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File photo for reference only Hotels and airlines across Thailand are grappling with a surge of cancellations from Chinese tour groups, just as the country prepared to welcome an influx of tourists for the Chinese New Year holiday in late January. The drop in bookings follows heightened safety concerns, underscored by recent incidents involving job scams in Southeast Asia. Hong Kong singer, Eason Chan, recently cancelled his concert in Thailand, citing these very concerns. In response, the Hong Kong Security Bureau dispatched a team to investigate cases where their citizens were reportedly enticed into job scams under dubious circumstances. While no tourists from Hong Kong were reportedly harmed, participants in these scams found themselves transported to Myanmar. Despite reassurances from Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports, that Thailand is bolstering safety measures, cancellations persist. Hotels in key tourist spots, especially Bangkok, are feeling the brunt, as noted by Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Chairman of Marketing at the Thai Hotels Association (THA). Tour groups, unlike independent travellers, have the flexibility to back out due to refundable booking policies. This has sparked concern amongst hotel operators who are now pressing the government to act swiftly to restore confidence in visitor safety. Thai Lion Air's Nuntaporn Komonsittivate reported significant cancellations for charter flights to Phuket, though individual bookings, less affected by such dynamics, remain stable. The situation presents a pressing challenge for Thai tourism, a sector heavily reliant on Chinese visitors. As the trade braces for impact, the broader implications on airline and hotel revenues during one of the busiest travel periods loom large. The tourism industry awaits further clarity in the coming days, as businesses come back from the weekend break to reassess and strategise amidst these tensions. -- 2025-01-14

Thai Airways Relocates to Changi's Revamped Terminal 2 File photo for reference only In a significant update for travellers, Thai Airways is set to relocate its Singapore operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Changi Airport on February 18. This shift promises enhanced facilities and lounge access, adding comfort for those on the busy Bangkok-Singapore route. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348820-thai-airways-relocates-to-changis-revamped-terminal-2/

File photo for reference only In a significant update for travellers, Thai Airways is set to relocate its Singapore operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Changi Airport on February 18. This shift promises enhanced facilities and lounge access, adding comfort for those on the busy Bangkok-Singapore route. For decades, Thai Airways has been a fixture at Terminal 1, operating 35 weekly flights, including five daily services to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The move to Terminal 2 aligns Thai Airways with fellow Star Alliance members such as Lufthansa and ANA, in Changi's largest terminal, which recently underwent extensive renovations to improve passenger services. Passengers will benefit from the refreshed lounge experience at Terminal 2. While the airline's Terminal 1 lounge remained closed post-Covid, T2 offers access to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer Gold Lounge and SilverKris Business Class Lounge. Though not on par with the cutting-edge facilities in Terminal 3, they are accessible through a quick SkyTrain ride. Business Class passengers can unwind in the SilverKris Business Lounge, while Star Alliance Gold members in Economy or Premium Economy can access the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge. Additionally, Priority Pass holders can enjoy unique dining and spa redemption options at T2, including discounts at Asian Street Kitchen. The refurbished Terminal 2 now handles 130 daily flights, serving 28 million passengers annually. With expanded space, new dining choices, and a nature-inspired design, the updated terminal aims to elevate the travel experience, making it a bustling hub within Changi. -- 2025-01-14

Hong Kong Singer Eason Chan Cancels Bangkok Gig Amid Rising Safety Worries File photo for reference only Hong Kong's beloved singer, Eason Chan, has cancelled his Bangkok concert amidst safety concerns for Chinese nationals visiting Thailand. Originally slated for February 22 at Impact Arena, the concert was called off after mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing's dramatic rescue from a notorious scam syndicate along the Thai-Myanmar border. Wang, deceived by a fake casting crew, had gone missing since January 3 before being discovered in a distressed state. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348819-hong-kong-singer-eason-chan-cancels-bangkok-gig-amid-rising-safety-worries/

