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to continue: Thailand Live Monday 5 January 2026https://aseannow.com/topic/1383607-thailand-live-monday-5-january-2026/

Nearly 3,000 Drink-Driving Cases Logged Over New Year Period File photo The Department of Probation has reported a cumulative total of 2,957 drink-driving cases over five days during the New Year holiday period, with Nonthaburi province recording the highest number nationwide. The figures highlight the immediate impact of intensified road safety enforcement measures aimed at reducing accidents during one of the country’s busiest travel seasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383592-nearly-3000-drink-driving-cases-logged-over-new-year-period/

Source: Truth Social

Patong Beach Buried Under Trash After New Year Revelry Picture courtesy of แรงจัง ภูเก็ต A shocking scene awaited early risers at Patong Beach as the first day of the year dawned. The iconic Thai tourist hotspot was engulfed in a sea of rubbish following the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Instead of its usual pristine sands, piles of waste covered the shore, left behind by revellers who welcomed 2026 with reckless abandon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383517-patong-beach-buried-under-trash-after-new-year-revelry/

Picture courtesy of แรงจัง ภูเก็ต A shocking scene awaited early risers at Patong Beach as the first day of the year dawned. Following the New Year's Eve celebrations, a sea of rubbish engulfed the iconic Thai tourist hotspot. Instead of its usual pristine sands, piles of waste covered the shore, left behind by revellers who welcomed 2026 with reckless abandon. Photos circulating on “แรงจัง ภูเก็ต,” a local news page, highlighted the enormity of the environmental damage. An array of litter, including alcohol bottles, beer cans, and single-use plastics like water bottles and cups, was strewn across the coastline. Abandoned camping chairs and festive items added to the mess, creating a daunting task for cleanup crews. The rising tide posed an additional threat, as it could potentially sweep the waste into the Andaman Sea, endangering marine life and coral reefs. This environmental predicament triggered a massive outcry on social media platforms. Users lamented the lack of responsibility among both local and international tourists and criticised the local authorities' waste management strategies for such celebratory events. Amidst the backlash, many expressed support for the municipal cleaning teams who now face the daunting task of restoring the beach. With the first tourists of the year expected soon, the workers will have to toil under the harsh sun to reclaim the beach’s natural beauty, reported The Thaiger. Picture courtesy of แรงจัง ภูเก็ต Key Takeaways Patong Beach was covered in litter following New Year's celebrations. Photos revealed extensive environmental damage, sparking social media outrage. Cleanup efforts are underway as tides threaten to carry debris into the sea. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-03

China’s BYD Surpasses Tesla as Top Global EV Seller China’s BYD has surpassed Tesla to become the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles (EVs) in annual sales. This marks the first time BYD has outpaced its American competitor, with BYD's sales increasing by nearly 28% to over 2.25 million vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla's sales dropped by almost 9% to 1.64 million vehicles globally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383514-chinas-byd-surpasses-tesla-as-top-global-ev-seller/

China’s BYD has surpassed Tesla to become the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles (EVs) in annual sales. This marks the first time BYD has outpaced its American competitor, with BYD's sales increasing by nearly 28% to over 2.25 million vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla's sales declined by almost 9% to 1.64 million vehicles globally. The downturn for Tesla marks its second consecutive year of declining deliveries, facing challenges from competitive offerings by Chinese brands and the mixed reception of new models. The withdrawal of a beneficial government subsidy further impacted Tesla, leading to a notable 16% sales decline in the last quarter of 2025. Analysts are lowering their Tesla sales forecasts for 2026, predicting a challenging road ahead for the US giant. In response to the competitive pressure, Tesla launched more affordable versions of its popular models in the US. Elon Musk's ambitious targets for Tesla involve a substantial boost in sales and market value over the next decade, linked to a potential $1tn payout. This includes selling a million humanoid robots and advancing self-driving Robo-taxis—a significant element of Tesla’s strategy, expected to influence its future performance significantly, reported the BBC. Looking forward, analysts like Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities remain optimistic, projecting Tesla will dominate 70% of the self-driving market within the next decade. Despite Musk diversifying his focus across various ventures, investor concerns persist regarding his attention to Tesla. Furthermore, while BYD's sales growth slowed to its weakest in five years due to Chinese market competition, its strategic pricing continues to disrupt competitors worldwide with significant expansions, notably in the UK. Key Takeaways BYD surpasses Tesla in global electric vehicle sales for the first time in 2025. Tesla's sales decline due to subsidy repeal and fierce competition from China. BYD's competitive pricing solidifies its status as a global EV powerhouse. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-03

