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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 8 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Dump Truck Overturns, Killing 53-Year-Old Driver on Sattahip Golf Course Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 53-year-old man lost his life when a small four-wheeled dump truck loaded with sand overturned and crushed him at a golf course in Sattahip late morning on 7 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360065-dump-truck-overturns-killing-53-year-old-driver-on-sattahip-golf-course/ -
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 53-year-old man lost his life when a small four-wheeled dump truck loaded with sand overturned and crushed him at a golf course in Sattahip late morning on 7 May. The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 within the grounds of a golf course in the Plutaluang subdistrict, according to Police Lieutenant Ratchawut Sapsiri, an investigating officer from Plutaluang Police Station. Emergency responders, including medical personnel from Sattahip Km.10 Hospital and the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Rescue Foundation, rushed to the scene following the emergency call. The crash site was a steep, concrete-paved incline. There, responders found the dump truck flipped over, having landed directly on top of the driver, Mr. Samphan. Staff at the golf course quickly brought in a JCB backhoe to lift the vehicle and free the victim, who was immediately given CPR. Despite efforts lasting more than 20 minutes, medical personnel pronounced Mr. Samphan dead at the scene. He had suffered a severe, fatal head injury, with a large wound on the left temple from the heavy impact and being crushed. Initial reports indicate that the victim had been transporting sand in the dump truck for golf course maintenance when the vehicle lost balance on the downhill slope. The heavy front load caused it to overturn forward, resulting in the fatal accident. Police have documented the scene and are currently interviewing witnesses to ascertain the full circumstances of the incident. Mr. Samphan’s body has been sent to Sattahip Km.10 Hospital for autopsy. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 8 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Pickup Crashes into Concrete Barrier in Unlit Roadworks Zone, Collides with Passenger Van Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A serious road crash in the early hours of the morning of 7 May, has left more than a dozen people injured after a pickup truck slammed into a concrete barrier and collided head-on with a passenger van on Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360064-pickup-crashes-into-concrete-barrier-in-unlit-roadworks-zone-collides-with-passenger-van/ -
Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A serious road crash in the early hours of the morning of 7 May, has left more than a dozen people injured after a pickup truck slammed into a concrete barrier and collided head-on with a passenger van on Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon province. According to police reports from Pol Sub-Lt. Wimon Kaewchu of the Chumphon Highway Police, the incident occurred in Moo 1, Khun Krathing subdistrict, Mueang District, at a location where ongoing roadworks had forced vehicles travelling southbound to use a special contraflow lane on the northbound carriageway. Concrete barriers had been placed to divide the temporary lanes, but crucially, there were no warning lights installed along the work zone. Eyewitnesses and rescue workers at the scene reported that a Toyota pickup truck, registered in Bangkok, appeared to be unaware of the barrier in the darkened area and ploughed directly into it. The impact sent the barrier flying before the vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Toyota passenger van operating as a non-scheduled hire vehicle registered in Pattani. The pickup truck, carrying three people, sustained frontal damage. The driver, identified as Mr Montree and two passengers, Ms Phana and Mr Chanchai, were all injured and transported to Chumphon Hospital. The van, carrying 12 Cambodian nationals, was en route from Sa Kaeo province to Songkhla. The driver, Mr Hibraoheng 49, became trapped behind the wheel following the collision. Rescue personnel used hydraulic cutting tools to extract him, and he was rushed to hospital with a severely injured right leg. The passengers also sustained varying degrees of injury. Mr Suriya, 44, a local rescue volunteer who lives nearby, was among the first on the scene. He confirmed that the location had seen more than 10 similar incidents since repairs began. He criticised the lack of adequate lighting and warning signals along the makeshift contraflow route, stating that only minimal lighting had been placed at the start and end of the section. One eyewitness riding a motorcycle behind the van reported seeing the pickup truck coming from the opposite direction and failing to notice the barrier before the collision occurred. The witness added that road set up and lack of visibility likely contributed to the crash. Authorities from the Chumphon Highway Police said they would file a report with the local Department of Highways office, urging immediate action to install adequate warning lights and signage in the construction zone to prevent further accidents. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in this latest incident. A full investigation into the precise cause of the crash is now underway. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 8 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Family Feud Turns Deadly: Man Fatally Shot by Uncle in Trang Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A long-standing family dispute ended with a 65-year-old man fatally shooting his nephew following a heated argument in the Na Mueang Phet subdistrict of Sikao District, Trang Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360062-family-feud-turns-deadly-man-fatally-shot-by-uncle-in-trang/ -
