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Thanin Kraivichien | Photo via Thailand News Thailand is in mourning as Thanin Kraivichien, the country's 14th Prime Minister, passed away on February 23 at the age of 97. Known for his integrity and dedication, Thanin also served as President of the Privy Council under King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Born in Bangkok on April 5, 1927, Thanin completed his law degree at Thammasat University in 1948 and continued his studies at the London School of Economics, graduating in 1953. His political career peaked during a tumultuous time in Thailand’s history. Thanin became Prime Minister on October 8, 1976, chosen by King Bhumibol Adulyadej after the Thammasat University massacre, where numerous leftist students lost their lives. However, his tenure was marred by an authoritarian approach and a divided nation, leading to his removal by Admiral Sangad Chaloryu on October 20, 1977. Despite his short term, Thanin was praised for his honesty. Following his premiership, he was appointed to the Privy Council on December 15 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Many see Thanin's death as the end of an era in Thai politics. His family has promised to announce details of his royal cremation and religious ceremonies soon, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Crypto Scam Busted: Thai and Chinese Duo Caught Laundering $900k Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a major bust, cyber police arrested a 34-year-old Chinese man, Zhao, and his 21-year-old Thai partner, Naritsara, for their role in a cryptocurrency investment scam racking up losses over 30 million baht ($897,640). The operation may have processed transactions totaling 10 billion baht ($299,213) annually. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352754-crypto-scam-busted-thai-and-chinese-duo-caught-laundering-900k/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a major bust, cyber police arrested a 34-year-old Chinese man, Zhao, and his 21-year-old Thai partner, Naritsara, for their role in a cryptocurrency investment scam racking up losses over 30 million baht ($897,640). The operation may have processed transactions totaling 10 billion baht ($299,213) annually. The criminals lured victims via social media using enticing profiles and promises of high returns on the website neccorpo.site. Initially showing profits, withdrawals soon failed, exceeding individual losses of 2 million baht ($59,832). The duo, romantically involved, led luxurious lives, using deception in 28 known fraud cases, operating a failing shoe store in Yaowarat, and living extravagantly with luxury cars and rare collectibles. On February 22, police raided five locations across Bangkok and Samut Sakhon, seizing 20 million baht ($598,372) in assets, including luxury cars and Bearbrick dolls. Officers also discovered the suspects' phones filled with 5,000 transaction slips in a year, spanning between 100,000 to 500,000 baht ($2,990 to $14,960). Police suspect connections to broader criminal networks, with Zhao having traveled frequently between Thailand, China, and Cambodia. Both suspects deny all charges of conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering. Authorities warn against investing in uncertified platforms and falling for online schemes that might form part of a wider scam. They emphasize investment through regulated channels like the Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite recent successes in combating call center scams, cases of technology-related fraud are climbing. In response, police continue to push crackdowns on fraudulent online activities, aiming to protect potential victims, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Pai's Tourism Woes: Over 1,600 Foreigners Arrested in a Year Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post In 2022, Pai district in Mae Hong Son saw the arrest of over 1,600 foreigners mostly for traffic and immigration violations. Among those detained, 13 were Israeli visitors for immigration infractions, according to local police reports. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352753-pais-tourism-woes-over-1600-foreigners-arrested-in-a-year/

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post In 2022, Pai district in Mae Hong Son saw the arrest of over 1,600 foreigners mostly for traffic and immigration violations. Among those detained, 13 were Israeli visitors for immigration infractions, according to local police reports. Police Major General Songkrit Ontakrai, Mae Hong Son's police commander, has responded to rumors on social media about difficulties with unruly Israeli tourists. He clarified that, in total, 1,634 foreigners were arrested over the year, out of which 27 were for immigration issues. Despite claims of thousands of Israeli tourists, Pai's capacity of 3,257 rental rooms means these numbers are overstated, the officer explained. “Residents generally do not experience significant issues with Israeli visitors,” assured Maj. Gen. Songkrit. A recent inspection of tourist areas and businesses found no Israeli or foreign ownership; instead, all establishments were owned by locals. In addition, officials urged tourists to avoid public disturbances, including smoking and drinking in public. A night patrol on February 22 led to 10 arrests for smoking cannabis disruptively on Pai Walking Street, a location featuring 84 licensed cannabis shops. In related news, four Israeli men were deported following disruptive behavior at Pai Hospital. Their actions, described on the Facebook page AggressiveDoctor, left the medical staff feeling unsafe and exhausted. The arrests underscore the ongoing challenge of maintaining order amid growing tourist numbers in the region, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Shocking Find: Burned Body in Oman Linked to Missing Thai Photo via Facebook/ Lampang Variety - ลำปางวาไรตี้ ข่าว,รีวิว Police in Oman believe a burned body found on a mountain may belong to Athitiya "Mind" Wilachan, a missing Thai woman suspected to have been tortured by her Bangladeshi boyfriend. Mind’s disappearance caught the attention of her friends and family through social media, prompting a search urged by her family. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352751-shocking-find-burned-body-in-oman-linked-to-missing-thai/

