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Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A housekeeper was left in shock after discovering the body of an Indian man in a rented townhouse in Bangkok. The deceased, who had been living in the property for two months, had not been in contact with his family, prompting concerns that led to the grim discovery. At approximately 14:00 on 19 March, Police Lieutenant Satha Duang-iad, an investigator at Samre Police Station, received a report of a death at a two-storey townhouse located behind Wat Santithamaram, in the Samre district of Thonburi, Bangkok. Officers arrived at the scene alongside forensic specialists, emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, and an on-call medical examiner. The deceased was identified as Mr. Taran, 38, an Indian national. He was found lying on his back on a bed, his body tilted slightly to the right. He was shirtless, wearing only black shorts, and had a plastic bag covering his head, which was connected to a helium tank nearby. Authorities documented the scene and collected evidence for further investigation. The housekeeper (whose name has been withheld) stated that she had been working at the property for two years. On this occasion, the homeowner had asked her to check on the tenant after family members were unable to contact him. Upon arrival, she rang the doorbell multiple times but received no response. She noticed that the air conditioning was off and no shoes were placed outside, making her believe that no one was home. Using a spare key, she unlocked the main door and went inside, but the bedroom on the second floor was locked. Looking through a gap, she was horrified to find the tenant unresponsive inside and immediately called the police. The body has been sent for autopsy to confirm whether foul play was involved or if the death was self-inflicted. Efforts are also being made to contact the deceased’s family so they can make arrangements for funeral proceedings. -- 2025-03-20

Safety Barriers Installed on Bhumibol Bridges to Prevent Suicides Picture courtesy of Workpoint. The Department of Rural Roads is accelerating the installation of stainless steel barriers on the Bhumibol 1 and 2 bridges to prevent suicides, following repeated complaints from local residents. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355188-safety-barriers-installed-on-bhumibol-bridges-to-prevent-suicides/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. The Department of Rural Roads is accelerating the installation of stainless steel barriers on the Bhumibol 1 and 2 bridges to prevent suicides, following repeated complaints from local residents. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025. Due to frequent suicide attempts from the bridges, communities living below have been affected by distressing incidents and emotional trauma. To address the issue, the Department of Rural Roads initially installed a 650-metre-long stainless steel barrier on Bhumibol 1 Bridge. Since its completion, no further suicide attempts have been recorded at that location. Encouraged by these results, the department has now approved an extension of the project to Bhumibol 2 Bridge, covering a further 695 metres. The initiative aims to enhance safety for both residents and bridge users. Chansak Rangsarikam, Director of the Industrial Ring Road Maintenance Division, explained that the primary goal is to protect lives. He stated: “The barriers will cover the central section of the bridge over the Chao Phraya River to prevent people from attempting suicide. Unfortunately, some individuals who were unable to jump from the bridge’s central span have instead moved to the landward sections. To address this, we plan to extend the barriers further to cover high-risk areas.” He urged those struggling with personal difficulties to seek support from family members or professional help, rather than resorting to such drastic actions. The Bhumibol Bridges, also known as the Industrial Ring Road Bridges, play a crucial role in Bangkok’s transport infrastructure, facilitating the movement of heavy vehicles and easing city congestion. With a clearance of approximately 50 metres above the river, strong winds often pose risks to motorcyclists and pedestrians. The newly installed barriers, made from high-quality stainless steel, meeting Thai Industrial Standards (TIS). They are highly durable, resistant to corrosion, heat, and rust, and have a long service life. The design consists of interlocking cylindrical and rectangular bars, standing three metres high, ensuring robust protection. The project, with a budget of nearly 30 million baht, is set to be completed by April 2025. Further expansions may be considered to prevent suicide attempts from landward sections near the bridges. The Department of Rural Roads hopes this initiative will significantly reduce incidents. -- 2025-03-20

