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Picture courtesy of Siam Rath Authorities have arrested a middle-aged man for his involvement in disseminating child pornography via a Telegram group. On 13th May, police in Thailand’s cyber division reported the arrest of the 46-year-old man, identified as Mr Salar, who allegedly managed an online group dedicated to sharing illegal content without charging members. The arrest followed a prior operation on 30th August last year when TICAC, the police unit focused on combatting online child sexual exploitation, apprehended another individual, Mr Kraison, for distributing pornography. This investigation led to discovering the Telegram group through links found on a Line Band group also involved in sharing child pornography. Mr Salar was located in Ubon Ratchathani province after a search warrant was issued by Det Udom Provincial Court. Officers conducted a raid that uncovered a mobile phone containing evidence that linked Mr Salar to the management of the Telegram group. Police confirmed that the suspect admitted to purchasing the child pornography from another source. The investigation is ongoing to identify and prosecute all individuals connected to this network. Charges against Mr Salar include possession and distribution of child pornography for sexual exploitation, which carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, a maximum fine of 140,000 Baht, or both. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siam Rath 2025-05-14

PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Defends Father's Hospital Stay Amid Scandal Paetongtarn Shinawatra. File photo courtesy of Thai Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has strongly defended her father’s prolonged stay at the Police General Hospital, asserting that his ailment was genuine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360581-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-defends-fathers-hospital-stay-amid-scandal/

Paetongtarn Shinawatra. File photo courtesy of Thai Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has strongly defended her father’s prolonged stay at the Police General Hospital, asserting that his ailment was genuine. This comes in the wake of the Medical Council of Thailand’s recent decision to suspend two doctors and warn another, amid allegations that they provided false medical reports for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The controversy has cast a shadow on the Shinawatra family amid claims of misconduct. The Medical Council’s disciplinary action has ignited speculation, suggesting Thaksin may have exaggerated his illness to avoid serving a corruption sentence. Paetongtarn has countered these suspicions, stating that evidence and facts will be presented in due course. “The order has affected both Thaksin and me, but we’re prepared to clarify everything with evidence,” she asserted, emphasising her father’s prior COVID-19 infection and existing medical documentation from overseas. While the council refrained from naming the sanctioned doctors, reports hint at their ties to the Police General Hospital. Surprisingly, Thaksin, usually a vocal figure in Thai politics and seen as a pivotal influence over the Pheu Thai party and his daughter’s leadership, has stepped back from the spotlight since the council’s decision. His uncharacteristic silence has only heightened intrigue surrounding the matter. Paetongtarn has made it clear that she had no hand in these unfolding events, noting her ascent to prime minister occurred after her father’s hospital discharge and parole. “My father, 72 years old, was severely infected with COVID-19 before returning to Thailand, with supportive medical records from foreign doctors,” she reiterated. As the situation develops, the political landscape in Thailand remains tense, with many awaiting further revelations. The episode underscores ongoing tensions in Thailand's political arena, as questions about integrity and influence loom large. While Paetongtarn remains firm in her defence, the matter continues to provoke public and political discourse, underscoring the complexities facing key players in Thai politics today. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-14

Thai craft beer boom: New regulations fuel brewery growth Picture courtesy of Asia Times In a monumental move, Thailand's Cabinet has given the thumbs up to a draft ministerial regulation that could reshape the future of alcohol production across the nation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360579-thai-craft-beer-boom-new-regulations-fuel-brewery-growth/

