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Man Thought to Be British Accused of Car Theft Attempt in Phuket Picture courtesy of Facebook/Mewadi Dokmai A daring theft in Phuket unfolds as a foreign man attempts to steal a car and makes off with a mobile phone, leaving a local woman and her community on edge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370209-man-thought-to-be-british-accused-of-car-theft-attempt-in-phuket/

Picture courtesy of Facebook/Mewadi Dokmai A daring theft in Phuket unfolds as a foreign man attempts to steal a car and makes off with a mobile phone, leaving a local woman and her community on edge. In the tranquil streets of Thalang district, Phuket, a shocking incident unfolded as a foreign man, reportedly British, targeted local resident Mewadi Dokmai outside her Candlelit Workshop on August 18. The man’s audacious attempt to steal her car triggered a wave of concern throughout the community. In the busy Choeng Thale sub-district, Mewadi parked her car outside her workshop, which is where the incident started. Out of nowhere, the foreign man approached her, attempting to engage in conversation. Sensing something amiss, Mewadi firmly asked him to leave. Undeterred, the man brazenly opened her car door and attempted to drive away. Thanks to Mewadi's quick thinking and intervention, his efforts were thwarted, but not without causing a scene. The suspect took advantage of the chaos to seize Mewadi's mobile phone. This act further escalated the situation, highlighting the man’s reckless desperation. Mewadi quickly took to various Facebook groups and local news to warn others of the looming threat. Her urgent message, shared in both Thai and English, stressed the danger posed by the man and implored the community to stay vigilant. To substantiate her claims, Mewadi shared a photo of her police complaint filed at the Choeng Thale Police Station. Her account gained traction after she disclosed meeting another victim at the police station. This person reported a similar confrontation with the same foreign man, who had also attempted to steal a motorcycle. Fortunately, the motorbike owner managed to catch the suspect and handed him over to the police. Although the man is currently in custody, Mewadi fears his potential release could lead to further incidents. She anxiously expressed concerns that he might return to harass her customers or attempt another theft. A local man commented on Mewadi's social media post, recounting his own encounter with the foreigner. He described the suspect as shirtless and barefoot, claiming to be British, a detail seemingly corroborated by his accent. As of now, police have yet to disclose their next steps in the ongoing investigation. The community remains on high alert, with residents urged to report any suspicious activities. As authorities continue to handle the case, questions linger about the suspect’s potential release and the safety of those in the area. Candlelit Workshop | Photo via Google Map Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-19

Foreign Tourist Fights for Life After Patong Hotel Plunge Photo courtesy of The Phuket News via The Thaiger A foreign tourist was left battling for his life after a shocking plunge from a Patong hotel last night under puzzling circumstances. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370204-foreign-tourist-fights-for-life-after-patong-hotel-plunge/

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News via The Thaiger A foreign tourist was left battling for his life after a shocking plunge from a Patong hotel last night under puzzling circumstances. The alarm was raised at 6.36pm on August 18, and Patong Police swiftly responded to the scene on Phra Mettha Road. Emergency crews from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation joined Deputy Investigation Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Somprasong Labaisat, in the rescue effort. Upon arrival, responders found the man lying unconscious yet alive, suffering from multiple broken limbs. “He was unconscious but had a pulse,” the police confirmed. Medics from the foundation provided immediate first aid before taking the injured tourist to Patong Hospital. His current condition remains unknown. Investigators are now racing against time to unravel how the man ended up in such a critical state. Initial reports provide scant details, and authorities have not yet determined if the tourist was a guest at the hotel or simply visiting. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somprasong commented, “We are working to establish his identity and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.” Officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding area to retrace the tourist’s last movements. Hotel staff and potential witnesses are also being interviewed in a bid to piece together the timeline leading up to the fall. While no evidence of foul play has emerged, police have not dismissed any possibilities. The vicinity around the hotel was temporarily sealed off as the investigation continues. This incident comes on the heels of a similar tragedy when a Polish tourist plunged from the fifth floor of a condominium in Phuket’s Kathu district on May 3. The 34-year-old reportedly lost his balance after standing up, leading to his fatal fall. Phuket has recently been marred by several disturbing tourist-related episodes, prompting ongoing concerns about visitor safety, mental health, and crime involving foreigners in Thailand’s popular tourist hotspots. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-19

