Four heirs donate 107,000 sq m of prime land worth 1bn baht for Warin Chamrap hospital expansion

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4 May 2026, 12:30

UBON RATCHATHANI — Four heirs of the Smitthaman family have pledged to donate nearly 67 rai (about 107,000 square metres) of land in central Warin Chamrap, valued at around 1 billion baht, to support the expansion of medical services at Warin Chamrap Hospital.

According to a Facebook post by Warin Chamrap Hospital, the hospital’s director, Piyawat Angkawanich, along with executives, doctors, nurses and staff, formally received a letter of intent for the land donation on 27 April.

The land, measuring approximately 66 rai, 3 ngan and 7.4 square wah (around 107,000 sq m), is located in Kham Nam Saep subdistrict. It is being donated by the heirs of the late Lt. Pin Smitthaman and Mrs. Wichian Smitthaman — namely Prapit, Narumon, Laddawan and Kannika Smitthaman.

The donated plot will be used for medical purposes, including the development of a new medical centre aimed at supporting growing demand for healthcare services in the area.

Piyawat, speaking on behalf of the hospital and local residents, expressed gratitude for what he described as a significant act of generosity by the Smitthaman family. He said the land would serve as a key foundation for easing congestion at existing facilities and enhancing the hospital’s capacity to provide more comprehensive and efficient care.

The plot is situated in a central area of Warin Chamrap district and is considered highly valuable due to its location, with an estimated worth of around 1 billion baht.

Riverside home collapses into Bang Pakong River

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3 May 2026, 18:01

Riverside home collapses into Bang Pakong River

CHACHOENGSAO — 3 May 2026, A house and motorcycle repair shop collapsed into the Bang Pakong River after a riverside embankment gave way near a temple, with the dramatic incident captured on video by local residents.

The collapse occurred at about 15:20 on 3 May in front of Wat Saichon Na Rangsi (Wat Laem Bon) in Ban Mai subdistrict, Muang district, rescue officials said.

Rescue workers arriving at the scene found the property, registered as house No. 41 Moo 2, belonging to 63-year-old Witoon Luechaithirakul, had fallen into the river. The owner stood nearby as neighbours tried to salvage valuables from the home and adjacent motorcycle repair shop before the collapse.

Witoon said no one was inside the buildings at the time. He reported hearing loud cracking sounds from the concrete before seeing the ground split apart. He attempted to retrieve belongings but the collapse happened too quickly.

The concrete embankment in front of the temple then gave way, sending a section more than 30 metres long into the river.

Witoon believes heavy rainfall in recent days may have weakened the soil beneath the structure, causing it to subside.

Phra Maha Winai Kittipanyo, the temple’s abbot, said the embankment had stood for many years without issue. However, the concrete area where the collapse occurred had been built over previously filled land along the riverbank, which may have become unstable.

He said the ground may have shifted and pushed against the ageing embankment, leading to the collapse. The full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed.

Officials warned further subsidence is possible, particularly as river levels rise. Authorities are coordinating with local agencies to inspect the site and secure the area to prevent further danger.

Thailand waives expressway tolls for Coronation Day

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3 May 2026, 17:36

Thailand waives expressway tolls for Coronation Day

BANGKOK — 3 May 2026, Thailand will waive toll fees on three major expressways on 4 May to mark Coronation Day, covering 63 toll plazas nationwide, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) said.

The toll exemption will be in effect from 00:01 to 24:00 on Monday and applies to the following routes:

Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway (Din Daeng–Bang Na–Dao Khanong), 21 toll plazas
Si Rat Expressway (Chaeng Watthana–Bang Khlo–Srinakarin), 32 toll plazas
Udon Ratthaya Expressway (Bang Pa-in–Pak Kret), 10 toll plazas

EXAT said the measure follows government and Transport Ministry policy under revised concession agreements with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) and the Northern Bangkok Expressway Co (NECL).

The move is intended to ease travel during the public holiday, reduce costs for motorists and help alleviate congestion at toll booths, officials said.

