Disabled Girl Raped Now 8-Months Pregnant

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

SARABURI – An 18-year-old girl who is blind, deaf, and mentally impaired was raped and is now eight months pregnant. Her mother sells fish at the markets, leaving the girl at home alone for most of the day – a perfect opportunity for some creep.

Two months ago the mother noticed her daughter was pregnant and reported it to the police but nobody did anything.

Outraged neighbors wrote letters to the Paweena Women and Child Protection Foundation for help and since then police have been pursuing the culprit and said when the girl gives birth, they will examine the DNA, and bring the ‘motherfucker to justice’.

Mrs. Paweena Hongsakul, the founder of Women and Child Protection Foundation, along with Saraburi districts chief and team, traveled to the victim’s home.
The 18-year-old was lying on a stone table next to a stairwell; her stomach rounded. The mother is a fish merchant in Ayudthaya; she leaves the home for work at 03.00a.m. and returns at 10.00p.m. each day.

In the last two months she noticed her daughter had gained weight and had been vomiting. The mother found out she was pregnant and informed the police. She suspected that someone invaded her home and raped her daughter more than once because of unexplained bruises on her body. The police found two teenage suspects but let them go because of insufficient evidence.

Mrs. Hongsakul sent the girl to be tested at the local hospital and found out that she had already been pregnant for 8 months.

The Foundation is doing everything they can to help catch the culprits who raped the helpless girl.

“How could they do something like that? It’s just…” The mother said in an interview, tears forming around her eyes.

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Taxi Driver Rapes Foreign English Teacher

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

SAMUI – Police arrested a taxi driver who raped an English teacher from the UK. The victim identified the man but the driver has denied all allegations.

Mr. Chokchai Sompong, a taxi driver on Samui Island was taken into custody for raping a female foreigner, also an English teacher on the island. The victim confirmed that the man was the rapist.

She recalled getting into a taxi outside a night club in Samui back to her apartment. During the ride, she fell asleep because she was really drunk. She woke up again in someone else’s room and was suddenly punched three times in the stomach by, then violently raped.

The taxi driver dropped her off on Lamai beach and took 2,000 baht from her wallet while she was still unconscious. The driver denied the rape allegations and police are testing DNA to verify the truth, though they are fairly certain that Mr. Sompong is the rapist.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Stone Mortars Are In Fashion

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

PATTAYA – A man killed an Agogo dance girl from Fun Room Pub, smashing her head with a stone mortar while he was making a new recipe for dips. The culprit confessed to buying amphetamines with the money he made from selling recycled trash. Alcohol and drugs had played a part in the irrational killing.

Police discovered Mrs. Buaphan Prapuangphan, 40-years-old, rotting in apartment room A7, South Pattaya. The police noted that the deceased had been in a fling with a trash collector, Mr. Pratueng Gaewlamun, 39-years-old, and so took him into custody.

The trash man confessed he had not been with victim for very long and on the night of September 16th had a very violent argument about the fact that he had used his money to buy drugs and alcohol.

The victim also learnt that the trash man had been having affairs with women in the trash business. Sick of hearing it, Mr. Gaewlamun, the killer, picked up the stone mortar he was using to make a new dip recipe for grilled chicken, and slammed it on the victim’s head. The new dip poured over the victim’s face and the spices made her scream. The trash man didn’t stop and continued to pound her face into a new shape and left the corpse in the room.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

No Anal Sex … Or Die!

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

NONTHABURI – A male university student killed and mutilated the corpse of a gay man, stuffing the victims flesh into a big water tank. The killer and the victim knew each other from Camfrog and met up for sex. The killer asked for fellatio but the victim wanted anal. Angry, the student strangled the gay man to death, took his debit card, withdrew all his money, and stole his car. The killer went to buy a big knife and a large water tank in hope of hiding the dead body but was unable to evade police capture.

Police arrested the 20-year-old university student, Mr. Nutt Chayanon, and seized one mobile phone, a car key to a Toyota Camry 2.0G, a laptop, and a digital camera.

Police said that Miss Sansinee Sommai informed the police that her brother, Mr. Thitirat Sommai, 37-years-old, had disappeared.

When Mr. Chayanon, the killer, withdrew the money from Krung Thai ATM in front of a 7-11, he was tracked down, and later taken into custody.

Mr. Chayanon confessed that he had known the victim from Camfrog and had met up at a shopping mall where the victim asked if he could suck Mr. Chayanon off for 1,000 baht. Mr. Chayanon agreed and they both went to a private room.

After oral sex, the victim was desperate for anal sex but Mr. Chayanon, the killer, said no. The two got into a big argument and fought; the killer jumped the victim and strangled him to death. After that, he went to buy two water tanks and a sharp knife at Big C’s convenient Store.

Next, he went back to the room and sliced the corpse into fine pieces, filling the two tanks with the victims flesh, before hiding them in an abandoned house in Nonthaburi, near his premises.

Police were later informed of the discovery of the two water tanks full of flesh. They found two blue 100-litre plastic tanks inside the house, lids carefully closed. Even experienced police officers became sick when they opened the plastic tanks containing the putrid flesh. The first tank had the lower body, a chunk of the victim’s waistline, two legs, and a pair of knees. Also in the same tank was a black trash bag containing both arms and a chunk of shoulder. Officers felt like they were playing some kind of gruesome jigsaw puzzle.

The second tank, they found the victims head submerged in a pile of bloated flesh.
Officers decided to empty the tank, and found the torso, stomach, and intestines along with other internal organs at the bottom. The victim’s mouth had been taped and underneath they found the blanket used to wrap the body.

“It was extremely gruesome. I have never smelt anything rot like that.” Colonel Theerasak Sriprasert expressed his disgust.