UPDATE Fire Destroys Over 200 Seized Vehicles at Thai Customs Facility Near Myanmar Border Pictures from investigation. A devastating fire at the Mae Sot Customs Office in Tak province has destroyed more than 200 impounded vehicles, with initial reports suggesting the blaze was possibly sparked by a grass fire near the parking area. Strong winds are believed to have fanned the flames, causing them to spread rapidly and engulf the seized cars. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355079-inferno-at-thai-myanmar-border-200-seized-vehicles-destroyed-in-devastating-fire/#findComment-19671129

UPDATE Fire Destroys Over 200 Seized Vehicles at Thai Customs Facility Near Myanmar Border Pictures from investigation. A devastating fire at the Mae Sot Customs Office in Tak province has destroyed more than 200 impounded vehicles, with initial reports suggesting the blaze was possibly sparked by a grass fire near the parking area. Strong winds are believed to have fanned the flames, causing them to spread rapidly and engulf the seized cars. Authorities suspect the fire originated from dry grass burning near the vehicle storage facility before spreading due to high winds. However, the exact cause remains under investigation, with forensic officers from Tak Provincial Police expected to conduct a thorough inspection of the site. Customs officials confirmed that all destroyed vehicles were used cars imported from Japan intended for re-export to Myanmar. These vehicles were being held at the border as transit goods but were later confiscated after failing to be exported due to the ongoing instability in Myanmar. Mae Sot has long served as a key transit hub for second-hand vehicles en route from Japan to Myanmar. However, due to the escalating conflict across the border, including road closures, frequent armed clashes, and the bombing of key bridges, many shipments have been unable to proceed. Consequently, a large number of cars have remained stranded in Thailand, exceeding the legally permitted holding period, and were subsequently seized as state property. According to customs officials, Mae Sot currently has over 1,000 impounded vehicles, stored across three separate locations in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict. Prior to the fire, authorities had already attempted to auction off the seized cars but received no bids due to high reserve prices. A plan was in place to lower the prices and schedule another auction, but the fire has now complicated those efforts. Officials have yet to assess the full extent of the damage or determine the financial impact of the incident. Investigators will now work to establish whether the fire was accidental or a deliberate act of arson. -- 2025-03-20

Chinese Tourist Arrested at Chiang Mai Airport After Using Dating App to Befriend and Rob Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Chinese man has been arrested at Chiang Mai International Airport while attempting to flee after allegedly using a dating app to befriend tourists before stealing their belongings. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355187-chinese-tourist-arrested-at-chiang-mai-airport-after-using-dating-app-to-befriend-and-rob/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Chinese man has been arrested at Chiang Mai International Airport while attempting to flee after allegedly using a dating app to befriend tourists before stealing their belongings. The suspect, later identified as Mr Zhou Kaiyuan, 31, was posing as a tourist and used a dating application to connect with fellow travellers. He reportedly invited his victims out and brought them back to his accommodation, where he took advantage of moments when they left the room, such as using the bathroom, to steal their valuables before fleeing. According to Chiang Mai police, Mr Zhou is accused of committing two thefts: • 16 March 2025 – A Northern Irish tourist was targeted. Stolen items included a MacBook laptop, 2,000 baht in cash, a credit card, and a house key. • 19 March 2025 – A Chinese tourist fell victim. Mr Zhou stole a waist bag containing 29,000 baht in cash, a passport, two credit cards, and an iPhone 15. Authorities were able to track Mr Zhou’s movements using CCTV footage, which clearly showed him using the dating app as a means to commit his crimes. After the latest theft, he attempted to escape by flying from Chiang Mai to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. However, police coordinated with airport security and arrested him before he could board his flight. Mr Zhou has been charged with “theft at night”, a serious offence under Thai law. He has reportedly confessed to all charges. Authorities are now investigating whether he has committed similar crimes elsewhere. -- 2025-03-20