Spot the Tipsy: Thailand's New Guidelines for Alcohol Sales File photo for reference only The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has issued fresh guidelines requiring vendors to check for intoxication before serving alcohol. These guidelines follow the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), updated in 2015, which bans alcohol sales to drunk individuals. Despite the law's effective date of November 8, 2025, the official symptoms of intoxication remain undefined ahead of the New Year 2026 festivities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383511-spot-the-tipsy-thailands-new-guidelines-for-alcohol-sales/

File photo for reference only The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has issued fresh guidelines requiring vendors to check for intoxication before serving alcohol. These guidelines follow the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), updated in 2015, which bans alcohol sales to drunk individuals. Despite the law's effective date of November 8, 2025, the official symptoms of intoxication remain undefined ahead of the New Year 2026 festivities. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat chaired the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meeting and tasked the DDC with creating temporary guidelines. These guidelines, informed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand, will form the basis of the official regulations. They emphasised identifying specific signs of intoxication and applying simple physical tests. Criteria for Intoxication Include: Loss of Motor Control: Difficulty standing, staggering. Odour of Alcohol: Paired with physical signs like bloodshot eyes or involuntary movements. Speech and Behaviour: Slurred speech, emotional instability, aggression. Methods of Assessment: Finger-to-Nose Test: Individuals attempt to touch their nose with their eyes closed. Missing or visible tremors suggest intoxication. Heel-to-Toe Walking Test: Walking ten steps in a straight line; swaying indicates intoxication. One-Leg Stand Test: Standing with one leg raised; losing balance suggests intoxication. Experts indicate these guidelines are crucial for public safety. Vendors are advised to follow them to avoid legal issues and enhance community welfare. The Nation reports that the official adoption of these measures is imminent, prompting vendors to prepare for their thorough implementation. Looking ahead, the DDC plans to introduce formal regulations aligning with these interim guidelines. Vendors are encouraged to stay informed and ready to integrate these practices, ensuring safer environments during alcohol sales. File photo for reference only Key Takeaways Thailand introduces interim guidelines to identify intoxicated customers. Guidelines focus on symptoms and physical tests for vendors. Official regulations are expected to follow, promoting safer alcohol sales. Related story New Thai Law Bans Alcohol Sales to Intoxicated Customers Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2026-01-03

New York City's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, swiftly revoked several Israel-related executive orders established by former mayor Eric Adams, redirecting city focus toward housing. He signed these orders on Thursday, only hours after his inauguration, repealing directives put in place after Adams' federal indictment on 26 September 2024. This decisive action reflects Mamdani's commitment to reshaping city policy early in his administration. The Trump administration later dismissed the charges that Adams had faced. The revoked orders included a prohibition on divestment from Israel and an expansion of the definition of antisemitism, aligning with the standards set by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Mamdani's critics alleged his move could fuel antisemitism, as Israel's Foreign Ministry voiced concern on social media. In contrast, supporters, such as New York Civil Liberties Union's Donna Lieberman, applauded Mamdani for addressing what she called overly broad definitions of antisemitism and unnecessary compliance with federal immigration authorities. Mamdani, a known critic of Israeli government policies, also supports the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, pointing to his stance for equal rights. His early actions have focused on pressing domestic issues like housing, initiating analyses for accelerating development, and creating a registry of potential city-owned building sites. These orders align with promises made during his electoral campaign. Mamdani did leave some of Adams' initiatives in place, like the Office to Combat Antisemitism, though it will undergo restructuring, reported CNN. Key Takeaways Mamdani rescinds Israel-related orders by predecessor Adams. The focus shifts towards accelerating housing development. Some criticise the changes as fuelling anti-Semitism. Related Story: Trump Slams NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani, Warns of ‘Communism’ Shift Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2026-01-03

