https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenInteresting question, i asked Gemini —it is highly unlikely that the finance company will allow this transfer under these specific circumstances. While transferring a "Hire-Purchase" (finance) agreement to another person is legally possible in Thailand, doing it as a foreigner on a fixed pension is an uphill battle that almost always ends in a rejection. Here is exactly why it’s a long shot, along with the very narrow exception where it might work. Why the Finance Company Will Likely Say No Thai finance companies and banks are incredibly strict with foreigners, and they use a specific checklist for vehicle loans. Your pal hits almost every red flag on their list: No Work Permit / Stable Thai Income: To take over a loan, finance companies require a valid Thai Work Permit and at least 3–6 months of local salary slips. They generally do not accept foreign pension statements or overseas bank transfers as proof of stable, seizable income if things go wrong. Visa Restrictions: If your pal is on a retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O or O-A), finance companies see this as a temporary stay. They are terrified the foreigner will simply ride the bike across a border or fly home, leaving them with an unrecoverable debt. The Guarantor Requirement: Even if a foreigner meets the income criteria, Thai finance companies almost always require a Thai guarantor who owns property or has a high, verifiable salary. If the bike's current owner is unemployed, they certainly can't act as the guarantor. The One Exception: How It Could Work There is only one realistic way the bank will approve the transfer of the remaining 120,000 THB finance agreement to your pal: He must use a qualified Thai Guarantor. If your pal has a trusted Thai partner, close friend, or spouse who has a solid job, clean credit, and a steady income, that Thai national can either take over the loan entirely or act as the primary guarantor for your pal. If they do find a guarantor, they would need to approach the specific finance company together. The bank will charge a transfer fee (usually a few thousand Baht) and require about 2 to 3 months of advanced installment payments upfront to approve the switch. A Warning About "Under-the-Table" Deals Because the official route is so hard, the desperate Thai owner might suggest an informal deal: "You just give me the cash every month, you keep the bike, and when it's paid off, we change the name." Tell your friend to run away from this idea. In Thailand, the finance company legally owns the bike until the final payment is made. If your friend pays the owner directly, the owner could just pocket the cash, default on the loan, and the bank will come and repossess the MT07 right out of your friend's garage. Conversely, if your friend gets into an accident, the legal owner (and the bank) face massive liability issues. Summary Unless your pal has a financially stable Thai national willing to put their name on the line as a guarantor, he will not be able to take over the finance agreement. He's better off saving up the cash to buy a used bike outright.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:55:56 +0000Further confirmation of the pointlessness of your contributions; just trolling comments on this thread in order to sneer at people and contradict any posters comments without any alternative arguments, just juvenile naysaying; classless, graceless, but fortunately irrelevant.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:52:52 +0000That is really a statement...The grab driver could have avoid it if he had taken different route...and than probably someone or something else was hit... But probably the phone of the Grab driver is debet of attracking the lightning. It is always said don't use the phone in a thunderstorm..Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:52:52 +0000Troll post removed. @Bday Prang discuss the topic and stop trying to bait other posters. Rule 9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the forum or sent by private message are not allowed. 10. You will not post troll messages. Trolling is the act of purposefully antagonizing forum members by posting controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages with the primary intent of provoking other members into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:51:51 +0000It is an ugly thing to mock and gloat over the misfortune of others. I see a lot of misery here for some folks in their later years.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:49:14 +0000For strange reasons related to how humans process numbers the 200th bicentennial was a much bigger deal than even a decent not Trump ruined 250th would be. In 1976 Americans did not doubt the vitality of their democracy and could not have even imagined an anti-democracy fascist regime like Trump in power. The 250th is a time when Americans wonder if American democracy has been lost forever. To get it back, Americans will need to fight very hard as Hungarians recently did, seemingly against all odds. I'm not confident Americans will be so lucky. 1976 will be remembered mostly for the tall ships.