Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, walks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with the background of Putra Mosque during a welcoming ceremony prior to their meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, Pool)

 

Malaysia's PM Appoints Former Thai PM Thaksin as ASEAN Adviser

 

In a bold diplomatic move, Malaysia has appointed Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former prime minister, as an informal adviser, ahead of its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The announcement was unveiled during a joint press conference in Putrajaya, featuring both Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter and Thailand's current Prime Minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346364-malaysias-pm-appoints-former-thai-pm-thaksin-as-asean-adviser/

UPDATE:

 

Moonlit tragedy: British tourist found dead after Full Moon Party
by Bob Scott

 

A British tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare after a wild night at Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Party ended in tragedy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346324-tourist-found-dead-near-koh-phangan’s-hin-song-kon-store/#findComment-19451085

Singapore-sling blunder leaves Phuket Airport officials red-faced

By Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Elena Shamis

 

Phuket International Airport is facing a social media storm after using a photo of Singapore’s iconic Peranakan Houses to promote the island, leaving locals scratching their heads and critics raising eyebrows.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346366-singapore-sling-blunder-leaves-phuket-airport-officials-red-faced/

Pattaya Tourist Police Rescue Intoxicated Tourist on Street

Photo: The Pattaya News

 

A foreign tourist, found unconscious due to excessive drinking, was helped by Pattaya Tourist Police on Friday, December 15th. Quick to respond, the police discovered the individual by the side of a street and ensured his safe return to his hotel.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346372-pattaya-tourist-police-rescue-intoxicated-tourist-on-street/

Police Warn Against Reindeer Antlers and Coloured Lights on Cars

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

The Royal Thai Police have issued a warning against the recent trend of decorating vehicles with reindeer antlers and multi-coloured lights, reminding the public that such decorations are illegal and subject to fines.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346322-police-warn-against-reindeer-antlers-and-coloured-lights-on-cars/

Van Runs Red Light, Crashes into Motorcycle, Killing Rider on the Spot

 

 

A crash occurred when a van carrying passengers back from a merit-making and meditation trip ran a red light and crashed into a motorcycle, killing the rider instantly.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346389-van-runs-red-light-crashes-into-motorcycle-killing-rider-on-the-spot/

 

Landslide Destroys 3 Houses in Surat Thani: Father Mourns 16-Year-Old Son’s Death
 

 

A heavy overnight downpour triggered a landslide early morning on December 16, in Surat Thani, collapsing onto three homes and killing a 16-year-old boy in his bedroom.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346390-landslide-destroys 3-houses-in-surat thani-father-mourns-16-year-old-son’s-death/

 

Car Collides with Big Bike, Plunges into Canal: 1 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured

 

 

Pol. Sub-Lt. Wasukanya Thachipan, an investigator at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, received a report of a collision between a car and a big bike, resulting in both vehicles plunging into a canal. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346391-car-collides-with-big-bike-plunges-into-canal-1-dead-1-seriously-injured/

 

Fire Destroys Railway Staff Housing in Thonburi; No Casualties Reported
 

 

A fire broke out early morning at a railway staff housing complex in Thonburi, Soi 6, located in the Siriraj Subdistrict of Bangkok Noi District. The blaze caused significant damage to the two-story wooden buildings, but no injuries or casualties were reported.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346392-fire-destroys-railway-staff-housing-in-thonburi-no-casualties-reported/

 

NACC Launches Probe into Thaksin’s Alleged Hospital Fake-out

 

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced the formation of a special committee to investigate accusations that several government officials facilitated a scheme for Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai party, to feign serious illness, enabling him to reside at the Police Hospital rather than in a conventional prison. This scrutiny comes amidst broader concerns about potential abuses of power and misconduct by officials.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346387-nacc-launches-probe-into-thaksin’s-alleged-hospital-fake-out/

University Lecturer Injured After Large Tree Branch Falls on Car in Nonthaburi

 

 

