THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 22 January 2025

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Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

Thai Woman Arrested for Smuggling Cocaine Worth 16 Million Baht

 

In a significant crackdown at the border, Thai immigration officials in Sa Kaeo have arrested a Thai woman for attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at approximately 16 million baht from Cambodia into Thailand. The drugs were intended for her Nigerian husband residing in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349466-thai-woman-arrested-for-smuggling-cocaine-worth-16-million-baht/

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Toxic air crisis: 70 provinces choked by dangerous dust levels

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand woke up to alarming air quality today, with ultrafine dust particles (PM2.5) reaching hazardous levels in 70 of 77 provinces, and Greater Bangkok bearing the brunt of the toxic haze.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349481-toxic-air-crisis-70-provinces-choked-by-dangerous-dust-levels/

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Thailand's 50-Day Deadline to Assess Entertainment Complex Proposal

 

Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand's Council of State has been tasked with a pressing 50-day deadline to evaluate the proposed Entertainment Complex Act. This follows the Cabinet's endorsement of the draft legislation on 13th January, setting a potential legislative pathway for casinos to exist within larger entertainment venues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349469-thailands-50-day-deadline-to-assess-entertainment-complex-proposal/

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Police Subdue Russian Woman with Rubber Bullets After EDC Thailand Frenzy

 

 

In a dramatic incident near Nai Yang Beach in Phuket, a Russian tourist, identified as Marina R., was subdued by police using rubber bullets after she caused a disturbance following the EDC Thailand 2025 festival. The event unfolded in the Thalang District, leaving residents startled as she wielded a knife, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349499-police-subdue-russian-woman-with-rubber-bullets-after-edc-thailand-frenzy/

 

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Delivery Rider Killed in Road Rage Incident Involving Indian Driver on Sukhumvit Road

 

 

Bangkok on January 21, at approximately 12:00, Lieutenant Jarint Rattanasuwanachai, Deputy Inspector of Lumpini Police Station, and rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation responded to a fatal road incident on Sukhumvit Soi 10.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349500-delivery-rider-killed-in-road-rage-incident-involving-indian-driver-on-sukhumvit-road/

 

[Georgealbert]

Truck Collides with Another in Severe Crash: Passenger Trapped in Wreckage

 

 

A collision between two 18-wheeler trucks early morning on 21 January, on Asia Highway 41 in Ban Na Doem District, Surat Thani, left one woman trapped in the wreckage and requiring emergency rescue.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349501-18-wheeler-collides-with-another-in-severe-crash-passenger-trapped-in-wreckage/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Found Dead in Pickup Truck After Argument with Wife
 

 

A discovery was made early morning on January 21, in Surat Thani, where the decomposing body of a 60-year-old man was found in his pickup truck. The man, identified as Mr. Thanomsin, reportedly had an argument with his wife three days prior and left home, only to be discovered dead in his vehicle.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349502-man-found-dead-in-pickup-truck-after-argument-with-wife/

 

[Georgealbert]

Massive Fire at Biomass Power Plant in Phichit
 

 

A large-scale fire broke out at a biomass power plant in Phichit province, Thailand, engulfing over 1,000 tonnes of compressed biomass fuel. The incident occurred at the Thip Phichit Hybrid Energy Company power plant, located in Moo 6, Thung Pho Subdistrict, Taphan Hin District.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349503-massive-fire-at-biomass-power-plant-in-phichit/

 

[Georgealbert]

49 Rohingya Detained, 26 Escape in Phuket After Landing on Phang Nga Coast
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities in Phuket detained 49 Rohingya migrants who had entered the province on foot after being dropped off along the Phang Nga coastline. However, 26 others managed to escape. The group was reportedly heading to Malaysia when their journey was interrupted.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349504-49-rohingya-detained-26-escape-in-phuket-after-landing-on-phang-nga-coast/

 

[Georgealbert]

Five Injured as Police Pursue Drug Traffickers in Rayong: Methamphetamine Pills Seized

