THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 21 March 2025

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Thailand's Smile Fades: Nation's Global Happiness Rank Falls

 

Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand's cherished title as the Land of Smiles faces jeopardy as a new global happiness ranking places the nation at 49th. While this signifies a five-place improvement from last year, Thailand still lags behind regional peers like Singapore and Vietnam, casting concerns over the nation's overall well-being.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355242-thailands-smile-fades-nations-global-happiness-rank-falls/

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British Man Sparks Outrage in Thai Restaurant Incident

 

Picture courtesy of Channel 7

 

A British man's drunken tirade at a Thai restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima has sparked outrage, reflecting on tensions between locals and expats in the region. The incident unfolded at a dining establishment in the Phimai district after the British man's preferred alcoholic drink couldn't be supplied.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355224-british-man-sparks-outrage-in-thai-restaurant-incident/

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Israeli Tourist's Taxi 'Mishap' Resolved with 1,500 Baht in Pattaya

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

In a rather unusual incident in Pattaya, Thailand, an Israeli tourist brought about an embarrassing scene after defecating in a taxi, leading to a dispute that required police intervention. Initially, the tourist offered 300 baht (approx. £6.75 or $9) in compensation, but the situation was ultimately resolved with a settlement of 1,500 baht (about £33.75 or $45).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355218-israeli-tourists-taxi-mishap-resolved-with-1500-baht-in-pattaya/

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Thai Deputy PM Phumtham Reassures Uyghurs in Xinjiang Visit

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In what many view as a poignant gesture, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, recently travelled to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. His visit was marked by an apology for the prolonged detention of some Uyghur individuals in Thailand, emphasising that the intention was always to reunite these individuals with their families back home.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355243-thai-deputy-pm-phumtham-reassures-uyghurs-in-xinjiang-visit/

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Tesla Dominates Thai EV Market with Top Satisfaction Scores

 

Pictures courtesy of Tesla & EV cars Thailand Facebook

 

Tesla has firmly entrenched itself as the leader of Thailand's burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, according to a recent survey by NielsenIQ Thailand, scoring an impressive 890 in consumer satisfaction. This outcome emerged from the Electric Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction (EVOSS) study, which evaluated satisfaction among owners of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355273-tesla-dominates-thai-ev-market-with-top-satisfaction-scores/

 

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Drunken Man Assaulted After Harassing Street Vendor in Udon Thani

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A drunken man was left with a bloodied forehead after allegedly harassing a female street vendor, prompting two teenagers to intervene and attack him.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355279-drunken-man-assaulted-after-harassing-street-vendor-in-udon-thani/

 

[Georgealbert]

Knife-Wielding Thief Crashes to His Death After Robbing Shop

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A man who robbed a shop owner at knifepoint met a fatal end after losing control of his motorbike and crashing into a tree stump while attempting to flee the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355280-knife-wielding-thief-crashes-to-his-death-after-robbing-shop/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mother Discovers Son’s Body in Shocking Incident in Bang Lamung
 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A mother was left devastated after discovering her son had taken his own life in their rented room in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, early morning on 20 March.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355281-mother-discovers-son’s-body-in-shocking-incident-in-bang-lamung/

 

[Georgealbert]

Explosion and Fire Rip Through Commercial Building in Residential Area

 

 

A fire broke out on 20 March, in a three-storey commercial building housing a construction company in the middle of a residential area in Bang Khun Thian. The blaze, which triggered loud explosions and sent thick black smoke into the sky, took firefighters nearly an hour to bring under control.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355282-explosion-and-fire-rip-through-commercial-building-in-residential-area/

 

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Two Brothers Arrested for Stabbing Neighbour to Death in Sakhon Nakhon

