THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 17 March 2025

[webfact]

British Tourist Missing After Dive Boat Fire Near Koh Tao

 

Picture courtesy of AMARIN TV

 

A British holidaymaker, 27-year-old Alexandra May Clarke, has gone missing after a dive boat she was on burst into flames near Koh Tao, a popular diving destination in Thailand. The incident occurred today as the vessel headed towards a prime diving site about five nautical miles from the island.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354804-british-tourist-missing-after-dive-boat-fire-near-koh-tao/

[webfact]

Thailand Defends Uyghur Repatriation Amid US Criticism

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai government finds itself in the spotlight as it counters international criticism surrounding its recent repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China. Responding to the US decision to impose visa sanctions on Thai officials involved, Bangkok has emphasised its adherence to humanitarian principles and its historical role as a refuge for those fleeing persecution.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354774-thailand-defends-uyghur-repatriation-amid-us-criticism/

[webfact]

Former Minister Reveals Alleged Phuket Police Extortion Racket

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Former finance minister Sommai Phasee has made explosive claims about corrupt police practices in Phuket, suggesting tourists are being extorted for bribes. According to Sommai, officers are reportedly stopping foreign visitors—particularly those on motorcycles—for minor violations and demanding on-the-spot payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht to avoid arrest.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354777-former-minister-reveals-alleged-phuket-police-extortion-racket/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

 

Indian Men Arrested for Alleged Rape at Thailand's Full Moon Party

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Two Indian nationals were arrested today (March 16) on Koh Phangan after being accused of raping a German woman at a Full Moon Party. The incident occurred during the popular party, held from Thursday night into Friday morning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354673-two-indian-men-questioned-over-alleged-rape-of-german-tourist-at-full-moon-party/#findComment-19662651

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

Myanmar Worker Confirmed as 6th Death in Rama II Highway Construction Collapse

 

 

A Myanmar woman searching for her missing relative, a construction worker involved in the elevated expressway project along Rama II Road, has received confirmation of his death. The incident, which occurred when a steel structure collapsed, has now claimed six lives.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354652-road-under-construction-collapses-on-rama-ii-road-multiple-workers-trapped/page/2/#findComment-19663237

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug-Crazed Man Goes on Machete Rampage, Killing a Grandfather & Injuring a Child

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A shocking act of violence unfolded in Chaiyaphum province, as a 26-year-old man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, launched a brutal machete attack, leaving an elderly man dead and his 11-year-old grandson seriously injured.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354822-drug-crazed-man-goes-on-machete-rampage-killing-a-grandfather-injuring-a-child/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Raid Illegal Gambling Den in Bangkok’s Suthisan District

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A police operation in Bangkok’s Suthisan district resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals, including the alleged organiser of an illegal dice gambling (Hi-Lo) operation. The raid, led by officers from the Metropolitan Police Investigation Division, took place late on the night of March 15 following a tip-off.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354823-police-raid-illegal-gambling-den-in-bangkok’s-suthisan-district/

 

[Georgealbert]

Body of Foreign Woman Found Floating in Sea Near Racha Island

 

 

The badly decomposed body of an unidentified foreign woman has been discovered floating in the sea near Racha Island, off the coast of Phuket. Authorities are now working to determine her identity and the cause of death.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354825-body-of-foreign-woman-found-floating-in-sea-near-racha-island/

 

[Georgealbert]

Seven-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Canal Amid Sweltering Heat

 

Picture from responders.

 

A seven-year-old boy has drowned in a canal near his home in Bang Rin, Mueang Ranong, after venturing out alone to cool off during the afternoon heat. His body was later discovered submerged in the water, despite warning signs prohibiting swimming in the area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354827-seven-year-old-boy-drowns-in-canal-amid-sweltering-heat/

 

[Georgealbert]

Patong Police Arrest Two Thais for Drug Use and Stealing from Tourists
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two Thai nationals, a man and a woman, have been arrested by Patong police after they were found to have been stealing from tourists while under the influence of drugs.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354828-patong-police-arrest-two-thais-for-drug-use-and-stealing-from-tourists/