Later at the police station, when asked of the motivation, Mr. Chayanon, the 20-year-old killer explained the situation with simplicity. “Do you really, really want to know the truth?! He wanted to do me up the anus! I was happy with him sucking my cock. But anal is just absurd!”

Is that so? Is that the only thing that’s absurd?

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Chaos after Road and Soi Signs Stolen

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

CHONBURI – More than a hundred road signs and Soi signs worth over 10,000 baht each were stolen from Chonburi. With only sign-less poles to guide them, people have been left confused and lost in direction.

Residents in Samed district, Chonburi, informed the counsel that road signs were being stolen, both on roads and in Soi’s. Outraged citizens said the sign-less poles are a sign that the city is full of thieves.

Mr. Yutthana Suphaphan, the head minister of Samed District Centre confirmed that the signs were stolen. He said he will not pursue the case because the road and Soi signs are the property of Chonburi. Suphaphan told residents that Chonburi Province City Centre is responsible for putting up new signs.

There has been no mention of police.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Celebrating Hippo’s 43rd Birthday!

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

BANGKOK – The minister of Environmental Resources, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti, attended Kao Din Zoo today to celebrate the birthday of Mae Mali (Mae meaning Mother, Mali meaning Jasmine), a 43-year-old hippopotamus. A giant birthday cake was placed near the hippo enclosure for Mae Mali to enjoy. People with the name Mali were also allowed free day-passes to the zoo.

Mr. Khunkitti was the acting president for the widely publicized event, ‘Happy 43rd
Birthday Hippo Mae Mali.’ The hippo is widely known zoo-star and a popular attraction for children and families. Mali was originally brought to Thailand from the Netherlands and has been at Kao Din Zoo for a long time; long enough at least to have given birth to 15 young hippos.

Mae Mali also has another pet name called, ‘grandma hippopotamus’.

The average life expectancy of a hippo is around 40 years. Mr. Khunkitti emphasized the great care the zoo has taken to look after Mali, ensuring her good health even in old age. Her birthday cake was made from various fruits and vegetables and Mali was allowed eat all she wanted.

Students from schools, and fans of Mali were invited to the celebration. Mr. Khunkitti led the birthday tune and the children followed him. Mae Mali seemed to enjoy the gigantic cake as well. Wasn’t it just a great day?!

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Starbucks Laptop Robber

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

BANGKOK – The Starbucks laptop robber was arrested yesterday after a university student informed police in Lumphinee that her laptop was stolen in Starbucks, Lang Suan branch. Police reviewed surveillance footage of the store and found the man.

The video clearly showed the man in the act of theft. After in-depth investigation, the police identified him as Mr. Sathaporn Sruangsiri, a criminal who was just released after a year and six months imprisonment for stealing in Starbucks.

The man loves Starbucks. He admitted to stealing a HP laptop from the Central Ladprao branch before stealing again at the Starbucks in Lang Suan. He sold them for 18,000 baht each at Pantip IT Mall and had planned to use the money for alcohol, prostitution and gambling.

During questioning by police, Mr. Sruangsiri said that Starbucks is a good place to steal because it’s where good and high quality laptops come together.

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Noodle Lady Gets Pumped

PHUKET – A Toyota Yaris, plate number 6980, lost control and slammed into a noodle trolley, driving it through a pole. The poor noodle lady was injured while the driver and passenger of the vehicle walked away without a scratch. The noodle lady said it was not the first time it had happened to her.

“This time I was boiling up some meatballs and I could see them coming but couldn’t do anything, it all happened so quickly. The next second the pot, the trolley, the soup, we’re all a mess.” Mrs. Yaowanit Saksrisuwan recalled.

Witnesses said the Yaris came into the corner at high speed, lost control and slammed into the noodle trolley, throwing it against a pole and into a townhouse.

For Saksrisuwan, this was tenth time she had been put in danger; she has had cars fly straight into the trolley and sometimes, when lucky, narrowly miss her when they either hit a curb or road island in front of the trolley and change direction at the last moment.

The accidents have usually occurred at around 2 – 3 a.m.; the time of free traffic, when people drive faster than usual. Saksrisuwan said that drink driving and the design of the corner make it hard for people to judge distance. She has been injured over seven times in similar accidents involving vehicles and naturally has anxieties about having cars fly into her while she’s cooking noodles. Saksrisuwan has contacted authorities in the area repeatedly but nobody has to come inspect the road.

Courtesy of Siang Tai News

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Invincible Taxi Driver

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

PATHUMTHANI – Seven thieves robbed a taxi and slit the driver’s neck before they escaped. Luckily, the knife didn’t pierce the skin. The taxi driver’s neck only showed red marks and informed police immediately afterwards. The driver believes it’s the miracle of the Great grand father Buddha he wears around his neck at all times.

Around 02.30a.m. on September 21st, Mr. Pongsakorn Roongreung, 27-years-old, a taxi driver, reported the theft to Lieutenant Colonel Somchai Ratman in Pathumthani. The driver said that there were seven thieves and that they attacked him and stole 3,000 baht before escaping.

Mr. Pongsakorn stated that he was driving an orange cab, plate number TY 1338 looking for passengers when he reached the front of a restaurant in Pathumthani. As he arrived, there were seven men aged between 20-25 years who hopped into the cab requesting to be dropped off at Saparn Soong district. As the cab approached the back of Narinthong Housing Complex, one of the culprits told Pongsakorn to pull over because he wanted to throw up. When the cab came to a stop, two of the culprits pressed guns to his waist; another held a knife to his neck, demanding cash. Pongsakorn drew out 3,000 baht from his wallet and gave it to them.

Pongsakorn was then forced leave the cab. The thieves took the money and the keys to the car. Then the man with the knife came from behind him and tried to slit his throat. All seven of the men then ran away. Pongsakorn was in great distress but when he touched his neck he was surprised to find there was no wound. He reached for his mobile phone and called his mother who brought him a spare key, before droving to the police station.

