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File photo for reference only A well-known Malaysian singer, Eda Ezrin, and five colleagues have been acquitted by the Narathiwat Provincial Court on charges of drug possession but found guilty of drug consumption. Eda Ezrin, whose real name is Wan Norshaheeda Azlin Wan Ismail, rose to fame for her modern take on dikir barat music. The court's decision came after CCTV evidence failed to link them to the possession of 6,059 speed pills found in the hotel room where they were arrested last November. The court determined that three other individuals were responsible for bringing the drugs into the room. Despite the conviction for consumption, Eda Ezrin and her peers were spared further punishment beyond time already served due to good behaviour during their previous four-month detention. This suspension of both the six-month jail sentence and fines of 4,000 baht followed the court's leniency, acknowledging their compliance during detention. Eda Ezrin's arrest came as a shock to her fan base in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand. Following her release, she expressed gratitude for her supporters, stating her desire to continue her music career. The widely publicised trial adds a curious chapter to her public life, yet fans anticipate her return to the music scene, hoping she'll emerge stronger from the ordeal, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-06

Chinese Restaurant Worker Stabs Cambodian in a Cigarette Smoke Dispute - video Screenshots from Amarin TV YouTube In Pattaya, early this morning, a heated argument ended violently when a Chinese restaurant worker allegedly stabbed a Cambodian man. The incident happened at about 2:19 a.m. near Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 4/1 in the Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353669-chinese-restaurant-worker-stabs-cambodian-in-a-cigarette-smoke-dispute-video/

Screenshots from Amarin TV YouTube In Pattaya, early this morning, a heated argument ended violently when a Chinese restaurant worker allegedly stabbed a Cambodian man. The incident happened at about 2:19 a.m. near Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 4/1 in the Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Emergency response teams found 24-year-old Cambodian Hin bleeding heavily from a knife wound on his left shoulder. He was in critical condition and was rushed to Pattaya Hospital for urgent care. Witnesses say the altercation began when the Chinese employee, known for drinking excessively, clashed with Hin over blown cigarette smoke. Despite being warned to stop, Hin kept blowing smoke, prompting the violent attack. Police quickly acted and arrested the suspect at the scene. During his arrest, he stunned onlookers by smirking, making a peace sign to reporters, and admitting, "I did it because he blew smoke in my face." The suspect is now in custody at Pattaya City Police Station, facing serious assault charges. This shocking incident highlights concerns about alcohol-related violence in Pattaya, where minor disagreements can rapidly turn dangerous. While police investigate, Hin remains in the hospital receiving treatment, and legal proceedings against the suspect are underway, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Foreign Fare Dispute: Russian Couple Allegedly Dodges Taxi Bill Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ In a recent incident sparking debate in Thailand, a Thai taxi driver vigorously pursued a Russian couple who allegedly attempted to flee without settling their cab fare in Phuket. Capturing the tense exchange, The Phuket Times showcased images and footage of the confrontation unfolding on March 5th, encapsulating the mounting frustrations over such encounters in the tourist hotspot. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353668-foreign-fare-dispute-russian-couple-allegedly-dodges-taxi-bill/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ In a recent incident sparking debate in Thailand, a Thai taxi driver vigorously pursued a Russian couple who allegedly attempted to flee without settling their cab fare in Phuket. Capturing the tense exchange, The Phuket Times showcased images and footage of the confrontation unfolding on March 5th, encapsulating the mounting frustrations over such encounters in the tourist hotspot. Eyewitness video highlights the climactic point where the driver confronts the couple after they exited his vehicle. The driver can be heard vociferously demanding his fare, "Hey! No, no, no, pay me! One hundred!" Despite his repeated demands, the Russian man remained reticent, while the female seemed indifferent, dismissing the driver with a wave. Uploaded on social media, the video swiftly garnered reactions from local citizens, with many sharing anecdotes of similar run-ins with foreign tourists, specifically Russians. In one account, a Thai local detailed how some foreigners claim empty wallets and feign ATM failures to avoid payments. Adding fuel to the fire, speculation amongst netizens suggests the driver might have sought an additional, unauthorised fare, which could explain the couple's reluctance to pay. However, the situation remains nebulous as neither the driver nor media outlets have expanded further on the details. This incident is the latest in a spate of similar occurrences making waves through Thai news circles, with reports of 'dine and dash' incidents adding to concerns over certain tourist behaviours in Phuket. As patience wears thin, the need for clearer regulations and possible interventions grows increasingly apparent, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Record-Breaking Kiss Ends in Separation: Thai Couple Splits Photo courtesy of NBC News A Thai couple once known for setting the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss has now ended their decade-long union. Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat made headlines in 2013 by kissing for an astonishing 58 hours and 35 minutes at an event in Pattaya. Their feat surpassed their previous record of 46 hours and 24 minutes set in 2011, catapulting them to global fame. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353667-record-breaking-kiss-ends-in-separation-thai-couple-splits/