Picture courtesy of Asia Times In a monumental move, Thailand's Cabinet has given the thumbs up to a draft ministerial regulation that could reshape the future of alcohol production across the nation. Set forth by the Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance, this landmark regulation aims to ease barriers for burgeoning alcohol producers, especially small community distilleries. The initiative aligns with the government's strategy to bolster local craftsmanship and uplift the nation's soft power through homegrown spirits. The regulation is poised to empower smaller breweries and distilleries by allowing craft beer manufacturers and brew pubs to sell their draft beer beyond the confines of their production facilities. This freedom is a golden ticket for small-scale producers to reach broader markets across the nation, driving growth and prosperity within the local alcohol industry. The regulatory changes will not only provide a boost for the beverage sector but also promote the use of local agricultural produce, ultimately enriching community economies. Among the key improvements, community distilleries will now benefit from relaxed location policies. They can set up shop within 100 meters of public water sources, contingent on employing efficient wastewater treatments to curb pollution. This significant shift abolishes previous limitations that put distilleries far from essential resources. Moreover, an exemption from the requirement to operate as a small business for a year means that qualified entrepreneurs can leap directly into establishing medium-sized distilleries, marking a substantial win for competitive growth. Moreover, recent changes have further liberalized Thailand's stringent alcohol laws. The Prime Minister's Office has sanctioned alcohol sales at five types of venues during major Buddhist holidays, offering a pragmatic balance between respect for tradition and economic imperatives. The move is anticipated to de-stigmatize holiday alcohol consumption, steering it away from illegal practices and into a regulated framework. Despite potential cultural sensitivities, Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Tienthong supports the change, citing regulation as key to maintaining control over alcohol sales in tourist-heavy areas. Overall, these regulatory shifts promise to invigorate Thailand's alcohol industry, drive local economic growth, and serve as a catalyst for cultural exchange, celebrating Thai heritage through craft spirits. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-05-14

Thai submarine plans sink as Germany halts engine sale Picture: S26T submarine, courtesy of China Daily In a notable development, Germany has officially confirmed it cannot proceed with the sale of submarine engines to Thailand. This decision stems from European Union restrictions on exporting military equipment to China, revealed Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360577-thai-submarine-plans-sink-as-germany-halts-engine-sale/

Picture: S26T submarine, courtesy of China Daily In a notable development, Germany has officially confirmed it cannot proceed with the sale of submarine engines to Thailand. This decision stems from European Union restrictions on exporting military equipment to China, revealed Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai. The announcement follows discussions held on 13th May with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Thailand's long-standing efforts to acquire these German-made engines, starting from Prayut Chan-o-cha’s tenure, have faced repeated barriers. Initially sanctioned in 2017, the planned procurement of three Chinese submarines, totalling 14,783 million baht, encountered turbulence as Germany enforced its arms embargo affecting China, which subsequently impacted Thailand’s plans. The contemporary hold-up was propelled into the spotlight in early 2022 when Thai opposition flagged the stalled state of submarine construction. The issue originated from China’s adoption of German MTU engines in their designs without prior consultations, as affirmed by Philipp Doert, former German Federal Military Attaché in Thailand. On a positive note, the recent meeting between Wechayachai and Pistorius was not solely focused on the stalled engine deal. commendations flowed as Thailand lauded Germany for hosting the forthcoming 6th United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting 2025 and the newly minted German administration under Friedrich Merz. Continual stability in defense policy was highlighted by Pistorius’s retention as Defense Minister. Beyond the pressing engine matter, Thai-German relations are robust, marking 163 years of collaboration. Germany holds its stance as Thailand’s primary EU trading partner while nourishing military ties through joint visitations, discourse, academic support, and purchases. Concluding the dialogues, both ministers celebrated the progression of the Bilateral Annual Cooperation Programme and the 7th Politico-Military Staff Talks. Thailand extended gratitude for Germany’s educational aid, which bolsters Thai military capabilities, and explored further collaboration in cyber and AI technologies. Notably, Thailand invited Germany to partake in the Defense & Security 2025 event in Bangkok, underlining aspirations for shared growth in defense partnerships. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-05-14

Rayong Students Left in Tears After Teachers Give Forced Haircuts File photo courtesy of The Nation for reference only. Female students at a school in Rayong have expressed outrage after being subjected to compulsory haircuts by teachers despite a court ruling that abolished stringent hairstyle rules. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360576-rayong-students-left-in-tears-after-teachers-give-forced-haircuts/

File photo courtesy of The Nation for reference only. Female students at a school in Rayong have expressed outrage after being subjected to compulsory haircuts by teachers despite a court ruling that abolished stringent hairstyle rules. The controversial incident occurred on orientation day, when about 15 girls were given unexpected and unwanted haircuts, insisting their hairstyles contradicted outdated regulations deemed unconstitutional earlier this year. The Supreme Administrative Court had annulled the Ministry of Education's 1975 hairstyle regulation on March 5, citing constitutional conflicts and societal evolution. Although schools can still establish individual hairstyle rules, such measures must respect students' rights, avoiding punitive actions. This development comes as a disappointment to students who hoped the ruling marked the end of enforced hairstyle conformity in Thai schools. On May 9, during orientation in Klaeng district, Rayong, teachers forced the haircuts, claiming the girls' longer hairstyles violated previous school guidelines. Some boys also faced scrutiny over their hairstyles, being instructed to remedy them independently. The activist group Bad Student shared students' frustration online, highlighting the arbitrary and embarrassing nature of these actions while lamenting censorship of student complaints on the school's Facebook page. There are concerns this incident breaches the Child Protection Act, as the revoked haircut policy remains contentious. The struggle now extends beyond policy to practical enforcement, where conservative school traditions still encroach on students' rights. The controversy has sparked a wave of support from netizens, rallying around the affected students and calling for a cultural shift towards greater educational freedom. Despite the removal of the regulation, the forced haircuts have rekindled debate on individual rights within schools. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-14

