tension or allowing the situation to echo the previous Preah Vihear Temple dispute. “It is not a disputed site. Do not try to turn it into one,” wrote historian Pruetthiphon Prachumphol. He emphasised that Cambodia has long been aware of the Thai administration of the area, and accused certain groups of intentionally stirring nationalist sentiment for political purposes. The Thai military presence in the area remains firm, with armed forces maintaining position as part of their duty to protect national sovereignty. The government is being urged to handle any escalation diplomatically but firmly, using internationally recognised watershed maps to assert Thailand’s territorial rights. Officials reaffirm that Prasat Ta Muen Thom is, and has always been, part of Thailand’s cultural and territorial heritage. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Amarin Authorities have officially ended the search for the remaining seven missing individuals following the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok. Although no additional bodies were found during the final sweep, over 100 body fragments are undergoing forensic analysis, which may help identify the remaining victims. Mr. Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, announced that the final area of the site, beneath the basement-level lift shaft, had been fully cleared and no further human remains were discovered. The entire search operation has now concluded, with attention turning to the removal of debris and analysis of recovered remains. Teams continue to transport rubble to a designated area, where daily inspections are carried out by K-9 units and specialist personnel during morning and evening shifts. On the evening of 9 May, a piece of human skull was found among the rubble. By the following morning, two additional bone fragments were recovered by a 57-member team and five sniffer dogs. At present, a large mound of debris, nearly 10 metres high, remains at the site. For safety reasons and to ensure no fragments are overlooked, the mound will be reduced to approximately 6 metres using backhoes, with the excavation proceeding from the left side of the site. Mr. Suriyachai confirmed that the area will be handed back to the State Audit Office by 15 May. The Chatuchak District Office has formally notified the agency of the scheduled return, while coordination is ongoing with the police to establish a timeline for further investigative procedures, including possible seizure of the site for continued forensic analysis. CCTV footage from the building remains in police custody for evidence. When asked whether representatives of the State Audit Office had visited the site, Mr. Suriyachai confirmed that an insurance representative conducted a walkthrough with police officers to assess the building’s structural remains. Entry is still tightly controlled and subject to registration. Although no intact bodies were recovered in recent days, the fate of the seven missing victims now hinges on forensic identification of over 100 body fragments. Machinery remains active on-site, focusing solely on clearing concrete and steel. This incident has sparked national concern over building standards and oversight, especially as investigations into the collapse continue. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-11.

UPDATE Gunman Arrested at Home After Fatally Shooting Waste Centre Security Guard Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police have arrested a man suspected of fatally shooting a security guard at a waste disposal centre in Bangkok. The suspect, who later confessed to the killing, was apprehended at his home on 10 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360249-security-guard-fatally-shot-in-bangkok-investigation-underway/#findComment-19792865

Government Cracks Down on Illegal Tour Operators and Unlicensed Guides Nationwide File picture courtesy of Khaosod. The government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides, warning of strict penalties including fines of up to 500,000 baht and prison sentences of up to two years. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360326-government-cracks-down-on-illegal-tour-operators-and-unlicensed-guides-nationwide/

Major Fire Guts Rubber Processing Factory in Chonburi Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A massive fire broke out at a well-known rubber processing factory in Chonburi in the early hours of the morning of 10 May, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and forcing more than 50 workers to flee for their lives. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360325-major-fire-guts-rubber-processing-factory-in-chonburi/

Father Weeps Over Daughter’s Body After Fatal Motorbike Crash with Parked Lorry Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 25-year-old medical assistant lost her life in a road crash on the evening of 10 May, after her motorcycle crashed into the rear of a parked lorry trailer in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360324-father-weeps-over-daughter’s-body-after-fatal-motorbike-crash-with-parked-lorry/