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:39:36 +0000The man clearly needs help........... even by British standards, this is not normal........!Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:39:06 +0000UPDATE British Man Arrested After Disturbance in PhuketWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:37:36 +0000Spot on. Vietnam is one of many countries that requires 6 month pp validity. OP needs to obtain new pp now.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:33:15 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/british-man-arrested-after-disturbance-in-phuket-r2160/A 24-year-old British man has been arrested after allegedly causing a second public disturbance in Phuket’s Chalong area within two days. Police said the latest incident took place at about 12:00 on 2 June 2026 in Soi Ta-iad, a popular fitness and Muay Thai training district in Mueang Phuket district. Get today's headlines by email Officers responded after receiving reports from members of the public that a foreign man appeared heavily intoxicated, was speaking incoherently and causing a nuisance in the area. A patrol team led by Sub-Lieutenant Bandit Khamkaew arrived and found the man displaying signs of intoxication and behaving erratically. According to police, officers attempted to search the man, but he allegedly resisted and tried to flee. Police detained him, citing concerns that his behaviour could pose a risk to residents and visitors nearby and took him to Chalong Police Station for further investigation. Authorities later confirmed he was the same individual involved in a separate incident on 1 June. During that earlier event, police said the man, identified only as Mr Brown, was found sitting outside a house in Soi Ta-iad after allegedly banging on a resident’s door and attempting to take a raincoat and motorcycle helmet left outside the property. The homeowner reported feeling frightened and concerned for the safety of their family and belongings. Officers who attended the scene found that Mr Brown held valid identification and immigration documents and had travelled to Phuket to study Muay Thai. Police said he was able to communicate clearly during questioning and claimed his actions were intended as a prank. As the homeowner decided not to file a complaint, officers issued a warning and escorted him back to his accommodation. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Following the second disturbance, police charged Mr Brown with becoming intoxicated and behaving disorderly in a public place. He was handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for legal proceedings. Khaosod reported that the case highlights police concerns about public safety in busy tourist and training areas. Authorities have urged members of the public to report individuals whose behaviour causes disturbances or may present a danger to the community. -7723805376441941018.mov Video courtesy of Phuketinsta Related story Foreign-tourist-enters-Phuket-property-police-intervene Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 June 2026Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:31:34 +0000A 24-year-old British man has been arrested after allegedly causing a second public disturbance in Phuket’s Chalong area within two days. Police said the latest incident took place at about 12:00 on 2 June 2026 in Soi Ta-iad, a popular fitness and Muay Thai training district in Mueang Phuket district. Get today's headlines by email Officers responded after receiving reports from members of the public that a foreign man appeared heavily intoxicated, was speaking incoherently and causing a nuisance in the area. A patrol team led by Sub-Lieutenant Bandit Khamkaew arrived and found the man displaying signs of intoxication and behaving erratically. According to police, officers attempted to search the man, but he allegedly resisted and tried to flee. Police detained him, citing concerns that his behaviour could pose a risk to residents and visitors nearby and took him to Chalong Police Station for further investigation. Authorities later confirmed he was the same individual involved in a separate incident on 1 June. During that earlier event, police said the man, identified only as Mr Brown, was found sitting outside a house in Soi Ta-iad after allegedly banging on a resident’s door and attempting to take a raincoat and motorcycle helmet left outside the property. The homeowner reported feeling frightened and concerned for the safety of their family and belongings. Officers who attended the scene found that Mr Brown held valid identification and immigration documents and had travelled to Phuket to study Muay Thai. Police said he was able to communicate clearly during questioning and claimed his actions were intended as a prank. As the homeowner decided not to file a complaint, officers issued a warning and escorted him back to his accommodation. