THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 11 March 2025

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Thai Defence Minister Calls for Review of Deep South Peace Talks

 

Reference picture courtesy of Crisis Group // Madaree TOHLALA / AFP

 

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has called for a reassessment of peace talks in Thailand's deep South amid a surge in violence during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354228-thai-defence-minister-calls-for-review-of-deep-south-peace-talks/

 

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Cheers for Small Investors: Senate Passes Community Liquor Bill

 

Reference picture courtesy of Unsplash

 

Small entrepreneurs across Thailand have a reason to celebrate as the Senate has passed the long-awaited draft Excise Tax Act, commonly known as the Community Liquor Bill.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354230-cheers-for-small-investors-senate-passes-community-liquor-bill/

 

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Bangkok Police Capture Suspect Behind Gold Necklace Theft

 

Picture courtesy if Khaosod

 

In a swift and effective response, Bangkok police have successfully apprehended a man involved in the theft of a gold necklace from a Myanmar national. The incident unfolded on March 10 at approximately 7:38 pm in the bustling Rama 2 area, demonstrating the efficacy of local law enforcement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354236-bangkok-police-capture-suspect-behind-gold-necklace-theft/

 

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Swiss Tourist Arrested in Phuket After Drug Video Goes Viral

 

Picture of the Swiss man Sacha courtesy of Phuket News

 

In a story that has set social media abuzz, a Swiss tourist, identified as Sascha, has been arrested in Phuket after a video purportedly showing him using illegal drugs was widely shared online. The incident, which occurred along the busy Kamala-Patong road, has grabbed international attention, casting a spotlight on Thailand's tough stance on drug offences.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354242-swiss-tourist-arrested-in-phuket-after-drug-video-goes-viral/

 

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29 Tourists Rescued as Speedboat Springs Leak off Krabi Mainland

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, 29 tourists were rescued after their speedboat began leaking en route from Koh Lipe to Phuket. The incident occurred off the coast of Krabi province, near Koh Poda Nok, when the bottom of the Siriwan Marine 5 speedboat started taking on water due to rough seas.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354274-29-tourists-rescued-as-speedboat-springs-leak-off-krabi-mainland/

 

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US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard Embarks on Diplomatic Asia Tour

 

File photo for reference only

 

Tulsi Gabbard, serving as the US Director of National Intelligence, has embarked on a significant diplomatic trip across Asia. The journey will see her visiting Japan, Thailand, and ultimately India, where she'll participate in the prestigious Rasina Dialogue in New Delhi on March 18, addressing key issues such as counterterrorism and cybersecurity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354275-us-intelligence-chief-tulsi-gabbard-embarks-on-diplomatic-asia-tour/

 

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Thailand Poised for High-Speed Rail Revolution Linking Three Airports

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's grand vision of connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports via high-speed rail is edging closer to reality. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board is primed for final approvals, with hopes pinned on a Cabinet green light by May.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354277-thailand-poised-for-high-speed-rail-revolution-linking-three-airports/

 

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Thailand Seizes 200,000 Illegal E-Cigarette Items in Major Bust

 

Picture courtesy of กรมศุลกากร : The Customs Department Facebook

 

A significant crackdown has led to the seizure of over 200,000 illegally imported e-cigarette items from China, with a total value exceeding 33 million baht. This major operation was unveiled by three Thai ministers on March 10, including Justice Minister Pol. Col. Thavee Sodsong, Minister Jiraphon Sinthuprai, and Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornwiwat, during a high-profile visit to Laem Chabang Port Customs Office.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354278-thailand-seizes-200000-illegal-e-cigarette-items-in-major-bust/

 

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Thailand Proposes Tax Incentives to Boost Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Production

 

A plug-in hybrid vehicle charging | Photo via Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

 

Thailand is set to revamp its tax incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in a bid to stimulate domestic production and adoption. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced the proposal, which plans to link tax rates to a vehicle’s battery charge travel range, with potential implementation from 2026, pending Cabinet approval in April.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354279-thailand-proposes-tax-incentives-to-boost-plug-in-hybrid-vehicle-production/

