THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 3 March 2025

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Phuket Increases Scrutiny on Foreigners Amid Crime Wave

 

Phuket Police photo via Bangkok Post

 

In response to a rise in drug-related crimes and illegal work activities, Phuket has intensified its immigration controls and enforcement measures. Working closely with international consulates, the province is focusing on tighter screening processes and visa regulations to manage the growing number of foreign visitors and residents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353296-phuket-increases-scrutiny-on-foreigners-amid-crime-wave/

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Casinos for Wealthy: New Thai Bill Sparks Controversy

 

Picture courtesy of Freepik

 

In a striking development, Thailand's proposed legislation is poised to transform the casino landscape, potentially restricting entry exclusively to the nation's wealthiest citizens. A government insider has revealed that only Thai nationals with a minimum of 50 million baht in a fixed deposit for at least six months may gain access to the country's forthcoming casino-entertainment complex.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353362-casinos-for-wealthy-new-thai-bill-sparks-controversy/

 

[webfact]

China Rebukes Critics of Thailand's Uyghur Repatriation Decision

 

An immigration detention center is seen in Bangkok Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)

 

In a robust defence of recent diplomatic actions, China has fervently criticised countries that raised concerns over Thailand's decision to repatriate 40 Uyghur individuals back to China.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353344-china-rebukes-critics-of-thailands-uyghur-repatriation-decision/

[webfact]

Congo Fever Sparks Heightened Checks at Suvarnabhumi Airport

 

Picture courtesy of the Department of Disease Control

 

In response to an unusual fever outbreak in Congo, Suvarnabhumi Airport is ramping up health checks to safeguard Thailand's public health. This decision follows an alarming report from the World Health Organization (WHO), which detailed a mystery illness causing concern in Congo.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353348-congo-fever-sparks-heightened-checks-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

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British Tourist Knocked Out by Pattaya Club Bouncer

 

Picture courtesy of 91FM

 

In a troubling incident on Pattaya's bustling Walking Street, a security guard at a popular nightclub felled a British tourist with a single punch. The altercation occurred around 11:30 p.m., leaving the 62-year-old tourist unconscious and bleeding on the pavement after hitting his head.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353365-british-tourist-knocked-out-by-pattaya-club-bouncer/

 

[Georgealbert]

Teen Shot in the Face in Drive-By Attack in Phatthalung

 

 

 

A 16-year-old boy was injured in a drive-by shooting when unidentified gunmen in a pickup truck opened fire on his car in Phatthalung. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to his left cheek, while his vehicle was riddled with gunshot holes.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1353367-teen-shot-in-the-face-in-drive-by-attack-in-phatthalung/

 

[webfact]

Bangkok Buses Upgrade: QR Codes & E-Wallets Accepted

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

In a move to modernise public transport in Bangkok, Thai Smile Bus has rolled out a novel payment system allowing passengers to settle their fares using QR codes and Digital E-Wallets. This development marks a significant shift towards a more digital, convenient experience for bus users in the bustling city.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353373-bangkok-buses-upgrade-qr-codes-e-wallets-accepted/

 

[snoop1130]

Lavish Lifestyle of UK Drug Lords Ends in Thailand Arrest

 

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail

 

In a story as dramatic as a crime thriller, British siblings Joseph and Gregory Mulhare spun a criminal web stretching from the UK to exotic locales. For years, they maintained a lavish lifestyle, flitting between Ibiza, Tenerife, France, and America, funded by a high-stakes drug operation dealing in cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353400-lavish-lifestyle-of-uk-drug-lords-ends-in-thailand-arrest/

 

[snoop1130]

French Tourist’s Phone Hijacked by Selfie-Loving Monkey - video

 

Photo via TikTok/ @justinefortemps

 

In a hilarious twist of events, a French tourist's encounter with a mischievous monkey in Phuket has gone viral on TikTok. The monkey swiped her phone and recorded a selfie!

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353401-french-tourist’s-phone-hijacked-by-selfie-loving-monkey-video/

 

[snoop1130]

Inside Thailand's Market Boom: Largest Investment in a Decade

 

PM Paetongtarn at Parliament addressing call centre scams on February 28 | Photo via Ing Shinawatra/Facebook

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is upbeat about Thailand's economic future, highlighting a surge in foreign investments that topped 1.13 trillion baht last year, the highest in a decade.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353402-inside-thailands-market-boom-largest-investment-in-a-decade/

 

[snoop1130]

Passenger Sat by Deceased Woman: Qatar Airways Offers Support

 

Picture courtesy of Saif Zaman ( আয়ান ), Unhsplash

 

