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Hua Hin Stunned by Discovery of Live Explosives in Tourist Area Pictures courtesy of Phetkasem Hua Hin Blasts averted as live munitions spark fears of foul play in tourist hotspot Rubbish collectors in Hua Hin stumbled upon a shocking find: deadly military explosives discarded beside a bin. What started as a routine day turned into a full-blown bomb squad operation as police scrambled to secure the area in the quiet coastal town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367051-hua-hin-stunned-by-discovery-of-live-explosives-in-tourist-area/

Pictures courtesy of Phetkasem Hua Hin Blasts averted as live munitions spark fears of foul play in tourist hotspot Rubbish collectors in Hua Hin stumbled upon a shocking find: deadly military explosives discarded beside a rubbish bin. What started as a routine day turned into a full-blown bomb squad operation as police scrambled to secure the area in the quiet coastal town. The drama unfolded around 11.30am yesterday, July 16, when a vigilant resident noticed a suspicious object near a rubbish bin opposite Amnat Timber Shop in Village 4, Hin Lek Fai subdistrict. The prompt alert sparked a major public safety scare. Hua Hin Police Station officers, upon arrival, quickly cordoned off the site. They called in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and rescue workers from the Phetkasem Foundation to handle the situation. Alarmingly, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team found a stash of live explosives, including a one-pound M112 block of C4 plastic explosive, an anti-personnel mine, and a live M61 fragmentation grenade. Adding to the danger, approximately 100 ccorroded 30 calibre carbine rounds were found. The explosives were confirmed to be functional and posed a severe threat to public safety. The bomb squad meticulously removed and secured the weapons for safe disposal. A comprehensive investigation is now underway to uncover who is responsible for abandoning the deadly cache. Authorities are combing through CCTV, questioning locals, and urging the public to assist in nabbing the culprits, according to Hua Hin Today. “There was no damage or injuries reported, but it could have been catastrophic,” commented a Hua Hin police officer. “We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.” The unnerving discovery has shaken residents, especially given the potential for mass casualties had the bombs detonated in the area. Police urge those with any information to come forward and aid their investigation. As of yesterday afternoon, officials have not disclosed any suspect identities or motives, though they assure that the area is safe. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

NBTC Slashes Mobile Tariffs: Cheaper Packages Under 240 Baht Picture courtesy of Khaosod Regulators urge affordable plans as industry feels pressure to lower costs The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to revise mobile phone tariffs, aiming to introduce more affordable Blue Flag Packages, reducing the cap from 240 baht (£5.29) per month. Acting Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul revealed that the NBTC discussed 86 agenda items in their recent meeting, including updates on business permits, license supervision, and legal proceedings. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367049-nbtc-slashes-mobile-tariffs-cheaper-packages-under-240-baht/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod Regulators urge affordable plans as industry feels pressure to lower costs BANGKOK - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to revise mobile phone tariffs, aiming to introduce more affordable Blue Flag Packages, reducing the cap from 240 baht (£5.29) per month. Acting Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul revealed that the NBTC discussed 86 agenda items in their recent meeting, including updates on business permits, license supervision, and legal proceedings. One significant topic was agenda 4.44, focusing on regulating domestic mobile phone service rates, especially charges beyond promotional package entitlements. The NBTC intends to update guidelines to align service charges with market dynamics, enhancing consumer options. Trairat explained the importance of revising the 2020 regulations to ensure they reflect the current telecommunications landscape. The proposed changes suggest reducing starting prices for key promotional packages, targeting essential services such as calls and high-speed mobile internet, while excluding outdated SMS and MMS services. This revision considers the average revenue per user from both postpaid and prepaid services, aiming to offer lower costs for critical services over traditional messaging options. Moreover, the NBTC recommends operators provide at least two starter packages: Pay Per Use and Flat Rate. This initiative is expected to drive fair competition, maintain service efficiency, and ultimately benefit the consumers. Trairat emphasised that reviewing mobile rates would ensure transparency and adapt to technological market shifts. Operators who hold frequency bands will need to offer budget-friendly packages similar to Blue Flag products, which provide cost-effective choices. The NBTC plans to expedite drafting guidelines once approved to proceed with these changes. Meanwhile, agenda 5.19 reviewed FM frequency licensing for local broadcasting, with 2,286 applicants, of which 2,237 qualified for auction participation. The NBTC will release a participant list shortly. Forty-four entities were disqualified, and five withdrew their applications. The NBTC announced the termination of interim FM broadcasting on December 31, with new licences commencing January 1 next year. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

