THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 April 2025

[Georgealbert]

Blaze Erupts at Chiang Mai’s Dhara Dhevi Hotel

 

A fire broke out in the early hours of morning at the renowned Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai, sending bright red flames into the night sky and prompting a swift emergency response.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358543-blaze-erupts-at-chiang-mai’s-dhara-dhevi-hotel/

 

[Georgealbert]

Supercar Destroyed in Fiery Three-Vehicle Collision in Bangkok

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A dramatic collision involving three vehicles erupted into flames early morning of 23 April, in western Bangkok, reducing two high-end cars, a Ferrari and a Mercedes-Benz, to smouldering wreckage.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358546-supercar-destroyed-in-fiery-three-vehicle-collision-in-bangkok/

 

[webfact]

Thaksin's Hospital Stay Defended by Justice Minister Amid Review

 

Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong has defended the legality of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's extended hospitalisation at Police General Hospital.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358549-thaksins-hospital-stay-defended-by-justice-minister-amid-review/

 

[Georgealbert]

Indian Tourist Causes Uproar at Bangkok Hotel Over Credit Card Dispute

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A furious Indian tourist caused chaos at the Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom after a heated row over a credit card payment, prompting a police response and leaving guests and staff shaken.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358551-indian-tourist-causes-uproar-at-bangkok-hotel-over-credit-card-dispute/

 

[webfact]

Wage Woes: US Tariffs Freeze Thai Minimum Wage Boost

 

File photo for reference only

 

The eagerly awaited increase in Thailand's minimum wage to 400 baht has been put on hold, causing disappointment among workers eyeing a pay rise.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358553-wage-woes-us-tariffs-freeze-thai-minimum-wage-boost/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Critically Injured in High-Speed Pattaya Crash After Hitting Speed Bump
 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

A Chinese national is in critical condition after he lost control of his high-powered motorcycle he was riding and crashed into an electricity pole early morning on 23 April, reportedly after hitting a speed bump at high speed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358559-chinese-critically-injured-in-high-speed-pattaya-crash-after-hitting-speed-bump/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: From Bankruptcy to Revival and Now a Devastating Blaze

 

 

Once hailed as one of Thailand’s most luxurious hotels, the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai has experienced a dramatic rise, fall, and recent attempt at revival, only to suffer a devastating fire just two months after returning to limited public operation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358543-blaze-erupts-at-chiang-mai’s-dhara-dhevi-hotel/#findComment-19751760

 

[webfact]

Thaksin Plays it Safe: Keeps Bhumjaithai in Government Fold

 

Picture composite courtesy of PPTVHD36

 

In a strategic manoeuvre, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly choosing to maintain his grip on power by opting not to expel Bhumjaithai from the ruling coalition. This decision comes amidst warnings about potential "serious trouble" with the powerful elite who arranged his return to Thailand without imprisonment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358582-thaksin-plays-it-safe-keeps-bhumjaithai-in-government-fold/

[snoop1130]

Phuket Residents Outraged by Tourists' Public Intimacy Displays

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Patong, a bustling tourist hotspot on the Thai island of Phuket, is currently grappling with a rather unorthodox nuisance. The usually serene nights of Sai Kaew Road residents have been shattered by a foreign couple's loud and public displays of affection. Their nightly escapades, complete with open curtains and echoing moans, have left locals at their wits' end.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358588-phuket-residents-outraged-by-tourists-public-intimacy-displays/

 

[snoop1130]

American Causes Stir in Chiang Mai, Refuses Medical Aid

 

Photo via Facebook/ กูรูเชียงใหม่ เรื่องเชียงใหม่กูรู้

 

An incident in Chiang Mai has attracted local attention after an American man with a severe neck injury caused a scene outside a convenience store. The episode unfolded yesterday, April 22, and was captured on video by a bystander, who later shared it with the local social media community via the Facebook page, Guru Guroo Chiang Mai.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358589-american-causes-stir-in-chiang-mai-refuses-medical-aid/

 

[snoop1130]

Nestlé Brews Up Battle in Thai Coffee Market Amid Legal Dispute

 

Picture courtesy of Nestlé

 

Nestlé, the Swiss multinational, is brewing a major shift in Thailand’s coffee industry as it gears up to challenge the influential Mahagitsiri family by planning its own coffee production plant. This move comes amid an ongoing legal tussle, which has seen both drama and determination from Nestlé.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358590-nestlé-brews-up-battle-in-thai-coffee-market-amid-legal-dispute/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
34 Million Ferrari Reduced to Wreckage in Fiery Crash on Bangkok Highway