Ex-cop shoots son dead amid knife threat at home

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3 May 2026, 16:36

Ex-cop shoots son dead amid knife threat at home

NAKHON SAWAN — 3 May 2026, A retired police officer shot and killed his son at their home after a violent dispute in which the son allegedly threatened family members with a knife, police said.

The incident occurred on 2 May in Ban Takrut Phiban village, Phai Sali district. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found the body of Natthaphon, 38, with seven gunshot wounds to the torso and arm. A short knife was still in his right hand. Eight 9mm shell casings were recovered at the scene.

The suspected gunman, a 64-year-old retired police captain whose name was withheld, surrendered at the scene and admitted the victim was his son. He handed over a 9mm pistol, previously his service weapon, to forensic officers.

Witnesses told police they heard a heated argument followed by a burst of gunfire. A relative was seen running from the house in distress, saying the son had been shot.

Duty officer Capt. Apirak Khongthai said the suspect himself called police after the shooting and did not attempt to flee. Investigators said the victim had a history of drug use and prior arrests.

On the day of the incident, the son reportedly demanded money from his mother and became enraged when refused. He allegedly tried to attack family members with a knife and attempted to take his father’s gun, prompting the father to open fire.

“If I hadn’t done it, he would have killed me,” the suspect told police, according to investigators.

Neighbours said the retired officer, who left service about two years ago, was generally calm but his son frequently caused disturbances when denied money.

Police have detained the suspect for further questioning and initially charged him with murder. Authorities said the firearm was legally registered and kept at the home. The case remains under investigation.

Thailand repatriates 55 Cambodian workers via border

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3 May 2026, 15:28

SA KAEO — 3 May 2026, Thai authorities repatriated 55 Cambodian migrant workers through the Khlong Luek border checkpoint after their legal cases were concluded, officials said.

The Burapha Task Force, led by the Aranyaprathet special unit, coordinated with Border Patrol Company 1201 and multiple agencies, including Region 1 Operations Centre, Sa Kaeo Immigration, Aranyaprathet Customs and international disease control officers, to oversee the process.

Those returned included 34 men, 19 women and two boys. According to police, all had been arrested and processed under Thai law before being deported in accordance with legal procedures.

The handover took place at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge at the permanent border crossing in Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet district, under strict supervision and inter-agency coordination.

Officials said the operation proceeded smoothly with no incidents reported.

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Mayon Volcano unrest forces mass evacuations in Albay, Phillippines

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3 May 2026, 14:27

ALBAY, PHILIPPINES — 3 May 2026, Thousands evacuated after Mayon Volcano erupts, authorities warn of lava and landslides

Thousands of residents in Albay province, southeast of Manila, have been evacuated after renewed activity at Mayon Volcano sent ash plumes into the sky and blanketed nearby communities.

thousandsevacuatedasMayonVolcanoerupts 04 — Mayon volcano spews ash as seen from Camalig, Albay province, Philippines on Saturday 2 May 2026. The Philippines said on 3 May that thousands of people have evacuated the area south of Manila after Mayon Volcano erupted, and the authorities advised the public to stay out of the 6km radius danger zone. (Christian Añonuevo Lorilla via AP)

Authorities have raised Alert Level 3 on a five-level scale and warned residents to remain outside a 6 km danger zone due to the risk of lava flows, landslides, and further eruptions.

The volcano, known for its near-perfect cone shape and standing about 2,462 metres tall, is experiencing strombolian eruptions — moderate bursts that eject lava, gas, and volcanic debris intermittently.

thousandsevacuatedasMayonVolcanoerupts 05 — Mayon volcano spews ash as seen from Daraga, Albay province, Philippines on Saturday, 2 May 2026. The volcanology institute issued Alert Level 3 in its five-step scale as it reported “strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining” from one of the South-east Asian nation’s most active volcanoes. It warned of landslides and lava flows. (AP Photo/Nehemiah Manzanilla Sitiar)

More than 5,000 people are now staying in evacuation centres, as heavy ashfall disrupts transport and reduces visibility across affected areas.

