Thai Man Shot While Riding Motorcycle on Busy Samut Prakan Road

A 25-year-old Thai man is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times while riding his motorcycle along a busy road in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. The shocking incident occurred at approximately 7.40am on July 30 along the outbound stretch of Bangna-Trat Road, directly opposite the Bangna Tower office complex.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim was travelling slowly along the heavily congested road when gunfire suddenly erupted. He sustained two gunshot wounds to the back and another to his shoulder before collapsing near a vendor stall by the roadside. Emergency responders from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation quickly transported him to Prince Hospital Suvarnabhumi, where he remains in serious condition.

The motive behind the brazen morning shooting remains unclear. A witness, who operates a stall near the scene, described hearing several gunshots before seeing the injured man stumble to a stop. She initially saw no blood but was shocked upon discovering bullet wounds after he pleaded for help.

Victim May Have Been Followed, Says Father

The victim’s father has voiced suspicions that his son may have been targeted and followed by the shooter, though he offered no further evidence or insight into potential motives. The crime, which unfolded in full view of morning commuters, has fuelled fears about the rise in gun violence in Thailand’s urban centres.

A separate vendor at the scene noted that the actual shooting occurred a short distance away and was obstructed from view by several parked vehicles. She added that traffic was particularly dense at the time, potentially making it easier for the gunman to blend in and escape unnoticed.

Police from the Samut Prakan station have since launched a full-scale manhunt. Officers are combing through CCTV footage along Bangna-Trat Road in hopes of identifying and tracking the shooter. Authorities are urging anyone with additional footage or information to come forward.

Recent Bangkok Murder-Suicide Highlights Growing Safety Concerns

This incident comes just two days after a high-profile shooting at Bangkok’s Or Tor Kor Market, where a disgruntled man shot and killed four security guards and a female vendor before taking his own life. That attack, reportedly driven by personal grievances and a failed business venture, sparked national debate about firearm access and mental health support in Thailand.

Public safety advocates have expressed concern over the apparent uptick in violent crimes involving firearms, particularly in high-traffic areas such as markets and main roads. Calls have been renewed for stricter licensing laws and deeper psychological assessments for firearm owners.

As investigations continue into the motorcycle shooting in Samut Prakan, authorities are treating the case as a potentially targeted attack. The assailant remains at large, and the Thai police are working around the clock to bring the perpetrator to justice.

A man in Malaysia with a history of 21 criminal convictions—19 of which were drug-related—was injured after allegedly attempting to stage a fake road accident involving a moving lorry. The shocking incident, which occurred at a traffic light in Bandar Baru Bangi, has gone viral on social media after dashcam footage surfaced.

In the video, the suspect is seen stretching his leg towards the rear wheel of a lorry just as it moves forward. He is later shown sitting on the roadside, visibly dazed and with his motorcycle parked nearby. Authorities suspect the man was under the influence of drugs during the stunt, raising questions about mental health and drug abuse among repeat offenders.

Kajang District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zaid Hassan confirmed that the man, a 43-year-old Malaysian, was taken to hospital for treatment. He remains unconscious, and investigations are ongoing under Section 336 of the Penal Code for negligent acts that endanger life.

Suspect Linked to Multiple Drug Convictions

Police disclosed that the man has 19 prior convictions related to drug offences, along with two additional criminal records. This case has reignited concerns around drug recidivism and the lack of long-term solutions for habitual offenders.

Authorities suspect the motive may have been to falsely claim compensation or insurance through a staged accident. Similar scams have been reported in the region, where individuals deliberately cause collisions in hopes of financial gain. This form of road crime not only endangers lives but also places a burden on emergency services and insurance systems.

“Once he recovers, we will proceed with an arrest,” stated Assistant Commissioner Zaid, who urged members of the public to provide any additional footage or witness testimony to assist in investigations. Witnesses can reach out to the investigating officer Sergeant Mohd Nazrul Zahim at +60 17-888 1475.

Staged Accidents: A Growing Trend Tied to Drug Use

This disturbing incident draws attention to the intersection of drug addiction and criminal behaviour, particularly in public spaces. Experts warn that the combination of narcotics and desperation often leads to reckless or harmful actions. In recent years, Singapore and Malaysia have both experienced a rise in traffic-related scams and insurance fraud, many of which involve individuals under the influence.

Public safety advocates have called for tighter enforcement, as well as increased access to rehabilitation programmes for drug offenders, especially those who are repeat offenders. Without intervention, they warn, such cases may escalate into more dangerous or fatal outcomes.