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Following the second disturbance, police charged Mr Brown with becoming intoxicated and behaving disorderly in a public place. He was handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for legal proceedings. Khaosod reported that the case highlights police concerns about public safety in busy tourist and training areas. Authorities have urged members of the public to report individuals whose behaviour causes disturbances or may present a danger to the community. -7723805376441941018.mov Video courtesy of Phuketinsta Related story Foreign-tourist-enters-Phuket-property-police-intervene Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:31:34 +0000Why fix what isn't broken?Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:31:12 +0000Very much so................Personally, I have had many interactions and business dealings with Sikhs over the years and never once had any issues.....Of note, Sikh charities are well known for their humanitarian charities worldwide and the UK is no exception with many organisations featuring countrywide.............Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:24:37 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-student-rescued-in-virtual-kidnapping-scam-in-thailand-r2159/A 21-year-old Chinese student, from Hong Kong, was safely rescued by Thai police after falling victim to a cross-border “virtual kidnapping” scam in Thailand, where international fraudsters allegedly manipulated the student into staging an abduction and demanded a ransom of HK$3 million (12.5 million baht) from the family. Get today's headlines by email The case was announced on 3 June 2026 by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre, alongside senior officers from the Central Investigation Bureau. The operation followed a request for assistance from the Hong Kong Police Force after the student’s family reported receiving threats and ransom demands. According to investigators, Miss Wang, aged 21, disappeared after travelling to Thailand from Hong Kong. Her father was contacted via WeChat by an unknown man claiming to be holding her captive. The suspect demanded HK$3 million and sent images showing the student bound and appearing to have been assaulted, prompting the family to seek help from Hong Kong police. Police discovered that before the alleged kidnapping, scammers had persuaded the student to request money from her father under the pretext that it was needed as proof of financial support for overseas studies. Between 19 and 20 May 2026, her father transferred HK$1.4 million, into her Bank of China account. The funds were later dispersed to multiple accounts believed to be linked to the scam network. The student travelled alone on Hong Kong Airlines flight HX767, arriving in Thailand at 2.36am on 1 June 2026. She initially checked into a hotel in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district, where investigators reviewed CCTV footage and found no evidence that she had been abducted. Further investigation revealed that she had hired a vehicle to purchase ropes, a knife, body paint and red lipstick before creating injuries and restraint marks herself. She then photographed and filmed the staged scenes and sent the material to the scammers, who used it to pressure her family into paying the ransom. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Police later traced the student to another hotel in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where she had checked in using a fake passport, allegedly supplied by the scammers. Officers located her and secured her safety. The Royal Thai Police said the student had been subjected to psychological manipulation by criminals posing as government or law enforcement officials. Investigators described the case as a “virtual kidnapping”, a growing scam in which victims are coerced into isolating themselves and staging abductions while fraudsters extort money from relatives. Thaitabloid reported that authorities said they will continue working closely with Hong Kong police and international law enforcement agencies to pursue those responsible and prevent similar crimes. AQPf03L6xFNEyb8LZ3YiNsgJghze75iGjTRUBCqyZ88k-7--NX2tHijOfr7zG4XO9Jwukr_IytXbL-2FHKXczCcI3npUBRLU-WZH2aY2lg.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 4 June 2026Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:20:05 +0000A 21-year-old Chinese student, from Hong Kong, was safely rescued by Thai police after falling victim to a cross-border “virtual kidnapping” scam in Thailand, where international fraudsters allegedly manipulated the student into staging an abduction and demanded a ransom of HK$3 million (12.5 million baht) from the family. Get today's headlines by email The case was announced on 3 June 2026 by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre, alongside senior officers from the Central Investigation Bureau. The operation followed a request for assistance from the Hong Kong Police Force after the student’s family reported receiving threats and ransom demands. According to investigators, Miss Wang, aged 21, disappeared after travelling to Thailand from Hong Kong. Her father was contacted via WeChat by an unknown man claiming to be holding her captive. The suspect demanded HK$3 million and sent images showing the student bound and appearing to have been assaulted, prompting the family to seek help from Hong Kong police. Police discovered that before the alleged kidnapping, scammers had persuaded