THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 1 April 2025

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TMD Assures Safety as Minor Aftershock Felt in Bangkok High-Rises

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has confirmed that a minor aftershock from an earthquake in Myanmar, felt in several tall buildings around Bangkok today, poses no threat to Thailand. At 11.08 am on March 31, some residents in high-rise buildings experienced shaking, prompting temporary evacuations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356324-tmd-assures-safety-as-minor-aftershock-felt-in-bangkok-high-rises/

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Police Bust Illegal Poker Operation in Koh Samui, Arrest Five

 

Photo courtesy of MGR online

 

Over the past weekend, authorities from Bo Phut Police Station, alongside Surat Thani Immigration officials, conducted a successful raid on an illegal gambling operation in Koh Samui. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356336-police-bust-illegal-poker-operation-in-koh-samui-arrest-five/

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Parliament Prepares to Debate Thailand's Entertainment Complex Bill

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is gearing up for a critical parliamentary debate on the entertainment complex bill, expected to take centre stage by April 9. The bill, approved by the Cabinet on March 27, is set to be deliberated in the House, as confirmed by chief government whip Wisut Chainarun.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356326-parliament-prepares-to-debate-thailands-entertainment-complex-bill/

[webfact]

NBTC Chairman Faces Criticism Over Delayed SMS Quake Alerts in Bangkok

 

File photo for reference only

 

A member of Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has openly criticised Chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, blaming him for delays and failures in SMS earthquake alerts following the powerful tremors felt in Bangkok on Friday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356322-nbtc-chairman-faces-criticism-over-delayed-sms-quake-alerts-in-bangkok/

[Georgealbert]

Israeli Man Arrested at Phuket Airport for Sexual Assault of Finnish Teen in Koh Samui

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

Police have detained a 36-year-old Israeli man at Phuket International Airport for allegedly sexually assaulting a 19-year-old Finnish woman on Koh Samui before attempting to flee the country. 
 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356371-israeli-man-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-sexual-assault-of-finnish-teen-in-koh-samui/

 

[Georgealbert]

Former Political Party Leader Arrested in Bangkok on Five Outstanding Warrants
 

Picture courtesy of CIB.

 

Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have arrested a former political party leader, identified only N party, Mr. Jiradet, who was wanted under five arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court. The suspect was apprehended at a market on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Bangkok’s Thawi Watthana district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356372-former-political-party-leader-arrested-in-bangkok-on-five-outstanding-warrants/

 

[Georgealbert]

Sinkholes Appear in Mae Hong Son Following Myanmar Earthquake

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint

 

Residents of Mae Hong Son were shocked to find six large sinkholes appeared in Khun Yuam district, with authorities suspecting they were caused by a recent earthquake. The district chief has ordered locals to stay away from the affected area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356373-sinkholes-appear-in-mae-hong-son-following-myanmar-earthquake/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Dies Mysteriously After Police Restrain Him During Violent Outburst in Nonthaburi

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A 36-year-old man, identified only as Aon, died under unclear circumstances after suffering seizures while being restrained by police in Bang Bua Thong.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356375-man-dies-mysteriously-after-police-restrain-him-during-violent-outburst-in-nonthaburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Body of Rescued Wild Elephant Found in Abandoned Orchard
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Residents of Sarika Subdistrict in Mueang Nakhon Nayok District were met with a distressing scene after following the source of a foul odour that had lingered for two days. Upon investigation, they discovered the decomposing body of a wild elephant in an abandoned orchard and immediately alerted Khao Yai National Park officials.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356377-body-of-rescued-wild-elephant-found-in-abandoned-orchard/

 

[Georgealbert]

Senior Police Officer Arrested in Drug Bust with Two Million Meth Pills

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

In a dramatic late-night police operation, officers from Provincial Police Region 3 in Nakhon Ratchasima intercepted a major drug trafficking operation, seizing two million methamphetamine pills. Among those arrested was a Police Lieutenant Colonel, who reportedly confessed to participating in the smuggling operation for the first time and attempted to negotiate his release during the arrest.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356379-senior-police-officer-arrested-in-drug-bust-with-two-million-meth-pills/

 

[Georgealbert]

Lorry Suffers Brake Failure, Crashes into Seven Vehicles at Red Light in Buriram

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A fully loaded 22-wheel lorry carrying stone lost its brakes and ploughed into seven vehicles waiting at a red light at Phatthra Junction in Mueang Buriram district, leaving multiple people injured.

