THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 1 May 2025

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Cannabis Warning for Britons in Thailand: Leave It Behind or Risk Jail

 

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

British tourists basking in Thailand's sunny embrace received a reminder with serious consequences—bringing cannabis back to the UK could lead to jail time. This stark warning was delivered by British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, during his visit to Phuket on April 28th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359308-cannabis-warning-for-britons-in-thailand-leave-it-behind-or-risk-jail/

 

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Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Thaksin Shinawatra

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has once again dismissed a lawsuit against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is also the father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a prominent figure in the Pheu Thai Party.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359314-supreme-court-dismisses-lawsuit-against-thaksin-shinawatra/

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Rising Prices, Broken Systems Dim Thailand’s Tourist Charm

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand, once a beacon for budget-conscious travellers worldwide, is increasingly facing criticism from international tourists over escalating costs and shifting experiences. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359304-rising-prices-broken-systems-dim-thailand’s-tourist-charm/

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Tourist Chaos in Thailand: Drunken Stunt Sparks Online Outrage

 

Pictures courtesy of เจ๊ม้อย v+

 

In a startling disruption at a Thai restaurant in Prachin Buri, a drunken Chinese tourist turned what was meant to be a tranquil evening of dining and live music into a scene of chaos and offence. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359305-tourist-chaos-in-thailand-drunken-stunt-sparks-online-outrage/

[Georgealbert]

Knife-Wielding Soldier Faces Legal Action After Approaching Wild Elephant in Khao Yai Park

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Authorities at Khao Yai National Park have launched legal proceedings against a man who approached a wild elephant while armed with a knife, sparking widespread alarm over the safety of both park visitors and wildlife.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359356-knife-wielding-soldier-faces-legal-action-after-approaching-wild-elephant-in-khao-yai-park/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Stabs Ex-Wife to Death After She Rejects Reconciliation, Then Attempts Suicide
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 50-year-old man stabbed his ex-wife to death in Chonburi province after she rejected his attempt to rekindle their relationship, citing her commitment to a new partner. The suspect later tried to take his own life but survived with critical injuries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359357-man-stabs-ex-wife-to-death-after-she-rejects-reconciliation-then-attempts-suicide/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fire Destroys Toy Warehouse in Samut Sakhon, Damage Estimated at Over 10 Million Baht
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A massive fire broke out at a children’s toy warehouse in Samut Sakhon province on the evening of 29 April, causing estimated damages of over 10 million baht. The blaze erupted shortly after the owner had left the premises and was fortunately contained before it could spread to adjacent warehouses.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359359-fire-destroys-toy-warehouse-in-samut-sakhon-damage-estimated-at-over-10-million-baht/
 

 

[Georgealbert]

Young Woman Buries Stillborn Foetus in Songkhla
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 20-year-old woman from Myanmar is under investigation after admitting to secretly giving birth and burying her stillborn foetus near a workers’ dormitory in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. The incident came to light after she was hospitalised with heavy bleeding and physical exhaustion.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359360-young-woman-buries-stillborn-foetus-in-songkhla/

 

[Georgealbert]

Legal Officer Found Dead in Car at Lamphun Provincial Hall
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 30-year-old legal officer was found dead in his car parked within the grounds of the old Lamphun Provincial Hall, after being reported missing by concerned relatives. Authorities are now working to determine the cause of death.

 

Full story :https://aseannow.com/topic/1359362-legal-officer-found-dead-in-car-at-lamphun-provincial-hall/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Dies in Pickup Truck Crash on Way to Work, Colleagues Call as Rescue Crews Extract Body
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 22-year-old man working as an admin officer lost his life early morning on 30 April, after crashing his pickup truck into the rear of a parked lorry on Highway 224 in Nakhon Ratchasima. Emergency responders were still attempting to extract the body when the victim’s workplace called his phone to ask why he was late for work.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359363-man-dies-in-pickup-truck-crash-on-way-to-work-colleagues-call-as-rescue-crews-extract-body/