Officials said the volcano is exhibiting strombolian activity, with intermittent bursts of lava, gas, and volcanic debris. Mayon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, has been showing heightened unrest since earlier this year.

Mayon is one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes and a major tourist attraction, but authorities warn the situation remains volatile.

thousandsevacuatedasMayonVolcanoerupts 03 — (AP Photo/Nehemiah Manzanilla Sitiar)

Karen army claim killing of 60 Myanmar troops

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3 May 2026, 14:18

Karen army claim killing of 60 Myanmar troops

MAE HONG SON — 3 May 2026, The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) has claimed it killed more than 60 Myanmar junta troops since April, as fighting intensifies near the Thai-Myanmar border, according to a statement by the Karen National Union (KNU).

The KNU said its forces had killed over 60 government soldiers since early April. In the past week alone, it reported 26 killed and 35 wounded, with several troops captured during clashes in Hpapun township in Karen state, opposite Mae Sariang district in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province.

The statement added that between 15 and 22 March, there were nine clashes between junta forces and the KNLA’s Brigade 5.

Residents in Mae Sam Laep village in Sop Moei district said they heard explosions and gunfire from across the border in Myanmar late on 3 May, suggesting fresh clashes. The fighting is believed to involve KNLA forces and Myanmar troops, who may have been deployed as reinforcements but were ambushed, according to local reports.

Two-seat helicopter crashes near factory in Samut Prakan, two injured

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3 May 2026, 12:44

SAMUT PRAKAN — 3 May 2026, 09:10, Emergency responders were dispatched after a two-seat training helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Soi Bang Mek Khao, Suwit Sai Kao Road, Thai Ban subdistrict, Mueang district.

Initial reports to the Prakan rescue centre described an aircraft down near the end of the soi, beside a factory compound. Firefighters, rescue teams and officers from Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station reached the site, which was located in dense brush. Crews had to run hoses through the undergrowth to extinguish flames around the aircraft’s engine. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, and the area was cordoned off for further investigation.

The aircraft was identified as a Guimbal Cabri G2, a light two-seat helicopter. Early checks indicated the pilot and a passenger, reported to be a mechanic, sustained only minor injuries.

Local residents said no one witnessed the moment of impact, learning of the incident only after the crash. The helicopter is believed to be privately owned, with a landing area behind a nearby factory adjacent to the crash site. Police are inspecting the premises as part of the inquiry; media access has not been granted, and no official statement has yet been issued by the operator.

Pol. Capt. Jakkrit Srirotchanakul, superintendent of Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station, said the aircraft had taken off at around 08:30 from a factory in the area, bound for another facility in Chonburi. After climbing to roughly 10 m, it reportedly developed a technical fault, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency landing about 30 m from the lift-off point. During touchdown, the rotor struck tall grass, igniting a fire. Both occupants exited the aircraft safely, with no serious injuries reported.

Preliminary findings suggest insufficient engine power may have led to the emergency landing. The helicopter, in service for around two years, was said to have valid flight documentation.

Rewat Hoonarat, deputy district chief of Mueang Samut Prakan, noted the crash site is within an industrial zone away from residential areas, and no nearby residents were affected. Forensic officers have been called in to examine the scene in detail, while local authorities are assessing damage and gathering evidence for the investigation.

The Guimbal Cabri G2, designed by Bruno Guimbal, a former Eurocopter engineer, is widely used in flight training. It features a composite airframe, glass cockpit avionics (such as Garmin G500H TXi), an enclosed tail rotor (Fenestron) for improved safety and noise reduction, and a digital engine governor system. The model is certified under EASA CS-27 and FAR Part 27 standards and has been approved for use in Thailand by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

Boyfriend arrested over killing of woman in condo in Nonthaburi

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3 May 2026, 12:44

Boyfriend arrested over killing of woman in condo in Nonthaburi

NONTHABURI — 3 May 2026, Police have arrested a boyfriend suspected of murdering his girlfriend, whose body was found in a ransacked condominium room in Nonthaburi province, authorities said.