Photo courtesy of NBC News A Thai couple once known for setting the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss has now ended their decade-long union. Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat made headlines in 2013 by kissing for an astonishing 58 hours and 35 minutes at an event in Pattaya. Their feat surpassed their previous record of 46 hours and 24 minutes set in 2011, catapulting them to global fame. Despite the recent end of their relationship, Ekkachai, now 56, shared his pride and nostalgia for their shared achievement in a BBC interview. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he reflected, noting their enduring respect for one another despite the split. The gruelling Guinness challenge had strict rules, keeping them locked in an embrace even during restroom breaks. Initially hesitant to participate again in 2013, after a failed attempt the prior year due to illness, the pair were drawn back by the thought of a 100,000-baht prize and two diamond rings. They succeeded before the category was deemed too perilous and discontinued later that year. Though their romance has ended, their challenging record secures their unique place in history, highlighting the blend of love and determination, much like their enduring legacy in the now-retired competition, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Farmers' Class Action vs CPF Approved Amid Environmental Dispute Photo courtesy of Amarin TV A group of farmers has cleared a critical hurdle in their legal campaign against agribusiness titan Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), as the South Bangkok Civil Court approved their class action lawsuit yesterday, March 4. This landmark case, addressing claims of environmental harm and adverse effects on livelihoods due to CPF's operations, now moves forward after being consolidated into a single legal process. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353666-farmers-class-action-vs-cpf-approved-amid-environmental-dispute/

Photo courtesy of Amarin TV A group of farmers has cleared a critical hurdle in their legal campaign against agribusiness titan Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), as the South Bangkok Civil Court approved their class action lawsuit yesterday, March 4. This landmark case, addressing claims of environmental harm and adverse effects on livelihoods due to CPF's operations, now moves forward after being consolidated into a single legal process. This court approval does not equate to a ruling against CPF's practices; instead, it allows a collective legal suit, reflecting the shared experiences of numerous affected locals. The decision aims to streamline the judicial process and reduce the plaintiffs' burden, many of whom face significant resource constraints. The lawsuit argues CPF's industrial activities have disrupted local ecosystems, impacting farmers' ways of life. In response, CPF firmly denies these allegations, asserting compliance with rigorous environmental norms. The company plans to appeal, pledging to counter these claims with scientific evidence. With the court allowing the trial to proceed, CPF's liability remains undetermined. The upcoming phase will focus on presenting evidence and arguments by both parties, leading to a final verdict. For the farmers, this ruling is a significant stride in their struggle against one of Thailand’s prominent entities, highlighting the strain between large corporate operations and local interests. The outcome could establish a critical precedent for similar environmental challenges in Thailand's agricultural landscape, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Discover Thailand: AirAsia's Budget Deals on Lesser-Known Routes Photo courtesy of AirAsia Newsroom AirAsia has teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to make domestic travel in Thailand more affordable. The budget airline is offering one-way fares starting from just 880 baht, allowing travellers to explore 16 destinations across four regions of the country. This promotion, available for booking until 9th March, invites tourists to travel between 10th March and 30th September. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353665-discover-thailand-airasias-budget-deals-on-lesser-known-routes/

