webfact

Thai Tomboy Ends Romance Amid Bar Clash Over Glass Breakage Photo via Facebook/ สปอร์ตไลท์บางปู In a dramatic turn of events yesterday evening in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, a Thai tomboy, identified only as A, severed ties with her girlfriend following a chaotic incident at a local bar. The situation escalated when A refused to pay for a broken glass, leading to a confrontation with security guards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354920-thai-tomboy-ends-romance-amid-bar-clash-over-glass-breakage/

Foreigner Assaults Thai Man in Road Rage Incident in Pattaya Photo via Facebook/ ตกใจหรอน้อง เห็นร้องส่ะดัง In Pattaya, a viral video has sparked widespread outrage as it captures a brutal altercation between a foreigner and a Thai man following a hit-and-run incident. Shared online by a Thai witness on March 16, the footage has ignited debate over tourist behaviour in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354904-foreigner-assaults-thai-man-in-road-rage-incident-in-pattaya/

Motorbike Clash: Tourist and Ladyboy Tussle on Pattaya Streets - video Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In the bustling seaside town of Pattaya, a heated exchange over a motorcycle unfolded at the break of dawn today, March 17. The conflict involved a foreign tourist and a local ladyboy, capturing the attention of passersby and sparking concerns about the area's safety for visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354900-motorbike-clash-tourist-and-ladyboy-tussle-on-pattaya-streets-video/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 18 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1354901-thailand-live-tuesday-18-march-2025/

German Man Behind Violent Tirade in Korat Dental Clinics Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In Korat, a wave of anxiety has descended upon dental clinics following a series of violent outbursts by a 41-year-old German man. Dentists, represented by Wivat Chatwongwan of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Dental Association, have formally lodged complaints with the local police Monday, March 17, urging swift action against this foreign menace. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354899-german-man-behind-violent-tirade-in-korat-dental-clinics/

Welcome to Thailand! Tourist's First Visit to Pattaya Ends in Theft Picture courtesy of Daily News Two foreign tourists visiting Pattaya for the first time fell victim to pickpockets, losing a combined total of tens of thousands of baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354851-welcome-to-thailand-tourists-first-visit-to-pattaya-ends-in-theft/

Picture courtesy of Daily News Two foreign tourists visiting Pattaya for the first time fell victim to pickpockets, losing a combined total of tens of thousands of baht. On 17th March, it was reported that 67-year-old German national, Mr Manfred Frey, along with his wife and friend, went to the police to report an incident. They were pickpocketed at a beer bar at the entrance of Soi 5 on Pattaya's Second Road on 16th March, and filed their report with Police Lieutenant Thanavee Yaransi at Pattaya City Police Station. According to a friend of the victim, Mr Frey was enjoying drinks at the bar when two foreign women, believed to be mother and daughter, approached. They attempted to sell candy, chatting for a while even after Mr Frey refused the purchase. Once they left, Mr Frey discovered his wallet missing, containing 6,000 baht and several documents. While Mr Frey was giving his statement, another victim, 26-year-old Indian tourist Mr Vishal Takkar, reported a similar crime. He had been outside a hotel in South Pattaya, accompanied by a Thai friend. A transgender individual asked to borrow a lighter for a cigarette and engaged Mr Takkar in brief contact. Shortly after, he realised his wallet was missing, which contained 7,000 baht and 200 US dollars. Both tourists, new to Pattaya and shaken by the experience, expressed concerns over safety and urged the police to swiftly apprehend the culprits. They worry these incidents tarnish Pattaya's reputation as a tourism destination, reported Daily News. -- 2025-03-17

Grim Employment Prospects Loom Over Thailand File photo courtesy of SCG Thailand for reference only The Thai economy is navigating turbulent waters as the nation's employment landscape reveals ominous signs of distress. Recent coverage from the Federation of Thai SMEs highlights a concerning drop in insured workers under Section 33 of the Social Security Act, affecting over 10 million people and signalling troubling times for job seekers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354846-grim-employment-prospects-loom-over-thailand/

