THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 8 January 2025

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Jimmy and his family enjoy a boat trip. Picture courtesy of themothfamily/Instagram
 

Heavy plans: ‘Fat’ Aussie dad jets to Thailand to shed the load
by Bob Scott

 

A “fat” Aussie dad is set to embark on a weight loss journey quite like no other after some cutting remarks by one of his children. Jimmy Mitchell is packing his bags and leaving behind his wife and two young sons for a ten-week stint in Thailand, all in the name of shedding pounds.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348159-heavy-plans-‘fat’-aussie-dad-jets-to-thailand-to-shed-the-load/

 

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Thai Banks and Mobile Operators to Bear Costs of Phone Scam Damages

 

File photo courtesy: moneyandbanking

 

In a significant move to tackle the rising issue of phone scams, Thailand's government is preparing new regulations that will hold banks and mobile operators accountable for losses incurred by victims. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348177-thai-banks-and-mobile-operators-to-bear-costs-of-phone-scam-damages/

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UPDATE
 

Missing Thai woman found after six days following abduction claim

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Instagram

 

The Be One organisation located a missing 26 year old Thai woman in the southern province of Phetchaburi last night, January 6, after she informed friends that she was abducted by two men and went missing for six days.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348099-missing-woman-alice-abducted-6-days-ago-sparks-concern/#findComment-1949686

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UPDATE
 

Chinese actor’s real-life drama ends on Thai-Myanmar border

By Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A Chinese actor has been found after mysteriously vanishing without a trace yesterday on the Thai-Myanmar border in a real-life plot twist befitting a film. The disappearance of Wang Xing, famously known as Xingxing, sent shockwaves across social media, lighting up concerns about safety in Southeast Asia.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348075-chinese-actor-vanishes-near-thai-myanmar-border/#findComment-19496984

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Former French-Cambodian Opposition MP shot dead in Bangkok

 

Photo courtesy: Agencies

 

BANGKOK - Lim Kimya, a 73-year-old former French-Cambodian opposition MP, was assassinated in the heart of Bangkok. The shooting occurred near the renowned Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Phra Nakhon district on a quiet Tuesday evening, sending waves of concern through political circles.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348192-former-french-cambodian-opposition-mp-shot-dead-in-bangkok/

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Tourist Drowns After Being Swept Away by Strong Currents in Rayong
 

 

An incident occurred on January 7, when a Chinese tourist drowned after being swept away by strong underwater currents while swimming in the sea off Rayong’s Khao Laem Ya National Park.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348194-chinese-tourist-drowns-after-being-swept-away-by-strong-currents-in-rayong/

 

[Georgealbert]

Stepfather Shoots Stepdaughter Before Setting Himself on Fire
 

 

A 42-year-old man in Maha Sarakham shot his 18-year-old stepdaughter and then set himself on fire in a suspected act of despair after unrequited love. Both were severely injured in the incident, which took place on the evening of January 6 in Na Kha sub-district, Wapi Pathum district.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348196-stepfather-shoots-stepdaughter-before-setting-himself-on-fire/

 

[Georgealbert]

Myanmar Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Pickup Truck in Sattahip
 

 

Pol. Lt. Thanakorn Suetrong, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Na Jomtien Police Station, Sattahip District, Chonburi, received a report of a collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck at the traffic light intersection at the entrance to Nong Nooch Garden on Sukhumvit Road, inbound to Sattahip. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348197-myanmar-motorcyclist-killed-in-collision-with-pickup-truck-in-sattahip/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Police Officer Succumbs to Injuries from Checkpoint Bombing in Pattani

 

 

A police officer who sustained critical injuries during a bombing at a traffic checkpoint in Pattani has tragically passed away, days after the attack.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348198-police-officer-succumbs-to-injuries-from-checkpoint-bombing-in-pattani/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Chief Visits Fire-Damaged Flats, Orders Safety Upgrades

 

 

Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Gen. Krichai Klaiklung, on January 7, visited the scene of a fire that damaged police flats in Viphavadi, Bangkok, offering support to the affected officers and their families.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348199-police-chief-visits-fire-damaged-flats-orders-safety-upgrades/

 

[Georgealbert]

Crash in Nakhon Sawan: Driver Swerves to Avoid Cat, Hits & Kills Pedestrian

 

 

A crash occurred early morning on January 7,on Route 3330 in the Ban Phu Khamin area, Tak Fa district, when a car driver veered off the road, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old woman.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348200-crash-in-nakhon-sawan-driver-swerves-to-avoid-cat-hits-kills-pedestrian/

 

[Georgealbert]

Car Engulfed in Flames in Bangkok: Quick Action Prevents Major Damage to House
 

 

A dramatic car fire broke out early on the morning of January 7, inside a residential carport in the Klong Kum district of Bangkok. The fire, which consumed a Volvo XC60 T8 hybrid, narrowly avoided spreading to the adjacent two-story house.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348201-car-engulfed-in-flames-in-bangkok-quick-action-prevents-major-damage-to-house/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Arrested After Attempted Robbery at Big C Mall in Nakhon Pathom
 

 

A woman was arrested on January 6, after attempting to rob a gold shop inside Big C Mall in the Muang district of Nakhon Pathom.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348202-woman-arrested-after-attempted-robbery-at-big-c-mall-in-nakhon-pathom/

 

[Georgealbert]

Truck Brakes Fails, Crashes into Cars at Red Light, and Catches Fire
 

 

A crash involving an 18-wheeler and four other vehicles occurred morning on January 7, on Pu Chao Saming Phrai Road in Samut Prakan, resulting in significant damage and a fire that caused chaos and panic.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348203-truck-brakes-fails-crashes-into-cars-at-red-light-and-catches-fire/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chaiyaphum: Man Killed by Train
 

 

A 50-year-old man lost his life when he was struck by a train in Nern Sanga district, Chaiyaphum province, early morning on January 7.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348204-chaiyaphum-man-killed-by-train/

 

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PM Paetongtarn Orders Action as Air Pollution Reaches Hazardous Levels

 

File photo courtesy: Stefanos Fotiou via ESCAP

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped up the battle against Thailand's air pollution crisis, with PM2.5 fine particulate matter levels reaching hazardous levels. Following a decisive cabinet meeting, she has prolonged the directive to engage various ministries to anchor efforts in achieving lower pollution levels than last year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348206-pm-paetongtarn-orders-action-as-air-pollution-reaches-hazardous-levels/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Suspect Surrenders After Shooting Man Dead at Petrol Station in Songkhla

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A 24-year-old man accused of shooting a 23- year-old man dead at a petrol station in Songkhla has surrendered to police, claiming he acted out of anger after being insulted.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348207-suspect-surrenders-after-shooting-man-dead-at-petrol-station-in-songkhla/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcyclist Killed in Fiery Collision with Pickup Truck in Lopburi

 

 

A collision occurred on January 7, on Phahonyothin Road near kilometre marker 199-200 in Khok Samrong district, where a motorcycle exiting a village road collided with a speeding pickup truck. The crash resulted in a fire that engulfed the motorcycle, leaving the rider dead at the scene.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348209-motorcyclist-killed-in-fiery-collision-with-pickup-truck-in-lopburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Driver Found Dead in Vehicle After Three Days Parked on Motorway

 

 

A 52-year-old pickup driver was found dead in his vehicle parked on the Bangkok–Pattaya Motorway three days after losing contact with his employer. Police believe he passed away in his sleep, as no signs of injury or evidence of a crash were discovered.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348210-driver-found-dead-in-vehicle-after-three-days-parked-on-motorway/

 

[Georgealbert]

Russian Arrested After Attempting to Start a Fire at a Temple
 

 

A foreign man, believed to be suffering from mental health issues, was arrested on 7 January after attempting to start a fire at a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Nayok.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348211-russian-arrested-after-attempting-to-start-a-fire-at-a-temple/