Photo via Facebook/ Lampang Variety - ลำปางวาไรตี้ ข่าว,รีวิว Police in Oman believe a burned body found on a mountain may belong to Athitiya "Mind" Wilachan, a missing Thai woman suspected to have been tortured by her Bangladeshi boyfriend. Mind’s disappearance caught the attention of her friends and family through social media, prompting a search urged by her family. Mind was last seen by a friend, Na, on November 24. She reportedly saw Mind with her boyfriend, who was using drugs, in their room. Mind appeared bruised, wounded, and extremely thin. Na claimed that Mind feared her boyfriend, who had allegedly killed three other women before. After the boyfriend was arrested in a drug case, Mind’s absence led her friends and family to desperately search for her. Mind’s family enlisted help from the Paveena Foundation and Interpol officers in Thailand. Thai resident in Oman, Khadeeja MadamOman Alhashmi, helped gather information from Mind’s friends, sharing it with officials in Muscat and Salalah. A Bangladeshi local informed her that Mind had been abused, killed, and burned on a mountain in Salalah. Local police have since discovered a burned body, suspected to be Mind's, and are conducting a DNA test for confirmation. Mind’s family has been informed and is awaiting results to confirm the identity of the body. Police have not yet linked the boyfriend to the crime, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

The Price of Fame: Animal Welfare Groups vs. Zoo Stars - video Picture of Moo Deng courtesy of CNN Animal rights group PETA is calling on British tourists to steer clear of Thailand's famous zoo animals, including the popular pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Moo Deng, which means “bouncy pork” in Thai, has attracted huge crowds, raising concerns about her welfare from animal welfare groups like Born Free and PETA. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352750-the-price-of-fame-animal-welfare-groups-vs-zoo-stars-video/

Picture of Moo Deng courtesy of CNN Animal rights group PETA is calling on British tourists to steer clear of Thailand's famous zoo animals, including the popular pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Moo Deng, which means “bouncy pork” in Thai, has attracted huge crowds, raising concerns about her welfare from animal welfare groups like Born Free and PETA. As Moo Deng's popularity grows, zoo officials have installed CCTV and restricted visitor numbers to protect the hippo. They've also urged visitors not to throw objects or make loud noises to provoke her. PETA and other groups highlight that pygmy hippos, endangered in the wild with only 2,000-2,500 left, are naturally shy and nocturnal. PETA criticises the zoo's claim of breeding for conservation, labeling it a profitable captivity business instead. This issue isn't isolated to Thailand. At Australia's Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, a king penguin named Pesto gained fame after being visited by singer Katy Perry. Born Free criticizes Pesto’s cramped conditions, contrasting it with his natural Antarctic habitat. Chris Lewis from Born Free attributes the zoo's revenue boost to Moo Deng's stardom, worrying about the negative impact on her welfare. Born Free and PETA encourage avoiding visits and online sharing about captive animals, advocating for habitat conservation support instead. Jennifer White from PETA stresses that captivity doesn't support species preservation. She suggests relocating Moo Deng to a sanctuary, claiming life in a concrete cage is unnatural and distressing for her. Despite criticism, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi stands by the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has been asked to comment on the situation but hasn’t yet responded, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Fatal Encounter: Thai Worker Attacks Boss Over Smoking Photo via KhaoSod In a tragic incident that unfolded at a convenience store in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, a 28-year-old woman named Kamonrat fatally stabbed her manager, Tawinan, 35, around 5 PM on February 23. The shocking event was triggered by a reprimand for smoking on the job. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352749-fatal-encounter-thai-worker-attacks-boss-over-smoking/