In a distressing turn of events, a passenger was seated next to a deceased woman for four hours during a Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha. The incident, unveiled by an Australian couple's report to their local TV station, criticised the airline's handling of the situation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353403-passenger-sat-by-deceased-woman-qatar-airways-offers-support/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Teacher's Brave Escape from Alleged Assault Stuns Udon Thani

 

Photo via Facebook/ Nachanok Intasang

 

A shocking incident unfolded in Udon Thani's Ban Phue district, leaving many residents and online readers in disbelief. A Thai teacher, Nachanok Intasang, shared her terrifying encounter with a drunk photocopy shop owner who allegedly attempted to assault her after locking her inside the shop.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353405-thai-teachers-brave-escape-from-alleged-assault-stuns-udon-thani/

 

[snoop1130]

Tragic Collision in Nakhon Ratchasima: Truck Brake Failure Kills One

 

 

In an unfortunate event early today, a severe road collision occurred on Route 24, Chokchai-Det Udom Road, in the Nong Bunnak subdistrict of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Around 7:19 am, a cassava-laden truck from Bangkok experienced brake failure, leading to a tragic accident involving multiple vehicles.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353406-tragic-collision-in-nakhon-ratchasima-truck-brake-failure-kills-one/

 

[snoop1130]

Fishing Tragedy: Woman’s Desperate CPR Fails to Save Man

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Yesterday, in the tranquil Buriram province, a fishing trip turned tragic for 51-year-old Jim and her 21-year-old nephew. They discovered a body floating in a canal; their subsequent attempt at CPR brought more questions than resolutions.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353408-fishing-tragedy-woman’s-desperate-cpr-fails-to-save-man/

 

[snoop1130]

Man Arrested in Furious Rock Attack on Vehicle in Phetchaburi

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 34-year-old man was arrested yesterday after a heated altercation at a traffic light on March 2, where he allegedly hurled a rock at a woman's pickup truck in Phetchaburi province. The incident, not far from a police checkpoint, resulted in notable damage to the vehicle and stirred the local community.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353409-man-arrested-in-furious-rock-attack-on-vehicle-in-phetchaburi/

 

[snoop1130]

Pattaya Awaits Decision on Fate of Controversial Waterfront Condo

 

The abandoned waterfront condo | Photo via Pattaya News/Facebook

 

In Pattaya, the abandoned waterfront condominium at Bali Hai Pier is at the centre of a legal storm, as Mayor Poramet Ngampichet addresses the growing unrest. The condominium's Certificate of Utilisation, issued on land previously classified as unoccupied, has come under scrutiny by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. This revelation has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the building's land title deed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353410-pattaya-awaits-decision-on-fate-of-controversial-waterfront-condo/

 

[snoop1130]

Koh Samui Hotel Rates Spike 50% Post White Lotus Boost

 

The White Lotus crew | Photo via Fabio Lovino/HBO, via Associated Press

 

In a major twist, luxury hotel rates in Koh Samui have surged by up to 50% following the release of season three of "The White Lotus", filmed on the Thai island. The average daily rate has climbed past 10,000 baht per night, fuelled by increased interest in the picturesque setting showcased in the popular series.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353411-koh-samui-hotel-rates-spike-50-post-white-lotus-boost/

 

[snoop1130]

Heroic Officer Turns to Selling Fish for Family after Bombing Injury

 

Picture courtesy of Nation TV

 

In the aftermath of a catastrophic bombing incident, 36-year-old Sergeant Worawit Naratna, an explosives ordnance disposal officer from Narathiwat, has transformed his career from defusing bombs to selling fermented fish online. Following the tragic event in May last year that resulted in the loss of both his legs, Worawit, known by many as Puen, found himself at home in Phatthalung province, facing the new challenge of supporting his family through unexpected means.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353412-heroic-officer-turns-to-selling-fish-for-family-after-bombing-injury/

 

[snoop1130]

Lopburi Quad Bike Crash: Scottish Expat's Death Highlights Road Dangers

 

 

In a distressing accident on a Thai motorway flyover, a 62-year-old Scottish man tragically lost his life after his quad bike skidded and collided with a concrete barrier. The incident took place in Lopburi during the early hours of March 1, captivating the attention of both the local and expatriate communities.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353413-lopburi-quad-bike-crash-scottish-expats-death-highlights-road-dangers/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand's MotoGP Future in Limbo Amidst Government Review

 

Photo by Kittinun Rodsupan via AP

 

The future of Thailand's MotoGP event is uncertain as Newin Chidchob, chairman of the Chang International Circuit, announced on Facebook that the government has decided not to extend the race contract beyond 2026. Newin expressed his disappointment, highlighting that MotoGP has been a significant contributor to the country's tourism and economy, generating over 5 billion baht during its latest three-day event.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353414-thailands-motogp-future-in-limbo-amidst-government-review/

