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Earthquake Rocks Bangkok: Building Collapses with 40 people inside A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, sending shockwaves as far as Bangkok and causing widespread devastation. The epicenter was near Mandalay at a depth of 10 kilometers. The impact was strongly felt, prompting chaos and evacuations across the Thai capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356087-earthquake-rocks-bangkok-building-collapses-with-40-people-inside/

High Rise Building Collapses in Chatuchak, Workers Flee for Their Lives A building collapse in Chatuchak, Bangkok, has left authorities scrambling to assess the number of casualties and possible survivors trapped under the rubble. The structure, still under construction, crumbled into dust in a matter of seconds, sending construction workers running for their lives. Footage circulating on social media captures the terrifying moment workers flee from the towering structure. Just moments after they escape, the entire building collapses with a deafening crash, sending a massive cloud of dust and debris into the air. Eyewitnesses described the scene of panic, with workers shouting and sprinting to safety as the building shook and ultimately gave way. “It was like an earthquake,” said one witness. “The ground trembled, and then, in an instant, the whole building just came down. It was horrifying.” Authorities have yet to confirm the number of injured or missing persons. Rescue teams, including Bangkok emergency responders and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, are conducting thorough searches of the wreckage to locate survivors. The collapse followed a 7.7 earthquake in Burma which shock many parts of Bangkok. -- 2025-03-28

Deputy PM Refutes 10 Million Baht Bribe Allegation File photo courtesy of Xinhua The plot thickens in Thailand's political theatre as Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong dismisses fiery accusations that the government tried to buy votes. The main opposition, People's Party (PP), claims their Rayong MP was courted with a cool 10 million baht (around £220,000) to sway his vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a recent no-confidence showdown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356061-deputy-pm-refutes-10-million-baht-bribe-allegation/

File photo courtesy of Xinhua The plot thickens in Thailand's political theatre as Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong dismisses fiery accusations that the government tried to buy votes. The main opposition, People's Party (PP), claims their Rayong MP was courted with a cool 10 million baht (around £220,000) to sway his vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a recent no-confidence showdown. Prasert, who also serves as the digital economy and society minister, has poured cold water over these claims. He insists the government comfortably commands more than 300 MPs—enough to clinch the confidence vote without resorting to under-the-table tactics. The alleged evidence? A Facebook post by Mr. Mr Krit, the PP MP, featuring a snapshot of a Line app chat purportedly showing a cash offer. The drama unfolded as the two-day censure debate wrapped up, culminating in a Wednesday morning vote. Out of 488 MPs, 319 backed the Prime Minister, leaving 162 against and seven on the fence. Interestingly, a handful of opposition MPs crossed the aisle, backing Ms Paetongtarn against the grain of their parties. Among them were seven defectors, including Kanchana Changwa from Palang Pracharath and Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit from the Thai Progressive Party. Prasert waves away the vote-buying narrative as exaggerated, arguing some opposition MPs may have genuinely been swayed by Ms Paetongtarn's staunch defence. "Groundless," he calls Mr Krit's Facebook allegation. Prasert also shoots down rumours that turncoat MPs hope to climb aboard the government's bandwagon for future perks. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin chimes in, advising the opposition to bolster their claims rather than fling unsubstantiated allegations. He also took a swing at opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut for approaching the PM post-vote under the guise of snapping a photo, only to demand more comprehensive answers to his supposedly unanswered queries. Somsak isn't having it, labelling Natthaphong's actions as disrespectful. "In my four-decade parliamentary career, I've seen nothing like it," he remarks. Natthaphong's tactic of feigning a photo op before badgering the PM hasn't gone down well. While the government stands firm in the eye of this political storm, the ripple effect of these claims hasn't gone unnoticed. Insiders wonder whether all this noise hints at bigger plays behind the scenes. Amidst the allegations and counter-allegations, the political stage remains ever captivating, with all eyes on the next act in this unfolding drama. Surely, there's more to come. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-03-28

British Expats' Thai Villa Xanax Empire Lands them in Jail Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police A British couple, living the high life in Thailand, has been slapped with a 10-year prison sentence for orchestrating a vast drugs empire. Brian Pitts, 30, and Katie Harlow, 27, masterminded a multi-million-pound operation, producing and distributing fake Xanax pills via the dark web, amassing an astonishing £4 million (176 million baht). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356044-british-expats-thai-villa-xanax-empire-lands-them-in-jail/

Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police A British couple, living the high life in Thailand, has been slapped with a 10-year prison sentence for orchestrating a vast drugs empire. Brian Pitts, 30, and Katie Harlow, 27, masterminded a multi-million-pound operation, producing and distributing fake Xanax pills via the dark web, amassing an astonishing £4 million (176 million baht). Their luxurious Thai villa between 2018 and 2019 was a façade for their sinister dealings. Behind the glamorous exterior lay a massive counterfeit pill operation, churning out up to 11 million fake Xanax tablets from makeshift labs scattered across the West Midlands. Using cryptocurrency, they cleverly concealed their profits, laundering dirty money through bitcoin. Their glamorous crime spree met its end after a five-year international investigation, championed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Ltd. The couple's jet-set lifestyle crumbled in August 2019 as they landed in the UK from Thailand, smugly carting designer gear and Rolex watches. The harrowing details of their scheming were laid out at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 27. Pitts, the brains from Bilston, West Midlands, admitted to conspiracy to supply class C drugs and trademark offences. His confession saw him sentenced to eight years behind bars. Meanwhile, Harlow, residing with Pitts in a plain semi-detached house, admitted to money laundering and received a sentence of two years and one month. The scale of their operation was unearthed in a police raid at a Tipton shed, housing a counterfeit Xanax factory, complete with an industrial powder mixer. Meanwhile, a Wolverhampton garage inspection revealed a tablet press machine, metal pill casts, powders, and even a handwritten recipe list. Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police Detectives tracked their purchase of four pill press machines from a UK firm, costing £30,000 (1.32 million baht), capable of churning out 10,000 pills an hour. Notably, a significant shipment of Alprazolam and analogue Adinazolam powder from China, along with various bulking agents, was intercepted. Their courtroom drama extends beyond Pitts and Harlow. Three other gang members were handed hefty sentences, while five more await judgment. Lee Lloyd, 48, from Tipton, received seven years and two months for conspiracy to supply Class C drugs. Kyle Smith, 26, from Willenhall, was given four years, while Mark Bayley, 63, from Wolverhampton, was jailed for six years and five months for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Speaking on the case, Jonathan Kelleher from the Crown Prosecution Service underlined the potential havoc caused by the gang's reckless pursuit of profit. "This was a case of fake medicines being produced on an industrial scale, with significant potential harm to the public," he declared. Detective Inspector Dave Hollies of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit added, "The scale of production of these counterfeit tablets ran in the millions." The gang’s acquisition of over two tonnes of bulking agent, compounded with 220kg of active ingredients, highlighted the chilling efficiency of their operation. Xanax, powerful for treating anxiety and panic attacks, isn't available on the NHS, though it’s prescribed privately in the UK. The gang's counterfeit concoctions could have wreaked havoc, posing an insidious threat now neutralised. For Pitts and Harlow, the game is over. Their lush lifestyle, funded by crime, now stands as a stark warning about the risks of dabbling in the perilous world of international drug trafficking. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-03-28

CCTV Catches Chinese Man Leaving Suspicious Bag at Shrin Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath In a bewildering incident, a Chinese national left a bag at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak district, prompting a police investigation. Authorities were alerted to the scene around 7:30 PM on 27th March, following reports of a suspicious package being abandoned at the site by a man who then fled. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356042-cctv-catches-chinese-man-leaving-suspicious-bag-at-shrine/

Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath In a bewildering incident, a Chinese national left a bag at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak district, prompting a police investigation. Authorities were alerted to the scene around 7:30 PM on 27th March, following reports of a suspicious package being abandoned at the site by a man who then fled. Police responded promptly, with Pol. Lt. Shawarit Chan-gern leading the investigation at the shrine located near the entrance of Soi Phaholyothin 18/1. The incident caused concern among locals and visitors due to the high-profile location, necessitating the deployment of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to ensure safety. Upon inspection, the abandoned bag was found to contain personal effects, including clothing, a mobile phone, and a wallet. The wallet held an identification card revealing the man's identity as a resident of Kunming, China. These items have been secured as evidence in the ongoing investigation. Deputy Police Inspector Pol. Lt. Worapat Sukhthai commented on the situation, explaining that CCTV footage captured the individual calmly placing the bag before making a quick exit. Initial assessments suggest the motive might have been to create a commotion rather than cause harm, as there is no indication of any violent intent or association with extremist groups. In collaboration with The Immigration Bureau, the police are reviewing records to track the individual's entry into Thailand. Efforts are underway to locate the man and bring him in for questioning to understand his motives fully. The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the need for vigilance in handling suspicious activities in public areas. Based on a story by Thai Rath -- 2025-03-28