Photo courtesy of AirAsia Newsroom AirAsia has teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to make domestic travel in Thailand more affordable. The budget airline is offering one-way fares starting from just 880 baht, allowing travellers to explore 16 destinations across four regions of the country. This promotion, available for booking until 9th March, invites tourists to travel between 10th March and 30th September. The initiative aims to connect tourists with lesser-known destinations, encouraging them to visit places beyond Thailand's typical hotspots. Northern destinations include Chiang Rai and Nan, while the Isaan region covers areas like Loei and Ubon Ratchathani. In the south, travellers can reach Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang, among others. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool highlighted the plan's focus on boosting local economies by spreading tourist traffic across the country. AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya reiterated the airline's dedication to supporting domestic travel, emphasising that these smaller cities have unique attractions for modern travellers. The promotion is poised to revitalise lesser-known provinces, with AirAsia's affordable fares and enhanced connectivity potentially setting new travel trends within Thailand. Interested travellers are encouraged to book early to take advantage of this limited offer, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Chinese Man Arrested in Thailand with Fake Passport Amid Scam Crackdown Photo via Facebook/ สวท.สระแก้ว A Chinese national was detained today at the Ban Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province, accused of entering the country with a forged passport. The arrest is part of Thailand's ongoing efforts to curb call centre scams. Authorities have heightened border inspections to prevent such operations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353664-chinese-man-arrested-in-thailand-with-fake-passport-amid-scam-crackdown/

Photo via Facebook/ สวท.สระแก้ว A Chinese national was detained today at the Ban Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province, accused of entering the country with a forged passport. The arrest is part of Thailand's ongoing efforts to curb call centre scams. Authorities have heightened border inspections to prevent such operations. The individual, 39-year-old Wang Murong, travelled from China via Cambodia; however, discrepancies between his Chinese origin and the Taiwanese-issued passport raised suspicions. This ultimately led to further scrutiny and his arrest as he admitted to acquiring the fake passport in Cambodia. Murong, however, kept mum about the purchase details. Speculation arises regarding Murong's potential link to a scam gang in Cambodia that is likely scrambling to dodge local crackdowns. Murong now faces serious legal consequences under Thai law, potentially receiving one to ten years in prison and up to a 200,000 baht fine for his counterfeit identification. In recent months, Thailand has intensified its fight against fraud by targeting infrastructure used by scam groups. Energy supplies, essential services, and Internet access have been cut, and collaborations with neighbouring countries have been amplified. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong proudly reported a reduction in financial crime rates due to these stringent measures. Scam losses have halved from a previous 100 million baht daily. With 92,321 suspicious bank accounts suspended this year and the arrest of 587 account holders, the efforts have indeed shown progress. Prasert issued a firm warning to individuals involved with mule accounts, underscoring the legal repercussions and urging them to come forward for assistance, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Man Arrested in Bangkok for Assaulting Officers with a Shovel Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A dramatic arrest unfolded in Bangkok on 3rd March when a 38-year-old man, identified as Kamla, was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting two police officers with a shovel. The incident began with reports of Kamla's public indecency at the end of Soi Sukhumvit 50. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353662-man-arrested-in-bangkok-for-assaulting-officers-with-a-shovel/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A dramatic arrest unfolded in Bangkok on 3rd March when a 38-year-old man, identified as Kamla, was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting two police officers with a shovel. The incident began with reports of Kamla's public indecency at the end of Soi Sukhumvit 50. Upon receiving the report at 9.04 pm, officers from the Phra Khanong district rushed to the scene, discovering Kamla engaged in inappropriate behaviour. Despite their intervention, he fled into a nearby construction site on Soi Sukhumvit 54. The chase led to a tense confrontation on the fourth floor of the building, where Kamla reportedly attacked Police Sergeant Sarayuth Silun and Police Sergeant Taksin Phanmee with a 1.5-metre-long shovel, striking them in the face and head. With considerable effort, the officers managed to subdue Kamla, allowing for additional police units to secure his arrest. Observations at the scene indicated Kamla might have been under the influence of drugs, leading to a drug test that confirmed methamphetamine in his system. Kamla now faces multiple charges including public indecency, resisting arrest, assaulting officers, and drug use. He has been transferred to the Phra Khanong Police Station as legal proceedings continue. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in addressing drug-related behaviour and public safety in Bangkok, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Pattaya Gears Up for Music Fest with Massive Security Force Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Music Festival Facebook Pattaya is all set for its largest music festival in 2025, with tight security plans and road closures in place to ensure crowd safety and manage traffic. Thousands are expected to attend the Pattaya Music Festival, and police are preparing thoroughly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353660-pattaya-gears-up-for-music-fest-with-massive-security-force/

