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File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia BANGKOK – The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has flagged 13 high-rise projects in Bangkok for breaching construction laws. According to TCC Secretary-General Saree Aongsomwang, residents from 11 different communities have lodged complaints concerning safety and non-compliance issues linked to these towering developments. A detailed probe unveiled that these projects deviated from their approved designs, failing to meet Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements. Many also violated Ministerial Regulation No. 33, which stipulates a compulsory 6-metre-wide road or clear space around high-rise structures, essential for safety and accessibility. Saree Aongsomwang highlighted the potential risk, saying, "These violations raise serious safety concerns." Emphasising the need for corrective measures, she urged coordination with relevant agencies to enforce building laws and maintain safety standards. Pornprom Okuchi, part of the TCC's real estate and housing subcommittee, pointed out that these infractions were found in prominent zones across Bangkok, including Ratchayothin, Saphan Khwai, and Ratchadaphisek. Shockingly, some developers misled buyers by advertising structures that did not align with approved plans or EIA documents. In a surprising turn, areas earmarked for road access were converted into EV charging stations, decorative ponds, or recreational spaces like gyms and badminton courts. Emergency access roads in 11 projects ended up as cafés or gardens, eliminating space needed for fire trucks and emergency response teams. The TCC has formally appealed to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to inspect 10 of these projects, scrutinising both completed and ongoing constructions for legal adherence. Legal expert Sinit Boonsit from the Department of Public Works pointed out that even minor obstructions like plant pots are against the law if they impede the 6-metre clearance requirement at high-rise buildings. The scrutiny these projects face aims to address urgent safety standards, ensuring future developments align with environmental and construction laws to protect residents and the public at large. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-31

Thai Village Builds Shelters for Stray Dogs, Earns Praise Picture courtesy of Daily News Residents of Chalika village in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been lauded on social media for their kindness in building small shelters for stray dogs. These shelters, made from curved metal sheets, provide refuge from the sun and rain along the village's fences. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362326-thai-village-builds-shelters-for-stray-dogs-earns-praise/

Picture courtesy of Daily News Residents of Chalika village in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been lauded on social media for their kindness in building small shelters for stray dogs. These shelters, made from curved metal sheets, provide refuge from the sun and rain along the village's fences. On 30th May, a TikTok user "userjimjim2porjai user บ้านเรามีแมวนะ" shared a short clip showing a row of these makeshift doghouses. The video depicts a dog comfortably resting in one of these shelters, accompanied by the message, "Street dog house. Thank you to the donors; may your merit be returned a thousandfold." The clip quickly garnered attention and attracted numerous comments of admiration. Many praised the village's collective good-heartedness, with one user noting, "It's amazing to find a village so willing to accommodate stray dogs in their community." Another echoed this sentiment by saying, "Who came up with this idea? It's absolutely brilliant." Further commenters requested the location of the village, keen on spreading the word about this commendable act to inspire others. In response, the original poster disclosed, "Chalika village in Prachuap." The video has been widely liked and shared, spreading the heartwarming story across the internet. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-05-31

PM Pledges B157bn Tourism Boost Amid Budget Debate Wrangles Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged a hefty 157 billion baht to rejuvenate Thailand's tourism sector. In a key meeting on Friday, Shinawatra highlighted her commitment to enhancing visitor safety and convenience, alongside broader initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation's tourist appeal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362325-pm-pledges-b157bn-tourism-boost-amid-budget-debate-wrangles/

Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged a hefty 157 billion baht to rejuvenate Thailand's tourism sector. In a key meeting on Friday, Shinawatra highlighted her commitment to enhancing visitor safety and convenience, alongside broader initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation's tourist appeal. This significant cash injection aims to integrate development across five crucial areas: public relations, safety, ease of travel, infrastructure enhancement, and event organisation to spur both short- and long-term growth. During the meeting, Shinawatra underscored the necessity of seamless cooperation among various stakeholders to drive these initiatives forward effectively. Her plan represents a concerted effort to ignite one of Thailand's most vital economic drivers, especially as the country seeks to regain its international tourism stronghold post-pandemic. However, the tourism funding announcement comes as the government's fiscal strategies face scrutiny from opposition MPs in ongoing budget debates. People's Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan has expressed vocal opposition to the allocation of 26.5 billion baht in provincial budgets. Nunarnan contends that current spending plans disproportionately favour major urban centres, perpetuating a development gap between bustling cities like Bangkok and more rural regions. The MP cited a World Bank report indicating that around 70% of government expenditure occurs in Bangkok, creating disparities in provincial development. Nunarnan criticised the focus on infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges, arguing that these do not address the fundamental need for investment in education and quality of life improvements. Her stance suggests that effective budgetary strategy should target development needs over political interests. As the nation navigates these conflicting priorities, the implications are clear. While there's a strong push for tourism revitalisation, the debate over fair resource distribution highlights the hurdles facing Thailand's broader economic and social landscape. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-05-31

Nestlé's B577m Brew Battle: Coffee Crisis Heads to Court File photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Nestlé has stirred the pot by launching a colossal 577 million baht lawsuit, accusing former business collaborators of infringing the Nescafé trademark. The multinational coffee titan halted sales for eight tense days in April due to a Minburi Civil Court injunction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362324-nestlés-b577m-brew-battle-coffee-crisis-heads-to-court/

File photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Nestlé has stirred the pot by launching a colossal 577 million baht lawsuit, accusing former business collaborators of infringing the Nescafé trademark. The multinational coffee titan halted sales for eight tense days in April due to a Minburi Civil Court injunction. This dramatic move stopped all Nescafé manufacturing, distribution, and importation in Thailand, fuelling the current legal showdown. The April court injunction was swiftly countered later in the month, with the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court siding with Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. They affirmed the company’s exclusive rights to the Nescafé trademark. However, the brewing legal storm hasn't cleared up yet. On May 28, a peace-making mediation session involving the Mahagitsiri family hit a gridlock, as opposing sides couldn’t find common ground. The courts have put this bean battle on a fast track, with trial proceedings set to spill on June 9. Adding more heat to this coffee drama, back on March 14, Nestlé requested the Southern Bangkok Civil Court to dissolve Quality Coffee Product Ltd (QCP). Jointly owned by Nestlé and the Mahagitsiris, QCP's future has been a matter of disagreement. Nestlé is pushing for a fair split of assets and has further called for a court-appointed administrator to guard QCP's finances during its rocky liquidation phase. As the coffee dust settles post-resumption of Nescafé sales, regional supermarket moguls like Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut and Milin Veraratanaroj report stable restocking efforts. Despite this, the overall coffee market took a slight hit, possibly from the usual tourism lull. The quick restocking may have come in part from external suppliers like Vietnam, a move seen as strategic post-QCP fallout last year. As Nestlé tightens its grip amidst this legal battle, all eyes remain fixed on how the java juggernaut steers through these turbulent tides. With court dates looming and investor interests at stake, the saga promises to be as robust and intense as a fresh brew of their iconic Nescafé. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-31

TAT Rolls Out Roadshow in Japan: Eyes THB 55 Billion Tourism Surge Picture courtesy of Freepik In a grand bid to draw more Japanese tourists and hit a lofty revenue target, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unleashed the ‘Amazing Thailand Roadshow to Japan 2025’. Spanning three bustling cities, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the roadshow is making waves and aiming to net a whopping THB 55 billion by the year’s end. The strategy? Engage, entice, and expand—the trifecta approach to luring travellers from Japan’s rich market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362307-tat-rolls-out-roadshow-in-japan-eyes-thb-55-billion-tourism-surge/