File photo for reference only Hong Kong's beloved singer, Eason Chan, has cancelled his Bangkok concert amidst safety concerns for Chinese nationals visiting Thailand. Originally slated for February 22 at Impact Arena, the concert was called off after mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing's dramatic rescue from a notorious scam syndicate along the Thai-Myanmar border. Wang, deceived by a fake casting crew, had gone missing since January 3 before being discovered in a distressed state. Sunfan Media Group, responsible for Eason Chan’s Fear and Dreams World Tour, cited Chan's management's decision after discussions with the concert’s Bangkok partners. The cancellation aims to protect Chinese citizens, acknowledging the recent spate of scams targeting them in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. These scams have involved kidnapping victims to coercively work in fraudulent call centres, damaging Chinese tourists' confidence in Thailand, a nation heavily reliant on tourism. Fans have expressed mixed reactions, balancing disappointment with understanding of the safety issues driving the cancellation. Wang Xing's rescue has underscored the perils facing Chinese tourists, spotlighting the urgent need for heightened safety measures in the region. -- 2025-01-14

Police raid reveals sim box scam in Bangkok apartment By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Region 1 raided an apartment in the Lat Phrao area, uncovering eight sim box devices used for scam calls to defraud victims out of millions. The apartment was rented by a foreign national. Efforts are underway to expand the investigation and make arrests. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348818-police-raid-reveals-sim-box-scam-in-bangkok-apartment/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Police in Region 1 raided an apartment in the Lat Phrao area, uncovering eight sim box devices used for scam calls to defraud victims out of millions. The apartment was rented by a foreign national. Efforts are underway to expand the investigation and make arrests. Police Major General Worachat Saenkham, commander of the Region 1 Investigation Division, along with other high-ranking officers including Police Colonel Prathan Nantakobkul and Police Colonel Chutrakul Yosmadee, conducted a raid yesterday, January 13 at 8am. Their operation was supported by the Analytical News Division and involved a search warrant from the Criminal Court, warrant number K.4/2568, dated January 12. The search of the apartment in the Lat Phrao district was prompted by information from the AOC operations centre. The police were alerted to a criminal using the phone number 082-328xxxx to deceive victims by impersonating officials and threatening involvement in illegal activities, leading victims to transfer money for alleged investigations. One victim transferred 71,000 baht. Further investigation linked this phone number to 12 similar cases, with damages exceeding 1 million baht. During the search, police discovered eight GSM gateway devices, each capable of holding up to 32 SIM cards, two internet modem devices, and one CCTV camera. These items were seized for further investigation. Initial findings indicated that a foreign national rented the apartment on November 26 last year for 4,800 baht per month. The involved parties face charges of illegal use, import, export, or trade of telecommunications equipment without proper licencing, and setting up telecommunications stations without authorisation, reported KhaoSod. The police intend to continue their investigation to prosecute those involved in this scam operation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Sinful: Ex-nun claims reveal monk-key business at Isaan temple By Petch Petpailin Former nun, Phorn. | Photo via Amarin TV A former Thai nun exposed the inappropriate behaviour of an abbot at Dan Phra In Temple in the Isaan province of Mukdahan, claiming the monk engaged in sexual activities with her for over seven years and gave her large sums of money donated by Buddhists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348817-sinful-ex-nun-claims-reveal-monk-key-business-at-isaan-temple/