Thailand Launches Pilot Police Stations to Ensure Detainee Safety Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the United Kingdom, has launched a pilot police station programme aimed at improving detainee management and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards. The initiative seeks to eliminate incidents of torture and deaths in custody, enhancing both detainee safety and police accountability. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355186-thailand-launches-pilot-police-stations-to-ensure-detainee-safety/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the United Kingdom, has launched a pilot police station programme aimed at improving detainee management and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards. The initiative seeks to eliminate incidents of torture and deaths in custody, enhancing both detainee safety and police accountability. The project was officially unveiled on 19 March by National Police Inspector General Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabut. The launch event, held at Pathumwan Police Station, was attended by representatives from Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission, British diplomatic officials, and law enforcement experts from the UK Home Office, Devon & Cornwall Police, and Northumbria Police. The initiative is part of a broader reform effort by Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Commissioner, who has tasked the Inspector General’s Office with implementing the project. The Royal Thai Police has partnered with UK authorities to adapt international best practices and lessons learned to the Thai context, ensuring compliance with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act 2022. Under the scheme, officers from Pathumwan Police Station (Bangkok) and Mueang Chanthaburi Police Station have undergone specialised training in Northumbria, UK. Additionally, UK law enforcement experts have been invited to Thailand to provide guidance on modern detainee management techniques. The programme is built on the principle of “Change by Design”, focusing on systematic reform in detainee custody. The key measures include: • Safer detention facilities – Holding cells have been redesigned to ensure a secure environment, with CCTV surveillance operating 24/7. • Transparent arrest procedures – All interactions between detainees and police must take place in designated custody areas. • Comprehensive detainee assessments – Upon detention, suspects undergo physical and psychological health evaluations to identify any pre-existing conditions that could pose health risks. • Detailed custody records – All detainee information, including personal belongings, risk assessments, and detention logs, is meticulously documented. • Senior officer oversight – A chain of command ensures that detention procedures are monitored and reviewed. A crucial goal of the pilot programme is to prevent deaths and mistreatment in police custody. The new procedures prioritise detainee welfare, particularly for those with chronic illnesses, injuries, or drug dependencies. Immediate medical intervention will be provided when necessary, preventing avoidable fatalities. The success of the pilot stations in Pathumwan and Mueang Chanthaburi has demonstrated that these reforms significantly improve detainee safety. Moving forward, the RTP aims to roll out the new detention protocols across Metropolitan Police Division 6 before expanding the system nationwide. Speaking at the event, Pol. Gen. Thatchai emphasised that the RTP will continue to integrate technology into its detainee management systems. Plans are already in place to develop specialist software to track and analyse detainee data, ensuring further accountability and transparency. This groundbreaking initiative marks a major step forward in aligning Thai law enforcement practices with global human rights standards, reinforcing the RTP’s commitment to public safety, legal compliance, and ethical policing. -- 2025-03-20