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia In a dramatic turn of events, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Tony Chung and former lawmaker Ted Hui have been granted asylum in the UK and Australia, adding fuel to ongoing political tensions. Both figures have been on the run due to their involvement in anti-government activities, and this latest development is expected to cause further ripples between Hong Kong's authorities and these countries. Tony Chung, imprisoned under Hong Kong's controversial national security law, made his escape to Britain, where he's now been granted refugee status alongside a five-year resident permit. Known for his passionate advocacy for Hong Kong’s independence, Chung posted his relief and determination to continue his activism despite past struggles, including mental health battles. On the other side of the globe, Ted Hui, a former lawmaker now residing in Adelaide, expressed his gratitude to the Australian government upon receiving protection visas for himself and his family. Hui, previously facing a bounty and legal charges in Hong Kong, reflected on the values of freedom and justice as he announced this new chapter via Facebook, reported AP. The situation comes after China’s imposition of a national security law in 2020, which has been criticised for clamping down on civil liberties in the former British colony. Hong Kong’s government did not address the individual cases but issued a strong statement denouncing the asylum decisions, framing them as interference in the territory’s legal affairs. These cases highlight the growing list of activists escaping Hong Kong’s tightening grip, with countries like Britain and Australia now providing refuge. While the international response has been cautious, there’s a clear indication of their concern over Hong Kong’s legal environment. As the cases of Chung and Hui unfold, they stand as symbols of the ongoing struggle for political expression and democratic rights in Hong Kong. The global stage will closely monitor the implications, keeping diplomatic conversations buzzing. Adapted by ASEAN Now from AP 2025-08-19

video still via Manchester Evening News The bustling nightlife of Manchester has been marred by shocking revelations of voyeuristic video sales, as exposed by the Manchester Evening News. Secretly captured footage of young women enjoying nights out is being shared and sold online, leaving victims unaware and vulnerable. This disturbing trade is difficult to prosecute due to legislative gaps, as discussed on the podcast Go Doxx Yourself. The investigation highlighted the capture and monetisation of videos showing women in compromised situations, often with a focus on areas like their chests and bottoms. In many cases, the footage is taken without consent, making these women unsuspecting victims in a degrading trade. Some videos even feature intoxicated individuals, raising significant ethical concerns. Nicole Wootton-Cane, the journalist who broke the story, joined Dr Rebecca Whittington on the podcast to detail the complexities of the investigation and legal challenges. Law enforcement has made arrests, yet gathering evidence and identifying victims remains problematic. Many women are unaware they’ve been filmed, complicating the pursuit of justice. Nicole explained the fine line the police walk in handling such cases: "We want to encourage them to make a report, but do not want to distress them… It might not necessarily be the easiest thing to prosecute, but every report helps build a picture." Chara Bakalis, Associate Professor in Law, added insight into the limitations of existing laws around public footage. "Harassment or stalking charges might apply, but they don’t capture the harm caused." This gap in the law allows the distressing trade to continue, demanding legal adaptation to address online misuse effectively. The podcast episode goes deeper about these challenges, urging victims to report incidents to authorities despite the hurdles. Nicole and Chara point out the value of acknowledging the harm and supporting affected women. For those affected, this podcast provides guidance on handling misuse of images and underscores the collective responsibility to stop this vile trend. The full episode of Go Doxx Yourself is now available on major platforms for a deeper insight into this unsettling issue. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manchester Evening News 2025-08-19

Picture courtesy of Manchester Evening News Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces shocking charges, including rape, abuse, death threats, and traffic violations. Norwegian prosecutors have laid 32 charges against the 28-year-old, whose high-profile family connections amplify the case's intrigue. Despite his legal troubles, Hoiby remains free as the legal process unfolds, with Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbo stating that there’s no immediate need to detain him. The trial is expected to kick off by mid-January, potentially lasting six weeks. While Hoiby’s defence team acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations, they insist he denies any culpability for most of them, especially regarding sexual abuse and violence. The royal palace is maintaining its distance, emphasising the court's role in resolving the matter. Marius Borg Hoiby rose to prominence at the tender age of four when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon. Raised within the royal household alongside his step-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, Hoiby holds no royal title or formal responsibilities. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manchester Evening News 2025-08-19

