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Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand's smartphone market bounced back dramatically in 2024 after two years of sluggish performance, supported by strategic financing plans and government initiatives. According to IDC, smartphone sales grew by an impressive 17.1%, with 16.9 million units shipped. Canalys reported a 7.1% increase, totaling 16.4 million units sold. This resurgence is expected to continue into early 2025. IDC analyst Apirat Ratanavichit urges vendors to capitalize on the momentum despite looming economic and political uncertainties. The numbers are significant: IDC recorded a 14% rise in sales in the first half of 2024, accelerating to 20% in the second half. Budget-friendly phones under $200 (about 7,000 baht) accounted for 56.9% of sales, a growth from 54.8%. In contrast, premium models over $1,000 (about 35,000 baht) saw a decrease from 12% to 9%. Ultra-budget phones priced under $100 (around 3,500 baht) grew from 11% to 14% of the market share. Mid-to-high-end models in the $400 to $800 range (14,000 to 28,000 baht) also grew, moving from 9.5% to 12.8%. The average selling price dipped by 7.5% to $336 (12,000 baht) in 2024. Interest in 5G technology surged, its market share climbing to 45.6% from 43.2%, driven by price reductions and the availability of affordable 5G Android phones. Oppo led the market with a 19.4% share, followed by Samsung at 19.2%, and Apple at 15.9%, with Xiaomi and Vivo trailing at 14.7% and 12.3% respectively. Apirat is optimistic, expecting continued strong performance fueled by economical yet feature-packed models and enticing 5G deals. Promotions and financial options are enhancing appeal for all customers, including those in the high-end segment. The Easy E-Receipt program is expected to stimulate sales for models above 10,000 baht this quarter. While Apirat remained silent on the controversy over pre-installed illegal loan apps on Oppo and Realme phones, both companies have taken corrective measures by removing these apps and promising future devices will be free from them. Canalys also reported a 7.1% market jump last year, highlighting a tight race between Oppo and Apple for fourth-quarter dominance, both securing a 17% share, followed by Vivo, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Looking regionally, Canalys noted a broader resurgence in Southeast Asia, with smartphone shipments reaching 96.7 million units in 2024, an 11% year-on-year increase. Oppo led this wave with an 18% market share, followed by Samsung at 17%, with Transsion, Xiaomi, and Vivo rounding out the top five, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-13

Tak Immigration Chief Replaced Amid Human Trafficking Concerns Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In response to reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into Thailand, the Immigration Bureau has reassigned the Tak Immigration Superintendent. The incident, suspected of involving human trafficking, has prompted swift action to maintain Thailand's image and integrity. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351668-tak-immigration-chief-replaced-amid-human-trafficking-concerns/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In response to reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into Thailand, the Immigration Bureau has reassigned the Tak Immigration Superintendent. The incident, suspected of involving human trafficking, has prompted swift action to maintain Thailand's image and integrity. Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Police Major General Prashaya Prasansuk, issued an order (No. 24/2025) on February 12, transferring Police Colonel Bowornpop Sunthornrekha from his post in Tak province to the bureau’s Operations Centre. This decision follows media reports of tourists being lured into the country by fraudsters and vanishing near the Myanmar border, notably in the Mae Sot, Mae Ramat, and Phop Phra districts. The reassignment aims to facilitate a thorough investigation and assess potential police involvement in any misconduct. It is crucial to both uphold the reputation of the Immigration Bureau and enhance its effectiveness. Following this, Police Major General Prashaya also appointed Police Colonel Phloen Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, as the Acting Superintendent of Tak Immigration through order No. 25/2025. This change takes effect immediately, pending further developments, to ensure continued oversight and action in response to these serious allegations, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-13

