Georgealbert

Deadly Consequences: Motorists Warned Against Seatbelt Buckle Inserts Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Motorists are being urged to stop using seatbelt buckle inserts after a shocking incident highlighted the deadly consequences of bypassing basic safety measures. The alarming practice of inserting a fake buckle to disable the seatbelt warning system has been linked to many injuries and fatalities on Thai roads. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354951-deadly-consequences-motorists-warned-against-seatbelt-buckle-inserts/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Motorists are being urged to stop using seatbelt buckle inserts after a shocking incident highlighted the deadly consequences of bypassing basic safety measures. The alarming practice of inserting a fake buckle to disable the seatbelt warning system has been linked to many injuries and fatalities on Thai roads. The warning gained attention after a social media post by Facebook user Pongprom Yamarat, who shared images of a serious crash involving a brand-new Honda CR-V. The driver suffered severe lower-body injuries, and blood from head injuries, was visible on the airbag. The post pointed out a disturbing detail, a seatbelt buckle insert had been used, meaning the driver was unrestrained at the time of impact. Pongprom emphasised the dangers of this practice, stating: • Many Thai drivers use these inserts to silence the seatbelt alarm, unknowingly putting their own lives at risk. • More than 70% of road fatalities in occur in crashes, where the vehicle structure remains intact, meaning seatbelt use could have saved lives . • Airbags alone are not sufficient protection; they must work in conjunction with seatbelts to prevent fatal injuries. • A previous incident saw a young woman die after her car hit a roadside barrier. Despite minor damage to the vehicle, the impact crushed her chest because she was not wearing a seatbelt. The post has sparked renewed calls for authorities to ban the sale of seatbelt buckle inserts, which are widely available and online. While safety advocates have been urging action for years, the government has yet to implement stricter regulations. As road fatalities continue to be a major concern in Thailand, experts stress that using a seatbelt is a simple yet life-saving measure. Motorists are reminded that deceiving a vehicle’s safety system might trick the car, but it cannot cheat death. -- 2025-03-18

UPDATE Rayong Police Chief Denies Political Involvement in Gambling Raid Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Rayong’s Provincial Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Phuminthana Singhasut, has clarified the details surrounding a recent gambling raid in the district, denying any involvement of local politicians or community leaders. He confirmed that only 15 gamblers were arrested, not the 50 initially reported, and there was no evidence of political figures participating in the illicit activity. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354737-illegal-gambling-den-raided-in-rayong-–-50-arrested-but-local-politician-escapes-scrutiny/#findComment-19665930

UPDATE Rayong Police Chief Denies Political Involvement in Gambling Raid Picture courtesy of Khoasod. Rayong’s Provincial Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Phuminthana Singhasut, has clarified the details surrounding a recent gambling raid in the district, denying any involvement of local politicians or community leaders. He confirmed that only 15 gamblers were arrested, not the 50 initially reported, and there was no evidence of political figures participating in the illicit activity. The incident took place at a snooker hall in Klaeng District, where authorities raided the venue after receiving a tip-off about an illegal VIP room operating as a gambling den, offering dice and boxing betting. Upon arriving, law enforcement officers found dozens of vehicles outside the venue, leading them to suspect a large operation. It initially was reported that the authorities seized gambling equipment and arrested 50 people, including some suspected local leaders. However, after further investigation, it was revealed that many of those initially detained were merely snooker players and bystanders, not involved in gambling. Only 15 individuals, including eight who were gambling with dice and seven playing card games, were formally charged. The police found no evidence to support claims that any local politicians were part of the operation, and no further action has been taken against officers in the area. The raid team expressed frustration at the misrepresentation of the event, asserting that video footage from the raid clearly showed over 50 individuals involved in gambling at the scene. Despite this, only 15 were officially processed, raising concerns among officers that the investigation had been mishandled. They also warned that if local authorities continue to cover up such activities, efforts to combat illegal gambling will remain ineffective. Local residents in the vicinity of the snooker hall expressed frustration as well, stating that the gambling operation had been ongoing for years, with cars regularly filling the area on weekends. Despite the long-standing community awareness, they felt that authorities had failed to take action until now. The investigation into the raid is ongoing, with Rayong police vowing to ensure the truth is revealed and that all those responsible for the illegal activities are held accountable. -- 2025-03-18

