Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wrote on his X account today that Time Magazine came to interview him in the middle of February, seeking to cover political issues since the new prime minister took office, saying that he was to be the main focus of their article.

 

Interview with Time is enjoyable but more questions about politics were expected: PM

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322458-interview-with-time-is-enjoyable-but-more-questions-about-politics-were-expected-pm/

RTAF to procure either Gripen E-series or F-16 Block 70 jets
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Gripen (skiesmag.com)

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to procure either Swedish-produced Gripen E-series or American F-16 Block 70 fighter jets later this year. The information came to light during an address by RTAF chief Phanpakdee Pattanakul to senior air force officials at the RTAF headquarters.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322485-rtaf-to-procure-either-gripen-e-series-or-f-16-block-70-jets/

 

I find happiness among my loved ones as my health improves : Thaksin

 

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, convict on parole, said in his first interview today after returning to Thailand that ‘Happiness is at home’.”

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322475-i-find-happiness-among-my-loved-ones-as-my-health-improves-thaksin/

Move Forward Dissolution Bid Part Of Thaksin’s Secret Deal
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Composite photo showing de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, right. Credit: Thai Rath

 

A PREMEDITATED ATTEMPT TOWARD a dissolution of the Move Forward has been known as an ultimate part of a secret deal earlier made between de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra and the powers-that-be, according to a partisan source.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322482-move-forward-dissolution-bid-part-of-thaksin’s-secret-deal/

 

American 19-year-old to be interviewed by Phuket police over sexual abuse of horses at local stables
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

One of the horses at the stables in Pa Khlok which the 19-year-old American man was seen with in CCTV footage supplied to police in Thalang. The young man is due to meet with police on Saturday at Thalang Police Station in Phuket.

American 19, caught abusing horses in Phuket. Thalang Police to grill suspect after disturbing allegations & CCTV evidence. Appointment made with father’s consent. Cruelty or abuse charges loom.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322483-american-19-year-old-to-be-interviewed-by-phuket-police-over-sexual-abuse-of-horses-at-loca/

 

UPDATE:

 

Thai Tourism Authority Reports Surge in Chinese Tourists After Visa Waiver
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

PHOTO: INN News

National—On March 14th, 2024, Mrs. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), publicly revealed statistics of the number of Chinese tourists to Thailand increasing significantly after permanently waiving visa requirements with China.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322456-tat-upbeat-over-significant-visa-free-chinese-arrival-numbers/?do=findComment&comment=18769709

 

Bangkok’s children gasp for air amidst pollution nightmare
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of NDTV

 

Children in Bangkok suffer daily from heavy air pollution, battling constant coughs and other possible respiratory illnesses.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322486-bangkok’s-children-gasp-for-air-amidst-pollution-nightmare/

 

Lufthansa execs partner with Thai child welfare centre
by Samantha Rose 

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

A high-profile delegation from the Lufthansa Group embarked on a special mission to the Child Protection and Welfare Centre in Huay Yai, near Pattaya, on Tuesday, March 12.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322488-lufthansa-execs-partner-with-thai-child-welfare-centre/

 

Borrowed money turns to ashes: Thai man loses 100,000 baht in van fire (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ มานิตย์ มกรกุณฑล

 

A Thai man’s fortunes went up in smoke when he borrowed 100,000 baht from a bank to settle an informal debt, only to lose the entire sum in a van fire accident in the central province of Prachin Buri.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322489-borrowed-money-turns-to-ashes-thai-man-loses-100000-baht-in-van-fire-video/

 

Israeli woman detained in Thailand for unauthorised nursery
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

An Israeli woman was detained in Surat Thani on accusations of running an unauthorised nursery facility for foreign children on Koh Pha Ngan. Four other international individuals were also apprehended for unlawful employment and associated transgressions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322490-israeli-woman-detained-in-thailand-for-unauthorised-nursery/

 

Chopper Rider Seriously Burned in Pattaya Motorbike Crash
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya — A chopper rider sustained serious burn injuries in a fiery collision with a pickup truck on Sukhumvit Road early Friday morning, March 15th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322491-chopper-rider-seriously-burned-in-pattaya-motorbike-crash/

 