Authorities are also reviewing whether additional charges—such as obstructing a public vehicle or fraudulent intent—may be added depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Travellers planning to visit southern China have been urged to exercise caution following a sharp rise in locally transmitted cases of chikungunya, also known as chikungunya fever. The outbreak, concentrated in Guangdong’s Foshan city, has led to over 6,900 cases in 2025 alone, with the United States issuing a Level 2 travel health alert and Japan flagging regional concern.

Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a viral infectious disease that currently has no specific cure. While most infected patients exhibit mild symptoms such as high fever, rashes, and joint pain, Chinese authorities warn that long-term complications—including chronic joint inflammation—may affect some sufferers.

In response, the Chinese National Health Commission dispatched senior officials to Foshan on 2 August to oversee containment efforts. Local health departments have also released a formal advisory listing four key precautions: using mosquito repellents, wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothing, installing insect screens, and eliminating stagnant water sources to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

United States and Japan Sound Alarm Over Virus Spread

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised its travel advisory to Level 2, advising travellers to Guangdong—particularly Foshan—to take strict anti-mosquito precautions. The CDC also highlighted that two chikungunya vaccines have been approved for use in the United States, and encouraged high-risk travellers to consider vaccination before departure.

Japanese media, citing Hong Kong sources, reported that over 90% of Foshan’s cases are located in the Shunde district. This comes after Hong Kong confirmed its first chikungunya case of the year—a 12-year-old boy returning from Foshan who developed fever upon his return.

The Japanese Consulate-General in Guangzhou has urged residents and visitors to avoid exposing skin while outdoors and to minimise unnecessary travel to affected zones.

Health Officials Warn of Long-Term Impact and Lack of Cure

Despite no reported deaths or critical cases so far, Chinese officials have published a formal chikungunya after-effects notice, warning the public of potential chronic complications. Symptoms such as prolonged fever over 39°C, severe joint pain, and skin irritation could persist or evolve into more serious conditions in some patients.

The Guangdong provincial government reported that from 27 July to 2 August, an additional 2,892 new local cases were confirmed—2,770 of which originated from Foshan. This is in addition to 4,824 earlier cases logged this year, pointing to a sudden and sustained surge in community infections.

Authorities continue to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), while increasing surveillance in affected areas and ramping up public education campaigns. As summer travel continues across Asia, travellers are reminded that insect-borne diseases in Asia remain a serious health risk, particularly in densely populated urban centres.

In a move to bolster aviation safety, Chinese authorities will enforce a nationwide ban on uncertified power banks on all domestic flights starting 28 June 2025. The directive comes after a worrying string of in-flight fire incidents involving portable chargers, sparking concerns over passenger safety and product standards.

Travellers flying within China must now ensure their power banks carry the official China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, or risk having the devices confiscated at security checkpoints—or worse, being denied boarding. This new mandate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) highlights growing apprehension over the fire hazards posed by low-quality or counterfeit charging devices.

Devices Without Certification Will Be Confiscated

The CAAC announced that only power banks with visible and legible CCC labels will be permitted onboard. Any charger with a faded label, or one that falls under an official recall, will automatically be deemed non-compliant. Authorities cited multiple past incidents where portable chargers caught fire or emitted smoke during flights, forcing emergency landings and causing panic among passengers.

In one alarming case on 31 May, a China Southern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen had to turn back just 15 minutes after take-off when smoke started billowing from a passenger’s camera battery and power bank. A separate flight by Hong Kong Airlines was diverted to Fuzhou earlier this year due to a fire breaking out in the overhead compartment—again suspected to be caused by a power bank.

These cases have prompted Chinese aviation regulators to take urgent action. Airports across China have now been ordered to tighten inspections, while airlines are launching campaigns to educate passengers about fire risks related to portable charging devices.

Chinese Brands Under Scrutiny for Battery Safety

The new rule also casts a spotlight on Chinese power bank manufacturers. Two well-known electronics brands, Anker and Romoss, have recently recalled over 1.2 million units, citing overheating issues that could pose serious fire hazards. Several other brands, including Baseus and Ugreen, have seen their CCC certification suspended or revoked.

With over 730 million domestic passengers taking to the skies in 2024, the potential scale of risk is significant. Even a small malfunction mid-air could lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially on full-capacity flights. The CAAC emphasised the urgent need for improved quality control and accountability from manufacturers.

Apart from product regulation, the authority has also recommended that airports enhance their in-terminal charging infrastructure to reduce the reliance on personal chargers.

Travellers Urged to Comply as Enforcement Begins

As enforcement begins, passengers are being urged to double-check their devices before heading to the airport. Power banks must not exceed specified watt-hour limits and should be hand-carried in cabin luggage rather than checked in. Airlines will reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone carrying unauthorised charging devices.