the student to request money from her father under the pretext that it was needed as proof of financial support for overseas studies. Between 19 and 20 May 2026, her father transferred HK$1.4 million, into her Bank of China account. The funds were later dispersed to multiple accounts believed to be linked to the scam network. The student travelled alone on Hong Kong Airlines flight HX767, arriving in Thailand at 2.36am on 1 June 2026. She initially checked into a hotel in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district, where investigators reviewed CCTV footage and found no evidence that she had been abducted. Further investigation revealed that she had hired a vehicle to purchase ropes, a knife, body paint and red lipstick before creating injuries and restraint marks herself. She then photographed and filmed the staged scenes and sent the material to the scammers, who used it to pressure her family into paying the ransom. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Police later traced the student to another hotel in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where she had checked in using a fake passport, allegedly supplied by the scammers. Officers located her and secured her safety. The Royal Thai Police said the student had been subjected to psychological manipulation by criminals posing as government or law enforcement officials. Investigators described the case as a “virtual kidnapping”, a growing scam in which victims are coerced into isolating themselves and staging abductions while fraudsters extort money from relatives. Thaitabloid reported that authorities said they will continue working closely with Hong Kong police and international law enforcement agencies to pursue those responsible and prevent similar crimes. AQPf03L6xFNEyb8LZ3YiNsgJghze75iGjTRUBCqyZ88k-7--NX2tHijOfr7zG4XO9Jwukr_IytXbL-2FHKXczCcI3npUBRLU-WZH2aY2lg.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:20:05 +0000You are saying "if I renew my passport now". There's one aspect of your plans that hasn't been mentioned yet. If you don't renew the passport while you are back there in the UK, you'll be OK to arrive in Thailand "in late August", as you say. No problem there. But without getting new passport while you're in the UK, your planned trip to Vietnam is not gonna happen, as you'd have less than six months' validity on that passport, and I don't think you'd be able to acquire a new Irish passport in Bangkok in any timely fashion to enable a September trip to Vietnam. So it should not be "if I renew my passport now" issue, but a case of starting the process of getting a new passport pronto. You've got a little less than two months, that should provide plenty of time to get it done.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:14:56 +0000As many of you know I was nearly viciously assaulted last year by a ladyboy up near that Supansi condo up in thappraya road directly outside that Gold painted building Lucky I was able to push him back after he tried to hug meWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:08:45 +0000Lightning proof helmets.....kinda impressive considering their cost......great marketing opportunity for Index brand...Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:06:59 +0000The Sikhs are lovely people and I was ashamed to see Maoris in New Zealand protesting and fighting them on the streets last week in NZWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:06:40 +0000At 5am on Walking Street, accepting a hug from a stranger and only losing 10,000 baht might actually count as getting off lightly.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:06:26 +0000StallionWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:04:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/korean-tourist-robbed-by-ladyboys-in-pattaya-r2158/A Korean tourist has reported being robbed by two ladyboys on Pattaya’s Walking Street after a designer bag containing cash and personal belongings was allegedly stolen during the early hours of 3 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The complaint was brought to the attention of reporters at 9.30pm on 3 June 2026 by a concerned citizen who requested anonymity. The individual reported that a group of ladyboys had targeted a foreign tourist on Walking Street in Pattaya, Chonburi, during the early hours of the same day. The victim later filed a formal complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station. The concerned citizen also provided video footage of the alleged theft, showing the suspects approaching and surrounding the tourist before allegedly stealing property. The footage was shared as a warning to visitors and with a request for authorities to take stronger action against pickpocket gangs operating in the area. Reporters visited the scene on Walking Street and found that the area is used as an operational point by Pattaya Tourist Police, who provide assistance to visitors from 8pm until 4am daily. After the end of operations, officers gradually leave the area and traffic is permitted to resume along the route leading to Bali Hai Pier. It is believed the suspects may have chosen this period to act because it falls immediately after