 

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PM Paetongtarn’s Asset Declaration Reveals 162 Million Baht Watch Collection

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has recently unveiled a stunning collection of luxury watches valued at a whopping 162 million baht during her assets declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Among the 75 exquisite pieces, one brand stands out as her apparent favourite: Patek Philippe.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348214-pm-paetongtarn’s-asset-declaration-reveals-162-million-baht-watch-collection/

 

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Concerns Mount Over Fate of 6 Thai Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza

 

Reference file photo courtesy: MGG online

 

As tensions soar in the Middle East, six Thai citizens remain in the grip of uncertainty, held as hostages by the militant group Hamas. Despite recent reports hinting at potential hostage exchanges, the fate of these Thais remains perilously unclear.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348217-concerns-mount-over-fate-of-6-thai-hostages-held-by-hamas-in-gaza/

 

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Former Thai PM Yingluck Faces Prison Return Amid New Detention Rules

 

File photo: Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, currently living in exile, faces the prospect of jail time if she returns to Thailand. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong clarified on Tuesday that Yingluck does not meet the criteria for a new alternative detention initiative, which seeks to reduce traditional prison use.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348220-former-thai-pm-yingluck-faces-prison-return-amid-new-detention-rules/

 

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Thai PM Dismisses Cabinet Reshuffle Rumours

 

File photo courtesy: Facebook Thai Khu Fa

 

In a defiant response to swirling speculation, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has firmly dismissed any plans for a cabinet reshuffle. During a press briefing on Tuesday, the Premier addressed media inquiries, quashing rumours of an imminent ministerial shake-up that had been circulating in political circles.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348221-thai-pm-dismisses-cabinet-reshuffle-rumours/

 

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Thailand faces cold weather, frost and southern thunderstorms
by Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of Wathanyu Chomchuen, Unsplash

Thailand is experiencing cool to cold weather, with frost reported in mountainous regions and thunderstorms anticipated in five southern provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts temperature changes and advises caution for high waves at sea as of January 8.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348222-thailand-faces-cold-weather-frost-and-southern-thunderstorms/

 

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600,000 Thai Students to Receive Learning Tablets by June

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In an ambitious drive to bridge the educational gap, the Ministry of Education in Thailand is poised to distribute learning tablets to 600,000 high school students by June 2025. This initiative aims to empower students with the capability to access learning resources anytime, anywhere, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348225-600000-thai-students-to-receive-learning-tablets-by-june/

 

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Sloshed and splashed: Tipsy Thai man makes waves in Pattaya

By Bob Scott

 

Blurred snap of the drunk Thai man who took a dip while under the influence of alcohol. Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya officials sounded the alarm yesterday after a booze-soaked escapade by a local Thai man made waves in front of the Amari Hotel.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348269-sloshed-and-splashed-tipsy-thai-man-makes-waves-in-pattaya/

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Thai woman arrested in onsen credit card theft, Chinese suspects involved

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ดาวแปดแฉก

 

Police arrested a Thai woman at her condominium yesterday, January 7, for conspiring with Chinese suspects to commit credit card theft at several onsen establishments in Bangkok.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348270-thai-woman-arrested-in-onsen-credit-card-theft-chinese-suspects-involved/

[snoop1130]

Suspects caught in theft of iPhone 14 Pro Max in Bangkok

By Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the theft of an iPhone from a 17 year old boy, the son of a department director, during a planned transaction near a prominent shopping mall on Rama IV Road.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348271-suspects-caught-in-theft-of-iphone-14-pro-max-in-bangkok/

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Thailand tourism China-ing bright with visitor boom

By Bob Scott

 

Picture of Chinese tourists courtesy of South China Morning Post

 

Hold onto your tuk tuks, folks, Thailand’s tourism scene is making a triumphant comeback, with Chinese travellers leading the charge of foreign visitors.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348272-thailand-tourism-china-ing-bright-with-visitor-boom/