Phuket's Plan for Water Taxis: A New Way to Beat Traffic

 

Picture courtesy: The Nation

 

Phuket is charting a new course to address its infamous traffic jams by embracing a water transport system. This innovative initiative seeks to alleviate road congestion on the bustling island, aiming to offer a more seamless and scenic travel alternative.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352112-phukets-plan-for-water-taxis-a-new-way-to-beat-traffic/

 

Attempted Rape in Phuket: Burmese Man Arrested After Attack

 

Picture courtesy: The Phuket News

 

In a shocking incident last Saturday, a Myanmar national has been apprehended in Phuket for the attempted rape of a 57-year-old woman. The attack, which took place in the Wichit area, was thwarted by the timely arrival of the victim's son.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352115-attempted-rape-in-phuket-burmese-man-arrested-after-attack/

 

Thailand Unveils Salt Tax Plans to Curb Sodium Consumption

 

File photo

 

In a bid to tackle high sodium consumption and its associated health risks, Thailand's Excise Department is crafting a roadmap to introduce a salt tax, starting with snack foods. This initiative mirrors previous steps taken with the sugar tax, aiming to improve public health through economic incentives.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352118-thailand-unveils-salt-tax-plans-to-curb-sodium-consumption/

 

Man Attacks Nurse Over Child Safety in Thai Hospital Scuffle

 

Photo via The Coverage

 

In Rayong, Thailand, a man slapped a nurse at Rayong Hospital for preventing his young child from entering a ward, aiming to protect the child's health. The incident, which unfolded on February 17, was shared by the nurse's sister on Facebook, sparking widespread outrage.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352145-man-attacks-nurse-over-child-safety-in-thai-hospital-scuffle/

 

Thai Durians: Safe, Sound, and Sweet in China

 

Photo courtesy of NBT World

 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives confidently predicts that Thai durians, already dominating 57% of China's fruit market, will continue to be the top choice. This comes after enhancements in food safety and contamination checks. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat recently met with Chinese Minister Sun Meijun to discuss Thai fruit imports.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352147-thai-durians-safe-sound-and-sweet-in-china/

 

Tourist's Brain Invaded by Rare Worms Post-Exotic Holiday

 

File photo for reference only

 

A 30-year-old American woman, recently back from her dream holiday touring Hawaii, Japan, and Thailand, found herself battling rare brain-infesting worms after returning home. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety, the woman, from New England, USA, experienced severe headaches and a strange burning in her limbs, only to later discover she was hosting the dangerous rat lungworm, scientifically named Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352149-tourists-brain-invaded-by-rare-worms-post-exotic-holiday/

 

Thailand Cracks Down: Police to Monitor Foreign Nationals Closely

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand’s national police chief, Police General Kitrat Panphet, has directed police forces across the nation to heighten surveillance of foreign nationals amid escalating concerns over public order and safety. This new measure, announced on 17 February, stems from reports of foreign visitors’ conduct that disrupts social harmony, violates public morals, and potentially damages Thailand's reputation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352152-thailand-cracks-down-police-to-monitor-foreign-nationals-closely/

 

Thai PM Visits Phatthalung, Promises Growth before Cabinet Meeting

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra embarked on a significant visit to Phatthalung, engaging with locals and pledging economic development. This two-day tour leads into the inaugural mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla, showcasing her administration's dedication to regional growth.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352153-thai-pm-visits-phatthalung-promises-growth-before-cabinet-meeting/

 

Thai PM Assures Locals: No Israeli Takeover in Pai District - video

 

Picture of Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paethongtarn Shinawatra, has addressed and dismissed concerns over alleged Israeli control of the picturesque Pai district in Mae Hong Son. Responding to circulating rumours, Shinawatra, 38, stressed that the notion of an Israeli influx overtaking the area and restricting Thai access is unfounded.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352154-thai-pm-assures-locals-no-israeli-takeover-in-pai-district-video/

 

Students Return 32,000 Baht Mistakenly Given at a Thai Gold Shop

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Recently, two high school students in Saraburi, Thailand, made headlines for their remarkable honesty. The teenagers, Thiraporn "Baifern" Laophusing and Phornchanok "Beam" Phimsen, were given nearly 32,000 baht (about $890) instead of 5,000 baht (about $150) at a local gold shop. Both 18-year-olds returned the excess money, receiving praise and a small reward for their integrity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352155-students-return-32000-baht-mistakenly-given-at-a-thai-gold-shop/

 

