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Brutal Bloodshed in Pattaya: Briton Stabbed, Suspects Vanish Picture courtesy of Facebook Siam Chon News A chilling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a British national, Mr. Andrew, was found in critical condition after being stabbed and thrown from a vehicle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360877-brutal-bloodshed-in-pattaya-briton-stabbed-suspects-vanish/

Pictures courtesy of Facebook Siam Chon News A chilling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a British national, Mr. Andrew, was found in critical condition after being stabbed and thrown from a vehicle. The harrowing event took place at around 5:00 PM on May 16th, 2025, near the Pattaya Provincial Court on Thappraya Road. Responding promptly, Pattaya City Police and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rescue volunteers arrived to find the victim suffering from severe injuries, including a deep facial wound and multiple stab wounds to his chest and abdomen. Eyewitness Mr. Sayan Samanmit, a 49-year-old taxi driver, recounted the grim scene to the media. He observed a white Toyota Veloz with Phuket plates speeding into a parking area, narrowly avoiding collision with nearby bushes. Three foreigners, two men and a woman, exited the vehicle. One of the men forcibly dragged Mr. Andrew, already bloodied and wounded, from the back seat, leaving him on the ground before fleeing the scene, reported Adam Judd of The Pattaya News. In Mr. Sayan's account, the attacker attempted to further harm Mr. Andrew before instructing his accomplice, a woman, to re-enter the car and flee. Despite the severity of the situation, Mr. Sayan quickly contacted the authorities and captured images of the suspect vehicle, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing police investigation. As of press time, the assailants remain at large despite police efforts to intercept their vehicle as it raced towards South Pattaya Road. The police are continuing their search for the suspects, seeking to secure justice for the victim who is now receiving medical care at Pattaya Memorial Hospital. The investigation is focusing on determining the motive behind this alarming attack and locating the whereabouts of the suspects. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Pattaya News 2025-05-17

Viral Trend in Thailand: "Hired Relatives" for Graduation Ceremonies File photo for reference only A unique service offering has taken Thailand by storm after a man named Anon and his friends introduced a "hired relatives" option for university graduates whose families can't attend their commencement ceremonies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360860-viral-trend-in-thailand-hired-relatives-for-graduation-ceremonies/

Tourism Shock: Thailand's Visitor Numbers See Alarming Plunge Picture courtesy of Xinhua Thailand's tourism sector faces a pressing situation as foreign arrivals nosedive, with both leisure and corporate travellers dwindling. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360809-tourism-shock-thailands-visitor-numbers-see-alarming-plunge/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 17 May 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1360848-thailand-live-saturday-17-may-2025/

VIP hospital suite allegedly used by former PM Thaksin revealed Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, released a viral video this week revealing the interior of a VIP room at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360816-dr-warong-unveils-vip-hospital-suite-allegedly-used-by-thaksin/

Dr Warong Unveils VIP Hospital Suite Allegedly Used by Thaksin Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, released a viral video this week revealing the interior of a VIP room at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360816-dr-warong-unveils-vip-hospital-suite-allegedly-used-by-thaksin/

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, released a viral video this week revealing the interior of a VIP room at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. This room is strikingly similar to the luxurious suite former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly inhabited for six months during his medical treatment. In a 3-minute, 17-second Facebook video, Dr Warong shared his impromptu findings with the public, providing a rare glimpse inside the controversial suite. Dr Warong, known for his staunch opposition to Thaksin, expressed concern over the opulence of the suite typically reserved for those with supposedly critical medical needs. During his visit, Dr Warong discovered the room contained lavish furnishings, like a dining table and lounge furniture, all framed by sweeping panoramic views. However, it notably lacked standard intensive care equipment like ventilators or vital signs monitors. Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World The timing of the post and its contents clearly reference Thaksin, as Dr Warong remarked it was unsurprising someone might linger in such a suite. Public reaction was swift, with the video quickly gaining internet traction and spurring intense debate. The online commentary has been biting, with many questioning the ethics behind such extravagant accommodations while purportedly serving severe medical needs. One viewer commented, "Looks more like a palace than a patient room," while another user questioned the inequity, asking whether others under similar conditions could expect such treatment. This incident has ignited fresh discussion around the privileges allocated to influential figures, especially when taxpayer money is involved. Dr Warong's exposé raises pressing questions about transparency and fairness in public institutions. While the video's impact grows, the exact implications for the Police General Hospital and the practices it represents remain uncertain. Picture courtesy of Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom Facebook Picture courtesy of Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom Facebook Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-16