 

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Thailand Joins BRICS, Strengthening Economic and Global Alliances

 

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa | Photo via AmbPoohMaris/X

 

Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, has robustly defended the nation’s recent decision to join the BRICS alliance, asserting that it aligns well with national interests and will provide significant economic and cooperative benefits. Addressing the Senate on March 10, Maris outlined the strategic advantages of Thailand's inclusion in this powerful bloc of emerging markets.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354280-thailand-joins-brics-strengthening-economic-and-global-alliances/

 

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Thailand’s Labour Minister Pushes for National Minimum Wage Increase to 400 Baht

 

Workers from three subcontractor companies protested on Sukhumvit Road in Chon Buri, over unpaid wages due on July 31, 2024 | Photo via KhaoSod

 

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is steadfast in his commitment to raise Thailand's national minimum wage to 400 baht, despite concerns about the impact on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and inflation. The proposal is to be reviewed by a tripartite wage committee on March 12.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354281-thailand’s-labour-minister-pushes-for-national-minimum-wage-increase-to-400-baht/

 

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Thailand Updates Rules on Unregistered Cohabitation as Marital Status

 

Picture courtesy of Elizabeth Tsung, Unsplash

 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has revised its criteria concerning cohabitation without marriage registration, effective from January 22. These new guidelines, signed by NACC Chairman Sucahart Trakul Kasemsuk and published in the Royal Gazette, align with the amended Civil and Commercial Code, bringing clarity to the status of unregistered cohabitations considered as marital relationships.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354282-thailand-updates-rules-on-unregistered-cohabitation-as-marital-status/

 

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Four Women Arrested for Ketamine Use at Pool Villa in Cha-am

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Police in Phetchaburi's Cha-am district arrested four women suspected of drug use following a tip-off from a local resident. The incident unfolded on March 11, when Cha-am Police Station officers received intelligence about drug activities in the Tri Pool Villa area of Mueang Cha-am.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354284-four-women-arrested-for-ketamine-use-at-pool-villa-in-cha-am/

 

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Motorcycle Discovery Uncovers Fatal Stabbing in Ayutthaya

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

The discovery of an abandoned motorcycle in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya led to uncovering a grim crime, as a 23-year-old Myanmar national, Pai Aung Chit, confessed to murdering his friend, Zaza, over a 5,000 baht debt.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354285-motorcycle-discovery-uncovers-fatal-stabbing-in-ayutthaya/

 

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Train-Truck Collision in Prachin Buri: SRT Confirms Safety Measures Were Active

 

Picture courtesy of ทีมพีอาร์การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย Facebook

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has clarified details surrounding the recent collision between a train and a truck, which occurred at a railway crossing between Kabin Buri and Nong Sang stations in Prachin Buri province on March 8. Contrary to initial reports suggesting a lack of safety measures, the SRT confirmed that all warning signals and barriers were operational during the incident.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354287-train-truck-collision-in-prachin-buri-srt-confirms-safety-measures-were-active/

 

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Bangkok Man Arrested for Knife Attack Following Road Rage Incident

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

In Bangkok's Sai Mai area, a man was arrested for allegedly attempting to attack another man with a knife after a road rage incident. Police Colonel Anan Warasat, together with Deputy Police Superintendent Kosolpiya Seema and officers from Bang Khen Police Station, carried out the arrest.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354289-bangkok-man-arrested-for-knife-attack-following-road-rage-incident/

 

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Thai Police Arrest German Pedophile Linked to Child Porn Network

 

Photo via CIB/Facebook

 

A significant arrest was made in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung district, where a German national was detained for allegedly running an illegal dark web platform distributing child pornography. The operation, executed on March 5, was a collaborative effort between Thailand's Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354290-thai-police-arrest-german-pedophile-linked-to-child-porn-network/

 

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Straw-Laden Truck Overturns and Catches Fire on Mittraphap Road

 