Delivery Driver Stumbles Upon Skeleton of Suspected Cable Thief Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A delivery driver in Samut Songkhram Province was left in shock after stopping by the roadside for an emergency toilet break, only to discover a human skeleton believed to be that of a suspected cable thief. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355185-delivery-driver-stumbles-upon-skeleton-of-suspected-cable-thief/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A delivery driver in Samut Songkhram Province was left in shock after stopping by the roadside for an emergency toilet break, only to discover a human skeleton believed to be that of a suspected cable thief. Police later identified a possible match with a man who had a lengthy criminal record, including drug offences and theft. Police were alerted to the incident after 40-year-old Thongchai contacted authorities following his unsettling discovery near an abandoned building off Rama II Road, kilometre 79. Thongchai recalled that on 17 March, he was on a delivery route from Prachinburi to Ranong when he was suddenly struck by stomach pain and had to relieve himself near an overgrown area by the roadside. While there, he noticed a strange odour but did not investigate further as he was in a rush. However, he made a mental note to return if the smell was indeed from a decomposing body. After completing his delivery, he revisited the location two days later and confirmed his worst suspicions, what remained of the body was only a skeleton. He immediately reported it to the police. Responding to the scene, Lieutenant Ranakrit Jongprasert, an investigator at Yi San Police Station, arrived with forensic experts and emergency response teams. The remains were found near a utility pole, along with tools commonly used for cutting electrical cables, including a cutter knife, gloves, and discarded wires. The presence of these items led investigators to suspect that the individual had been attempting to steal copper wiring before suffering a possibly electrocution or a fall from the pole. Inside a nearby abandoned building, police discovered a rucksack containing an ID card bearing the name Boonserm Phimpha, 45, from Saraburi Province. However, forensic experts have yet to confirm whether the remains belong to the man named on the ID. A preliminary background check on Boonserm revealed an extensive criminal history spanning over a decade. • 2011: Drug possession (Phra-In Racha Police Station, Ayutthaya) • 2017: Carrying an illegal firearm (Bang Yai Police Station, Nonthaburi) • 2019: Drug use (Bang Phlat Police Station, Bangkok) • 2023: Theft and receiving stolen goods (Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station) Authorities are now awaiting DNA verification and an official autopsy to confirm the identity and cause of death. Meanwhile, police continue to investigate whether Boonserm was alone at the time of the incident or if any accomplices were involved. -- 2025-03-20

Massive Fire Destroys Paper Factory in Nakhon Pathom, Damage Estimated at Over 10 Million A devastating fire broke out early morning on 19 March, at a paper manufacturing factory in Moo 3, Ban Luang subdistrict, Don Tum district, Nakhon Pathom. The blaze engulfed a large warehouse, causing the structure to collapse and resulting in estimated damages exceeding 10 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355184-massive-fire-destroys-paper-factory-in-nakhon-pathom-damage-estimated-at-over-10-million/

Pictures from responders. A devastating fire broke out early morning on 19 March, at a paper manufacturing factory in Moo 3, Ban Luang subdistrict, Don Tum district, Nakhon Pathom. The blaze engulfed a large warehouse, causing the structure to collapse and resulting in estimated damages exceeding 10 million baht. The fire was reported at around 03:30, prompting an immediate response from the Don Tum Police Station. Over 20 fire engines from surrounding areas rushed to the scene, but access proved extremely difficult as the warehouse had only a single entry point. Firefighters had to establish a relay system, passing water from one truck to another to reach the flames, significantly slowing down their efforts. The affected site covered more than 20 rai, with three large interconnected warehouses spanning over five rai. One section was used for worker accommodation, from which all occupants managed to escape safely, while another stored large quantities of finished paper products. Efforts to combat the fire were hampered by a lack of structural information, as the factory owner was unavailable, and many workers, who were foreign nationals, were unable to communicate in Thai. The factory is reportedly owned by a group of Taiwanese businessmen, none of whom were present at the time. As the fire continued to rage, sections of the building began to collapse, forcing firefighters to withdraw and to take extra precautions. The walls of the warehouse started to buckle, raising concerns about further structural failures. Fire crews working from multiple angles, battled the flames from the front and rear of the facility. By 08:00, firefighters from municipal teams across Nakhon Pathom, including Sam Ngam, Huai Phlu, Bang Len, and Nakhon Pathom City, along with emergency response teams from various foundations, managed to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, and forensic teams will conduct a detailed examination of the site, once they are able to safely enter. The total damage could exceed initial estimates, given the high volume of stored paper inside the warehouse. The factory’s alleged owner, identified as Mr Somchai, has been contacted and is expected to visit the site later. -- 2025-03-20

Chinese National Arrested for Illegal Luxury Car Rentals Linked to Cross-Border Operations Picture courtesy of immigration. Bangkok, Immigration authorities have arrested a Chinese national suspected of illegally renting luxury vehicles to foreign customers, with many of the cars frequently travelling to border provinces. The operation is believed to be connected to illicit business networks. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355183-chinese-national-arrested-for-illegal-luxury-car-rentals-linked-to-cross-border-operations/

