THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 17 February 2025

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Wanted American Arrested in Phuket for Illegal Business Operations
 

 

A 67-year-old American man has been arrested in Phuket Old Town for allegedly violating Thailand’s Foreign Business Act.

 

Phuket authorities confirmed the arrest of Donald Ray, a US national, at a restaurant on Takua Pa Road in Talad Yai.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1351927-wanted-american-arrested-in-phuket-for-illegal-business-operations/

 

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Backpacker Paradise or Overcrowded Chaos?

Pai Struggles with Tourism Boom

 

Picture courtesy: Sanook

 

Pai, a once-tranquil town nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is experiencing growing pains as it grapples with an overwhelming influx of tourists. This surge, while beneficial for local businesses, has intensified existing tensions among the community residents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351964-backpacker-paradise-or-overcrowded-chaos-pai-struggles-with-tourism-boom/

 

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Russian Woman and Myanmar Employee Arrested for Selling Illegal E-Cigarettes on Koh Phangan

Police in Koh Phangan have arrested a 27-year-old Russian woman and her 41-year-old Myanmar employee for illegally selling e-cigarettes and shisha products to tourists. A separate raid also led to the arrest of a 55-year-old Thai woman for a similar offence.
 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351912-russian-woman-and-myanmar-employee-arrested-for-selling-illegal-e-cigarettes-on-koh-phangan/

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German Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with SUV in Pattaya
 

A German motorcyclist was killed instantly in a head-on collision with an SUV in Pattaya in the early hours of 16 February.
 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351925-german-motorcyclist-killed-in-collision-with-suv-in-pattaya/

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French National Detained for Illegal Work in Patong

 

 

In a recent crackdown on illegal employment, Patong police have arrested a French national for working without the necessary legal permit. The arrest took place at a restaurant near the entrance of Soi Na Nai 3 on Nanai Road, where the 37-year-old man was found to be working without the proper documentation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351965-french-national-detained-for-illegal-work-in-patong/

 

[Georgealbert]

School Van Overturns in Phayao, Injuring Seven

 

A school van from Chun district, Phayao, overturned on the Rong Kwang-Ngao Road in Phrae province, leaving seven passengers injured. The crash occurred at kilometre 33+400, slightly past the Sri Phum checkpoint.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351966-school-van-overturns-in-phayao-injuring-seven/

 

[Georgealbert]

Russian Man and Three Thai Nationals Arrested in Phuket for Financial Crimes

Immigration officers in Phuket, in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), have arrested a Russian national and three Thai individuals linked to financial fraud.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351967-russian-man-and-three-thai-nationals-arrested-in-phuket-for-financial-crimes/

 

[Georgealbert]

Film Crew Member Found Dead in Vehicle in Nonthaburi

A man working with a film crew was found dead on 15 February, under mysterious circumstances inside a parked vehicle in Nonthaburi. Police and rescue personnel from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were called to the scene after reports of an unresponsive man inside a pickup truck near Samakkhi Intersection on Tiwanon Road, Tha Sai, Mueang Nonthaburi district.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351968-film-crew-member-found-dead-in-vehicle-in-nonthaburi/

 

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Pakistanis Arrested for Illegal Herb Sales in Patong

 

Picture courtesy: The Phuket Express

 

Two Pakistani nationals have been arrested in Patong for selling herbs without legal permits, highlighting ongoing issues with unauthorised business activities in the popular tourist area. The police apprehended the individuals at a rented room on Soi Ratcha Uthit 200 Pi Road following reports of their illicit sales operations.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1351969-pakistanis-arrested-for-illegal-herb-sales-in-patong/

[Georgealbert]

Gamer Rage Turns Deadly: Myanmar Man Stabs Friend to Death After Losing Online Match

A heated argument over an online game took a turn in Rayong when a Myanmar national fatally stabbed his friend after losing. The suspect, who was reportedly intoxicated, later realised the gravity of his actions and surrendered to the police.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351970-gamer-rage-turns-deadly-myanmar-man-stabs-friend-to-death-after-losing-online-match/