Fuel Dodge Goes Awry: Meth-Driven Trucker Slams Into Trouble

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 27-year-old truck driver, Wiriya, spiraled into chaos in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, after failing to pay for fuel and causing a traffic accident while under the influence of methamphetamine. The chaotic series of events unfolded on February 17.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352157-fuel-dodge-goes-awry-meth-driven-trucker-slams-into-trouble/

 

Phuket Puts Plans in Place to Secure Water Amid Dry Season

 

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News

 

As Phuket welcomes the dry season, local officials are diligently working to prevent any potential drought issues. The Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) recently held an emergency meeting on February 17, headed by Chief Sopon Thongsai, to devise strategies for effective water management.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352159-phuket-puts-plans-in-place-to-secure-water-amid-dry-season/

 

Vote Rigging and Money Laundering Allegations Hit Thai Senate

 

Picture courtesy: Naewna via Thai Newsroom

 

Thailand's political landscape faces turmoil as reports emerge that up to 138 senators might be implicated in alleged electoral manipulation during last year's senatorial elections. Of the 200 serving senators, those suspected are believed to have engaged in practices compromising the integrity of a complex three-tier voting system.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1352158-vote-rigging-and-money-laundering-allegations-hit-thai-senate/

 

Patong Police Crack Down on Reckless Foreign Tourist Riders

 

Picture of police stopping a Thai man in Phuket courtesy of Phuket News

 

In an effort to address the rampant chaos on Phuket's roads, Patong police initiated a significant crackdown on reckless driving among foreign tourists over the weekend. On Saturday, February 15, authorities targeted local motorbike rental operators, penalising over ten businesses for failing to verify tourists' driving licences before renting out vehicles.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352161-patong-police-crack-down-on-reckless-foreign-tourist-riders/

 

Bangkok-Pattaya Bus Overturns, 40 Injured

 

 

A bus travelling from Bangkok to Pattaya overturned on the bypass road (Highway 36) heading into Pattaya, leaving 40 people injured. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to assist those involved in the accident, which occurred at approximately 14:00 on 18 February.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352163-bangkok-pattaya-bus-overturns-40-injured/

 

Illegal Buildings in Pattaya Demolished Amid Drug Fight

 

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

In a bold move to curb illegal activity, Pattaya officials have started demolishing unauthorized structures on Soi Jomtien 3, previously known for drug gatherings. Yesterday, February 17, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, alongside Police Chief Colonel Navin Teerawit, oversaw the demolition operations aimed at restoring safety to the area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352166-illegal-buildings-in-pattaya-demolished-amid-drug-fight/

 

New Bus Routes Link Bangkok Airports to Pattaya and Hua Hin

 

Photo courtesy of Airport Huahin Bus

 

Travellers can now take advantage of a new first-class bus service connecting Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports to the popular destinations of Pattaya and Hua Hin. This service, operational from March 8, is provided by State-run Transport Co. and promises both comfort and convenience for tourists and locals alike.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352167-new-bus-routes-link-bangkok-airports-to-pattaya-and-hua-hin/

 

Thonburi Drug Bust: 48kg of Meth and Ketamine Seized, Suspects Flee

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a major drug bust in the Thonburi district of Bangkok, police confiscated 25 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and 23 kilogrammes of ketamine after suspects abandoned their vehicles. The incident took place yesterday morning, February 17, near Phetkasem Road, Bang Khae district when police were monitoring a suspected drug gang.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352169-thonburi-drug-bust-48kg-of-meth-and-ketamine-seized-suspects-flee/

 

Optimus Prime Statue in Bangkok Gains "Sacred" Status for Bar - video

 

Photo via TiKTok/ @hypnotized.bar

 

In Bangkok's bustling Chinatown, an unlikely transformation has occurred. An Optimus Prime statue, more often associated with childhood escapades than profound spirituality, has become a symbol of blessing for a newly inaugurated cocktail and wine bar known as Hypnotized. It all started when the bar's creative marketing involved a tongue-in-cheek homage to the Transformers icon with a touch of traditional Thai flavour.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352170-optimus-prime-statue-in-bangkok-gains-sacred-status-for-bar-video/

 

Bangkok Police Nab Theft Suspects Linked to Multiple Motorbike Crimes

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a decisive move, police in Bangkok’s Thakham district have successfully apprehended two suspects linked to a spree of motorcycle thefts across the city. The suspects, Khemchat, 26, and Anuchit, 20, were arrested at a rental property in Rat Burana district following a carefully coordinated investigation prompted by a report on February 15.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352171-bangkok-police-nab-theft-suspects-linked-to-multiple-motorbike-crimes/