Picture courtesy of immigration. Bangkok, Immigration authorities have arrested a Chinese national suspected of illegally renting luxury vehicles to foreign customers, with many of the cars frequently travelling to border provinces. The operation is believed to be connected to illicit business networks. At a press conference on 19 March, held at the Immigration Bureau, senior officials including Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Parnop Worathanatchakul, Chief of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division, announced the arrest of Mr. Ma, a 30-year-old Chinese national, on charges of “misuse of vehicles” and “operating a business without a licence.” The arrest follows a directive from the Royal Thai Police to monitor foreign nationals engaging in activities that could affect national security or public order. Investigators had been tracking a group of luxury vehicles registered under foreign ownership that were making frequent trips to border provinces, raising suspicions of links to so-called “grey businesses” , illicit operations often associated with Chinese criminal syndicates. Authorities obtained a search warrant from the Phra Khanong Criminal Court and raided a residence in Suan Luang, Bangkok, where Mr. Ma and his wife were residing. Evidence found at the property indicated that Mr. Ma was running an illegal luxury car rental business catering to foreign clients, primarily through online platforms. He allegedly employed Thai nationals fluent in Chinese to act as chauffeurs for the vehicles. A check on vehicle registrations revealed that Mr. Ma owned four luxury cars with distinctive licence plates. Tracking data showed that these cars frequently travelled to provinces bordering neighbouring countries, including Sa Kaeo, Chiang Rai, and Chanthaburi. Mr. Ma has been charged with operating a business without a permit. Additionally, Thai nationals involved in driving the rented cars from Suvarnabhumi Airport to border areas are also facing possible legal action. Authorities are now expanding their investigation to determine the identities of customers who used the service and whether the operation was linked to broader criminal activities. -- 2025-03-20

Pattaya Court Sentences Mountain B Pub Owner to Five Years in Prison Without Bail File picture for reference only. A Pattaya court has sentenced Phongsiri “B” Panprasong, owner of the Mountain B pub, and his associates to five years in prison for negligence leading to the deaths of 24 people in the 2022 fire at the venue. The court denied bail for all defendants. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355182-pattaya-court-sentences-mountain-b-pub-owner-to-five-years-in-prison-without-bail/

File picture for reference only. A Pattaya court has sentenced Phongsiri “B” Panprasong, owner of the Mountain B pub, and his associates to five years in prison for negligence leading to the deaths of 24 people in the 2022 fire at the venue. The court denied bail for all defendants. The ruling comes following the tragic blaze that engulfed the Mountain B nightclub in Sattahip, Chonburi, on 5 August 2022. The fire claimed the lives of 13 people on the night of the incident, while 11 others succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Around 50 more sustained various degrees of injury. According to lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet, head of the Justice Advocacy Foundation, the Pattaya Provincial Court delivered its verdict on 18 March 2025. The court found Phongsiri, along with an electrician, guilty of negligence causing death, sentencing them to 10 years in prison. However, as both pleaded guilty, their sentences were reduced to five years. Meanwhile, Phongsiri’s wife, Anongnat Panprasong, and his father were sentenced to 10 years each. The court did not grant bail to any of the convicted individuals. Following the ruling, Ronnarong stated that no action had yet been taken by victims’ families in response to the verdict. He also noted concerns over reports that Phongsiri’s father might have been granted bail due to his close ties with local police, which may have deterred some from seeking further legal action. Regarding compensation for victims, Ronnarong confirmed that financial settlements had been made. The most severely affected individuals received up to 200,000 baht, while others received varying amounts based on the extent of their injuries and losses. Ronnarong further called on Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate government officials responsible for issuing permits to Mountain B. He stressed that once a licence is granted, authorities should ensure continued compliance with safety regulations. The Mountain B tragedy remains one of Thailand’s deadliest nightclub fires, drawing widespread criticism of lax safety enforcement in the country’s entertainment industry. Related original post: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268090-sattahip-district-chief-transferred-after-pub-fire-kills-14-people/ -- 2025-03-20

