THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 13 March 2025

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Altercation Erupts Between Tourist and Ladyboys in Phuket

 

 

A late-night confrontation on Phuket's Bangla Road between a group of ladyboys and a tourist escalated into a street brawl, before police intervened to prevent further chaos.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354468-altercation-erupts-between-tourists-and-ladyboys-in-phuket/

 

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British TikTok Star Jailed in Thailand Over Visa and Benefit Fraud

 

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail

 

Ellis Matthews, a British TikTok influencer from Lancashire, has found herself in a Thai prison for overstaying her visa. Known online as @mumontheruninasia, Ellis attracted attention for sharing her lavish lifestyle, funded by UK benefits allegedly. The 32-year-old moved to Thailand four years ago, documenting her life to over 16,000 followers. However, her controversial tips on claiming benefits while living abroad backfired, leading to a police raid at her Pattaya home.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354493-british-tiktok-star-jailed-in-thailand-over-visa-and-benefit-fraud/

 

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British Retirees Escape Thai Jail After Violent Land Dispute

 

Picture courtesy of The BBC

 

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple, have narrowly avoided a prison sentence in Thailand, receiving fines of 9,000 baht (£200) instead. Their ordeal began in 2020 when they retired to Thailand’s Thai Riviera, only to be embroiled in a violent dispute over land access, shattering their dream retirement.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354494-british-retirees-escape-thai-jail-after-violent-land-dispute/

 

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Cannabis Bust at Koh Samui Airport: Brits and Malaysian Nabbed

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a major drug bust at Koh Samui International Airport, Thai authorities seized 140 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers from seven suitcases belonging to five foreign passengers. The haul, valued at around 4 million baht, was en route to Singapore, with plans to continue onto the UK.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354496-cannabis-bust-at-koh-samui-airport-brits-and-malaysian-nabbed/

 

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Uncertainty Over Thailand's Proposed 400 Baht Minimum Wage Hike

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The proposed plan to implement a 400 baht national minimum wage by May 1 remains uncertain, as Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Labour Ministry’s permanent secretary, confirmed the issue is not on the current agenda. Despite Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn’s initiative to benefit workers, discussions at the final meeting of the current Wage Board lacked focus on this proposal.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354497-uncertainty-over-thailands-proposed-400-baht-minimum-wage-hike/

 

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Songkran Travel Deals: AirAsia Increases Flights and Discounts

 

Photo courtesy of Brand Inside

 

Thai AirAsia is celebrating the Songkran festival by offering a 30% discount on flights, available for direct bookings from March 11 to 20. This special offer coincides with the Ministry of Transport’s policy to manage peak travel demand effectively.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354498-songkran-travel-deals-airasia-increases-flights-and-discounts/

 

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Mixed Reactions to Viral Video of Phuket Police Restraining Foreigner - video

 

Photo via Facebook/ Brenin DeOliveira

 

A viral video showing two Thai police officers restraining a foreign man who allegedly attacked a woman in Phuket has sparked mixed reactions on social media. The video, posted by a foreign user named Brenin DeOliveira on March 12, shows officers using force against the man after he reportedly claimed that no man could control him.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354499-mixed-reactions-to-viral-video-of-phuket-police-restraining-foreigner-video/

 

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 Phuket Tourist Faces Unwanted 100-Baht Surcharge in Grab Dispute

 

Photos provided to The Thaiger

 

A foreign tourist in Phuket has expressed frustration after a recent incident with a Grab ride left him with an unexpected 100-baht surcharge. The incident took place on March 12 during a trip booked from Bangtao to Patong via the popular ride-hailing app, initially at a fixed price of 264 baht.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354500-phuket-tourist-faces-unwanted-100-baht-surcharge-in-grab-dispute/

 

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Phuket Sees Surge in Lifestyle Property Investments Amid Tourism Boom

 

Sudara Residences Phuket

 

As tourism in Thailand continues to thrive, the nation is witnessing a significant increase in lifestyle property investments, driven by visitors turning brief stays into longer commitments. Phuket, in particular, is experiencing a 23% rise in tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a report by C9 Hotelworks. This trend is fueling an unprecedented boom in the island's rental market, especially for resort-style condominium units in popular areas such as Bangtao.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354501-phuket-sees-surge-in-lifestyle-property-investments-amid-tourism-boom/

 

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Thailand's Red Line Extension Nears Cabinet Approval in April

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's highly anticipated Red Line railway extension from Siriraj Hospital to Salaya is on the brink of securing final Cabinet approval by April. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the 15.17 billion baht project has successfully navigated through all bureaucratic channels.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354502-thailands-red-line-extension-nears-cabinet-approval-in-april/

 

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Viral Elephant T-Shirts Aid Phuket Sanctuary Through Unusual Art

 

Photo via Instagram/ farangsgonewild

 

In an unexpected twist of events, an Instagram sensation is turning heads while raising funds for elephants in Thailand. The social media star, known as @farangsgonewild, shared a viral post about an elephant sketch drawn by a Thai woman during a unique performance at a ping pong show in Bangkok. Intriguingly, proceeds from T-shirt sales featuring this artwork will support the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354503-viral-elephant-t-shirts-aid-phuket-sanctuary-through-unusual-art/

 

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Bangkok Rises as Global Culinary Giant, Ranks 2nd Best Food City