Collision Involving Fuel Tanker Sparks Fire Fears in Khon Kaen An incident occurred on the afternoon of 17 March, in Khon Kaen, when an 18-wheeler truck driver lost control and collided with the rear of a tanker truck carrying 48,000 litres of highly flammable fuel. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354950-collision-involving-fuel-tanker-sparks-fire-fears-in-khon-kaen/

Pictures from responders. An incident occurred on the afternoon of 17 March, in Khon Kaen, when an 18-wheeler truck driver lost control and collided with the rear of a tanker truck carrying 48,000 litres of highly flammable fuel. The incident occurred as the fuel tanker was en route from the fuel depot in Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen, bound for Rayong Province and prompted emergency services to respond with extreme caution due to the risk of a fire or explosion. The collision took place on the Khon Kaen bypass road, near Ban Non Rueang, in the Muang District. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to find the 18-wheeler truck, registered in Maha Sarakham, with its front severely damaged. The driver was injured in the crash and was promptly transported to Khon Kaen Bangkok Hospital for treatment. The collision caused a rupture in the fuel tanker, leading to a significant fuel leak from the damaged valve area. Fortunately, no immediate fire broke out, but the potential risk remained extremely high due to the nature of the cargo. To prevent any ignition, fire trucks from Ban Kho Municipality, Samran Municipality, and Sila Municipality, along with foam trucks from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Region 6, were deployed to the scene. The emergency teams used water spray curtains, to suppress flammable vapours and prevent any ignition sources effecting the scene. The leak was contained by using the DDPM hazmat kit. As a precautionary measure, the Khon Kaen Highway Police and local authorities closed off traffic around the site, advising motorists to avoid the area. They also warned the public to refrain from stopping to view the incident, smoking, or using mobile phones in the vicinity, as potential ignition sources. The transport company responsible for the delivery quickly dispatched another tanker to the scene, to the transfer the fuel from the damaged truck. Engineers from the Khon Kaen Petroleum Depot were also on hand to supervise the fuel transfer process, ensuring that the operation was carried out safely. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing. -- 2025-03-18

Woman Loses Arm After Shirt Caught in Motorcycle Wheel Picture courtesy of Thaiger A woman lost her left hand and part of her arm, in a horrific accident after her shirt became caught in the rear wheel of a motorcycle while she was riding as a passenger in Songkhla province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354949-woman-loses-arm-after-shirt-caught-in-motorcycle-wheel/

Picture courtesy of Thaiger A woman lost her left hand and part of her arm, in a horrific accident after her shirt became caught in the rear wheel of a motorcycle while she was riding as a passenger in Songkhla province. The incident, which occurred on 15 March, was captured on CCTV and widely circulated on Thai social media. The footage showed 55-year-old Sudarat “Taeng” Waranakhon riding pillion on a motorcycle driven by her male relative. Moments before the incident, the tip of Taeng’s shirt could be seen fluttering in the wind before it became entangled in the motorcycle’s rear wheel, pulling her off the vehicle. Witnesses reported that Taeng screamed in pain, prompting the rider to stop immediately and check on her. Her left arm below the elbow was severed and became trapped in the wheel. Bystanders quickly called emergency services, and rescuers provided first aid before transporting her to Hat Yai Hospital. Medical teams later confirmed that her severed hand and wrist were too badly damaged to be reattached. Despite the severity of the injury, Taeng remains in stable condition in hospital. Speaking to the media, Taeng, who makes a living collecting and selling recyclable materials, expressed concerns over how she would afford the cost of treatment if it exceeded her state welfare coverage. Authorities have urged motorcyclists and passengers to take extra precautions with loose clothing to prevent similar accidents in the future. From an article by Thaiger -- 2025-03-18

Authorities Seize Large Shipment of Illegal E-Cigarettes at Laem Chabang Port Picture courtesy of DSI. A joint task force comprising police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and customs officials has seized a large shipment of illegal e-cigarettes during a raid on a shipping container at Laem Chabang Port. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354947-authorities-seize-large-shipment-of-illegal-e-cigarettes-at-laem-chabang-port/

