Thailand Cracks Down on Vapes with Severe Penalties and Public Reporting

 

Photo by mauro_grigollo via Canva

 

Thailand has intensified its stance on e-cigarettes, with individuals caught with these illegal items facing up to five years in prison and substantial fines. Under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who initially favoured legalisation during her campaign, the government has reversed course, emphasising public health concerns, particularly among teens and children.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355621-thailand-cracks-down-on-vapes-with-severe-penalties-and-public-reporting/

Thai PM Paetongtarn Accused of Being a 'Tax Dodger' by MP

 

Picture courtesy of THai PBS

 

People's Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn made waves today with serious allegations against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of evading taxes on a transfer of shares valued at approximately 4.44 billion baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355613-thai-pm-paetongtarn-accused-of-being-a-tax-dodger-by-mp/

Phuket Police Probe Fake Currency Scare as Foreign Women Detained

 

Picture courtesy of Scot Scoop News

 

Phuket police are on high alert following an incident involving two foreign women allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange. Staff at the exchange, located near a major Cape Panwa hotel, became suspicious of six $50 notes amounting to 9,750 baht. Upon notifying the police, officers raided the women's hotel rooms, uncovering more notes, which were sent for verification.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355616-phuket-police-probe-fake-currency-scare-as-foreign-women-detained/

Motorbike Driver Duped by Counterfeit Banknote Scam in Bangkok

 

Photo via Facebook/ ฅนข่าว ต้นปราการ

 

In a distressing tale from Samut Prakan province near Bangkok, motorcycle taxi rider Saksan Phungphat fell victim to a cunning scam, losing nearly 30,000 baht to an artful con involving counterfeit US banknotes. Despite reporting the scam, local police have yet to apprehend the scammer, leaving Saksan, 43, in financial distress, compounded by the impending birth of his child.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355631-motorbike-driver-duped-by-counterfeit-banknote-scam-in-bangkok/

British Nationals Face Increased Scrutiny as Thailand Cracks Down on Crime

 

File photo for reference only courtesy of Daily News

 

Thailand has long been a popular destination for British tourists, but recent reports suggest a concerning trend: an apparent uptick in criminal activities involving British nationals. This development has captured the attention of both Thai authorities and international observers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355655-british-nationals-face-increased-scrutiny-as-thailand-cracks-down-on-crime/

 

Pickup Truck Carrying Pineapples Ripped Apart After Crashing Into Tree
 

 

 

A driver was rescued from the wreckage of a pickup truck after it crashed into a tree and was ripped apart, in Ban Hong district, Lamphun province, on 24 March. The vehicle, fully loaded with pineapples, scattered its cargo across the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355656-pickup-truck-carrying-pineapples-ripped-apart-after-crashing-into-tree/

 

Man Shoots Ex-Wife Before Taking His Own Life
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A shocking murder-suicide unfolded in a rental apartment in Mueang District, as a man shot his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself, leaving behind their two children.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355657-man-shoots-ex-wife-before-taking-his-own-life/

 

Man with Depression Takes Own Life in Front of Onlookers

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A 28-year-old man suffering from depression ended his life by jumping into a river near the 120-Year Bridge in Mueang Prachin Buri on the night of 23 March. His three-months-pregnant girlfriend was left devastated at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355658-man-with-depression-takes-own-life-in-front-of-onlookers/

 

Man Dies After Falling into Wastewater Pit in Samut Prakan
 

 

A 30-year-old man lost his life after falling into a wastewater treatment pit and inhaling toxic H2S gas, in front of his friend on the night of 23 March.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355659-man-dies-after-falling-into-wastewater-pit-in-samut-prakan/

 

Car Bomb Targets Subdistrict Official in Pattani

 

 

A car bomb explosion targeted a subdistrict administrative officer in Mai Kaen District, Pattani, flipping her vehicle upside down and leaving her injured. Authorities suspect it was another act of violence aimed at destabilising the region.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355660-car-bomb-targets-subdistrict-official-in-pattani/

 

Pattaya: Immigration Officers Crack Down on Illegal Foreign Workers
 

 

Police Colonel Napassapong Kosit-suriyamanee, Head of Chonburi Immigration Police, coordinated on 24 March, with the Department of Social Development and Welfare, Pattaya Police Station, and Pattaya Tourist Police to conduct a raid on a commercial building in Pattaya. The operation targeted foreign nationals living illegally in the city.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355661-pattaya-immigration-officers-crack-down-on-illegal-foreign-workers/

 

Police Vehicle Collides with Motorcycle, Crashes into Lamp Post Leaving Driver Injured

 

 

A police vehicle was involved in a serious crash on 24 March, colliding with a motorcycle before crashing into a lamp post, leaving the police officer driving the vehicle with severe injuries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355662-police-vehicle-collides-with-motorcycle-crashes-into-lamp-post-leaving-driver-injured/

 

Squid Vendor Stabs Friend to Death After Heated Argument While Drinking
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

An incident occurred early morning on 24 March, in Ubon Ratchathani when a squid vendor fatally stabbed a friend during an alcohol-fuelled gathering.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355663-squid-vendor-stabs-friend-to-death-after-heated-argument-while-drinking/

 

Two Women on Motorcycle Crash into Cyclist, Killing Her
 

 

A road collision in Phan Thong, Chonburi, claimed the life of a 63-year-old woman after two women on a motorcycle crashed into the back of her bicycle at speed. The elderly cyclist suffered a fatal head injury, while the two riders sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355664-two-women-on-motorcycle-crash-into-cyclist-killing-her/

 

Forest Firefighter Suffers Severe Cramp & Collapses, During Operation in Kanchanaburi