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A long-standing family dispute ended with a 65-year-old man fatally shooting his nephew following a heated argument in the Na Mueang Phet subdistrict of Sikao District, Trang Province. Police were alerted to the incident in Village 6, Ban Thap Makham. The victim, Mr Saksri Phengsuksri, aged 51, was rushed to Trang Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite emergency medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Colonel Theerapat Piyathaworn, superintendent of Sikao Police Station, ordered an immediate investigation, with forensics and rescue teams dispatched to the scene. Evidence of the shooting, including three pools of diluted blood, was found on the road outside the victim’s residence. The suspected shooter, Mr Sengiam, a close relative and the uncle of the deceased, had already fled. A post-mortem revealed the victim had been shot with a .38 calibre revolver. The bullet entered the left side of his chest and became lodged inside his body. The body has been sent for further examination at Songklanagarind Hospital in Hat Yai, Songkhla. Investigations revealed that the suspect and victim had been at odds for years over various disputes, notably a six-figure debt which the victim had failed to repay. The situation escalated when the victim allegedly rebuked a younger relative for revving a loud motorcycle near his house. The teenager reported the incident to his grandfather, who is also the uncle of the victim. Later that day, the victim reportedly followed the teenager to his grandfather’s home to continue the argument. The uncle, incensed by the confrontation and long-standing resentment, retrieved a revolver and shot Mr Saksri at close range. In the aftermath, the suspect, accompanied by his son and grandson, transported the wounded victim in a pickup truck towards the hospital. During the journey, they allowed the shooter to escape by dropping him off near a resort, where he attempted to hide. Police traced the victim’s relatives to Trang Hospital, where the grandson was found in tears. Upon questioning, he revealed the full details of the incident, which led officers to the suspect’s hideout at a resort in Na Mueang Phet. Initially evasive, the suspect eventually confessed to the killing. He later surrendered the murder weapon, a .38 revolver which he had given to his daughter to hide in a rubber plantation hut behind the family home. Mr Sengiam now faces multiple charges, including murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public without a licence, and discharging a firearm in a residential area without cause. He has been remanded into custody at Sikao Police Station for further legal proceedings. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08.
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Community Anthrax Death Reported in Mukdahan Province
Georgealbert replied to Georgealbert's topic in Isaan News
Anthrax Control Centre to Open in Mukdahan After Local Death -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Australian Tourist Rescued After Near-Drowning Off Racha Yai Island Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta A 22-year-old Australian tourist was rushed to Chalong Hospital in Phuket on 6 May, after a near-drowning incident while swimming off the coast of Racha Yai Island. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359985-australian-tourist-rescued-after-near-drowning-off-racha-yai-island/ -
Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta A 22-year-old Australian tourist was rushed to Chalong Hospital in Phuket on 6 May, after a near-drowning incident while swimming off the coast of Racha Yai Island. According to local authorities, the alarm was raised at 14:30, when an emergency call was received from the captain of the Marinda 2, a vessel that had taken a group of young men on a fishing excursion in the waters south of Phuket. The captain reported that one of the passengers had experienced difficulty in the water and appeared to be drowning. The young man, whose name has not been released, was pulled from the sea and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) onboard the boat. Thanks to the swift response of those present and emergency personnel who reached the boat on a rescue craft, he was successfully resuscitated and transported to Chalong Hospital by rescue services. He was reported to be conscious upon admission. Officials have confirmed the incident but declined to release further details regarding the tourist’s current condition or the circumstances that led to the near-drowning. Local authorities are expected to review the incident as part of standard procedure, but no official statement regarding an investigation has been issued at this time. Adapted by Asean Now from Phuketinsta 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
UPDATE Australian Tourist Jailed in Phuket for Dangerous Motorcycle Stunt An Australian tourist has been sentenced to 15 days in prison by a Phuket court after performing dangerous motorcycle stunts on public roads. The court imposed the jail term without the possibility of suspension or the option to pay a fine, citing the serious risk posed to other road users. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359200-aussie-tourist-arrested-for-reckless-stunts-on-phuket-road/page/3/#findComment-19784586 -
Report Aussie Tourist Arrested for Reckless Stunts on Phuket Road
Georgealbert replied to snoop1130's topic in Phuket News
