webfact

Picture courtesy: MGR online In a shocking incident in Kanchanaburi, western Thailand, a tree felled by an illegal logger crashed onto a passing bus, injuring eleven people, including three British teens. The dramatic accident occurred as the tourists were en route to the popular Erawan Waterfall. British nationals Biba Rose Waddell, 19, from London, Sophia Rose Alice Ridehalgh, 19, from Welwyn Garden City, and Sasha Chloe Hayes, 18, from Oxford, were among the passengers aboard the ill-fated bus when the tree trunk slammed onto its roof. The bus driver narrowly avoided a catastrophic plunge down a hillside, bringing the vehicle to a halt mere feet from the edge. Picture courtesy: MGR online Police officers from Lat Ya Police Station rushed to the scene on Highway No. 3199 following the incident, which was reported around 10 am. They discovered that a large wormwood tree had crashed onto the bus, shattering the windshield and causing panic among the 36 passengers inside, most of whom were foreign tourists, reported LIam Buckler for MIrror. ABUS.mp4 Lieutenant Colonel Maneephat Pengklet noted that a total of eleven individuals sustained injuries from shattered glass and falling branches. All injured parties, including the British teens, were immediately transported to Synphaet Hospital for treatment. Most suffered minor injuries, but one Canadian tourist, Jaime Michelle Mitchell, 45, was taken to the Intensive Care Unit with more serious injuries and fitted with a neck brace. In a supportive gesture, Thawatchai Wiriyajit from the local land transport office stated that authorities would cover the medical expenses incurred by the patients. Picture courtesy: MGR online Early investigations suggest that the tree may have been deliberately cut down by an illegal logger, as evidenced by nearby sawdust and cut marks on the tree. Paitoon Inthabut, Chief of Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, confirmed that rangers had been dispatched to apprehend the suspect, who is believed to reside in the vicinity. Subsequently, police arrested a 39-year-old man named Wasin, after discovering tree cutting tools in his white Isuzu pickup truck, along with documentation indicating he was involved in selling timber. Athisak Intra, the Governor of Kanchanaburi Province, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to address this unlawful act and implement safety measures to prevent future occurrences. Picture courtesy: MGR online The total cost of potential damages and healthcare in this incident isn't entirely defined, but the gravity of public safety and legal accountability have certainly been accentuated. This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal logging, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the region, reported Mirror. -- 2025-01-04

Thailand Aims to Woo Elite Tourists Amidst Regional Rivalry Picture courtesy: Travel + Leisure In a strategic move to bolster its luxury tourism sector, Thailand is embarking on a mission to attract elite tourists with offerings in wellness, sport, and romance. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set ambitious goals, targeting a 10% annual growth in this lucrative market, against a backdrop of fierce competition from neighbouring destinations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347869-thailand-aims-to-woo-elite-tourists-amidst-regional-rivalry/

Picture courtesy: Travel + Leisure In a strategic move to bolster its luxury tourism sector, Thailand is embarking on a mission to attract elite tourists with offerings in wellness, sport, and romance. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set ambitious goals, targeting a 10% annual growth in this lucrative market, against a backdrop of fierce competition from neighbouring destinations. At the heart of Thailand's renewed focus are the niche markets that promise high returns. Jirawadee Khunsap, Deputy Governor for Products and Tourism Business at TAT, announced on Friday that the kingdom aims to tap into luxury tourism, initially valued at approximately ฿70 billion annually. This figure is expected to steadily climb as global travel resumes, especially as high-quality tourists are increasingly drawn to bespoke experiences. Last year, luxury seekers predominantly visited hotspots like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, and Koh Samui. These visitors spend an average of ฿77,693 per trip, or about ฿6,171 daily, during stays that typically span nine to ten days. To increase these numbers, Thailand plans to enhance its luxury tourism offerings, appealing directly to affluent travellers by providing compelling value propositions. The increasing competition from venues such as Japan, which recently surpassed Thailand in foreign tourist arrivals, spurs Thailand to sharpen its competitive edge. With established luxury destinations like Singapore and Maldives also in the fray, Thailand differentiates itself through its abundant four- and five-star accommodations, alongside premium services interwoven with natural and cultural charms. Thailand’s well-regarded safety and warmth are expected to significantly enhance the comfort and enjoyment of visiting luxury travellers. "We are capitalising on luxury to break into major markets like China, the US, and the Middle East," Jirawadee explained, noting that Thailand’s relative affordability offers an advantage over its rivals. The Tourism Authority’s strategy is twofold: in the short term, spanning one to three years, it intends to host world-class events, including international music festivals, conferences, and sporting events. Collaborations with luxury brands to curate unique experiences aim to draw high spenders to the country. In the longer term, over three to five years, the focus will shift towards custom tour packages, complemented by attractions centred on wellness, art, and culture. Enhancing infrastructure, such as upgrading airports, ports for luxury yachts, and public transport, alongside the availability of luxury car rentals, is anticipated to further appeal to affluent tourists' preferences. As Thailand sets its sights on a prosperous future in luxury tourism, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional experiences that cater to the desires of the world's most discerning travellers, reported The Nation. -- 2025-01-04