“Those thieves slit my throat hard with a knife but it didn’t do a thing. I believe it’s the miracle of ‘the great grand father walking on a salt-less sea.’ It’s the Buddha necklace that I have on me at all times,” said Pongsakorn in amazement.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Red Light from the Krasu Spirit

Photo Courtesy of INN News

AYUDTHAYA – Bang Sai villagers from Ayudthaya are panic-stricken after seeing a crimson light float through the air. The light floated from the ground to the tip of a coconut tree. Villagers believe it is the light of the Krasu Spirit – a type of ghost that possesses the female body, eats the spirit, and floats with its head daggling internal organs.

Miss Soithip Chuetchai, 24-years-old, said that she usually slept with the windows opened. She had woken up at 01.00a.m. to go to the bathroom and through the window saw a large glowing red light. The light flashed in slow rhythmic beats. The light floated from the ground up until it reached the top of the coconut tree. She picked up her phone and managed to capture 32 seconds of footage.

Soithip admitted she was extremely scared and returned to bed and never left it again until morning. She believed it was the Krasu spirit. Fishermen from the same village have also seen the same light during their night shifts.

It is believed that two families in the village are the heir of the Krasu Spirit breed. These two families never go out to do activities with other people and are strange in their behaviors according to people in the village.

Courtesy of INN News

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Drink Driving Oral Sex

LAMPANG – A man died after crashing his Vigo pick-up truck into a tree; his 25-year-old female passenger was severely injured. The body of the man appeared to be naked from the bottom half, his pants and underwear shoved in the backseat, while the woman’s jeans were also pulled down below her waist. Four empty beer cans were found in the back seat. The two had been drinking while driving.

Police officers arrived at the accident to find a mangled bronze Toyota Vigo pick-up, plate number 8243, compressed against a large tree trunk. The male driver was crushed in the front seat, wearing a green and white checkered t-shirt. His lower body was naked, his neck broken, and his right arm sliced open. His name was Mr. Paisarn Rattanachat, 41-years-old.

In the passenger seat was Mrs. Riyada Thakthon, 25-years-old. She had been badly injured and was unable to move. The rescue team managed to lift her out of the vehicle; her jeans pulled down below her waist, showing pubic hair. Officers pulled her pants up and wrapped her in a blanket before sending her off on an ambulance.

The woman’s right leg was broken and her body wounded – she was sent to Lampang hospital immediately. Four cans of beer were found in the vehicle along with the dead man’s pants in the back seat.

Police assumed that the two were drinking and driving while engaging in oral sex. At a certain climax the man to lost control of his truck and the vehicle ended up in a tree.

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Gay Man Rammed Against Bus Stop

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

BANGKOK – A gay man was crushed dead last night at 02.00a.m. by a pick-up truck. He was standing at a bus stop when the vehicle veered towards him. Lieutenant Mondate Manam from Ladprao police station arrived at the scene to find a black Ford Ranger pick-up, plate number 1422 slammed against a bus stop; the gay man sandwiched in between.

The victim appeared to be a 19-year-old named Mr. Supanut Yamsomjit, wearing flower pattern shorts and a sexy black top. After the victim had been hit by the truck, the advertisement light box near the bus stop further dropped on his body. The victim’s stomach had large lacerations and bruises. The side of the torso was almost torn in two and the neck had snapped backwards. It was too late by the time rescue teams got to him.

The pick-up truck driver escaped and is now on the lam with police in pursuit.

Mrs. Wilai Yamsomjit, 52-years-old, the mother of the victim said that Supanut was her youngest son who had a strange habit of dressing like a woman but he managed to make a living on his own so she was never worried.

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Note: It is interesting and perhaps disconcerting that this story has little substance once you take away the victims sexual orientation. The fact that the victim was gay seems to be the focus, not the tragedy. But then from the reporting perspective, it almost seems necessary to do this because it is important to give the person an identity – even if this identity is a kind of cardboard cut-out. I guess you can’t ask for much more depth from a short report like this; journalists simply don’t have the time. It’s an interesting dilemma. Adrian.

Nine Buffalos Struck by Lightning

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

PRACHINBURI – Lightning struck nine buffalos in Prachinburi. Five of the females were pregnant at the time. The owner had used a copper wire fence to create a boundary which ultimately caused the buffalo’s deaths.

Mrs. Sudjai Pompu, 56-years-old, in Prachinburi took off to the farm she had rented to raise buffalo cattle. When she arrived, she found all nine of her buffalo’s dead; in value of over 200,000 baht. The cause of the deaths was not immediately apparent, so she informed Mr. Somlak Chueythong, the head minister of the town to solve the mystery.

After examination of the carcasses, all buffalos appeared to have been grilled by lightning. The skin could be scraped right off the bodies.

It was discovered that a wild thunder storm had taken place the night before, and that the copper wired fencing constructed by the owner, played a big part in the electrocutions. It was also discovered that five of the buffalos were about to give birth.

The agricultural ministry helped the owner by buying off two of the dead buffalos for 15,000 baht each, and a slaughter house stepped in to take the rest for 5,000 baht each, adding to a total value of 65,000 baht for the owner.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Three Legs and a Big Head

Photo Courtesy of Daily News

YALA – A reporter arrived at Yala hospital to find a newborn with three legs and an unusually large head. The baby belonged to Mr. Maaeteng and Mrs. Niasuya Chetae and was delivered by Caesarean on August 28th.

The additional leg is the wrong way around and juts out from between the two normal legs. The baby’s sex is undetermined.