Thailand Considers Shortening Visa-Free Stays for Chinese Tourists Photo courtesy of Invest Bangkok Property Thailand is mulling a change to its tourist policy, potentially shortening visa-free stays for Chinese visitors. Currently, the visa-free duration stands at a generous 90 days. The new plan could see this slashed to a mere 30 days, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356022-thailand-considers-shortening-visa-free-stays-for-chinese-tourists/

Thai Govt Frets as Uyghur Issue Jolts EU Trade Talks FILE - This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 27, 2025. (Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP, File) Thailand's current spat with the European Union could complicate crucial free trade discussions, following the country's controversial deportation of Uyghur individuals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356029-thai-govt-frets-as-uyghur-issue-jolts-eu-trade-talks/

Pattaya Hotel Staff, Swedish Tourist Report Thief Using CCTV Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News In a daring escapade in Pattaya, a Swedish tourist and hotel staff teamed up to catch a sneaky thief in the act. At the ungodly hour of 00:30 on March 28, 2025, Mr. Par Mikael Markusson, a 63-year-old Swede, reported that a thief had made off with his black iPhone 15 and ransacked his room. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356024-pattaya-hotel-staff-swedish-tourist-report-thief-using-cctv/

Photo courtesy of Invest Bangkok Property Thailand is mulling a change to its tourist policy, potentially shortening visa-free stays for Chinese visitors. Currently, the visa-free duration stands at a generous 90 days. The new plan could see this slashed to a mere 30 days, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports Minister. The reasoning is clear: most Chinese tourists don't linger for long. Mr. Thienthong highlighted that the majority leave by the 15-day mark. Exceptions exist, mostly among those eager to learn Thai boxing or culinary arts. Thus, he suggests that 30 days is just right. Now, let's rewind a bit. In March 2025, a mutual visa-free pact was born. This agreement allowed citizens from Thailand and China to pop over for 30 days, with an overall tally not exceeding 90 days every six months. But this new proposal could soon change the game. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Picture courtesy of Thai PBS. Concerns? Thienthong assures us there's no link between the review and any shady business dealings by Chinese firms in Thailand. This is all about aligning the tourist wave with local capacity. The "We Travel Together" programme is set for a revival. This well-loved scheme will return in May or June, aiming to pep up the travel scene during the quieter months. Amidst this, government officials will be happy. They can join the travel scheme without sacrificing leave days, embracing the new norm of working online wherever they may roam. All this adds up to a travel-friendly move that aligns tourism with modern work habits. Based on a story by Thai PBS -- 2025-03-28

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News In a daring escapade in Pattaya, a Swedish tourist and hotel staff teamed up to catch a sneaky thief in the act. At the ungodly hour of 00:30 on March 28, 2025, Mr. Par Mikael Markusson, a 63-year-old Swede, reported that a thief had made off with his black iPhone 15 and ransacked his room. With quick thinking, Mr. Akkarapat Pakkes, a hotel reception worker, uncovered CCTV footage showing the audacious intruder brazenly attempting to jimmy open room doors. The savvy duo took the case to the Pattaya City Police Station, filing a report with Pol. Sub-Lt. Ittikorn Saikrathok. The hotel footage revealed the same suspect was linked to an earlier heist, targeting resident Krisana Sinet, a 26-year-old transgender woman, just two days before. That raid saw the pilfered goods include a piggy bank with 2,000 baht, amongst hair appliances worth up to 1,850 baht combined. The suspect, suspected to be a Cambodian, has been wreaking havoc around Soi Thepprasit lodging. Pattaya police are meticulously analysing CCTV evidence, determined to close in on the slippery character. This collaboration between a tourist and hotel staff might just be the key to ending the thief’s spree. Based on a story by The Pattaya News -- 2025-03-28