Former nun, Phorn. | Photo via Amarin TV By Petch Petpailin A former Thai nun exposed the inappropriate behaviour of an abbot at Dan Phra In Temple in the Isaan province of Mukdahan, claiming the monk engaged in sexual activities with her for over seven years and gave her large sums of money donated by Buddhists. The former nun, Phorn, urged the news Facebook page เจ๊มอย v+ (J Moi V+) to share her story with the public. The page subsequently posted a brief account of her claims yesterday, January 13. “A Thai woman revealed her secret relationship with an abbot. They first engaged in sexual activity at an outdoor ceremony venue within the temple. The monk also frequently gave her money.” Phorn revealed to the media that the monk, identified only as Phol, told her in 2014 that she had been his wife in their past lives. He urged her to attend a Dhamma retreat at the temple to atone for the karma they had accumulated together in those lives. Phorn said she decided to become a nun and reside at the temple from 2015 onwards. She accused the monk of raping her in 2015 and threatening her to remain silent, saying he would commit suicide if she revealed the matter. The monk also reportedly threatened to take his life if she ended their relationship. According to Phorn, Phol began giving her sums of money ranging from 1,000 to over 10,000 baht at a time. However, Phorn ultimately decided to leave the cloisters and expose Phol, alleging he failed to keep promises made to her. Phorn claimed Phol broke his promise to use a condom during sexual intercourse and was unfaithful to her. Their disputes eventually led to the end of their relationship. Phorn shared screenshots of conversations between her and Phol, in which he expressed love for her and conversed in a manner typical of a romantic couple. She also provided voice recordings, money transfer receipts, and other evidence, which are currently under review by the provincial monk committee. Phol was summoned today, January 14, to appear before the committee for questioning. He denied having any relationship with Phorn, accusing her of fabricating the story to tarnish his reputation. The committee pledged to defrock Phol if the allegations are proven true. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Scrambled spat: Egg row ends with knife attack in Pattaya By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Pattaya police and rescue workers rushed to a chaotic scene on Sunday where a domestic dispute over frying eggs took a violent turn, leaving a man with a knife lodged in his head. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348816-scrambled-spat-egg-row-ends-with-knife-attack-in-pattaya/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Pattaya police and rescue workers rushed to a chaotic scene on Sunday where a domestic dispute over frying eggs took a violent turn, leaving a man with a knife lodged in his head. Officers arrived at a rental room in Soi Paniadchang 8, Central Pattaya, yesterday, January 12, to find 36 year old Krisada Matcha, bleeding profusely and stumbling down the stairs seeking help. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation provided emergency first aid before rushing him to Bang Lamung Hospital. Inside the room, police found the alleged attacker, 35 year old Sathaporn Chieaplaem, who is Krisada’s stepson. Sathaporn admitted to stabbing his stepfather after an argument escalated into violence. He, too, had sustained a head injury and claimed the altercation began when Krisada hit him with a soup bowl during a heated exchange. Sathaporn explained that tensions had been simmering for some time, citing dissatisfaction with his stepfather’s presence in his mother’s life. The argument spiralled out of control when the two clashed over how to fry eggs, ending in the brutal stabbing. “I acted in rage after he attacked me first,” Sathaporn told police, as officers took him into custody for further questioning. Krisada remains in hospital under close medical supervision, while Sathaporn faces legal proceedings, reported Pattaya Mail. The shocking incident has drawn attention to domestic violence in Thailand, sparking conversations about the need for conflict resolution in family disputes. Pattaya police have assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Baht bus brawl: Phuket driver and foreign man row over fare By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A physical altercation broke out between a Thai baht bus driver and a foreign man outside a hotel in Phuket after the foreigner refused to pay the agreed transport fare. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348815-baht-bus-brawl-phuket-driver-and-foreign-man-row-over-fare/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ By Petch Petpailin A physical altercation broke out between a Thai baht bus driver and a foreign man outside a hotel in Phuket after the foreigner refused to pay the agreed transport fare. The Phuket Times shared a video of the altercation today, January 14. However, the page did not specify when or where the incident occurred. The accompanying post read… “Fighting! The foreign tourist refused to pay the transport fare of 400 baht as agreed before the trip and paid only 200 baht upon arriving at his hotel.” The video, posted in the comments section, showed the red baht bus driver initiating the fight by punching the foreign man, who was wearing a white shirt, in the face. The foreigner retaliated by throwing the Thai driver to the ground and kicking him forcefully. A hotel security guard rushed to separate the two but the driver got up and struck the foreigner on the head. Another security guard intervened, eventually succeeding in stopping the fight. Since no details were provided regarding the distance of the journey, it was not possible to determine whether the 400-baht fare was reasonable. Nevertheless, some netizens argued that the foreigner should have paid the agreed amount regardless of its fairness, as the terms had been settled before the ride. There has been no report on whether either party will face legal consequences for their actions. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Thai Village in Shock as 100-Year-Old Tree Crushes Teen Motorcyclist File photo for reference only A 100-year-old sugar palm tree in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham tragically fell, leading to the death of a 15-year-old girl named Ice and critically injuring her friend, Palm. This incident occurred on Saturday, January 11, as the teens were travelling on a rural road through the Kantharawichai district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348810-thai-village-in-shock-as-100-year-old-tree-crushes-teen-motorcyclist/