Tourism Shock: Thailand's Visitor Numbers See Alarming Plunge Picture courtesy of Xinhua Thailand's tourism sector faces a pressing situation as foreign arrivals nosedive, with both leisure and corporate travellers dwindling. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360809-tourism-shock-thailands-visitor-numbers-see-alarming-plunge/

Picture courtesy of Xinhua Thailand's tourism sector faces a pressing situation as foreign arrivals nosedive, with both leisure and corporate travellers dwindling. Former TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn stresses urgent reform is needed to revive the industry and proposes the creation of new destinations to attract higher-quality visitors. Visitor numbers have dropped 1% as of May 11, with particular declines from key markets like China, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Yuthasak notes China, typically providing 900,000 visitors per month, now sees daily arrivals plummet to 13,739, contributing to the overall drop of daily foreign entries to under 60,000. Additionally, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) segment recorded a 15% international market decline, with revenue shrinking by 21% in the first quarter of 2025. Southeast Asian markets, excluding Myanmar, similarly report a reduction in arrivals. The former TAT head underscores a need to rebuild trust and elevate Thailand's hospitality. Recently, the World Economic Forum ranked Thailand 47th in the Travel & Tourism Development index, noted as the sharpest decline regionally, stressing the decline in safety and security. Competitorial strengths in these areas highlight the nation's need for improvement and diversification towards new offerings. Yuthasak advocates for attracting high-spending tourists, focusing on health, wellness, and business travel mingled with leisure as a strategy. The emphasis lies on transitioning from a demand-driven to a supply-driven approach, crafting high-value tourism products and stimulating satisfaction to distribute tourism income fairly among communities. Implementing these strategies is seen as pivotal to halting the decline and restoring Thailand's standing as a premier tourism destination. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-16

Thai Authorities Seize Smuggled Orangutans Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand, alongside the Royal Thai Police's Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, has successfully intercepted an illegal wildlife trade operation, seizing two orangutans. The captured primates hold an estimated value exceeding 250,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360805-thai-authorities-seize-smuggled-orangutans/

Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand, alongside the Royal Thai Police's Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, has successfully intercepted an illegal wildlife trade operation, seizing two orangutans. The captured primates hold an estimated value exceeding 250,000 baht. On 15th May 2025, Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa received information from Mr Naruephon Thipmonta, head of the Forest Protection and Fire Control Office, about the successful takedown of a protected wildlife smuggling ring involving orangutans. The operation, initiated on 12th May 2025, saw collaboration between police and an anonymous informant, who uncovered a network engaged in the illicit trade of protected animals. Arrangements were made to purchase an orangutan for 255,000 baht, with a scheduled exchange at a petrol station in Lat Phrao, Bangkok. Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Upon receiving intelligence, enforcement teams, including the head of the National Park Rangers' special operations team, crime intelligence centre, and police division, moved to arrest the suspects. A 47-year-old man was taken into custody, with two orangutans and two plastic containers used for transport confiscated. Authorities determined the actions violated the 2019 Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, specifically possessing controlled wildlife without a permit, punishable by up to a year in prison or a fine up to 100,000 baht. The suspect was transferred to investigators for legal processing. The seized orangutans, along with the equipment, have been entrusted to the wildlife health management unit for proper care. The police and conservation officials are pursuing further investigation to identify additional members of the illegal trade network. This operation aligns with the policies of Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, advocating stringent measures against illegal wildlife trading and poaching, extending from online markets to cross-border smuggling activities. Orangutans, an endangered species listed under the CITES convention, are threatened by illegal trade, posing significant risks to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The public is urged to report wildlife crimes via the 24-hour park protection hotline, 1362. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation 2025-05-16

Nakhon Pathom Temple Abbot in Hot Water: 300 Million Baht Embezzlement Shock File photo courtesy of THai PBS World The revered abbot of Rai Khing Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Dhamvachiranuwat, faces serious accusations as a warrant is issued for his arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360791-nakhon-pathom-temple-abbot-in-hot-water-300-million-baht-embezzlement-shock/