 

[Georgealbert]

Factory Worker Arrested for Loan Sharking at 280% Interest

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Police have arrested a 45-year-old factory worker in Samut Sakhon for operating an illegal money-lending scheme targeting his colleagues, charging an extortionate annual interest rate of 280% and confiscating borrowers’ ATM cards and PINs as collateral.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359364-factory-worker-arrested-for-loan-sharking-at-280-interest/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mother Seeks Justice After Foetus Dies Following Transfers Between Four Hospitals

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A grieving mother has turned to a Thai women’s and children’s rights foundation after losing her unborn baby following a series of hospital visits and transfers. The mother, who had been experiencing labour-like symptoms, was injected with medication to delay delivery at multiple hospitals, before being told her baby had died.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359365-mother-seeks-justice-after-foetus-dies-following-transfers-between-four-hospitals/

 

[Georgealbert]

Free Medical Transport Programme Offers Lifeline to Bangkok’s Most Vulnerable
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Access to public healthcare in Thailand is a basic right, yet for many, the simple act of visiting a doctor remains a serious challenge, primarily due to transportation difficulties. For the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged, travelling to a hospital appointment can be both physically and financially overwhelming.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359366-free-medical-transport-programme-offers-lifeline-to-bangkok’s-most-vulnerable/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mystery Woman’s Bloated Body Found in Chiang Rai Irrigation Canal
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The bloated body of an unidentified woman was discovered floating in an irrigationcanal in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, on the morning of 30 April.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359367-mystery-woman’s-bloated-body-found-in-chiang-rai-irrigation-canal/

 

[Georgealbert]

Anthrax Death Reported in Mukdahan Province

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Authorities have confirmed the death of a resident from anthrax in the Don Tan district of Mukdahan province. The case has prompted swift action from local officials to contain the outbreak and prevent further infections.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359368-anthrax-death-reported-in-mukdahan-province/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Men Arrested After Gun Attack on Tattoo Shop in Yasothon

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two men have been arrested following a gun attack on a tattoo parlour in central Yasothon, reportedly sparked by a dispute over a woman and a revved engine.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359370-two-men-arrested-after-gun-attack-on-tattoo-shop-in-yasothon/

 

[Georgealbert]

Red Dust Smuggling Ring Busted: Senior Officials Implicated in Toxic Imports
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Industry Minister, Mr. Ekkanat Promphan, has revealed a major crackdown on an illegal network smuggling “red dust”, a hazardous industrial waste product, into Thailand. The operation has exposed financial irregularities, forged government documents, and alleged collusion by state officials.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359371-red-dust-smuggling-ring-busted-senior-officials-implicated-in-toxic-imports/

 

[Georgealbert]

Driver Crashes Water Truck into Power Pole to Avoid Major Collision in Pattaya

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A dramatic incident unfolded in Pattaya when a water truck suffered brake failure and veered off course, crashing into a electric pole. The quick-thinking driver is beingpraised for his decisive action, which likely prevented a much more serious accident.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359373-driver-crashes-water-truck-into-power-pole-to-avoid-major-collision-in-pattaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

Failing to Yield to Emergency Vehicles Could Lead to Severe Penalties
 

File picture courtesy of Amarin, for reference only.

 

Motorists in Thailand are being warned that failing to give way to emergency vehicles could result in serious legal consequences, including the possibility of being charged with manslaughter or intentional homicide.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359375-failing-to-yield-to-emergency-vehicles-could-lead-to-severe-penalties/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Autistic Children Rescued After Crawling Hundreds of Metres Through Drainpipe

 

 

Two autistic children were dramatically rescued from a storm drain in Chonburi province after they crawled inside from near their home and became trapped, prompting a desperate search by emergency services.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359379-two-autistic-children-rescued-after-crawling-hundreds-of-metres-through-drainpipe/

 

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Thai Central Bank Slashes Rates, Cuts Growth Forecasts Amid Tariff Fears