Day 7 of the New Year Road Safety Campaign At a press conference held on January 3, Chatchatha Mosikarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and Chairman of the Subcommittee for Road Safety, highlighted progress in reducing accidents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347820-day 7-of-the-new-year-road-safety-campaign /

Good fortune: PM Paetongtarn’s assets exceed 13 billion baht By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has disclosed a detailed account of the assets and liabilities of Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking her ascension into office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347835-good-fortune-pm-paetongtarn’s-assets-exceed-13-billion-baht/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 4 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1347840-thailand-live-saturday-4-january-2025/

Photo via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket Foreign men attack Phuket taxi driver over fare dispute - video By Petch Petpailin A viral video showed two foreign men attacking a Thai taxi driver outside a supermarket in Phuket, allegedly over a fare dispute. Several Facebook news pages in Phuket shared the video of the physical assault yesterdy, December 3. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347836-foreign-men-attack-phuket-taxi-driver-over-fare-dispute-video/

Indian customs seize haul of weed smuggled from Bangkok by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Hindustan Times Five travellers arriving from Bangkok were busted in a brazen smuggling attempt at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Christmas Day. Indian customs officials seized a staggering 26 kilogrammes of hydroponic marijuana—worth 26 Indian crores (approximately 104 million baht)—ingeniously concealed in everyday household items. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347806-indian-customs-seize-haul-of-weed-smuggled-from-bangkok/

Photo courtesy of Hindustan Times by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Five travellers arriving from Bangkok were busted in a brazen smuggling attempt at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Christmas Day. Indian customs officials seized a staggering 26 kilogrammes of hydroponic marijuana—worth 26 Indian crores (approximately 104 million baht)—ingeniously concealed in everyday household items. Acting on a tip-off, the Indian Customs Department intercepted the suspects shortly after they disembarked their flight. “We had specific intelligence about passengers carrying banned substances. Upon identifying them, we conducted thorough searches.” What customs officers found could have been straight out of a crime thriller. The contraband was stashed in double-layered silver plastic pouches cleverly hidden inside packets of chips, instant noodles, washing powder, and even baby diapers—all crammed into the passengers’ trolley bags. The seized drugs were hydroponic weed, a potent and highly sought-after strain of marijuana grown using water-based cultivation. Officials say its street value underscores the high stakes of this smuggling operation. The five passengers were promptly arrested under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Investigators are now digging deeper, examining mobile phone records and questioning the accused to uncover the intended recipients of the drugs in the city, reported Hindustan Times. “This was a meticulously planned attempt to evade detection, but our team’s vigilance ensured the contraband didn’t hit the streets.” Photo courtesy of Mumbai Live Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-03

Bangkok Drug Raid Sparks Debate on Rehab Policy Picture courtesy: Siam Rath In the wake of a recent police raid on an exclusive gay party in the Watthana district of Bangkok, a heated debate has arisen surrounding Thailand's drug policy and privacy issues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347796-bangkok-drug-raid-sparks-debate-on-rehab-policy/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath In the wake of a recent police raid on an exclusive gay party in the Watthana district of Bangkok, a heated debate has arisen surrounding Thailand's drug policy and privacy issues. On 8th December, authorities apprehended 124 attendees, with more than half testing positive for drug use, subsequently sending them to rehabilitation facilities. This incident, however, has opened broader discussions on whether the mandatory rehab approach is suitable for all drug users, particularly within the LGBT community. Civil rights groups have voiced strong concerns over privacy violations. Media coverage allegedly exposed the identities of party-goers, unintentionally stigmatizing the LGBT attendees while drawing criticism from privacy advocates who argue this could have long-lasting personal impacts. However, the issue doesn't stop with privacy; the national drug policy itself is under scrutiny. Thailand's stringent Narcotics Cod - specifically Sections 113 and 114 - mandates compulsory rehabilitation for anyone arrested for drug use until certified as having completed treatment. Critics, including drug advocates, are questioning the practicality and fairness of this blanket approach. They argue that not every drug user fits the mold of rehabilitation seekers, especially those functional or recreational users who can manage their lives without addiction's chaotic downfall. Chaopichan Techo, a Bangkok-based psychologist specializing in drug addiction, voiced a perspective that challenges the government's generalization of drug users as inherently ill individuals needing institutional rehabilitation. He noted that many of the party's attendees were professional, functioning individuals, suggesting that not all drug users are debilitated or incapable of responsible decision-making. "This case reveals that drug use behaviour isn't monolithic," Techo explained. "There's a spectrum – from those using drugs casually to severe cases of dependency – and each requires a distinct handling approach." According to Techo, criminalizing all drug use uniformly could misalign the efforts needed to address the root causes of drug consumption and its varying degrees of impact. The psychologist further argued for a progressive drug policy that accommodates diversified user profiles, emphasizing that understanding a user’s history and reasons, such as socialisation, stress relief, or recreational use, is crucial. He advocated for harm reduction strategies, where the goal shifts from enforcing abstinence to minimizing health risks for those who choose to use drugs. With rehabilitation-centric policies in place, Techo warns of exacerbated public health issues unless there’s an adjustment in approach – one that balances prevention and personal accountability without infringing on civil liberties. As discussions unfold, the spotlight is on whether Thailand will adapt its drug policies to contemporary realities, ensuring they are just as nuanced as the social issues they seek to address. Whether these reforms will come into being remains a critical question for policymakers and citizens alike, reported Bangkok Post. RELATED STORY: Foreigners and Thais Arrested in Underwear at Bangkok Hotel Party https://aseannow.com/topic/1345691-foreigners-and-thais-arrested-in-underwear-at-bangkok-hotel-party/ -- 2025-01-03

