THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 21 February 2025

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12-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Vaping for Two Years

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

In Buriram, Thailand, a 12-year-old girl is critically ill after vaping for two years, which has led to almost complete lung damage. The distressing news came to light when her school informed her family, highlighting the growing youth vaping crisis in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352389-12-year-old-in-critical-condition-after-vaping-for-two-years/

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 Pattaya Beach Altercation: Rising Tensions Among Tourists

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Last night, February 19th, a street fight erupted near Pattaya Beach, leaving four people injured. The fight involved two Thai women and two Indian men, with a Thai man who attempted to intervene also getting hurt.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352386-pattaya-beach-altercation-rising-tensions-among-tourists/ 

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Scam Leads Strangers to Thai Woman's Home for Fake Sex Services - video

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

A 53-year-old Thai woman named Thanida faced months of harassment after a scammer used her address in a sex service fraud. When strangers arrived at her home expecting to meet arrangements set online, Thanida discovered that a 29-year-old scammer had been tricking men into paying for non-existent services and directing them to her house.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352394-scam-leads-strangers-to-thai-womans-home-for-fake-sex-services-video/

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Thailand's Tourism Boom: 5.5 Million Visitors and $8B Revenue

 

Picture courtesy of Erik Karits, Unsplash

 

Thailand is enjoying a tourism resurgence with over 5.5 million international visitors arriving between January 1 and February 16, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports led by Sorawong Thienthong. This boom has generated more than 270 billion baht (about $8 billion), boosting the nation's economic recovery.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352392-thailands-tourism-boom-55-million-visitors-and-8b-revenue/

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Cabinet Set to Reject Casino Entry Rule for Thai Nationals

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has indicated that a contentious proposal regulating casino entry for Thai citizens is unlikely to win cabinet approval. The policy, suggested by the Council of State (CoS), requires Thais to maintain a minimum of 50 million baht (approximately THB 50 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months to gain entry to casino entertainment complexes.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352419-cabinet-set-to-reject-casino-entry-rule-for-thai-nationals/

[Georgealbert]

Employee Shuttle Van Crashes into Lorry, Killing Driver and Injuring Seven
 

A staff shuttle van crashed into the rear of a 10-wheeler lorry in Lopburi, leaving the driver dead at the scene and seven passengers injured. Authorities suspect the crash was caused by the van driver falling asleep at the wheel, as no skid marks were found at the site.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352420-employee-shuttle-van-crashes-into-lorry-killing-driver-and-injuring-seven/

 

[Georgealbert]

Three Homes Damaged in Hat Yai Fire as Residents Rescue Grandmother and Child

A fire broke out in a residential area of Hat Yai on the morning, causing significant damage to three adjoining houses. The incident occurred at Chumchon Ton Do, Chok Saman 5 Road, in the Hat Yai Municipality. Thanks to the swift actions of local residents, an elderly woman and a child trapped inside one of the homes were safely rescued.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352422-three-homes-damaged-in-hat-yai-fire-as-residents-rescue-grandmother-and-child/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Kills Woman with Axe After Being Called “Pathetic” in Si Sa Ket
 

 

A 54-year-old man has been arrested for the brutal killing of a 54-year-old woman following a heated argument that escalated late on 19 February. The incident occurred at a hut in a rubber plantation behind the victim’s home in Nong Khana, Phu Krasang district.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352424-man-kills-woman-with-axe-after-being-called-“pathetic”-in-si-sa-ket/

 

[Georgealbert]

Illegal Dentist Arrested in Banglamung , Over 100,000 Baht in Equipment Seized

 

In a coordinated operation, authorities from the Second Region Police and Chonburi Public Health Department have arrested a 22-year-old woman, Patcharin, who was illegally operating as an orthodontist from her residence.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352426-illegal-dentist-arrested-in-banglamung-over-100000-baht-in-equipment-seized/

 

[Georgealbert]

