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Massive Fire Destroys Furniture Factory in Nonthaburi A raging fire tore through a furniture factory in Sai Noi district in the early hours of 15 March, causing an estimated 50 million baht in damages. Firefighters battled the flames for over five hours before managing to contain the inferno. Authorities are now investigating the cause, with an electrical short circuit suspected as the possible trigger. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354724-massive-fire-destroys-furniture-factory-in-nonthaburi/

Pictures from responders. A raging fire tore through a furniture factory in Sai Noi district in the early hours of 15 March, causing an estimated 50 million baht in damages. Firefighters battled the flames for over five hours before managing to contain the inferno. Authorities are now investigating the cause, with an electrical short circuit suspected as the possible trigger. The fire broke out at approximately 04:00, at the Ponsilp 889 Furniture Factory, located near Wat Seni Wong in Nong Phra Ngai subdistrict, Sai Noi district. The three-storey factory, covering nearly two rai of land, was filled with highly flammable materials such as wood and industrial adhesives, which fuelled the intense blaze. Emergency responders, including firefighters from multiple local municipalities, deployed multiple fire engines in an attempt to bring the flames under control. However, the sheer volume of combustible materials made their task extremely difficult. The fire raged for more than five hours, with firefighters reporting three loud explosions during the incident. The intense heat eventually caused the roof to collapse. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the factory was unoccupied at the time of the fire. However, the financial losses are substantial. The factory owner, Mr Kanin Tangman Ponsilp, 55, estimated the damage at 40-50 million baht, with over 10 million baht lost in machinery alone. “I still don’t know what caused the fire. I arrived at the factory just after 04:00 to find it engulfed in flames. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time. We always prioritise safety, and we even turn off the circuit breakers before leaving each night,” Mr Kanin said. He expressed deep regret over the incident, as customer orders that were due for collection later that day had been completely destroyed. Despite the devastating loss, he remained determined to rebuild the business, stating, “We must move forward. Money is just material; what matters is that no lives were lost.” Rescue worker Mr Pongpol Phutan Yong, who was among the first responders, described the scene: “When we arrived, the fire had already spread across the roof. We couldn’t determine the exact point of origin, but there were two or three explosions, and then the roof collapsed.” While authorities have yet to confirm the cause, an electrical short circuit is suspected. Forensic investigators will conduct a detailed examination of the site to determine the precise cause of the fire. -- 2025-03-16

Man Killed by Stray Cutter Blade in Rice Field A 57-year-old man was killed while working in a rice field when the blade of his grass cutter snapped and lodged in his thigh, severing a major artery. The fatal incident occurred on day before his birthday, as his children were travelling home to celebrate with him. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354723-man-killed-by-stray-cutter-blade-in-rice-field/

Pictures from responders. A 57-year-old man was killed while working in a rice field when the blade of his grass cutter snapped and lodged in his thigh, severing a major artery. The fatal incident occurred on day before his birthday, as his children were travelling home to celebrate with him. Police from Bang Pahan Station in Ayutthaya, along with medical personnel from Bang Pahan Hospital and rescue teams from the Ayutthaya Ruam Jai Foundation, responded to the incident after receiving a distress call. The victim, identified as Mr. Chetchai, 57, was found face down near the edge of a rice field in Bang Saothong subdistrict, Bang Pahan district. A broken blade from a grass-cutting machine was embedded in his left thigh, with significant blood loss at the scene. Nearby, his damaged grass cutter lay with a shattered blade. According to his grieving niece, Ms. Orawan, 42, the victim had left home around 16:00 on 14 March to trim weeds and rice stalks in preparation for fertilisation. When he failed to return, relatives began searching for him. After locating his parked motorcycle at the entrance to the field, family members ventured further in and made the devastating discovery. It is believed the blade severed a major artery, and with no one nearby to help, he bled to death at the scene. Adding to the heartbreak, 15 March was Mr. Chetchai’s birthday. His children, who live in another province, were en route to celebrate with him but arrived instead to find themselves preparing for his funeral. Police have recorded evidence, including the broken blade and grass cutter, and are treating the incident as a tragic accident. Recovery of the body was particularly difficult due to the remote location. With no vehicle access, rescuers had to carry the deceased over a kilometre along the narrow field paths. -- 2025-03-16