File photo courtesy of SCG Thailand for reference only The Thai economy is navigating turbulent waters as the nation's employment landscape reveals ominous signs of distress. Recent coverage from the Federation of Thai SMEs highlights a concerning drop in insured workers under Section 33 of the Social Security Act, affecting over 10 million people and signalling troubling times for job seekers. The woes don't stop there. Sangchai Theerakulvanich, president of the federation, points to a surge in business closures and stagnation, reflected in negative financial statements submitted to the Revenue Department. This, he argues, showcases companies' battles to remain afloat amid escalating production costs and global economic strains. “Small businesses in Thailand faced hardships even before the pandemic,” explains Mr Sangchai. “The pandemic amplified these struggles and, just as recovery was within sight by 2022, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and competition from foreign labour, particularly from Chinese firms employing non-Thai workers, compounded the challenges.” One proposed solution lies in overhauling the education system to better align with future industries thriving on AI, digital advancements, and multilingual skills. Mr Sangchai emphasises the need for skill diversification, suggesting languages beyond English should be embraced. The competition is real—in neighbouring countries like China, a massive push for innovation-driven entrepreneurship is underway, while Indonesia’s upskilling initiatives have seen millions reskilled in a bid to bolster national competitiveness. Contrary to many debates that centre on increasing the minimum wage, Mr Sangchai underscores a more pressing matter: workforce quality and productivity. "Raising the minimum wage to 400 baht too soon could lead to job losses. The manufacturing sector may not cope with such costs," he cautions, highlighting the impending threat of automation and AI. Recent insights from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) support this concern, identifying skills development as crucial for Thailand’s workforce in evolving industries like renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing. However, despite new industries promising over 170,000 jobs, a significant dependency on foreign skilled workers poses a hurdle. This reliance is reflected in the 2023 IMD Digital Competitiveness Ranking, where Thailand's digital readiness lags behind, prompting calls for a focus on STEM education. Amidst these complexities, external factors add to the uncertainty. Trade protectionism, particularly from the US, poses potential risks to exports and, by extension, employment. Furthermore, Thailand's standing in human trafficking reports raises questions about its global trade reputation. Unemployment figures for 2024 have risen slightly to 1%, affecting over 402,000 individuals, despite a notable increase in non-agricultural sector jobs. As Thailand charts its path forward, balancing tourism allure, industrial advancement, and workforce development will be pivotal in overcoming these economic hurdles, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-17

Bangkok BTS Disturbance Sparks Debate Over Tourism Conduct BTS Skytrain. File photo A recent incident involving tourists on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain has stirred up a lively debate among expats and locals. The commotion, allegedly caused by a group of boisterous foreign visitors, has spotlighted varying opinions on tourist behaviour and the challenges linked to Thailand's growing visitor numbers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354843-bangkok-bts-disturbance-sparks-debate-over-tourism-conduct/

BTS Skytrain. File photo A recent incident involving tourists on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain has stirred up a lively debate among expats and locals. The commotion, allegedly caused by a group of boisterous foreign visitors, has spotlighted varying opinions on tourist behaviour and the challenges linked to Thailand's growing visitor numbers. The BTS incident, which reportedly involved loud and seemingly disrespectful behaviour, has left many commuters disgruntled. An annoyed resident expressed, "Foreigners are always so loud on public transport. They need to respect others around them." This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the tourists' antics disrupted the peace and quiet normally associated with the BTS. However, not everyone is convinced about the disturbance claims. Some have questioned the authenticity of these reports, demanding evidence. "Where's the video then? Prove it," one sceptical expat demanded, while another dismissed the narrative as improbable, stating, "I've used the BTS extensively and never encountered such behaviour. It's usually calm and orderly." The incident has also ignited a debate about Thailand's visa exemption policies, with some arguing that easy entry might be encouraging poor tourist conduct. "Visa exemptions are being misused," one resident suggested, although others were quick to defend the policy. Critics argue that the real issues lie elsewhere, such as in the local acceptance of things like marijuana and alcohol, which might attract a rowdy subset of visitors. Concerns over Thailand's tourism future are growing, with talks about potential casino legalisation adding to the anxiety. "Opening casinos could attract gamblers and possibly lead to a rise in crime," one local warned, urging officials to prioritise the country's reputation over short-term tourist revenues. The debate also reflects on double standards, as some noted that disruptive behaviour isn't exclusive to tourists. "Thais talk loudly on the phone without regard for others, yet tourists are blamed for everything loud," another resident pointed out, commenting on the irony of the situation. Amidst this, some people have adopted a more philosophical view. "Such is the reality of public transport," mused one observer, suggesting patience as a virtue in such situations, reported Pattaya Mail. The uproar underscores wider issues about tourism, behaviour expectations, and policy decisions critical to Thailand's future. With millions of visitors drawn to the country each year, finding a balance between economic growth and cultural preservation remains a nuanced and ongoing challenge. As the conversation unfolds, the country must consider how to welcome tourists while keeping peace with its values and the comfort of its residents. -- 2025-03-17

