THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 April 2025

[webfact]

Thailand's Aviation Sector Soars with FAA's Category 1 Safety Upgrade

 

Photo courtesy of Thailand Construction and Engineering News

 

In a major leap forward for Thailand's aviation industry, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has elevated the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. Announced by the Ministry of Transport on April 22, this milestone acknowledges Thailand's adherence to international civil aviation safety standards, enabling Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358468-thailands-aviation-sector-soars-with-faas-category-1-safety-upgrade/

[webfact]

Thrill-Seeking Frenchman Arrested for Reckless Driving in Patong

 

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A daredevil French tourist has found himself in hot water after a series of reckless actions on the streets of Patong caught the attention of Thailand’s national immigration chief. The 23-year-old, identified only as Ali, was apprehended following CCTV footage that showed him running red lights, causing noise disturbances, and riding without a helmet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358477-thrill-seeking-frenchman-arrested-for-reckless-driving-in-patong/

[webfact]

Outrage in Hat Yai over Nude Photos at Sacred Sites Sparks Investigation

 

Photo courtesy of เที่ยว Like สาระ Facebok

 

A shocking scandal has erupted in Hat Yai following the revelation of a series of nude photos taken at sacred sites across the city. Shared on the popular social media platform X, these explicit images have caused significant outrage among the local community, prompting swift action from authorities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358465-outrage-in-hat-yai-over-nude-photos-at-sacred-sites-sparks-investigation/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

 

Red Bull Heir Case: Sentences for Ex-Officials in Corruption Row

 

Photo courtesy of Fox News

 

In a significant development in the decade-long saga of the 2012 fatal hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, a former deputy attorney general has been sentenced to three years in prison, while a former senior public prosecutor received a two-year sentence. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358446-red-bull-heir-at-centre-as-high-profile-corruption-verdict-looms/#findComment-19749975

[Georgealbert]

Concrete Mixer Overturns in Fatal Crash, Driver Killed at the Scene in Chachoengsao

 

 

A road crash in Chachoengsao province claimed the life of a concrete truck driver when his vehicle overturned and landed upside down at the roadside after he veered off a curve. The driver died instantly, crushed and trapped inside the wreckage.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358507-concrete-mixer-overturns-in-fatal-crash-driver-killed-at-the-scene-in-chachoengsao/

 

[Georgealbert]

Violent Loan Shark Gang Arrested in Lampang with Weapons in Hand

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Authorities in Lampang have arrested three members of a violent loan shark gang accused of terrorising local residents with weapons, including knives and baseball bats, in a crackdown on illegal debt collection activities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358509-violent-loan-shark-gang-arrested-in-lampang-with-weapons-in-hand/

 

[Georgealbert]

 

 Former Thai Actress Injured in Car Crash in Chonburi

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Former leading actress from a major Thai TV channel, Chadaporn Rattanakorn, was injured in a car crash on the morning of 22 April, after her Mercedes-Benz veered off the road and overturned onto its side. The incident occurred while she was en route to Chanthaburi for a personal errand.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358511-former-thai-actress-injured-in-car-crash-in-chonburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Fights Off King Cobra in Forest, Survives Against All Odds
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

In a tale of survival, a 47-year-old woman lived to tell the tale after being bitten by a king cobra while foraging for mushrooms in a forest. Displaying remarkable bravery, she managed to fight off the deadly snake, capture it, and make it to hospital just in time to receive life-saving treatment.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358513-woman-fights-off-king-cobra-in-forest-survives-against-all-odds/

 

[Georgealbert]

Body of Man with Hanuman Tattoo Found in Abandoned Building in Phuket
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A man’s body has been discovered in a deserted building in Kathu district, Phuket, with authorities estimating he had been dead for approximately seven days. The deceased had a distinctive tattoo of the Hindu deity Hanuman on his back.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358515-body-of-man-with-hanuman-tattoo-found-in-abandoned-building-in-phuket/

 

[Georgealbert]

Newly Elected Provincial Councillor Fatally Crashes SUV into Woman on Motorbike
 

 

A newly elected provincial councillor in Phayao province has been involved in a fatal road collision after crashing his Toyota Fortuner SUV into a woman riding a motorcycle on the unfinished R3A highway. The victim, a 60-year-old local woman, died at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358516-newly-elected-provincial-councillor-fatally-crashes-suv-into-woman-on-motorbike/