 

[snoop1130]

Combating Call Scams: Thailand Mulls Cambodia Border Wall

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a bold move to combat cross-border crime, Thailand is considering constructing a wall along part of its boundary with Cambodia, a decision that reflects the struggle against illegal crossings and call-scam centres. These criminal organisations, often operated by Chinese gangsters in Cambodia and Myanmar, have been exploiting vulnerable populations, luring them with false job promises only to entrap them in scams. Recent raids in Poipet, Cambodia, saw the rescue of 215 individuals from such schemes, including 119 Thai nationals, exemplifying the gravity of the issue.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353415-combating-call-scams-thailand-mulls-cambodia-border-wall/

 

[snoop1130]

Celebrating Songkran: Thailand Bets Big on Boosting Tourism

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai government is planning a spectacular celebration for the upcoming Songkran festival, with an investment of 153 million baht. Known as the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, this event is set to take place in Bangkok at Sanam Luang from April 11th to 15th. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has approved this funding in the hope of sparking a tourism boom.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353416-celebrating-songkran-thailand-bets-big-on-boosting-tourism/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand-US Restart Health Projects After Suspension Lifted

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand and the United States have resumed collaboration on health projects after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted a suspension. The suspension affected project activities and reimbursement approvals, which have now been resolved.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353417-thailand-us-restart-health-projects-after-suspension-lifted/

 

[snoop1130]

DSI Targets 1,200 People in Thai Senatorial Election Enquiry

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand is set to question up to 1,200 individuals, including defeated senatorial candidates, regarding alleged rigging in last year's senatorial elections. The probe focuses on accusations that 138 out of 200 senators were involved in bloc-voting conspiracies orchestrated by those linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, under the influence of de facto leader Newin Chidchob.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353420-dsi-targets-1200-people-in-thai-senatorial-election-enquiry/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Woman's Invisible Attack Story Highlights Mental Health Needs

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

In Bangkok's Bueng Kum District, police are grappling with an unusual case involving a 52-year-old Thai woman named Ning. She claims to have endured sexual assaults from a gang of "invisible" men over the past two years. This perplexing tale, blending the supernatural and reality, has drawn attention from both authorities and mental health advocates.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353421-thai-womans-invisible-attack-story-highlights-mental-health-needs/

 

[snoop1130]

China's Condo Craze Cools as Economic Woes Hit Thailand

 

File photo for reference only

 

Once a hotspot for Chinese investment, Thailand's condo market is losing its luster as economic uncertainty grips China's middle class. Stephen Yao, previously a bustling Chinese investment broker in Bangkok and Pattaya, faces stark changes. In 2017 and 2018, he made 32 trips from Guangdong to Thailand. Today, the situation is dire.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353423-chinas-condo-craze-cools-as-economic-woes-hit-thailand/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Social Security Criticized Over Death and Poor Care

 

Photo via Facebook/ Sirote Klampaiboon (ศิโรตม์ คล้ามไพบูลย์)

 

A heartbreaking story from Thailand is drawing attention to the shortcomings of the country's Social Security Office (SSO) healthcare. A man named Chatpat Chuthichok took to Facebook to share the tragic death of his 52-year-old brother, striking a chord with many others who have similar complaints about the SSO's medical services.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353424-thai-social-security-criticized-over-death-and-poor-care/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Hospital Staff Accused in Massive Drug Fraud Network

 

File photo for reference only

 

Today, representatives from Thailand’s Veterans General Hospital presented evidence of a large-scale drug procurement fraud involving hospital staff. The operation, allegedly involving nurses and doctors, saw prescription drugs diverted and resold through an intricate network.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353428-thai-hospital-staff-accused-in-massive-drug-fraud-network/

 

[snoop1130]

Feline Diversity Flourishes in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan Park

 

File photo for reference only

 

Camera traps at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand have recently captured images of four rare feline species, highlighting a thriving ecosystem within this World Heritage Site. A collaborative survey by park officials and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand along the upper Phetchaburi River revealed a tiger, black panther, clouded leopard, and marbled cat – all protected species.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353429-feline-diversity-flourishes-in-thailands-kaeng-krachan-park/

 

[snoop1130]

White Powder Mystery: Russian Found Dead in Koh Kaew"

 

Picture courtesy of Phuket City Police

 

Phuket City police are probing the death of a 41-year-old Russian man found lifeless in a Koh Kaew residence. Police Lieutenant Saruta Phumduang, Deputy Chief of Investigation, received the report around 8 PM on March 2, promptly sending officers and forensic experts from Vachira Phuket Hospital to the scene.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353430-white-powder-mystery-russian-found-dead-in-koh-kaew/