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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

Vice Governor Leads Road Safety Workshop in Phuket Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News Phuket officials are ramping up efforts to tackle the worrying rise in road accidents. With alarming statistics on the rise, a high-level workshop focused on reducing road fatalities was held on March 4th at the Phuket Provincial Hall. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353647-vice-governor-leads-road-safety-workshop-in-phuket/

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News Phuket officials are ramping up efforts to tackle the worrying rise in road accidents. With alarming statistics on the rise, a high-level workshop focused on reducing road fatalities was held on March 4th at the Phuket Provincial Hall. Led by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and Sopon Thongsai, Chief of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the workshop aimed to identify and address the causes of road crashes in Phuket. The province, heavily reliant on tourism, sees road safety as crucial for economic growth and the protection of lives. The event, organized by the Phuket Road Safety Centre, trained officials to evaluate accidents through factors like human behavior, vehicle condition, and road infrastructure. Interactive sessions involved real-life accident scenarios to devise preventive strategies. A spokesperson noted that these efforts will boost the ability of local officials to conduct thorough accident investigations and implement effective safety measures across Phuket's districts. Worrying statistics underline this need. ThaiRSC reports 15 deaths and 6,202 injuries in road accidents in Phuket already this year, with 61 injuries reported just yesterday, March 4th. Last year, the province recorded 147 fatalities and 25,968 injuries, highlighting the urgent requirement for robust road safety measures. Officials hope this initiative will significantly reduce accidents and enhance safety for both locals and tourists, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-05

Search Continues for Missing American Tourist in Patong Bay Patong police are still searching for Nina Ng, a 38-year-old tourist from New York who disappeared five days ago off Patong Bay. Though search efforts have been scaled back, authorities remain committed to finding her. Ng was last seen on February 27, stepping off a jet ski, one kilometer from Patong Beach. She didn't return the jet ski, sparking a search. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353646-search-continues-for-missing-american-tourist-in-patong-bay/

Patong police are still searching for Nina Ng, a 38-year-old tourist from New York who disappeared five days ago off Patong Bay. Though search efforts have been scaled back, authorities remain committed to finding her. Ng was last seen on February 27, stepping off a jet ski, one kilometer from Patong Beach. She didn't return the jet ski, sparking a search. Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Chumphusang from Patong Police confirmed that the search will continue until she is found. While experts suggest her survival chances are slim, Suchart mentioned it's possible she was picked up by a boat and could be alive elsewhere. Local vendors and lifeguards have been asked to report any sightings of Ng. Her family has been notified, and her belongings were collected from her hotel after her check-out date on March 4, reported The Thaiger. Budget constraints have reduced the official search, according to Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee. Despite these limitations, efforts to locate Ng extend into the open sea beyond Patong Bay. Kusoldharm rescue teams, which participated for three days, have paused their search, acknowledging the difficult odds. A team member stated, "We can only hope and wait to see if a body surfaces." -- 2025-03-05

Flight Disruption Alert at Don Mueang Airport This Week File photo for reference only Travelers heading through Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport should brace for possible flight disruptions due to a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) air show. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and Nok Air recommend checking in at least three hours early on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (March 5, 7, and 8). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353645-flight-disruption-alert-at-don-mueang-airport-this-week/