Malaysian Tourist’s Car Plunges into Ravine in Yala A Malaysian tourist was injured when his car plunged into a deep ravine near the Ayerweng Skywalk in Betong, Yala. The crash, which occurred on the morning of 19 March, was reportedly caused by a damaged road and the absence of warning barriers, which had allegedly been removed by an unknown individual. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355181-malaysian-tourist’s-car-plunges-into-ravine-in-yala/

Picture from responders. A Malaysian tourist was injured when his car plunged into a deep ravine near the Ayerweng Skywalk in Betong, Yala. The crash, which occurred on the morning of 19 March, was reportedly caused by a damaged road and the absence of warning barriers, which had allegedly been removed by an unknown individual. The incident took place at around 05:50, on the Ban Wang Mai-Skywalk Road in Moo 5, Ban Ayer Queen, Ayerweng Subdistrict, Betong District. Police Lieutenant Kiattiphan Sak Bilabdullah, Deputy Inspector at Ayerweng Police Station, responded to the scene along with local officers and rescue workers from Sawang Betong Thammasathan Foundation. The vehicle, a brown Nissan car, was found overturned at the bottom of a 30-metre-deep ravine. The driver, Mr Kang Kok Song, 55, from Malaysia, sustained a hip injury and was rescued by locals and emergency services before being transported to Betong Hospital. His four elderly companions were miraculously unharmed, but left shaken by the incident. According to local authorities, the damaged section of road had collapsed late last year due to heavy rainfall. While temporary traffic cones and barriers had been put in place to prevent incidents, local residents reported that someone had removed them and discarded them into the ravine below. The tourists had reportedly set off from Betong town in the early morning to visit the famous Ayerweng Sea of Mist Skywalk. However, in the pre-dawn darkness and without street lighting, the driver failed to see the hazardous road section and drove straight into the ravine. Authorities have since launched an investigation into who removed the safety barriers, while officials are urging travellers to exercise caution when driving in the area. -- 2025-03-20

Man Found Stabbed 40 Times in Rented Room in Nakhon Sawan Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 28-year-old man has been found dead in a rented room in Nakhon Sawan, having suffered 40 stab wounds. Police estimate that he had been dead for one to two days before his body was discovered. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355180-man-found-stabbed-40-times-in-rented-room-in-nakhon-sawan/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A 28-year-old man has been found dead in a rented room in Nakhon Sawan, having suffered 40 stab wounds. Police estimate that he had been dead for one to two days before his body was discovered. At around 10:00 on 19 March, Pol. Lt. Don Kakham of Nong Pling Police Station received a report of a body found in a rented room on Soi Nong Pling Ruam Jai in Mueang district. He immediately informed his superiors and proceeded to the scene with a team of 10 officers, including Pol. Lt. Col. Kraiwat Karawing from the investigation unit. Upon arrival, police noted that the door was unlocked and a foul odour filled the air. Inside, they found the lifeless body of Parusk Thongkham, 28, lying in the middle of the room. He was shirtless, wearing only boxer shorts, and had sustained 40 stab wounds. Investigators believe he had been dead for one to two days as the body had already started decomposing. The room showed signs of a struggle and had been ransacked. A four-month-old puppy was also discovered locked inside the bathroom, abandoned at the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that Parusk had rented the room for just over a month. Reports suggest he had been selling cannabis to local youths in the area. Forensic officers have collected fingerprints from the scene and seized a knife found inside the room for further examination. A local vendor, 73-year-old Khun Boonyawan, who sells fried chicken at the entrance of the alley, told reporters that the deceased was a regular customer. She mentioned that he would buy chicken scraps daily to feed his puppy. Meanwhile, a neighbour from the opposite house reported that Parusk frequently received visitors. Initially, a white pickup truck would stop by almost daily, but in recent weeks, only motorcycles had been seen arriving at his residence, sometimes carrying one or two individuals. However, no visitors had been noticed in the past two or three days. Police are currently treating the case as a personal dispute and are investigating potential suspects. -- 2025-03-20