Russian Teen Nabbed in Midnight Pattaya Graffiti Plot Picture courtesy of THe Pattaya News Pattaya pier vandalism crackdown as officials demand cleanup from youth and guardians A 16-year-old Russian boy, Dobrynia, was caught spray-painting on Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier Overpass during the early hours of July 17. Pattaya City’s Special Affairs Unit intervened just in time, halting the teenager's act of vandalism. The officers confiscated six cans of spray paint and a Yamaha Aerox motorbike, reportedly used by the teen to reach the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367048-russian-teen-nabbed-in-midnight-pattaya-graffiti-plot/

Picture courtesy of THe Pattaya News Pattaya pier vandalism crackdown as officials demand cleanup from youth and guardians A 16-year-old Russian boy, Dobrynia, was caught spray-painting on Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier Overpass during the early hours of July 17. Pattaya City’s Special Affairs Unit intervened just in time, halting the teenager's act of vandalism. The officers confiscated six cans of spray paint and a Yamaha Aerox motorbike, reportedly used by the teen to reach the scene. Local authorities expressed outrage, emphasising a strict approach despite the teen's age. “This is not artistic expression, it’s destruction of public property!” stated Pattaya City. They warned that anyone considering similar offences would face firm legal action. Dobrynia is set to face penalties under the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act, potentially facing a fine of up to 10,000 baht (approximately 282 USD). Authorities have mandated that both the boy and his guardians must clean up the graffiti themselves to emphasise the importance of civic responsibility. Pattaya is adamant in its mission to maintain its status as Thailand’s premier tourist destination. “We won’t tolerate actions that damage public spaces. These locations are not just landmarks—they’re symbols of our city,” a spokesperson explained. The police are investigating whether Dobrynia acted alone, while efforts to restore the pier are underway. The stringent measures reinforce the city's zero-tolerance approach by sending a clear message that vandalism will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, a related incident involved the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) pursuing legal action against a Japanese tourist for a similar train vandalism case in Bangkok. On July 13, the tourist allegedly spray-painted the express train number 171 operating between Bangkok and Sungai Kolok. The situation underscores a wider effort to crack down on vandalism in public areas, reaffirming the stance that the defacement of public property will lead to serious consequences. These actions underscore Thailand's broader commitment to upholding its reputation and ensuring the respect and maintenance of its public spaces for everyone's enjoyment. With continuing efforts to address and prevent such incidents, the authorities aim to preserve the nation’s image and public assets. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

Swede, Aussie Found Dead Hours Apart in Same Pattaya Condo Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a startling incident that has left Pattaya City reeling, two foreign men were discovered dead in the same condominium building within hours of each other. Thai police have launched an intensive investigation to resolve the confusion surrounding these deaths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367047-swede-aussie-found-dead-hours-apart-in-same-pattaya-condo/

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a startling incident that has left Pattaya City reeling, two foreign men were discovered dead in the same condominium building within hours of each other. Thai police have launched an intensive investigation to resolve the confusion surrounding these deaths. The tragedy unfolded when authorities first responded to a call at 2 p.m. regarding the death of a 38-year-old Swedish man, Mr. Mika Huotari, found in a fifth-floor unit. Mr. Huotari was discovered naked in an overflowing Jacuzzi, with a noticeable laceration on his forehead and right eyebrow. Blood seeped into the water beneath him, but intriguingly, the room showed no evidence of a struggle. Just two hours later, police were summoned again to the same building. This time, they found a 54-year-old Australian, Mr. Michael Shane, dead on the seventh floor. He lay in a pool of blood with a broken glass near his elbow, surrounded by scattered medicine bottles, yet again with no signs of a violent struggle. The unsettling nature of these finds has cast a cloud of suspicion and concern over the condominium’s residents. Ms. Thanchan ok Prajit, the 27-year-old caretaker, became involved when a friend of Mr. Shane reached out due to a lack of contact for two days. Detecting a foul odour emanating from Mr. Shane's locked room, she swiftly took action by calling the police, setting off a grim sequence of discoveries. Police diligently photographed the scenes and collected evidence from both locations. The deceased were then transported to Pattakhun Hospital, with their relatives informed of the tragic occurrences. The investigation now hinges on piecing together the events leading to these sudden deaths, a task compounded by their proximity in location and timing. Authorities remain cautious, with no leads dismissed at this early stage. As the investigation deepens, forensic analysis will play a pivotal role in understanding whether these incidents were tragic coincidences or part of a more sinister plot. The police urge anyone with information that could aid their inquiry to come forward. The unsettling dual discoveries in such a close timeframe have stirred unease in the community. While no direct link between the deaths has been established, the eerie circumstances ensure that the inquiry remains a high priority for Pattaya’s law enforcement. The city awaits answers as investigators work tirelessly to uncover the truth. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-18