UPDATE Australian Tourist Jailed in Phuket for Dangerous Motorcycle Stunt Picture courtesy of Phuket Police. An Australian tourist has been sentenced to 15 days in prison by a Phuket court after performing dangerous motorcycle stunts on public roads. The court imposed the jail term without the possibility of suspension or the option to pay a fine, citing the serious risk posed to other road users. The tourist, was caught riding a motorcycle and doing a “wheelie” , on a public road in the Chalong area. The stunt, which reportedly caused disruption and posed a significant threat to motorists and pedestrians, was observed by police officers and possibly captured on video. Chalong Police quickly intervened, detaining the individual and formally referring the case to the provincial court. Prosecutors argued that the tourist’s actions demonstrated blatant disregard for public safety and traffic laws. The court agreed, ruling that the act was not only reckless but also set a dangerous example, particularly in a popular tourist destination like Phuket where traffic-related injuries are a growing concern. As a result, the court imposed a custodial sentence without leniency, no suspended sentence and no fine in lieu of jail time. Adapted by Asean Now from Phuketinsta 2025-05-07. -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Three Seriously Injured in Motorway Crash as Pickup Slams into Lorry Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Three people were left trapped and seriously injured after a pickup truck crashedinto the rear of a lorry on a motorway 7, near Pattaya on the night of 6 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359983-three-seriously-injured-in-motorway-crash-as-pickup-slams-into-lorry/ -
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Three people were left trapped and seriously injured after a pickup truck crashed into the rear of a lorry on a motorway 7, near Pattaya on the night of 6 May. The crash occurred at approximately 22.30, on the inbound lanes of the motorway to Pattaya, at kilometre marker 80-400 in Nong Khang Khok, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. Emergency responders from the Trai Khunatham Foundation rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a serious collision. They discovered a white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, registration from Bangkok, with its front end completely mangled from the impact. The driver, identified as Mr. Nopparat, was found trapped behind the wheel, crushed by the wreckage. Two other passengers, Mr. Noppadon and Mr. Yot, were also injured and pinned inside the vehicle. Rescue teams were forced to use hydraulic cutting tools to free all three victims before administering first aid and rushing them to a nearby hospital. The other vehicle involved was a white Hino lorry, registration from Chachoengsao, which had been parked on the roadside. The rear-right section of the lorry was damaged from the impact. Initial investigations suggest that the pickup truck was travelling from Phan Thong District back to Pattaya when it lost control and slammed into the back of the stationary lorry at high speed. Authorities are continuing their investigation and legal proceedings are expected to follow. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Drunk Police Officer Crashes Patrol Pickup Into Woman’s Motorcycle and Flees Scene Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A police officer in Chachoengsao province is facing legal action after allegedly driving a patrol vehicle under the influence of alcohol, crashing into a local woman’s motorcycle outside her home, and fleeing the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359982-drunk-police-officer-crashes-patrol-pickup-into-woman’s-motorcycle-and-flees-scene/ -
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A police officer in Chachoengsao province is facing legal action after allegedly driving a patrol vehicle under the influence of alcohol, crashing into a local woman’s motorcycle outside her home, and fleeing the scene. The incident occurred in the evening of 5 May in the village of Ban Tha Thong Dam, Moo 15, Thung Praya subdistrict, Sanam Chai Khet district. According to reports, Pol. Sub-Lt. Sakdisit, deputy inspector of Wang Khu Police Station, was on duty when he collided with a parked Honda motorcycle with a sidecar, injuring 48-year-old Ms. Sureenipha Jamnork. The crash took place directly in front of the victim’s residence. Residents said the officer drove away without stopping to assist, prompting a flurry of criticism after CCTV footage of the collision circulated online. Pol. Maj. Gen. Kriengkrai Boonsorn, Commander of Chachoengsao Provincial Police, visited the injured woman at Phutthasothon Hospital on 6 May and instructed investigators to handle the case with full transparency. He ordered that all evidence be collected thoroughly and that legal proceedings be initiated against the officer involved. Pol. Col. Phuwadol Phisutniraset, superintendent of Wang Khu Police Station, confirmed that officers arrived at the scene around 20:50 on the night of the crash. By the time they arrived, the injured woman had already been taken to hospital by a Good Samaritan. The scene showed clear signs of a high-impact crash, with the motorcycle overturned and parts of the police vehicle’s grille scattered nearby. At approximately 22:30 the same evening, Pol. Sub-Lt. Sakdisit turned himself in at the station. A breathalyser test revealed a blood alcohol content over the legal limit. He was subsequently charged with reckless driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in damage to property and physical harm to another person. The case has sparked public outcry and calls for accountability, especially given the officer’s failure to render assistance and the fact that he was on duty in a state of intoxication. Authorities have pledged to proceed with legal action to ensure justice is served. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Yala Police Officer Under Investigation for Live-Streaming Suicide Picture courtesy of Amarin. Authorities have launched an official investigation after a police officer, disguised as a delivery rider, live-streamed a suicide outside Yala Regional Hospital, sparking widespread public outrage. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359981-yala-police-officer-under-investigation-for-live-streaming-suicide/ -