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Music Festival Facebook Pattaya is all set for its largest music festival in 2025, with tight security plans and road closures in place to ensure crowd safety and manage traffic. Thousands are expected to attend the Pattaya Music Festival, and police are preparing thoroughly. Top officials gathered on March 3rd at Pattaya City Hall to nail down the security and traffic arrangements. The meeting was led by Police Colonel Patikorn Sornchai, Deputy Commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, alongside Pattaya City Clerk Kiattisak Sriwongchai. Pattaya Police, Bang Lamung Police, and other agencies were also present. A robust security force of 611 personnel will be deployed throughout the festival area. This includes police officers, city inspectors, rescue teams, marine units, tourist police, and volunteers. “Our goal is to ensure festivalgoers enjoy the event safely while keeping the city running smoothly,” said an official. Beach Road will be closed daily from 3 pm to 1 am, affecting areas from the Dolphin Roundabout to Nipa Lodge, but traffic from Central Pattaya to Wat Chai will remain open. An emergency lane will be set up for quick medical and security response. The Pattaya Music Festival attracts music fans, tourists, and partygoers from all over Thailand and beyond, offering top-notch performances and a lively atmosphere. With security plans set, officials advise visitors to plan their travel and obey traffic rules for a smooth festival experience, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Elderly Guard’s Phone Stolen in Pattaya: Authorities Urged to Act - video Screenshot from Thairath TV YouTube A 68-year-old Pattaya security guard, Somkuan Chitphak, is urging police to take swift action after a thief stole his smartphone during his shift. The incident happened early on February 28 while Somkuan was at his post at a local condominium. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353657-elderly-guard’s-phone-stolen-in-pattaya-authorities-urged-to-act/

Screenshot from Thairath TV YouTube A 68-year-old Pattaya security guard, Somkuan Chitphak, is urging police to take swift action after a thief stole his smartphone during his shift. The incident happened early on February 28 while Somkuan was at his post at a local condominium. The suspect, a man aged between 30 and 35, arrived on a motorcycle and initially asked for water. After drinking, he demanded 20 baht. When Somkuan refused, the thief casually chatted before grabbing Somkuan's Samsung A02 phone—worth about 4,000 baht—and fleeing. Despite immediately reporting the crime to Pattaya City Police, Somkuan felt overlooked and turned to social media to gain attention for his case. Fortunately, CCTV captured the whole incident. Police are now analyzing the footage to identify and catch the suspect, but no arrest has been made yet. Somkuan remains uneasy while on duty and fears future occurrences if the perpetrator isn't caught. The case highlights the vulnerability of low-income workers in Pattaya, a city known for its lively nightlife but also struggling with rising petty crimes. The local police are under increasing pressure to resolve this case quickly and reassure both residents and tourists of their safety, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Thailand Sets Record at ITB Berlin 2025 with Massive Exhibit Pictures courtesy of The Nation Thailand is stepping up its game at ITB Berlin 2025, the world's largest travel trade show, with its most significant presence ever. The event will be held from March 4 to 6 in Berlin, Germany, and will feature a record number of 160 Thai tourism operators aiming to capture the European market. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353652-thailand-sets-record-at-itb-berlin-2025-with-massive-exhibit/