Multiple-Vehicle Collision on Mittraphap Bypass Injures 18 Passengers A road crash involving two double-decker passenger buses and a lorry occurred in the early hours of 15 March, on the Mittraphap Bypass, just before the entrance to the M6 motorway at kilometre marker 65 in Pak Chong district. The collision resulted in injuries to 18 people. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354722-multiple-vehicle-collision-on-mittraphap-bypass-injures-18-passengers/

Huai Kwang Police Arrest Four Chinese Nationals for Working Without Permits Picture courtesy of Workpoint Four Chinese nationals were arrested by Huai Kwang police for working illegally without the necessary permits at a construction site in Bangkok. The individuals, aged between 26 and 42, were caught working on the renovation of a restaurant in Soi Pracharat Bamphen 4, Din Daeng District, during the night of 14 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354721-huai-kwang-police-arrest-four-chinese-nationals-for-working-without-permits/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint Four Chinese nationals were arrested by Huai Kwang police for working illegally without the necessary permits at a construction site in Bangkok. The individuals, aged between 26 and 42, were caught working on the renovation of a restaurant in Soi Pracharat Bamphen 4, Din Daeng District, during the night of 14 March. The arrests were carried out under the supervision of Police Colonel Prasopchoke Iampinit, the Superintendent of Huaikwang Police Station, alongside his team, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Rujiphat Thiramonboon, the Deputy Superintendent of Investigations, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanaphat Suksawat, the Investigations Division Head. The arrested individuals were: 1. Mr. Fei Chaoan, aged 32 2. Mr. Fei Luzhong, aged 42 3. Mr. Zhang Long, aged 26 4. Mr. Xu Gong Bao, aged 40 All four suspects were charged under the Immigration Act for working without the appropriate work permits or beyond the scope of their allowed work. The police operation came after a tip-off from an informant, reporting the illegal employment of foreign workers at a construction site in the area. Upon inspection, authorities found a group of eight foreign workers, four of whom were Myanmar nationals, and the other four were Chinese nationals. While the Myanmar workers had the proper documentation, the Chinese nationals only possessed passports but lacked work permits. The four Chinese suspects admitted to working as construction workers, performing interior decoration tasks, and were paid 2,000 baht per day. After the arrests, the suspects were taken to Huai Kwang Police Station for further legal proceedings. The authorities have warned that strict enforcement of immigration laws will continue to ensure compliance and maintain lawful employment standards in the country. -- 2025-03-16

Picture from responders. A road crash involving two double-decker passenger buses and a lorry occurred in the early hours of 15 March, on the Mittraphap Bypass, just before the entrance to the M6 motorway at kilometre marker 65 in Pak Chong district. The collision resulted in injuries to 18 people. According to initial investigations, the collision took place when a Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima double-decker bus collided with the rear of another bus operating on the Bangkok–Khon Kaen route. The force of the impact pushed the front bus forward into a lorry travelling ahead of them. At the time of the crash, there were 48 passengers and drivers on board the buses. Among them, 18 people sustained injuries, with 17 suffering minor wounds and one person sustaining moderate injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities or severe injuries were reported. Emergency responders from the Sawang Witthaya Pak Chong Foundation, along with officers from Nong Sarai Police Station, quickly arrived at the scene. Medical teams provided first aid before transporting the injured passengers to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including potential driver error, vehicle conditions, and road factors. Legal proceedings related to the incident are also under review. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-speed travel on Thailand’s busy highways, particularly on major interprovincial bus routes. -- 2025-03-16