The victim, identified as Panitsuda Hattadol, 25, an online vendor, was discovered at about 19:00 on 2 May in an eighth-storey condominium building. Her body was found beside a bed in a fourth-floor room, with two pillows placed over her head. The room showed signs of a struggle, with belongings scattered.

Investigators also found a diary written by her boyfriend, Nittirun Laosuksantisawong, 33, also an online seller, in which he claimed someone was planning to harm him and asked that his cat and property be looked after.

Police in Bang Bua Thong district said on 3 May that initial forensic findings indicate the death was a homicide. Nittirun, who disappeared after the incident, was identified as the primary suspect. Authorities said he had left the residence on the evening of 30 April and could not be contacted.

Officers gathered evidence and obtained a court warrant for his arrest on a charge of intentional murder. Surveillance footage showed the suspect fleeing, first abandoning a red Mazda 2 with Bangkok licence plates in Suphan Buri province before travelling onwards by bus.

He was later arrested at a hotel in Chiang Mai, Choktawee Smile Hotel, room 515, in the Nong Pa Khrang area of Muang district, under a warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court (No. 622/2569).

Police said they believe the suspect fled north after the killing. Investigators from Provincial Police Region 1 coordinated with Region 5 officers to make the arrest.

Meanwhile, the victim’s body has been released to her family. Her mother, Mukda Suksamer, 59, has taken the body to Yasothon province for religious rites.

Authorities said officers from Bang Bua Thong police station are travelling to Chiang Mai to bring the suspect back for further legal proceedings.

Thailand, US step up anti-trafficking crackdown push

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3 May 2026, 11:23

Thailand, US step up anti-trafficking crackdown push

BANGKOK — 3 May 2026, Thailand is expanding cooperation with the United States to crack down on call-centre scam networks and human trafficking, as it seeks to upgrade its global ranking on trafficking prevention and boost investor and tourism confidence, a government spokesperson said.

Ratchada Thanadirek, deputy government spokesperson, said Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared the suppression of transnational crime and scam operations a national agenda.

She said authorities have made major progress, including asset seizures and legal action against Ben Smith and Yim Liak and associates, with assets worth more than 20 billion baht confiscated or frozen. Investigations have also expanded to other groups using Thailand as a base for money laundering.

Authorities have also dismantled large call-centre scam networks along the Thai-Cambodian border, where more than 10,000 people of various nationalities were found to have been trafficked and forced into labour, including romance scams and fraudulent investment schemes.

Ratchada said the prime minister has instructed all sectors to eradicate call-centre gangs and trafficking networks along border areas, both inside and outside the country, and vowed Thailand would not allow itself to be used as a transit point for such crimes.

She said Thai and US officials held talks in Washington, D.C., from 21–25 April to strengthen practical cooperation in tackling transnational call-centre scams, human trafficking and online crime. The Thai delegation was led by Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, with representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry and the Labour Ministry.

The two sides agreed to deepen intelligence-sharing and operational coordination. Ratchada noted that in the past year, American victims lost more than $6 billion (about 190 billion baht) to such crimes.

She said Thailand aims to move from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in global human trafficking assessments after remaining at Tier 2 for four consecutive years, in order to enhance the country’s image and strengthen confidence in the economy, investment and tourism.

The Royal Thai Police plans to launch the “SHIELD” system in June 2026 as a data-sharing hub among more than 10 countries to improve the prevention and suppression of call-centre scams and trafficking networks in the region.

Thailand has also received praise from the United States for establishing the IAC War Room, which integrates data with financial institutions and mobile network operators, enabling faster account freezes and asset recovery for victims, Ratchada said. Close cooperation with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation has also led to multiple arrests and asset seizures.

“The tangible results, including expanded international cooperation, enhanced investigative systems and continued suppression of transnational criminal networks, reflect the government’s commitment to protecting the public and safeguarding national security, while advancing Thailand towards sustainable international standards,” she said.

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