File photo courtesy of THai PBS World The revered abbot of Rai Khing Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Dhamvachiranuwat, faces serious accusations as a warrant is issued for his arrest. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases launched the warrant today due to allegations of embezzling funds from the temple amounting to approximately THB 300 million. His reputation now hangs in the balance amid charges of corruption and misconduct. The call for arrest came from Pol Maj-Gen Prasong Chalermbhand, head of the Police Counter Corruption Division. Earlier on, the abbot had appeared at the Central Investigation Bureau, educating officials of his innocence, though such declarations met with sceptical ears. The notable clergy member, who also serves as the chief monk of Region 14, was joined by legal counsel and aides in his initiative to clear his name. This financial scandal involves public donations funneled through seven temple-affiliated bank accounts. Records indicate that starting in 2021, the abbot allegedly made several suspicious transactions, moving 1-2 million baht at a time into his private accounts via cash deposit machines. Such transactions tally up to at least THB 63 million being wired to a 26-year-old woman, allegedly connected to an online gambling racket. The woman, now also facing an arrest warrant, had ties with a gambling platform known as "LAGALAXY911". Her past dealings had previously led to her apprehension but averted further detention through bail, her movements monitored via an ankle device. Authorities are now reviving efforts to bring her into custody alongside the abbot. As investigations press on, the abbot's bank account reportedly had amassed over THB 500 million at one juncture. Phra Dhamvachiranuwat embarked on his spiritual path at a tender age and rose to his current position of influence. Despite his attempts to address the accusations, legal hurdles are mounting, casting a dark cloud over the religious community. Authorities remain steadfast, gathering all essential evidence to process the charges. Observers await the next development in this unfolding case, which touches not just a religious institution but also raises questions regarding trust and faith in societal pillars. The legal machinery is expected to bring clarity in the coming days as all eyes remain on Rai Khing Temple and its embattled abbot. Adapted by ASEAN Now fromThai PBS World 2025-05-16

Thaksin Treatment Saga: Health Minister Faces Crucial Decision File photo courtesy of Naewna In a pivotal move, the Medical Council of Thailand has recommended punishing three doctors involved in ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's medical treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360787-thaksin-treatment-saga-health-minister-faces-crucial-decision/

File photo courtesy of Naewna In a pivotal move, the Medical Council of Thailand has recommended punishing three doctors involved in ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's medical treatment. The council's detailed report, handed to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, suggests disciplinary action and highlights potential ethical breaches. Mr. Somsak has 15 days, beginning Friday, to decide whether to accept or reject these recommendations. The report was delivered by Torpol Wattana, an assistant to the council secretary-general, and was received by the minister’s aide. As the honorary president of the medical council, the health minister holds significant authority in this matter. Should he disagree with the council's recommendations, the decision will be returned to the 70-member board, which requires a two-thirds majority to overturn his veto. Central to the case is whether Thaksin, who began a one-year prison sentence, was genuinely too ill for prison healthcare. His transfer from prison to Police General Hospital in August 2023, where he stayed for 180 days, has been questioned by the council. They concluded Thaksin was not "critically ill," as claimed, which could compromise the justification for his lengthy hospital stay. The council disclosed on May 8 that three doctors violated medical ethics concerning Thaksin's treatment. Although the doctors' names were withheld, they were identified by the Isra News Agency. Suggested repercussions include suspending the licences of two doctors for misinformation while issuing a warning to a third for authorising Thaksin's hospital transfer. Director of Police General Hospital reacted to the council's conclusions by providing purported "new information" for the minister's consideration. Mr. Somsak, a pivotal figure in Pheu Thai Party, faces a complex decision that may affect Thaksin's legal standing and a looming inquiry by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Positions. This court is tasked with examining whether Thaksin's prison sentence was appropriately enforced, with the first hearing set for June 13. The outcome of Mr. Somsak's decision not only impacts the doctors' professional fates but may also influence the broader legal inquiry into Thaksin's treatment during his sentence. As part of the political and medical landscape, the decision carries significant weight, potentially shaping the public and judicial narrative surrounding this high-profile case. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-16

