THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 13 February 2025

[Georgealbert]

Major Fire Breaks Out at Ratchaburi Candle Factory, Firefighters Struggled to Contain It

A massive fire has engulfed a candle casting factory in Ratchaburi, with firefighters still struggling to bring the blaze under control. Emergency crews were deployed to the site, working all night to prevent the flames from spreading further.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351642-major-fire-breaks-out-at-ratchaburi-candle-factory-firefighters-struggled-to-contain-it/

 

[webfact]

Football aristocracy trades boots for birdies in epic golf showdown

Score big with exclusive 50% off Hospitality Tickets for Thaiger readers

Picture of former Manchester United favourite Phil Jones courtesy of the www.icons-series.com

Thailand is rolling out the red carpet for the world of footballing aristocracy next month as they swap pitches for putts in a thrilling Ryder Cup-style golf competition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351643-football-aristocracy-trades-boots-for-birdies-in-epic-golf-showdown/

 

[snoop1130]

Iran-Thai Tourism Exchange Set to Rise, Celebrates 70-Year Ties

 

Photo courtesy of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs

 

In a move to bolster tourism exchanges with Thailand, Iran's ambassador to Bangkok, Nassereddin Heidari, declared the country's intentions during an event commemorating Iran's National Day on Tuesday, 11th February. He revealed that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand last year, highlighting it as an attractive destination. Iran is keen to increase this figure, welcoming more Thai visitors in return.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351663-iran-thai-tourism-exchange-set-to-rise-celebrates-70-year-ties/

 

[snoop1130]

UPDATE:

 

Thailand Considers Lifting Alcohol Sales Ban, Eyeing Economic Boost

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Thailand is mulling over the possibility of lifting the longstanding ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm, as well as during religious holidays. This move, championed by the former chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Business Association, aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directives aimed at boosting the economy by revisiting regulations seen as impediments.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351638-thai-pm-considers-easing-alcohol-sales-rules-to-boost-tourism/page/2/#findComment-19585026

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand Halts New Firearm Permits to Combat Rising Gun Crime

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is suspending the issuance of new firearm carrying permits for a year starting Friday, as part of a broader government mission to tackle increasing gun violence. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351665-thailand-halts-new-firearm-permits-to-combat-rising-gun-crime/

 

[snoop1130]

Student Hit by Car at School Crossing; Driver Faces Charges

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 14-year-old student from Suankularb Wittayalai School was injured when a car ran a red light and struck him while he was using a zebra crossing. The incident occurred on February 10 at around 2:50 PM on Tri Phet Road in front of the school, located in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351666-student-hit-by-car-at-school-crossing-driver-faces-charges/

 

[webfact]

Foreign Tourists Saved by Thai Police After Travel Mishap

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

A foreign tourist seeking adventure on Thailand's Koh Tao island ended up in an unexpected location—and in dire straits—before Thai police and good Samaritans came to the rescue.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351667-foreign-tourists-saved-by-thai-police-after-travel-mishap/

 

[snoop1130]

Tak Immigration Chief Replaced Amid Human Trafficking Concerns

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In response to reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into Thailand, the Immigration Bureau has reassigned the Tak Immigration Superintendent. The incident, suspected of involving human trafficking, has prompted swift action to maintain Thailand's image and integrity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351668-tak-immigration-chief-replaced-amid-human-trafficking-concerns/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand's Smartphone Sales Surge: A Market Reborn

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's smartphone market bounced back dramatically in 2024 after two years of sluggish performance, supported by strategic financing plans and government initiatives. According to IDC, smartphone sales grew by an impressive 17.1%, with 16.9 million units shipped. Canalys reported a 7.1% increase, totaling 16.4 million units sold.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351671-thailands-smartphone-sales-surge-a-market-reborn/

 

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Thailand's Tourist Boom: 4.8 Million Visitors So Far

 

Photo courtesy of The ASEAN Post

 