This clampdown aligns with wider global trends. Several Asian carriers, including Singapore Airlines and Korean Air, have also restricted the use of power banks during flights, even if they are allowed onboard. Singapore travellers heading to or transiting through China should be particularly mindful of this new regulation to avoid travel disruptions.

While the safety risks remain relatively low compared to other causes of in-flight emergencies, this move signals China’s intent to take no chances where aviation security is concerned.

Pro tip for travellers: If you’re unsure whether your power bank is certified, look out for the CCC logo and verify the product number online before packing. When in doubt, it’s better to leave it at home than to lose both your device and your flight.

A young Singaporean university student found himself in a harrowing situation while hiking alone in Taiwan, after dense fog and heavy rain caused him to lose his way on a remote mountain trail in Yilan County.

The 20-year-old had embarked on a solo “spontaneous” hike at Taiping Mountain on Friday (1 Aug), aiming to tackle the challenging Taijia Thru Trail — an 18.9km route leading to Jialuo Lake, usually requiring two full days of trekking and overnight camping.

Unfortunately, his adventurous spirit quickly met reality as the weather turned for the worse. At around 1.30pm, strong downpours and thick fog rolled in, severely limiting visibility and disorienting the hiker mid-journey.

Singaporean Calls for Help, Rescued After Over Two Hours

Recognising the severity of his situation, the student reached out for help by calling the local police. Officers from Sanxing Township quickly responded, dispatching Officer Lin Yutang, who braved the worsening weather to begin a rescue operation.

After more than two hours of searching through steep, slippery terrain, the officer finally located the lost hiker near Duomen Mountain — sitting at a daunting elevation of 2,273 metres above sea level. The student was visibly weak and fatigued.

Officer Lin offered him food, water, and emotional reassurance before beginning the journey back. The return trek to safety took an additional two hours, with the pair finally reaching the police station before 6.30pm.

Police Urge Hikers to Plan Ahead and Avoid Solo Treks

In light of the incident, Taiwanese authorities issued a fresh reminder to all hikers, especially tourists, to prepare adequately for high-altitude treks. Key advice includes mapping out the trail beforehand, checking real-time weather updates, carrying the correct hiking equipment, and avoiding solo trips whenever possible.

This case has highlighted the importance of having emergency contacts, reliable mobile reception, and even investing in travel insurance for hikers. While this situation ended without injury, such stories don’t always have happy endings.

For those planning mountain adventures abroad, consider registering your travel plans with local embassies and packing GPS trackers or satellite beacons as part of your essential gear. With rising global interest in ecotourism and nature travel, emergency mountain rescue services are under increasing strain — prevention is always better than cure.

A knife-wielding man went on a rampage near Ruolan Primary School in Leiyang, Hunan Province, China, leaving two people dead and three others injured. The incident occurred in the early evening and has triggered renewed concerns about public safety near educational institutions.

The 31-year-old suspect, Duan Chao, reportedly launched the attack without warning at around 6:00 p.m. in the Caizichi Subdistrict. Witnesses said he emerged from a street intersection, began slashing at bystanders near the school gate, and then proceeded to a nearby mahjong parlour, where he continued the assault before being arrested by police.

Panic and Tragedy Near School Zone

Local media outlets, including Jimu News, reported that the attacker targeted pedestrians indiscriminately. Some victims were parents waiting to pick up their children, while others were bystanders caught in the chaos. Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of terror, with several people screaming and running for safety.

Police acted swiftly and managed to subdue and arrest the assailant before further harm could be done. Authorities confirmed the suspect’s identity and stated that all injured victims have been hospitalised and are in stable condition.

Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack. Early indications suggest that the suspect acted alone, and there is no known link to terrorism or organised crime.

Safety Warnings and Rising Security Concerns in Asia

This violent incident comes amid a wave of public safety threats in parts of Asia, prompting concerns over the security of school zones and public spaces. Knife attacks, though less common than gun violence in Western countries, are a growing issue in several regions of China due to strict firearm laws.

With the rise in unpredictable attacks, travel safety alerts have become more prominent. While the current incident does not involve tourists, such events contribute to growing anxiety surrounding public safety in popular Chinese cities and towns.

Singaporeans travelling to China for business or education are advised to remain vigilant in public spaces and follow updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This latest tragedy underlines the importance of proactive security planning, mental health intervention, and swift law enforcement response in reducing threats to public life.

As families mourn the victims of the Leiyang attack, the spotlight now falls on the need for heightened safety measures around schools—not just in China, but across Asia.