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Picture courtesy of Matichon. Asset World Corporation (AWC) is forging ahead with an ambitious investment plan worth over 100 billion baht over the next five years, following a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025 and the upcoming opening of its highly anticipated ‘Jurassic World’ attraction at Asiatique in July. Ms Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of AWC, revealed that despite numerous global challenges, including trade tensions, economic volatility, recent earthquakes, and a slowdown in international tourism, AWC continues to demonstrate robust growth. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its 2025 forecast, predicting 35.5 million foreign arrivals, on par with 2024, amid falling numbers from China. In Q1 2025, AWC reported total revenue of 6.19 billion baht, a 13.6% year-on-year increase. Net profit reached 1.97 billion baht, up 23%, with operational profit at 3.42 billion baht, a 15.3% rise. The hotel and hospitality sector contributed 3.64 billion baht in revenue, a 9.4% increase, with the average daily rate (ADR) hitting a record high of 6,663 baht per night. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) stood at 4,992 baht, marking a 6% increase. AWC’s commercial business segment earned 2.39 billion baht, up 16.9%, with a profit of 2.05 billion baht, growing 17.8%. Mr Paitoon Wongsasutthikul, Chief Investment Strategy Officer, stated that AWC plans to expand its asset portfolio from 209.4 billion baht in Q1 2025 to 300 billion baht by 2029. The company also aims to double its hotel room count from 6,000 to 12,000 over the same period. Investment will average over 20 billion baht per year and focus on large-scale mixed-use projects. Upcoming developments include the revitalisation of the historic Woeng Nakhon Kasem area in Yaowarat, the Aquatique project in Pattaya, the Lannatique development, and a new concept for Tawanna in Bang Kapi. Additionally, Phase 2 of Asiatique The Riverfront Destination is underway, with more than 1.4 billion baht invested in the Jurassic World attraction, set to open in mid-July. The attraction is expected to boost daily visitor numbers at Asiatique by 10% from the current 30,000—75% of whom are international tourists, particularly from China, with Thais comprising the remaining 25%. Despite the general decline in Chinese tourists, AWC has been minimally affected, with Chinese nationals accounting for just 10% of its clientele. Increased arrivals from the United States and Europe, alongside the company’s luxury-focused hotel portfolio located in prime tourist destinations, have helped mitigate the impact. “Our strategy remains to enhance existing assets, pursue long-term megaprojects, and seek acquisitions where suitable,” Mr Paitoon said. “During the COVID-19 period, over 100 hotels were offered for sale to us, but we’ve been selective in evaluating opportunities. This year, three new properties have been added to our portfolio: Melia Pattaya Hotel, the Woeng Nakhon Kasem project, and the former Swissôtel Le Concorde Ratchada, which is being redeveloped into Jubilee Prestige Tower and is scheduled to open in 2028.” Mr Chayanan Hopataraporn, AWC’s Chief Accounting and Finance Officer, added that the company has secured adequate funding from various financial institutions to support its five-year investment plan, with access to credit up to three times the required investment. He forecasted double-digit revenue growth for the full year. Following the March earthquake, AWC conducted comprehensive inspections of all its buildings in affected areas. The structures passed safety checks conducted by internal engineers, external partners, and independent certification bodies, ensuring the company’s properties remain trusted and secure for clients and partners alike. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-12.

Man Killed After Tree Falls on Shelter During Thunderstorm in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 51-year-old man was killed in the early hours of 11 may, when a large tree was brought down by strong winds and rain, crushing the makeshift shelter where he was staying in western Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360400-man-killed-after-tree-falls-on-shelter-during-thunderstorm-in-bangkok/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 51-year-old man was killed in the early hours of 11 may, when a large tree was brought down by strong winds and rain, crushing the makeshift shelter where he was staying in western Bangkok. Police and forensic investigators from Siriraj Hospital were called to the scene in Soi Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Soi 18, in Salathammasop subdistrict, Thawi Watthana district, after receiving reports of a fatal incident involving a fallen tree. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a large sakae tree had collapsed over a small shack on a 2-rai plot of land. Inside, the body of Mr. Buala, 51, was found shirtless and wearing only shorts. He had sustained severe head injuries, and rescuers had to cut through the branches to retrieve his body. A local resident, Mr. Duean Phongchaliao, 62, reported that a violent storm struck the area the previous evening. Heavy rain and powerful winds caused the tree to topple onto the shelter. Initially, he approached the site to check on the occupant but saw no one. Concerned when the man did not appear an hour later, he returned to investigate and discovered the victim’s lifeless body beneath the tree. Mr. Buala was employed as a caretaker of the land where the incident occurred. His body has been sent to the Forensic Institute at Siriraj Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The incident comes amid a wave of severe weather affecting several parts of Thailand. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

