Dramatic Rescue at Sea: 30 Tourists Pulled to Safety After Catamaran Sinks Off Phuket

 

Thirty lives were saved in a dramatic sea rescue after a tourist catamaran, the Emiray 888, began taking on water on January 13 and eventually sank near Racha Island. The vessel, which had departed from Chalong Pier in Phuket earlier in the day for a one-day excursion to Racha Island, encountered trouble approximately 1.6 nautical miles off the island’s northern coast.
 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348695-dramatic-rescue-at-sea-30-tourists-pulled-to-safety-after-catamaran-sinks-off-phuket/

Thai Cabinet Greenlights Draft Entertainment Complex Bill, Online Gambling Legalisation Looms

 

Casino file photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand's plans to legalise online gambling took a significant step forward as the Cabinet provisionally approved the draft Entertainment Complex Act. If given the green light, this bold move aims to boost the economy while addressing societal concerns.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348711-thai-cabinet-greenlights-draft-entertainment-complex-bill-online-gambling-legalisation-loom/

Pattaya on pause: Plan ahead or lose the booze

By Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of The Moscow Times

 

Local officials in Pattaya issued a gentle reminder to plan carefully for upcoming events in the city including the Chon Buri local elections and the booze bans.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348700-pattaya-on-pause-plan-ahead-or-lose-the-booze/

Making waves: Miss Grand Roi Et turns up heat with sexy swimwear

By Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Miss Grand Roi Et 2025 beauty pageant

 

The Miss Grand Roi Et 2025 beauty pageant ignited quite a stir, thanks to a daring choice of swimwear that sent social media into a frenzied meltdown.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348704-making-waves-miss-grand-roi-et-turns-up-heat-with-sexy-swimwear/

PM Paetongtarn Denies Allegations of Concealing 4.4 Billion Baht

 

FILE PHOTO - Thailand's Prime Minister-designate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with members of Pheu Thai party talks to reporters during a press conference at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has firmly denied accusations of concealing a staggering 4.4 billion Baht in cash, allegedly linked to her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential Pheu Thai figurehead.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348716-pm paetongtarn-denies-allegations-of-concealing-44-billion-baht/

Strong Winds Topple 100-Year-Old Tree, Killing Teen Girl and Injuring Another
 

 

In an incident on National Children’s Day, a 100-year-old sugar palm tree, was toppled by strong winter winds, killing one schoolgirl and severely injuring another in Khantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348728-strong-winds-topple-100-year-old-tree-killing-teen-girl-and-injuring-another/

 

 

Man Sets Fire to Loan Shark’s House, Surrenders to Police in Lopburi
 

 

A 34-year-old man turned himself in to the police on January 13, after admitting to setting fire to the house of a loan shark, reportedly out of anger over the alleged mistreatment of his mother. The blaze completely destroyed the home, resulting in damages estimated to be worth over one million baht.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348729-man-sets-fire-to-loan-shark’s-house-surrenders-to-police-in-lopburi/

 

Motorcycle Shortcut Causes Fatal Crash, Killing 75-Year-Old Mother
 

 

In an incident on the morning of January 13, a 50-year-old woman driving a motorcycle in the wrong direction while using a shortcut collided with a car, resulting in the death of her 75-year-old mother, who was riding as a passenger. The accident occurred on Petchkasem Road near Ban Khok Kok in Thamiharam Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, at 07:40.
 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348730-motorcycle-shortcut-causes-fatal-crash-killing-75-year-old-mother/

 

Fire Breaks Out in High-Rise Building Near Kalawar Building, Bangkok
 

 

A fire erupted on the 10th floor of a 15-storey condominium located in Soi Vanich 2, Talad Noi, Samphanthawong district, Bangkok, causing significant damage and leaving one person injured. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred late morning on January 13.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348731-fire-breaks-out-in-high-rise-building-near-kalawar-building-bangkok/

 

Pickup Truck Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes, Injuring 5 Persons
 

 

A black pickup truck lost control after the driver fell asleep, causing extensive damage to parked vehicles and nearby businesses. The crash left five people injured.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348732-pickup-truck-driver-falls-asleep-crashes-injuring-5-persons/

 