Pattaya City to Close Part of Sukhumvit Road for Construction
By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: PRPATTAYA

Pattaya —Pattaya City and the Pattaya police will be closing a section of Sukhumvit Road near the Pattaya North Intersection (Motorway) due to construction work.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322492-pattaya-city-to-close-part-of-sukhumvit-road-for-construction/

 

Man Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Pattaya on Motorway
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —A car crashed into a street barrier on the Bangkok-Map Ta Phut Motorway near Pattaya before bursting into flames. The driver was tragically burned to death, said law enforcement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322493-man-killed-in-fiery-car-crash-in-pattaya-on-motorway/

Two Pattaya Teens Arrested for Vandalizing Public Property at Bali Hai Pier
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —Pattaya police arrested two teenagers on Thursday, March 14th, for vandalizing public property at the Bali Hai Pier.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322494-two-pattaya-teens-arrested-for-vandalizing-public-property-at-bali-hai-pier/

 

Fire From Garbage Pile Damages House in Wichit
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Wichit –A fire started from piles of old garbage damaged a house and alarmed residents in Wichit, Mueang Phuket, on Friday (March 15th).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322495-fire-from-garbage-pile-damages-house-in-wichit/

 

Man Arrested Selling E-cigarettes in Chalong
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Chalong –A Thai man was arrested after he was found selling e-cigarettes in Chalong.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322497-man-arrested-selling-e-cigarettes-in-chalong/

 

British and American men arrested for real estate violations
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

On March 15, 2567, the Special Investigation Department, operating under the guidance of Mr. Witawat Sukhantaros, Director of the Tracing and News Investigation Center, apprehended Mr. David (surname withheld), a 58-year-old US citizen.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322498-british-and-american-men-arrested-for-real-estate-violations/

 

Immigration Collaborates with Airlines to Enhance Passenger Experience
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Following Prime Minister Serat Thaweesin's announcement on March 1, 2025, at Government House, aiming to elevate Suvarnabhumi Airport to an Aviation Hub of the region, targeting to rank among the top 50 airports globally within a year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322499-immigration-collaborates-with-airlines-to-enhance-passenger-experience/

 

Thai PM Spearheads ‘IGNITE THAILAND’S TOURISM’ Meeting, Aims for Global Tourism Boost
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

National—At 9:00 AM, on March 15th, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over a meeting called “IGNITE THAILAND’S TOURISM” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center joining forces with public and private sectors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322504-thai-pm-spearheads-‘ignite-thailand’s-tourism’-meeting-aims-for-global-tourism-boost/

 

Thai man accuses lover swindling 38 million baht, stealing data
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Matichon and Channel 3

 

A Thai businessman filed a complaint against his lover, accusing her of stealing confidential data from a hospital and swindling him out of 38 million baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322505-thai-man-accuses-lover-swindling-38-million-baht-stealing-data/

 

Microsoft CEO halts Southeast Asia trip including Bangkok
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Techsauce

 

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has delayed his visit to Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as announced yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322507-microsoft-ceo-halts-southeast-asia-trip-including-bangkok/

 

The exorbitant price Thailand is paying for high household debt 

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk

 

The crisis of high household debt is casting a dark shadow over Thai society: over a million people are on the edge of bankruptcy, some have committed suicide or crimes, and many are suffering from mental breakdowns.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322509-the-exorbitant-price-thailand-is-paying-for-high-household-debt/

 

Thai entrepreneurs make record-breaking sales at Japan food expo
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Fifty Thai entrepreneurs showcased their culinary prowess at the Foodex Japan 2024 exhibition held in Tokyo from March 5 to 8.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322511-thai-entrepreneurs-make-record-breaking-sales-at-japan-food-expo/

 

Thai teacher arrested after blackmailing student with her explicit videos
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ สืบนครบาล IDMB

 

A Thai mother sought help from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after her 18 year old daughter attempted to commit suicide, saying her teacher was blackmailing her by posting her explicit videos on several online platforms.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322514-thai-teacher-arrested-after-blackmailing-student-with-her-explicit-videos/

 

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Monday 18 March 2024
https://aseannow.com/topic/1322592-thailand-live-monday-18-march-2024/