Picture courtesy of Amarin. Authorities have launched an official investigation after a police officer, disguised as a delivery rider, live-streamed a suicide outside Yala Regional Hospital, sparking widespread public outrage. The incident took place on 4 May, when a psychiatric patient jumped to his death from the 10th floor of the hospital building. While the community mourned the shocking loss, social media was abuzz with criticism of a Facebook live broadcast that many found deeply insensitive. In the video, a man dressed as a food delivery rider filmed the scene, turning his camera towards the building while making light-hearted remarks to viewers. He joked about whether the person would “take flight” and encouraged viewers nearby to participate in a bizarre activity, retrieving a bottle of green tea placed in front of the live-stream camera. The stream also featured selfie moments with onlookers. Public anger intensified after internet users discovered that the individual behind the live broadcast was not an ordinary rider but a serving police officer attached to the Yala Provincial Special Operations Unit. Several prominent online platforms called for an investigation into the officer’s conduct and questioned whether such behaviour was befitting a member of the police force. In response, Pol. Col. Pornchai Kueamang, the commanding officer of the Special Operations Unit, issued an official statement on 5 May confirming the man’s identity as a police officer. The statement acknowledged that the livestream showed inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour during a sensitive and tragic incident. “A preliminary inquiry has confirmed that the individual in question is indeed a police officer under our command,” the statement read. “We have established a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter. Should any misconduct be proven, disciplinary and legal actions will be taken in accordance with our authority.” The statement concluded with an apology to the family of the deceased and to the public: “We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and sincerely apologise for the actions of our officer, which have caused distress to the people of Yala.” Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359844-mentally-ill-man-jumps-to-his-death-from-hospital-after-two-hour-negotiation-fails/ Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thai Military Clarifies ‘Mystery Aircraft’ Sighting Over Kanchanaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A mysterious aircraft spotted flying over Kanchanaburi province on Monday caused alarm among local residents, prompting swift clarification from the Thai military. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359980-thai-military-clarifies-‘mystery-aircraft’-sighting-over-kanchanaburi/ -
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A mysterious aircraft spotted flying over Kanchanaburi province on Monday caused alarm among local residents, prompting swift clarification from the Thai military. The unidentified flying object, which led to widespread speculation and concern on social media, was confirmed to be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by Thailand’s own Armed Forces. A military source confirmed that the UAV in question belongs to the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Department of Military Mapping. The specific model identified was the VTOL SUD 60, a vertical take-off and landing drone. The aircraft was conducting an authorised aerial mapping operation in Sangkhla Buri District, part of a mission to capture 2D and 3D topographical imagery for cartographic and terrain analysis purposes. The operation was scheduled to take place between 08:00 and 18:00 hrs. The VTOL SUD 60 is designed to operate in remote areas without the need for a runway, making it ideal for such missions. The military strongly emphasised that the UAV was not of foreign origin and had no connection to neighbouring countries. Authorities are urging the public not to be alarmed, and to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding aerial activities carried out by official agencies. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Man Found Dead in Canal After Disappearance Following Concert in Lopburi Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A fatal end has been confirmed in the case of a missing man, 21-year-old Natithorn, known to friends and family as “Job”, who vanished after attending a rock concert in Lopburi. His body was discovered on 6 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359979-man-found-dead-in-canal-after-disappearance-following-concert-in-lopburi/ -
Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A fatal end has been confirmed in the case of a missing man, 21-year-old Natithorn, known to friends and family as “Job”, who vanished after attending a rock concert in Lopburi. His body was discovered on 6 May. Natithorn, a resident of Khok Yai Subdistrict in Ban Mo District, Saraburi, left his house on the evening of 3 May to watch a live performance by the band Cocktail outside a department store in Lopburi. He was last seen driving a blue, four-door Ford pickup truck. When he failed to return and could not be contacted, his relatives filed a missing person report at Ban Mo Police Station on the afternoon of 4 May. Investigators began checking CCTV footage along his presumed route home. Cameras at the Ban Klap Bridge intersection in Nong Don District captured Natithorn’s vehicle at 23:21 on 3 May, travelling along the Chai Nat–Pa Sak irrigation canal road toward Ban Mo. Overnight, family members and rescue workers scoured the area, fearing the vehicle may have plunged into the canal. On the morning of 6 May, police received a tip from a local resident who noticed tyre marks leading into the canal in Ban Pong village, Nong Don. A rescue team, including divers, was dispatched and located the submerged vehicle in the Chai Nat–Pa Sak Canal at a depth of about seven metres. The driver’s side window was fully lowered, and the right front window was shattered, but Natithorn was not inside. Shortly after, a body matching his description was found floating near the Rerng Rang watergate in