video screenshot US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, vowing that the United States will intervene if Iranian authorities kill protesters. Trump's declaration, posted on social media, stated that the US is "locked and loaded," although he stopped short of specifying how Washington might respond. This comes amid reports of at least eight deaths following mass protests in Iran, ignited by economic grievances. A sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial relative to the US dollar prompted shopkeepers in Tehran to start protesting. These demonstrations swiftly spread to other cities, involving university students and prompting broader demands against Iran's clerical leadership. Protesters have called for the end of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule, with some seeking a return to monarchical governance, making these the most extensive protests since 2022. Iranian authorities, however, issued their warnings. Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, cautioned that US interference could plunge the Middle East into chaos and harm American interests. Despite this, some Iranian protesters view potential US intervention positively, believing it could deter security forces from acting violently. Earlier this year, the US conducted strikes on Iran's nuclear sites under Trump's orders. While US officials claimed these strikes hampered Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Iranian government refuted such assertions. In retaliation, Iran targeted a US military base in Qatar, escalating tensions in the region. Looking ahead, Iran's political response remains mixed. President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated a willingness to listen to protesters' "legitimate demands." Conversely, Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad promised harsh responses to any attempts at destabilisation, maintaining pressure on the protest movement, reported the BBC. Key Takeaways: Trump warns the US will intervene if Iranian protests turn deadly. Tensions rise following previous US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Protests fuel widespread demands for political change in Iran. Related Story: Iran Shaken by Deadly Protests Over Economy and Leadership Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-03

Referendum and Election to Coincide on Feb 8, 2026 Picture courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department The Royal Gazette has confirmed that the referendum on the constitution will occur alongside the general election, scheduled for February 8, 2026. Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed this decision on December 23, 2025, marking a significant event in the nation's democratic process. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383492-referendum-and-election-to-coincide-on-feb-8-2026/

Picture courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department THAILAND - The Royal Gazette has confirmed that the referendum on the constitution will occur alongside the general election, scheduled for February 8, 2026. Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed this decision on December 23, 2025, marking a significant event in the nation's democratic process. The government has officially set the date for both the general election and the constitutional referendum, allowing voters to express their preferences on the same day. The announcement aims to facilitate voter engagement by simplifying the voting process. Despite this, the short registration period for the referendum has raised concerns about the logistical challenges voters might face. The civic group iLaw has expressed apprehension about potential disenfranchisement due to the restricted registration period. Registration for Thai voters, both domestically and abroad, must occur between January 3 and 5, during the New Year holiday season. This timing could lead to a lack of awareness among voters and a delay in voter participation. The organisation has also noted potential issues with voter turnout, given that the referendum must take place nationwide on a single day with no provisions for advance voting. In contrast, advance voting for the general election is set for February 1, 2026, offering a partial solution for those unavailable on the actual election day, reported the Bangkok Post. Key Takeaways The referendum and general election will be held on February 8, 2026. Concerns exist regarding short voter registration during the New Year. Advance voting for the election is on February 1, 2026, not applicable to the referendum. Related Story: Thailand’s General Election Set for February 8, 2026 Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-03

Thailand Raises Aviation Passenger Fee to 25 Baht Photo courtesy of Khaosod Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority will increase the passenger fee for international travellers to 25 baht per person, starting February 1. The current fee of 15 baht has been in place since 2015, and the hike aims to stabilise the agency's finances. This change affects both arrivals and departures, impacting airlines that collect this fee based on passenger numbers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383468-thailand-raises-aviation-passenger-fee-to-25-baht/

Patong Eatery Apologises After “Wash the Pot Yourself” Storm A popular restaurant in Patong has sacked a staff member following a public relations nightmare. After telling a customer to "wash the pot yourself" if she wanted service, the incident went viral and sparked outrage online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383438-patong-eatery-apologises-after-wash-the-pot-yourself-storm/

Thailand Tourism Takes a Hit in 2025 as Foreign Visits Drop File photo for reference only Thailand's tourism sector faced a downturn in 2025, with foreign visits dropping 7.23% to 32.97 million, impacting overall revenue. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported a 1.26% decrease in total tourism revenue, reaching 2,703,335 million Thai baht. Despite this, domestic travel grew, with trips increasing to 202.37 million. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383433-thailand-tourism-takes-a-hit-in-2025-as-foreign-visits-drop/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 3 January 2026https://aseannow.com/topic/1383454-thailand-live-saturday-3-january-2026/

Thai Immigration Hits Back at Viral Airport Queue Claims Picture courtesy of Khaosod The Thai Immigration Bureau has strongly refuted viral claims of extensive wait times at Suvarnabhumi airport, asserting that passengers are processed within 30 minutes even during peak travel seasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383453-thai-immigration-hits-back-at-viral-airport-queue-claims/