Nigerian Suspect Arrested for Motorcycle Theft During Chumphon Incident Picture courtesy of Ranong tourist police In an unexpected turn of events, a Nigerian man was arrested after allegedly stealing a motorcycle and causing a disturbance in Chumphon, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354842-nigerian-suspect-arrested-for-motorcycle-theft-during-chumphon-incident/

Picture courtesy of Ranong tourist police In an unexpected turn of events, a Nigerian man was arrested after allegedly stealing a motorcycle and causing a disturbance in Chumphon, Thailand. The incident unfolded early yesterday morning, when police were summoned to a convenience store in the Muang district of Chumphon following reports of chaos involving a foreign national. Local law enforcement, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Wachirapisak Na Songkhla, arrived at the scene in tambon Na Thung to find 26-year-old Motasem Al Manaseer, reportedly behaving erratically and causing damage to property outside the Home Fresh store. Upon confrontation, Al Manaseer gave conflicting accounts of his intentions, prompting a thorough investigation into his activities. -- 2025-03-17

Scam Alert! Revenue Department Email Fraud Uncovered Picture courtesy of Siam Rath Authorities in Thailand have issued a warning to the public following reports of a new email scam. Deceptive emails purporting to be from the Revenue Department are circulating, targeting unsuspecting individuals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354833-scam-alert-revenue-department-email-fraud-uncovered/

Efforts to Curb Youth E-Cigarette Use Warn Teachers of Legal Action Picture courtesy of Monash Univerity The Thai government has issued a firm warning to educators about tolerating the promotion or use of e-cigarettes among youths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354826-efforts-to-curb-youth-e-cigarette-use-warn-teachers-of-legal-action/

Gold and Mobile Phones Lead Pawn Trends Amid Economic Struggles Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, state-run pawnshops in Thailand lent over 20 billion baht to Thai citizens in 2024, with gold and mobile phones continuing to be the most commonly pawned items. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354824-gold-and-mobile-phones-lead-pawn-trends-amid-economic-struggles/

Thailand Yet to Finalise Policy on Taxing Expats’ Overseas Income File photo for reference only As the deadline for 2024 personal income tax registration approaches, confusion remains about Thailand’s stance on taxing overseas remittances for expats. Some say international credit card use and transfers could be taxed, yet others find the situation less clear-cut. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354821-thailand-yet-to-finalise-policy-on-taxing-expats’-overseas-income/

Four More British Men Arrested with 131kg of Cannabis at Koh Samui Airport Pictures courtesy of Amarin TV Four British men arrested in an international marijuana smuggling operation, with 131kg of cannabis seized, as they prepared to fly out of Thailand from Koh Samui to the UK. They were found to have come to Thailand at no cost in exchange for transporting goods back, with the final price of 200,000 baht per kilogram. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354819-four-more-british-men-arrested-with-131kg-of-cannabis-at-koh-samui-airport/