 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

In an impressive feat, Bangkok has clinched the second spot in Time Out's renowned list of the world's best food cities for 2025, only trailing behind New Orleans. The Thai capital's culinary scene, famed for its vibrant street food and emerging fine dining, continues to entice food aficionados with an unmatched combination of flavour, affordability, and convenience.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354504-bangkok-rises-as-global-culinary-giant-ranks-2nd-best-food-city/

 

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Dog's Bark Brings Rescuers To 5m King Cobra Under Car Bonnet

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A peculiar barking from a family dog led to a remarkable event in Krabi, where a massive king cobra, measuring almost 5 metres and weighing over 30 kilogrammes, was discovered under a car bonnet. The startling find unfolded yesterday, March 12, when rescue teams from the Pracharuamjai Foundation were summoned to the Thung Yai district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, where it borders Khao Phanom district in Krabi.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354505-dogs-bark-brings-rescuers-to-5m-king-cobra-under-car-bonnet/

 

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Paranoia-Induced Attack: Student Stabbed in Marijuana-Fuelled Incident

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a shocking incident earlier today, March 13, at a luxury condominium in Pathum Thani, a 19-year-old marketing student reportedly attacked a fellow student during a bout of marijuana-induced paranoia. The altercation left the victim, identified as Korn, with multiple stab wounds to his face, chest, and right arm. Emergency services quickly transported Korn to Thammasat University Hospital for urgent care.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354507-paranoia-induced-attack-student-stabbed-in-marijuana-fuelled-incident/

 

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Prayer Hall Collapse at Wat Amornyatsamakom Causes 8 Million Baht Damage

 

Picture courtesy of 77kaoded

 

A two-storey prayer hall at Wat Amornyatsamakom in Ratchaburi province unexpectedly collapsed yesterday, causing extensive damage estimated at approximately 8 million baht. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, which took place around 5.20pm.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354508-prayer-hall-collapse-at-wat-amornyatsamakom-causes-8-million-baht-damage/

 

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Epileptic Monk Attacks Nurse in Lop Buri; Hospital to Pursue Legal Action

 

Photo via Facebook/ โอมมณีเก็จทิพยนฤมาศ แห่งสระโกสินารายณ์สัสเอ๊ยย

 

A distressing incident occurred at King Narai Hospital in Lop Buri province, where a 49-year-old Thai monk, known to have epilepsy and a history of mental illness, attacked an assistant nurse. The incident, which happened at 9.25am on Tuesday, March 11, was captured on video and quickly went viral across Thai social media platforms. The footage showed Thai men pinning the monk, identified as Thanitthorn, to the ground after he assaulted the nurse.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354509-epileptic-monk-attacks-nurse-in-lop-buri-hospital-to-pursue-legal-action/

 

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Manhunt Underway After Man Kills Estranged Wife, Flees with Stepdaughter

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A harrowing incident unfolded in Samut Prakan province, where a 43-year-old man, Chaiwat, fatally shot his estranged 34-year-old wife, Rattiya, in front of their children and mother-in-law. The tragedy, which occurred on March 13 at 1am, has prompted a police manhunt after Chaiwat fled the scene with his 15-year-old stepdaughter.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354510-manhunt-underway-after-man-kills-estranged-wife-flees-with-stepdaughter/

 

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Chon Buri Dormitory Attack: Man Assaults Ex-Wife and Partner

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In the early hours of today, March 13, a violent altercation unfolded at a dormitory in Mueang district, Chon Buri province, when a 29-year-old man named Panupong attacked his 25-year-old ex-wife, Wassana, and her new partner. The new partner escaped by breaking through a bathroom window and is currently missing.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354511-chon-buri-dormitory-attack-man-assaults-ex-wife-and-partner/

 

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Tourist Brawl in Jomtien Sparks Growing Concerns Over Pattaya Image

 

 

Yesterday morning, a violent clash between foreign tourists erupted in Jomtien, near Dong Tan Beach. This marks yet another incident contributing to rising concerns about unruly behaviour tarnishing Pattaya’s reputation as a tourist destination. The brawl involved two groups of foreigners and quickly escalated before local officials intervened to break up the fight.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354512-tourist-brawl-in-jomtien-sparks-growing-concerns-over-pattaya-image/

 

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Inmates Allege Brutal Abuse at Khaobin Prison, Family Seeks Justice

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

Inmates at Khaobin Prison in Ratchaburi, Thailand, are at the centre of abuse allegations, with families urging the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for a transparent inquiry. A woman claims her 30-year-old son, imprisoned for drug offences, disclosed abuse by guards. Accompanied by lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet, she expressed fears for her son's life, referencing former officer Joe Ferrari's suspicious prison death.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354513-inmates-allege-brutal-abuse-at-khaobin-prison-family-seeks-justice/

 

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New Shuttle Service Bridges Bangkok's Airports to Pattaya Shores

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Travellers have reason to rejoice as the Transport Company Ltd. launches a new shuttle bus service linking Don Mueang International Airport and Pattaya, enhancing connectivity like never before. This latest addition, announced on March 8 by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, aligns with Thailand’s strategic initiative to bolster tourism by improving transport links between key aviation hubs and popular locales.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354514-new-shuttle-service-bridges-bangkoks-airports-to-pattaya-shores/

 

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Victory Monument Earns Protected Ancient Site Status in Bangkok

 

Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a landmark decision, Bangkok's iconic Victory Monument has been officially registered as an ancient site, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Royal Gazette published the announcement yesterday, following the Fine Arts Department's declaration under the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act 1961.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354522-victory-monument-earns-protected-ancient-site-status-in-bangkok/