Massive Concrete Slab Falls on Car in Lat Krabang Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A large concrete slab fell from a transport lorry onto a passing car in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok, severely damaging the vehicle. Remarkably, the driver escaped with only minor injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360399-massive-concrete-slab-falls-on-car-in-lat-krabang/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A large concrete slab fell from a transport lorry onto a passing car in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok, severely damaging the vehicle. Remarkably, the driver escaped with only minor injuries. According to a report shared by the FM91 Trafficpro Facebook page and confirmed by the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, the incident occurred near the entrance of Soi Lat Krabang 54. The slab, which had been loaded onto a truck for a nearby construction project, slipped from the vehicle and crashed onto a private car travelling alongside. Images from the scene show the car crushed under the weight of the fallen slab. Fortunately, the driver, who has not been named, suffered only minor injuries and was able to exit the vehicle without assistance. Emergency services were called to the scene immediately, and the right-hand lane of the road was temporarily obstructed due to the debris. Local authorities are now investigating the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

Myanmar Couple Killed in Motorbike Crash During Heavy Rain in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash claimed the lives of a husband and wife from Myanmar after their motorbike skidded and overturned during heavy rainfall, before being struck by an oncoming pickup truck in Nonthaburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360398-myanmar-couple-killed-in-motorbike-crash-during-heavy-rain-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A road crash claimed the lives of a husband and wife from Myanmar after their motorbike skidded and overturned during heavy rainfall, before being struck by an oncoming pickup truck in Nonthaburi province. The incident occurred at approximately 17:30 on 10 May along the road adjacent to the Khlong Prapa canal, near the entrance to Muang Thong Thani in Ban Mai subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Police from Pak Kret Police Station, rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, Bua Phet Nonthaburi Rescue Association, and a forensic physician from the Institute of Forensic Medicine were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Mr. Khun Mong Mit, 38, and Ms. Nan Piang, 35, lying motionless in the middle of the road amidst the pouring rain. Both victims were Myanmar nationals. Nearby lay their black Honda Wave motorbike, licence plate from Bangkok, overturned and damaged. The pickup truck involved in the collision had already fled the scene. Footage from a dashboard camera belonging to a witness captured the sequence of events. The motorbike, travelling from Sri Saman intersection towards Chaeng Watthana Road, was seen attempting to overtake a vehicle in front. However, it lost traction on the wet surface, causing the motorbike to slide and fall. In a cruel twist of timing, a pickup truck travelling in the opposite direction was unable to brake in time, striking the pair. Following the incident, the pickup truck did not remain at the scene. Police were later able to contact the couple’s daughter, who confirmed that her parents worked as painters. On the day of the crash, they had been returning home to the Lat Pla Khao area after a job in Don Mueang. Authorities have stated they will pursue the pickup truck driver to obtain a full account of the crash. The bodies of the deceased have been transported by the Poh Teck Tung Foundation to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for examination. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

Manhunt for Myanmar National After Fatal Home Invasion in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police are urgently hunting a 23-year-old Myanmar man following a violent home invasion and fatal shooting in Bangkok’s Phetkasem area late night on 10 May. The suspect, identified as Mr. Sai Han, is accused of breaking into the home of 70-year-old fitness centre owner Mr. Yuttharoj, seizing his revolver, and fatally shooting him during a struggle. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360389-manhunt-for-myanmar-national-after-fatal-home-invasion-in-bangkok/

Five Injured After Van Carrying Family Returning from House Blessing Is Hit by Lorry in Khon Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Five people were injured in a road crash in Khon Kaen province today after a van carrying family members returning from a housewarming religious ceremony attempted a U-turn and was struck by an 18-wheeler lorry. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360388-five-injured-after-van-carrying-family-returning-from-house-blessing-is-hit-by-lorry-in-khon/