Student Hit by Car at School Crossing; Driver Faces Charges Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 14-year-old student from Suankularb Wittayalai School was injured when a car ran a red light and struck him while he was using a zebra crossing. The incident occurred on February 10 at around 2:50 PM on Tri Phet Road in front of the school, located in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351666-student-hit-by-car-at-school-crossing-driver-faces-charges/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 14-year-old student from Suankularb Wittayalai School was injured when a car ran a red light and struck him while he was using a zebra crossing. The incident occurred on February 10 at around 2:50 PM on Tri Phet Road in front of the school, located in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district. The driver, named Chanjira, was reportedly distracted by her GPS and unfamiliar with the area when she drove her red Toyota through the crossing, hitting the student. The injured teenager was quickly taken to Klang Hospital for treatment. Police Lieutenant Colonel Seksan Chumchaem, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic at Phra Ratchawang, stated that charges have been filed against Chanjira for running a red light and reckless driving, which resulted in harm to another person, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-13

Thailand Halts New Firearm Permits to Combat Rising Gun Crime File photo for reference only Thailand is suspending the issuance of new firearm carrying permits for a year starting Friday, as part of a broader government mission to tackle increasing gun violence. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351665-thailand-halts-new-firearm-permits-to-combat-rising-gun-crime/

File photo for reference only Thailand is suspending the issuance of new firearm carrying permits for a year starting Friday, as part of a broader government mission to tackle increasing gun violence. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday. This decision reflects growing concerns about firearms being openly carried without just cause, often used to intimidate. According to Traisuree Taisaranakul, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Interior, such behaviour poses significant threats to public safety and undermines societal morale. Despite stringent measures in place, Thailand reports a staggering 6.2 million registered guns with another estimated 4 million unregistered firearms within the country. This unnerving presence of guns contributes to Thailand's global ranking of 15th in gun-related deaths as of 2022, according to the World Population Review. Previously, Mr Anutin suspended firearm permits following a tragic shooting incident involving rival student gangs in Bangkok’s Klong Toey district. Additionally, a significant police crackdown had confiscated over 2,000 illegal weapons following a deadly shooting at the Siam Paragon mall. In light of these events, the Thai government is also evaluating amendments to its firearms legislation, aiming to address loopholes in its current 76-year-old law. This latest move reflects Thailand's urgent response to persistent gun-related crimes, aiming to foster a safer environment, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-13

UPDATE: Thailand Considers Lifting Alcohol Sales Ban, Eyeing Economic Boost Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thailand is mulling over the possibility of lifting the longstanding ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm, as well as during religious holidays. This move, championed by the former chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Business Association, aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directives aimed at boosting the economy by revisiting regulations seen as impediments. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351638-thai-pm-considers-easing-alcohol-sales-rules-to-boost-tourism/page/2/#findComment-19585026

Iran-Thai Tourism Exchange Set to Rise, Celebrates 70-Year Ties Photo courtesy of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs In a move to bolster tourism exchanges with Thailand, Iran's ambassador to Bangkok, Nassereddin Heidari, declared the country's intentions during an event commemorating Iran's National Day on Tuesday, 11th February. He revealed that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand last year, highlighting it as an attractive destination. Iran is keen to increase this figure, welcoming more Thai visitors in return. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351663-iran-thai-tourism-exchange-set-to-rise-celebrates-70-year-ties/

Photo courtesy of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs In a move to bolster tourism exchanges with Thailand, Iran's ambassador to Bangkok, Nassereddin Heidari, declared the country's intentions during an event commemorating Iran's National Day on Tuesday, 11th February. He revealed that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand last year, highlighting it as an attractive destination. Iran is keen to increase this figure, welcoming more Thai visitors in return. The Iranian embassy intends to stimulate Thai interest in exploring Iran through a series of promotional events. Similarly, the Iranian government is actively advertising Thailand to its tourists, seeking to deepen the travel relationship. A noteworthy step in this strategy was a recent tourism promotion event organised by the Iranian embassy, which attracted about 30 Thai tour agencies, showcasing Iran's offerings. This year, an even more profound bond is celebrated—the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Thailand. The Iranian embassy in Thailand, along with the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, plans to host a slew of events to commemorate and enrich people-to-people connections. Reflecting on their historical ties, which span roughly four hundred years, Heidari reminisced about the era when Persian merchants and scholars left their mark on Siam with unique cultural contributions and prized goods. He concludes that Thailand holds immense significance for Iran, with aspirations to elevate cooperation across cultural, political, and economic domains, including the vital tourism sector, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-13

