THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 14 February 2025

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Foreign Tourist Saved by Thai Police After Travel Mishap

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

A foreign tourist named "Jack" 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/

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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/

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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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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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Scam Hubs: Thai Police Say 99% of Workers Joined Voluntarily

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Newsroom

 

In a startling revelation, Thai authorities have disclosed that a mere 1% of workers returning from scam centres in Myanmar are genuine victims, with the vast majority reportedly engaging with these criminal operations willingly. This announcement follows rigorous investigations into the activities of numerous scam centres situated along the Thai-Myanmar border.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351712-scam-hubs-thai-police-say-99-of-workers-voluntarily-joined/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mother Uses Three-Year-Old Son as Hostage in High-Speed Phuket Rampage

 

A shocking incident unfolded in Thalang district, Phuket, as a 33-year-old woman, Nilaa Chusen, used her three-year-old son as a hostage while leading authorities on a chaotic high-speed chase, crashing into multiple vehicles before her truck’s tyre burst, allowing rescuers to save the child. The woman, however ran off.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351714-mother-uses-three-year-old-son-as-hostage-in-high-speed-phuket-rampage/

 

[Georgealbert]

Cyber Police Operation “Dawn in Mae Sot” Dismantles Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation
 

In a significant operation dubbed “Dawn in Mae Sot,” Thai cyber police have successfully dismantled an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in the Mae Sot district of Tak province, which was found to be illegally using electricity and causing lost costs, exceeding 4 million baht. In addition to the mining operation, police seized a substantial cache of illegal firearms and ammunition.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351715-cyber-police-operation-“dawn-in-mae-sot”-dismantles-illegal-bitcoin-mining-operation/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Police Offer Reward to Identify Mystery Woman Found in Suitcase

Police in Ban Chang are offering a 50,000-baht reward for information leading to the identification of an unidentified woman whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in a body of water near a golf course.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351161-body-of-woman-found-stuffed-in-suitcase-in-rayong/page/2/#findComment-19585809

 

[Georgealbert]

Man 64, Chokes to Death on Pork Intestine Despite Rescue Efforts

 

A 64-year-old man choked to death while eating pork intestine at his home in Wichian Buri district, Phetchabun province, on 13 February.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351716-man-64-chokes-to-death-on-pork-intestine-despite-rescue-efforts/

 

[Georgealbert]

Body of Man Found Floating Near Mahanakorn Bridge

Authorities in Nonthaburi have discovered the body of a man suspected to be the same individual who jumped from Mahanakorn Bridge in an apparent suicide attempt two days ago.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351718-body-of-man-found-floating-near-mahanakorn-bridge/

 

[Georgealbert]

Royal Thai Navy Commences 2025 Annual Training Under “Train as You Fight” Slogan

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officially launched its 2025 annual training exercises on 13 February under the guiding principle of “Train as You Fight.” Admiral Jirapon Wongwit, the Commander-in-Chief of the RTN, presided over the opening ceremony at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi, alongside senior naval officers and participating personnel.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351719-royal-thai-navy-commences-2025-annual-training-under-“train-as-you-fight”-slogan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chaos as Car Crashes into Navy Guard Post in Sattahip

Navy personnel were forced to flee for their lives as a speeding car crashed into a naval guard post in Sattahip, leaving the structure in ruins and the driver critically injured.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351720-chaos-as-car-crashes-into-navy-guard-post-in-sattahip/

 

[Georgealbert]

Firefighter Dies After Electric Shock While Battling Blaze
 

Firefighter Akkaranit Buengsai, 35, of Samut Sakhon Municipality Fire Department, has tragically passed away after suffering a high-voltage electric shock while on duty.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351722-firefighter-dies-after-electric-shock-while-battling-blaze/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai Music Singer Chaiyathong Songphon Dies in Road Crash

Chaiyathong Songphon, the Thai singer known for the classic hit Poo Kai Kai Long, has passed away at the age of 77 after a tragic road collision while cycling.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351723-thai-music-singer-chaiyathong-songphon-dies-in-road-crash/

 

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Nigerian Arrested in Thalang for Selling Cocaine to Tourists

 

Picture courtesy: The Phuket Express

 

Phuket Immigration authorities apprehended a Nigerian national on Thursday, February 13th, in Thalang. The suspect, known only as Mr. Johnpaul, aged 37, was detained at a rented property in Thep Krasattri with a possession of 7.2 grams of cocaine. This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in popular tourist areas.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351724-nigerian-arrested-in-thalang-for-selling-cocaine-to-tourists/

 

[Georgealbert]

Warning of Jellyfish Spread at Popular Tourist Sites in Trang

A warning has been issued after toxic jellyfish were discovered in popular tourist destinations across Trang province. The National Park of Hat Chao Mai has announced that the venomous jellyfish have spread across several key locations including Koh Kradan, Koh Mook (Emerald Cave), Koh Meng, and Yong Ling Beach, all well-known coastal attractions in the area.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351725-warning-of-jellyfish-spread-at-popular-tourist-sites-in-trang/

 

[Georgealbert]

Jealous Gunman Opens Fire at Thai Barbecue Restaurant, Customers Flee in Panic

A jealous older man caused chaos at a barbecue restaurant in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, on the evening of 12 February, when he fired a gun inside the premises, sending customers fleeing in terror.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351727-jealous-gunman-opens-fire-at-thai-barbecue-restaurant-customers-flee-in-panic/