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two brothers have been arrested in Sakhon Nakhon after allegedly stabbing their 74-year-old neighbour to death in what they claim was an act of self-defence. The incident occurred in Non Rang village, Bong Tai sub-district, Sawang Daen Din district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355284-two-brothers-arrested-for-stabbing-neighbour-to-death-in-sakhon-nakhon/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcyclist Crashes into Bridge Pillar in Nakhon Si Thammarat
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A crash occurred on a construction bypass road in Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a motorcyclist unfamiliar with the route lost control and crashed into a bridge pillar, losing his life.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355285-motorcyclist-crashes-into-bridge-pillar-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

[Georgealbert]

Tuk-Tuk Driver Jailed for Performing Wheelie with Passenger in Bangkok
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A tuk-tuk driver has been sentenced on 20 March, to one month and 15 days in prison, fined 5,000 baht, and had his vehicle confiscated after performing a dangerous wheelie on Rama IX Road while carrying a passenger. His sentence has been suspended for two years.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355287-tuk-tuk-driver-jailed-for-performing-wheelie-with-passenger-in-bangkok/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mother and Daughter Killed in Lorry Collision in Prachinburi

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A devastating road crash in Prachinburi province has claimed the lives of a mother and daughter after an 18-wheeler lorry crushed their motorcycle at a three-way junction. The victims’ grieving relatives collapsed in tears upon arriving at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355289-mother-and-daughter-killed-in-lorry-collision-in-prachinburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Former Yakuza Gang Member Arrested for Call Centre Scam and Money Laundering
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Police have arrested six Japanese nationals in connection with call centre scams in two separate cases, including a former Yakuza gang member.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355290-former-yakuza-gang-member-arrested-for-call-centre-scam-and-money-laundering/

 

[Georgealbert]

Elderly Woman Killed in Lorry Crash in Udon Thani
 

 

A 74-year-old woman was killed after a 10-wheel lorry struck her motorcycle and ran over her on Thamma Chedi Road, near Mukh Montri Municipal School, in the heart of Udon Thani.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355291-elderly-woman-killed-in-lorry-crash-in-udon-thani/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Fatally Struck by Train While Crossing Tracks in Ayutthaya

 

 

A incident occurred in Phachi district, Ayutthaya, during the night of 19 March, when a 59-year-old man was fatally struck by a train while attempting to cross the railway tracks after finishing work.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355292-man-fatally-struck-by-train-while-crossing-tracks-in-ayutthaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Scam Network Busted in Pattaya, Fugitive with Interpol Red Notice Arrested
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Thai cyber police have arrested two Chinese nationals in a pool villa in Pattaya, uncovering a major scam network and detaining a fugitive wanted for a high-profile kidnapping and extortion case in Cambodia.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355293-chinese-scam-network-busted-in-pattaya-fugitive-with-interpol-red-notice-arrested/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk Motorcyclist Caught Riding Wrong Way on Tollway, Sentenced to Four Months’ Detention
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Bangkok police arrested a 52-year-old man for riding his motorcycle against traffic on the Don Mueang Tollway while intoxicated. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Boonthan, was sentenced to four months’ detention by the Dusit District Court, which also ordered the confiscation of his motorcycle.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355295-drunk-motorcyclist-caught-riding-wrong-way-on-tollway-sentenced-to-four-months’-detention/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Escapes Foreign Attacker After Harrowing Ordeal in Pattaya
 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

A 30-year-old Thai woman reported her ordeal in which she was allegedly assaulted, drugged, and held captive by a foreign national, of unknown nationality, in a Pattaya condominium. The victim, referred to as Ms. Fah, has now filed a police report, warning others to be cautious when using dating apps.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355296-woman-escapes-foreign-attacker-after-harrowing-ordeal-in-pattaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug-Crazed Man Kills Hospital Worker, Injures Her Two Children in Loei
 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A drug-intoxicated man broke into the home of a hospital worker in the early hours of the morning of 20 March, brutally attacking and killing her before injuring her two children as they attempted to defend their mother.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355297-drug-crazed-man-kills-hospital-worker-injures-her-two-children-in-loei/

 

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British Tourist Tricked in Pattaya Herbal Remedy Scam

 