Thailand Cracks Down on Foreign Students Working Illegally Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. File photo courtesy of NXPO The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is clamping down on foreigners exploiting short courses as a way to work illegally in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360786-thailand-cracks-down-on-foreign-students-working-illegally/

Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. File photo courtesy of NXPO The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is clamping down on foreigners exploiting short courses as a way to work illegally in Thailand. As of now, all educational institutions are required to submit detailed curricula for their short courses to ensure compliance with these new regulations. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi emphasised that the measures are intended to align foreign students with legal standards and existing agreements with the Immigration Bureau. Institutions wanting to offer short courses will now face stringent scrutiny. They need to prove their expertise, competence in instruction, and present clear learning outcomes. Each course must ensure 60% of learning is onsite with no more than 40% online, assuring robust Thai educational standards are maintained. Detailed course information is mandatory, including various academic and logistical details like course name, duration, and student qualifications. Aside from academic accreditation, institutions must also manage administrative responsibilities related to foreign students. This includes issuing certificates and securing temporary residence permits strictly based on the course's needs, limited to 180-day periods. Institutions are also tasked with maintaining detailed records and reporting to MHESI, including student attendance and academic progress, ensuring transparency and lawful compliance. Failure to adhere to these regulations could lead to course cancellations enforced by MHESI. Minister Supamas expressed confidence that these guidelines will enhance Thailand’s reputation in the international education sector, offering a transparent and efficient system that attracts foreign learners while preventing illegal employment practices. In summary, these initiatives mark a significant push towards integrating foreign students into Thailand's educational framework legally and ethically. By enforcing these measures, Thailand hopes to foster an environment of trust and excellence for international students seeking learning opportunities within the country. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok POst 2025-05-16

Tycoon Premchai and 16 Others Face Arrest Over Deadly Bangkok Building Collapse File photo courtesy of MGR online BANGKOK - Premchai Karnasuta, the famed construction magnate, finds himself engulfed in legal turmoil once more, as the Criminal Court green-lights arrest warrants for him and 16 others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360785-tycoon-premchai-and-16-others-face-arrest-over-deadly-bangkok-building-collapse/

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath BANGKOK - Premchai Karnasuta, the famed construction magnate, finds himself engulfed in legal turmoil once more, as the Criminal Court green-lights arrest warrants for him and 16 others. Central to this controversy is the dramatic collapse of the 2.1-billion-baht State Audit Office building in Bangkok, a casualty of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook central Myanmar on March 28. This tragic event left 92 dead, nine injured, and four unaccounted for. The charges, which cast a shadow over Premchai, 71, and his fellow suspects, relate to professional negligence causing death per sections 227 and 238 of the Criminal Code. Amongst those facing scrutiny are engineers, supervisors, and contractors from a trinity of organisations: design firms such as Forum Architect and Meinhardt Thailand, construction supervisory firms, and the ITD-CREC joint venture boasting notable names like Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway No.10 Thailand. Alarm bells rang for investigators, revealing the building's design as non-compliant with vital safety standards. Structural defects in the core lift shaft coupled with substandard materials like concrete and steel sealed the building's fate. Leading this meticulous probe, Pol Maj Gen Somkhuan Phuengsap, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, advocated for these latest judicial moves on Tuesday. Premchai is no stranger to courtrooms, having been previously sentenced by the Supreme Court in December 2021 to a three-year-two-month prison stint for illegal hunting activities in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary dating back to February 2018. Now, his past crimes stand juxtaposed against this new headline-grabbing predicament, revealing the magnitude of his legal woes. This wave of actions signifies a stern reminder of liability within the construction industry, triggering a closer look at safety protocols and professional integrity. The unfolding drama demands answers, with an emphasis on justice for the lives tragically lost. As authorities unravel this complex web, the implications could resonate far and wide, warranting a review of the construction industry's safeguarding measures in Bangkok. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-16

Quake Risk Lurking Under Bangkok: Fault Lines Spell Trouble File photo for reference only Bangkok's unique geography makes it susceptible to earthquakes, despite Thailand's low overall risk of tremors, warns Prof Pennung Warnitchai from the Asian Institute of Technology. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360784-quake-risk-lurking-under-bangkok-fault-lines-spell-trouble/

