THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 20 March 2025

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British Cannabis Smuggler Caught in Major Thai Airport Bust

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

In a significant breakthrough, Thai officials have detained one of Britain's leading cannabis smugglers at Samui International Airport. This arrest forms part of a larger operation against illegal cannabis smuggling, culminating in the detention of 13 foreign nationals, including ten Britons.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355131-british-cannabis-smuggler-caught-in-major-thai-airport-bust/

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Thailand Gears Up: Discussions Underway for Formula One Event

 

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand is on the brink of a thrilling opportunity to host a Formula One Grand Prix. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated discussions with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group, exploring the feasibility of bringing this prestigious event to the nation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355132-thailand-gears-up-discussions-underway-for-formula-one-event/

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DNP Toasts New Alcohol Rules for National Parks

 

Picture courtesy of Mae Takhrai National Park Thailand

 

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has unveiled plans to allow alcohol consumption in designated areas within their parks, but only with a permit from the park's manager. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355145-dnp-toasts-new-alcohol-rules-for-national-parks/

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Thai Officer Entertains on Duty, Faces Scrutiny

 

Photo via TikTok/ kea_kea5

 

A Thai police officer has ignited controversy after videos surfaced of him singing on stage while in uniform at an Ayutthaya entertainment venue. The clips feature the officer performing Labanoon's hit song, "191," prompting divided reactions among netizens.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355151-thai-officer-entertains-on-duty-faces-scrutiny/

 

[Georgealbert]

Husband Crashes Pickup While Delivering Vegetables, Wife Killed
 

 

 

A couple transporting vegetables to the Si Mum Mueang Market in Ratchaburi was involved in a collision, when the husband, struggling with fatigue, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a roadside tree. The crash resulted in the death of his 60-year-old wife, leaving him devastated at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355177-husband-crashes-pickup-while-delivering-vegetables-wife-killed/

 

[Georgealbert]

Bridge Collapse in Narathiwat: One Dead, Three Injured
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An incident occurred early morning on 19 March, when a bridge collapsed on Highway 4217, between Chanae and Si Sakhon, in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Chanae district, Narathiwat. The collapse caused a pickup truck and a motorcycle to drive into the collapsed structure, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355179-bridge-collapse-in-narathiwat-one-dead-three-injured/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

Motorbike Chase Ends in Fatal Crash in Trang: Police Explain the Incident

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod of CCTV of the chase.

 

A dramatic motorbike chase in Trang ended in tragedy when two young men attempting to evade a police checkpoint lost control, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The incident has raised questions from the victim’s family, prompting a response from the provincial police chief.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355063-teenager-killed-after-high-speed-chase-with-trang-police-family-raises-concerns/#findComment-19671078

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Found Stabbed 40 Times in Rented Room in Nakhon Sawan

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A 28-year-old man has been found dead in a rented room in Nakhon Sawan, having suffered 40 stab wounds. Police estimate that he had been dead for one to two days before his body was discovered.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355180-man-found-stabbed-40-times-in-rented-room-in-nakhon-sawan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Malaysian Tourist’s Car Plunges into Ravine in Yala

 

 

A Malaysian tourist was injured when his car plunged into a deep ravine near the Ayerweng Skywalk in Betong, Yala. The crash, which occurred on the morning of 19 March, was reportedly caused by a damaged road and the absence of warning barriers, which had allegedly been removed by an unknown individual.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355181-malaysian-tourist’s-car-plunges-into-ravine-in-yala/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pattaya Court Sentences Mountain B Pub Owner to Five Years in Prison Without Bail
 

File picture for reference only.

 

A Pattaya court has sentenced Phongsiri “B” Panprasong, owner of the Mountain B pub, and his associates to five years in prison for negligence leading to the deaths of 24 people in the 2022 fire at the venue. The court denied bail for all defendants.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355182-pattaya-court-sentences-mountain-b-pub-owner-to-five-years-in-prison-without-bail/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese National Arrested for Illegal Luxury Car Rentals Linked to Cross-Border Operations

 

Picture courtesy of immigration.