Picture courtesy of Freepik In a grand bid to draw more Japanese tourists and hit a lofty revenue target, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unleashed the ‘Amazing Thailand Roadshow to Japan 2025’. Spanning three bustling cities, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the roadshow is making waves and aiming to net a whopping THB 55 billion by the year’s end. The strategy? Engage, entice, and expand—the trifecta approach to luring travellers from Japan’s rich market. With Japanese tourism to Thailand on the upswing—up a robust 12.3% in 2025—the roadshow is timely. Last year, over a million Japanese tourists hit Thai shores, a first since the pandemic threw a wrench into travel plans worldwide. To keep the momentum going, TAT has lined up roadshow events chock-full of opportunities for over 25 Thai tourism businesses. The schedule is packed to the brim from May 26 to 30, promising more than 1,000 business tete-a-tetes with 60-plus Japanese travel operators. Japan was a cash cow for Thai tourism before COVID-19, raking in 93.7 billion baht from 1.78 million visits in 2019. Fast forward, and 2024 saw a promising uptick to 1,050,904 arrivals, a solid 30.68% year-on-year climb. New data for 2025’s first quarter shows 374,000 arrivals, mainly buoyed by flight recoveries between the two countries. This positive trend is matched by stats from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), recording a 20.7% surge in outbound Japanese travellers this February. Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai has set the wheels in motion by targeting Japan’s low-travel Green Season. Her roadmap goes beyond typical tourist bustle, offering irresistible packages for premium travellers, plus Millennials and Gen Z thrill-seekers chasing unique experiences. Emphasis is also on winning repeat visits and expanding tantalising Thai temptations to Japan’s rural pockets. With this roadmap, TAT sets a course for robust engagements, enticing offers, and geographical expansion, laying the groundwork for a prosperous tourist influx from Japan as the global travel scene bounces back. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-05-31

Medical Council Meeting on Veto in Thaksin Doctors' Case Fike photo courtesy of Thai PBS World The Medical Council of Thailand is bracing for a pivotal meeting on June 12, after a controversial veto by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin overturned its decision to discipline three doctors associated with Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362305-medical-council-meeting-on-veto-in-thaksin-doctors-case/

Fike photo courtesy of Thai PBS World The Medical Council of Thailand is bracing for a pivotal meeting on June 12, after a controversial veto by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin overturned its decision to discipline three doctors associated with Thaksin Shinawatra. The council's secretary-general, ACM Ittaporn Kanacharoen, has called for all 70 board members to gather, marking a significant moment following the minister’s veto. The meeting aims to address the decision, with the board needing a two-thirds majority to counter the minister's move. All 35 elected board members are reportedly on board to attend the meeting, with ongoing attempts to confirm attendance from members appointed by position. The council’s board, split evenly between elected and appointed members, includes key figures from the Public Health Ministry and medical school deans. At least 47 votes are required to contest the minister’s veto, a hurdle potentially altering the council's authority and oversight. The crux of the saga dates back to May 8, when the council sought to suspend the licences of two senior doctors from Police General Hospital on grounds of exaggerating Thaksin's health issues. Another doctor from the Corrections Department Hospital was also warned for leveraging their position to reassign Thaksin from prison to a hospital. Under scrutiny, Thaksin resided on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital for a six-month term, avoiding jail time. Minister Somsak, aligned with the Pheu Thai Party helmed by Thaksin’s daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn, faced backlash over his veto, with critics perceiving it as meddling in a professional matter to shield Thaksin. Detractors, including lawmakers and former political activist Suriyasai Katasila, have condemned the interference, dubbing it an affront to the council’s internal governance. However, Treechaca Srithada, a Public Health Ministry spokeswoman, dismissed the criticisms as partisan opposition to Thaksin and the affiliated red-shirt movement. The impending meeting underscores broader political undercurrents within Thailand’s healthcare governance, the council’s regulatory independence, and the potential influence of political allegiances on professional conduct. As the meeting date approaches, all eyes will be on the council as it seeks resolution on a matter with echoes far beyond healthcare circles. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-31