 

 

On the morning of January 21, a high-speed police chase in Rayong province resulted in the arrest of two drug traffickers, the seizure of methamphetamine pills, and injuries to five police officers. The incident occurred in Khao Chamao district after a sting operation was set up to apprehend the suspects.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349505-five-injured-as-police-pursue-drug-traffickers-in-rayong-methamphetamine-pills-seized/

 

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Thaksin’s Medical Leave Under Scrutiny: Protests Demand Reimprisonment

 

Picture courtesy: The Nation

 

Opponents of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are rallying for his return to prison. The protest unfolded in Bangkok, with critics questioning the validity of Thaksin’s medical parole and urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to act against her father.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349506-thaksin’s-medical-leave-under-scrutiny-protests-demand-reimprisonment/

 

[Georgealbert]

Driver Killed as Car Crashes into Electricity Pole

 

 

A crash occurred on the evening of 21 January when a car driver lost control, veered off the road, and violently crashed into an electricity pole, almost splitting it into two. The driver, a 59-year-old man, lost his life at the scene, trapped inside the tangled wreckage.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349508-driver-killed-as-car-crashes-into-electricity-pole/

 

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Fire Engulfs Sugarcane Truck on Highway 317
 

 

A fire broke out on a lorry carrying a large load of sugarcane near a U-turn on Highway 317 between Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi. The incident occurred in Ban Wang Nam Fon, Wang Mai Subdistrict, Wang Sombun District, Sa Kaeo Province. Both the truck and its trailer were completely engulfed in flames.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349509-fire-engulfs-sugarcane-truck-on-highway-317/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Dies in Motorbike Crash After Colliding with Stationary Pickup Truck in Sattahip

 

 

A fatal road crash occurred on the evening of 20 January, involving a motorbike and a stationary pickup truck in Sattahip, Chonburi. Local police from Sattahip Police Station and rescue volunteers from Sawang Rojanatham Foundation responded to the incident at the scene near the engineering department of the Sattahip Naval Base, heading towards Chuk Samet Port Road.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349507-woman-dies-in-motorbike-crash-after-colliding-with-stationary-pickup-truck-in-sattahip/

 

[Georgealbert]

Collision in Lopburi: Multiple Injuries as Pickup Swerves to Avoid Car
 

 

A collision involving two vehicles occurred on Phahonyothin Road near a U-turn in front of the Superman Ice Cream Factory, Talay Chupsorn, Lopburi. The crash left multiple people injured, prompting an emergency response from Narai Maharaj Hospital’s rescue team and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349512-collision-in-lopburi-multiple-injuries-as-pickup-swerves-to-avoid-car/

 

[Georgealbert]

 

French Man Arrested in Bangkok for Sharing Explicit Content with Thai Women
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 26-year-old French man has been arrested in Bangkok for posting explicit videos of intimate encounters with Thai women on social media, police announced.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1349513-french-man-arrested-in-bangkok-for-sharing-explicit-content-with-thai-women/

 

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Philippines and Thailand Forge Tourism Pact Amid Casino Buzz

 

Picture courtesy: Facbook Asean Skyline

 

In a significant strategic partnership, the Philippines and Thailand have signed a five-year agreement to enhance their travel and hospitality sectors. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349518-philippines-and-thailand-forge-tourism-pact-amid-casino-buzz/

 

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Tourism Authority of Thailand Aims for ฿3 Trillion by Focusing on Emerging Markets

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Bangkok Airways

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target of generating 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. This bold objective comes as TAT diversifies its focus towards emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India, and Russia, with the aim of reducing dependency on the traditionally strong but unpredictable Chinese market.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349520-tourism-authority-of-thailand-aims-for-฿3-trillion-by-focusing-on-emerging-markets/

 

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PM Paetongtarn to Assure Xi Jinping of Chinese Tourists' Safety During Thailand Visit

 