Thailand's tourism sector is thriving, with 4.8 million international visitors entering the country from January to February 9th this year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. This bustling travel scene has significantly boosted the economy, contributing an impressive 234.9 billion baht in revenue during this period.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351672-thailands-tourist-boom-48-million-visitors-so-far/

 

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Child Lured and Assaulted: Urgent Hunt for Chon Buri Suspects

 

 

A deeply troubling case has emerged from Chon Buri province, where a 10-year-old girl was subjected to a vicious assault. The harrowing incident occurred near her school in the Nong Yai district on February 11.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351673-child-lured-and-assaulted-urgent-hunt-for-chon-buri-suspects/

 

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Pattaya's New Seafood Market Spruces Up for Grand Reopening

 

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya is about to unveil its newly renovated Lan Pho Naklua Seafood Market, transforming it into a modern space for fresh seafood lovers. Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Ruemkijakarn led an inspection on February 11, joined by local officials and community members.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351674-pattayas-new-seafood-market-spruces-up-for-grand-reopening/

 

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Snoopy Takes Flight: Pattaya's Kite Festival Soars in 2025

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

Get ready for a sky full of wonder at the Pattaya International Kite on the Beach 2025! This year, the kite festival dazzles with a Snoopy theme, taking place from February 26th to March 2nd along a scenic two-kilometer stretch of Pattaya Beach.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351675-snoopy-takes-flight-pattayas-kite-festival-soars-in-2025/

 

[snoop1130]

Beach Birthday Brawl: Stabbing Shock Scandalizes Pattaya

 

 

Early this morning, Pattaya beach became the scene of a violent altercation that sent waves through its socializing tourists, both Thai and foreign. Around 1:06 a.m. on February 13, Police Lieutenant Chaowalit Suwanmanee and local rescue teams rushed to Soi 10, responding to the alarming situation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351677-beach-birthday-brawl-stabbing-shock-scandalizes-pattaya/

 

[snoop1130]

Teen Fugitives Nabbed After Dramatic Escape in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Two young boys, aged 13 and 14, are back in custody after their daring escape from a juvenile detention transport in Chaiyaphum province. The boys were originally detained for separate charges, one involving robbery and the other meth possession.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351583-teens-daring-escape-from-custody-search-underway/#findComment-19585057

 

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Thailand Urged to Boost Health Services for Border Refugees

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand faces growing pressure to improve healthcare services in refugee shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border. This comes as the United States halts funding for health programs run by the International Rescue Committee for three months, prompting the closure of some facilities in these shelters.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351686-thailand-urged-to-boost-health-services-for-border-refugees/

 

[snoop1130]

Police Rescue Hoax Diverts Private Jet Mid-Air to Pune

 

Photo courtesy of Marathi News

 

In an extraordinary twist, a private jet carrying Rishiraj Sawant, son of former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant, and two friends was redirected back to Pune following a shocking kidnap hoax. The flight, en route to Bangkok, was turned around on Monday, February 10, after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been abducted.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351687-police-rescue-hoax-diverts-private-jet-mid-air-to-pune/

 

[snoop1130]

More Thais Staying Single, Impact on Weddings and Florists

 

Photo courtesy of Thailand Foundation

 

An increasing number of Thais are choosing to remain single, driven by changing social norms, financial pressures, and rising expectations for partners. This shift is affecting businesses tied to romance, such as wedding planners and flower shops.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351688-more-thais-staying-single-impact-on-weddings-and-florists/

 

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Bangkok Taxi Driver Arrested for Robbing Drunk Passengers

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

Police in Bangkok have arrested 46-year-old Sawat, a taxi driver accused of stealing from intoxicated passengers and abandoning them mid-route. The arrest, made possible via a GPS tracker on his cab, took place on February 12 in the Lat Phrao district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351689-bangkok-taxi-driver-arrested-for-robbing-drunk-passengers/