Bangkok Police Clamp Down on Tuk Tuks Blocking Roads Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a concerted effort to curb traffic chaos in Bangkok, more than 800 tuk tuk drivers have been apprehended this month for blocking roads outside the city's bustling malls. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367017-bangkok-police-clamp-down-on-tuk-tuks-blocking-roads/

Transgender Hairdresser Faces HIV Prejudice from Client's Mother Photo via Facebook/ เอมมี่ พิมพ์รภาดา In a disheartening incident highlighting ongoing prejudices, transgender hairdresser Watchara “Emmy” U-phat shared her experience of being unfoundedly accused of potentially spreading HIV by a client and her mother. Despite Emmy being HIV negative, the accusations stemmed from stereotypes about transgender individuals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367011-transgender-hairdresser-faces-hiv-prejudice-from-clients-mother/

American Man Arrested at Phuket Airport for Smuggling 6 kg of Heroin Picture courtesy of Phuket News In a dramatic sting operation, an American man has been arrested at Phuket International Airport, attempting to smuggle over six kilogrammes of heroin out of Thailand. The revelation, the result of a coordinated effort involving the Tourist Police, Customs, and narcotics officers, has sent shockwaves throughout the region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367003-american-man-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-smuggling-6-kg-of-heroin/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 18 July 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1367005-thailand-live-friday-18-july-2025/

British Tourist Attacked in Chiang Mai Over Karaoke Bill Dispute Photo via Facebook/ กูรูเชียงใหม่ เรื่องเชียงใหม่กูรู้ In Chiang Mai, tensions escalated yesterday as nine karaoke bar workers were arrested for assaulting a British tourist following a dispute over alleged overcharging. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367004-british-tourist-attacked-in-chiang-mai-over-karaoke-bill-dispute/

UPDATE Hero Rescues Live Dog Buried Alive in Phuket Pictures courtesy of Daily News A heart-wrenching video has emerged showing a Siberian Husky being buried alive in Rawai, Phuket. Fortunately, a foreign hero arrived just in time to rescue the dog. The property's owner, also a foreign national, faces animal cruelty charges after claiming the dog was critically ill with no pulse. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366943-foreigner-buries-dog-alive-in-shocking-phuket-incident/#findComment-19949641

UPDATE Hero Rescues Live Dog Buried Alive in Phuket Pictures courtesy of Daily News A heart-wrenching video has emerged showing a Siberian Husky being buried alive in Rawai, Phuket. Fortunately, a foreign hero arrived just in time to rescue the dog. The property's owner, also a foreign national, faces animal cruelty charges after claiming the dog was critically ill with no pulse. On 17th July, the well-known environmental Facebook page, "Monsoon Garbage," shared the distressing footage. It depicted a man rescuing the buried dog, while others lay languishing nearby. Following the incident, Rawai’s Mayor, Thames Kraitat, along with police and the Soi Dog Foundation, intervened. They discovered several exhausted dogs at the residence and transferred three to the foundation for rehabilitation and eventual rehoming. The foreign owner told authorities the dog was expected to die within three days due to severe illness, claiming it showed no vital signs before burial. However, the authorities remain sceptical and have charged him under Thailand's 2014 Animal Welfare Act. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-07-17