Courtesy of Police Scotland/via BBC A dramatic surge in gangland chaos is forcing Scottish prisons to engage in an intricate "game of chess" as staff grapple with keeping rival inmates separated. This tense atmosphere is the result of overcrowding and a spike in violent incidents linked to serious organised crime groups (SOCGs), posing unprecedented challenges for prison authorities. The Scottish Prison Service reports an all-time high in the number of inmates held in segregation due to gang affiliations. With approximately 660 prisoners tied to SOCGs, staff are under immense pressure to prevent attacks motivated by ongoing feuds. This tense situation has intensified following notable convictions, including those of high-profile criminals like Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson and James "The Don" White, both infamous for their roles in international drug smuggling. The current feud spans several regions and is rooted in conflicts involving Edinburgh gangster Mark Richardson, echoing with repercussions across the Scottish criminal landscape. Attacks first erupted in March, targeting properties and individuals associated with Richardson, extending violence from Edinburgh to Lanarkshire and Glasgow. The situation took a further deadly turn when two prominent members of the Lyons crime group were murdered in Spain, raising suspicions of connections to Scottish disputes, reported the BBC. This cross-continental criminal rivalry has heightened tensions within Scottish jails, notably HMP Shotts, which houses many SOCG-linked inmates. The prison, exclusively for those serving four years or more, includes 221 life sentences for murder, according to Governor Gillian Walker. She describes the daily challenge of managing high-risk prisoners as akin to shifting "chess pieces", noting the need for constant vigilance as gang dynamics evolve both inside and outside prison walls. The spike in violence has been dramatic, with reported incidents increasing from 95 a month in 2022 to 135 a month this year. The complexities are evident in the number of prisoners now held "out of association," requiring separate accommodations and supervision. The chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service, Teresa Medhurst, points out the extreme importance of these conditions, which extend beyond inmate-on-inmate violence to assaults on staff. The influence of gangs in the prison extends to smuggling operations, where they increasingly use drones to transport contraband like drugs, weapons, and mobile phones. These deliveries can be worth more than 440,000฿ and occur weekly, making it difficult for staff to maintain security. Anti-drone measures, including grills over cell block windows, are part of ongoing efforts to deter such breaches. The Scottish government, with input from prison unions and other partners, continues to develop strategies to address these complex issues. Although early release schemes have been implemented to ease overcrowding, the prison population is steadily rising, nearing the previous record high. Angela Constance, while discussing government efforts, mentions that future plans will rely on the recommendations of the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, which are due by the end of 2025. She stresses the importance of finding sustainable solutions to manage Scotland’s challenging prison environment. The Prison Officers' Association's Hil Fairlie emphasises the heightened levels of intimidation experienced by staff, including instances of firebombing officers' cars. The level of manipulation and threat from gang affiliates is unprecedented, adding significant stress for those working within the prison system. As Scotland’s prisons grapple with these multifaceted challenges, the focus remains on maintaining safety and stability in a volatile environment. The implications of these feuds stretch beyond the prison walls, affecting communities and reaffirming the need for comprehensive management and prevention strategies. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-19

Thai Audit Office Tops Transparency Rankings With 94.64 Score Picture courtesy of Khaosod The Office of the Auditor General of Thailand (สตง.) has clinched the top transparency rank among independent organisations for the fiscal year 2568, scoring a remarkable 94.64 points. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370201-thai-audit-office-tops-transparency-rankings-with-9464-score/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod BANGKOK - The Office of the Auditor General of Thailand (สตง) has clinched the top transparency ranking among independent organisations for the fiscal year 2568, scoring a remarkable 94.64 points. Following this accolade, the office released a detailed statement addressing the assessment of integrity and transparency (ITA), pledging future improvements. The annual ITA evaluation aims to tackle corruption through enhanced accountability. This evaluation employs a comprehensive statistical approach that reflects the organisation's integrity and transparency from various perspectives. The audit office's score was determined through three main components. Internally, a survey (IT) assessed the perceptions of at least 400 personnel regarding duty performance, budget usage, and anti-corruption efforts, with a total of 693 respondents participating. Externally, the office gathered insights (EIT) on operation quality and communication efficiency from media, contractors, and others, with 589 respondents from two distinct evaluation methods. Lastly, the public disclosure survey (OIT) focused on information openness and anti-corruption measures. Participants submitted evidence through URLs, directed to specific agency webpages, based on 28 questions highlighted in the publicly available database, reported Khaosod. In summary, the audit office scored impressively but identified an area for improvement in working system adjustments, scoring 81.78 points under the external stakeholders' survey. The office plans to enhance those aspects to maintain and further its transparency efforts. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-08-19