tourist assistance points close and police presence is gone. The area remains busy with tourists at that time, while security coverage may not be as intensive as during normal operating hours. Police records confirm that the incident occurred at approximately 5am on 3 June 2026 outside an entertainment venue on Walking Street. The victim was identified as 38-year-old Korean tourist Dong Chan Shin. According to the police report, the tourist was walking along the popular entertainment district when one ladyboy approached, initiated conversation, offered an embrace and made physical contact. A second ladyboy, believed to be part of the same group, then moved in to distract the tourist, allowing the suspects to allegedly steal a Gucci bag. The bag reportedly contained 10,000 baht in cash, an identity card and a room key. The suspects then fled the scene. Investigators from Pattaya City Police Station have acknowledged the complaint and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Officers are gathering evidence and working to identify and locate those responsible in order to pursue legal action as quickly as possible. AQMKPnCLxG3lDYv-dksxAfIlkJvF4V-6IxI-D_2rIsScQeUKEVly8c504ZeSDCFP9nbFrOM-3KBm94KDhnol6a7vtQxHqr1iWqvO0GuECw.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 4 June 2026Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:02:34 +0000A Korean tourist has reported being robbed by two ladyboys on Pattaya’s Walking Street after a designer bag containing cash and personal belongings was allegedly stolen during the early hours of 3 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The complaint was brought to the attention of reporters at 9.30pm on 3 June 2026 by a concerned citizen who requested anonymity. The individual reported that a group of ladyboys had targeted a foreign tourist on Walking Street in Pattaya, Chonburi, during the early hours of the same day. The victim later filed a formal complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station. The concerned citizen also provided video footage of the alleged theft, showing the suspects approaching and surrounding the tourist before allegedly stealing property. The footage was shared as a warning to visitors and with a request for authorities to take stronger action against pickpocket gangs operating in the area. Reporters visited the scene on Walking Street and found that the area is used as an operational point by Pattaya Tourist Police, who provide assistance to visitors from 8pm until 4am daily. After the end of operations, officers gradually leave the area and traffic is permitted to resume along the route leading to Bali Hai Pier. It is believed the suspects may have chosen this period to act because it falls immediately after tourist assistance points close and police presence is gone. The area remains busy with tourists at that time, while security coverage may not be as intensive as during normal operating hours. Police records confirm that the incident occurred at approximately 5am on 3 June 2026 outside an entertainment venue on Walking Street. The victim was identified as 38-year-old Korean tourist Dong Chan Shin. According to the police report, the tourist was walking along the popular entertainment district when one ladyboy approached, initiated conversation, offered an embrace and made physical contact. A second ladyboy, believed to be part of the same group, then moved in to distract the tourist, allowing the suspects to allegedly steal a Gucci bag. The bag reportedly contained 10,000 baht in cash, an identity card and a room key. The suspects then fled the scene. Investigators from Pattaya City Police Station have acknowledged the complaint and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Officers are gathering evidence and working to identify and locate those responsible in order to pursue legal action as quickly as possible. AQMKPnCLxG3lDYv-dksxAfIlkJvF4V-6IxI-D_2rIsScQeUKEVly8c504ZeSDCFP9nbFrOM-3KBm94KDhnol6a7vtQxHqr1iWqvO0GuECw.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:02:34 +0000Impressive Thai language skills I gotta say ..............and an interesting topic...........................Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:57:06 +0000Thailand can try to argue this all it likes, but the simple fact is they unilaterally tore up the 2001 MoU (the very agreement that stopped either side from touching the offshore resources). Now that Cambodia has gone to UNCLOS to restore that freeze, Thailand is suddenly crying foul. Sihasak pointing to the Timor‑Leste–Australia case says it all. That’s the precedent where the bigger state didn’t get the outcome it wanted. No wonder Thailand is nervous, compulsory conciliation limits the room for quiet manoeuvring before the exploitation begins. Thailand ended the MoU, likely expecting more freedom to move on those protected resources, and Cambodia responded with the one mechanism that puts everything back under rules instead of politics. This has never been about “trust”. It’s about who gets control over the resources in the disputed marine boundary area. The rhetoric is just nationalistic chest-beating.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:49:37 +0000