Thailand Eyes $9 Billion Jackpot with Casino Ambitions File photo for reference only Thailand is on track to become a global gaming hotspot with ambitious plans to establish a lucrative casino industry. The country aims to tap into billions of dollars in revenue while boosting its thriving tourism sector. However, experts caution that success hinges on effective regulation, something that has previously been a challenge, as seen with the mishandled cannabis legalization in 2022. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351587-thailand-eyes-9-billion-jackpot-with-casino-ambitions/

File photo for reference only Thailand is on track to become a global gaming hotspot with ambitious plans to establish a lucrative casino industry. The country aims to tap into billions of dollars in revenue while boosting its thriving tourism sector. However, experts caution that success hinges on effective regulation, something that has previously been a challenge, as seen with the mishandled cannabis legalization in 2022. Fredric Gushin from Spectrum Gaming Group, who helped Singapore develop its successful casino industry, stated, "They want a transparent process that will protect their investment with appropriate regulation. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity." Thailand's potential to surpass Singapore’s glamorous casinos is being touted, with big players like Las Vegas Sands Corp, MGM Resorts International, and Galaxy Entertainment possibly showing interest. Though none of these companies have commented yet, Thailand remains a promising contender. To attract such industry giants, Thai authorities must ensure fairness, avoid favoring domestic players, and maintain a competitive development process. Last month, the cabinet approved a draft law to legalize gambling in entertainment complexes to bolster the economy, with GDP growth expected to be below 2.9% this year. The draft legislation, which is still under wraps, proposes a new commission to regulate gaming and collaborate with investors to establish these complexes. According to Citi, Thailand's gross gaming revenue could reach $9.1 billion at full capacity, putting it ahead of Singapore. With its casinos nestled in vibrant resorts, Singapore saw its casino sector as the fastest-growing in tourist receipts in 2024. Now, Thailand hopes to replicate that success on a grander scale, reported Thai PBS World. -- 2025-02-12

Teens' Daring Escape From Custody: Search Underway Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a bold escape, two teenagers fled a custody vehicle in Nakhon Ratchasima province yesterday. The pair, aged 13 and 14, were being transported to a juvenile detention center for separate charges of robbery and methamphetamine possession. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351583-teens-daring-escape-from-custody-search-underway/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a bold escape, two teenagers fled a custody vehicle in Nakhon Ratchasima province yesterday. The pair, aged 13 and 14, were being transported to a juvenile detention center for separate charges of robbery and methamphetamine possession. The escape took place around 3:30 PM near a traffic junction at Pakham Market, Phra Thong Kham district, as the vehicle slowed but hadn't fully stopped. Taking the chance, the teens opened a side window, jumped out, and vanished into a nearby forest. Immediate efforts to track down the escapees included police coordination with local rescue teams and deploying thermal imaging drones. Nithipong Klinhom, an official responsible for the transport, confirmed the incident. Eyewitness Klairung Kamnok, a local noodle vendor, was left astonished. He noticed the barefoot boys sprinting past his stall, moments before hearing loud honking from the custody van. The dramatic scene left him and others in disbelief as reports of the escape surfaced. Authorities continue the search for the juveniles, urging the public for any information that might assist in locating them, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-12