Pictures courtesy of The Nation Thailand is stepping up its game at ITB Berlin 2025, the world's largest travel trade show, with its most significant presence ever. The event will be held from March 4 to 6 in Berlin, Germany, and will feature a record number of 160 Thai tourism operators aiming to capture the European market. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that Thailand's booth will expand to an impressive 1,820 square metres, fully occupying a hall at ITB Berlin for the first time. This expansion is part of the Ignite Tourism Thailand policy and the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025 initiative. Thailand is targeting 10.6 million long-haul visitors next year, hoping to generate 870 billion baht in tourism revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that 88% of participants are from the hotel sector, 8% are Destination Management Companies, and 4% represent other tourism-related industries. New this year is the Hidden Gem Cities Zone, highlighting 17 lesser-known destinations across Thailand. This initiative, supported by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aims to boost local tourism businesses in Europe. The Prime Minister will attend ITB Berlin, declaring 2025 as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year and unveiling future tourism strategies. The exhibition also includes Thai Charms, promoting sustainability and local culture with innovative travel technologies. A standout feature is TATAI, an AI-powered 3D hologram booth providing interactive travel information. With over 180 countries participating, Thailand's bold display is expected to capture attention and boost its global tourism appeal, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Student Escapes Unharmed as Car Catches Fire on a busy Pathum Thani Road Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 20-year-old university student, identified only as Kritsada, received a shock when his car suddenly caught fire while he was driving home. This dramatic incident happened on March 4th at 6:30 PM, on Phahon Yothin Road in Pathum Thani, creating major traffic problems. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353651-student-escapes-unharmed-as-car-catches-fire-on-a-busy-pathum-thani-road/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 20-year-old university student, identified only as Kritsada, received a shock when his car suddenly caught fire while he was driving home. This dramatic incident happened on March 4th at 6:30 PM, on Phahon Yothin Road in Pathum Thani, creating major traffic problems. The Rangsit Municipal Fire Department quickly responded to emergency calls about a fire near the Prachathipat subdistrict, Thanyaburi district. Together with volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation, they swiftly arrived with fire trucks to tackle the blaze. Upon arrival, firefighters found a black Ford sedan engulfed in flames, blocking road traffic. Kritsada managed to escape unharmed but was visibly shaken by the ordeal. Firefighters extinguished the flames within ten minutes, saving the car from further damage. Kritsada shared his frightening experience, explaining, "I was driving home to Nava Nakorn when I heard a loud horn from the car behind me. Moments later, smoke started coming from the car’s bonnet, then it caught fire. I quickly got out as smoke filled the car, and someone called the fire department." He assured that his vehicle had no modifications or recent repairs and that he regularly used gasohol 95 petrol. Fortunately, he was alone in the car and walked away with no injuries. The Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police are now working with forensic experts to determine the fire's cause, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Venomous Snake Found in Ice Pop : A Bizarre Thai Treat? Photo via Facebook/ เรย์แบน นักเลงบุญ ปากท่อ เมืองราชรี In a surprising incident from Ratchaburi, Thailand, a local man discovered a venomous snake frozen inside an ice pop he purchased from a street vendor. Sharing the shocking find on Facebook on March 4, he captioned the images, "The doe-eyed snake, are you dead yet?" Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353649-venomous-snake-found-in-ice-pop-a-bizarre-thai-treat/

Photo via Facebook/ เรย์แบน นักเลงบุญ ปากท่อ เมืองราชรี In a surprising incident from Ratchaburi, Thailand, a local man discovered a venomous snake frozen inside an ice pop he purchased from a street vendor. Sharing the shocking find on Facebook on March 4, he captioned the images, "The doe-eyed snake, are you dead yet?" The post quickly went viral, amassing over 7,600 reactions and sparking over 2,200 comments. It showcased an ice lolly, originally topped with black beans, but surprisingly containing a bright green and black snake embedded within. The specific species of the snake remains uncertain, but many commenters suggested it could be a golden tree snake, known for being mildly venomous. The snake, if confirmed as a golden tree snake, is commonly referred to in Thailand as the Khiao Phra-in snake, linked to the green-skinned Hindu god Indra. It’s a species found widely across Asia, including China, India, and the Philippines. Netizens responded with humor to the bizarre situation, joking about the "new high-protein ice cream recipe" and questioning if the snake was the intended secret ingredient. Others expressed concern about the potential risk, pondering if the snake's venom could pose a threat if ingested. However, no expert has weighed in on this worry as yet. The unexpected content of the ice pop has certainly added a chilling twist to this otherwise ordinary treat, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05