Motorbike Bomb Explodes Near TK Park in Pattani, Injuring 10
 

 

A motorbike bomb was detonated in a busy area near TK Park in central Pattani on the morning of January 13, injuring 10 people, including six paramilitary volunteers (Or Sor) and three police officers. A passing Malaysian visitor was also injured. The attack, which occurred just 20 metres from Pattani’s main police station, has sent shockwaves through the local community.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348733-motorbike-bomb-explodes-near-tk-park-in-pattani-injuring-10/

 

9 Injured in Collision Between Truck and Car in Kanchanaburi
 

 

An incident on the Kanchanaburi-Thong Pha Phum Road (Highway 323) has left nine people injured, including two eight-year-old children. The crash occurred near the entrance to the Cooperative Settlement in Kanchanaburi Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348734-9-injured-in-collision-between-truck-and-car-in-kanchanaburi/

 

Blaze Engulfs Bang Phli Community: Woman Dies
 

 

A fire broke out on the afternoon of 13 January in a densely populated wooden housing community located in Soi Pioneer, Bang Chalong subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, Thailand. The inferno, which started in a single home, quickly spread to neighbouring properties, leaving one woman dead and destroying at least 10 homes.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348735-blaze-engulfs-bang-phli-community-woman-dies/

 

Former MP Suggests Thaksin’s Medical Records Could Be a Tall Tale

 

Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

Concerns have been raised about the authenticity of the medical records related to Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential Pheu Thai figure, by Warong Dechgitvigrom, a former Democrat MP and current chair of the Thai Pakdee Party.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348736-former-mp-suggests-thaksin’s-medical-records-could-be-a-tall-tale/

 

Fresh Chicken Meat Scattered Across Road After Fatal Collision

 

 

An incident unfolded on the Pho Phra Ya-Tha Ruea road in Ayutthaya’s Tha Ruea district on January 13, as a six-wheel truck transporting fresh chicken parts crashed into the rear of a trailer truck. The driver of the six-wheel truck was pronounceddead at the scene, and chicken parts were strewn across the road.

 

Full story and video:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348737-fresh-chicken-meat-scattered-across-road-after-fatal-collision/

 

Funeral Drama as 300kg Man’s Cremation Poses Challenges
 

 

A different problem occurred on January 12, at Wat Pradu Lai crematorium in Klong Mae Lai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, at the funeral of Mr. Wiwat, a 36-year-old man weighing 300kg. Due to his unusually large size, both in weight and build, the cremation process presented numerous difficulties, requiring the assistance of many people.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348738-funeral-drama-as-300kg-man’s-cremation-poses-challenges/

 

Data Breach Concerns for Oppo and Realme Phone Users

 

File photo: Generic mobile phone mockup

 

Mobile phone giants Oppo and Realme find themselves embroiled in controversy over personal data protection issues due to pre-installed software on their devices. Reports indicate that customer data may have been retained without proper consent, potentially infringing Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348739-data-breach-concerns-for-oppo-and-realme-phone-users/

 

 

Woman Fatally Crushed by 18-Wheeler After Motorcycle Collision in Nakhon Si Thammarat

 

 

A crash on January 13, claimed the life of a 48-year-old woman, identified as Mrs. Jitladda, in the Mai Riang subdistrict, Chawang district. The incident occurred when she attempted to overtake an 18-wheeler on her motorcycle but lost control and was crushed under its wheels.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348740-woman-fatally-crushed-by-18-wheeler-after-motorcycle-collision-in nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

Hong Kong Task Force in Thailand Targets Job Scam Prevention

 

File photo courtesy: South China Morning Post

 

In a proactive response to a surge in job scam cases, Hong Kong's security officials have dispatched a task force to Thailand. This initiative highlights the growing concern over "high-paying" job offers that have lured unsuspecting individuals into human trafficking syndicates across Southeast Asia.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348742-hong-kong-task-force-in-thailand-targets-job-scam-prevention/

 

Army Announces Movement of Military Equipment for Army Day Parade, Saraburi

 

Picture courtesy: Siam RAth

 

