THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 13 February 2025

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Thailand Braces for Influx Post-Myanmar Gang Release Crackdown

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

Thailand is on high alert as the government prepares for a potential wave of foreigners freed from scam gangs in Myanmar. This comes after Thailand cut off electricity to pressure the gangs into releasing captives, as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351580-thailand-braces-for-influx-post-myanmar-gang-release-crackdown/

 

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Thai PM Faces Scrutiny Over Thaksin Influence Allegations

 

Thailand' s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, arrives at Government House for the cabinet meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) //File photo. 

 

Thailand's political stage is set for another showdown as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to tackle allegations involving her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in an upcoming no-confidence debate.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351554-thai-pm-faces-scrutiny-over-thaksin-influence-allegations/

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Thailand Eyes $9 Billion Jackpot with Casino Ambitions

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is on track to become a global gaming hotspot with ambitious plans to establish a lucrative casino industry. The country aims to tap into billions of dollars in revenue while boosting its thriving tourism sector. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351587-thailand-eyes-9-billion-jackpot-with-casino-ambitions/

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Top Thai Officers Probed Over Links to Scams in Myanmar

 

File-General view Myawaddy district in eastern Myanmar, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is conducting an investigation into alleged connections between senior police officers and criminal activities linked to scam operations across the Burmese border. This action follows the transfer of five senior officers from the Tak province, a move that has raised eyebrows due to the significant wealth of one of the officers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351595-top-thai-officers-probed-over-links-to-scams-in-myanmar/

 

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Thai Baht Set to Weaken as US Tariff Tensions Escalate

 

Picture courtesy: Kasikorn Research Centre

 

The Thai baht is anticipated to weaken in the coming weeks, largely due to increasing global trade tensions in the wake of the United States' recent decision to elevate tariffs on aluminium and steel imports to a flat rate of 25%.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351596-thai-baht-set-to-weaken-as-us-tariff-tensions-escalate/

 

[Georgealbert]

Foreign Hotel Manager Arrested for Illegal E-Cigarette & Smuggled Cigarette Sales

 

Authorities have arrested three individuals, including a foreign hotel manager, for illegally selling e-cigarettes and smuggled cigarettes at a hotel on Ko Pha Ngan. A significant quantity of contraband was seized during the operation.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351597-foreign-hotel-manager-arrested-for-illegal-e-cigarette-smuggled-cigarette-sales/

 

[Georgealbert]

 

Speeding Pickup Truck Crashes into Shop, Flips Over, Injuring Two

 

 

A high-speed crash in Nakhon Luang district, Ayutthaya province, left two people seriously injured after a pickup truck lost control, crashed into a shop, and flipped onto its roof. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning of 12 February, caused extensive damage to property and sent debris flying.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351598-speeding-pickup-truck-crashes-into-shop-flips-over-injuring-two/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcycle Salesman Stabbed to Death in Nakhon Si Thammarat
 

A 25-year-old motorcycle salesman was murdered in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with police suspecting multiple assailants and a personal motive behind the brutal killing.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351600-motorcycle-salesman-stabbed-to-death-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

[Georgealbert]

Authorities Launch Major Drug Crackdown, Seizing Assets Worth Over 118 Million Baht

Authorities have carried out a large-scale operation to dismantle a major drug trafficking network, targeting 30 locations across five provinces. The operation, codenamed “Seal Stop Safe”, resulted in the seizure of assets worth over 118 million baht.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351601-authorities-launch-major-drug-crackdown-seizing-assets-worth-over-118-million-baht/

 

[Georgealbert]

 

South Korean Drug Trafficker Arrested in Pattaya with Ice Hidden in Hollowed-Out Books

 

Immigration and anti-narcotics officers have arrested a 51-year-old South Korean man wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for international drug trafficking. The suspect, identified as Mr. Lee Choun Sam, was apprehended at a condominium in Jomtien, Pattaya, where authorities discovered 150 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a sophisticated smuggling setup.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351602-south-korean-drug-trafficker-arrested-in-pattaya-with-ice-hidden-in-hollowed-out-books/