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A Ferrari worth 34 million baht was completely destroyed in a dramatic high-speed collision in Bangkok, which involved three vehicles and resulted in a fire that engulfed two cars.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1358546-supercar-destroyed-in-fiery-three-vehicle-collision-in-bangkok/#findComment-19752505

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand's Chinese Tourism Faces Crisis as Arrivals Plummet

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is witnessing a severe dip in Chinese tourism, with daily arrivals plunging to record lows in 2025. This decline has prompted industry leaders to warn of a looming crisis, as the once-thriving stream of visitors from China slows to a trickle.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358591-thailands-chinese-tourism-faces-crisis-as-arrivals-plummet/

 

[snoop1130]

Foodpanda to Exit Thailand, Halting Services on May 23

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a surprising announcement, food delivery giant Foodpanda has revealed that it will be ending its operations in Thailand effective May 23, 2025. This move marks a significant shift for the popular platform, which has been a staple in the lives of millions of Thai customers since its inception.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358592-foodpanda-to-exit-thailand-halting-services-on-may-23/

 

[snoop1130]

 IKEA Goes Cashless at Key Thai Stores Amid Mixed Reactions

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a bid to embrace Thailand's growing shift towards a cashless society, IKEA has introduced a significant change in its payment policy. As of April 21, 2025, the Swedish furniture giant announced that cash payments will no longer be accepted at three prominent branches: IKEA Bangna, IKEA Bang Yai, and IKEA Chiang Mai.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358593-ikea-goes-cashless-at-key-thai-stores-amid-mixed-reactions/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Government Mourns Pope Francis with Three-Day Flag Tribute

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

In a sombre act of tribute, Thailand's government has decreed all state flags to be flown at half-mast for three days, following the passing of Pope Francis. The period of mourning commenced today, April 23, and will continue through to April 25. This directive was issued by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shortly after the announcement of the Pope's death on April 21.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358594-thai-government-mourns-pope-francis-with-three-day-flag-tribute/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand Classifies Air Purifiers, Vacuums as Controlled Goods

 

Photo courtesy of Phillips

 

In a decisive move to protect consumers and combat PM2.5 air pollution, Thailand's Cabinet has categorised vacuum cleaners and air purifiers as controlled goods. This regulation, advised by the Ministry of Commerce, is designed to prevent price exploitation and ensure these vital tools remain accessible.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358596-thailand-classifies-air-purifiers-vacuums-as-controlled-goods/

 

[snoop1130]

Bar Brawl in Pattaya Involves Foreign Man and Two Injured Women

 

The foreign man’s new partner, Pha. | Photo via DailyNews

 

Drama unfolded in Pattaya today as a foreign man's night out descended into chaos, sparking a brawl between his Thai ex-wife and current partner. The altercation, occurring in a Jomtien area bar, left both women injured, with rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Foundation called to the scene.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358597-bar-brawl-in-pattaya-involves-foreign-man-and-two-injured-women/

 

[snoop1130]

Pregnant Woman Bailed After Fatal Attack on Husband's Mistress in Bangkok

 

Photo via Channel 7

 

A pregnant woman, Worrawan, has been released on a 150,000 baht bail after allegedly fatally assaulting her husband's mistress at a Bangkok love hotel in Min Buri. The confrontation unfolded on April 21, capturing tragic footage of the incident.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358598-pregnant-woman-bailed-after-fatal-attack-on-husbands-mistress-in-bangkok/

 

[snoop1130]

PM Shinawatra Denies Cabinet Reshuffle Amid Coalition Speculation

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation viaVietnam Plus

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has firmly dismissed rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle, asserting that her government remains unified and unchanged. Despite speculation over coalition tensions and potential changes in economic roles, the PM assured the public there are no plans for reorganisation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358600-pm-shinawatra-denies-cabinet-reshuffle-amid-coalition-speculation/

 

[snoop1130]

DIT Urges Stability in Pork Prices Amid Supply Challenges

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has called on retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply constraints. DIT Director General Wittayakorn Maneenetr highlighted that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have revealed a decrease in pig availability due to extreme heat conditions impacting their growth rates.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358601-dit-urges-stability-in-pork-prices-amid-supply-challenges/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand to Nominate Chiang Mai for UNESCO World Heritage Status by 2026