Tragedy in Bo Rai: Rubber Worker Kills Toddler Amid Drug Delusion Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a chilling incident that has rocked the Bo Rai district of Trat province, a 25-year-old rubber-tapping labourer known as Ton has been apprehended for the brutal murder of a one-year-old boy. The horrifying event took place in the early hours of February 11, when Ton, reportedly high on methamphetamine, fatally stabbed the child multiple times with a steel scraper at a rubber plantation lodging in Bo Phloi subdistrict. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351581-tragedy-in-bo-rai-rubber-worker-kills-toddler-amid-drug-delusion/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a chilling incident that has rocked the Bo Rai district of Trat province, a 25-year-old rubber-tapping labourer known as Ton has been apprehended for the brutal murder of a one-year-old boy. The horrifying event took place in the early hours of February 11, when Ton, reportedly high on methamphetamine, fatally stabbed the child multiple times with a steel scraper at a rubber plantation lodging in Bo Phloi subdistrict. The arrest was announced by Police Colonel Thanapon Temsara early on February 12, following a crime scene reconstruction in the presence of the bereaved family. Ton, a Mon national, confessed to the gruesome act, claiming he was under the influence of drugs and had feared an altercation with the child’s father, Chuan On, aged 36. Ton, who had allegedly consumed two methamphetamine pills, exhibited paranoid behaviour, which led to the tragic attack. The little boy suffered six vicious stab wounds to his abdomen, arms, and legs. Relatives immediately subdued Ton and notified the police, resulting in his swift arrest. The destroyed parents, Chuan On and Mamid, both 35 years old, shared their devastation, highlighting the absence of prior conflict with Ton. They explained that Ton, a relative who had recently arrived, was hired for nominal pay to help mind their son during their demanding overnight shifts. The community is reeling from the senseless loss, as the case underscores the dangerous consequences of drug misuse and highlights the vulnerabilities faced by transient workers and their hosts. The investigation continues, with local authorities urging for greater awareness and support for communities battling substance abuse, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-12

Thailand Braces for Influx Post-Myanmar Gang Release Crackdown Picture courtesY: MGR online Thailand is on high alert as the government prepares for a potential wave of foreigners freed from scam gangs in Myanmar. This comes after Thailand cut off electricity to pressure the gangs into releasing captives, as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351580-thailand-braces-for-influx-post-myanmar-gang-release-crackdown/

Picture courtesy: MGR online Thailand is on high alert as the government prepares for a potential wave of foreigners freed from scam gangs in Myanmar. This comes after Thailand cut off electricity to pressure the gangs into releasing captives, as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday. Reports indicate gangs are beginning to release trapped workers, directing them towards Thailand, although the country cannot accommodate them all. Mr Phumtham made it clear that Thailand will not set up refugee camps and will only accept those whose native countries are willing to repatriate them. The Thai government has bolstered border security in anticipation. On Tuesday, Myanmar informed Thailand about 53 foreigners, including nationals from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines, being sent to Tak province due to Myanmar's inability to care for them. Thai officials will conduct thorough assessments, ensuring there is no scam involvement. Should they pass these checks, arrangements will be made for their repatriation within a month. Additionally, there is potential for eased sanctions on services such as internet and electricity to Myanmar if they demonstrate eradication of scam centres. Despite the tense backdrop, Thailand remains committed to its approach amid external pressure, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-12

Pregnant Woman Mourns Husband Killed in Thai Police Shooting Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident in Bangkok yesterday has left a nine-month pregnant woman mourning the loss of her husband, Suphat, who was shot dead by police during a confrontation over motorcycle theft. The family has claimed that the police response was excessive. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351578-pregnant-woman-mourns-husband-killed-in-thai-police-shooting/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident in Bangkok yesterday has left a nine-month pregnant woman mourning the loss of her husband, Suphat, who was shot dead by police during a confrontation over motorcycle theft. The family has claimed that the police response was excessive. The encounter took place near the entrance to Prayoothong 2 Village in the Tha Raeng subdistrict, with officers laying in wait for a gang known to be involved in motorcycle thefts. Police reports indicate that four officers from Khan Na Yao were conducting surveillance when two suspects arrived on a black Yamaha XMAX motorcycle, both clad in black and with full-face helmets. As officers moved to apprehend the suspects, Suphat drew a firearm. In response, a policeman fired two shots, which resulted in Suphat's death on the spot. His accomplice managed to flee the scene. Suphat was wanted for previous offences, adding to the complexity of the situation. His family, however, contests the use of lethal force. Suphat's mother-in-law, who visited the scene with his pregnant partner, expressed shock at the incident, suggesting that Suphat had not demonstrated any violent behaviour in the past and questioning the necessity of the police’s actions. The stolen motorcycle, identified as a red Honda Wave 125i, was recovered at the scene. As investigations continue, the incident raises significant questions about law enforcement tactics and the balance between ensuring public safety and exercising restraint, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-12