Flash Flood Devastates Wang Nam Khiao – 18-Year-Old Man Swept Away & Killed Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Torrential rains triggered a powerful flash flood in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima on 10 May, submerging homes and vehicles and claiming the life of an 18-year-old construction worker. Another man, aged around 60, is missing after being swept away in the floodwaters. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360387-flash-flood-devastates-wang-nam-khiao-–-18-year-old-man-swept-away-killed/

Siam Amazing Park Commits 300 Million Baht to Water Park Revamp New Rides from China & India Pictured courtesy of Khaosod. Siam Amazing Park, an amusement and water park, has announced a major 300 million baht investment plan to revitalise its water park facilities, including the purchase of new rides from suppliers in China and India. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360386-siam-amazing-park-commits-300-million-baht-to-water-park-revamp-new-rides-from-china-india/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Police are urgently hunting a 23-year-old Myanmar man following a violent home invasion and fatal shooting in Bangkok’s Phetkasem area late night on 10 May. The suspect, identified as Mr. Sai Han, is accused of breaking into the home of 70-year-old fitness centre owner Mr. Yuttharoj, seizing his revolver, and fatally shooting him during a struggle. According to police reports, Mr. Sai Han allegedly stole the victim’s .38-calibre revolver, mobile phone, and Honda CR-V before fleeing the scene. The suspect, described as an unskilled driver unfamiliar with local roads, was last traced heading towards Rangsit after hitting multiple motorcycles during his erratic escape through the Ban Khaek and Chana Songkhram areas. Investigators are currently reviewing extensive CCTV footage and believe they are closing in on the suspect’s location. The incident is linked to Mr. Sai Han’s 18-year-old girlfriend, Ms. Pong, who is five months pregnant and had been employed by Mr. Yuttharoj since 28 April as a caregiver for his 90-year-old mother. She was arrested earlier for illegally entering Thailand and is now in custody. Ms. Pong revealed that Mr. Sai Han had previously visited the home once and had demanded money for alcohol. She described him as an alcoholic with a history of physical abuse. Although she initially requested that her boyfriend be hired to work alongside her, Mr. Yuttharoj declined after learning about his violent behaviour. Shortly before the incident, Ms. Pong received a threatening phone call from Mr. Sai Han, who said he intended to kill her. She informed her employer, and soon after, the suspect climbed over the fence and attempted to enter the house. Mr. Yuttharoj tried to prevent the intrusion by confronting him with a firearm. A struggle ensued, during which the suspect allegedly managed to wrest the gun away and fatally shot the victim. He then fled with the weapon and other items. Family members have appealed to the authorities to apprehend the suspect swiftly, citing safety concerns, especially with an elderly and bedridden relative still residing in the house. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Five people were injured in a road crash in Khon Kaen province today after a van carrying family members returning from a housewarming religious ceremony attempted a U-turn and was struck by an 18-wheeler lorry. Emergency response teams from the Mueang Kao Municipality Rescue Unit, the Sawang Khon Kaen Foundation, and Khon Kaen Hospital’s ambulance service rushed to the scene on Klang Mueang Road in Ban Non Tun, Mueang Kao sub-district. The van, a Hyundai registered in Bangkok, had been damaged in the crash, which occurred when it turned across the path of a cement lorry also registered in Bangkok. Five female passengers in the van were injured. Fortunately, a passing female doctor witnessed the incident and immediately began providing first aid alongside rescue personnel before the injured were taken to Khon Kaen Hospital for further treatment. The lorry driver, Mr. Somchai aged 50, stated he had been delivering cement to a roadside depot near Khon Kaen’s bypass road. He claimed that the van, travelling in the left-hand lane, suddenly attempted a turn across the road without warning, leaving him unable to brake in time. The resulting collision caused the van to spin into the middle of the road. The van’s driver, Mr. Manop aged 62, explained that he had been transporting seven family members from Nakhon Ratchasima to attend a house blessing ceremony. The crash occurred as they were returning home and attempting to cross the railway bridge towards Mittraphap Road. He admitted he had failed to notice the approaching lorry before attempting the turn, which led to the impact. Most of the injured passengers were elderly relatives. The names and ages of those injured are: • Mrs. Samniang, 82 • Mrs. Phongsri, 78 • Mrs. Lamyai, 63 • Mrs. Lampoon, 80 • Mrs. Supap, 58 Police investigators conducted a thorough examination to determine the precise cause of the crash. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