Photo via KhaoSod In a tragic incident that unfolded at a convenience store in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, a 28-year-old woman named Kamonrat fatally stabbed her manager, Tawinan, 35, around 5 PM on February 23. The shocking event was triggered by a reprimand for smoking on the job. Police officers from Mueang Samut Sakhon arrived at the scene, where store employees reported Kamonrat remained in the storage room with the victim's body. When officers entered, Kamonrat was still holding a knife, which she refused to drop, prompting the police to use force to subdue her. Thankfully, no injuries occurred during the arrest. Witnesses described how Tawinan had called Kamonrat for a private meeting before the tragic incident. After criticising her work performance and asking her to stop smoking on duty, Kamonrat attacked, slashing Tawinan’s face and arms, then repeatedly stabbing her. Kamonrat’s sister, Pornjarat, recounted how she had initially thought Kamonrat was the victim after hearing her nephew urgently mention a stabbing. What she subsequently learned was more troubling: Kamonrat had become the prime suspect in the killing. Pornjarat revealed her sister had expressed concerns about another mentally unstable colleague, who often talked to herself. She believed this colleague’s behavior would eventually lead to an altercation, but did not confirm if this was connected to the victim. Kamonrat is facing serious charges under Section 288 of the Thai Criminal Law for intentional murder, which carries a penalty ranging from 15 to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment, or the death penalty. The case has sparked discussions about mental health support and workplace conflict resolution in the country, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Nikki Beach's Iconic White Party Lights Up Koh Samui Photo via Nikki Beach Koh Samui Get ready for an evening full of sparkle and style as the renowned Nikki Beach Hospitality Group brings back its celebrated White Party to Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui, on Friday, March 14. This year, the theme is Ivory Blooms, promising a night to remember. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352747-nikki-beachs-iconic-white-party-lights-up-koh-samui/

Photo via Nikki Beach Koh Samui Get ready for an evening full of sparkle and style as the renowned Nikki Beach Hospitality Group brings back its celebrated White Party to Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui, on Friday, March 14. This year, the theme is Ivory Blooms, promising a night to remember. Dance the night away with Mademoiselle Sabah, Nikki Beach’s Global Music Ambassador, who will be spinning electrifying tunes. Adding to the magic, Perfunction Entertainment's spellbinding acts and dancers will dazzle the crowd. The night will climax with a spectacular fireworks display. Capture the moment in a 360° photo booth, ensuring the memories last forever. Guests dressed in their finest all-white attire will enjoy Nikki Beach’s signature Celebration of Life atmosphere featuring vibrant entertainment and beachside glamour, reported The Thaiger. Entry is priced at 1,000 baht per guest, which includes one drink. For those seeking a premium experience, there are a variety of VIP packages available: Ultimate VIP Pool Area Packages 30,000+ baht: for 6-8 guests, includes 1.5L Magnum Moët Imperial Champagne and 5,000+ baht food credit. 45,000+ baht: for 6-8 guests, includes 3L Jeroboam Moët Imperial Champagne and 5,000+ baht food credit. VIP Pool Area Bed Package 15,000+ baht: for 4-6 guests, with an option for extra guests at 1,000+ baht each, includes Moët Premium Champagne and 3,000+ baht food credit. Deck Bed Package 12,000+ baht: for 4-6 guests, with an option for extra guests at 1,000+ baht each, includes Moët Imperial Champagne and 1,500+ baht food credit. Restaurant Packages Table for 2: 7,000+ baht, includes Ernest Papeneau Champagne and 1,500+ baht food credit. Table for 4: 12,000+ baht, includes two bottles of Ernest Papeneau Champagne and 3,000+ baht food credit. Table for 6: 18,000+ baht, includes three bottles of Ernest Papeneau Champagne and 4,500+ baht food credit. To secure your spot for this must-attend event, email [email protected]. Visit Nikki Beach’s website or follow them on Instagram for more details. Don your best white attire and get ready for a night full of unforgettable experiences! -- 2025-02-24

Norse Atlantic Expands Asian Reach with New Bangkok Service Picture courtesy of Cision News Norse Atlantic Airways is set to launch an exciting new direct route between London Gatwick and Bangkok, offering passengers an affordable escape to warmth and adventure. This new service is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 26 October 2025, operating up to four times a week with return fares starting at a competitive £295, inclusive of taxes. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352745-norse-atlantic-expands-asian-reach-with-new-bangkok-service/