 

[Georgealbert]

First Public EV Bus Launched in Songkhla  as it Targets Cleaner Future

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Songkhla has launched its first public electric (EV) bus as part of a pilot project spearheaded by the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), aiming to promote clean energy and reduce air pollution in the region. The trial service was officially inaugurated on 22 April, by PAO President Mr. Supit Pitaktham.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358518-first-public-ev-bus-launched-in-songkhla- as-it-targets-cleaner-future/

 

[Georgealbert]

Naked Russian Man Falls to His Death from Bangkok Condominium
 

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A Russian man has died after falling from a high-rise condominium in the Bang Wa area of Bangkok. His body was discovered naked and lifeless on a walkway near the swimming pool on the building’s ninth-floor communal area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358519-naked-russian-man-falls-to-his-death-from-bangkok-condominium/

 

[Georgealbert]

Death of 17-Year-Old Shopee Warehouse Worker in Motorcycle Crash in Nonthaburi

 

 

A 17-year-old warehouse worker employed at Shopee lost his life in the early hours of morning after his motorcycle crashed into the rear of a parked pickup truck in Nonthaburi province. The fatal crash occurred on Kanchanaphisek Road, outbound lane, near the entrance to Wat Phra Ngoen in Bang Muang subdistrict, Bang Yai district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358520-death-of-17-year-old-shopee-warehouse-worker-in-motorcycle-crash-in-nonthaburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Sets Fire to Estranged Wife’s Home, Elderly Mother-in-Law Burned to Death

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A case of domestic violence turned deadly in Sing Buri province in the early hours of morning, when a man allegedly set fire to his estranged wife’s home, resulting in the death of his 79-year-old mother-in-law, who was sleeping upstairs at the time.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358521-man-sets-fire-to-estranged-wife’s-home-elderly-mother-in-law-burned-to-death/

 

[Georgealbert]

Locals Heartbroken as Revered Statue of Tao Wessuwan Demolished Without Permission

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A much-revered statue of Tao Wessuwan, a guardian deity in Thai and Buddhist belief, was destroyed without prior warning at the entrance to Pong Ta Muk Temple in Phan Thong District, sparking outrage among local residents and devotees.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358522-locals-heartbroken-as-revered-statue-of-tao-wessuwan-demolished-without-permission/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
China Railway Executive Granted Bail Over Nominee Allegations

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

 

The Criminal Court at Ratchada has granted bail to Mr Chuanling Zhang, a 42-year-old Chinese national and director of China Railway No. 10 (Thailand), in connection with a nominee case linked to the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building. Bail was set at 500,000 baht, with conditions including a prohibition on leaving the country without court approval and mandatory reporting to authorities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358247-dsi-arrests-chinese-tycoon-linked-to-collapsed-government-building-project-hunts-3-thais/page/2/#findComment-19750974

 

[Georgealbert]

22-Year-Old Hotel Worker Dies in Motorbike Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 22-year-old hotel employee lost her life on the morning of 22 April, after her motorcycle collided with the rear of a soil-carrying truck in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The victim, identified as Ms. Karittaya, was reportedly on her way to work when the fatal collision occurred.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358523-22-year-old-hotel-worker-dies-in-motorbike-crash-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

 

[webfact]

Restoration Rush: Chiang Mai's Temples Damaged in Myanmar Quake

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

A tremor from Myanmar on March 28 has left its mark on Chiang Mai's iconic temples, damage reports confirm. Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong, central to Thailand's heritage, are underway in urgent restoration efforts after the quake's impact. Despite no immediate collapse risk, work is underway to preserve these cultural treasures.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358524-restoration-rush-chiang-mais-temples-damaged-in-myanmar-quake/

 

[Georgealbert]

Dramatic Rescue at Sea as Trawler Catches Fire and Sinks, All 14 Crew Members Safe
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Fourteen crew members were rescued after a dramatic fire broke out aboard a pair trawler, causing it to sink in the Gulf of Thailand. The incident, which occurred roughly 12 nautical miles from the mouth of the Tha Chin River, prompted an urgent response from maritime authorities and nearby vessels.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358525-dramatic-rescue-at-sea-as-trawler-catches-fire-and-sinks-all-14-crew-members-safe/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Takes His Own Life After Assaulting Wife & Believes She is Dead
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 34-year-old man committed suicide in an incident believed to have been triggered by drug-induced paranoia and jealousy, after he violently assaulted his wife and mistakenly believed he had killed her.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358527-man-takes-his-own-life-after-assaulting-wife-believes-she-is-dead/