 

Teen Agency Operator Arrested in Tragic Drug Death Case

 

Photo via ThaiRath

 

In a shocking development, Thai police have arrested an 18-year-old modeling agency operator named In, tied to the death of a 22-year-old party entertainer, Irada. She died after an alleged drug encounter with a Chinese client in Bangkok.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352172-teen-agency-operator-arrested-in-tragic-drug-death-case/

 

Rain Turns Nightmare: Bus Overturns in Thai Highway Crash

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a frightening ordeal early this morning, 18 passengers found themselves trapped when their bus collided with a trailer, crashed into a lamppost, and overturned on its side. The accident unfolded around 12:30 am on February 18 near the CPF chicken plant on Highway 24 in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352173-rain-turns-nightmare-bus-overturns-in-thai-highway-crash/

 

Thai Woman Escapes Cambodian Scam Gang's Grasp

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

An 18-year-old Thai woman, known as Butsara or Boat, has been arrested for her involvement with a call center scam based in Poipet, Cambodia. Seeking a way to earn money, she was drawn into the gang's operations last November.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352174-thai-woman-escapes-cambodian-scam-gangs-grasp/

 

Hungry Thief Caught Stealing Roasted Pork from Udon Thani Noodle Shop

 

 

File photo for reference only

 

A man was caught trying to steal roasted pork from a noodle shop in Udon Thani, claiming hunger drove him to the theft. The suspect, Boontham Ratchsila, a 42-year-old scrap collector, was detained by employees at Tee Hi Noodle Shop on February 17. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thirayothin Sapsin was informed about the incident.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352175-hungry-thief-caught-stealing-roasted-pork-from-udon-thani-noodle-shop/

 

Thailand's Raw Fish Habit Fuels Liver Cancer Surge

 

 

In Khon Kaen, Thailand, a tasty dish known as koi pla is linked to a surge in liver cancer cases. This local favorite combines raw fish with herbs and lime juice but harbors parasites with potentially deadly consequences.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352176-thailands-raw-fish-habit-fuels-liver-cancer-surge/

 

AIS Signals Support for Anti-Scam Efforts in Border Areas

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

AIS is actively aiding the government to curb cross-border crime by managing mobile signal towers near critical border areas. On February 17, AIS executives and engineers visited Sadao district in Songkhla province with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and cyber police. This area, categorized as a high-risk zone within 1 kilometer of the border, required immediate attention.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352177-ais-signals-support-for-anti-scam-efforts-in-border-areas/

 

Stray Bullet Hits Thai Woman: Authorities on the Hunt

 

Photo via Facebook/ Drama-addict

 

On February 14, a Thai woman in Phang Nga province was unexpectedly hit in the chest by a stray bullet while lying in her bedroom. Thankfully, she only suffered a minor bruise as the bullet pierced her ceiling before reaching her. The incident occurred in the Khao Lak area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352178-stray-bullet-hits-thai-woman-authorities-on-the-hunt/

 

Condo Theft Row Ends in Arrest: Gun Drawn Over Stolen Packages

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a dramatic turn of events, two thieves were captured after being recorded arguing over stolen goods in a condominium. What started as a simple disagreement about the division of stolen packages escalated to one suspect, Thanachot, threatening the other, Chonlathit, with a gun. The altercation, captured on CCTV, has brought relief to residents, who have been victims of ongoing package thefts.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352180-condo-theft-row-ends-in-arrest-gun-drawn-over-stolen-packages/

Hello Kitty Plush Saves Drunk Man from Perilous Scooter Ride

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

In an unusual turn of events in Sattahip, police intervened to prevent a possible roadside incident involving a man found asleep next to his Hello Kitty-adorned motorcycle. The concerned report of his condition led officers to the scene near Chumphon Garden, where they encountered the man, an ice delivery business owner in his 40s.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352181-hello-kitty-plush-saves-drunk-man-from-perilous-scooter-ride/

 

Heavy Rains Cause Flood Chaos in Banglamung District

 

Photo: The Pattaya News

 

Heavy rains lashed the Eastern Banglamung District on February 18th, 2025, flooding several areas and blocking roads for over an hour. Water levels soared up to 50 cm, making routes impassable for small vehicles. The deluge, which struck at around 3:30 PM, severely affected the Sukhumvit-Pattaya 15 Road, Soi Nong Ket Yai Road, and the railway road. However, central Pattaya and Jomtien were spared from the storms.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352182-heavy-rains-cause-flood-chaos-in-banglamung-district/