Drunk Driver Causes Multiple-Vehicle Collision in Pattaya A 56-year-old woman, heavily intoxicated, was involved in an early morning collision on March 15, that damaged several vehicles and left one person injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354720-drunk-driver-causes-multiple-vehicle-collision-in-pattaya/

Drowning During Live Stream as Worker Dies While Searching for Shellfish An incident occurred on March 14, when a 24-year-old man drowned while searching for shellfish with work colleagues, in the Si Suk Canal, Samut Songkhram province. The incident was captured live on TikTok by one of the workers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354719-drowning-during-live-stream-as-worker-dies-while-searching-for-shellfish/

Coyote Girl, 23, Arrested at Sakaeo Checkpoint for Smuggling Ketamine A 23-year-old woman, identified as Arisa, was arrested by military and police officers at a checkpoint in Khlong Luek, Sakaeo province, on March 14. She was caught smuggling ketamine, a Class 2 narcotic, from the Cambodian border town of Poipet into Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354718-coyote-girl-23-arrested-at-sakaeo-checkpoint-for-smuggling-ketamine/

Picture from responders. A 56-year-old woman, heavily intoxicated, was involved in an early morning collision on March 15, that damaged several vehicles and left one person injured. The incident occurred at 00:10 near the market junction of “Phu Yai Kui” within Soi Nen Phlapwan, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jeerasak Aepfaeng, of the Nong Prue Police Station, responded to the scene, along with local rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Foundation. At the scene, officers found a blue Jeep overturned on its side. The driver, identified as Kaikaew Kroblee, 56, appeared to be heavily intoxicated. In addition to the overturned Jeep, three motorcycles parked on the side of the road were also damaged, and a black Toyota Vigo pickup truck with license plate number from Chonburi was also hit. Kaikaew, who was still visibly intoxicated, stated that she had been drinking at a friend’s house before heading home. She claimed that while driving, she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the parked cars at the side of the road. Witnesses confirmed that the car had veered off the road before striking the stationary vehicles. Police officers documented the scene with photographs as evidence and took Kaikaew into custody. She was tested for alcohol levels, and legal proceedings are expected to follow. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash and potential charges against the driver. -- 2025-03-16

Suvarnabhumi Airport Secures Second Place in DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 Picture courtesy of AOT Suvarnabhumi Airport, operated by Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), has been ranked as the second-best airport in the 2025 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354717-suvarnabhumi-airport-secures-second-place-in-destinasian-readers’-choice-awards-2025/

Former Phuket MP Urges Investigation into ‘Nominee’ Businesses Exploiting Legal Loopholes Picture courtesy of Matichon. Former Member of Parliament for Phuket, Suttha Prateep Na Thalang, has called for a thorough investigation into the use of ‘nominee’ arrangements by foreigners to conduct illegal businesses in the province. He has also suggested reducing the free visa period to 30 days in order to close legal loopholes and prevent foreigners from competing with local Thai workers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354715-former-phuket-mp-urges-investigation-into-‘nominee’-businesses-exploiting-legal-loopholes/

Bomb Attack Targets Military Vehicle Near Talu Boh Bridge in Pattani Picture courtesy of Matichon. A military patrol vehicle was the target of a bomb attack near the Talu Boh Bridge in Pattani province on 15 March, according to security sources. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354714-bomb-attack-targets-military-vehicle-near-talu-boh-bridge-in-pattani/