Mother Forgets 4-Year-Old at Beach, Realises Back Home Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In a surprising oversight, a mother from Samut Prakan only realised she had left her four-year-old daughter at Bang Saen Beach after returning home, sparking concern and commentary online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347787-mother-forgets-4-year-old-at-beach-realises-back-home/

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In a surprising oversight, a mother from Samut Prakan only realised she had left her four-year-old daughter at Bang Saen Beach after returning home, sparking concern and commentary online. The incident came to light through a social media post by Chonburi News Today, which shared that the child, named "Nong Jomkwan," was found at the beach. The post prompted a wave of comments questioning how a mother could forget her child, especially a young girl. On 2nd January, reporters visited Bang Saen Beach, which was bustling with tourists enjoying the holiday season. The area was lively with children playing in the sea and families having picnics, providing a boost to local vendors during the festive period. When contacted, the girl's guardian explained the oversight. They had travelled to Bang Saen in a two-car convoy with several family members. In the confusion, they forgot to double-check that everyone had returned to the cars. It was only upon reaching Samut Prakan and not finding Nong Jomkwan that they realised their mistake. A call to Bang Saen authorities confirmed the child was safe, and the family quickly returned to collect her. The mother shared this experience as a cautionary tale, advising others to count heads before leaving any venue with a large group to prevent such mishaps, reported Amarin TV. -- 2025-01-03

Scores of Russians Injured in Bus Crash At Pattaya Toll Booth Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV On the evening of January 2, a bus transporting 37 Russian tourists to Pattaya lost control and crashed into a Toyota Fortuner SUV at the Pong toll booth, resulting in 27 passengers sustaining injuries, as reported by Amarin TV. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347774-scores-of-russians-injured-in-bus-crash-at-pattaya-toll-booth/

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV On the evening of January 2, a bus transporting 37 Russian tourists to Pattaya lost control and crashed into a Toyota Fortuner SUV at the Pong toll booth, resulting in 27 passengers sustaining injuries, as reported by Amarin TV. Witnesses described how the bus unexpectedly changed lanes and struck the stationary SUV, which was waiting in line at the toll booth. The force of the collision caused serious damage to both vehicles, with the bus suffering significant front-end damage and the SUV's rear end being heavily crushed. Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, providing immediate medical assistance to the injured tourists. The 27 passengers were swiftly transferred to hospitals in Pattaya for further treatment, with reports indicating that while none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, several tourists had suffered broken bones and other serious injuries. The 10 uninjured passengers were quickly gathered and transported to their hotel in Pattaya in a van arranged by the tour company. Local police and emergency services worked to clear the wreckage and restore order to the busy highway. Traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted as officers closed lanes and directed vehicles away from the scene to prevent additional accidents. The toll booth, a frequently used section of the road, experienced delays as authorities worked to manage the situation. Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus may have lost control due to excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers, but authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the crash. An ongoing investigation is expected to provide more clarity in the coming days, reported Thai Newsroom. The incident has raised concerns about road safety, especially for tourists, and local officials have pledged to review safety measures and improve oversight of tourist transport services to reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future. With the number of tourists visiting Thailand on the rise, accidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges related to road safety in high-traffic tourist areas. Authorities have urged both residents and visitors to remain cautious on the roads and to be mindful of their safety, particularly in congested regions near popular destinations. Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV -- 2025-01-03 MyMovie.mp4.8200c41603a06079d02dc00e758b7a12.mp4