Doctor Guladate Techanapharak, the head chief of Yala hospital said that the baby has a deformed structure and is the forth from this family. The child’s internal organs are out of place; the gall bladder is not sealed correctly and the opening of the anus and penis are one and the same. The doctor said the baby was an unsuccessful twin because the x-ray showed that the baby had two hip bones structures.

The first solution used to save the baby was to create a new anus to prevent any feces from mixing with urine. The next step will be to relocate the baby’s anus to the front of its stomach. After that the parents have to wait until the child is older for further surgery.

Doctor Guladate also said that the baby is under close supervision as there is a vulnerability to pathogens.

The family of the baby will face great financial challenges - at the moment, they can barely afford the travel costs of visiting their baby.

The parents revealed that they work at a rubber plantation but are not getting much income to look after their four kids. The mother, after the operation, is still resting at home and cannot go out to find money.

Courtesy of Daily News

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Braces Kill Ninth Grader

CHONBURI - A ninth grader died after getting braces from a market merchant. The mother revealed that her daughter had shown weird symptoms up until her death.

Police Lieutenant Jirasak Abphaeng from Bang La Moong police station in Chonburi received a report that a girl had been admitted to Bang La Moong hospital and died mysteriously without an apparent cause. The Lieutenant began an inquest.

Arriving at the hospital, he found a crying relative clinging to the corpse of 14-year-old Sirilak, a ninth grader from one high school in Pattaya, Chonburi province.
The victim had been dead for two hours but her body showed no signs of physical injury. Her skin, however, was completely yellow. Inside her mouth was a fashionable alignment of braces; a pink set.

The victim’s mother, Mrs. Paengsri Philong, 38-years-old, told the story through tears. That morning she had tried to wake her daughter up to shower before school but found her to be unusually quiet. The mother stepped closer to find that she was not breathing. She quickly sent her daughter to the hospital but it was too late.

Mrs. Paengsri further stated that two months prior to her daughter’s death, they had gone to a downtown market to buy a set of Fashion Feed braces from a street vendor. Ever since the braces were fitted, her daughter experienced strange symptoms like depression; she became less talkative and wouldn’t answer questions she was asked.
The mother believes that her daughter’s death has something to do with the braces.

Police officers found no physical clues and are waiting on an autopsy report.
Lieutenant Jirasak further said that there are a lot of illegal and uncertified braces, as well as dental clinics due to a growing demand for cheap and fashionable braces. He said that a lot of the time the equipment and materials used for the braces are dangerous and toxic; and over a time period, can cause serious harm to the body, even death.

Results from the postmortem are expected to answer this mystery.

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

A Naked Woman Disappears

Photo Courtesy of Matichon Online

ANG THONG - Radio communication officer from Ang Thong police station reported seeing a naked woman jogging on Asia Line road. The officer feared that the woman may have been sexually harassed so informed a head police officer. Traffic police went to the road to search for the woman.

Every corner was searched from top to bottom and police even ventured into other districts: Chaiyo, Maharat, and Bangprahan in Ayudthaya province but found no trace of the naked woman. It was suspected that someone had helped her but no reports were received by investigative offices or police stations.

Lieutenant Colonel Raweeroj Khongkhanphai from Ang Thong police station said that the story of the naked woman may be true but police found no clues. The search took place during the night which made gathering information difficult.

The Lieutenant said, “She could have been out of her mind, or was forced. I don’t think she would take off her clothes in the middle of the night just to run on the road for the sake of it. The team is still in search of her.”

Courtesy of Matichon Online

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Monk Reincarnated As Crocodile?

Photo Courtesy of Daily News

CHAIYAPOOM – A two meter long crocodile resides in Wang creek behind Don Phai Temple in Chaiyapoom. The crocodile has lived in peace with people for many years.

The crocodile usually comes out of the water to sunbath and then high-walks through the village without harming villagers that pass by. Villagers believe that that crocodile is the reincarnated Grand Monk Kham, an ex head monk and an eminent religious practitioner. The crocodile was first adopted by Grand Monk Kham.

People from all over the region have come to see the crocodile and Mr. Khunthong Wongkham, 55-years-old, chief of Nondaeng village brought incenses and candles to perform a special ritual in an attempt to connect with Grand Monk Kham’s spirit.

As the ritual took place the crocodile floated up from the depths of creek and swam towards the bank - it then belly-walked along the ground among the people as though in greeting. This caused a stir of excitement among the villagers. Many people weren’t scared and fed the crocodile raw chicken as seen in the photo above. Some even patted the old croc on the head like they were playing with a dog.

Mr. Khunthong said that after the media covered the story of the crocodile, a number of television programs contacted him and came to see and examine the crocs so-called friendly and intelligent nature.

Khunthong further said that everybody in the local area have paid great respect to the crocodile. Even students competing in local sports events would come to greet the crocodile and wish for good luck and always win their tournaments.

Others would go as far as to collect water from the creek to drink, believing it to be sacred holy water. Some shower in the water at home, trusting it will cure all kinds of diseases.

Courtesy of Daily News

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

New Sex Change Regulations!

Doctor Samphan Komlit, the secretary of administration from the ministry of public health introduced new regulations today regarding sex change. Doctors and medical experts from a number of backgrounds, as well as transsexuals attended the event.

The ministry of public health showed great concern for the safety of procedures in sexual transition and the secretary spoke with care of the correct procedures in carrying out precise operations; and the need for professional and qualified surgeons. In the past, problems had arisen in a number of post-surgery cases, leading the ministry to create new regulations to protect the third gender.

Candidates for sex change surgery must now pass psychological and compatibility examinations before undertaking hormone therapy: a preventative measure against harmful aftereffects. Patients must also live with their desired orientation for one year.

