THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 29 January 2025

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Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

Russian couple accused of dining and dashing at many Phuket restaurants

By Petch Petpailin

 

A Russian couple reportedly dined and dashed at multiple restaurants in Phuket, sparking an online debate over the visa-free scheme, which some online users claim attracts low-quality foreign visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350122-russian-couple-accused-of-dining-and-dashing-at-many-phuket-restaurants/

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Bangkok prison scrutinised for bribes and Chinese inmate privilege

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ เรือนจำพิเศษกรุงเทพมหานคร

 

A Thai political activist and former inmate accused officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of accepting bribes from a Chinese inmate and granting them privileges.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350137-bangkok-prison-scrutinised-for-bribes-and-chinese-inmate-privilege/

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Chinese nationals deny dine and dash, citing a misunderstanding

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Naewna

 

Chinese nationals accused of a dine and dash claimed they did not intentionally evade a bill of 9,480 baht at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, but instead cited a misunderstanding.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350131-chinese-na

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PM Paetongtarn to Discuss Thai Tourism Safety with Xi in Beijing

 

File photo. Courtesy: Xinhua/Ding Haitao

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week to discuss tourist safety in Thailand. Her visit to Beijing, scheduled for February 5-8, aims to reassure Chinese tourists concerned about recent safety issues linked to a high-profile human trafficking case involving a Chinese actor near the Thai-Myanmar border earlier this month.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350119-pm-paetongtarn-to-discuss-thai-tourism-safety-with-xi-in-beijing/

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Thailand Approves 29 Billion Baht for Tablets and Laptops for Schools

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The Thai government has greenlit a budget of 29 billion baht to purchase tablets and laptops for secondary school students.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350151-thailand-approves-29-billion-baht-for-tablets-and-laptops-for-schools/

 

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Thai Government Faces Vote-Buying Allegations Over Cash Handout

 

Picture courtesy: Money and Banking

 

The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, launched just days before the provincial elections, is bound to be seen by some as a form of vote-buying, said People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350152-thai-government-faces-vote-buying-allegations-over-cash-handout/

 

[Georgealbert]

Crash Claims Life of Young Vendor in Chumphon
 

 

In an incident early on January 28, a young female vendor lost her life in a motorcycle crash while on her way to purchase chicken for the Chinese New Year celebration. The collision occurred on Asia Highway 41 between kilometer markers 10 and 11 in the Thung Kha area of Mueang District, Chumphon.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350153-crash-claims-life-of-young-vendor-in-chumphon/

 

[Georgealbert]

Large Lopburi Teak House Suffers Complete Destruction in Fire
 

 

In an incident on the morning of January 28, a prestigious teak house in the Tha Sala area of Lopburi was engulfed in flames, resulting in total loss of the property, with preliminary damage estimated to be 10s of millions baht.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350154-large-lopburi-teak-house-suffers-complete-destruction-in-fire/

 

[Georgealbert]

Crash in Chachoengsao as Lorry Collides with 18-Wheeler, Leaving Driver Severely Injured
 

 

A serious crash occurred early morning 28 January, on Suwinthawong Road in Chachoengsao, where a 10-wheel lorry crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler. The driver of the lorry was left trapped in the wreckage with severe leg injuries, narrowly avoiding being severed.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350155-crash-in-chachoengsao-as-lorry-collides-with-18-wheeler-leaving-driver-severely-injured/

 

[Georgealbert]

 

Myanmar Man Arrested After Stabbing Factory Bully to Death in Samut Prakan
 

 

A 33-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested after fatally stabbing a fellow worker during a violent altercation at a factory dormitory in Bang Phli district. The suspect, angered by constant bullying, claimed he acted in self-defence after being struck on the head with a bottle.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350156-myanmar-man-arrested-after-stabbing-factory-bully-to-death-in-samut-prakan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese New Year Incense Sparks Fire, Damages House in Pattaya
 

 

A house fire in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, was caused by incense left burning during Chinese New Year celebrations. The incident, which occurred on 28 January at 12:30 resulted in the near-total internal damage of a single-storey house and left the homeowner’s son injured from smoke inhalation.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350157-chinese-new-year-incense-sparks-fire-damages-house-in-pattaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

Car Plunges into Canal After Father Goes to Buy Breakfast in Pathum Thani
 

 

A man lost his life after his car plunged into the canal while he was out purchasing soybean milk for his child. The tragedy unfolded on the morning of January 28, in the Khu Bang Luang area of Pathum Thani.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350158-car-plunges-into-canal-after-father-goes-to-buy-breakfast-in-pathum thani/

 

[Georgealbert]

Karenni Army: U.S. Aid Cuts Impact Refugee Camps, Forces Medical Transfers to Thailand
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Karenni Army (KA), also known as the Red Karen Army, has admitted that recent U.S. budget cuts to NGOs, enacted under President Donald Trump’s second administration, are severely affecting refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. The cuts have left camps struggling to provide medical care, forcing many patients to seek treatment in Thailand.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350159-karenni-army-us-aid-cuts-impact-refugee-camps-forces-medical-transfers-to-thailand/

 

[Georgealbert]

Teenage Brit Involved in Fatal Road Collision in Pattaya

 

 

A road crash on Soi Nern Plub Wan in Nong Prue, near Pattaya,  left one woman dead and another seriously injured late night on 28 January. The incident involved a Toyota Fortuner driven by a 19-year-old British-Thai man and a red Yamaha Grand Filano motorcycle carrying two riders.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350160-teenage-brit-involved-in-fatal-road-collision-in-pattaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

Warning Issued Over Bluebottle Jellyfish Presence Off Songkhla Beaches
 

 