File photo for reference only Bangkok's unique geography makes it susceptible to earthquakes, despite Thailand's low overall risk of tremors, warns Prof Pennung Warnitchai from the Asian Institute of Technology. Speaking at the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum, he shed light on how the city’s soft soil amplifies seismic waves, posing a potential hazard for high-rise buildings even from distant quakes. Prof Pennung illustrated the impact of these features by referencing the earthquake felt in Bangkok on March 28, which originated from Myanmar's Sagaing Fault. "The city's soft soil and basin-like terrain slow and amplify seismic waves, resulting in long-period ground motion," he said. This soil composition can magnify ground motion by up to four times, significantly affecting tall structures. With the possibility of local and regional earthquakes, Prof Pennung described three hypothetical quake scenarios that could threaten Bangkok. These include a 7.5-magnitude quake along the Kanchanaburi Fault, an 8.0-magnitude quake along the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, and a rare 8.5-9.0 magnitude quake from the Andaman Sea fault. Despite the statistical improbability of these occurrences, with a mere 10% chance of happening in a lifetime, they highlight a non-zero risk. In response, since 2007, Bangkok has imposed building regulations requiring new constructions to adhere to earthquake-resistant standards. The city is divided into ten zones, each with tailored building codes to manage local risk levels. Additionally, Bangkok employs five seismic monitoring stations that gather data to support these safety measures. Most damage reported in the capital has been minor, affecting non-structural aspects of buildings rather than causing structural failures. However, the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak after a recent tremor suggests lapses. Prof Pennung, part of the investigation committee, indicated the building's unstable state contributed to its downfall, pending further inquiry into potential factors like corruption, poor materials, or design flaws. This analysis underscores Bangkok's vulnerability while reminding that robust building practices and monitoring are crucial in mitigating seismic risk. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-16

Chinese Tenants Flee Without Paying Rent, Trash Property in Prachinburi Photo via Facebook/ Suratin Yingyong In Prachin Buri, a landlord is left in disbelief as a group of Chinese tenants skipped town without paying rent and left his property in a shocking state. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360783-chinese-tenants-flee-without-paying-rent-trash-property-in-parchinburi/

Photo via Facebook/ Suratin Yingyong In Prachin Buri, a landlord is left in disbelief as a group of Chinese tenants skipped town without paying rent and left his property in a shocking state. Surathin, the homeowner, took to Facebook on May 13 with photos documenting the mess, claiming, "These Chinese people are terrible. They rented my house for five months and skipped the rent payment." Surathin's house was turned into a rubbish dump, with the floors littered with plastic bags, snack wrappers, plastic bottles, and empty beer bottles, among other waste. Personal items like luggage, trainers, clothes, and flip-flops were also abandoned. Though the furniture and electrical appliances were left intact, the state of disarray demands a thorough clean-up before the house can return to livable conditions. The saga began when the tenants agreed to a five-month lease starting last December, with a monthly rent of THB 5,000. They paid an initial deposit of THB 10,000. Surathin, who lived abroad, managed the rental through his neighbour, especially handling payments and check-ins. When the contract was about to end, the tenants requested a 10-day extension, which Surathin allowed at THB 500 per day, expecting full payment of THB 5,000 by May 9. Instead, the payment never arrived. After failing to hear from the tenants, Surathin asked his neighbour to check on the house, only to discover the tenants had vanished, leaving behind a mess. The neighbour reported that while the tenants had been amiable and caused few issues, aside from occasional noisy parties, they had disappeared entirely before the final inspection. This incident echoes another in Phuket, where a Thai property owner faced similar woes with foreign tenants. A dispute over a deposit led to a damaged condominium and an unresolved financial conflict. Such incidents shed light on the potential challenges of letting property to foreign tenants, emphasising the need for thorough background checks and secure rental agreements to mitigate risks. Photo via Facebook/ Suratin Yingyong Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaiger 2025-05-16

Pattaya Cracks Down on Illegal Parking Space Hoarders Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail Pattaya has launched a campaign to reclaim its streets, targeting individuals and businesses illegally reserving public road space with cones, chains, and bins. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360750-pattaya-cracks-down-on-illegal-parking-space-hoarders/