 

Bangkok, Immigration authorities have arrested a Chinese national suspected of illegally renting luxury vehicles to foreign customers, with many of the cars frequently travelling to border provinces. The operation is believed to be connected to illicit business networks.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355183-chinese-national-arrested-for-illegal-luxury-car-rentals-linked-to-cross-border-operations/

 

[Georgealbert]

Massive Fire Destroys Paper Factory in Nakhon Pathom, Damage Estimated at Over 10 Million
 

 

 

A devastating fire broke out early morning on 19 March, at a paper manufacturing factory in Moo 3, Ban Luang subdistrict, Don Tum district, Nakhon Pathom. The blaze engulfed a large warehouse, causing the structure to collapse and resulting in estimated damages exceeding 10 million baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355184-massive-fire-destroys-paper-factory-in-nakhon-pathom-damage-estimated-at-over-10-million/

 

[Georgealbert]

Delivery Driver Stumbles Upon Skeleton of Suspected Cable Thief

 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A delivery driver in Samut Songkhram Province was left in shock after stopping by the roadside for an emergency toilet break, only to discover a human skeleton believed to be that of a suspected cable thief.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355185-delivery-driver-stumbles-upon-skeleton-of-suspected-cable-thief/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thailand Launches Pilot Police Stations to Ensure Detainee Safety

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the United Kingdom, has launched a pilot police station programme aimed at improving detainee management and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards. The initiative seeks to eliminate incidents of torture and deaths in custody, enhancing both detainee safety and police accountability.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355186-thailand-launches-pilot-police-stations-to-ensure-detainee-safety/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Tourist Arrested at Chiang Mai Airport After Using Dating App to Befriend and Rob
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A Chinese man has been arrested at Chiang Mai International Airport while attempting to flee after allegedly using a dating app to befriend tourists before stealing their belongings.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355187-chinese-tourist-arrested-at-chiang-mai-airport-after-using-dating-app-to-befriend-and-rob/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

 

Fire Destroys Over 200 Seized Vehicles at Thai Customs Facility Near Myanmar Border

Pictures from investigation.

 

A devastating fire at the Mae Sot Customs Office in Tak province has destroyed more than 200 impounded vehicles, with initial reports suggesting the blaze was possibly sparked by a grass fire near the parking area. Strong winds are believed to have fanned the flames, causing them to spread rapidly and engulf the seized cars.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355079-inferno-at-thai-myanmar-border-200-seized-vehicles-destroyed-in-devastating-fire/#findComment-19671129

 

[Georgealbert]

Safety Barriers Installed on Bhumibol Bridges to Prevent Suicides
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

The Department of Rural Roads is accelerating the installation of stainless steel barriers on the Bhumibol 1 and 2 bridges to prevent suicides, following repeated complaints from local residents. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355188-safety-barriers-installed-on-bhumibol-bridges-to-prevent-suicides/

 

[Georgealbert]

Housekeeper Discovers Indian Man Dead in Bangkok Rental Home

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A housekeeper was left in shock after discovering the body of an Indian man in a rented townhouse in Bangkok. The deceased, who had been living in the property for two months, had not been in contact with his family, prompting concerns that led to the grim discovery.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355189-housekeeper-discovers-indian-man-dead-in-bangkok-rental-home/

 

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Thai Government Urged to Boost Road Safety During Songkran Festivities

 

File photo courtesy of NBT world

 

The Thai government is coming under pressure to introduce stronger anti-drunk driving and road safety campaigns ahead of Thailand’s Songkran festival, set to commence next month. This crucial plea emerged from the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355173-thai-government-urged-to-boost-road-safety-during-songkran-festivities/

 

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Prominent Property Developer Sentenced to 44 Months for Embezzlement

 

File photo for reference only.