 

[snoop1130]

Cigarette Suspected in Samut Prakan Fire Tragedy

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic accident in Samut Prakan claimed the life of a 47-year-old bed-bound man, believed to have been caused by a cigarette. The incident unfolded late last night in a single-storey rental property in Village 6, Khlong Dan, Bang Bo district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351693-cigarette-suspected-in-samut-prakan-fire-tragedy/

 

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Laotian Driver Escapes Police After Wild High-Speed Chase - video

 

Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook

 

In a dramatic high-speed chase that went viral on social media, a Laotian man managed to evade police after a chaotic pursuit through Bangkok. The incident unfolded on February 11th when traffic officers noticed a grey pickup truck, license plate 3ฒญ 1134 Bangkok, parked illegally on a crossing. The driver, identified as Zone from Laos, appeared intoxicated.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351694-laotian-driver-escapes-police-after-wild-high-speed-chase-video/

 

[snoop1130]

Teen Seeks Temple Sanctuary After Abuse by Uncle and Aunt

 

 

In Prachuap Khiri Khan province, a 16-year-old, known as A, has accused her uncle of sexual assault and her aunt of physical abuse. The distressing situation unfolded when she fled to a temple for sanctuary. Accompanied by Chaiyanat Yamasamit, a local assistant village headman, she reported the incidents to police on February 12.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351695-teen-seeks-temple-sanctuary-after-abuse-by-uncle-and-aunt/

 

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Helmet Thief in Taxi Vest Shocks Pattaya, Sparks Outrage

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

An elderly man was captured on CCTV stealing a helmet outside a company on Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat in Pattaya at around 11:25 a.m. on February 11. The footage, widely circulated on social media, has sparked concerns about the legitimacy of motorcycle taxi drivers in the area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351697-helmet-thief-in-taxi-vest-shocks-pattaya-sparks-outrage/

 

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Pattaya Ramps Up Efforts to Tackle Homelessness and Crime

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya is intensifying efforts to address homelessness and boost public safety on Sukhumvit Road and the beach. In response to rising concerns about crime and disorder, city officials are launching measures to clean up the streets, support the homeless, and curb illegal activities.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351698-pattaya-ramps-up-efforts-to-tackle-homelessness-and-crime/

 

[snoop1130]

Motorcyclist Dies in Construction Pit in Loei Accident

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic accident occurred in Loei province last night when Adisak, a 41-year-old motorcyclist, fell into a two-meter deep construction pit and died. The site, near a petrol station on Highway 201, is undergoing sewer installation work.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351699-motorcyclist-dies-in-construction-pit-in-loei-accident/

 

[snoop1130]

Mystery Shrouds Death of Thai Man Found in Phuket Resort

 

 

A perplexing incident has gripped Phuket, as local police investigate the mysterious death of 59-year-old Thai man, Somsak Thongthong. His body was found last night in a Kamala resort, leaving authorities baffled.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351700-mystery-shrouds-death-of-thai-man-found-in-phuket-resort/

 

[snoop1130]

Mystery in Kamphaeng Phet: Family Found Dead in Pickup

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a scene straight out of a crime thriller, the discovery of three dead bodies inside an abandoned pickup truck has sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Khlong Khlung in Kamphaeng Phet province, Thailand.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351702-mystery-in-kamphaeng-phet-family-found-dead-in-pickup/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Tourist's Mix-Up Adventure: From Chiang Mai to Koh Tao

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

A French tourist named Jack set out on a dream trip to Koh Tao in Surat Thani, Thailand, but a simple mix-up landed him in Doi Tao, Chiang Mai - over 800 kilometers off course. While trying to hitchhike south, he lost his wallet in Suphan Buri but thanks to the kindness of locals and quick assistance from police, he was able to retrieve it and continue his journey.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351667-foreign-tourists-saved-by-thai-police-after-travel-mishap/#findComment-19585263