Picture courtesy of Cision News Norse Atlantic Airways is set to launch an exciting new direct route between London Gatwick and Bangkok, offering passengers an affordable escape to warmth and adventure. This new service is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 26 October 2025, operating up to four times a week with return fares starting at a competitive £295, inclusive of taxes. The launch of the Bangkok route comes as the airline announces the end of its London Gatwick-Miami service, concluding with a final flight on 25 October 2025 due to low demand. Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO and Founder, expressed the airline's excitement about the new Asian route, emphasising its popularity among travellers and commitment to cost-effective, comfortable travel. In a move reflecting its strategic emphasis on the Asian market, Norse Atlantic will also double its flight frequencies from Stockholm Arlanda and Oslo to Bangkok by December 2025. This expansion builds on their existing services out of London Gatwick, which connects to destinations in the US and South Africa. Additionally, starting March 2025, Norse Atlantic will enter a wet lease arrangement with India’s IndiGo airline for long-haul operations. This highlights Norse Atlantic’s growth in third-party flying, encompassing aircraft leasing, crew, and maintenance services. With these developments, Norse Atlantic Airways is poised to offer increased travel options and competitive pricing, promising enhanced value for passengers seeking new horizons, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Bangkok Police Facebook Page Hacked with Explicit Content Picture courtesy of The Daily News In an unexpected twist, the Bangkok Noi Metropolitan Police Station's Facebook page became the backdrop for a cybersecurity scandal this morning, showcasing explicit pornographic content instead of its usual updates. Followers were taken by surprise when the page, boasting over 2,000 followers, displayed around 18 indecent images and videos, marking a sharp deviation from its routine posts. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352742-bangkok-police-facebook-page-hacked-with-explicit-content/

Picture courtesy of The Daily News In an unexpected twist, the Bangkok Noi Metropolitan Police Station's Facebook page became the backdrop for a cybersecurity scandal this morning, showcasing explicit pornographic content instead of its usual updates. Followers were taken by surprise when the page, boasting over 2,000 followers, displayed around 18 indecent images and videos, marking a sharp deviation from its routine posts. Officials quickly explained the breach as an act of cyber mischief, clarifying their non-involvement with the explicit material. Immediate actions were taken to restore the page and enhance security measures to prevent further digital intrusions. This incident mirrors a similar hacking of the National Office of Buddhism's page in Thailand last year, which was also peppered with obscene content, leaving over 80,000 followers stunned. The police, now with raised vigilance, are prioritising strategies to protect their social media presence. Engaged in damage control, they aim to reassure their followers and prevent another cyber breach. Meanwhile, netizens have expressed mixed reactions, ranging from shock to humor, with some teasing the idea of admins forgetting to switch accounts. As authorities work to regaining control and the trust of their audience, both the police and the public are reminded of the pervasive threat that hackers pose, underscoring the need for robust digital security measures, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

British Influencer's Buddha Tattoo Sparks Thai Cultural Debate - video Photo by Emily Srichala Emily Srichala, a British social media influencer married to a Thai tattoo artist, has recently caused a stir in Thailand over a tattoo depicting the image of Lord Buddha on her arm. Srichala, who is actively studying Buddhist practices, recently received a message claiming she broke Thai laws by having the tattoo and sharing it online, leading to a storm of discussion among Thai netizens. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352740-british-influencers-buddha-tattoo-sparks-thai-cultural-debate-video/

Photo by Emily Srichala Emily Srichala, a British social media influencer married to a Thai tattoo artist, has recently caused a stir in Thailand over a tattoo depicting the image of Lord Buddha on her arm. Srichala, who is actively studying Buddhist practices, recently received a message claiming she broke Thai laws by having the tattoo and sharing it online, leading to a storm of discussion among Thai netizens. In response to the message, which accused her of cultural disrespect, Emily posted a video on Facebook and TikTok asking for opinions from Thai citizens. She explained that the tattoo, crafted by her husband, is a piece of art on her upper arm—not on the lower body, where Buddhist images are traditionally discouraged. The issue has divided opinions in Thailand. Some Thais see the tattoo as an expression of art and individuality, while others view it as disrespectful to the Buddhist culture. Critics argue that the tattoo's location on the body does not align with cultural norms, whereas supporters insist intention and respect matter more than placement. In the wake of the debate, lawyer Kerdphol Kaewkerd confirmed that Srichala's tattoo is legally permissible in Thailand, clarifying that she broke no laws despite the backlash. The ongoing conversation highlights the cultural sensitivity regarding religious symbols and the varying interpretations of respectfulness in a globalised world, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-24

Cybercrime Cops Raid Journalist's Home: Intimidation Alleged File photo for reference only In a move drawing widespread criticism, Thai cybercrime police raided the home of Yaiyika Athikuptanawat, an online journalist for ‘The Critic’ programme, at 7am yesterday. The operation, prompted by a complaint from lawyers representing former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has raised concerns about press freedom in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352514-cybercrime-cops-raid-journalists-home-intimidation-alleged/