File photo for reference only A 100-year-old sugar palm tree in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham tragically fell, leading to the death of a 15-year-old girl named Ice and critically injuring her friend, Palm. This incident occurred on Saturday, January 11, as the teens were travelling on a rural road through the Kantharawichai district. The towering tree, over 20 metres tall, had stood in a temple for a century. Its decay, amplified by strong winds on the day, likely contributed to its fall. Community leader, Adisak Rattha, upon rushing to the scene, confirmed Ice was killed immediately. Palm, aged 16, was taken to hospital where surgeons amputated her leg due to severe injuries. In addition to its human toll, the fallen tree also caused significant damage to nearby electricity infrastructure, leading to an urgent community effort to clear the road. According to Adisak, the victims will receive compensation through insurances, ensuring some relief for the affected families. Ice’s mother, Janphen, shared her heartbreak over the tragedy. She recounted how Ice and Palm only intended to shop for a family meal. Janphen also recalled a recent ominous event, where portrait frames at home mysteriously fell, which she viewed as an ill omen. The community mourns Ice’s loss and rallies around Palm in her recovery, marking a sombre reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the bonds of unity in times of distress. -- 2025-01-14

Chinese woman accuses Thai police of 7 million baht extortion By Petch Petpailin A police officer from Prawet Police Station and a Singaporean man. | Photo via Channel 8 A Chinese woman accused Thai police officers in Bangkok of extorting 7 million baht from her. However, several Thai nationals came forward to accuse the Chinese woman of operating an investment scam. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348808-chinese-woman-accuses-thai-police-of-7-million-baht-extortion/

A police officer from Prawet Police Station and a Singaporean man. | Photo via Channel 8 By Petch Petpailin A Chinese woman accused Thai police officers in Bangkok of extorting 7 million baht from her. However, several Thai nationals came forward to accuse the Chinese woman of operating an investment scam. The woman, identified only as Yujin, released a livestream video alleging corruption by officers at Prawet Police Station in Bangkok and urged her followers not to travel to Thailand, claiming the country was dangerous. Yujin later sought help from Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Help Crime Victim Club, to pursue justice. Atchariya submitted a formal complaint to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Siam Boonsom, yesterday, January 13. In an interview with Amarin TV, Atchariya explained that Yujin arrived in Thailand in December 2023 with four family members and stayed at a hotel in the Bang Rak neighbourhood of Bangkok. During her stay, a Singaporean man approached her in the hotel lobby to discuss a business matter. While they were talking, officers from Prawet Police Station arrived and summoned her to the police station for questioning. Yujin believed that the Singaporean man was also involved in the extortion. At the station, officers allegedly demanded 70 million baht from Yujin, claiming she owed money to a Thai woman named Nichapa. Yujin insisted to Atchariya that she did not know Nichapa and had never met her. She maintained that this was her and her family’s first visit to Thailand. The police reportedly threatened to detain her if she refused to pay. Yujin eventually negotiated the amount down to 7 million baht, which she paid in cryptocurrency. Repeated extortion Yujin returned to her home country as scheduled but refused to abandon her pursuit of justice. She returned to Thailand in August last year to press charges against the officers from Prawet Police Station. She reported the matter to Phayathai Police Station and Bang Rak Police Station. However, she was allegedly extorted again, this time by officers from Bang Rak Police Station, who reportedly demanded 260,000 baht as an operational fee for processing her complaint. Atchariya called on Commissioner Siam to ensure justice for the Chinese woman and urged the Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to address corruption and scams targeting foreign tourists in Thailand. In response, officers from Prawet Police Station claimed that Yujin was accused by Nichapa of defrauding her of 30 million baht through an investment scheme via a mobile application. Nichapa alleged she was unable to withdraw either her investment or the promised returns. Nichapa reported the issue to Prawet Police Station, prompting officers to summon Yujin for questioning. The police claimed that Yujin and Nichapa resolved the matter privately and later informed the officers they had reached an agreement. The police also stated that more victims of Yujin’s alleged investment scam came forward to file complaints against her. As of now, the case remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau to determine which party is telling the truth. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Thai tomboy assaulted by neighbour over loud noise in Pattaya - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 A Thai tomboy is seeking justice after a male neighbour allegedly threatened her with a knife and beat her with a baseball bat at an apartment in Pattaya last week, reportedly over loud noise. CCTV footage also captured the tomboy damaging her neighbour’s room. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348807-thai-tomboy-assaulted-by-neighbour-over-loud-noise-in-pattaya-video/