Thai Immigration Hits Back at Viral Airport Queue Claims Picture courtesy of Khaosod The Thai Immigration Bureau has strongly refuted viral claims of extensive wait times at Suvarnabhumi airport, asserting that passengers are processed within 30 minutes even during peak travel seasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383453-thai-immigration-hits-back-at-viral-airport-queue-claims/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod The Thai Immigration Bureau has strongly refuted viral claims of extensive wait times at Suvarnabhumi airport, asserting that passengers are processed within 30 minutes even during peak travel seasons. The controversy ignited with a social media post by a Japanese tourist, who mocked the lengthy queues experienced at the airport's immigration counters, dubbing the situation "amazing." This criticism has gained traction, with other Japanese netizens voicing similar grievances and advising travellers to anticipate up to two-hour waits during busy holiday periods. According to Pol Col Pongthorn Pongratchatanan, deputy commander and spokesman for Immigration Division 2, the incident in question coincided with a high-traffic Sunday, with around 30 international flights and approximately 5,700 passengers arriving between 1pm and 2pm. Throughout the day, passenger numbers consistently exceeded 4,000 per hour, leading to more than 85,000 travellers passing through the airport. Social media images depicting crowded conditions were partly attributed to the terminal's design, which includes long, narrow walkways that may visually exaggerate the appearance of congestion. Despite these images, the Immigration Bureau maintains that congestion is limited to specific peak periods and that the processing standards adhere to their 30-minute timeframe. To mitigate delays, the bureau has bolstered staffing levels, cancelling leave to ensure efficient processing while keeping national security procedures intact. Pol. Col. Pongthorn emphasised that prolonged queues are a common global phenomenon during peak travel times, according to the Bangkok Post. Key Takeaways: The Immigration Bureau processes passengers within 30 minutes despite peak times. Viral complaints stem from a post by a Japanese tourist critiquing queue length. Airport design influences the perception of crowding in social media images. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-02

Picture courtesy of SCMP US President Donald Trump has attributed noticeable bruising on his hand to the effects of daily aspirin use while firmly denying any instances of falling asleep in public meetings. This all unfolded in a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal, where Trump discussed his health amid increasing scrutiny during his second term. Trump, at 79, remains the oldest person to assume the US presidency, countering critics with the declaration that "my health is perfect." Trump has cultivated a robust public persona, characterised by frequent media interactions and social media engagements. Nevertheless, his first year back in office has been marked by rising queries regarding his physical condition. Evident bruises on his right hand, often concealed by makeup or bandages, and occasional signs of fatigue during meetings have captured the public's attention. As he surpasses Joe Biden’s age at the end of his tenure, Trump steps up to be the oldest sitting president, sparking further curiosity about his health regime. During the interview, Trump explained that his daily consumption of aspirin, taken to thin his blood, is the cause of the bruising. He explained how the application of makeup or bandages is a routine to manage how his hand appears in public. Trump recounted an incident where the bruising was attributed to an accidental knock from Pam Bondi, his attorney general, who inadvertently hit him with her ring. Health explanations from Trump have varied, with initial claims to reporters of undergoing an MRI scan later revised. Trump clarified in the interview that instead of an MRI, a shorter CT scan was performed to check his cardiovascular health. This clarification was corroborated by his doctor, Sean Barbabella, confirming the use of a CT scan and emphasising that no significant health issues emerged from the checks. Rebuffing claims of falling asleep during public engagements, Trump asserted that he is not one for extensive sleeping and any footage suggesting otherwise is simply him appearing relaxed. He reasoned that photos capturing him with closed eyes misrepresent moments where he’s merely blinking or closing his eyes briefly, reported AFP. Key Takeaways Trump credits aspirin with causing hand bruises and deflecting health worries. Health scan discrepancies were clarified; the confirmed CT scan shows no major issues. Denies public sleeping, attributing it to simple relaxation or blinking. Adapted by ASEAN Now from AFP | France 24 2026-01-02

Patong Eatery Apologises After “Wash the Pot Yourself” Storm A popular restaurant in Patong has sacked a staff member following a public relations nightmare. After telling a customer to "wash the pot yourself" if she wanted service, the incident went viral and sparked outrage online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383438-patong-eatery-apologises-after-wash-the-pot-yourself-storm/