The secretary, Doctor Samphan, continued that surgeons in all fields are allowed to perform the operations due to having sufficient ground knowledge. After the operation, doctors must follow-up with their patients to monitor undesired side-effects or changes to their physicality and mentality. The law states that people can receive surgery if they are the age of 18 or above. For those younger, a parent or guardians signature will suffice.

If surgeons fail to comply with these regulations, they can receive penalties ranging from warnings to imprisonments and the confiscation of their licenses.

Doctor Samphan also stated the importance of establishing third gender rights for the future, ensuring equality and freedom. Details of this proposal include legal marriage, equal job opportunity and the right to change name titles. Samphan believes that even these will take time to bring about. He also suggested that the third gender population will increase in size in the future and sex change will become more and more common. This growing group will eventually claim their rights in the future.

“I think the issue of freedom and rights and societal acceptance of the third sex population will need to be addressed by the department of human rights. It is important to encourage these people and avoid marginalizing them. This can greatly damage their lives.” Doctor Samphan stated.

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Game Store Imprisons Children

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

NAKORN SRITHAMMARAT – Police officers barged into a 24-hr game store offering accommodation, change of clothes, and meal services to students gaming day and night. The discreet front entrance was tightly sealed off and officers had to climb over a neighboring wall to break a few windows before they could enter. They found four primary school students playing computer games in a hypnotic state.

The owner of the store argued it was normal for gaming businesses to provide loyal customers with special treatment.

The kids usually played games until late or until dawn; the owner responded by providing accommodation and hospitality services like food-on-demand, spare clothes and the occasional back rub. The kids would lie to their parents and say they were sleeping over at a friend’s house.

At 10.30a.m. on September 9th, Mr. Theerawut Singto, 30-years-old, and Mr. Phisit Surachan, teachers from the student administration approached officer Somphong Yuthao for help. Several students were believed to have been living inside the P-Net Internet Game Store and had not returned home or attended school for a number of days.

When officer Yuthao arrived at the three-storey building where the shop was, he discovered a darkly tinted glass door obscuring the shops interior. Two heavy duty pad locks secured the entrance; the shop space appeared empty but Yuthoa questioned people in the building and confirmed that the students were inside.

After two hours of knocking and no reply, the officer climbed a concrete wall onto a balcony. He broke through a window on the 2nd floor and entered the shop space. There, he found 25 desktop computers and four kids, along with Mrs. Pornthip Thongphanang, the owner, who was shocked by the sudden entry.

The second and third floors of the facility were divided into bedrooms with wardrobes which stored a variety of boys and girls clothing.

The rooms were for VIP gamers to sleep in and get changed. The officer also found a large supply of cup noodles and a variety of soft drinks.

After interrogating the students, it was revealed that the owner, Mrs. Pornthip, would wait for the kids to finish school before she opened the doors to her shop. She would lock the entrance as soon as they entered to avoid suspicion. Every day a variety of students of both sexes, from elementary to secondary school, would use the service. Kids spent as much time as they wanted playing games - for many it was a second home – kind of like Starbucks.

Mrs. Pornthip said that when the officer knocked on the door, she did not come to open it because she knew she was violating many laws. As for imprisoning the kids and keeping them in a torpid daze for prolonged periods, Pornthip said it was all part of the unique experience. “Most shops do it as well,” she insisted.

Police officers are investigating to see if drugs, sex and or sexual services involving the children took place.

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Parents Disappear Leaving Behind Two Girls

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

AYUDTHAYA – Two girls, Wanphen Saelao, 12-years-old, and Ghanjana Saelao, 2-years-old, were abandoned by their parents in a rented home in Ayudthaya. The parents said they were going to the hospital but never returned. The two sisters nearly starved but ate from a monk’s share of food as he happened to pass by. This went on for four days and exhausted, the children began hallucinating, seeing wood fairies and ghosts.

Extremely scared, the young girls cried day and night. Villagers heard them and decided to contact the police for help.

Mrs. Bualoy Sukasem, the aunt of the two sisters, who had lost contact with the family for many years saw her nephews on television. She decided to help track the parents and heard from the villagers that they had gone to Pichit Hospital.

The police caught up to the parents, Mr. Somkiat Saelao, 42-years-old, and Mrs. Unruen Sukasem, 34-years-old, who were admitted to Pichit hospital. The father is in ICU, in a deep coma and hooked to a life support machine. The mother is also sick but her condition is not as severe.

When police arrived, she was sitting next to her husband, looking after him and denied that she had abandoned her kids. Their illnesses are at this point unknown.

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Another Baby with No Anus

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

LAMPHANG – Little 14-day-old Fifa was born without an anus and his heart to the right side of his chest. Doctors had to relocate his intestines and pin a hole on the side of his stomach for waste drainage. They will perform a heart operation in three months time.

On September 6th, a journalist went to the home of Mrs. Boonthong Gaewthip, 46-years-old, in Lamphang after being informed of the case. The baby male was born on August 19th and is now two weeks old. His name is Fifa or Nuttapol Gaewthip. After the mother gave birth, she was informed by the nurse that there was something wrong with her child. Other than the fact that he had no anus, the doctors x-rayed him and found that his heart was on the opposite side.

In three months time, doctors will perform heart surgery for the child in order to mend a damaged heart valve. The mother pleads to kind hearted people who want to help the baby. Money can be transferred to Agricultural Bank, Lamphang branch: Mr. Gaew Gaewthip – Account number: 029-2-3 4628-9

Doctors also said the relocation of the baby’s heart is possible but will have to wait for the child to grow up first.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

The Scorpion Man and His Son

Photo Courtesy of Daily News

UTTARADIT – More than thousands of scorpions creeping around the house, father and son meditate and let the scorpions crawl on them. People in the area are calling them the Scorpion Duo. At first, the family bred scorpions for sale but decided it was morally wrong and switched to selling woodworks at the OTOP product festival. They use the scorpions to attract customers and have been making good sales. The wife was scared at first but now finds the scorpions to be comforting although she does not go anywhere near them. The man’s 6-year-old son is following in his father’s footsteps.