 

Picture courtesy of Bank of Thailand

 

In an assertive move, the Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee opted for a 25-basis point slash in the policy rate, bringing it to a lowered 1.75%.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359382-thai-central-bank-slashes-rates-cuts-growth-forecasts-amid-tariff-fears/

 

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Anutin Proposes New Immigration Department to Streamline Border Services

 

Picture courtesy: Naewna

 

The Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has championed a proposal for a specialised department dedicated to immigration matters. This move, revealed yesterday, aims to tackle the increasing complexity of cross-border activities involving Thai nationals and foreign visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359383-anutin-proposes-new-immigration-department-to-streamline-border-services/

 

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Thailand Vows to End Dual Pricing Amid Growing Tourist Backlash

 

FILE photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has committed to tackling notorious dual pricing practices following widespread complaints from foreign tourists. Minister Sorawong Thienthong vowed to eliminate unfair pricing schemes after a significant meeting with tourism industry leaders and assorted agencies on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359361-thailand-vows-to-end-dual-pricing-amid-growing-tourist-backlash/

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Koh Phangan Cracks Down on Beach Nudity, Warns Tourists of Visa Revocation

 

Picture courtesy of Koh Phangan police station via Bangkok Post

 

Koh Phangan, home of Thailand's infamous full moon parties, is back in the spotlight with a bold new crackdown on public nudity. Signs forbidding unclothed escapades have sprang up on local beaches after numerous complaints about tourists stripping down.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359355-koh-phangan-cracks-down-on-beach-nudity-warns-tourists-of-visa-revocation/

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Provincial Governors Scramble: Chinese Adviser Scandal Sparks Urgent Action

 

Picture courtesy of nbt WORLD

In a dramatic move today, the Interior Ministry ordered all provincial governors to swiftly submit the details of their advisers. This comes in the wake of the controversial appointment, and subsequent dismissal, of a Chinese adviser in Prachin Buri, which has sparked widespread criticism.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359354-provincial-governors-scramble-chinese-adviser-scandal-sparks-urgent-action/

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Phuket Police Swiftly Capture Israeli Motorcycle Thief

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook Phuket Andaman News

 

An Israeli man has been apprehended for stealing a motorbike from a hospital parking lot in Wichit, Phuket. The crime occurred on April 21st, when the victim mistakenly left the key in the ignition, leading to the bike's disappearance.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359352-phuket-police-swiftly-capture-israeli-motorcycle-thief/

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Thailand Cuts Summer Electricity Bills, Easing Cost Pressure

 

File photo for reference only

Great news for Thai bill-payers! From April 30, millions will see a drop in their electricity costs thanks to a new rate change by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The Fuel Tariff (Ft) rate is set to decrease from 4.15 baht to 3.99 baht per unit, impacting the upcoming May to August billing cycle.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359351-thailand-cuts-summer-electricity-bills-easing-cost-pressure/

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Deposit Dispute Turns Ugly: Ukrainian Renter Wrecks Thai Condo, Then Vanishes

 

Photo by Praphaphan Meesomboon

 

A Ukrainian woman has reportedly vanished after wreaking havoc on a Phuket condominium, leaving the owner with damages totalling more than 350,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359349-deposit-dispute-turns-ugly-ukrainian-renter-wrecks-thai-condo-then-vanishes/

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Thai PM Responds to Moody’s Downgrade, Dismisses Casino Rumours

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra challenges Moody's downgrade, clarifying it's not a rating; denies entertainment complex as casino plans.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359386-thai-pm-responds-to-moody’s-downgrade-dismisses-casino-rumours/

 

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Four Injured in Ratchaburi Restaurant Shooting as Gunman Surrenders

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
 

A gunman has turned himself in following a shooting at a popular restaurant in Ratchaburi's Photharam district, which left four people injured.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359395-four-injured-in-ratchaburi-restaurant-shooting-as-gunman-surrenders/