A popular restaurant in Patong has sacked a staff member following a public relations nightmare. After telling a customer to "wash the pot yourself" if she wanted service, the incident went viral and sparked outrage online. The episode unfolded at the “Sam Chor Chern Chuan Chim” restaurant, a 24-hour venue, and quickly spread on TikTok. Long-time customer @cookky0030346 shared her dismay when informed of a 30-minute delay due to a scarcity of pots for the Jim Jum dish. Contrary to this claim, she saw many clay pots in front of the restaurant. Upon questioning the staff member, she was challenged to wash a pot herself. Accepting the challenge, the customer documented her experience in the kitchen, highlighting the inadequate service. An elderly woman attempted to intervene, yet the customer proceeded to emphasise her dissatisfaction. After the video gained traction, “Sam Chor Chern Chuan Chim Patong” released a formal apology on Facebook. Management cited a delay due to the owner's absence while confirming the staff member's immediate termination for inappropriate conduct. They pledged to raise service standards following the incident. Looking forward, the restaurant aims to restore its reputation by addressing customer service issues. This incident has brought home the value of maintaining professional service standards in the hospitality industry, reported The Thaiger. Key Takeaways: A staff member was dismissed after challenging a customer rudely. The incident became an online sensation, leading to widespread criticism. Management has apologised and promised to enhance service quality. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-02

Thailand Tourism Takes a Hit in 2025 as Foreign Visits Drop File photo for reference only Thailand's tourism sector faced a downturn in 2025, with foreign visits dropping 7.23% to 32.97 million, impacting overall revenue. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported a 1.26% decrease in total tourism revenue, reaching 2,703,335 million Thai baht. Despite this, domestic travel grew, with trips increasing to 202.37 million. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383433-thailand-tourism-takes-a-hit-in-2025-as-foreign-visits-drop/

File photo for reference only Thailand's tourism sector faced a downturn in 2025, with foreign visits dropping 7.23% to 32.97 million, impacting overall revenue. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported a 1.26% decrease in total tourism revenue, reaching 2,703,335 million Thai baht. Despite this, domestic travel grew, with trips increasing to 202.37 million. The decline in international arrivals led to reduced revenue from foreign tourists, totalling 1,536,574 million Thai baht, a 4.71% drop. Meanwhile, domestic tourism showed resilience, with revenues climbing by 3.69% to 1,166,761 million baht. Key markets like China, South Korea, and Malaysia recorded significant declines, while India and Russia showed positive growth. The top sources for international tourists were: Malaysia: 4,520,856 visitors (down 8.71%). China: 4,473,992 visitors (down 33.55%). India: 2,487,319 visitors (up 16.82%). Russia: 1,898,837 visitors (up 8.80%). South Korea: 1,555,227 visitors (down 16.79%). Leading Five Tourism Markets by Receipts, 2025 China: 249,875 million baht (down 31.54%) Russia: 113,950 million baht (up 9.77%) India: 93,862 million baht (up 22.61%) Malaysia: 88,646 million baht (down 15.53%) United Kingdom: 74,515 million baht (up 21.70%) China and Malaysia saw declines in arrivals and tourism receipts. However, Russia and India reported an increase in both visitor numbers and receipts, with India witnessing a 16.82% rise in tourists and a 22.61% increase in revenue. Permanent Secretary Nutreeya Thaewong remarked that the overall fall in visitor numbers and revenue was not overly concerning, as the quality of tourists improved. The ministry has new plans for 2026 aimed at bolstering high-value tourism and enhancing wellness experiences. This includes maintaining stable visitor bases and prioritising safety to ensure Thailand remains a top tourist destination. Looking forward, the ministry’s strategies focus on increasing appeal through various campaigns and easing travel regulations. This approach aims to attract more high-value travellers by delivering unique experiences while ensuring visitor safety remains at the forefront of efforts, according to The Nation. Key Takeaways: Foreign tourism to Thailand in 2025 fell by 7.23%, affecting revenue. Domestic travel thrived, with a 3.69% increase in related revenue. The ministry plans to focus on high-value tourism and wellness in 2026. Related Stories: Thailand's Foreign Tourist Numbers Drop 7.22% This Year Thai Tourism Faces 7% Decline With Fewer Chinese Visitors Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2026-01-02