 

Full story and video: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356380-lorry-suffers-brake-failure-crashes-into-seven-vehicles-at-red-light-in-buriram/

 

[Georgealbert]

Lover’s Quarrel Ends in Double Death at Love Hotel

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A love affair turned deadly when a woman demanded her lover divorce his wife, leading to a violent argument that ended in a fatal stabbing and a suicide at a  in Sawang Arom district, Uthai Thani.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1356381-lover’s-quarrel-ends-in-double-death-at-love-hotel/

 

[Georgealbert]

Body of Missing Austrian Found in Dry Canal After 10 Days, Police Suspect Possible Foul Play

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The body of a 77-year-old Austrian man was discovered in a dry canal in Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok, ten days after he was reported missing. While his family has accepted the death, police remain suspicious and are investigating the circumstances.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356387-body-of-missing-austrian-found-in-dry-canal-after-10-days-police-suspect-possible-foul-play/

 

[webfact]

Paetongtarn's asset woes: Scandal plagues PM with new allegations

 

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself embroiled in another scandal as allegations surface concerning her spouse’s reported failure to declare all assets.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356367-paetongtarns-asset-woes-scandal-plagues-pm-with-new-allegations/

 

[webfact]

Bangkok Tower Collapse: Watchdog Warned of Sub-Standard Steel

 

Rescuers work at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

 

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, a Bangkok skyscraper has tragically collapsed, claiming at least 11 lives. An anti-corruption watchdog had previously highlighted irregularities in its construction. The Thai government swiftly launched a probe into whether sub-standard materials, particularly steel, were used.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356369-bangkok-tower-collapse-watchdog-warned-of-sub-standard-steel/

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Thailand's Earthquake Alert Failure: Senate Slams Govt

 

Duria, who is searching for his relatives, talks on the phone after reading the sign board of number of people dead and missing after an under-construction high-rise building collapsed in an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

 

In the wake of Friday's Myanmar earthquake, Thailand's government faces sharp criticism from the Senate for its sluggish response that saw strong tremors barrel through the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356370-thailands-earthquake-alert-failure-senate-slams-govt/

 

[webfact]

Thailand's Solar Power Leap: Cutting Red Tape for Factory Roofs

 

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Thailand's solar scene is heating up as a new government initiative speeds up solar panel installations on factory rooftops. A one-stop service centre aims to eliminate bureaucracy, paving the way for more than 72,000 factories to jump on the solar bandwagon.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356384-thailands-solar-power-leap-cutting-red-tape-for-factory-roofs/

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Quake Hits Bangkok Condo Market: Sales to Plummet to 15-Year Low

 

Bangkok. File photo for reference only

 

In Bangkok, high-rise buildings are feeling the aftershock of a recent earthquake, with condo buyers' confidence shaken to its core.

 

Fule story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356386-quake-hits-bangkok-condo-market-sales-to-plummet-to-15-year-low/

[webfact]

Thailand Lowers National Emergency Level to 2 After Earthquake

 

Picture courtesy Facbook PR Thai Government

 

The national emergency level in Thailand has been lowered from Level 3 to Level 2 just days after Friday's earthquake rocked the nation, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The adjusted classification follows an assessment stating that the situation across Bangkok and 18 affected provinces is now under control.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356399-thailand-lowers-national-emergency-level-to-2-after-earthquake/

 

[webfact]

False Claim of Wife Trapped in Collapsed Building Leads to Arrest

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

In an unusual twist, a man was seized at Mo Chit Bus Terminal after spinning a yarn about his pregnant wife being trapped under debris. Fifty-year-old Somnitch Duangnet alleged that his spouse, 23-year-old Korwipha Sonbubpha, who was supposedly four months pregnant and stuck on the fourth floor of the collapsed State Audit Office, could not be reached.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356405-false-claim-of-wife-trapped-in-collapsed-building-leads-to-arrest/

 

[webfact]

British Expat Finds Bliss in Thai Paradise, Won’t Return Home

 

Picture courtesy of Claudia

 

A British expat, Claudia, has exchanged the gloomy skies of the UK for the sunlit beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand, and vows to never go back. Since her move in 2023, she’s been narrating her idyllic island life to thousands on TikTok, highlighting the wonderful lifestyle and lower cost of living that Thailand offers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356411-british-expat-finds-bliss-in-thai-paradise-won’t-return-home/

 

[snoop1130]

Speedboat Explosion Near Phuket Leaves Six Injured, Sparks Panic

 