A journalist arrived at the man’s home in Uttaradit to find a two-storey wooden home on a one acre block, decorated dark like a cave in a deep mountain valley. In the house were a variety of creations made from wood such as models of spiders, ants, scorpions, and grasshoppers; there was also a face statue of the Bodhisattva made from sawdust – and all were beautifully placed around the house.

In the middle of the home, a white sleeping tent was set up. Mr. Suang Phuangsri aka the Scorpion Man, 38-years-old, the owner of the house, and his 6-year-old son were meditating inside the tent. Inside the tent were over a thousand of scorpions crawling around. Some of the scorpions climbed onto Mr. Suang and his son, but they showed no signs of fear or discomfort, which the journalist found quite shocking.

After an interview, Mr. Suang Phuangsri said that in 1996, he had been a scorpion breeder and merchant, selling and wholesaling scorpions for both locals and foreigners to be used in stir-fried dishes. Some bought scorpions to extract medicines to mix with alcohol or liquor. Some just simply grilled them in barbeques. Many people believe that scorpion extracts are a remedy to intestinal gas and belching, and that they help to release poisons out of the body and improve blood-flow.

After being in the profession for almost 10 years, the man began to observe and understand scorpion behavior and personality traits. Suang says he became enlightened to the Dharmic truth and decided to stop selling scorpions to be killed as food. In 2005 he turned to woodworks making sculptures using raw materials from the forest. His new direction proved to be successful and his products made it to the OTOP shelf. He has also lived with over thousands of scorpions since then and meditates daily to pray for the scorpions as well. Every time he has a product display at a festival, he brings several scorpions along as friends, and usually attracts many customers.

On the other hand, Mrs. Lampoon Pimphum, Suang’s wife, says she has been with Suang for seven years. She admits that in the first few years, she did not understand the things her husband was doing, and why he brought a dangerous creature into the home let alone thousands of them. But after a while, she began to understand and accept it. The Scorpion Man’s son has also started to take interest in the scorpions and usually joins his father in meditation and prayers.

Courtesy of Daily News

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Chinese Pastry Kills Old Man In Boxing Match

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

SAMUT PRAKARN – A 65-year-old old man was devouring a Chinese pastry as he watched a Championship Boxing match on television. He got a little too excited and choked. The old man gripped his throat and writhed along the ground for a minute before he died.

At 5.30p.m. on September 4th, Police Lieutenant Colonel Somphong Sripetch from Samut Prakarn was informed of the old man’s death. Officers and medical personnel went to his premises, a one-storey wooden home; and in the middle of the home found Mr. Kuet Onsaeng, lying on the ground with an odd look of excitement set to his face. He was wearing a white shirt and long grey pants. Relatives gathered around the corpse, crying their eyes out.

Mrs. Charoensuk Onsaeng, 67-years-old, the wife, explained that she lived with her husband and ten nephews. An hour and a half before the incident, her husband had gotten up to get a slice of Chinese pastry bought from a Chinese temple; a snack to accompany the old man through an important Championship Defense Title Boxing match on television. As boxers on the screen threw fierce punches at each other, the old man choked and rolled to the ground. The family tried to give him first aid but it was too late.

Investigative officers concluded that the pastry had blocked his passage way as he watched TV. So much for a boxing match.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

A Grim Day for the Elephant Lady

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

AYUDTHAYA – Oun (meaning fat) is a local lady from Ayudthaya who suffers from a disease that causes the excessive swelling of the body. She weighs 200 kilograms and has been compared to an elephant. Doctors said her lymph glands are blocked and that she has a rare blood disease. Other ailments are also impacting on her condition.

At 10.00a.m. on September 3rd, Doctor Surachai Chokhanchitchai, an assistant chief of Ayudthaya Hospital examined Mrs. Sombat Padungkhan, or Oun, 51-years-old. Her body was extremely inflamed, especially her left leg. She is no longer able to walk and was sent to hospital because she was unable to breathe.

Oun is divorced and has three children. Five years ago, she owned a gift shop and weighed 65 kilograms. One day she started to get bubble rashes around her arms and thighs – it was then that she started to gain weight. She was admitted to several hospitals but no one could find a cause to her illness. Her weight continued to double, even triple until she was referred to as the elephant lady.

Unable to move and take care of herself, Oun's personal hygiene is a problem and her rashes often rot inside the creases of her fat because she is unable to reach them.

Oun said that her family is very poor and she has had to look after three kids but now she cannot because now she is a burden. “I don’t know what sin or karma I have with me,” she expressed.

Recently, she has found it hard to breathe and has felt constant pains in her limbs. Trying to keep clean has been difficult too.

Mr. Surachai said that he had received the patient from Bangphain Hospital. The possible cause for Oun’s illness is the blockage of her lymph glands and veins which are preventing proper blood flow. As the body becomes overweight, breathing becomes difficult, and the heart has to work harder. Oun also has diabetes and high blood pressure. The only approach doctors can take is to try to reduce her weight.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

What Is A Miniature Water Elephant?

Photo Courtesy of Nation Group

THAK – An ex-merchant discovered a weird creature said to be a miniature water elephant. He said a Burmese man had found it dead and had given it to him.

The x-ray image of the creature shows a distinct elephantine structure.
On September 1st, Police Sub-Lieutenant Phongsak Theptian during his shift in Thak said that he had met Mr. Chuyot, an ex-merchant who used to trade wood with the Burmese.

Mr. Chuyot currently owns and runs a papaya plantation and a corn farm. Chuyot told the sub-lieutenant that he had in his possession an extraordinary creature: a tiny elephant or what Chuyot has now called a water elephant. The water elephant was allegedly found dead by a Burmese man who had gone fishing in a deep jungle river.