 

Kris Narongdej, an heir to the renowned KPN Group fortune, was handed a 44-month prison sentence by the South Bangkok District Court for embezzling 35 million baht in rental fees. The case, filed by Kris's younger brother Nop Narongdej, stems from allegations of the illicit handling of family funds, spotlighting a deep-seated rift within one of Thailand’s most distinguished business families.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355175-prominent-property-developer-sentenced-to-44-months-for-embezzlement/

 

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Bangkok's Water Festival to Dazzle in April with 12 Venues

 

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Come April, Bangkok is set to immerse itself in a wave of cultural festivity with the grand Water Festival 2025. From the 12th to the 15th of April, the city will transform into a vibrant hub of traditional Thai celebrations, drawing local and international visitors alike.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355176-bangkoks-water-festival-to-dazzle-in-april-with-12-venues/

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Thai Pilots Eye CAAT for Job Assurance Amid Foreign Pilot Woes

 

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The Thai Pilots Association is looking towards the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for clarity and assurance regarding the future employment of foreign pilots on domestic routes. This comes on the heels of temporary permissions granted to foreign pilots, a situation that raised concerns for the domestic aviation workforce.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355190-thai-pilots-eye-caat-for-job-assurance-amid-foreign-pilot-woes/

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Thailand Legalises Alcohol Advertising After House Approval

 

Picture courtesy of Freepik

 

In a significant move, Thailand's House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new Alcohol Control Act, which paves the way for the advertising of alcoholic beverages such as beer and spirits.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355195-thailand-legalises-alcohol-advertising-after-house-approval/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Vietnamese Men, With Thai Woman Arrested in Chiang Rai for Fake Visa Stamps

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Thai woman and two Vietnamese men have been arrested in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province, for allegedly forging official visa stamps and travel documents. Police seized numerous counterfeit stamps and passports during the operation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355202-two-vietnamese-men-with-thai-woman-arrested-in-chiang-rai-for-fake-visa-stamps/

 

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Thai Taxi Driver Turns Destructive After Business Collapse

 

Photo via Facebook/ สมุทรปราการ press
 

In an unusual incident, a 56-year-old Thai taxi driver was arrested for pelting stones at another taxi driver's vehicle in Samut Prakan, a province close to Bangkok. The bizarre act was attributed to stress after the suspect's business failures pushed him to the brink of despair.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355206-thai-taxi-driver-turns-destructive-after-business-collapse/

 

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Thai Police Nab Philippine Couple with 150 Arrest Warrants in Cha-am

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

Thai immigration authorities have apprehended a Filipino couple, Mr. Cerrone and Mrs. Marve, who were on the run from over 150 fraud-related charges in the Philippines. The arrest was announced by the Thai Immigration Bureau on 19th March.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355212-thai-police-nab-philippine-couple-with-150-arrest-warrants-in-cha-am/

 

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Thai Man Jailed for Assaulting Nurse in Rayong Hospital Incident

 

Photo via Facebook/ ดร. ธนกฤต จิตรอารีย์รัตน์
 

In a case that has stirred significant public interest, the Rayong Kwaeng Court has sentenced a Thai man to one month and 15 days in jail for assaulting a nurse at a hospital in Rayong, an eastern province of Thailand. The incident, which took place last month, has highlighted tensions over hospital protocols and family expectations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355228-thai-man-jailed-for-assaulting-nurse-in-rayong-hospital-incident/

 

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MG Halts Pickup Production in Thailand Amid Market Downturn

 

Picture courtesy of BuilderNews

 

SAIC Motor-CP, the Chinese-Thai collaboration behind MG vehicles, has put the brakes on its Thai pickup truck production. This move comes as the domestic car market struggles, though there's optimism that production could gear up again once the situation stabilises.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355230-mg-halts-pickup-production-in-thailand-amid-market-downturn/

 

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Thai Growth Outlook Dims Over Loan and Trade Concerns

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is raising red flags over the declining asset quality among affluent borrowers, a development that mirrors an unsettling trend already visible among middle- and low-income groups as Thailand's economy is slowing significantly.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355232-thai-growth-outlook-dims-over-loan-and-trade-concerns/

 

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PM Paetongtarn Balances Family Time Amidst Farmers' Outcry

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself at the centre of a heated debate following her appearance with her children at a protest led by farmers at Government House. The farmers from 19 provinces were expressing frustration over the government's sluggish efforts in dealing with the blackchin tilapia, a fish species wreaking havoc on local ecosystems.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355234-pm-paetongtarn-balances-family-time-amidst-farmers-outcry/