End to Holiday Plans: Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Trang Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A planned seaside holiday ended, after a 35-year-old man died in a motorcycle accident just 300 metres from his destination in Trang Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360385-end-to-holiday-plans-man-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-in-trang/

Pictured courtesy of Khaosod. Siam Amazing Park, an amusement and water park, has announced a major 300 million baht investment plan to revitalise its water park facilities, including the purchase of new rides from suppliers in China and India. Mr. Wuthichai Lueangamornlert, CEO of Siam Park City Group, which operates the well-known Siam Amazing Park (formerly Suan Siam), revealed that the company is taking strategic advantage of global market shifts caused by US trade tariffs under former President Donald Trump’s administration. This has led to a pivot away from traditional European and American ride suppliers toward more cost-effective alternatives in Asia. The renovation project, which is expected to take 3–4 years, forms part of the company’s 2025 operations roadmap. It includes both the acquisition of brand-new attractions and upgrades to existing equipment, all aimed at improving customer experience and drawing more visitors. “Following the COVID-19 crisis, we experienced severe liquidity issues, with outstanding debts reaching approximately 1 billion baht,” said Mr. Wuthichai. “We’ve had to restructure our debt with the banks, using our revenue mainly to pay interest. But we’re now seeing signs of economic recovery, and the banks are ready to support our investment plans moving forward.” The company aims to reinvigorate customer interest without slashing prices further. Visitor numbers have dropped by 20–30% post-pandemic, prompting a strategic shift from price-cutting to investment in quality and innovation. “We’re focusing on three core actions: revitalisation, refurbishment, and reinvestment. Our goal is to regain momentum and prepare for the expected rebound in the tourism and leisure sector by 2027,” Mr. Wuthichai added. Siam Amazing Park hopes that these investments will position it as a leading destination for family entertainment in Thailand and Southeast Asia once again. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Torrential rains triggered a powerful flash flood in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima on 10 May, submerging homes and vehicles and claiming the life of an 18-year-old construction worker. Another man, aged around 60, is missing after being swept away in the floodwaters. The downpour, caused by a summer storm, struck Udomsap subdistrict for nearly three hours, overwhelming the forested hills of Thap Lan National Park and unleashing a mass of water into Khlong Nong Somong. This surge inundated the nearby village of Ban Nong Somong in Moo 6. A Myanmar construction worker, identified as Mr. Thun, 18, was swept away while attempting to escape the rising waters using two plastic jerry cans as flotation devices. He was reported missing, prompting an urgent search by rescue team Hook 31 and military personnel from the 2nd Army Region. The search for the missing worker culminated around 19:15, when Mr. Thun’s body was found entangled in bamboo along Khlong Nong Somong, roughly 300 metres from the house. While search operations for Mr. Thun were underway, rescue services received another distress call involving a man in his sixties who was reportedly clinging to a motorbike on a flooded road near the boundary of Ban Huai Phrom and Ban Takrut Rang villages. Despite a rapid response, rescuers found no sign of the man when they arrived. Thermal drone surveillance was deployed, but no heat signals were detected, and the search was suspended pending any local reports of a missing person. Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and are preparing for further recovery operations. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A planned seaside holiday ended, after a 35-year-old man died in a motorcycle accident just 300 metres from his destination in Trang Province. At around 12:00 noon, Police Sub-Lieutenant Phanthit Sanguansak, a duty investigator from Mueang Trang Police Station, responded to reports of a fatal road crash near the Khuan Pring traffic lights in Moo 6, Khuan Pring sub-district, Mueang Trang district. Emergency responders from several units, including Trang Hospital and Thonburi Trang Hospital, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a Honda CBR 150R motorcycle registered in Nakhon Ratchasima lying on its side near the base of a streetlight on a central reservation. The motorbike had sustained damage. The streetlamp showed signs of a direct impact, with its light fixture and casing dislodged and dangling. Approximately three to four metres from the motorcycle lay the lifeless body of Mr. Sonthaya, a local entrepreneur originally from Nakhon Ratchasima. He was found in a pool of blood, having suffered a severe head injury. Forensic examination at the scene confirmed blunt force trauma to the front of the skull as the cause of death. The emotional toll of the incident was immediately apparent when the deceased’s girlfriend arrived at the scene accompanied by friends. Overcome with grief, she collapsed in tears beside his body, holding him tightly as others looked on in sorrow. Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Sonthaya had been travelling from his home in Ban Khok Phla, Khok Lo sub-district, en route to a nearby garage in Khuan Pring to collect his pickup truck. He had planned to take his girlfriend to Hat Yao beach in Koh Libong, Kantang District, for a weekend getaway. While navigating a bend near a junction, he appears to have lost control of the motorbike, veering off course and slamming into the streetlight pole. Local bystanders who witnessed the aftermath quickly alerted emergency services. Authorities transferred the body to Trang Hospital for a formal autopsy. The family has requested the body be returned to the deceased’s hometown of Nakhon Ratchasima for religious rites and burial. Rescue personnel will assist with the transport. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.