Mr. Chuyot brought the elephant in for the Sub-Lieutenant Phongsak to inspect. It was seven centimeters in length and had ivories, a trunk, a long tail and four webbed feet. They took the elephant to be x-rayed at Phawo hospital. The creature has an authentic skeleton and bone structure similar to those of elephants.

Sub-Lieutenant Phongsak has sent x-ray films and photographs to the press and the story has generated interest in the scientific community.

What is a miniature water elephant? We still don't know.

Courtesy of Nation Group

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Camera Man Captures Jail Cell Ghost

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

BANGKOK – Holy water wasn’t enough. Today, the Crime Suppression Division had its 61st anniversary. A monk was invited to sprinkle holy water and purge the jail cells. During the ritual, a camera man saw a man in a red shirt kneeling down in the cell before slowly fading into thin air.

On September 1st, Police Major General Phongpat Chayaphan the chief at the police Crime Suppression Division along with other officers arranged a ceremony to celebrate the division’s 61st anniversary as well as to award shields of honor to officers who retired this year.

The ritual was led by an eminent head monk from Chanasongkram temple; the monk helped to rid the jail cells of misfortune and gloomy spirits from the division. Holy water was sprinkled into the jail cells of both male and female prisoners. The division has been receiving many complaints from prisoners about the spirit of a dead prisoner who hung himself in the jail at the beginning of the year. The story has unsettled both prisoners and guard officers.

Police Sgt Major Wichai Thongkao, the guard officer of the prison, said that after 20 years of working at the jail he had not seen any spirits or been haunted by ghosts like the rumors said. On the other hand, Sgt Major Supachai Suwannawong, an assistant officer pointed out the spot that the prisoners saw the spirit and said that he was told by the prisoners that the spirit was a man wearing a bright red shirt, inviting the prisoners to use their shirts to hang themselves to a the jail cell bar. Sgt Major Supachai himself has not seen the spirit either.

When the monk was sprinkling holy water into the jail cell, a camera man from Modern Nine TV station was filming and saw a man in a red shirt and black pants kneeling down in the corner of the jail cell. The man gradually vanished into thin air. Will there be a video?

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Gambling Addict Grandson Kills 87-year-old Grandfather

Photo Courtesy of Khaosod

UDONTHANI – A grandson was arrested for the ruthless head bashing, pillow suffocating, and throat slitting murder of his 87-year-old grandfather.

The demented teen was angry after his grandfather refused to pay 500 baht to clear his soccer gambling debt and further lectured him on the downfalls of gambling. The culprit reached for a wooden bat and clubbed his grandfather over the head, got out a knife and sliced open his throat. He stole around 1,000 baht cash and fled.

At 11.30am on August 30th, Police Colonel Chawit Srichan led his team consisting of 50 investigative officers to arrest Mr. Pannalit A Khodmani, 19-years-old, charging him with theft and the murder of his own grandfather. Over 200 civilians gathered together and cursed the culprit to hell as he was being taken away (Photo above).

Before the incident, Pannalit had driven a red Yamaha motorbike to the front of the house to ask his grandfather for 500 baht cash. His grandfather refused to give the money and further lectured him about how bad gambling is. This made Pannalit furious. He went into the house, picked up a wooden bat and hit the old man’s head three times. After that, he tried to suffocate the victim with a pillow until he stopped moving and stopped breathing. The culprit walked into the kitchen and grabbed a knife, stabbing it hard into the old man’s head before running the blade through his throat.

Pannalit then threw the pillow in a nearby river and washed off the blood stains on his clothes, knife and bat. He stole 1,260 baht from the victim’s shirt pocket, as well as an ATM bank card before escaping on his motorbike to the front of Santisuk market. He then hopped onto a local minibus and got off at Udonthani train station and headed for Petchabun province. There, he approached a local restaurant called Phuang Petch and applied for a job as a waiter. Police tracked the bastard down to the restaurant and took him into custody.

Police officers took Pannalit to his grandfather’s corpse and made him apologize on his hands and knees. The villagers and his own relatives are extremely shocked and raged by the incident and have all openly cursed him to hell. Police had to set up fences to prevent villagers from hitting the culprit.

Colonel Chawit revealed that the culprit took the ATM card to the cash machine but couldn’t get the money out because he had forgotten the password. There were witnesses who saw the culprit on his motorbike before and after the murder. Police tracked him down to the restaurant in Petchabun and arrested him along with the murder weapon, ATM card, and one gambling voucher for an international soccer match.

Mrs. Saphaporn Farmer, 34-years-old, the culprit’s aunt, said that the old man had been the only one taking care of Pannalit since birth. She said Pannalit had always had a thing for stealing and often stole family belongings in the household. He was scolded many times but continued his habits. The old man supported him through school but Pannalit refused to study and ended up quitting in year 11. On many other occasions before the incident, the culprit had stolen his grandfather’s ATM card and withdrawn money to gamble in soccer matches. Every time he lost the money, he would go back to the old man and try to force him to pay his debts.

Police are charging Pannalit with murder and theft and will be sending him to a good old jail cell.

Courtesy of Khaosod

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Shabu-Shabu and Other Improvised Weapons

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

SUPHANBURI – A policeman’s stepson splashed boiling water from a shabu-shabu hot pot onto the family of a pharmacy owner. The baby of the family suffered second degree burns to the neck and shoulder. The policeman insisted it was a misunderstanding.