File photo for reference only In a move drawing widespread criticism, Thai cybercrime police raided the home of Yaiyika Athikuptanawat, an online journalist for ‘The Critic’ programme, at 7am yesterday. The operation, prompted by a complaint from lawyers representing former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has raised concerns about press freedom in Thailand. The warrant targeted Yaiyika, summoning her as a witness in a case involving alleged misinformation. However, critics argued the operation's scale—around ten officers was excessive for a witness inquiry. Warong Dechgitvigrom, chair of the Thai Pakdee party, likened the raid to tactics used by a so-called "Thaksin Regime," notorious for stifling dissent in the past. He condemned the sizeable police presence, likening it to an offensive against organized crime, rather than a journalist. Similarly, former senator Somchai Sawangkarn questioned if the national police authorised such a forceful approach. Acting in concert, Virute Sirisawasdibutr of the Institute for Justice Reform expressed concern over the raid's intent, fearing it signals a crackdown on critical voices within the media. These events underscore ongoing tensions in Thailand regarding press freedoms and governmental accountability, as some voices argue the actions reflect a troubling pattern of media intimidation, reported Thai PBS World. -- 2025-02-21

Police Strike: Bangkok's Infamous Gambling Den Raided Yet Again Photo via KhaoSod In Bangkok's Don Mueang district, a notorious gambling den was raided yesterday at 3pm, marking the third police operation at this property since 2024. The operation was led by Police Major Generals Jesada Suaysom and Chotiwat Lueangwilai, targeting a fortified establishment in Soi Songprapha 1. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352513-police-strike-bangkoks-infamous-gambling-den-raided-yet-again/

Photo via KhaoSod In Bangkok's Don Mueang district, a notorious gambling den was raided yesterday at 3pm, marking the third police operation at this property since 2024. The operation was led by Police Major Generals Jesada Suaysom and Chotiwat Lueangwilai, targeting a fortified establishment in Soi Songprapha 1. On arrival, over 30 officers discovered a newly constructed entrance and heightened walls, indicating efforts to increase security since the last raid. Vehicles amassed at the back suggested an active gathering. As officers breached the building, some players attempted to escape through the main entrance, but 29 individuals, including 10 men and 19 women, were consequently arrested. Inside, three rooms were utilised for card games like blackjack, Siaw, and the dice game Hi-Lo. Safety measures such as cameras indicated careful monitoring of activities. Authorities confiscated gambling tables, walkie-talkies, CCTV equipment, cards, dice, and other paraphernalia, handing them to Don Mueang Police Station with the detainees for further procedures. Despite the den's improvements, no individuals with pending arrest warrants were present. This particular site has been a hub for illicit gambling, with a history of frequent crackdowns, the last being on December 8, 2024, which involved the detainment of 141 gamblers. Despite police efforts, the den continues operating, showcasing its resilience against law enforcement, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-21

Phuket Tourist's Jump from Tuk Tuk: Accident or Dare? - video Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews In a puzzling incident yesterday, a foreign tourist leapt from a moving tuk tuk on a bustling road in Phuket's Patong area. Dashcam footage shared by Phuket Hotnews captured the dramatic moment, leaving onlookers and authorities alike questioning the reason behind this audacious act. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352512-phuket-tourists-jump-from-tuk-tuk-accident-or-dare-video/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews In a puzzling incident yesterday, a foreign tourist leapt from a moving tuk tuk on a bustling road in Phuket's Patong area. Dashcam footage shared by Phuket Hotnews captured the dramatic moment, leaving onlookers and authorities alike questioning the reason behind this audacious act. The footage shows the tuk tuk travelling from Patong towards central Kathu over the Patong Hill. Initially, the tourist was seen casually waving at a following motorist. However, the situation quickly escalated as he dangled his leg outside the vehicle, shaking it until his shoe fell onto the road. Seconds later, the tourist amazed and alarmed fellow road users by jumping out of the tuk tuk. Despite a valiant initial attempt to stay upright, the man ultimately tumbled to the ground, ending his unexpected detour with a roll onto the verge. The tuk tuk driver, seemingly unaware of the man's motivations, halted approximately 100 metres from the incident. Curiously, the motorist, whose dashcam recorded the event, continued driving without pausing to assist the tourist. Authorities remain perplexed over the tourist's intent. Some speculate he may have been trying to retrieve his lost shoe, although his failure to request a stop raises questions. The possibility of amusement gone awry also lingers, adding to the mystique of this odd occurrence. Without further information on the man's condition or statements, the true motive remains an enigma for now, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-21