In this photo released by Thailand's government spokesman office, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists. This significant diplomatic engagement is scheduled for next month, as part of an effort to sustain and expand the influx of Chinese visitors to Thailand, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349522-pm-paetongtarn-to-assure-xi-jinping-of-chinese-tourists-safety-during-thailand-visit/

 

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Thailand braces for cold mornings and air pollution alert
by Bright Choomanee 

 

Picture courtesy of Nopparuj Lamaikul, Unsplash

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted that the cool air mass will continue to blanket the region, leading to cold mornings and frost on mountain peaks. The south will experience rain, and there is a warning for increased air pollution.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349524-thailand-braces-for-cold-mornings-and-air-pollution-alert/

 

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Toxic air: Thailand considers work from home nationwide
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Ministry of Public Health is set to recommend a nationwide work from home directive next week after PM2.5 ultrafine dust pollution surpassed safe thresholds in nearly every province yesterday, January 21, with Greater Bangkok experiencing the highest levels.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349525-toxic-air-thailand-considers-work-from-home-nationwide/

 

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Hospital admits infant body swap due to name, age similarities
by Bright Choomanee 

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

The Department of Medical Services has addressed the issue of a hospital mistakenly swapping two infants’ bodies, acknowledging the error occurred due to similarities in the children’s names and ages, as well as their passing occurring close together.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349531-hospital-admits-infant-body-swap-due-to-name-age-similarities/

 

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Thai actress accused of swindling 20 million baht and threatening victims
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo by Molly Blackbird via Unsplash

 

A news Facebook page claimed to have received complaints from three followers alleging that a Thai actress swindled them out of 20 million baht and used the name of a Thai politician to threaten them into remaining silent.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349541-thai-actress-accused-of-swindling-20-million-baht-and-threatening-victims/

 

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Toddler in critical condition after falling into water container
by Bright Choomanee 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

An 11 month old boy tragically fell into a water container in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, leaving him in critical condition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349542-toddler-in-critical-condition-after-falling-into-water-container/

 

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Thailand tackles high airfares for Songkran festival

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Transport Ministry has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to tackle the high cost of airfares during long weekends and holiday periods, in preparation for the Songkran festival in April.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349576-thailand-tackles-high-airfares-for-songkran-festival/

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Thailand updates family registration for equal marriage rights

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A new regulation by the Ministry of Interior regarding family registration was published in the Royal Gazette on Monday, January 20, aligning it with the equal marriage bill set to be enacted tomorrow, January 23.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349578-thailand-updates-family-registration-for-equal-marriage-rights/

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Golden eel with number-like markings found in Phayao pond

By Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Residents of Ban San in Tha Champhi subdistrict, Mueang district, Phayao province, are abuzz after a unique golden eel was found, with markings resembling numbers on its head. The 54 year old resident who discovered it, Phaiwan, expressed surprise, having never seen anything like it before.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349580-golden-eel-with-number-like-markings-found-in-phayao-pond/

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Police arrest man for trafficking 14 year old girl in Narathiwat

By Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Police in Narathiwat have apprehended a 20 year old man involved in an online prostitution operation, where he allegedly arranged for a 14 year old girl to meet clients at a resort, taking a 500 baht commission per encounter. The arrest occurred yesterday, January 21.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349581-police-arrest-man-for-trafficking-14-year-old-girl-in-narathiwat/

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Teen girl escapes unwanted advances by boat driver in Ayutthaya

By Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of Dailynews

 

A 14 year old girl was sitting by the waterside with her friend when an unfamiliar boat driver approached, embraced her, and attempted to kiss her. He then insensitively asked, “Shall we go to a hotel? I’ll cover the room costs.”

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349582-teen-girl-escapes-unwanted-advances-by-boat-driver-in-ayutthaya/

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Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Law Stirs Debate

 

Reference only photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

The Thai government's draft law on entertainment complexes has sparked a heated debate over its lack of clarity and purpose. According to Professor Chidtawan Chanakul of Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics, there is growing concern over what the law aims to achieve. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349583-thailand’s-entertainment-complex-law-stirs-debate/