 

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Interpol Red Notice: Turkish Fugitive Arrested in Phuket

 

 

In a decisive move showcasing international cooperation, a Turkish fugitive, wanted on an Interpol red notice, was apprehended in Phuket earlier this week. The suspect, known only as Mr. Taskin, aged 32, found himself in Thai custody following an operation conducted by local authorities responding to international alerts.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351728-interpol-red-notice-turkish-fugitive-arrested-in-phuket/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fisherman Found Dead Under Sattahip Bridge, Suspected Drowning After Drinking
 

A 37-year-old fisherman was found dead in the waters beneath Phuyai Rapin Bridge in Samae San, Sattahip, on the evening of 13 February.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351729-fisherman-found-dead-under-sattahip-bridge-suspected-drowning-after-drinking/

 

[Georgealbert]

Elephant Strikes Fear as It Damages Restaurant Kitchen in Khao Yai

 

 

A wild elephant caused chaos at a restaurant in Khao Yai, where it smashed into the kitchen of a local eatery before being safely guided back into the forest by officials. The incident occurred during the early hours of February 13, in the Moo Si sub-district, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, near the popular Thanarat Road.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351730-elephant-strikes-fear-as-it-damages-restaurant-kitchen-in-khao-yai/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fuel Tanker Drivers’ Brawl Ends in Fatal Shooting

 

A heated argument between two fuel tanker drivers turned deadly at a petrol station in Surat Thani when one man was fatally shot after an exchange of blows escalated into a confrontation involving a hammer and a shotgun.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351731-fuel-tanker-drivers’-brawl-ends-in-fatal-shooting/

 

[Georgealbert]

Father’s Heartbreak as His Two Children Drown in Tragic Incident

A father was left devastated after discovering the lifeless bodies of his 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter in a pond, following a frantic overnight search after they mysteriously disappeared.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351732-father’s-heartbreak-as-his-two-children-drown-in-tragic-incident/

 

[Georgealbert]

Tourist Police at Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrest American-Lao Man for Stealing iPhone

A man of Lao descent, but travelling under his American nationality has been arrested by tourist police at Suvarnabhumi Airport after stealing an iPhone 16 Pro from a tourist.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351734-tourist-police-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-arrest-american-lao-man-for-stealing-iphone/

 

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Can Foreign Tourists in Pattaya Expect Fair Legal Treatment?

 

File photo for reference only

 

ANALYSIS

 

Pattaya, a bustling tourist hub on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, is at the heart of a pertinent discussion around justice and equality under the law for foreign visitors. This topic resonates strongly amid the numerous experiences that shape perceptions of tourists regarding their interactions with local law enforcement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351735-can-foreign-tourists-in-pattaya-expect-fair-legal-treatment/

 

[Georgealbert]

 

Fire at Cannabis Cultivation Facility Sends Smoke Through Jomtien Neighbourhood
 

A fire broke out at a cannabis cultivation facility in Jomtien on the night of 13 February, sending clouds of smoke through a nearby residential area. The incident left some locals feeling dizzy, while some foreign tourists reportedly found the situation amusing.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351737-fire-at-cannabis-cultivation-facility-sends-smoke-through-jomtien-neighbourhood/

 

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Pattaya Cheers Potential Easing of Alcohol Sales Restrictions

 

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In a progressive step towards boosting tourism and business, the Thai government is considering easing alcohol sales restrictions in Pattaya, much to the delight of tourists and local nightlife businesses. This potential policy shift aligns with the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year” campaign, which aims to rejuvenate the tourism sector by year's end.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351738-pattaya-cheers-potential-easing-of-alcohol-sales-restrictions/

 

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Thai MP Faces Arrest Request for Rape Allegation

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The House of Representatives has received a formal arrest request concerning Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, a member of the Thai Progressive Party. He is under accusation for allegedly raping a Taiwanese woman in Chiang Mai last month.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351739-thai-mp-faces-arrest-request-for-rape-allegation/

 

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Constitutional Amendment Effort Stalls in Thai Parliament

 

Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

Efforts to amend Thailand's Constitution faced a setback as a crucial joint sitting of the Senate and House collapsed due to a lack of quorum yesterday (Thursday).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351741-constitutional-amendment-effort-stalls-in-thai-parliament/

 

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Surge in Travel Demand Sparks 15% Increase in Thai Hotel Rates

 

Picture courtesy: FReepik

 

In response to booming international travel demand, hotel room rates in Thailand have surged by an average of 15% compared to last year, according to SiteMinder, a leading e-commerce platform for hotel bookings. This rise marks Thailand as the sole country experiencing double-digit growth in this sector.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351742-surge-in-travel-demand-sparks-15-increase-in-thai-hotel-rates/

 

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Bangkok Passenger Arrested with B36M Worth of 'Space Oil' at Hong Kong Airport

 

Picture courtesy of Travel Bug Aakash

 

In a significant bust highlighting the rise of synthetic drugs, a 22-year-old traveller from Bangkok was detained in Hong Kong for allegedly smuggling a substance known as "space oil," carrying a street value of approximately HK$8.4 million, or 36 million baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351747-bangkok-passenger-arrested-with-b36m-worth-of-space-oil-at-hong-kong-airport/