Picture of arrest. A 23-year-old woman, identified as Arisa, was arrested by military and police officers at a checkpoint in Khlong Luek, Sakaeo province, on March 14. She was caught smuggling ketamine, a Class 2 narcotic, from the Cambodian border town of Poipet into Thailand. Arisa, a resident of Dan Sai district in Loei province, had been working as a coyote girl, at a nightclub called “Check-In” in Poipet since March 8. She had been employed for six days, earning 800 baht per day. On March 13, Arisa purchased ketamine from a colleague at the club for 2,800 baht, intending to use the drug herself. On the afternoon of March 14, Arisa attempted to return to her residence in the Ram Inthra area of Bangkok and crossed back into Thailand with the drugs hidden in her black handbag. During the search, officers discovered the ketamine, and Arisa admitted that the drugs were hers. The arrest took place at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet, Sakaeo, where officers found approximately 0.632 grams of powdered ketamine and 2.172 grams of ketamine crystals, both stored in small plastic bags. Additional items seized included a black handbag, plastic bags, drug paraphernalia, and a urine sample bottle, which tested positive for ketamine. Arisa was taken into custody and transported to the Khlong Luek Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. She faces charges of possessing and using illegal drugs. -- 2025-03-16

Picture from responders. An incident occurred on March 14, when a 24-year-old man drowned while searching for shellfish with work colleagues, in the Si Suk Canal, Samut Songkhram province. The incident was captured live on TikTok by one of the workers. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanathip Ongkhleub, Deputy Investigator of Muang Samut Songkhram Police Station, the officers were notified of the drowning incident after it was discovered on review of the live stream. The police then coordinated with a local rescue team to search the canal. Rescue divers were dispatched to search the canal, which is approximately 3 meters deep and has strong currents. After about five minutes, they recovered the body of Supachip, a 24-year-old from Samut Sakhon. The body was found lying at the bottom of the canal, and was later transported to Somdet Phra Phutthalertla Hospital for an initial examination. Anusorn a 32-year-old worker who was live streaming, explained that Supachip had been working as a construction worker in Samut Songkhram. On the day of the incident, Anusorn invited six of his colleagues, including Supachip, to go shellfish hunting after a shift change. He set up the live stream as they searched for shellfish, and the group spent approximately two hours in the water. Upon returning to the shore, Anusorn reviewed the live feed and was shocked to find when he replayed the footage, he discovered that Supachip had vanished and drowned. He immediately contacted authorities. Initial investigations suggest that Supachip, who could not swim well, may have been swept away by the strong current while searching for shellfish in the area. At the time of the incident, the tide was rising, which may have contributed to the drowning. Authorities are now working to contact Supachip’s family in Samut Sakhon and plan to send the body for further investigation at the Rajburi Hospital’s forensic department to determine the exact cause of death. -- 2025-03-16

Teenager Killed in Fatal Attack During Failed Mediation in Nakhon Pathom Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 15-year-old boy was killed in a knife attack during a violent confrontation between two rival groups in Mueang district, Nakhon Pathom, late on the night of 14 March. The attack also left two 16-year-olds injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354713-teenager-killed-in-fatal-attack-during-failed-mediation-in-nakhon-pathom/

Woman Climbs Pole in Saraburi Provincial Hall in Protest Against Workplace Harassment A female government official staged a dramatic protest by climbing a 50-metre-high pole inside Saraburi Provincial Hall, claiming she had been subjected to workplace harassment and pressure from senior officials. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354712-woman-climbs-pole-in-saraburi-provincial-hall-in-protest-against-workplace-harassment/

Man Shot Dead on Way to Rubber Plantation in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 52-year-old rubber farmer was gunned down while riding his motorcycle to work early in the morning. Police believe the murder may have been linked to a personal dispute, as the victim was known for his outspoken nature. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354710-man-shot-dead-on-way-to-rubber-plantation-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture courtesy of AOT Suvarnabhumi Airport, operated by Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), has been ranked as the second-best airport in the 2025 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious recognition is based on votes from readers of DestinAsian, a leading travel magazine in the Asia-Pacific region, which highlights high-quality travel experiences. The awards are determined by factors including service quality, safety, and overall passenger satisfaction, reflecting the airport’s commitment to enhancing facilities and services to meet the needs of travellers worldwide. This year marks the 18th edition of the awards, which celebrate excellence in the tourism industry, including categories such as airports, hotels, destinations, and cruise businesses. AOT has continually worked to improve Suvarnabhumi Airport, elevating the travel experience with greater convenience, safety, and modern amenities. The ranking affirms Suvarnabhumi’s growing role as a world-class aviation hub, with AOT dedicated to expanding its capabilities and services for global connectivity. https://destinasian.com/readers-choice-awards/2025-winners/best-airports -- 2025-03-16