 

[Georgealbert]

Family of Four Survives Crash as Pickup Truck Overturns in Buriram

A family of four, including two young children, miraculously survived after their pickup truck veered off the road and overturned in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram. The crash, believed to have been caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel, left the mother trapped inside the wreckage, while locals rushed to rescue the children.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351971-family-of-four-survives-crash-as-pickup-truck-overturns-in-buriram/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Man Faces Arrest Over Death of Thai Woman in Hotel Room

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a Chinese man suspected of causing the death of a 22-year-old Thai woman, identified as Ms. Airda, after she was found dead in a hotel room in the Bang Kapi area of Bangkok.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351973-chinese-man-faces-arrest-over-death-of-thai-woman-in-hotel-room/

 

[Georgealbert]

Endangered Leopard Cat Cub Rescued from Roadside in Lampang After Fleeing Wildfire

Officials from the Wiang Kosai National Park rescue team have successfully rescued a male leopard cat found collapsed at the side of the road, believed to have fled from a nearby wildfire. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351974-endangered-leopard-cub-rescued-from-roadside-in-lampang-after-fleeing-wildfire/

 

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Thai MP Calls for Visa Policy Review to Tackle Scam Gangs

 

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV

 

People's Party MP, Rangsiman Rome, has urged the Thai government to reassess its visa-free entry policy to combat the rise of scam gangs allegedly operating across the Thai-Myanmar border.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351975-thai-mp-calls-for-visa-policy-review-to-tackle-scam-gangs/

 

[Georgealbert]

Soldier Found Dead in Irrigation Canal After Valentine’s Day Visit to Mother
 

An incident unfolded in Singburi Province on 16th February, when the body of a 19-year-old soldier was discovered floating in an irrigation canal, two days after he had visited his mother on Valentine’s Day.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351976-soldier-found-dead-in-irrigation-canal-after-valentine’s-day-visit-to-mother/

 

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Foreigners Face New Hurdles in Opening Thai Bank Accounts

 

Picture courtesy: Royal Vacation

 

Foreign nationals in Thailand are encountering increased difficulties when trying to open bank accounts, following a new crackdown aimed at combating financial crime. This development is part of a broader initiative by the Thai government, led by the Bank of Thailand, targeting mule accounts linked to fraud and money laundering activities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351977-foreigners-face-new-hurdles-in-opening-thai-bank-accounts/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Officers Praised for Performing CPR on Chinese Tourist, Who Later Died in Hospital

 

Two patrol officers from Huai Khwang Police Station have been commended for their efforts to save the life of a 32-year-old Chinese tourist who collapsed in front of a convenience store in Bangkok. Despite their quick response and CPR attempts, the man later died in hospital.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351978-police-officers-praised-for-performing-cpr-on-chinese-tourist-who-later-died-in-hospital/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk Woman Drowns Attempting to Swim Across Canal to Lover

A 58-year-old woman drowned after attempting to swim across a canal in Samut Prakan while intoxicated. Despite being stopped once by a concerned bystander, she later returned and is believed to have drowned due to exhaustion.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351979-drunk-woman-drowns-attempting-to-swim-across-canal-to-lover/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Pickup Crashes into Streetlight, Revealing Large Haul of Smuggled Cigarettes
 

A police officer in Trat province was injured after losing control of his official pickup truck and crashing into a streetlight on the evening of 16th February. However, what was initially seen as just a crash, soon took a dramatic turn when authorities discovered a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicle.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351980-police-pickup-crashes-into-streetlight-revealing-large-haul-of-smuggled-cigarettes/

 

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Chinese Minister Rescues 600 Nationals from Scam Gangs at Thai-Myanmar Border

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

In an ambitious move to combat international fraud, China's assistant minister of public security, Liu Zhongyi, has travelled to the Thai-Myanmar border to orchestrate the repatriation of approximately 600 Chinese nationals, victims of scam gangs operating in the region.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351981-chinese-minister-rescues-600-nationals-from-scam-gangs-at-thai-myanmar-border/