Picture courtesy of DSI. A joint task force comprising police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and customs officials has seized a large shipment of illegal e-cigarettes during a raid on a shipping container at Laem Chabang Port. At approximately 10:00 on 17 March, Pol Maj Gen Nuntawut Suwannalaong, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, led the operation alongside Pol Col Traithet Phaetrat, Superintendent of Laem Chabang Police Station, Pol Lt Col Ratchapipob Khumsap, Deputy Superintendent of Investigations, and Pol Capt Klahan Klongpayaban, Deputy Director of the DSI’s Tax Case Division. Also present was Mr Wut Ruangpradungthong, Director of Laem Chabang Port Customs Office. The task force targeted shipping container TSSU 512939-8, which was located within the storage yard of Kerry Siam Commercial Seaport, an area under the jurisdiction of the Laem Chabang Port Customs Office. At approximately 11:30, authorities discovered a large quantity of e-cigarettes and related accessories inside the container. Officials are currently assessing the type of goods, total quantity, and estimated market value before proceeding with legal action. E-cigarettes remain illegal in Thailand, and the smuggling and sale of such products could constitute offences under the Customs Act and other relevant laws. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and trace the network behind the illicit shipment. -- 2025-03-18

Woman Rescued Moments Before Jumping from Bang Pakong Bridge A dramatic rescue unfolded on the afternoon of 17 March, as emergency responders and bystanders managed to prevent a 21-year-old woman from jumping off the Bang Pakong Bridge. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354946-woman-rescued-moments-before-jumping-from-bang-pakong-bridge/

Picture from responders. A dramatic rescue unfolded on the afternoon of 17 March, as emergency responders and bystanders managed to prevent a 21-year-old woman from jumping off the Bang Pakong Bridge. At approximately 12:20, police from Bang Pakong Police Station received a report that a woman was attempting to jump from the bridge on Theparak Road (Bang Na-Trat), at kilometre 50, inbound towards Chonburi. Rescue teams from Chachoengsao and local municipal emergency responders rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Ms. Supatsorn, 21, standing precariously on a water pipe support structure beyond the bridge railing, appearing ready to leap. Concerned bystanders and rescue personnel engaged her in conversation, attempting to calm her while discreetly preparing a rescue plan. At a critical moment, a rescue worker managed to grab hold of her shirt, securing a rope around her body before pulling her to safety. Once back on solid ground, the visibly distressed young woman sat down, sobbing, and initially refused to speak. Nearby, authorities discovered a parked black Honda Zoomer-X motorbike (registration from Bangkok) with a plastic bag containing her wallet, mobile phone, and personal documents. A pair of green sandals and a pair of glasses were also found neatly placed on the pavement. After being escorted to Bang Pakong Police Station, Ms. Supatsorn eventually revealed that she had left her home in Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, due to severe stress over personal issues. She also disclosed that she had been battling depression for the past six years. Rescue personnel contacted her family, and after ensuring she was safe, they arranged for her return home under the care of her relatives. -- 2025-03-18

Factory Worker Killed in Collision with 18-Wheeler While Rushing to Work Picture from responders. A 24-year-old factory worker was killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler in Si Racha, Chonburi, while rushing to work, reportedly fearing that being late could affect his employment status. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354944-factory-worker-killed-in-collision-with-18-wheeler-while-rushing-to-work/

Picture from responders. A 24-year-old factory worker was killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler in Si Racha, Chonburi, while rushing to work, reportedly fearing that being late could affect his employment status. The fatal collision occurred at 09:00 on 17 March, on the Tho Nam–Ban Nong Kho Road, in Nong Kham subdistrict, Si Racha district. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the victim, identified as Mr Apidet 24, lying motionless by the roadside with a severe head injury. His black Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, registered in Chonburi, was found nearby, badly damaged from the impact. His helmet had come off during the crash. The driver of the white 18-wheeler, a 39-year-old man identified as Mr Thawatchai, stated that he had been turning into a warehouse loading area at the time of the crash. “I had my indicator on for about 50 metres before making the turn. Because of the truck’s size, I had to swing slightly to the right before turning left into the lane. As I was making the turn, the motorcycle came up on my left side at high speed. I checked my side mirrors but didn’t see him until I felt the impact,” he explained. Police suspect that the motorcyclist attempted to overtake the truck on the left, unaware that the vehicle was making a wide turn. This resulted in the motorcycle clipping the truck, causing it to skid into a road sign before slamming into a wall, leading to the fatal head injury. Mr Piyapong 25, a close friend and work colleague of the deceased, was one of the last people to speak to him before the crash. “He called me this morning, asking if I had arrived at work. I told him I was on the way, and we agreed to meet at the factory,” he said. However, when Apidet failed to show up, Piyapong called his phone, only for a police officer to answer and inform him of the crash. “I immediately told our supervisor and rushed to the scene. When I arrived, I saw that it was really him. I called his family right away,” he added. Colleagues believe Apidet was in a hurry to avoid being late for work, as he was still in his probation period and did not want to risk his job. Police from Nong Kham Police Station have examined the site and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to confirm the circumstances of the crash. Apidet’s body has been sent to Laem Chabang Hospital for an autopsy before being released to his family for religious rites. Meanwhile, authorities have urged both truck drivers and motorcyclists to exercise extreme caution, particularly at intersections and wide turns. -- 2025-03-18