 

[Georgealbert]

Bangkok Gold Heist Ends in Arrest After Suspect’s Wife Urges Surrender
 

Picture captured from CCTV

 

A gold shop robbery in Bangkok’s Watcharapol area ended with the swift arrest of the suspect after his wife persuaded him to turn himself in.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354829-bangkok-gold-heist-ends-in-arrest-after-suspect’s-wife-urges-surrender/

 

[Georgealbert]

Angry Man Shoots Monk’s Helper After Argument Over Noise

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A heated dispute between two men escalated when one drew a gun and shot the other in a residential area in Phetchaburi province, leaving the victim with serious injuries. The incident occurred on the morning of March 16, when the victim, a 45-year-old monk’s helper, was shot twice by the assailant, identified as 56-year-old Chaiwat Boonyong.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354830-angry-man-shoots-monk’s-helper-after-argument-over-noise/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man, 48, Drowns in Wastewater Pond Rescuing Pet Dog
 

 

A 48-year-old man drowned in a wastewater treatment pond in Maha Sarakham after reportedly attempting to rescue his pet dog. The incident occurred in the Nong Bo area of Borabue district, Maha Sarakham.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354831-man-48-drowns-in-wastewater-pond-rescuing-pet-dog/

 

[Georgealbert]

Major Fire at Sai Noi Paper Factory Causes Over 500 Million Baht in Damage
 

 

A massive fire broke out at a large paper factory in Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi, causing extensive damage estimated at over 500 million baht. More than 20 fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze, which rapidly spread across the facility.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354834-major-fire-at-sai-noi-paper-factory-causes-over-500-million-baht-in-damage/

 

[Georgealbert]

Wife Injures Husband with Cleaver After Dispute Over Dinner Choice
 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A domestic dispute in the town of Klaeng, Rayong, escalated dramatically when a woman used a cleaver to injure her husband after a disagreement over dinner.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354836-wife-injures-husband-with-cleaver-after-dispute-over-dinner-choice/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
 

Man Arrested for Gold Shop Robbery in Pathum Thani, Blames Online Gambling Addiction

 

Picture from reenactment.

 

Police have arrested a 36-year-old man who robbed a gold shop in Pathum Thani, making off with 13 baht-weight of gold. The suspect, identified as Mr. Satawat “Ta” Panyokij, admitted to committing the crime due to financial difficulties and an addiction to online gambling.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354661-armed-robber-steals-13-baht-of-gold-from-pathum-thani-jewellery-shop/#findComment-19663313

 

[Georgealbert]

LPG Tanker Wheel Fire in Samut Prakan

 

 

An incident unfolded in Samut Prakan on 16 March, as a gas tanker carrying LPG caught fire on an old section of Sukhumvit Road, near a motorcycle repair shop in Klong Dan, Bang Bo district. The alarming incident was captured on CCTV, showing flames engulfing the truck’s rear wheel.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354837-lpg-tanker-wheel-fire-in-samut-prakan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Overpass Blunder: Pedestrian Bridge Left Nearly Unusable After Rama II Flyover Construction

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A pedestrian bridge in front of the Talay Thai Market, Samut Sakhon, on Rama II Road has become virtually unusable after a newly constructed elevated roadway left just one metre of clearance, forcing pedestrians to stoop or crawl to pass through.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354838-overpass-blunder-pedestrian-bridge-left-nearly-unusable-after-rama-ii-flyover-construction/

 

[Georgealbert]

Illegal Cannabis Fertiliser Worth Over 6 Million Baht Seized in Bangkok Warehouse
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities have seized a large quantity of unregistered chemical fertilisers and hazardous substances, valued at approximately 6.4 million baht, from a warehouse in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district. The operation was linked to a well-known online retailer selling cannabis-related agricultural products.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354839-illegal-cannabis-fertiliser-worth-over-6-million-baht-seized-in-bangkok-warehouse/

 

[Georgealbert]

Lorry Overturns into Canal, Driver Drowns
 

Picture from responders.