Pictures courtesy Facebook  เรารักพัทยา

A British tourist has fallen victim to a high-priced herbal remedy scam in Pattaya. On 19 March 2025, Mark Campbell, 63, reported the incident to the local police. He recounted how, while walking near a shopping centre towards South Pattaya, he was approached by two unidentified foreign men and a Thai woman at a night bazaar. They engaged him in conversation, claiming he was overweight and recommended a weight-loss remedy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355299-british-tourist-tricked-in-pattaya-herbal-remedy-scam/

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Ministers Deny Ties to Missing 26 Million Baht Necklace

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

In a swirl of allegations involving an extravagant emerald and diamond necklace worth 26.4 million baht, two Thai ministers have emphatically denied possession following claims that the prized piece is in the hands of a government official.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355274-ministers-deny-ties-to-missing-26-million-baht-necklace/

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Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra Reconnects with Bangkok's Chinatown

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Bangkok, Thailand – In an unexpected yet nostalgic walk down memory lane, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made his first visit to Yaowarat Road, known as Bangkok’s Chinatown, after a lengthy absence of 19 years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355276-former-pm-thaksin-shinawatra-reconnects-with-bangkoks-chinatown/

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PM Paetongtarn Angrily Denies Alleged Family "Country Deal"

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced a grilling from reporters today over an impending no-confidence debate, with speculation rife about a supposed "country deal" favouring her family. The debate, anticipated to take centre stage from Monday to Tuesday, looms over the 24-25 March session with opposition leaders keen on unearthing any potential malfeasance linked to the influential Shinawatra clan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355277-pm-paetongtarn-angrily-denies-alleged-family-country-deal/

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Bangkok's Walkways Get 1,000km Upgrade for Better Mobility

 

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Bangkok is in the midst of a major overhaul of its pedestrian pathways, having already renovated an impressive 700 kilometres of walkways, and plans to revamp another 1,000 kilometres by the next year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355303-bangkoks-walkways-get-1000km-upgrade-for-better-mobility/

 

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Indian Tourist Attacked After Dispute Over Payment

 

Picture courtesy of CH7 news

 

An Indian tourist was attacked after refusing to pay a Thai woman for services, leading to a violent confrontation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355307-indian-tourist-attacked-after-dispute-over-payment/

 

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Shift Entertainment Complexes to Reduce Overtourism: THA

 

File photo courtesy of Amarin TV

 

In a move aimed at alleviating overtourism in Thailand's bustling major destinations, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), advocated on Wednesday for the development of entertainment complexes in secondary cities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355278-shift-entertainment-complexes-to-reduce-overtourism-tha/

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Chiang Rai Monk Faces Scrutiny After Hugging Foreign Woman

 

Photo via TikTok/ @gina.warinthorn

 

CHIANG RAI, THAILAND – Police in Chiang Rai are actively searching for a Buddhist monk who was seen embracing a foreign woman, reportedly from France, at a bus terminal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355316-chiang-rai-monk-faces-scrutiny-after-hugging-foreign-woman/

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Freak Accident: Lithuanian Tourist Killed by Falling Tree in Phuket

 

Picture of the accident scene courtesy of Phuket News
 

A Lithuanian man's idyllic holiday turned tragic on Phuket's scenic Nai Thon Beach Road when he was struck and killed by a falling tree while riding his motorbike on March 20th. The victim, Arijus Norkus, a 42-year-old, was travelling along the road when a large pine branch suddenly descended, resulting in his instantaneous death.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355317-freak-accident-lithuanian-tourist-killed-by-falling-tree-in-phuket/

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Alleged Assault on 12-Year-Old Stirs Rayong Community

 

Picture via Channel 7

 

In the quiet province of Rayong, Thailand, a troubling event unfolded as a 39-year-old woman allegedly assaulted a friend's 12-year-old daughter. The harrowing incident occurred in Pluak Daeng district, drawing significant public attention and outrage following its circulation across Thai media platforms.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1355359-alleged-assault-on-12-year-old-stirs-rayong-community/