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

This morning, the picturesque waters off Phuket turned perilous when a speedboat, carrying tourists on a snorkelling and sightseeing adventure, erupted in flames near Koh Mai Thon. The incident left six people injured, including foreign tourists and crew members, transforming what was meant to be a relaxing day into one of chaos and fear.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356435-speedboat-explosion-near-phuket-leaves-six-injured-sparks-panic/

 

[snoop1130]

Privacy Concerns Over Theme Park's Two-Way Mirror

 

Picture courtesy of South China Morning Post

 

A theme park in Thailand has sparked a social media storm over a two-way mirror installation in the men's toilets. Located at Dream World in Pathum Thani, the mirror allows men using urinals to view women and children on the other side, while those outside see only their reflections. Initially installed in 2019 as a "fun" feature, the mirror recently resurfaced in the spotlight as users expressed outrage at its insensitivity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356437-privacy-concerns-over-theme-parks-two-way-mirror/

 

[snoop1130]

Rescue Efforts Continue in Bangkok as Scanner Detects 70 Signs of Life

 

Photo: Bangkok Post

 

A US Military scanner has identified 70 potential signs of missing individuals within the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok. The collapsed sections between the 17th and 21st floors were the sites of intense focus as many of the missing were reportedly working there during Friday's earthquake.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356438-rescue-efforts-continue-in-bangkok-as-scanner-detects-70-signs-of-life/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand's 2025 Military Draft: Pride, Dreams, and Gender Identity

 

Picture courtesy of NBC News

 

On the first day of Thailand's 2025 military draft in Uthai Thani Province, diverse stories unfolded against a backdrop of anticipation and tradition. At the Nong Kha Yang District Office, two young men achieved their childhood dreams, volunteering eagerly to join the military ranks as professional soldiers. Their aspirations were lauded by Colonel Prapass Klanghon as they stepped confidently into a lifelong commitment to national service.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356440-thailands-2025-military-draft-pride-dreams-and-gender-identity/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Health Ministry Issues Advice for "Earthquake Drunk" Symptoms

 

Picture of people outside their buildings in Laksi district yesterday courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In response to the unusual phenomenon of "earthquake drunk" symptoms affecting residents, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has introduced expert guidelines to help those feeling unsteady post-quake. Reports of dizziness and disorientation have become common as people's balance systems grapple with seismic after-effects.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356441-thai-health-ministry-issues-advice-for-earthquake-drunk-symptoms/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand Urged to Certify Hotel Safety Amid Post-Quake Tourism Concerns

 

Photo courtesy of Thairath

 

In the wake of recent earthquakes, private sector organisations are pressing the Thai government to issue safety certifications for hotels to boost tourist confidence. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong recently discussed these matters with various stakeholders, fearing a potential decline in tourist numbers due to the seismic events.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356442-thailand-urged-to-certify-hotel-safety-amid-post-quake-tourism-concerns/

 

[snoop1130]

King Charles III Sends Condolences to Thailand After Myanmar Earthquake

 

Photo courtesy of BBC News

 

In the aftermath of the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated Myanmar and shook the region, King Charles III of England has extended his condolences to the people of Thailand. The earthquake, which struck on March 28, has claimed over 1,600 lives at its epicentre in Myanmar and caused significant injury and distress across affected areas, including Bangkok.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356443-king-charles-iii-sends-condolences-to-thailand-after-myanmar-earthquake/

 

[snoop1130]

Casino Complex Opponents Criticise Lack of Public Scrutiny and Feasibility Study

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Opposition is mounting against the Thai government's push to advance a casino-entertainment complex, amid accusations that the project is being hurried without thorough public examination or a proper feasibility study. The criticism follows remarks from Chief Government Whip Wisut Chainarun, who confirmed that the entertainment complex bill is slated for review by April 9, having already secured Cabinet approval on March 27.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356444-casino-complex-opponents-criticise-lack-of-public-scrutiny-and-feasibility-study/

 

[snoop1130]

Myanmar Quake's Shockwaves to Hit Thai Economy, Escalate US Trade Concerns

 

File photo for reference only

 

Last Friday’s earthquake in Myanmar not only shook Thailand physically but also posed substantial economic repercussions, with damage estimates around 20 billion baht, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre. As the tremors caused significant disruptions, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the centre predicts a potential drop in Thailand’s GDP forecast by 0.06%, bringing it below 2.4% for the year.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356445-myanmar-quakes-shockwaves-to-hit-thai-economy-escalate-us-trade-concerns/