UPDATE Motorbike Chase Ends in Fatal Crash in Trang: Police Explain the Incident Picture courtesy of Khoasod of CCTV of the chase. A dramatic motorbike chase in Trang ended in tragedy when two young men attempting to evade a police checkpoint lost control, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The incident has raised questions from the victim’s family, prompting a response from the provincial police chief. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355063-teenager-killed-after-high-speed-chase-with-trang-police-family-raises-concerns/#findComment-19671078

UPDATE Motorbike Chase Ends in Fatal Crash in Trang: Police Explain the Incident Picture courtesy of Khoasod of CCTV of the chase. A dramatic motorbike chase in Trang ended in tragedy when two young men attempting to evade a police checkpoint lost control, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The incident has raised questions from the victim’s family, prompting a response from the provincial police chief. The chase began on the morning of 18 March 2025 when Thanakrit, 19, from Thung Krabue, Yan Ta Khao District, was riding a Honda Wave i 125 with registration from Chonburi. As he approached a police checkpoint on Ton Pring-Pa Mak Intersection Road, he abruptly turned to avoid inspection. His pillion rider, Teerapong (also known as “Jean”), 30, was seated behind him. Police patrol officers attempted to block the duo, but they managed to escape, prompting a pursuit by a police motorcycle unit. The chase continued for approximately four kilometres along the Trang Riverside Road, passing through Pa Mak intersection and Wat Phaisont. The pursuit ended when the motorbike veered off at a curve while trying to avoid an oncoming pickup truck, crashing into the roadside. The impact left Thanakrit injured, while Teerapong was fatally wounded. However, controversy arose when witnesses and the victim’s family questioned why police handcuffed the deceased at the scene. In response to the public concern, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattharawit Keetamonneeyakul, Trang Provincial Police Commander, clarified the incident. He stated that the crash resulted from the suspect’s own decision to flee rather than comply with standard checkpoint procedures. Body camera footage from the pursuing officer captured the entire chase, confirming that police did not use excessive force. Regarding the handcuffing of the deceased, the officer explained that the incident site was on uneven terrain, two metres below the road surface. The lone pursuing officer, equipped with only one pair of handcuffs, first secured the passenger, who had been thrown further from the crash, before returning to restrain the driver. At the time, the officer was unaware that Teerapong had already succumbed to his injuries. A post-incident investigation revealed that Thanakrit had a prior criminal record related to drug offences and was still using narcotics. A drug test confirmed methamphetamine in his system, and his motorbike was found to be unregistered and illegally modified. Thanakrit now faces multiple charges, including: • Driving under the influence of drugs • Reckless driving causing death • Evading a police checkpoint Authorities have urged the victim’s family to seek compensation through motor vehicle accident insurance if applicable. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattharawit reaffirmed that the police followed standard procedures and that the situation resulted from the suspect’s actions. He stressed the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement, stating: “Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear at police checkpoints. Those who attempt to flee often have something to hide. We urge people to comply with routine inspections to ensure their own safety and that of others.” The deceased’s body has been sent to Prince of Songkla University Hospital in Hat Yai for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Initial reports suggest minimal external injuries, leading experts to investigate possible internal bleeding or spinal damage as the fatal cause. The final autopsy results are pending. -- 2025-03-20

Bridge Collapse in Narathiwat: One Dead, Three Injured Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An incident occurred early morning on 19 March, when a bridge collapsed on Highway 4217, between Chanae and Si Sakhon, in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Chanae district, Narathiwat. The collapse caused a pickup truck and a motorcycle to drive into the collapsed structure, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355179-bridge-collapse-in-narathiwat-one-dead-three-injured/