 

[Georgealbert]

Death on Buddhist Holy Day: Three Motorcyclists Killed in Separate Crashes
 

Three fatal motorcycle crashes occurred almost simultaneously in Samut Prakan on Makha Bucha Day, resulting in the deaths of three riders.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351603-death-on-buddhist-holy-day-three-motorcyclists-killed-in-separate-crashes/

 

[Georgealbert]

Delivery Driver Reports Gun Threat from Angry Customer Over Late Parcel

 

A delivery driver has filed a police report after being threatened with a gun by an irate customer who was angry about a delayed parcel.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351605-delivery-driver-reports-gun-threat-from-angry-customer-over-late-parcel/

 

[webfact]

Xi Raises Concerns Over Thai Casino Project, PM Defends Plan

 

FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, is ushered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP)

 

During a recent diplomatic visit to China, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions surrounding Thailand's proposed casino-entertainment complex with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting, centred on assessing potential societal impacts, revealed President Xi’s apprehensions regarding an increase in crime related to such projects.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351606-xi-raises-concerns-over-thai-casino-project-pm-defends-plan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Teenager in Sportswear Jumps from Bridge and Disappears into River

A young man wearing what appeared to be a school sports uniform has jumped on 12 February, from the Maha Jesada Bodin Bridge in Nonthaburi and vanished beneath the surface of the Chao Phraya River, prompting an urgent search operation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351607-teenager-in-sportswear-jumps-from-bridge-and-disappears-into-river/

 

[Georgealbert]

Construction Worker Killed as Wall Collapses in Bangkok

 

 

A construction worker has died after a wall collapsed on him while he was dismantling a structure in Bangkok’s Phahonyothin 32 area.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351609-construction-worker-killed-as-wall-collapses-in-bangkok/

[Georgealbert]

Gunmen Arrested After Firing 10 Shots at Factory Supervisor’s Home in Rayong
 

Police in Nikhom Phatthana district, Rayong, have arrested two men suspected of firing 10 gunshots at the home of a factory supervisor. The attack, which occurred on 8 February at approximately 20:00, saw two gunmen on a motorcycle open fire on a house located along the Nong Saphan–Map Kha Road in Map Kha subdistrict.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351610-gunmen-arrested-after-firing-10-shots-at-factory-supervisor’s-home-in-rayong/

 

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Chinese Tourists Choose Japan Over Thailand for New Year

 

Picture courtesy: Freepik

 

In a surprising turn of events, Thailand has been knocked off its pedestal as the favourite destination for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year period, with Japan now taking the crown. This shift in travel preferences has been linked to a combination of favourable factors such as lower airfares to Japan, a weaker yen, and relaxed visa requirements, alongside rising safety concerns regarding travel in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351612-chinese-tourists-choose-japan-over-thailand-for-new-year/

[Georgealbert]

Man Suffers Electric Shock in Sriracha, Emergency Teams Rush to Assist
 

A man suffered a massive electric shock while working on a building in Sriracha, Chonburi, prompting an urgent response from rescue teams and emergency services

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351611-man-suffers-electric-shock-in-sriracha-emergency-teams-rush-to-assist/

 

[Georgealbert]

South Korean Fugitive Arrested in Pattaya for Electronics Fraud

 

Immigration and tourist police have arrested a 41-year-old South Korean man accused of defrauding multiple victims out of 1.155 billion won (approximately 31 million baht) through an electronics sales scam.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351613-south-korean-fugitive-arrested-in-pattaya-for-electronics-fraud/

 

[webfact]

NBTC Cracks Down on Fraudulent IPs to Combat Tech Crimes

 

Reference picture courtesy: Freepik

 