FILE - This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 27, 2025. (Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP, File) Thailand's current spat with the European Union could complicate crucial free trade discussions, following the country's controversial deportation of Uyghur individuals. Officials from the Committee on Economic Development, joined by representatives from other ministries and business groups, are scrambling to assess the potential fallout. The EU has shown its disdain for Thailand’s actions, and concern is growing within the Thai government. Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, who heads the committee, warns that these deportations might hinder the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, previously anticipated by year-end. The situation is hazy, but it could also jeopardize Thailand's aspirations of joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Moreover, Sittiphol noted possible repercussions from the United States, mentioning that changes to US trade policies might hike tariffs on Thai exports, potentially affecting billions of Thai Baht worth of goods. In a move to smooth over tensions, the Thai government plans to engage directly with European ambassadors. There's some optimism that this gesture might soothe the situation, but Sittiphol maintains that Thailand needs a robust strategy to brace for further trade disputes, particularly if the FTA doesn't push through as planned. Meanwhile, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) stepped up to insist that the nation has long been a proponent of international human rights standards. They cited past efforts to tackle international issues like illegal fishing, reinforcing Thailand's commitment to align with global norms. Regarding deportations, TCC representatives argued these actions aren’t unique to Thailand and should remain separate from trade discussions. With tensions high and significant trade agreements at stake, it's clear this issue could have lasting ramifications. The government’s actions in the coming weeks will be critical in determining Thailand’s international trade relationships and economic future. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-03-28

Hat Yai Motorcycle Taxi Overcharges Malaysian Tourist, Police File 4 Charges Picture courtesy of Daily News A motorcycle taxi driver in Hatyai has been arrested for overcharging a Malaysian tourist and now faces four charges, including vehicle seizure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356014-hat-yai-motorcycle-taxi-overcharges-malaysian-tourist-police-file-4-charges/

Picture courtesy of Daily News A motorcycle taxi driver in Hat Yai has been arrested for overcharging a Malaysian tourist and now faces four charges, including vehicle seizure. A Malaysian tourist shared on Facebook, in Chinese, about their experience in Hat Yai, Thailand, which ended at the police station. After using a motorcycle taxi service, the tourist was charged THB 1,000 in fines at the police station and paid THB 300 for the ride, deemed overpriced. Upon learning of the incident, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sitthichai Pradap of the Hat Yai station ordered traffic police to locate and apprehend the motorcycle taxi driver. The driver, named Mr. Phuwathat, was found near Hat Yai’s municipal office with his white and black Honda Click bike and arrested on four charges: overcharging, improper vehicle use, not providing safety helmets, and overloading passengers. The motorcycle has been seized for evidence. Mr. Phuwathat explained that he initially agreed to transport one passenger, but when two people showed up, he charged accordingly. He apologised for the overcharge. Lieutenant Colonel Sitthichai stated that, in collaboration with local transport authorities, there is an initiative to standardise fares for tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. Public notices will display fixed rates, like a 1.3-kilometre trip from Hat Yai Station to the Clock Tower costing THB 20 per person. If passengers encounter unfair charges, they can lodge a complaint via 074-236-100, and the Hat Yai police will address the issue. Based on a story by Daily News -- 2025-03-28

Labour Minister Demands Safety Overhaul Following Accidents on Rama II Road Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for urgent safety reforms at a major construction site on Rama II Road, in response to multiple accidents causing fatalities and injuries. A critical meeting with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) is slated for tomorrow, March 28, to address these issues head-on. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355976-labour-minister-demands-safety-overhaul-following-accidents-on-rama-ii-road/

Thai Restaurant Industry Faces Crisis as Purchases Plummet by 40% Photo courtesy of Samurai Gourmet Thailand's restaurant industry is grappling with a severe downturn, with consumer purchasing power plummeting by over 40% in early 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. As economic recovery slows and incomes stagnate, consumers are prioritising savings over dining out, exacerbating financial strain on eateries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355975-thai-restaurant-industry-faces-crisis-as-purchases-plummet-by-40/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 28 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1355974-thailand-live-friday-28-march-2025/