Teenage Girl Hit by Motorcycle While Using Zebra Crossing in Samut Prakan

A 16-year-old female student was injured after being struck by a speeding motorcycle while crossing a zebra crossing in Samut Prakan. The incident occurred at the entrance of Soi Thetsaban Bang Pu 22 (Suksanti) in Mueang district on the evening of 19 February.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352427-teenage-girl-hit-by-motorcycle-while-using-zebra-crossing-in-samut-prakan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Arrested After Saw Attack on 88-Year-Old Grandfather

 

Police in Udon Thani have arrested a man who allegedly attacked his 88-year-old adoptive grandfather with a pruning saw, leaving him in critical condition. The suspect was apprehended after returning to the house late at night, prompting residents to alert authorities.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352428-man-arrested-after-saw-attack-on-88-year-old-grandfather/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Crackdown on Illegal Activities Across Bangkok

The Metropolitan Police Bureau, led by Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, has launched a significant operation to tackle illegal activities in Bangkok. The initiative, conducted from 18 to 20 February, involved 88 police stations and the Metropolitan Investigation Division, targeting hotels, apartments, entertainment venues, and residences in high-risk areas.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352429-police-crackdown-on-illegal-activities-across-bangkok/

 

[Georgealbert]

BMW Driver Seriously Injured After Crashing into Stationary Lorry at Red Light

 

 

 

A man was left seriously injured after his BMW collided with the rear of a stationary trailer lorry, waiting at a red light, leaving the front half of his vehicle severely damaged. Rescuers had to use hydraulic cutting equipment to free him before rushing him to hospital.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352431-bmw-driver-seriously-injured-after-crashing-into-stationary-lorry-at-red-light/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mystery as Wild Elephant Found Dead on Rural Road in Chachoengsao

 

 

A young wild elephant from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans five eastern provinces of Thailand, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances on a dirt road near a sugarcane plantation in Chachoengsao province. The elephant’s body bore dried blood stains and multiple old wounds resembling shotgun pellet impacts.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352432-mystery-as-wild-elephant-found-dead-on-rural-road-in-chachoengsao/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chiang Rai House Fire Leaves Family Displaced

 

A devastating fire completely destroyed a large wooden house in the San Khoang Luang community at 08:35 on the morning of 20 February. The Chiang Rai Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office received an emergency call reporting the blaze in Soi 5, Tambon Rob Wiang, Muang District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352434-chiang-rai-house-fire-leaves-family-displaced/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai Woman Arrested at Airport Over 800 Million Crypto Investment Scam

 

A woman linked to a multi-million-baht cryptocurrency scam was arrested at Don Mueang International Airport. She is accused of working with a Malaysian syndicate that defrauded investors through a fake stock trading app, causing losses of 800 million baht.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352435-thai-woman-arrested-at-airport-over-800-million-crypto-investment-scam/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Killed by Neighbour Over Noise Dispute in Nakhon Pathom

A man was shot dead by his neighbour following a dispute over loud noises from plumbing work in Nakhon Pathom province on 20 February.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352437-man-killed-by-neighbour-over-noise-dispute-in-nakhon-pathom/

 

[Georgealbert]

Three Construction Workers Shocked by Power Line, Two in Critical Condition

 

Three construction workers suffered severe electrical burns after a power line struck a metal construction frame during renovation work. Two are in critical condition.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352439-three-construction-workers-shocked-by-power-line-two-in-critical-condition/

 

[Georgealbert]

Bus Overturns on Phuket-Phatthalung Route, Leaving 11 Injured, Three-Year-Old Critical

 

A Phuket-Phatthalung bus driver lost control and rolled on its side, at the Khao Po Curve in Phang Nga, injuring multiple passengers, including a critically injured three-year-old child.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352440-bus-overturns-on-phuket-phatthalung-route-leaving-11-injured-three-year-old-critical/

 

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Israeli Community in Pai Faces Immigration Scrutiny

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand has turned its attention to the activities of Israelis residing in Pai, a picturesque tourist hub in northern Thailand. Prompted by a series of local complaints, authorities aim to verify the visa and work permit status of Israeli nationals in Mae Hong Son province, following concerns over possible legal violations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352417-israeli-community-in-pai-faces-immigration-scrutiny/

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Lifting Alcohol Restrictions Could Boost Thai Economy by Billions

