THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 May 2025

[webfact]

Israeli Tourist Sparks Outrage Over Shoe Rule Dispute in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

An Israeli tourist's refusal to adhere to a "shoes off" rule in a Koh Pha Ngan café has stirred a social media storm, highlighting growing tensions surrounding tourist behaviour in Thailand. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359907-israeli-tourist-sparks-outrage-over-shoe-rule-dispute-in-thailand/

[webfact]

UK-Thai Relations Celebrated in Southern Thailand Roadshow

 

Photo of Mark Gooding and Krabi Governor Angkul Seelatheewakul courtesy of The Phuket News

 

To commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Thailand, the British Embassy in Bangkok concluded a successful three-day roadshow across southern Thailand. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359940-uk-thai-relations-celebrated-in-southern-thailand-roadshow/

[webfact]

Thailand Grapples with Overtourism: Balancing Growth and Cultural Identity

 

A view of Yaowarat Road which is a popular tourist spot in Bangkok | Photo by suzukii xingfu from Pexels

 

Over the years, Thailand has evolved from a Southeast Asian gem to a global travel powerhouse, drawing millions annually. Its allure stems from breathtaking beaches, captivating cultural sites, and vibrant cities like Bangkok known for lively nightlife and culinary adventures. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359908-thailand-grapples-with-overtourism-balancing-growth-and-cultural-identity/

[webfact]

Thailand Launches "Hello, Ni Hao" Campaign to Attract Chinese Tourists

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has introduced the "Hello, Ni Hao" initiative, a robust strategy aimed at revitalising Thailand's appeal among Chinese tourists. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359914-thailand-launches-hello-ni-hao-campaign-to-attract-chinese-tourists/

[webfact]

Supreme Court Trial Looms, but Thaksin May Walk Free Again

 

FILE – Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra might avoid a return to jail following his Supreme Court trial next month, according to partisan sources. The elite political powers are keen to maintain Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, as Prime Minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359957-supreme-court-trial-looms-but-thaksin-may-walk-free-again/

 

[webfact]

Thai Citizens Demand Government Action as Inflation Skyrockets

 

File photo courtesy of Bloomberg

 

Inflation is hitting Thai wallets hard, raising urgent calls for the government to act. A survey by the National Statistical Office reveals that a whopping 86% of people want immediate intervention to curb rising consumer prices.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359958-thai-citizens-demand-government-action-as-inflation-skyrockets/

 

[webfact]

Streptococcus suis Outbreak in Phrae: Public Urged to Avoid Raw Pork

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Authorities have issued a public warning in Phrae province following an alarming outbreak of Streptococcus suis (S.suis) which has tragically led to the deaths of two individuals and resulted in 14 others undergoing treatment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359960-streptococcus-suis-outbreak-in-phrae-public-urged-to-avoid-raw-pork/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Arrested After Attack on 80-Year-Old Woman in Her Home

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 46-year-old man has been arrested in Phayao province after attacking an 80-year-old woman in a failed attempt to rob her. The incident occurred in Moo 7, Lo Subdistrict, Chun District, where the victim, Mrs. Sanan, was assaulted in her own home.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359962-man-arrested-after-attack-on-80-year-old-woman-in-her-home/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Dies After Falling from Pickup Truck

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A 24-year-old man has died after falling from the back of a pickup truck in Roi Et province, in what authorities are calling a preventable tragedy.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359964-man-dies-after-falling-from-pickup-truck/

 

[Georgealbert]

Golf Pro Demands Probe into Foreign Workers Replacing Thais at a Kanchanaburi Golf Course

 

File picture for reference only.

 

A professional Thai golfer has filed a formal complaint alleging that a well-known golf course in Kanchanaburi has been allowing a Myanmar national investor to employ foreign workers as caddies and masseuses—roles reserved by Thai law exclusively for Thai citizens.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359965-golf-pro-demands-probe-into-foreign-workers-replacing-thais-at-a-kanchanaburi-golf-course/

 

[Georgealbert]

Laos Bans Thai Cattle Imports Indefinitely, Sparking Crisis for Farmers and Traders

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Livestock farmers and cattle traders across the northeastern region are facing serious hardship following an urgent directive by the Lao government banning the import and movement of cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep from Thailand. The ban, issued with immediate effect and without a stated end date, is aimed at preventing the spread of anthrax following a confirmed case in Mukdahan province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359966-laos-bans-thai-cattle-imports-indefinitely-sparking-crisis-for-farmers-and-traders/