Picture courtesy of Matichon A dramatic arrest unfolded on 10 May, after a man wanted on theft charges attempted to evade police by climbing through a ceiling space and then hiding inside a water service duct. The suspect was eventually removed with assistance from a local rescue team and taken into custody. Police Lieutenant Colonel Siraphop Bualuang, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, together with Police Captain Itthiphon Phuttharaksa and a team of investigators, led the operation to apprehend Mr. Atthawit, who was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court (No. J.637/2567 dated 8 May 2025). He is accused of theft from an employer. Officers had traced the suspect to a flat in Building 8 of the Pla Thong housing project in Bang Phun Subdistrict, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province. When police arrived, Mr. Atthawit fled through the ceiling space and into an adjacent room, eventually wedging himself inside a narrow veryical utility shaft used for water piping. Police were initially unable to retrieve him and had to call in a rescue team to assist in the extraction. It took over 30 minutes of careful manoeuvring before Mr. Atthawit was finally removed from the tight space and brought down safely. He was then taken in a dishevelled state to Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station for interrogation and legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-11.

File picture courtesy of Khaosod. The government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides, warning of strict penalties including fines of up to 500,000 baht and prison sentences of up to two years. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanajan, announced on 9 May that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has joined forces with five key agencies, namely, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Department of Business Development, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Tourist Police Bureau, and the Immigration Bureau, to form a special task force named the Joint Operations Centre for Tackling Proxy Tour Businesses (ศปต.). The centre has been established to intensify efforts against “nominee” tour companies, those illegally using Thai nationals as business fronts for foreign operators and unlicensed tour guides. The aim is to raise tourism industry standards and ensure the safety and legality of services provided to both domestic and international visitors. From October 2024 to March 2025, inspections were carried out on 940 tour companies and 338 guides. Violations included operating without a licence, failing to display permits, and not providing insurance for tourists. Among tour guides, common infractions involved working without a licence and not carrying the required work assignment documentation. Penalties for unlicensed tour operators include a fine of up to 500,000 baht or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Unlicensed guides face up to a 100,000 baht fine or one year in prison. All tour promotions must clearly display a valid licence number, the company’s name, and its official address. Only licensed guides are permitted to lead tours. The government is urging the public to report suspected violations via the Department of Tourism’s official Facebook page or by emailing. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident unfolded in Samut Prakan on the morning of 10 May, when a 23-year-old man was found dead after falling from a five-storey apartment building. The man’s body was discovered in the car park of the building, located in the Thaiban Mai subdistrict of Mueang District. According to police from the Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station, who received the emergency call at approximately 07:30, the young man fell from the fourth floor of the apartment where he had been living alone for just two weeks. The body was found lying on the road beside a damaged four-door pickup truck. Investigators believe the victim’s body struck the roof of the vehicle before hitting the ground, resulting in multiple fractures and a severe head wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police, along with forensic officers and a local rescue foundation, examined the man’s room on the fourth floor. Inside, they found a mattress, some personal belongings, and at the rear balcony, cannabis products, kratom plants, and drug paraphernalia. There were no signs of a struggle or forced entry. Neighbours reported hearing an unusual loud cry coming from above just before the man’s body was found on the ground. No witnesses saw the fall itself, but the sound drew attention to the tragic aftermath. The body has been sent to the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in Ramathibodi Hospital for a full autopsy. Authorities are in the process of contacting the man’s relatives to arrange religious rites. Police are continuing their investigation and have not yet ruled out any possibility regarding the circumstances of the fall. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has announced a major revision of its Suvarnabhumi Airport development masterplan, aiming to significantly increase passenger capacity and strengthen Thailand’s status as a regional aviation hub. Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, Acting President and Executive Vice President for Engineering and Construction, revealed on Wednesday that AOT is in the process of revising the Suvarnabhumi development blueprint to accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually by 2031, more than double its current capacity of 65 million. The revised masterplan is expected to be completed by August or September 2025 and will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. A key feature of the plan includes the construction of an 81,000-square-metre East Terminal, designed to handle an additional 15 million passengers annually. This project, requiring an investment of 13.52 billion baht, is slated for Cabinet review before moving forward to the bidding and construction stages. The expansion doesn’t stop there. Ms. Paweena detailed plans for a massive South Terminal covering 1.597 million square metres with 150 aircraft bays. In tandem, a fourth runway, Runway 4, will be constructed, boosting flight handling capacity to 120 flights per hour and accommodating 70 million passengers. This phase of the project now has an estimated cost of 170 billion baht, an increase from the previously projected 150 billion. The current phase of Suvarnabhumi (termed the “Existing Phase”) allows for 65 million passengers, 94 flights per hour, and 79 gates over a 516,000-square-metre area. The new projects aim to vastly expand these capabilities. Ms. Paweena emphasised that while the investments are significant, they will not negatively impact AOT’s financial stability. Funding sources will include internal revenue and low-interest loans, including those from international lenders. More concrete financial details are expected to be finalised by September or October 2025. In addition, AOT is seeking investors to lease and develop two prime land plots surrounding the airport. The first, a 548-rai plot, is strategically located near the airport’s public transport hub and major roads such as Suvarnabhumi Roads 2 and 4, Lat Krabang Road, and Bangna-Trad Road. The second, a 462-rai plot accessible via Lat Krabang-Wat Sriwareenoi Road, is considered ideal for an entertainment complex. These developments represent a bold step forward in Thailand’s aviation infrastructure, positioning Suvarnabhumi Airport as a global gateway with world-class facilities and connectivity. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-11.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 25-year-old medical assistant lost her life in a road crash on the evening of 10 May, after her motorcycle crashed into the rear of a parked lorry trailer in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The incident occurred at around 20:00, on Highway 356, near kilometre marker 9, in Pak Kran subdistrict. Pol Lt Col Manoch Ritthipoon, an investigator from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station, arrived at the scene along with rescue workers from the Ayutthaya Ruamjai Foundation. The victim, who worked as a medical assistant at a clinic in Bang Pa-In district, was found dead at the scene. Her blue Honda motorcycle, registered in Ayutthaya, was wedged underneath the rear of a trailer that had been detached from a lorry and left parked on the roadside. The impact had been so severe that she was killed instantly. The trailer, bearing Saraburi registration, had been left on the roadside with a tree branch attached as a warning marker. A lorry, registered from Saraburi, was found parked nearby with its hazard lights on. According to the lorry driver, the vehicle had suffered a tyre blowout earlier, prompting him to park on the shoulder of the road. He said he had placed warning barriers approximately 50 metres from the vehicle before detaching the trailer and driving to find a tyre repair centre. Upon returning, he found rescue teams already at the scene and learned that a motorbike had crashed into the trailer, resulting in a fatality. In a heartbreaking moment, the victim’s father arrived shortly after the incident. Upon seeing his daughter’s body, he collapsed in grief, embracing her lifeless form and weeping uncontrollably. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are collecting evidence. The young woman’s body has been transferred to a hospital for examination before being released to her family. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. A massive fire broke out at a well-known rubber processing factory in Chonburi in the early hours of the morning of 10 May, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and forcing more than 50 workers to flee for their lives. The blaze erupted just after midnight in Moo 7, Tha Boonmee subdistrict, Koh Chan district. Officers from Koh Chan Police Station rushed to the scene alongside over 20 fire engines from various emergency response units. When they arrived, they were met with intense flames and heavy smoke engulfing the premises. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than six hours and were finally able to bring it under control around 06:00. However, the factory, reportedly involved in the cutting, shredding, and reprocessing of rubber for export, was extensively damaged, with more than 90% of the facility destroyed. At the time of the incident, approximately 50 employees were inside the building. All managed to escape, though the chaotic scene saw workers sprinting for safety amid the inferno. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or provide an estimate of the financial losses incurred. Forensic teams from Region 2 are conducting a thorough investigation to collect evidence and identify what sparked the fire. Police will also be interviewing relevant individuals to support the inquiry and ensure all legal procedures are followed. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.