Road Crashes Claim 272 Lives Over New Year’s Dangerous First Six Days The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has released its latest figures for road accidents during the New Year festivities. On 1 January alone, 50 fatalities were recorded, bringing the total death toll to 272 over the notorious first “six dangerous days.” Full story::https://aseannow.com/topic/1347726-road-crashes-claim-272-lives-over-new-year’s-dangerous-first-six-days/

MP demands answers on income and legality of Chinese police training By Petch Petpailin Photo via X/ @lawyerJammy A Member of Parliament (MP) from the People’s Party raised questions to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) regarding the income generated from a special training programme for Chinese volunteer police, as well as the legality and effectiveness of the training, which took only three days to complete. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347768-mp-demands-answers-on-income-and-legality-of-chinese-police-training/

Thailand tourism earns 1.66 trillion baht from 35 million visitors By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand welcomed over 35 million travellers in 2024, with visitors contributing more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46.8 billion) to the economy, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that from January 1 to December 29, a total of 35.32 million people visited the country, spending 1.66 trillion baht (US$48.5 billion). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347740-thailand-tourism-earns-166-trillion-baht-from-35-million-visitors/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 3 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1347753-thailand-live-friday-3-january-2025/

Photo courtesy of PoliceTV Facebook Skydiving stunt lands 3 Americans in hot water at Bangkok mall - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A brazen late-night stunt by three American daredevils has left Bangkok police fuming after a viral video showed them parachuting off the roof of the Emsphere shopping mall. The outrageous clip, posted on TikTok by user @armankremer with hashtags like #basejump and #urbex, ignited a storm of online criticism and has prompted the mall to press trespassing charges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347749-skydiving-stunt-lands-3-americans-in-hot-water-at-bangkok-mall-video/

Chinese Tourist Seriously Injured After Allegedly Being Attacked by Guards on Pattayas Walking Street By Kittisak Phalaharn Pattaya — In the early hours of December 31st, 2024, a Thai woman reported an alleged assault on her Chinese boyfriend by security guards at a nightclub on Pattaya’s Walking Street. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347703-chinese-tourist-seriously-injured-after-allegedly-being-attacked-by-guards-on-pattayas-walki/

By Kittisak Phalaharn Pattaya — In the early hours of December 31st, 2024, a Thai woman reported an alleged assault on her Chinese boyfriend by security guards at a nightclub on Pattaya’s Walking Street. The incident occurred late on December 27th. The woman, Ms. Bee (alias), 27, presented photos and a police report to the media, showing her boyfriend, a Chinese businessman, severely injured with a swollen face, broken teeth, and bruises. According to her, the conflict began after a drinking game at their table resulted in a broken glass. Although her boyfriend stated that he did not cause the damage, he was forcefully removed from the venue, sparking an argument. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2025-01-02

Teenagers arrested for throwing bombs at hospital in Thailand by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Two teenagers have been apprehended after they threw ping pong bombs at Khuan Khanun Hospital, causing panic among staff and patients. They admitted to the act, stating it was done on a whim after purchasing the explosives on their way to a friend’s house. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347690-teenagers-arrested-for-throwing-bombs-at-hospital-in-thailand/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Bright Choomanee Two teenagers have been apprehended after they threw ping pong bombs at Khuan Khanun Hospital, causing panic among staff and patients. They admitted to the act, stating it was done on a whim after purchasing the explosives on their way to a friend’s house. The incident occurred at 12.15am yesterday, December 31, when the teenagers, riding a Honda Scoopy i motorcycle, passed by the hospital. They intended to throw the bombs against the hospital wall, but threw them too hard, causing them to land near an oxygen storage room and patients receiving treatment. Police were alerted by the disturbance, and a team led by Sakariya Yusoh, the superintendent of Khuan Khanun Police Station, swiftly began an investigation. By reviewing CCTV footage, they managed to identify and apprehend the teenagers. The 17 year old was driving the motorcycle, while the 15 year old rode pillion. The teenagers confessed to their actions, claiming they were spurred by the thrill and ease of acquiring the bombs. One of the teenagers explained, “We saw the bombs being sold openly and decided to buy three of them just for fun.” Currently, no formal charges have been filed as the police await the involvement of multidisciplinary professionals and the teenagers’ guardians for further questioning. The investigation continues to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable, reported KhaoSod. Following a detailed inspection of the scene, 54 year old Thiradet Chandrang, head of the investigation team, tragically collapsed and passed away while leaving the site. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, leaving his family and colleagues in mourning. Thiradet was highly respected within the Khuan Khanun Police Station for his dedication and integrity. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-02

PM Paetongtarn’s New Year Message : Unity & Progress by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK - Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her New Year’s message for 2025, reflecting on the challenges and progress of the past year while sharing aspirations for the year ahead. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347687-pm-paetongtarn’s-new-year-message-unity-progress/