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has launched a decisive campaign against fraudulent IP addresses in Thailand, aiming to curb technology-related crimes threatening both societal and national security. On 7th February 2025, a directive was issued to all telecommunications providers, demanding the identification and suspension of IP addresses linked to illicit activities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351615-nbtc-cracks-down-on-fraudulent-ips-to-combat-tech-crimes/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chemical Truck Brakes Fail, Crashes into Roadside Shop in Rayong

A chemical truck, suffering brake failure, veered off the road and collided with a roadside shop in a dramatic incident in Rayong, although fortunately, no one was injured or killed
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351614-chemical-truck-brakes-fail-crashes-into-roadside-shop-in-rayong/

 

[Georgealbert]

Beach Mat Vendor Stabs Customer in Drug-Induced Delusion on Pattaya Beach

A 33-year-old man was stabbed in the neck and arm during a late-night altercation on Pattaya Beach, allegedly by a beach mat vendor who was reportedly under the influence of drugs.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351616-beach-mat-vendor-stabs-customer-in-drug-induced-delusion-on-pattaya-beach/

 

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Thailand Targets Karen Leader in Cross-Border Crime Crackdown

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Authorities in Thailand are making significant strides in combating cross-border crimes with plans to secure an arrest warrant for Saw Chit Thu, a prominent figure in the Karen Border Guard Force. This move comes amid allegations linking him to illegal activities that cross into Thai territory.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351617-thailand-targets-karen-leader-in-cross-border-crime-crackdown/

 

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Myanmar to Repatriate 7,000 Call Centre Scam Victims to Thailand

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Myanmar is preparing to return approximately 7,000 victims of call centre scams to Thailand. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, confirmed this plan, stressing that these victims should be repatriated directly to their home countries without being temporarily housed in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351618-myanmar-to-repatriate-7000-call-centre-scam-victims-to-thailand/

 

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Fire at Thai temple in New York leaves 2 dead

 

Video screenshot NYFD

 

A devestating fire engulfed a Thai Buddhist temple in the Bronx, New York, early Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The blaze ignited around 6 a.m. on Anthony Avenue, near East Burnside Avenue and East 180th Street, rapidly consuming the temple and leaving the building heavily damaged.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351619-fire-at-thai-temple-in-new-york-leaves-2-dead/

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Thailand Targets Illicit Nominee Businesses and Mule Accounts

 

Reference photo courtest: BDO

 

The Thai government has launched a robust campaign against nominee businesses, prosecuting 820 cases linked to nearly 12.5 billion baht (£272 million) in damages.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351621-thailand-targets-illicit-nominee-businesses-and-mule-accounts/

 

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Thai Boy Coerced by Foreign Schoolmates Raises Safety Concerns

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

In a disturbing incident that has caught attention in Chon Buri, Thailand, a seven-year-old boy was reportedly coerced into inappropriate acts by four older foreign students at a local school. The boy's mother, identified only as Ms A, brought the matter to the Ban Bueng Police after learning of the incident through a friend whose child also attends the same institution.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351625-thai-boy-coerced-by-foreign-schoolmates-raises-safety-concerns/

 

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Khon Kaen Raids Shut Down Paedophile Chat Group

 

File photo of a police dispatch room for reference only

 

In a significant crackdown by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 3 (CCID3), a 31-year-old man named Warit was apprehended in Khon Kaen for running a paedophile chat group.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351627-khon-kaen-raids-shut-down-paedophile-chat-group/

 

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New Road Link Promises Stronger Malaysia-Thailand Economic Ties

 

File photo courtesy:

 

The long-anticipated road alignment project connecting Malaysia and Thailand's key border checkpoints is nearing completion, promising to strengthen bilateral trade and ties. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351632-new-road-link-promises-stronger-malaysia-thailand-economic-ties/

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Thai PM Considers Easing Alcohol Sales Rules to Boost Tourism

 

Reference file photo courtesy: mamalovesphuket

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a review of Thailand’s longstanding afternoon alcohol sales ban, responding to business community calls for regulatory relaxation to enhance tourism.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351638-thai-pm-considers-easing-alcohol-sales-rules-to-boost-tourism/