UPDATE Tragic End to Search for Missing Thai Teen as Family Demands Answers Picture courtesy of Naewna. The search for 17-year-old Napassorn, affectionately known as “Nong Namtan,” ended in tragedy as her family confirmed her death on Saturday, 10 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360129-thai-teenager-missing-for-a-week-family-appeals-for-publics-help/#findComment-19793996

Ukrainian Arrested at Phuket Airport Over Condominium Vandalism Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Ukrainian national was arrested at Phuket International Airport on the 10 May, accused of causing extensive damage to a rented condominium in the Mueangdistrict, Phuket. The estimated cost of the damage is 350,000 baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360371-ukrainian-tourist-arrested-at-phuket-airport-over-condominium-vandalism/

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 12 May 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1360384-thailand-live-monday-12-may-2025/

Ukrainian Arrested at Phuket Airport Over Condominium Vandalism Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Ukrainian national was arrested at Phuket International Airport on the 10 May, accused of causing extensive damage to a rented condominium in the Mueangdistrict, Phuket. The estimated cost of the damage is 350,000 baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360371-ukrainian-tourist-arrested-at-phuket-airport-over-condominium-vandalism/

Update here:

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Ukrainian national was arrested at Phuket International Airport on the 10 May, accused of causing extensive damage to a rented condominium in the Mueang district, Phuket. The estimated cost of the damage is 350,000 baht. The woman, identified only as Miss Anastasia, was detained by immigration officers as she attempted to leave Thailand. Police had previously issued two summonses for her to appear for questioning following a complaint filed by the property manager, Ms Warinrat, 39, on 29 April. When the suspect failed to respond, officers from Wichit Police Station secured a court-approved arrest warrant. During initial questioning, the woman admitted to vandalising the apartment, claiming she was angry about not receiving her security deposit. However, the property owner, Miss Praphaphan, explained that the woman was not listed on the rental agreement, which was signed by a Russian national. This discrepancy, along with other contractual stipulations, prevented the immediate return of the 32,000 baht deposit. The condominium, located in Wichit sub-district, was found in a state of disrepair. Images shared on Facebook by the owner showed walls and ceilings covered in blue and green graffiti, including crude drawings, obscenities, and the word “SWINDLE” scrawled above the bed. Household furnishings, including the bed, curtains, and pillows, had been slashed open, with cotton stuffing strewn across the room. Electrical appliances were also reportedly destroyed. Miss Anastasia had resided in the flat from 15 April 2024 to 15 April 2025. After initially refusing to vacate the property at the end of the tenancy, she later agreed to leave by 29 April. She informed the manager that she had left the room early and had placed the keys in a rubbish bin. Accompanied by friends and security personnel, Ms Warinrat entered the property with a locksmith and was shocked by the scale of the destruction. The property owner emphasised that she had been following proper procedures, as stipulated in the lease agreement. These included a 14-day window to process the deposit return, deductions for unpaid utility bills, and the requirement that refunds be made only to the person listed on the contract. Miss Anastasia has been charged with property damage and remains in police custody as legal proceedings commence. The room owner posted online following the arrest: “Whatever karma you create, you must face the consequences, young lady.” Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359349-deposit-dispute-turns-ugly-ukrainian-renter-wrecks-thai-condo-then-vanishes/ Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.

UPDATE Tragic End to Search for Missing Thai Teen as Family Demands Answers Picture courtesy of Naewna. The search for 17-year-old Napassorn, affectionately known as “Nong Namtan,” ended in tragedy as her family confirmed her death on Saturday, 10 May. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360129-thai-teenager-missing-for-a-week-family-appeals-for-publics-help/#findComment-19793996