Photo via Channel 8 By Petch Petpailin A Thai tomboy is seeking justice after a male neighbour allegedly threatened her with a knife and beat her with a baseball bat at an apartment in Pattaya last week, reportedly over loud noise. CCTV footage also captured the tomboy damaging her neighbour’s room. The altercation between the couple, Sirinapa and Kanokwan, and their neighbour, Tee, occurred at around 12.25am on January 8 at an apartment in Soi Arunothai, Pattaya. Following the incident, the couple filed a complaint against Tee at Mueang Pattaya Police Station. Sirinapa and Kanokwan decided to bring the matter to the attention of news agencies as the case had seen no progress. They are now planning to move out, citing fear for their safety. They also accused their neighbour of using drugs at the accommodation. Channel 8 shared the CCTV footage of the incident with the public. In the video, the couple could be heard shouting at a stray cat outside their room to chase it away. Shortly after, the male neighbour, Tee, who lived in the room opposite, exited and immediately pointed a knife at Sirinapa’s neck before shouting at the couple. “Why don’t you respect others? Don’t you know who I am? You know?” Tee then challenged Sirinapa to fight. The couple defended themselves, stating that their noise had nothing to do with Tee and insisting they were always considerate of others in the building and tried to keep their voices down. The argument continued in front of their respective rooms for a while before Tee punched Sirinapa in the face. Kanokwan went into their room and returned with a baseball bat, which she handed to Sirinapa. Sirinapa then repeatedly struck Tee’s wooden door with the bat. According to Channel 8, Tee managed to seize the bat from Sirinapa and used it to beat her. Pictures shared by the media showed that Sirinapa sustained a serious wound to her mouth, along with bruises and scratches on her body. The couple told the media they called Mueang Pattaya Police to the scene. However, Tee claimed to the police that he acted in self-defence, alleging that Sirinapa attacked him first. Channel 7 reported that the police did not ignore the case and would send both parties for medical examinations while gathering more evidence before issuing any charges. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Child dragged by kite in Thailand’s windy paddy field - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A video of a child being dramatically dragged across a field while flying a kite has rocked social media with calls for more vigilance from parents and guardians. The video was posted on TikTok by user@plai200737 yesterday, January 13. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348806-child-dragged-by-kite-in-thailand’s-windy-paddy-field-video/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A video of a child being dramatically dragged across a field while flying a kite has rocked social media with calls for more vigilance from parents and guardians. The video was posted on TikTok by user@plai200737 yesterday, January 13. The strong winds caused the large kite to pull the child through the dusty paddy field. Despite the unexpected force, the child held on tightly to the kite. Kites are popular worldwide, typically flown in winter and summer. During winter, the wind blows from the land to the sea, while in summer, it travels from the sea to the mainland. In the video, the boy’s friends can be seen running after him, seemingly trying to help but the child ends up with some minor injuries from the incident, reported KhaoSod. The incident was not isolate. A seven year old Thai boy tragically lost his life after crossing a road while flying a kite in the Isaan province of Buriram on December 15 last year. The fatal accident occurred on a rural road in the Nong Ki district of Buriram and was reported to the Nong Ki Police Station. Police officers and rescuers from the Nong Ki Foundation arrived at the scene to find the body of the boy beneath the rear right wheel of a tractor. Safety measures to prevent such accidents include: Supervision: Ensure that children are supervised by adults while flying kites, especially near roads or areas with vehicular traffic. Safe locations: Choose open spaces away from roads, power lines, and obstacles to fly kites. Awareness: Educate children about the importance of being aware of their surroundings and the potential dangers of chasing kites without caution. Equipment check: Regularly inspect kite strings and equipment to ensure they are in good condition and do not pose additional hazards. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Bucket list gone wrong: Swansea gran’s naked Bangkok escapade By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail A 61 year old grandmother from Swansea found herself stark naked and wandering her hotel, allegedly after downing a tainted bucket of booze in bustling Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348805-bucket-list-gone-wrong-swansea-gran’s-naked-bangkok-escapade/