Picture courtesy of fm91bkk

 

A truck loaded with straw overturned and caught fire on Mittraphap Road’s central reservation in the Sikhio district, injuring two people. The incident unfolded at 6am on March 10, at the notorious Ton Krathin curve near Lam Takhong Reservoir as the truck headed towards Nakhon Ratchasima.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354292-straw-laden-truck-overturns-and-catches-fire-on-mittraphap-road/

 

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Phuket Police Crackdown Nabs Three Foreign Nationals in Immigration Bust

 

Picture courtesy of Benar News

 

In an ongoing effort to maintain order and safety for both locals and tourists, Phuket police recently arrested three foreign nationals in separate operations targeting immigration and employment law violations. Conducted on March 10, this swift crackdown underscores Phuket's commitment to strict law enforcement.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354293-phuket-police-crackdown-nabs-three-foreign-nationals-in-immigration-bust/

 

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Phuket Officials Intensify Efforts to Reinstate School Dropouts

 

Photo via Phuket News/PR Phuket

 

In a bid to support the government's Thailand Zero Dropout policy, officials in Phuket have intensified efforts to reintegrate school dropouts into the educational system. During a meeting on March 10, led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, it was revealed that 14,282 children have dropped out across various categories in the province. The session focused on crafting strategies to ensure these children access education or vocational training, equipping them with essential future skills.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354294-phuket-officials-intensify-efforts-to-reinstate-school-dropouts/

 

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Pipe Bomb Attack Strikes Checkpoint in Pattani Amid Ramadan Tensions - video

 

Picture courtesy of สมาคมสื่อสารมวลชน ข่าว วิทยุและโทรทัศน์ Facebook

 

A motorcycle-riding assailant targeted a checkpoint near the Koh Pho market in Pattani province on March 10, throwing a pipe bomb. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, though the incident has heightened tensions during Ramadan in the region.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354296-pipe-bomb-attack-strikes-checkpoint-in-pattani-amid-ramadan-tensions-video/

 

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Violent Altercation Erupts in Pattaya Store Over Shopping Cart Dispute

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

A heated altercation unfolded in a Pattaya wholesale store on March 9, when a 19-year-old woman initiated a confrontation with another shopper over a blocked aisle. The incident occurred at 8pm in a store on Soi Khao Noi, East Pattaya, and the entire episode was captured on CCTV.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354298-violent-altercation-erupts-in-pattaya-store-over-shopping-cart-dispute/

 

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Thailand Eyes MotoGP Contract Renewal and Potential F1 Race Host

 

Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra in the season opener race at Chang International Circuit | Photo via BoxzaRacing/Facebook

 

Thailand is gearing up for negotiations with Dorna Sports to extend its MotoGP contract for another five years while exploring the potential of hosting a Formula One (F1) race. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to bolstering the nation's profile in the global motorsports arena.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354301-thailand-eyes-motogp-contract-renewal-and-potential-f1-race-host/

 

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UPDATE:

Tourists Rescued from Leaking Speedboat Near Krabi Coast

 

Picture of Koh Lipe courtesy of Ambong Pool Villas

 

A group of nearly 30 foreign holidaymakers faced a harrowing ordeal when their speedboat began taking on water during their journey from Koh Lipe to Phuket. The incident occurred near Koh Poda Nok, off the Krabi coast, as the vessel was battered by powerful waves, resulting in a significant leak.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354274-29-tourists-rescued-as-speedboat-springs-leak-off-krabi-mainland/#findComment-19651429

 

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Man Arrested for Secretly Recording Women in Restrooms in Samut Sakhon

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

A 21-year-old man has been arrested for secretly recording videos of women in public restrooms at gas stations and schools, with police discovering over 1,000 explicit recordings on his mobile phone. The suspect, identified as Thanaporn from Roi Et province, was apprehended on March 11 by the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Investigation Unit, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and senior Division of Special Investigation (DSI) officials.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354302-man-arrested-for-secretly-recording-women-in-restrooms-in-samut-sakhon/