Sra Song Subdistrict, Ban Mo, approximately eight kilometres from where the vehicle was found. Rescue workers retrieved the body, which showed no visible signs of injury. Family members later confirmed the identity as Natithorn. According to “New”, 35, the leader of the “Pla Taphian Band” where Natithorn played keyboard, the young man had only recently left monkhood on 2 May, just a day before the concert. It is also believed that he could not Adapted by Asean Now from Komchadluek 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Durian Orchard Dispute Turns Deadly as Man Shot After Cutting Down Trees Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A late-night confrontation in a durian orchard ended with a man being fatally shot by an unidentified gunman. The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 May in the village of Klai, Tha Sala district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359978-durian-orchard-dispute-turns-deadly-as-man-shot-after-cutting-down-trees/ -
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A late-night confrontation in a durian orchard ended with a man being fatally shot by an unidentified gunman. The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 May in the village of Klai, Tha Sala district. Police were alerted at approximately 00.30. Upon arrival, officers from Tha Sala Police Station, forensic investigators, a hospital medical team, and a local rescue foundation found the lifeless body of 47-year-old Mr. Somchai lying in a pool of blood among felled durian trees. He had sustained multiple shotgun wounds to the torso and right hip, as well as a suspected stab wound to his left ribcage. A 2-foot-long palm-cutting knife was discovered under the body. Two durian trees, aged around 4 to 5 years, had been freshly chopped down at the scene. Investigations revealed that Mr. Somchai had entered the orchard, which belongs to his estranged wife, with whom he had jointly invested in durian cultivation over several years. He reportedly cut down two trees and was in the process of felling a third when he was shot at close range. The assailant, believed to be someone known to the victim, fled the scene under cover of darkness. According to police, the couple had a history of disputes, including recent arguments involving the wife’s relatives. Mr. Somchai’s younger brother told investigators that if anything happened to Somchai, it would likely be linked to the wife’s side of the family. This testimony is now part of the case file. Authorities have stated that they are aware of key background information that may explain the motive behind the killing. Nine individuals, including the deceased’s wife and several of her relatives, will be summoned for questioning. Forensic teams are collecting gunpowder residue and other evidence to determine the identity of the shooter. The case remains under active investigation as police pursue leads to bring the perpetrator to justice. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025
Georgealbert replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Brazilian Duo Arrested for Smuggling Cocaine Worth Over 22 Million Baht at Suvarnabhumi Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Two Brazilian nationals have been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officials discovered over seven kilograms of cocaine concealed in their luggage, with an estimated street value exceeding 22 million baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359977-brazilian-duo-arrested-for-smuggling-cocaine-worth-over-22-million-baht-at-suvarnabhumi/ -
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Two Brazilian nationals have been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officials discovered over seven kilograms of cocaine concealed in their luggage, with an estimated street value exceeding 22 million baht. The arrests, confirmed by Phanthong Loykulnanta, Advisor on Revenue Development and Administration and spokesperson for the Customs Department, form part of a wider crackdown on drug trafficking spearheaded by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The initiative is supported by Deputy Prime Minister Phichai Chunhavachira and Deputy Finance Minister Julphan Amornvivat. Acting on intelligence gathered by the Customs Department’s Investigation and Suppression Division in collaboration with the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), which includes the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, authorities identified two high-risk passengers en route from Salvador International Airport in Brazil. The pair had transited through Paris Charles de Gaulle and arrived in Bangkok aboard an Air France flight. Customs officials stationed near baggage carousel 18 observed the suspects, a 26-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man, who proceeded through the airport’s green channel in Zone B of the international arrivals area, indicating they had no goods to declare. Officers approached the pair, presented their credentials, and requested to inspect their passports and luggage. An X-ray scan of the suitcases revealed unusual anomalies within the lining and base of both bags. A subsequent manual search uncovered black carbon paper-wrapped packages filled with a white powdery substance inside clear plastic wrapping. A field test using cobalt thiocyanate reagent confirmed the substance to be cocaine, turning blue upon contact. In total, 7.4 kilograms of cocaine were seized. The suspects have been charged with the illegal importation and possession of a Category 2 narcotic under Thailand’s Narcotic Code. Additional charges under Sections 242 and 252 of the 2017 Customs Act and other relevant legislation are also being pursued. The Customs Department reiterated its commitment to protecting Thai society from the dangers of drug trafficking. Between 1 October 2024 and 6 May 2025, officials have made 140 drug-related arrests, with seizures valued at a total of 800 million baht. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.