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Former Member of Parliament for Phuket, Suttha Prateep Na Thalang, has called for a thorough investigation into the use of ‘nominee’ arrangements by foreigners to conduct illegal businesses in the province. He has also suggested reducing the free visa period to 30 days in order to close legal loopholes and prevent foreigners from competing with local Thai workers. The call follows recent allegations posted on social media by a former Finance Minister, accusing Phuket police officers of accepting bribes from foreign tourists, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht, to avoid legal action. Suttha emphasised that both the officers accepting bribes and the tourists offering them were committing criminal acts. In addition to this issue, Suttha expressed concerns about foreigners using loopholes in the law to take away jobs from Thai citizens. He noted that some foreigners were opening shops, companies, and car rental businesses in the province using Thai ‘nominees’ to hold shares on their behalf. He has called on the Department of Business Development to enforce stricter controls on business registrations to prevent such practices. Suttha also urged tourism-related organisations, such as the local Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Business Association, to take a stand on the matter and not allow the issue to continue unchecked. Furthermore, he criticised the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for failing to address long-standing corruption cases in Phuket, some of which have been unresolved for decades, leaving many offenders unpunished due to their advancing age. He also voiced concerns about the policy of allowing a 60-day free visa for foreign tourists, suggesting that this could provide a window for some to engage in illegal businesses. Since most tourists typically stay for only up to 21 days, he argued that extending the visa period to 60 days has made it easier for foreigners to overstay and continue their business operations without legal repercussions. Suttha also raised the issue of foreign tourists renting large-engine motorcycles, particularly those with engines ranging from 350cc to over 1,000cc. He pointed out that Phuket’s roads are not designed to accommodate such large vehicles, leading to frequent crashes. In response, Suttha has proposed limiting the engine size for rental motorcycles to no more than 160cc for safety reasons and to protect local businesses from being overtaken by foreign competitors. He noted that foreign tourists, particularly from countries like France and Russia, are increasingly renting high-priced motorcycles, which are beyond the investment capabilities of most Thai nationals. Suttha concluded with the following demands: 1. An investigation into foreign-owned businesses and ‘nominee’ arrangements in Phuket, with stricter enforcement by the Department of Business Development and related authorities. 2. A reduction of the free visa period to 30 days to limit opportunities for foreigners to exploit legal loopholes for illegal business activities. 3. The introduction of measures to regulate the rental of large motorcycles in tourist areas to reduce accidents and protect Thai businesses. “Action must be taken swiftly to address these issues before Thai businesses in Phuket are overwhelmed by foreign competitors,” Suttha stressed. -- 2025-03-16

Pickup Truck Crashes into Tanker in Kamphaeng Phet, Driver Seriously Injured A 55-year-old pickup truck driver was left in critical condition after his vehicle crashed into an 18-wheeler oil tanker in Khlong Khlung district, Kamphaeng Phet. Emergency teams worked against the clock to free him from the wreckage before rushing him to hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354709-pickup-truck-crashes-into-tanker-in-kamphaeng-phet-driver-seriously-injured/

Jealous Programmer Shoots Ex-Girlfriend Dead After Rejection A 41-year-old woman was shot dead inside her car in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok after rejecting a plea from her gambling-addicted ex-boyfriend to reconcile and move back in with him. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354708-jealous-programmer-shoots-ex-girlfriend-dead-after-rejection/

Man Dies After Pickup Truck Plunges into Canal in Pathum Thani A 19-year-old man lost his life after his pickup truck veered off the road and plunged into a canal in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, in the early hours of the morning of 15 March. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354706-man-dies-after-pickup-truck-plunges-into-canal-in-pathum-thani/