File photo for reference only As the deadline for 2024 personal income tax registration approaches, confusion remains about Thailand’s stance on taxing overseas remittances for expats. Some say international credit card use and transfers could be taxed, yet others find the situation less clear-cut. There's debate around whether anyone in Thailand for over 180 days last year must file a return, but this depends on if they transferred "assessable" income. Benjamin Hart, a notable figure in Thai legal circles, has criticised alarmist advice for expats, particularly concerning those relying on pre-taxed foreign pensions. He suggests consulting Thai tax experts due to no changes in the law, only a fresh interpretation by the Thai Revenue Department (TRD). Some experts believe potential legal actions might arise against these interpretations, though none have surfaced yet. New TRD director general Pinsai Suraswadi emphasised that tax payments hinge on individual income specifics and international treaties. His comments suggest the policy primarily stems from economic pressures, including rising public debt and an ageing populace. Feedback from various provinces highlights inconsistency in TRD office approaches, with assessments differing vastly and discretion seemingly prevailing over standardised rules. Some offices even suggest expats declare income based on the 800,000 baht needed annually for retirement extensions, adjusting tax dues accordingly. Despite ongoing debates, a significant number of expats remain reluctant to engage with the system, banking on double taxation treaties for protection. It's evident the Thai government must urgently revisit and clarify its policies to avert further confusion and ensure fair treatment for all tax residents, reported Pattaya Mail. -- 2025-03-17

Pictures courtesy of Amarin TV Four British men arrested in an international marijuana smuggling operation, with 131kg of cannabis seized, as they prepared to fly out of Thailand from Koh Samui to the UK. They were found to have come to Thailand at no cost in exchange for transporting goods back, with the final price of 200,000 baht per kilogram. On 16th March 2025, the Surat Thani Immigration Investigation Unit, in cooperation with Koh Samui Customs, Bo Phut Police Station, Koh Samui District Administration, and ISOC Region 4 (Koh Samui area), jointly arrested four foreign nationals along with eight suitcases containing a total of 131 kilograms of cannabis. The arrested individuals were: Mr Antony, 63 years old, British national, with two bags containing 29kg of cannabis. Mr Billy, 37 years old, British national, with two bags containing 34kg of cannabis. Mr Philld, 63 years old, British national, with two bags containing 34kg of cannabis. Mr John, 34 years old, British national, with two bags containing 34kg of cannabis. They were subsequently informed of the charges for attempting to take goods out of the Kingdom without undergoing the required customs procedures, in accordance with Sections 242, 252, 166, and 167 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560. The case also involves offences under Section 78 in conjunction with Section 46 of the Act on the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medical Knowledge B.E. 2542 and the Ministry of Public Health's Announcement on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2565, dated 11th November 2022. They are being prosecuted at Bo Phut Police Station. The investigation revealed that the suspects were hired by a foreign employer to pose as tourists and transport cannabis for sale abroad. The employer arranged their travel tickets and accommodation in Thailand, where they were to receive the suitcases containing the cannabis. They were to transport the drugs out of Thailand by taking domestic flights to Koh Samui, before travelling from Koh Samui to Singapore and connecting to their final destination in the UK. If successful, each individual would receive a fee of £2,000, approximately 86,000 Thai baht. Some suspects were also offered the chance to clear debts owed abroad by their employers. In the last two days, a total of 375kg of cannabis in 22 bags has been seized, with a market value of 200,000 baht per kilogram if it were to reach its destination. The total value of the drugs seized amounts to nearly 75 million baht. This significant amount of money serves as a powerful temptation for cannabis smugglers or international smuggling syndicates, who are willing to risk breaking the law in exchange for such substantial rewards. Authorities are working together to crack down on cannabis smuggling operations in the area, ensuring that these criminals do not evade justice and escape to foreign countries. Investigations into the employers and other individuals involved in the operation within Thailand are ongoing, reported Amarin TV. RELATED TOPICS: Cannabis Bust at Koh Samui Airport: Brits and Malaysian Nabbed https://aseannow.com/topic/1354496-cannabis-bust-at-koh-samui-airport-brits-and-malaysian-nabbed/ British, Romanian, Dutch Nationals Arrested in Second Samui Airport Cannabis Bust https://aseannow.com/topic/1354650-british-romanian-dutch-nationals-arrested-in-second-samui-airport-cannabis-bust/ Pictures courtesy of Daily News -- 2025-03-17