Expat Confusion Grows as Thailand Cracks Down on Helmet Law Violations File photo courtesy of Triptipedia Thailand’s latest initiative to enforce stricter motorcycle helmet regulations is creating a stir among residents and tourists. Starting 1 June, the "Safe Roads Project", spearheaded by Thai traffic police, aims to curb road accidents by imposing a heftier fine of up to 2,000 baht for those caught without a helmet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362304-expat-confusion-grows-as-thailand-cracks-down-on-helmet-law-violations/

File photo courtesy of Triptipedia Thailand’s latest initiative to enforce stricter motorcycle helmet regulations is creating a stir among residents and tourists. Starting 1 June, the "Safe Roads Project", spearheaded by Thai traffic police, aims to curb road accidents by imposing a heftier fine of up to 2,000 baht for those caught without a helmet. This campaign zeroes in on high-risk areas, especially around schools, to foster adherence to traffic laws. The new mandate requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets at all times, without exceptions based on travel distance or location. This move addresses Thailand’s troubling road injury rates, which heavily involve motorcycle users. Notably, the change quadruples the previous penalty, reflecting the government's commitment to road safety. This revised law has left some expatriates puzzled. A post on Reddit by a foreign resident highlights a debate over whether Thailand's helmet law applies to motorcycles with sidecars, known as saleng. The post details a playful argument with his Thai wife, who contends that the configuration of a saleng exempts passengers from wearing helmets, while he insists it shares the same legal status as traditional motorcycles. So far, the Royal Thai Police have not made any special provisions for saleng configurations, suggesting the same helmet rules apply to all motorcycle types. This lack of distinction underlines an important aspect of the new regulation, its simplicity and broad application. The authorities are focusing efforts on regions notorious for traffic breaches or mishaps, stepping up patrols and checkpoints to catch repeat offenders. With motorcyclists making up a significant portion of road casualties, this campaign signifies a crucial step in addressing Thailand’s road safety challenges head-on. In conclusion, this strict enforcement of helmet laws is a strategic attempt to reduce road fatalities, targeting compliance through hefty fines and heightened police vigilance. As Thailand aims to protect its residents and visitors, it underscores the importance of safety over convenience on its bustling roads. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-31

Thaksin Wants Pheu Thai Back in Control of Interior Ministry File photo courtesy of Thai PBS World Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, has voiced his desire to regain control of the Ministry of Interior from the Bhumjaithai party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362303-thaksin-wants-pheu-thai-back-in-control-of-interior-ministry/

File photo courtesy of Thai PBS World Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, has voiced his desire to regain control of the Ministry of Interior from the Bhumjaithai party. The former Prime Minister argues that Pheu Thai should oversee the crucial portfolio to ensure their government policies reach citizens nationwide. This move is seen as pivotal, with the next general election looming in just two years. The Pheu Thai party, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is the core of the ruling coalition. Thaksin insists that for their populist policies to be truly effective and widespread, control of the Ministry of Interior is essential. This portfolio, held by Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, is renowned for its sweeping influence over provincial and local governance throughout Thailand. Thaksin maintains that while the Bhumjaithai party should remain part of the coalition, regaining the Ministry of Interior is crucial for Pheu Thai. Speculation is rife about a possible cabinet reshuffle once the legislation for the 2026 government budget secures initial approval from the House of Representatives. Thaksin further asserts that maintaining control of the ministry is more crucial than ever, given the political landscape and ongoing legal challenges faced by both himself and his daughter, the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Interior's commanding role over provincial governors, district officers, and local headmen positions it as a linchpin in implementing government policies at the grassroots level. For Thaksin and the Pheu Thai, regaining this ministry might not only fortify their grip on power but also ensure that their policies resonate more profoundly with the public ahead of the next election cycle. Ultimately, Thaksin is focused on consolidating his party's influence without jeopardising the coalition's stability, even as legal battles present potential challenges for the Shinawatra political dynasty. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-31