 

A ten-wheel lorry driver lost control and overturned into a canal in Nong Phai district, Phetchabun, leaving him trapped inside and unable to escape, resulting in his tragic drowning.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354840-lorry-overturns-into-canal-driver-drowns/

 

[webfact]

 Four More British Men Arrested with 131kg of Cannabis at Koh Samui Airport

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Four British men arrested in an international marijuana smuggling operation, with 131kg of cannabis seized, as they prepared to fly out of Thailand from Koh Samui to the UK. They were found to have come to Thailand at no cost in exchange for transporting goods back, with the final price of 200,000 baht per kilogram.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354819-four-more-british-men-arrested-with-131kg-of-cannabis-at-koh-samui-airport/ 

 

[webfact]

Thailand Yet to Finalise Policy on Taxing Expats’ Overseas Income

 

File photo for reference only

As the deadline for 2024 personal income tax registration approaches, confusion remains about Thailand’s stance on taxing overseas remittances for expats. Some say international credit card use and transfers could be taxed, yet others find the situation less clear-cut.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354821-thailand-yet-to-finalise-policy-on-taxing-expats’-overseas-income/

[webfact]

Gold and Mobile Phones Lead Pawn Trends Amid Economic Struggles

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, state-run pawnshops in Thailand lent over 20 billion baht to Thai citizens in 2024, with gold and mobile phones continuing to be the most commonly pawned items.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354824-gold-and-mobile-phones-lead-pawn-trends-amid-economic-struggles/

[webfact]

Efforts to Curb Youth E-Cigarette Use Warn Teachers of Legal Action

 

Picture courtesy of Monash Univerity

 

The Thai government has issued a firm warning to educators about tolerating the promotion or use of e-cigarettes among youths.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354826-efforts-to-curb-youth-e-cigarette-use-warn-teachers-of-legal-action/

[webfact]

Scam Alert! Revenue Department Email Fraud Uncovered

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

Authorities in Thailand have issued a warning to the public following reports of a new email scam. Deceptive emails purporting to be from the Revenue Department are circulating, targeting unsuspecting individuals. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354833-scam-alert-revenue-department-email-fraud-uncovered/

[webfact]

Nigerian Suspect Arrested for Motorcycle Theft During Chumphon Incident

 

Picture courtesy of Ranong tourist police
 

In an unexpected turn of events, a Nigerian man was arrested after allegedly stealing a motorcycle and causing a disturbance in Chumphon, Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354842-nigerian-suspect-arrested-for-motorcycle-theft-during-chumphon-incident/

[webfact]

Bangkok BTS Disturbance Sparks Debate Over Tourism Conduct

 

BTS Skytrain. File photo

A recent incident involving tourists on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain has stirred up a lively debate among expats and locals. The commotion, allegedly caused by a group of boisterous foreign visitors, has spotlighted varying opinions on tourist behaviour and the challenges linked to Thailand's growing visitor numbers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354843-bangkok-bts-disturbance-sparks-debate-over-tourism-conduct/

 

[webfact]

Grim Employment Prospects Loom Over Thailand

 

File photo courtesy of SCG Thailand for reference only

The Thai economy is navigating turbulent waters as the nation's employment landscape reveals ominous signs of distress. Recent coverage from the Federation of Thai SMEs highlights a concerning drop in insured workers under Section 33 of the Social Security Act, affecting over 10 million people and signalling troubling times for job seekers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354846-grim-employment-prospects-loom-over-thailand/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Killed in Lorry Collision Despite Nurses’ CPR Efforts

 

 

A 63-year-old man lost his life after his motorcycle crashed into the back of a ten-wheel lorry on Route 36 in Bang Lamung district. Despite the immediate intervention of three off-duty nurses who performed CPR for over 20 minutes, they were unable to save him.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1354848-man-killed-in-lorry-collision-despite-nurses’-cpr-efforts/

 

[webfact]

Welcome to Thailand! Tourist's First Visit to Pattaya Ends in Theft

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Two foreign tourists visiting Pattaya for the first time fell victim to pickpockets, losing a combined total of tens of thousands of baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354851-welcome-to-thailand-tourists-first-visit-to-pattaya-ends-in-theft/