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Crime Chinese National Arrested for Running Illegal Tour Operation Outside Bangkok’s Grand Palace
Picture courtesy of Workpoint. Authorities have arrested a Chinese man for allegedly operating an illegal tour service outside one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), using deceptive tactics to avoid detection by immigration and tourism officials. The suspect, identified as Mr Yue Liu, 31, a Chinese national, was found conducting unlicensed guided tours for visiting Chinese tourists while posing as a legitimate operator. In a sophisticated attempt to evade law enforcement, Mr Liu reportedly drove a luxury vehicle himself, personally escorted tour groups, and provided full-service “VIP” packages that included high-end dining and comfort-focused travel itineraries. Bookings were made online. The arrest was made as part of a broader crackdown ordered by Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The operation is targeting unauthorised foreign workers and illegal tour operations that compete unfairly with local businesses. According to police, undercover officers from the Tourist Police Bureau began surveillance after receiving intelligence reports about a foreign national routinely leading tour groups around the Grand Palace area. Mr Liu was apprehended near Tha Chang Pier on Maharaj Road after officers confirmed he was violating Thai tourism and labour laws. Mr Liu now faces two charges: operating a tour business without a licence, and working in Thailand without a valid work permit or outside the scope permitted by any such permit. Investigators believe this case is part of a wider trend in which illegal foreign tour operators bypass regulations by disguising themselves as private drivers or freelance guides. The suspect has been handed over to investigators at Chana Songkhram Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on “nominee” operators and unlicensed guides, emphasising the importance of protecting Thai jobs and ensuring visitor safety through properly regulated tourism services. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-11. -
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Tourism Chinese Business Delegation Backs Pattaya’s Safety, Plans to Fly in 1,000 Staff in June
Picture courtesy of Matichon. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has expressed delight after two senior Chinese business executives declared the city “100% safe” for tourism and confirmed plans to bring 1,000 employees to visit in June. Mr Huang Yang Sen, CEO of Chinese tea and supplement company Tianfu Tianmeishi, and Ms Yi Na, the firm’s Deputy CEO, visited Pattaya City Hall this week to meet with Mayor Poramet. The visit was aimed at reaffirming their company’s confidence in the safety of Pattaya amid negative perceptions in some parts of China regarding travel to Thailand. The company, which operates over 3,000 branches across China, has long been bringing customers and staff to Thailand as part of incentive travel programmes. However, recent concerns over safety in Thailand, stemming from high-profile incidents such as call centre scams and the abduction of Chinese nationals, had raised doubts among the public and the media. During the meeting, the executives made it clear they remained confident in Thailand’s tourism infrastructure and security. Mr Huang stated: “Chinese tourists love coming to Thailand, but there have been some concerns recently about safety. That’s why, in June 2025, we are bringing a group of 1,000 customers and representatives to Pattaya to show everyone that it is indeed safe.” Ms Yi Na echoed these sentiments, admitting that before her recent trip, she too had been warned against travelling to Thailand by friends and family due to the country’s negative press. “But after arriving, I found Thailand and Pattaya to be completely safe,” she said. “There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit, and the fear I had before arriving quickly disappeared.” She added that the notion of Thailand being too expensive was not a major concern, saying she found travel costs to be reasonable. “Price isn’t the real issue. Safety is what matters most to travellers. Personally, I didn’t spend an excessive amount on this trip, and I believe Thai tourism will recover strongly in the future,” she said. The visit and endorsement by the Chinese delegation is seen as a significant boost for Pattaya’s tourism industry, particularly as it continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic and recent safety concerns. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-11. -
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Accident British Tourist Seriously Injured in Thai Waterfall Fall – Family Appeals for Help as Medica
Picture courtesy of Naewna A 21-year-old British tourist who suffered life-threatening injuries after falling from a waterfall in Thailand is now facing medical bills exceeding 4.3 million Baht, prompting his family and girlfriend to launch an urgent fundraising appeal to bring him home. Liam Gibson, a British soldier, was holidaying on Koh Samui with his girlfriend, Lucy Baldwin, 20, when the incident occurred during the Songkran festival. On 12 April, while taking photos at a popular viewing point at Na Muang 2 Waterfall, a location widely shared on TikTok, Liam lost his footing and plunged nine metres onto rocks below. He sustained multiple serious injuries, including a fractured skull, broken facial bones, and a shattered femur. Liam remained stuck and unconscious for nearly two hours before being rescued and rushed to a local hospital. He has been in hospital for nearly a month following the incident. Lucy, describing the ordeal as the “worst experience of her life,” said: “I noticed he’d been gone for a while, so I called out. Then I saw him unconscious on the rocks, covered in blood. Thankfully, nearby tourists came to help us.” Due to the severity of his injuries and the high cost of international medical transport, Liam requires an air ambulance to return to the UK for further surgery. Lucy launched a fundraising campaign via GoFundMe to help cover the medical expenses. In her heartfelt plea, Lucy wrote, “We never wanted to ask for help, but this is our last option. Liam can’t leave the hospital until the bill is paid. Please help me bring him home so he can get the surgery he desperately needs.” So far, more than 1.3 million Baht has been raised. The family expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and are currently working with their insurance provider in the hope of resolving the situation. The incident has once again raised concerns over travel safety and the importance of adequate insurance coverage while abroad. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-05-11. -
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Accident Incident at Udon Thani Rice Mill Claims Life of Elderly Woman
Picture from responders. An incident occurred shortly before 13:00 on 10 May, at a rice mill in Ban Pa Kao, Phak Top Subdistrict, Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province, when a 73-year-old woman was fatally injured after being pulled into a conveyor belt. According to reports, the woman was near the milling machine when her clothing became entangled in the conveyor mechanism. The force of the belt quickly drew her into the machine, causing severe injuries. Witnesses at the scene acted immediately to shut off the equipment and called the emergency services. Rescue workers from Phak Top Municipality’s emergency unit arrived promptly, cutting her free from the machinery and transported the injured woman to Nong Han Hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to the extent of her injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-11. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 11 May 2025
Thai Airways Q1 Profits Soar by 306% as Exit from Rehabilitation Nears Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Thai Airways has posted a remarkable turnaround in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, recording net profits of nearly $300 million, a 306% increase year-on-year, with total revenues reaching $1.56 billion (51.6 billion baht). The airline now stands on the brink of exiting its court-supervised business rehabilitation, with a key ruling expected on 4 June. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360334-thai-airways-q1-profits-soar-by-306-as-exit-from-rehabilitation-nears/ -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 11 May 2025
Search Ends for Remaining Missing Victims in Collapsed Auditor-General’s Office Picture courtesy of Amarin Authorities have officially ended the search for the remaining seven missing individuals following the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok. Although no additional bodies were found during the final sweep, over 100 body fragments are undergoing forensic analysis, which may help identify the remaining victims. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360333-search-ends-for-remaining-missing-victims-in-collapsed-auditor-general’s-office/
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