 

Photo courtesy of Agoda

 

The Thai government plans to nominate Chiang Mai as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 2026, marking the northern city’s 730th anniversary. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced the preparation of a nomination dossier, following Chiang Mai's addition to UNESCO's tentative list earlier this year.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358604-thailand-to-nominate-chiang-mai-for-unesco-world-heritage-status-by-2026/

 

[snoop1130]

Mentally Ill Taxi Driver Arrested for Fatal Stabbing of Maid in Amnat Charoen

 

Photo via Channel 8

 

Police have arrested 47-year-old Nattapas, a taxi driver with a history of mental illness, for fatally stabbing a maid at a hotel in Amnat Charoen. The tragic incident occurred on April 22, resulting in the death of 61-year-old Suwannee, who sustained over 50 stab wounds.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358606-mentally-ill-taxi-driver-arrested-for-fatal-stabbing-of-maid-in-amnat-charoen/

 

[snoop1130]

Brave Woman Brings Dead Cobra to Hospital After Venomous Bite

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In an extraordinary incident in eastern Thailand, a woman shocked hospital staff by arriving with the 3-metre-long king cobra that had bitten her. Supin Wanphen was foraging for mushrooms in Sa Kaeo's Watthana Nakhon district on April 19 when the snake bit her, leaving a severe wound on her left leg.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358607-brave-woman-brings-dead-cobra-to-hospital-after-venomous-bite/

 

[snoop1130]

Police Seize Over 630,000 Meth Pills in Dramatic Border Patrol Bust

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking, Thai border patrol police captured two men transporting a staggering 632,360 methamphetamine pills in Mueang district. The suspects, Yommana Bannarak, 37, and Pinyowit Watthan, 26, attempted to elude authorities in a high-stakes chase.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358608-police-seize-over-630000-meth-pills-in-dramatic-border-patrol-bust/

 

[snoop1130]

Celebrating Rome and Bangkok: A Thai-Italian Tourism and Cultural Extravaganza

 

The audience at Siri Sala Private Thai Villa listening to the Panel discussion

 

On April 21, the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC), in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), hosted a grand celebration event to honour the historical founding dates of Rome and Bangkok. Held at the picturesque Siri Sala Private Thai Villa in Bangkok Noi, renowned as one of the filming locations for the third season of "The White Lotus," the event was a vibrant celebration of two capitals, highlighting a unique historical coincidence: Rome's founding in 753 BC and Bangkok’s establishment in 1782 AD.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358609-celebrating-rome-and-bangkok-a-thai-italian-tourism-and-cultural-extravaganza/

 

[snoop1130]

Man Tragically Killed by Lightning While Collecting Lime Leaves

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a heart-wrenching incident in Amnat Charoen province, a man was killed by a lightning strike while collecting kaffir lime leaves, under the watchful eyes of his father. The tragedy unfolded at around 6.30pm on April 22, near a paddy field in Ban Khok Khai, within the Kaikham subdistrict.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358611-man-tragically-killed-by-lightning-while-collecting-lime-leaves/

 

[snoop1130]

Man Arrested for Crossbow Attack on Brother-in-Law in Lop Buri

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 45-year-old man, identified as Phanom, was arrested in Lop Buri province following a crossbow attack on his brother-in-law, leaving the victim seriously injured. The incident occurred on April 21 in Bang Phung subdistrict, with the arrest made the following day.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358612-man-arrested-for-crossbow-attack-on-brother-in-law-in-lop-buri/

 

[snoop1130]

Imposter Motorcycle Taxi Rider Arrested for Crimes in Pattaya

 

Photo via Facebook/ สภ.เมืองพัทยาm

 

A Thai man who posed as a motorcycle taxi rider was apprehended by police after he targeted a Russian woman and attempted to rob a Thai woman in Pattaya. The incidents left victims shaken and highlighted a concerning safety issue for residents and visitors in the area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358613-imposter-motorcycle-taxi-rider-arrested-for-crimes-in-pattaya/

 

[snoop1130]

Pattaya Beauty Clinic Raided for Unlicensed Medical Procedures

 

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Police raided a beauty clinic in Soi Kor Phai, just off Thepprasit Road in Pattaya, after receiving complaints about its unlicensed operations and unqualified staff performing medical procedures. The clinic, promising beauty enhancement services, was caught operating illegally on April 23.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358614-pattaya-beauty-clinic-raided-for-unlicensed-medical-procedures/