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath Authorities in Thailand have issued a warning to the public following reports of a new email scam. Deceptive emails purporting to be from the Revenue Department are circulating, targeting unsuspecting individuals. These emails offer fraudulent tax relief schemes, enticing recipients to declare a false sense of legitimacy by inputting sensitive credentials or personal data. Cyber Police in Thailand have been quick to broadcast this alert, emphasising the importance of vigilance. The phony messages often originate from dubious email domains, not ending with the official ‘@rd.go.th’, an immediate red flag for potential recipients. Cyber safety experts advise that these deceptive communications are a common ploy used by fraudsters to gain access to personal and financial information illicitly. The Revenue Department has prioritised this scam as a top concern due to its potential to impact a wide array of people, especially amidst the ongoing tax season. By impersonating a credible government agency, these scammers aim to exploit trust, providing phishing links or attachments in emails that, if interacted with, could lead to grave consequences such as identity theft or financial loss. For those who may encounter suspicious emails, it's critically important not to engage with links or download attachments from unknown or dubious sources. Experts further recommend contacting the Revenue Department directly through the hotline at 1161 to verify the authenticity of any communication seeming to originate from them, reported Siam Rath. -- 2025-03-17

Picture courtesy of Monash Univerity The Thai government has issued a firm warning to educators about tolerating the promotion or use of e-cigarettes among youths. The Ministry of Education emphasised the need for school authorities to uphold strict anti-vaping measures, citing potential health hazards and legal repercussions. Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang stated that schools are obliged to ensure a vape-free environment, with disciplinary actions against violators. This move supports existing regulations banning e-cigarette imports and establishing smoke-free zones in schools and public spaces. Recent enforcement saw authorities seize over 900,000 e-cigarettes and related items valued at nearly 119 million baht, while prosecuting over 1,000 individuals. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has taken a strong stance against e-cigarettes, noting ongoing challenges such as cross-border smuggling and the proliferation of online sales. Despite closing over 9,000 illegal sales channels, online access to vaping products remains an issue, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-17

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, state-run pawnshops in Thailand lent over 20 billion baht to Thai citizens in 2024, with gold and mobile phones continuing to be the most commonly pawned items. Minister Warawut Silpa-archa reported that 46 state pawnshops accepted approximately 1.33 million items last year, with an overwhelming 97.56% comprising gold, red gold, and diamonds. This comes as Thailand's economy showed mixed growth, with GDP figures rising from 1.6% in Q1 to 3.2% in Q4, though some economists caution that these numbers do not fully reflect the economic realities on the ground. Electronics, with mobile phones being the most frequently pawned, accounted for 3,190 tickets, along with other items like fans, refrigerators, and microwaves. There were also 3,064 items in the power tools category, indicating people often pawn equipment essential to their livelihoods, such as power tools and farming equipment. In an effort to expand accessibility, the Office of the Government Pawnshop inaugurated a new branch in Bangkok, increasing their total to 47 locations. Currently, public pawnshops offer interest rates starting at 0.25% per month for loans up to 5,000 baht, with rates scaling to 1.25% for loans between 20,001-100,000 baht, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-17

UPDATE: Indian Men Arrested for Alleged Rape at Thailand's Full Moon Party Picture courtesy of Naewna Two Indian nationals were arrested today (March 16) on Koh Phangan after being accused of raping a German woman at a Full Moon Party. The incident occurred during the popular party, held from Thursday night into Friday morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354673-two-indian-men-questioned-over-alleged-rape-of-german-tourist-at-full-moon-party/#findComment-19662651

Former Minister Reveals Alleged Phuket Police Extortion Racket File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Shutterstock Former finance minister Sommai Phasee has made explosive claims about corrupt police practices in Phuket, suggesting tourists are being extorted for bribes. According to Sommai, officers are reportedly stopping foreign visitors—particularly those on motorcycles—for minor violations and demanding on-the-spot payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht to avoid arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354777-former-minister-reveals-alleged-phuket-police-extortion-racket/