MRT Music Mayhem: Foreign Influencer Blasted by Fed-Up Commuters screenshot An influencer's antics on Bangkok's MRT have stirred up a storm! A foreign content creator, identified as the Iranian TikToker @shayanparsTV, found himself at the centre of controversy after a video surfaced showing him blasting music on a moving MRT train. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360575-mrt-music-mayhem-foreign-influencer-blasted-by-fed-up-commuters/

screenshot An influencer's antics on Bangkok's MRT have stirred up a storm! A foreign content creator, identified as the Iranian TikToker @shayanparsTV, found himself at the centre of controversy after a video surfaced showing him blasting music on a moving MRT train. The incident, which transpired on May 11, drew ire from fellow commuters who did not appreciate the unsolicited soundtrack. As the train approached Klong Toey station, frustration bubbled over when a local passenger could no longer contain his annoyance, shouting “Hey!” at the loud influencer. Undeterred by the confrontation, the influencer uploaded the incident to TikTok, cheekily captioning it: “He screamed at me like I ruined his life.” The clip rocketed into viral status, igniting a fierce debate across Thai social media platforms. While some commentators suggested that the reaction was overly dramatic, a substantial portion condemned the influencer for his lack of respect towards local customs. The issue raises important questions about the boundaries of public behaviour and the responsibilities that come with content creation in shared spaces. Despite criticism, the influencer remains unfazed, having previously orchestrated similar episodes at the Siam BTS station and on other MRT trains. Drawing in 731,000 followers, @shayanparsTV continues to amass views and followers through his disruptive escapades, seemingly making a career out of sharing his beats in public spaces worldwide. This latest stunt underscores ongoing concerns over how influencers can sometimes disregard the peace of everyday commuters in their quest for online fame. The ramifications of this event spotlight the growing tension between content creators and communities expecting mutual respect in shared public environments. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-14

Bangkok's Waste Management Overhaul: Non-Compliant Households Face Fee Surge File photo for reference only Starting at the end of 2024, Bangkok households that fail to separate their waste will see their monthly waste collection fee increase from 20 to 60 baht, following a recent Cabinet resolution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360547-bangkoks-waste-management-overhaul-non-compliant-households-face-fee-surge/

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's Hospital Stay Sparks Political Tension in Thailand File photo for reference only Mounting pressure is on the Thai government over the prolonged stay of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the Police General Hospital (PGH), with increasing calls for transparency from state officials and political figures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360537-former-pm-thaksin-shinawatras-hospital-stay-sparks-political-tension-in-thailand/

Koh Phi Phi Tip Theft: Bar Owner Shares CCTV Footage of Foreign Tourists Photo via Facebook/ Big Thanee Suksrimuang In a startling incident on Koh Phi Phi, a bar owner publicly exposed four foreign tourists who attempted to pilfer money from a tip box. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360538-koh-phi-phi-tip-theft-bar-owner-shares-cctv-footage-of-foreign-tourists/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 14 May 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1360543-thailand-live-wednesday-14-may-2025/

British and French Tourists Clash in Phuket Nightclub Stabbing Picture courtesy of Channel 3 News A night out in Phuket took a violent turn when a French tourist, Mr. Nubel, was brutally attacked outside a popular nightclub. The assault has sparked an international investigation as a British suspect, Mr. Emilio, fled Thailand shortly afterward, leaving his alleged accomplice from the Middle East still at large. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360536-british-and-french-tourists-clash-in-phuket-nightclub-stabbing/