 

[Georgealbert]

Dispute Over Rubber Tapping Wages Leads to Fatal Shooting in Chumphon

A deadly altercation over rubber tapping wages resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man in the Chumphon province on 15th February. The incident occurred at the Go Peng rubber plantation in Lat Mae district, where a confrontation between the victim and his employer escalated into violence.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351982-dispute-over-rubber-tapping-wages-leads-to-fatal-shooting-in-chumphon/

 

[Georgealbert]

University Professor’s Home Catches Fire in Bangkok: 1 Dead, Suspected E-Bike Battery Fire
 

A fire broke out at the home of a university professor in Bangkok in the early hours of 16 February, with initial reports suggesting an electric bicycle battery as the cause
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351983-university-professor’s-home-catches-fire-in-bangkok-1-dead-suspected-e-bike-battery-fire/

 

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Taiwan Labels Thailand as High-Risk Travel Destination

 

CNA, MOI photo courtesy by: Taiwan News

 

In a decisive move, Taiwan has designated Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos as high-risk travel destinations due to their connections with burgeoning fraud rings. Announced by Taiwan's Ministry of Interior on Friday, this development highlights growing concerns over regional crime syndicates specifically targeting international visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351984-taiwan-labels-thailand-as-high-risk-travel-destination/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Bludgeoned to Death in Front of His Children,  Suspect Arrested in Ayutthaya
 

A manhunt has ended in the swift arrest of a 28-year-old suspect who brutally bludgeoned his friend to death with a hammer in front of the victim’s two young children in Ayutthaya. The shocking attack, which occurred in the early hours of 16th February, left the victim, 42-year-old Phichat Phayayot, dead at the scene.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351985-man-bludgeoned-to-death-in-front-of-his-children- suspect-arrested-in-ayutthaya/

 

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Pedestrian Crossings in Thailand Demand Enhanced Safety Measures

 

File photo for reference only

 

Calls for improved safety at pedestrian crossings in Bangkok have intensified, particularly in high-risk areas near schools and hospitals, following incidents that underscore the urgent need for reform.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351986-pedestrian-crossings-in-thailand-demand-enhanced-safety-measures/

[Georgealbert]

Japanese Businessman Dead as Van Crashes Into Toll Booth on Burapha Withi Expressway

 

A crash occurred on the Burapha Withi Expressway at 12:05, on 16th February, when a black Toyota van crashed into a toll booth, resulting in the death of a Japanese businessman and leaving the driver critically injured.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351987-japanese-businessman-dead-as-van-crashes-into-toll-booth-on-burapha-withi-expressway/

 

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Teenage Boy Cycles 100km to Be with His Grandparents

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

A 13-year-old boy named Pond embarked on an ambitious 100-kilometre bicycle journey to reunite with his grandparents in Ubon Ratchathani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351988-teenage-boy-cycles-100km-to-be-with-his-grandparents/

 

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Thai PM Paetongtarn Highlights Advantages of Recent China Visit

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed optimism that her recent official visit to China will yield significant benefits for Thailand, particularly in terms of security and enhancing trade relations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351989-thai-pm-paetongtarn-highlights-advantages-of-recent-china-visit/

 

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Thai Court Approves Thaksin's ASEAN Trip to Brunei

 

 File photo  courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Thailand's Criminal Court has granted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra permission to travel to Brunei to participate in ASEAN meetings on February 18-19. This marks the second occasion he has been allowed to leave Thailand recently, following his release on bail with a 5-million-baht surety.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351990-thai-court-approves-thaksins-asean-trip-to-brunei/

 

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Government Unfazed by Calls for Dissolution Amid Charter Debate

 

Thai Government house. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

The Pheu Thai-led government has dismissed opposition calls for a House dissolution following failed attempts to deliberate changes to the 2017 constitution. Opposition People's Party leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, urged dissolution after joint sittings collapsed last week due to a lack of quorum, highlighting perceived disunity within the coalition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351992-government-unfazed-by-calls-for-dissolution-amid-charter-debate/