Pol. Lt. Detcharit Sangjunsri, an investigator at Sai Noi Police Station in Nonthaburi Province, received a report of an incident involving a large tree branch falling onto a car, causing significant damage and injuring the driver. The incident occurred on Pathum-Bang Len Road, heading towards Bang Len District, near the Khlong Khwang Subdistrict in Sai Noi District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346393-university-lecturer-injured-after-large-tree-branch-falls-on-car-in-nonthaburi/

 

Fishing Boat Capsizes Off Songkhla Coast: Rescue Operations Underway
 

 

The Royal Thai Navy’s Second Area Command (Sornchon Region 2) received an urgent report from Mr. Krit Pitakkumpol regarding the disappearance of a fishing vessel’s VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) signal. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346394-fishing-boat-capsizes-off-songkhla-coast-rescue-operations-underway/

 

Motorbike Driver Drowns After Sidecar Overturns into Pond in Buriram

 

 

A motorbike sidecar driver lost his life after his vehicle overturned and fell into a pond in Nong Sano Subdistrict, Nang Rong District, Buriram Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346395-motorbike-driver-drowns-after-sidecar-overturns-into-pond-in buriram/

 

Chinese Nationals Arrested for Working as Real Estate Agents in Pattaya

 

Picture courtesy: Naew Na

 

Authorities arrested five Chinese nationals and one undocumented individual for illegally working as property brokers in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, without proper permits.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346397-chinese-nationals-arrested-for-working-as-real-estate-agents-in-pattaya/

 

Jealousy and Abuse Lead to Tragic Shooting in Chonburi
 

 

In a shocking incident in Chonburi's Phan Thong district, a 39- year-old woman fatally shot her husband, a village assistant headman, after a heated argument over infidelity and ongoing domestic violence. The tragedy unfolded at around noon on December 16 at a house in Nong Hong subdistrict.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346396-jealousy-and-abuse-lead-to-tragic-shooting-in-chonburi/

 

Myanmar to Pardon Jailed Thai Fishermen After Diplomatic Talks

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the four Thai fishermen, recently sentenced to lengthy prison terms by Myanmar, are set to receive a pardon. The announcement follows tensions that erupted after a Myanmar navy engagement off the southern coast of Myanmar on November 30, which resulted in the capture and subsequent imprisonment of these seamen.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346388-myanmar-to-pardon-jailed-thai-fishermen-after-diplomatic-talks/

Rescued: 2 Women Saved After Being Swept Away by Strong Currents: Nakhon Si Thammarat

 

 

In a tense and dramatic operation, rescue teams successfully saved two women who could not swim and were swept away by strong flood currents in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The victims managed to cling to an electricity pole, preventing a potential tragedy.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346398-rescued-2-women-saved-after-being-swept-away-by-strong-currents-nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

Man Shoots Female Relative Dead, Injures Her Husband Critically in Samut Sakhon

 

 

A domestic dispute turned deadly on the night of December 16, when a 48-year-old man fatally shot his female cousin and critically injured her husband in Krathum Baen District. The incident occurred at a residence in Om Noi Subdistrict and was reported to local police.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346400-man-shoots-female-relative-dead-injures-her-husband-critically-in-samut-sakhon/

 

Thai Police Officer Suspended for Firing Gun Outside Thonglor Pub

 

Picture courtesy: Workpoint News

 

A Thai police officer has been temporarily suspended after allegedly firing a gun into the air while intoxicated outside a well-known pub in Bangkok's Thonglor district.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346402-thai-police-officer-suspended-for-firing-gun-outside-thonglor-pub/

 

Chinese Tourist Numbers to Thailand Expected to Remain Steady

 

FILE photo

 

Thailand anticipates its influx of Chinese tourists to plateau in 2024, with numbers hovering around 7 to 8 million arrivals. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346403-chinese-tourist-numbers-to-thailand-expected-to-remain-steady/

 

Thai customs intercept over 300 drug cases so far in December
by Ryan Turner

 