Mobile Networks to Broadcast Disaster Test Alert Today Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Today at 1pm, residents of five Thai provinces will witness the final test of the public disaster early warning system. Conducted by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, this system uses mobile networks to deliver timely alerts. Residents of Bangkok, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chiang Mai should prepare to receive these alerts on their smartphones. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360515-mobile-networks-to-broadcast-disaster-test-alert-today/

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Today at 1pm, residents of five Thai provinces will witness the final test of the public disaster early warning system. Conducted by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, this system uses mobile networks to deliver timely alerts. Residents of Bangkok, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chiang Mai should prepare to receive these alerts on their smartphones. Subscribers with 4G and 5G compatible smartphones (Android version 11 or higher, or iOS version 18 and higher) will receive an eight-second voice signal. This will be promptly followed by a warning message in both Thai and English about a simulated disaster. It's important to note, no action is required as this is purely a test, and the warning message will stay visible for ten minutes. Those using older networks, like 2G or 3G, need not worry. They will receive the alerts via standard SMS. The department has assured that this will be the last of the tests after two prior runs on May 2nd and 7th. The initiative for this warning system was prioritised following the March 28th earthquake in Myanmar. This quake had significant impacts in Thailand, with ramifications most notable in Bangkok despite the city being 1,000km from the epicentre. The earthquake led to the catastrophic collapse of a building under construction in Chatuchak district. Tragically, this incident resulted in 89 confirmed fatalities, in addition to numerous injuries. Seven individuals still remain missing. However, clarification revealed that four people initially reported as missing were absent from work and unharmed. The implementation of this early warning system seeks to prevent such tragedies in the future by issuing timely alerts. By enhancing alert systems, the authorities aim to enable faster responses during disasters, minimising risks and enhancing public safety. This makes the test today a vital step toward ensuring community resilience in the face of potential crises. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-13

Thailand Braces for a Week of Soaking Showers File photo Brace yourselves, folks, as the skies are gearing up for a watery spectacle this week! The Meteorological Department has issued a deluge warning, with heavy rainfall predicted to bathe several parts of the nation until Sunday, including Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360510-thailand-braces-for-a-week-of-soaking-showers/

File photo Brace yourselves, folks, as the skies are gearing up for a watery spectacle this week! Thailand's Meteorological Department has issued a deluge warning, with heavy rainfall predicted to bathe several parts of the nation until Sunday, including Bangkok. The southwestern monsoon is set to make its power play from May 13–17, unleashing widespread thunderstorms that will leave no umbrella dry. Following this soaking spell, the monsoon is expected to dial down the drama from May 18–22, though showers will linger in the afternoons and evenings. Mark your calendars for another spike in rainfall from May 23–25, when the rains are slated to make a triumphant return. In Bangkok's bustling heart, prepare for thunderstorms to strike 60–80% of spots from Tuesday through Sunday, with occasional wild, gusty winds adding to the excitement. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has switched to high alert following Saturday's torrential trouble. Quick to respond, flood control crews convened, armed with plans and round-the-clock vigilance to tackle the watery wrath. Despite drainage difficulties on Sunday, with 80% of Bangkok feeling the rainy repercussions (thanks to power cuts and tree tumbles in major canals), the situation was calmer than the chaos of the previous night. However, the southern provinces weren't spared, as torrential downpours hit places like Phuket, submerging several roads in Thalang, Muang, and Kathu districts. As this wet week marks the typical onset of the rainy season, an official announcement is expected soon, confirming nature’s yearly rain-drenched ritual. In a further twist, People's Party MP Rukchanok Srinork chimed in, criticising some city council members' choice of politically savvy over sensibly strategic water pump placements. She demands that installations focus on flood-prone areas where they’re needed most, not where they score political points. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-13

please continue here: Six Dead as Covid Cases Surge in Thailand Dr Thira Woratanarat. File photo Thailand is on high alert as Covid-19 cases spike, with six tragic deaths reported last week. Health professionals are concerned by the resurgence, as Dr Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University highlighted in a Facebook post. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360500-six-dead-as-covid-cases-surge-in-thailand/ //CLOSED// /Admin

PP Faces Crushing Defeat in Local Polls, Old Politics Thrive File photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand's People's Party (PP) has suffered a significant setback in the latest municipality elections, revealing possible cracks in its support base. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360504-pp-faces-crushing-defeat-in-local-polls-old-politics-thrive/

File photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand's People's Party (PP) has suffered a significant setback in the latest municipality elections, revealing possible cracks in its support base. Political experts are now urging the PP to draw lessons from this experience as they gear up for the upcoming general election. Sunday's elections spanned 2,463 municipalities, encompassing diverse city types, from Nakhon and Muang municipalities to Tambon municipalities. Over 60,515 candidates vied for municipal council seats, while 4,558 competed for mayoral positions. The elections filled 2,128 mayoral seats and 33,346 municipal council positions, previously vacated in March. Despite expectations, PP candidates were largely outperformed, especially in major battlegrounds against local political elites and established parties like the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Unofficial results showcased the dominance of familiar faces. For instance, in Chiang Mai, former mayor Assanee Buranupakorn from Pheu Thai triumphed over PP's Thirawut Kaewfong. In contrast, Nonthaburi's Nakhon Pak Kret saw Wichai Bandasak, another former mayor, secure victory over the PP's Passakorn Thitithanawanich. The PP fielded substantial numbers but had little to show for it. Out of 15 mayoral candidates in Nakhon municipality elections, zero succeeded. Whereas, in Muang and tambon municipalities, significantly fewer candidates managed to clinch positions, hinting at disappointingly low outcomes compared to party ambitions. In Nakhon Pathom, Somchok Pongkwan from the Santi Tham group narrowly won over PP's Chatchawal Nanthasarn by a margin of a mere 1,126 votes, highlighting the fierce competition. Wanwichit Boonprong, political science expert at Rangsit University, remarked to the Bangkok Post about the entrenched nature of traditional politics, which remains unyieldingly dominant in rural areas. Local political clans appear to have a stronghold, diminishing prospects for new contenders. This power dynamic suggests local elections seldom contribute to significant shifts in national politics, leaving many voters disenchanted, viewing the process as redundant. Thanaporn Sriyakul, director at the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute, lamented PP's dismal performance, noting that less than 15% of its 94 mayoral candidates were successful. Given PP's notable vote share in the 2023 general elections, this local defeat is telling. Thanaporn argues the PP can no longer downplay local polls as distinct from national polls. Other political players are quickly adapting, tapping into younger demographics previously monopolized by the PP. Moving forward, a lesson in maintaining steady popularity across elections could be crucial for the PP's continued political relevance. Consistency, as emphasized, is paramount to electoral success. Overall, the election results underscore the enduring influence of established political forces, a scenario the PP must navigate wisely if it seeks a stronger comeback. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-13

Six Dead as Covid Cases Surge in Thailand Dr Thira Woratanarat. File photo Thailand is on high alert as Covid-19 cases spike, with six tragic deaths reported last week. Health professionals are concerned by the resurgence, as Dr Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University highlighted in a Facebook post. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360500-six-dead-as-covid-cases-surge-in-thailand/

Dr Thira Woratanarat. File photo Thailand is on high alert as Covid-19 cases spike, with six tragic deaths reported last week. Health professionals are concerned by the resurgence, as Dr Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University highlighted in a Facebook post. According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), infections surged to 16,607 between May 4 and May 10, up from 14,680 the previous week. Dr Thira's warnings are substantiated by the DDC report, contradicting earlier claims by the Public Health Ministry suggesting that the situation was under control. The spike in cases and fatalities calls for vigilant public health response as medical experts closely monitor the trajectory of the virus. Dr Yong Poovorawan, a virology expert from Chulalongkorn University, echoed concerns about the rapid spread of the new Covid-19 subvariants. Despite their increased transmissibility, these strains seemingly cause mild symptoms and are treatable like other respiratory illnesses. Dr Yong Poovorawan. File photo Dr Yong highlighted that these new variants mutate swiftly, complicating vaccine efficacy due to immune imprinting – where the body's immune system is less responsive to newly evolved strains. The new strains of Covid-19 present a challenge, as existing vaccines primarily target older variants. This has led to a strategic decrease in vaccine procurement for hospitals, amidst assertions that patients are being managed like those with common respiratory conditions, negating the need for special quarantine measures. As Thai authorities grapple with the rising numbers, the public is advised to maintain vigilance and adhere to safety protocols. The situation underscores the importance of monitoring subvariant developments and ensuring that the healthcare system is well-equipped to manage potential escalation. The latest data presents a reality check for the nation's health policies, hinging on effective communication and adaptive strategies to safeguard public health. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-13