Over 50 Myanmar Nationals Found Abandoned in Thai Forest Picture courtesy of amarintv In a startling discovery, more than 50 individuals, identified as Myanmar and Rohingya nationals, were found hiding in a forest near a village in Khao Kho district, Thailand. This group had been abandoned by human traffickers after being smuggled into the country, left to fend for themselves without support. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351577-over-50-myanmar-nationals-found-abandoned-in-thai-forest/

Picture courtesy of amarintv In a startling discovery, more than 50 individuals, identified as Myanmar and Rohingya nationals, were found hiding in a forest near a village in Khao Kho district, Thailand. This group had been abandoned by human traffickers after being smuggled into the country, left to fend for themselves without support. The incident came to light following a Facebook post by Phaitoon Khotsombat, a district official, who shared footage of the group and expressed disbelief over the occurrence. Around 9pm on February 10th, two exhausted foreign men approached local villagers seeking food, stating there were many more individuals who were also hungry. Acting on this tip-off, Phaitoon and his team discovered the group nestled in the forest. Communication challenges necessitated the help of a local Burmese worker to translate. The group shared how they had entered Thailand through the Mae Sot district in Tak province and were transported by truck to Nakhon Sawan province. They were promised work in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, but were ultimately abandoned in Khao Kho with false assurances of further transport. The group comprised 57 people—17 men, five women, and 35 minors under the age of 18. Local authorities in Khao Kho have been notified for further investigations. On the morning of February 11th, three additional men from the group were found wandering along a road in the Nang Ruea subdistrict and were taken into custody. Assisted by a translator, these men confirmed their illegal entry through Mae Sot as part of a larger group smuggled in. They were left waiting for a truck that never arrived, resulting in their dispersal and subsequent detainment by the police. Legal proceedings are now underway for those involved, reorted The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-12

Buriram Assault: 13-Year-Old Attacked by Schoolmates for an Hour Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post In Buriram's Lahan Sai district, a 13-year-old student has accused her schoolmates of a prolonged assault. The Grade 7 student, accompanied by her parents, filed a police report after being attacked by at least 10 classmates on February 10. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351576-buriram-assault-13-year-old-attacked-by-schoolmates-for-an-hour/

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post In Buriram's Lahan Sai district, a 13-year-old student has accused her schoolmates of a prolonged assault. The Grade 7 student, accompanied by her parents, filed a police report after being attacked by at least 10 classmates on February 10. The incident allegedly began around 9 a.m. when the student was instructed to return to her classroom. Once seated, she says she was slapped and forcefully removed from the school premises. The attack escalated as she was dragged to a toilet in another building, where the beating continued for an hour. During this time, she suffered slaps, head stamping, and her head was smashed against a toilet bowl. The student claims the motive for the attack was her alleged negative remarks about a classmate. Her mother, identified as Hathairat, explained that their daughter lives with her grandparents due to work commitments in different towns. Hathairat learned of the incident through a video sent to her, prompting her to involve the police after it circulated online. She expressed concern over school security and her daughter's reluctance to return to school, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-12

Phuket Probes Student Injury Claims at Patong Kindergarten Picture courtesy of Patong Municipality Officials in Phuket have launched an investigation into reported injuries sustained by students at Patong Kindergarten, following concerns raised on social media. The spotlight turned on the school after images surfaced of a young boy bearing bruises on his face and a significant wrist injury. His parents initially received an account suggesting the injuries resulted from a scuffle with another child at the institution, a claim they have since disputed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351575-phuket-probes-student-injury-claims-at-patong-kindergarten/