Man Caught with Handgun and 644 Rounds of Ammunition After Attempting to Flee Police Picture of arrest A 52-year-old man was arrested in Chumphon after attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leading officers to discover a handgun and 644 rounds of ammunition in his car. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354943-man-caught-with-handgun-and-644-rounds-of-ammunition-after-attempting-to-flee-police/

Picture of arrest A 52-year-old man was arrested in Chumphon after attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leading officers to discover a handgun and 644 rounds of ammunition in his car. Police from Highway Patrol Division 2, led by Pol. Col. Phakphol Suchon, Pol. Lt. Col. Narongrit Ngamchaeng, and Pol. Lt. Col. Kla Sombatpiboon, stopped the suspect, identified as Mr. Suwit, on the Asia Highway at kilometre marker 69-70 in Tha Mapla, Lang Suan district. He now faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in public without permission. Officers initially noticed a Toyota car with an expired tax disc being driven at high speed. When police signalled for the driver to stop, he attempted to evade them by accelerating and changing lanes erratically. This prompted officers to pursue and intercept the vehicle. During the stop, Mr. Suwit displayed nervous behaviour, raising suspicions. A search of the vehicle’s boot uncovered a .38 calibre Taurus handgun, a magazine for a .22 calibre firearm, and a total of 644 rounds of ammunition: 143 rounds of .38 calibre, 500 rounds of .22 calibre, and a single 9mm round. Upon questioning, Mr. Suwit admitted that the firearms and ammunition belonged to him, claiming they were for self-defence and the protection of his property. However, he failed to provide legal authorisation for their possession. The suspect was taken into custody and transferred to Lang Suan Police Station for further legal proceedings. -- 2025-03-18

UPDATE Body Found Near Racha Yai Now Confirmed as Male The medical team at Vachira Phuket Hospital has confirmed on the afternoon of 17 March, that the body recovered from the sea near Racha Yai Island on 16 March is that of a male, contrary to initial reports that it had been a foreign female. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354825-body-of-foreign-woman-found-floating-in-sea-near-racha-island/#findComment-19665044

UPDATE Body Found Near Racha Yai Now Confirmed as Male Picture from responders. The medical team at Vachira Phuket Hospital has confirmed on the afternoon of 17 March, that the body recovered from the sea near Racha Yai Island on 16 March is that of a male, contrary to initial reports that it had been a foreign female. The body was discovered by lifeguards in the sea channel between Hae Island and Racha Island. Authorities initially struggled to determine the person’s identity due to the body’s poor condition and state of decomposition. However, forensic examination has since confirmed the gender, and investigators noted the presence of tattoos on both legs. At present, officials are conducting a thorough investigation to establish the cause of death. DNA testing is also underway to identify the individual. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward as they work to resolve the case. -- 2025-03-18

Pattaya Neighbours Rush to Help as Tumble Dryer Sparks Fire Residents of a housing estate in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, were left in shock when a tumble dryer caught fire, sending smoke billowing through the area. Neighbours rushed to assist in extinguishing the flames before emergency services arrived. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354941-pattaya-neighbours-rush-to-help-as-tumble-dryer-sparks-fire/