Beachgoers are being urged to exercise caution following the discovery of an extensive proliferation of Bluebottle Jellyfish along popular local beaches, including Chao Ta Nature Beach, Samila Beach, and Laem Son Oan Beach.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350161-warning-issued-over-bluebottle-jellyfish-presence-off-songkhla-beaches/

 

[Georgealbert]

Blaze Claims Lives of Family of 3 in Buriram Shop Fire
 

 

A shop fire in the Kha Sang district of Buriram resulted in the tragic deaths of three family members, leaving the community in mourning. The victims, identified as 44-year-old Mr. Jamrong, 45-year-old Mrs. Kittima, and their one-year-old son, Kittisak, were discovered huddled together in their home after the fire destroyed the building.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350162-blaze-claims-lives-of-family-of-3-in-buriram-shop-fire/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Man Jailed for Killing Siberian Husky Over Chicken Incident

 

A man has been sentenced to two months in prison for fatally beating a three-year-old Siberian Husky named Lucky, belonging to a neighbour, before discarding the dog's body into the sea. The incident occurred after the dog allegedly attacked the man's chickens.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350163-man-jailed-for-killing-siberian-husky-over-chicken-incident/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Killed in Pick-Up Truck Collision with Trailer and Concrete Barrier in Pathum Thani
 

 

Two men were killed in a crash early morning on 28 January, when their pick-up truck collided with a trailer truck and crashed into a concrete barrier along Highway 9 in the Khu Bang Luang Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350164-two-killed-in-pick-up-truck-collision-with-trailer-and-concrete-barrier-in-pathum-thani/

 

[Georgealbert]

Vietnamese Man Arrested for Cannabis Cultivation in BangkoK

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod

 

A Vietnamese national has been arrested for illegally cultivating cannabis in a commercial building that had been converted into a full-scale cannabis production facility in Bangkok’s Lak Si district. Authorities reported that the operation caused significant odour and disturbance to the local community.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350165-vietnamese-man-arrested-for-cannabis-cultivation-in-bangkok/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fall at Samut Sakhon Dormitory: One Teen Dead, One Critically Injured
 

An incident at a six-storey dormitory block in the Krathum Baen district of Samut Sakhon has left one teenage girl dead and another critically injured after falling from the third floor. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on 28 January.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350167-fall-at-samut-sakhon-dormitory-one-teen-dead-one-critically-injured/

 

[Georgealbert]

Task Force Raids Illegal Childcare Facility Operated by Foreigners on Koh Phangan
 

 

Authorities on Koh Phangan have conducted a raid on an illegal childcare facility operated by a group of foreigners, leading to the arrest of multiple individuals from Russia, Ukraine, and Myanmar.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350170-task-force-raids-illegal-childcare-facility-operated-by-foreigners-on-koh-phangan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai-Irish Couple Reports Swiss Man Following Restaurant Confrontation
 

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod

 

A Thai-Irish couple has lodged a complaint on January 28, with Bang Saphan Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan following an alleged verbal assault by a Swiss national at a local restaurant.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350172-thai-irish-couple-reports-swiss-man-following-restaurant-confrontation/

 

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Chinese Tourism to Thailand Rises by 20% Amid Safety Concerns

 

FILE photo

 

Despite growing safety concerns, Thailand has seen a substantial 20.3% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals year-on-year this past week. This boost underscores the enduring allure of Thailand's diverse attractions even amidst apprehension about certain safety issues that have circulated recently.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350178-chinese-tourism-to-thailand-rises-by-20-amid-safety-concerns/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk Driver Flips SUV in Pattaya, Injuring Three
 

 

A heavily intoxicated driver lost control of his SUV and crashed into a parked pickup truck in the early hours of the morning of January 29, causing his vehicle to overturn and leaving three people injured.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350182-drunk-driver-flips-suv-in-pattaya-injuring-three/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thailand pledges continued refugee healthcare despite US aid halt
by Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of Government House

Thailand’s government will maintain healthcare services for refugees following US President Donald Trump’s directive for a 90-day halt on foreign aid, which affects the financial support for refugee healthcare in the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350159-karenni-army-us-aid-cuts-impact-refugee-camps-forces-medical-transfers-to-thailand/#findComment-19547828

 

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Chon Buri stray dog adopted by American man after firecracker scare

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via ThaiRath

 

An American man calmed a stray dog that was frightened by firecrackers during a Chinese New Year celebration in Chon Buri and ended up adopting the animal.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350211-chon-buri-stray-dog-adopted-by-american-man-after-firecracker-scare/

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Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction - video

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350212-pattaya’s-tourism-takes-a-hit-after-chinese-abduction-video/

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Mother of newborn twins falls to her death in hospital tragedy

By Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A tragic incident occurred at Pathum Thani Hospital when a 31 year old mother of newborn twins fell to her death from the 18th floor. The hospital has issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep condolences to the family and pledging full cooperation with police investigations.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350213-mother-of-newborn-twins-falls-to-her-death-in-hospital-tragedy/

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Thai monk denies fatal hit-and-run despite CCTV evidence

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ หนึ่ง ธนกร

 

A Thai monk denied involvement in a fatal hit-and-run in the central province of Ayutthaya, despite CCTV footage showing his car at the accident scene at approximately 12.30am on Monday, January 27.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350214-thai-monk-denies-fatal-hit-and-run-despite-cctv-evidence/

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Thai taxi rider arrested for snatching Burmese woman’s gold necklace

By Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ บิ๊กเกรียน

 

Police arrested a Thai motorcycle taxi rider for snatching a gold necklace from a Burmese victim as she was walking on a footpath in Bangkok on Sunday, January. 26

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350215-thai-taxi-rider-arrested-for-snatching-burmese-woman’s-gold-necklace/