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

Easing Thailand's existing restrictions on afternoon alcohol sales could inject an additional 50-100 billion baht into the economy, predominantly through increased spending by foreign tourists, experts in the industry suggest.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352421-lifting-alcohol-restrictions-could-boost-thai-economy-by-billions/

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Chinese-Thai Pair Arrested for Alleged ฿91m Romance Scam

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

A Chinese national and her Thai partner have been apprehended in a Bang Phli district housing estate over allegations of orchestrating a complex romance-investment scam that reportedly defrauded victims of 91 million baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352423-chinese-thai-pair-arrested-for-alleged-฿91m-romance-scam/

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Council of State Rejects ERC Plan to Lower Electricity Bills

 

Pictur courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

The Council of State, Thailand's primary legal advisory body, has dismissed a proposal from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) aimed at renegotiating contracts with renewable power firms to reduce electricity bills. The proposal sought to decrease electricity costs by 0.17 baht per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the current 4.15 baht per unit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352425-council-of-state-rejects-erc-plan-to-lower-electricity-bills/

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From Exile to Power: Thaksin Reshapes Thai Politics

 

Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, once Thailand's most controversial leader, is navigating fresh waters after returning from a 17-year self-imposed exile. Living in a lavish Bangkok residence, Thaksin has managed to find his footing despite past legal challenges, notably receiving a royal pardon that reduced his sentence from eight years to just one.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352433-from-exile-to-power-thaksin-reshapes-thai-politics/

[Georgealbert]

Bystander Swept Away After Rescuing Victims from Canal Crash in Saraburi

 

A courageous bystander was swept away, after jumping into a fast-flowing canal to rescue victims of a road crash in Saraburi. The incident occurred near the Chao Pho Muen Ram Bridge in Nong Khae District, where a saloon car and a pickup truck collided and plunged into the Raphiphat Canal.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1352441-bystander-swept-away-after-rescuing-victims-from-canal-crash-in-saraburi/

 

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2.5 Tonnes of Crystal Meth Seized in Major Thai Drug Bust

 

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV

 

In a landmark operation, Thai authorities have uncovered and seized 2.464 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, also known as "Ice," in Ayutthaya, marking the largest drug bust in recent years. The operation led to the dismantling of the notorious "Tata Tachileik" drug network.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352443-25-tonnes-of-crystal-meth-seized-in-major-thai-drug-bust/

 

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Police Chief Dismisses Sovereignty Concerns After 'Liu Zhongyi' Crosses Thai-Myanmar Border
 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Thailand's National Police Chief, General Kittirat Phanphet, has dismissed concerns about a breach of sovereignty following a visit by Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of China's Ministry of Public Security. Liu visited Thailand's Mae Sot, Tak province, to negotiate the return of Chinese nationals involved in call centre scams back to China.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352445-police-chief-dismisses-sovereignty-concerns-after-liu-zhongyi-crosses-thai-myanmar-border/

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Pattaya Bars Empty Amid Low Season and Shifting Tourism Trends

 

Reference file photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

ANALYSIS

 

Pattaya's tourism dynamics have shifted significantly, transforming the city that was once bustling with Western tourists into a hub primarily frequented by Asian visitors. This change has led to bars that were once thriving during the traditional high season now finding themselves empty.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352451-pattaya-bars-empty-amid-low-season-and-shifting-tourism-trends/

 

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Thailand Seeks Facebook, TikTok Aid Against Online Scams

 

ASEAN NOW composite

 

Thailand is intensifying efforts to combat online scams, with a particular focus on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. The House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Society, led by chairman Siam Hathasongkorh, convened a meeting to tackle the surge in scam victims on these popular platforms.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352455-thailand-seeks-facebook-tiktok-aid-against-online-scams/

 

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Briton's Dream Anniversary Trip to Thailand Turns into a Medical Nightmare

 

Picture courtesy: Daily Mail

 

A dream holiday to Thailand for Pamela Gatehouse, a British grandmother, has taken a tragic turn into a medical emergency, leaving her family rallying for support.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352456-britons-dream-anniversary-trip-to-thailand-turns-into-a-medical-nightmare/