A Policeman from Suphanburi was sitting with his step son and some friends when they poured boiling water on the table of Mr. Pattanin Udomphakdipong, 32-years-old. His son and wife was also there. The fight started in the middle of the shabu-shabu restaurant in a shopping mall because the policeman and the people on his table were annoyed with the victim’s son, a five-month-old baby, who was crying. The policeman’s stepson picked up his shabu-shabu hot pot and threw it at the victim’s table; the water splashed onto the baby. The incident happened on August 25th, but the victim has since come out to inform the press to ensure justice. The policeman said it was a misunderstanding.

On August 31st, policeman Thawee Khiawsawai gave an interview on the Channel 3 news show, ‘Morning Story’, insisting that the whole event was a misunderstanding. He explained that his stepson, Mr. Phongsakorn Sukornsep, is a loud and sometimes rash person, and on the day of the inside he had had a fight with his girlfriend. She had been sitting beside him, when suddenly Phongsakorn said “Fuck, I’ve had enough!” Thawee believes the phrase must have triggered Mr. Pattanin to think that he was referring to his baby who cried on the table next to them. Pattanin then allegedly walked over with a gangsters swagger and asked Phongsakorn if he had any problems with the baby. Phongsakorn who is a rash young adult, instantly flared up, and that was how the fight started.

Thawee, the policeman, said he went to stop the pair but denied all allegations that he put Mr. Pattanin into an arm lock. He also said that glass was thrown across the table from Pattanin which angered Phongsakorn even more; Phongsakorn then picked up the shabu-shabu hot pot and threw it at Mr. Pattanin’s table. Mr. Pattanin’s baby and wife were the unlikely victims of the tussle.

Mr. Thawee, the policeman, further said that he has given all information regarding the incident to the investigative board and will not give further comments to the press. He insisted that he will be personally responsible for the medical fees of the victims. But so far he has been unable to contact the victim’s family members. “It was an act of rashness, so let’s just forgive each other,” the policeman added.

The policeman and Mr. Pattanin have both filed charges against each other. Police Lieutenant Wattana Gaewcharoen, who is leading the case, will visit the Shabu-shabu place to ask for surveillance footage.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

Termite Hill Resembles Naga’s Crest

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

NAKORN PHANOM – The villagers of Nakorn Phanom hurried to Tha Nong Chan Temple near Mekong River to pay respects to a termite hill resembling the crest of Naga. They believe it’s one of the greatest village miracles and will bring good luck to all who pray.

On August 29th a reporter wrote that villagers in Nakorn Phanom found a termite hill at Tha Nong Chan temple near the shore of Mekong river. A congregation of villagers flocked to the temple to plead for good fortune – the reporter arrived to find that many had lit incenses and candles and were bowing continuously to the termite mound in one of the monk’s rooms. The nest was unusual because it had crests sticking out from the mound which resembled the head of the Naga. There were 23 heads altogether. Unsurprisingly, villagers believe the crests are a display of Naga’s supernatural power.

Monk Monthree Chotimangto, 51-years-old, the head monk of Tha Nong Chan temple revealed that in a period after Buddhist Lent day, he dreamt of a nest of large snakes that had slithered to the temple to ask him if they could hibernate near him for prayers and so on. After a week, he found the Termite Hill resembling Naga’s crest. He said it is the Naga’s intention to want villagers to come and pay visits and to make donations to the temple so that it is prosperous. However, when it comes to luck, he warned villagers not to be too demanding and that they should only pay respects to the Naga. The monk personally believes that the power of the Naga exists.

Tha Nong Chan is an ancient temple right next to Mekong River and has been around since the Sri Khotchaboon Civilization.

One villager, Mr. Sukhai Gaenchan, 47-years-old, further said that the phenomenon was truly the power of the Naga. He said there was a teenager from the village that came to see the termite hill and didn’t believe a thing and disrespected the Naga by snapping off one of the Naga-like heads. When the teenager went home, his hand began to hurt and soon he could not move it at all. Relatives took him back to apologize to the Naga, and his hand recovered instantly. “It was unbelievable,” Sukhai said.

This personal story from the village has kept people moving in and out of the temple at a rate never before seen. It has been especially crowded near lottery dates. In the end, it is always about lottery.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak

59 People Sleep in Coffins to Rid Their Misfortunes

Photo Courtesy of Thairath

NAKORN RATCHASRIMA – In the photo above a purgation ceremony is taking place – and yes, 59 people are hopping into coffins. The coffins used in the ritual will be donated to funerals for people without families or who cannot afford to buy a coffin.

On August 30th, at Pha Sathraruam Temple in front of Boon Watthana school in Nakorn Ratchasrima, a coffin ceremony took place, exchanging people’s bad karma’s with their good deeds. The coffins will be given to underprivileged people without relatives or to those who have died in accidents – which is not uncommon in this country. The ceremony is the 11th of its kind and many contributors and coffin donators have taken part in the services. Thousands of people have participated and attended these rituals with Mr. Vichai Nanthanathawon, head of the event, leading the proceedings.

The most famous part of the ceremony is when 59 people are asked to lie down in the coffins and close their eyes.

The coffins are brand-new and made especially for the occasion. The people lie down in the coffins and the ceremony officers close the lids on them; four monks are then introduced to perform prayers in front of the coffins. These monks are usually eminent monks from different cities. At the end, the people open the lids and sit up to be sprinkled with Buddhist holy water taken from over 108 temples. The ceremony is totally free and provides free food and drinks for those who attend.

Mrs. Muthita Saethang, an advisor for the coffin rituals said that this year, according to astrological readings, females born in the year of snake, monkey, pig, tiger, and males born in the year of goat, dragon, cow and dog should do the ritual because they are born to be punished by the great Naga and will be beheaded. To get rid of their misfortunes, they must lie in coffins so that their well beings are tremendously improved.

Yes, I think I’ll stick to lying in a hot tub and getting rid of the dirt that way.

Courtesy of Thairath

Writer: Adrian Tse & Chet Chetchotisak