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail By Bob Scott A 61 year old grandmother from Swansea found herself stark naked and wandering her hotel, allegedly after downing a tainted bucket of booze in bustling Bangkok. Janet West’s unnerving adventure adds a chilling chapter to the ongoing saga of suspected deadly drinks across Southeast Asia. West’s bizarre evening unfolded amid the wild festivities of the new year on Bangkok’s buzzing Khao San Road. Initially, the mother-of-two thought she was sipping on a casual whisky and coke. But when she went to bed that night, she never guessed she would wake to the mortifying tale of wandering the hotel naked for four agonising hours. “At first, I thought I dreamt the whole thing, thinking hotel staff guided me back to my room. Turns out, it wasn’t just a dream.” The staff confirmed her shivering realisation: she’d been caught in the buff, all for the world to see. “I was lucky to survive and have no side effects but I’m frightened to drink the local spirits in Thailand now.” This jaw-dropping revelation comes as police investigate the tragic deaths of six tourists in Laos, suspected to have succumbed to methanol poisoning: an industrial-grade alcohol added to stretch cheap drinks. Among these victims was Simone White, a 28 year old from Orpington, Kent, cruelly cut down by deadly shots in a hostel. West’s escapade has had lasting effects. Though retired and braving the solo travel life since 2022, she now steers clear of local spirits, opting instead for trusted imports or bottled beer on her return visits to the region. She dreads the memory of believing she was a pregnant teenager seeking transport to a delivery unit, a bizarre hallucination she learned of from hotel staff once reality set in. “At the time, we were buying buckets of whisky and coke but I haven’t a clue what we were really drinking. People later told me it was ethanol, due to improper distillation.” With horror stories of blindness and death making the rounds among travellers, the British grandmother issued a warning to others. “It’s really difficult because shots are just poured down your neck in Thailand. They knock on your door shouting ‘free shots’, and nobody questions them.” Simone’s mother, Sue White, spoke to The Sun, unveiling a disquieting pattern at the hostel in Laos where dangerous free shots flowed nightly. Despite fervent denials from management that methanol was added to their spirits, the loss of her ‘kind, fun-loving’ daughter casts a shadow on their reassurances. “Simone and her mates had six shots each, with Sprite, before falling ill.” For two harrowing hours, the hostel pushed free shots of Tiger Vodka to a merry crowd of 100, including Simone. Although management insisted the booze was procured through proper channels, the grim reality paints a darker picture: medics mistook Simone’s symptoms for food poisoning, dismissing serious concerns until it was too late. By the time medical aid advanced, Simone was already delirious, said her mother. “I think, basically, it had already affected her brain.” West added that she feels for the families of those who lost loved ones in Laos. “I feel so sad for the unfortunate travellers in Laos and so disgusted with the people who made the alcohol and sold it.” As families stand heartbroken and investigations persist, West has one sobering message for fellow travellers. “Steer clear of the dodgy concoctions and keep your wits about you. Your life could very well depend on it.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Phuket tourists smash wheel lock with rock, sparking outrage - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thairath Foreign tourists in Phuket sparked a social media firestorm after blatantly disregarding Thai law by smashing a police wheel lock with a rock in broad daylight. The brazen act occurred outside a shopping mall on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong today, January 14. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348803-phuket-tourists-smash-wheel-lock-with-rock-sparking-outrage-video/

Photo courtesy of Thairath By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Foreign tourists in Phuket sparked a social media firestorm after blatantly disregarding Thai law by smashing a police wheel lock with a rock in broad daylight. The brazen act occurred outside a shopping mall on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong today, January 14. A 23-second video of the incident was shared by the Phuket Newshawk Facebook page, captioned: “A friend smashed the chain. #Don’t do it #Patong.” The clip shows a tourist using a rock to break the chain securing their motorcycle wheel, which police had locked for illegal parking. The video quickly went viral, igniting heated discussions online. Furious netizens slammed the tourists for their disrespectful behaviour. “Foreigners aren’t afraid of Thai laws because they can pay fines.” “Thailand’s laws are too lenient. When will we see stricter enforcement?” Others criticised what they perceived as leniency towards foreigners. “When Thais break the law abroad, they face severe consequences. Here, tourists pay and walk free.” Some called for harsher punishments, suggesting jail time for vandalising government property. The incident raises broader concerns about law enforcement and the behaviour of certain tourists in Thailand. Many locals feel stricter regulations are necessary to protect the country’s image and ensure respect for its laws, reported Thairath. As tourism continues to boom in Phuket, police and local government officials face growing pressure to address these recurring issues. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14