Photo via Matichon

The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and counterfeit goods at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a coordinated effort with the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Immigration Bureau, and the Australian Border Force (ABF).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346405-thai-customs-intercept-over-300-drug-cases-so-far-in-december/

 

Thai PM Urged to Attend Senate Meetings or Face Potential Censure

 

Picture courtesy: National News BUreau of Thailand

 

In a developing political situation, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been advised by members of the Senate to attend their meetings regularly, as continued absences could lead to a censure debate. The senators have expressed frustration over the PM’s tendency to bypass inquiries by not appearing in person nor delegating a representative from her cabinet to respond on her behalf.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346406-thai-pm-urged-to-attend-senate-meetings-or-face-potential-censure/

 

New Thai Police Chief Sets Bold Crime-Fighting Agenda

 

Picture courtesy: MGR Online

 

Thailand's newly appointed National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, has vowed to improve the Royal Thai Police's reputation and tackle crime head-on. Following his unanimous appointment by the Police Commission, the Ratchaburi native has outlined his commitment to upholding law and order, protecting life and property, and enhancing police professionalism.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346408-new-thai-police-chief-sets-bold-crime-fighting-agenda/

 

AMLO seizes assets worth 4.5 billion baht in major fraud case
by Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) recently took decisive action in a high-profile fraud and money laundering case, seizing assets across 821 items valued at approximately 4.5 billion baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346410-amlo-seizes-assets-worth-45-billion-baht-in-major-fraud-case/

 

29-Year-Old Man Found Dead After Being Struck by Train in Bang Lamung. Murder or Suicide?
 

Police are investigating the mysterious death of a 29-year-old man who was struck and killed by a train in Bang Lamung, Chonburi Province, early  morning on December 17.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346413-29-year-old-man-found-dead-after-being-struck-by-train-in-bang-lamung-murder-or-suicide/

 

Australian tourist escapes drowning amid South Thailand flooding
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

An Australian tourist had a narrow escape from drowning in South Thailand after his car plunged into a flooded ditch amidst severe flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The deluge has affected 21 districts, severing numerous roads and resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. As heavy rainfall continues to worsen the situation, rescue teams are tirelessly working to assist those in dire need.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346415-australian-tourist-escapes-drowning-amid-south-thailand-flooding/

 

Catamaran Partially Sinks Near Koh Hey, Phuket: Passengers Unaffected

 

 

A catamaran named OMBRE (HSB5551) partially sank near Koh Hey in Phuket’s Rawai Subdistrict on December 16, after water began flooding the rear of the vessel. Despite efforts to pump out the water, the boat ultimately capsized around 14:00.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346418-catamaran-partially-sinks-near-koh-hey-phuket-passengers-unaffected/

 

Thailand investigates ex-police chiefs over gambling corruption
by Bright Choomanee 

 

Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol, a former national police chief, over allegations of soliciting money from online gambling networks. Additionally, the NACC will gather more evidence regarding money laundering accusations against Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346420-thailand-investigates-ex-police-chiefs-over-gambling-corruption/

 

Elderly Woman Rescued After Falling Into 10m Deep Pit, Waiting Over 10 Hours for Help

 

 

An elderly woman, aged 71, was rescued in Prachin Buri, after falling into a 10-metre-deep pit while walking home. She remained trapped for over 10 hours before being discovered and rescued by local authorities and volunteers.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346422-elderly-woman-rescued-after-falling-into-10m-deep-pit-waiting-over-10-hours-for-help/

 

UPDATE
Police Confirm Train Collision Death Near Pattaya of 29-Year-Old Man Was Not Foul Play

 

 

Authorities have clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of a 29-year-old man who was struck by a train in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, dismissing suspicions of foul play after discovering a shirt tied around his ankles.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346413-29-year-old-man-found-dead-after-being-struck-by-train-in-bang-lamung-murder-or-suicide/#findComment-19452659