 

[Georgealbert]

Wild Elephant Dies After Becoming Trapped in Kui Buri National Park
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A wild elephant believed to be between 50 and 60 years old has died after becoming trapped in a muddy waterhole in Kui Buri National Park. Authorities later discovered a bullet embedded in the animal’s body and signs of a severe internal infection, possibly contributing to its death.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358529-wild-elephant-dies-after-becoming-trapped-in-kui-buri-national-park/

 

[Georgealbert]

Crash Leaves Three Dead, Including 8-Year-Old, in Chachoengsao Collision with Army Truck
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A devastating road crash in Chachoengsao province has claimed the lives of three people, including an eight-year-old boy, after a military transport truck collided with a motorcycle sidecar. One woman was also seriously injured and rushed to hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358530-crash-leaves-three-dead-including-8-year-old-in-chachoengsao-collision-with-army-truck/

 

[Georgealbert]

AOT Chief Executive Kirati Resigns Amid Procurement Controversy

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Mr. Kirati Kitmanawat will officially step down as President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) on 24 April, according to a senior source from the Ministry of Transport. His resignation, which has now been confirmed, has sparked speculation about who will take over in an acting capacity.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358531-aot-chief-executive-kirati-resigns-amid-procurement-controversy/

 

[Georgealbert]

Shock as Newborn’s Body Found in Rubbish Truck in Sukhumvit 62, Bangkok

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) waste collection staff were left in shock after discovering the body of a newborn baby while collecting rubbish in Sukhumvit Soi 62 on the morning of 22 April. The infant’s body emerged in the compactor at the rear of the garbage truck as rubbish was being loaded and compressed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358532-shock-as-newborn’s-body-found-in-rubbish-truck-in-sukhumvit-62-bangkok/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Pattaya Police Arrest Suspect in Armed Robbery of Russian Tourist

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A Thai man has been arrested following an armed robbery involving a Russian tourist in Pattaya on the night of 20 April.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358312-armed-robber-posing-as-motorcycle-taxi-driver-targets-tourist-in-pattaya/#findComment-19751029

 

[webfact]

Driving Licence Renewals Go Digital: No More Tests Needed

 

Picture courtesy of Grandprix

 

Rejoice, drivers! The Thai Cabinet just greenlit a forward-thinking move to bring convenience to the masses. With a new draft ministerial directive approved, eligible drivers will soon renew their driving licences online. No more queues, no physical tests.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358504-driving-licence-renewals-go-digital-no-more-tests-needed/

 

[webfact]

Thai PM Tackles Overstaying Tourists with Visa-Free Scheme Revamp

 

File  Photo via Narin Chuangchot

 

In a decisive move, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a thorough review of Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358506-thai-pm-tackles-overstaying-tourists-with-visa-free-scheme-revamp/

[webfact]

Surat Thani School Stunned by King Cobra Chaos

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
 

In a hair-raising encounter, residents of Don Sak, Surat Thani, were shocked to find a massive king cobra roaming outside Baan Nang Kam Community School. The startling spectacle, which unfolded on April 21, led to swift action by local rescue teams who captured the snake without incident.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358508-surat-thani-school-stunned-by-king-cobra-chaos/

 

[webfact]

Thailand Trims 2025 Tourism Ambitions Amid Global Concerns

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

In a surprise twist, Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry has scaled back its 2025 tourism revenue forecast to 3 trillion baht, down from the optimistic 3.5 trillion baht target.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358512-thailand-trims-2025-tourism-ambitions-amid-global-concerns/

 

[webfact]

Currency Concerns and Origin Disputes Stall Thai-US Trade Talks

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

In a significant twist to Thai-US relations, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, highlighted two pressing concerns that have put trade negotiations on pause. Scheduled tariff talks have been sidetracked due to US apprehensions over currency manipulation and the export of falsely-originated products.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358514-currency-concerns-and-origin-disputes-stall-thai-us-trade-talks/