Picture from responders. Residents of a housing estate in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, were left in shock when a tumble dryer caught fire, sending smoke billowing through the area. Neighbours rushed to assist in extinguishing the flames before emergency services arrived. The incident occurred at 21:00 on 16 March at Ekmongkol 4 Village, Khao Talo Soi, Nong Prue subdistrict. Firefighters and rescue personnel from Pattaya City Disaster Prevention Unit and the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency responders found a two-storey house with smoke pouring from the ground floor. Residents of the estate were visibly shaken, with many having already attempted to douse the flames using water and fire extinguishers. The source of the fire was identified as a tumble dryer, which had been in use before it suddenly started to emitted smoke. The owner of the house reported that flames quickly spread from the appliance, but fortunately, alert neighbours responded to cries for help and managed to control the fire before it engulfed the home. Firefighters ventilated the house to clear the smoke and conducted an inspection. The tumble dryer was severely damaged, and some household items were also affected by the fire. Authorities suspect the cause to be an electrical short circuit within the appliance, but a thorough investigation will be conducted to confirm the exact reason for the incident. Officials praised the quick response of neighbours, which prevented further damage and ensured no injuries were reported. They also urged homeowners to regularly inspect electrical appliances to prevent similar occurrences in the future. -- 2025-03-18

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Dark Overpass as Residents Demand Streetlight Repairs A 28-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash on a poorly lit overpass in Pathum Thani, reigniting local frustration over the authorities’ failure to repair streetlights that have been out for years. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354940-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-on-dark-overpass-as-residents-demand-streetlight-repairs/

Picture from responders. A 28-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash on a poorly lit overpass in Pathum Thani, reigniting local frustration over the authorities’ failure to repair streetlights that have been out for years. The crash occurred at approximately 21:30 on 16 March on the Lat Lum Kaeo Ring Road Overpass heading towards the Nopphawong Intersection in Khu Bang Luang subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo district. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a black Honda Wave 125 motorcycle overturned, with the rider, identified as Anansak Phonmoh, 28, deceased at the scene. Local resident Preecha Kheawbamrung, a former assistant village head, revealed that the streetlights along the Pathum–Lat Lum Kaeo Road had been out for years, despite multiple complaints to the local highway department. “The entire stretch of road, including the overpass, is in complete darkness,” he said. “We’ve reported this issue many times, but no repairs have been made. The lack of visibility has led to frequent accidents, with both injuries and fatalities.” He added that streetlights along both sides of Highway 9 (Kanchanaphisek Road) had also been non-functional for a long time, making the area particularly dangerous for motorists, especially motorcyclists navigating junctions and merging lanes in the dark. The victim’s grieving wife arrived at the crash scene in tears. She explained that her husband worked as a maintenance technician for an automotive parts manufacturer in Lat Lum Kaeo. On the night of the crash, he had finished an overtime shift and returned home, only to realise he had left his mobile phone at work. He had set out on his motorcycle to retrieve it when the crash occurred. “I got a call from one of his colleagues telling me he had been in an accident,” she sobbed. “I never imagined this would be the last time I saw him.” Officers from Khu Bang Luang Police Station, along with experts from Lat Lum Kaeo Hospital, conducted an initial investigation at the scene. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to determine the exact cause of the crash. Authorities have transferred the victim’s body to the Forensic Science Institute at the Ministry of Justice, where it will be examined before being released to his family for funeral arrangements. Local residents are now renewing their calls for urgent streetlight repairs, fearing more lives will be lost if authorities continue to ignore their pleas. -- 2025-03-18

UPDATE Temporary Detour as Thai Footbridge Closed for Overhaul Following Safety Concerns Pictures courtesy of Khoasod. The pedestrian bridge at the Thai Sea Market has been closed following safety concerns, with a temporary detour in place for users. On the afternoon March 17, it was reported that the pedestrian bridge, previously positioned just one meter below the elevated road, forced users to crouch or bend to pass under. This resulted in widespread concern among commuters, especially after images of people crouching to cross were shared widely on social media. In response, authorities have now installed green tarpaulins to block off the low-clearance section of the bridge on both sides. A temporary detour, approximately five meters long and over two meters deep, has been established to allow pedestrians to walk through without the need to crouch. In the long term, the highway department confirmed that after the completion of the elevated road upgrades, a new, more accessible footbridge will be built. The new bridge will be made of metal, offering a thinner profile than the previous concrete structure. This will increase the clearance between the bridge and the elevated road, allowing for safer and more comfortable passage for pedestrians. The entry and exit points for the bridge will remain in the same positions on either side, and the height clearance for vehicles will remain unchanged. -- 2025-03-17

This is the clip being shown on Thai media.

Authorities have now finished a bypass walkway, as a temporary measure.