75-Year-Old Man Beats 80-Year-Old Man to Death in Love Triangle Picture courtesy of Daily News KHON KAEN - In a shocking turn of events, a 75-year-old man fatally struck an 80-year-old love rival in Khon Kaen, ending a fiery love triangle dispute over a 56-year-old woman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370196-75-year-old-man-beats-80-year-old-man-to-death-in-love-triangle/

Picture courtesy of Daily News KHON KAEN - In a shocking turn of events, a 75-year-old man fatally struck an 80-year-old love rival in Khon Kaen, ending a fiery love triangle dispute over a 56-year-old woman. The incident unfolded on 18th August when police were called to a home in Non Thong, Waeng Yai District, following reports of a fatal altercation. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Mr. A (alias), aged 80, lying lifeless on the lawn with a severe head wound. Mr. C (alias), aged 75, was found intoxicated, clutching a hoe, ready to surrender. The dispute began as the two men visited the home of Ms. B (alias) and engaged in an alcohol-fuelled argument. According to Mr. C's statement, he had brought alcohol to Ms. B's house, a local single woman, and Mr. A joined him. After some drinking, Mr. A allegedly taunted Mr. C about his affections for Ms. B, sparking a heated exchange, reported the Daily News. Attempting to prevent further conflict, Ms. B asked them to leave, but the confrontation escalated outside. In a moment of rage, Mr. C grabbed a nearby hoe, striking Mr. A on the head, resulting in his immediate death. Police have charged Mr. C with intentional homicide. He remains in custody as authorities carry out further investigations and legal proceedings. The tragic tale serves as a stark reminder of how volatile emotions can result in irreversible consequences. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain calm and avoid violence in resolving personal conflicts. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-08-19

Thailand's Crypto-to-Baht Scheme Set to Boost Tourist Spending Picture courtesy of Lee Stoerzinger Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has revealed an exciting new project, "TouristDigiPay", aimed at making it easier for tourists to swap cryptocurrencies for baht, boosting tourist spending by 10%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370181-thailands-crypto-to-baht-scheme-set-to-boost-tourist-spending/

Picture courtesy of Lee Stoerzinger Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has revealed an exciting new project, "TouristDigiPay", aimed at making it easier for tourists to swap cryptocurrencies for baht, boosting tourist spending by 10%. The scheme, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira, could add over 175 billion baht to Thailand’s economy. Rolling out as an 18-month trial, the sandbox involves government agencies working together. Merchants onboarded through a "Know Your Merchant" process can accept up to 500,000 baht monthly, while smaller vendors are capped at 50,000 baht. The approach stands out, as it facilitates crypto conversion rather than direct crypto payments. Cryptocurrencies will be exchanged for baht at SEC-regulated operators. Funds move into an electronic wallet managed by the Bank of Thailand, allowing tourists to spend easily via QR code at numerous locations. This scheme aims to enhance spending from approximately 35 million tourists each year, with just a 10% increase translating into a massive economic uplift, reported The Nation. Robust anti-money laundering protocols take safety seriously, ensuring businesses and tourists adhere to high standards. Full KYC and CDD procedures will be in place, protecting against illicit activity. Digital wallets will also be screened against a secure blacklist. This innovative programme is scheduled to kick off in late 2025. If successful, the Ministry of Finance, led by Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, sees potential for broader application. Limits could increase, and digital assets might even fund large purchases like property or yachts. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-19

Thai Army Asserts Ban Nong Chan Is Undeniably Thai Soil Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World The Thai army has firmly declared that Ban Nong Chan, located in Sa Kaeo province's Kok Soong district, is undeniably Thai soil. This area, long contested by Cambodia, served as a refuge for Cambodians escaping conflict decades ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370179-thai-army-asserts-ban-nong-chan-is-undeniably-thai-soil/