ChatGPT Update Raises Red Flags Over Fake Bank Slips Photo courtesy of Bualuangmobile banking A recent revelation about ChatGPT's capabilities has sent ripples through the online financial community. Technology blogger Kafaak has highlighted how the AI can now craft near-perfect replicas of bank transfer slips, complete with watermarks, raising serious fraud alarms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355978-chatgpt-update-raises-red-flags-over-fake-bank-slips/

Thailand Greenlights Entertainment Complex Bill with 10% Casino Space Restriction Picture courtesy of Tsogo Sun The Cabinet has greenlit the game-changing Entertainment Complex Bill. This new legislation puts strict limits on casino floor sizes, allowing them to occupy only 10% of the entertainment venue's total area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355968-thailand-greenlights-entertainment-complex-bill-with-10-casino-space-restriction/

Thailand Greenlights Entertainment Complex Bill with 10% Casino Space Restriction Picture courtesy of Tsogo Sun The Cabinet has greenlit the game-changing Entertainment Complex Bill. This new legislation puts strict limits on casino floor sizes, allowing them to occupy only 10% of the entertainment venue's total area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355968-thailand-greenlights-entertainment-complex-bill-with-10-casino-space-restriction/

Picture courtesy of Tsogo Sun The Cabinet has greenlit the game-changing Entertainment Complex Bill. This new legislation puts strict limits on casino floor sizes, allowing them to occupy only 10% of the entertainment venue's total area. The brainchild of the Finance Ministry, this bill aims to turbocharge Thailand’s economy while keeping social issues in check. During the bill's revision by the Council of State, the focus was on balancing economic and social interests. Four public hearings led to a massive thumbs-up from the majority, with 80% of the 71,289 participants backing this legislation. With Cabinet approval in the bag, the bill now awaits thumbs from the House of Representatives. So, what’s inside this shiny new bill? Well, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister are set to co-pilot the law’s delivery. The policy regarding the operations and locations of these entertainment hubs will be closely monitored by a dedicated committee. This committee not only lays down frameworks but also appoints key personnel to oversee operations. In an interesting twist, public voices will play a critical role, as residents near proposed sites get a say through public hearings. The bill also lays down strict rules for casinos, treating them like financial institutions under money laundering laws. It’s not just a blanket gamble-free-for-all, as Thai nationals must meet a 50 million baht deposit rule before they set foot inside. Licensees are heavily policed, with strong penalties lined up for non-compliance. They've been warned against luring extra gamblers or cranking up betting amounts. New criminal cock-ups like organising online gambling or live-streaming casino actions are now big no-no's. Overall, the government is keen to spin these entertainment complexes as more than just betting dens. It's a master plan to usher in a new era of economic sparkle while keeping the social order in check. Based on a story by The Nation -- 2025-03-27

Phuket’s Big Push: Electric Buses And Big Sports Events Boost Island Photo courtesy of Mcot Phuket is taking a big leap into the future with the introduction of two shiny, new 18-seat open-top electric buses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355948-phuket’s-big-push-electric-buses-and-big-sports-events-boost-island/

Photo courtesy of Mcot Phuket is taking a big leap into the future with the introduction of two shiny, new 18-seat open-top electric buses. Aimed at cutting down air pollution and boosting tourism, these eco-friendly buses come with a dash of culture, sporting illustrations of the island’s renowned Sino-European architecture. It’s a smart move, not just for the air quality, but also for revving up the tourism engine. Electric Vehicles (Thailand) Plc is behind these city-sleek transport innovations, likely to become as iconic as Tuk Tuks for tourists. This isn't just about cleaner air. Phuket is stepping up its safety game as well, with a new wave of CCTV cameras planned for public parks, intersections, and communities to keep everyone safe and sound. All of this high-tech surveillance will relay critical information to the island’s command centre around the clock. As if that wasn't exciting enough, Phuket is also preparing to host two massive international sports events. First up is the Toyota Phuket International Series 2025 badminton championship from April 1st to 6th. Following the shuttles, Gymnasium 1 will be bustling with activity again from August 22nd-27th for the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025. Both events promise to draw crowds, jazz up sports tourism, and fatten local wallets. The 4,000-seat Saphan Hin Sports Centre is slated to be the hub of activity before it temporarily closes for a revamp starting in June. These initiatives are geared up to not only welcome more tourists but also uplift the island's community spirit and economic health like never before. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-03-27