 

 

A forest firefighter was rushed to hospital after suffering severe cramps, that left him unable to move and leading to him collapsing. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355665-forest-firefighter-suffers-severe-cramp-collapses-during-operation-in-kanchanaburi/

 

Thailand's Ambitious Land Bridge Project Gains Global Interest

 

Image courtesy of issuu

 

Thailand is forging ahead with its ambitious Land Bridge project, a megastructure aimed at linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. This development comes as the Thai government confirms continued commitment, spearheaded by Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, amid keen interest from international investors in China and the Middle East.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355666-thailands-ambitious-land-bridge-project-gains-global-interest/

 

12-Year-Old Boy Dies in Motorcycle Crash During School Holidays
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

An incident has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy in Uthai Thani after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a roadside metal barrier.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355667-12-year-old-boy-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-during-school-holidays/

 

Thai Air Force Deploys F-16s After Myanmar MIG-29 Jets Bomb Karen Forces Near Border
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets from Wing 4 in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan, to patrol the Thai-Myanmar border following reports of Myanmar Air Force MIG-29 aircraft operating near Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355669-thai-air-force-deploys-f-16s-after-myanmar-mig-29-jets-bomb-karen-forces-near-border/

 

Thai PM Defends Share, Land Acquisitions Amid Criticism

 

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, left, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra greet to lawmakers before a no-confidence debate against the prime minister at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, amidst a heated censure debate in parliament, has defended her acquisition of shares worth billions of Baht and land holdings in Pathum Thani, insisting on their legitimacy and the lack of any tax evasion.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355670-thai-pm-defends-share-land-acquisitions-amid-criticism/

 

Bangkok Care Centre Faces Scrutiny Over Abuse Allegations

 

Picture courtesy of Channel 3

 

In a troubling revelation, an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer’s was reportedly abused at a care centre in Bangkok's Bang Kapi district. His daughter, Tayanat Kajornnapapong, has bravely exposed the incident after facing dismissive attitudes from both the Bang Kapi care centre staff and local police.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355672-bangkok-care-centre-faces-scrutiny-over-abuse-allegations/

 

Injured Khao Yai Elephant Rescued from Snare Trap
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A wild elephant known as “Chao Nga Diao” (One-Tusk) was successfully rescued after being found with a snare trap tightly wound around its trunk, causing severe swelling and distress. Veterinarians and park rangers worked through the night to free the animal.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355671-injured-khao-yai-elephant-rescued-from-snare-trap/

 

America University Professor Falls to Death from Bangkok Condo
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 64-year-old American professor was found dead after falling from a condominium in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district. Police suspect stress-related personal issues may have been a factor and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355673-america-university-professor-falls-to-death-from-bangkok-condo/

 

Thai Court Sets 2026 Pretrial Hearings for iCon Fraud Accusations

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

In a significant development in the iCon Group fraud case, the Ratchada Criminal Court in Bangkok has scheduled pretrial hearings to begin in 2026.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355674-thai-court-sets-2026-pretrial-hearings-for-icon-fraud-accusations/

 

Serious Accident on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip
 

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News.

 

At 21:00 on March 23, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanit Thipakdee, Deputy Head of Investigation at Sattahip Police Station, was notified of a serious collision involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle on Sukhumvit Road, heading into Sattahip, just before the Bang Saray intersection, in Bang Saray, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The crash left one individual critically injured.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355677-serious-accident-on-sukhumvit-road-in-sattahip/

 

Two Workers Electrocuted and Fall into Eight-Metre-Deep hole on Prachachuen Road
 

 

Two workers were fatally electrocuted and fell into an eight-metre-deep underground utility inspection pit on Prachachuen Road late night on 24 March. The incident occurred as they were opening the road surface to access the opening.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355678-two-workers-electrocuted-and-fall-into-eight-metre-deep-hole-on-prachachuen-road/

 

German Man Detained for Illegal Entry to Visit ill Thai Mother

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 64-year-old German man was apprehended by immigration officials in Phang Nga for illegally entering Thailand to visit his critically ill Thai mother, having previously been deported.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355680-german-man-detained-for-illegal-entry-to-visit-ill-thai-mother/

 

Thailand Ranks 3rd in Global QR Code Payments, China Leads

 

File photo for reference only

 

China leads in global QR code use, with Thailand securing third place, according to recent data from Data Reportal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355681-thailand-ranks-3rd-in-global-qr-code-payments-china-leads/

 

Toddler Hospitalised with Bone-Deep Dog Bite in Buriram

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A two-year-old boy was seriously injured after being attacked by a family dog at a relative’s home in Buriram Province. The child, who had been playing at his grandmother's relative's house, suffered a deep wound to his leg, stretching 7 centimetres wide and involving tendons and bone.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355682-toddler-hospitalised-with-bone-deep-dog-bite-in-buriram/

 

Thailand's Coastline Threatened by Melting Iceberg, Expert Warns

 

Picture courtesy of Saudi Gazette

 

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, is melting at a worrying rate due to rising global temperatures, posing a potential threat to Thailand's coastline over the coming 25 years, cautioned environmental expert Sonthi Kotchawat on Monday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355684-thailands-coastline-threatened-by-melting-iceberg-expert-warns/

 

Dutch Tourist in Krabi Runs Naked, Falls Down Stairs, Rescued by Authorities

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook Morning Story

 

A Dutch tourist caused a commotion at a Krabi hotel, running around nude and shouting incoherently before tumbling down the stairs and injuring himself. Police and rescue services had to restrain and transport him to the hospital.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355687-dutch-tourist-in-krabi-runs-naked-falls-down-stairs-rescued-by-authorities/