The Army would like to announce the movement of military equipment from units in the Bangkok area, Chonburi, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, and Lopburi to be showcased during the oath-taking ceremony in front of the Victory Flag and the military parade on Army Day, 18th January 2025, at the Multi-purpose Field, Cavalry Centre, Saraburi. The movement of the equipment will begin on 12th January 2025 at 08:00 hrs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348743-army-announces-movement-of-military-equipment-for-army-day-parade-saraburi/

 

Taxing tunes: Music giant pitches cut to boost Thailand’s soft power
by Bob Scott 

 

Picture of BLACKPINK courtesy of Vicipaedia

Thailand’s largest music company made a bold appeal to the government for a corporate tax reduction in the entertainment sector, arguing it could supercharge the industry and bolster the nation’s soft power ambitions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348745-taxing-tunes-music-giant-pitches-cut-to-boost-thailand’s-soft-power/

 

Thailand Boosts Efforts to Reassure Chinese Tourists Amid Concerns

 

Picture: ASEAN NOW

 

In a bid to restore confidence among Chinese tourists after a concerning incident, Thailand's government has unveiled a new tourism campaign and heightened security measures.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348747-thailand-boosts-efforts-to-reassure-chinese-tourists-amid-concerns/

 

 Turkish Tourist Tied Up and Robbed in Pattaya; Insider Job Suspected

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

PATTAYA - A Turkish tourist was found tied up and robbed at a condo, sparking a police investigation that suspects involvement of someone close to the victim.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348748- turkish-tourist-tied-up-and-robbed-in-pattaya-insider-job-suspected/

 

Bangkok Police Left Waiting as "Big Joke" Skips Money Laundering Charges

 

Picture courtesy: THai Rath

 

Bangkok’s Bang Rak Police Station was left hanging after "Big Joke" and his wife failed to appear to face money laundering accusations linked to an online gambling network.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348751-bangkok-police-left-waiting-as-big-joke-skips-money-laundering-charges/

 

Monk on knife and axe rampage wreaks havoc in Surin temple
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

Police in Buachet district, Surin province, responded to a report yesterday, January 13, of a monk wielding a knife and an axe, threatening locals at a temple in Ban Srae, Aphon subdistrict.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348754-monk-on-knife-and-axe-rampage-wreaks-havoc-in-surin-temple/

 

SUV and Car Collide in Fatal Chonburi Accident

 

 

A road crash claimed the life of a 49-year-old man and left a vehicle mangled in Bang Lamung district late night, January 13. The collision occurred at 22:05 on Takhiantia-Khao Mai Kaew Road near the entrance of Soi Rong Po, Khao Mai Kaew 

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348756-suv-and-car-collide-in-fatal-chonburi-accident/

 

Fresh Details Emerge in Irish Diver’s Mysterious Demise on Death Island

by Bob Scott

 

 

Fresh details have emerged about the untimely death of Irish diver Robert “Robby” Kinlan, who was discovered lifeless in his room at the Baan Tao Bungalo Resort on Thailand’s infamous Koh Tao Island, also known for its chilling moniker, Death Island.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348760-fresh-details-emerge-in-irish-diver’s-mysterious-demise-on-death-island/

 

Belgian man scammed out of 8 million baht by female Thai soldier
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand

A Belgian man lost 2 million baht and his condominium room in Pattaya, worth 6 million baht, to a female Thai soldier who posed as a real estate agent. The suspect’s relative claimed the Belgian man and the soldier were previously in a relationship.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348761-belgian-man-scammed-out-of-8-million-baht-by-female-thai-soldier/

 

Isaan tamarind vendor fined for nude model marketing tactics
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวบ้านผือ - Ban Phue News

Police fined a sweet tamarind vendor in the Isaan province of Udon Thani 2,500 baht for using explicit photos of scantily clad and nude models to promote his shop.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348777-isaan-tamarind-vendor-fined-for-nude-model-marketing-tactics/

 

Foreigner Flees After Motorbike Collision, Leaving Drunken Thai Woman in Tears
 

 

Police officers from Nong Prue Police Station responded at 06.40 on January 14, to a report of a motorbike collision that left one person seriously injured. The incident occurred in Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Rescue teams from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation and medical staff from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital were dispatched to the scene.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1348787-foreigner-flees-after-motorbike-collision-leaving-drunken-thai-woman-in-tears/