 

[Georgealbert]

Foreign Gangs Clash in Central Bangkok: Several Injured in Machete Attack

 

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Police in Bangkok have arrested three men following a violent altercation between rival foreign gangs that left several people injured. The suspects, including one Tai Yai national and two Myanmar nationals, were allegedly involved in a machete attack in Din Daeng district earlier this month.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359967-foreign-gangs-clash-in-central-bangkok-several-injured-in-machete-attack/

 

[Georgealbert]

BRN Issues Statement of Regret Over Violence in Pattani, Affirms Civilian Protection Policy
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the most prominent insurgent group in Thailand’s deep south, has issued a formal statement expressing regret over recent violence in Pattani that led to civilian casualties. The statement reiterates the group’s position that it does not target civilians and is committed to operating within the framework of international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359968-brn-issues-statement-of-regret-over-violence-in-pattani-affirms-civilian-protection-policy/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai F-16 Jets Scramble to Intercept Myanmar Warplane Near Border
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets to intercept a Myanmar military aircraft that flew close to the Thai border in Kanchanaburi province, officials confirmed on 6 May. The aircraft, identified as a K-8 light attack jet, approached to within approximately two nautical miles of Thai airspace, triggering a rapid response from Thai defence forces.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359969-thai-f-16-jets-scramble-to-intercept-myanmar-warplane-near-border/

 

[Georgealbert]

Elderly Couple Killed Collecting Recyclables in Nakhon Phanom
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

An elderly couple who made a humble living collecting recyclable waste were killed on the night of 5 May after being struck by a car while crossing a major highway in Nakhon Phanom Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359970-elderly-couple-killed-collecting-recyclables-in-nakhon-phanom/

 

[Georgealbert]

Trang: Over 600 Modified Motorbikes Seized, Nearly 500 Illegal Exhausts Destroyed
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities in Trang Province have launched a major crackdown on illegal street racing and modified motorbikes, seizing more than 600 vehicles and destroying nearly 500 illegal exhaust pipes, while also making significant drug and weapons-related arrests.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359971-trang-over-600-modified-motorbikes-seized-nearly-500-illegal-exhausts-destroyed/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fourth Anthrax Case in Mukdahan – Infected Woman Suffered Knife Cut While Preparing Beef
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Health authorities have confirmed a fourth case of anthrax infection in Don Tan district, Mukdahan province, raising concerns about possible environmental and meat-related sources of the deadly bacterial disease.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359368-anthrax-death-reported-in-mukdahan-province/#findComment-19784437

 

[webfact]

Bangkok Enhances Traffic Flow with Smart Signals at 72 Intersections

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Bangkok has initiated the installation of adaptive traffic lights at 72 key intersections to improve travel efficiency. This technology adjusts signals based on real-time traffic flow, and initial results show a 15% improvement in non-peak hours.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359974-bangkok-enhances-traffic-flow-with-smart-signals-at-72-intersections/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Cambodians Arrested in Cross-Border Cigarette Smuggling Bust
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities have dismantled a significant transnational cigarette smuggling operation, arresting two Cambodian nationals and seizing over 50,000 packs of untaxed cigarettes valued at more than 3 million baht in unpaid taxes. The estimated fines for the offenders could exceed 42 million baht. 

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359973-two-cambodians-arrested-in-cross-border-cigarette-smuggling-bust/

 

[Georgealbert]

Brazilian Duo Arrested for Smuggling Cocaine Worth Over 22 Million Baht at Suvarnabhumi

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Two Brazilian nationals have been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officials discovered over seven kilograms of cocaine concealed in their luggage, with an estimated street value exceeding 22 million baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359977-brazilian-duo-arrested-for-smuggling-cocaine-worth-over-22-million-baht-at-suvarnabhumi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Durian Orchard Dispute Turns Deadly as Man Shot After Cutting Down Trees

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A late-night confrontation in a durian orchard ended with a man being fatally shot by an unidentified gunman. The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 May in the village of Klai, Tha Sala district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359978-durian-orchard-dispute-turns-deadly-as-man-shot-after-cutting-down-trees/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Found Dead in Canal After Disappearance Following Concert in Lopburi

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A fatal end has been confirmed in the case of a missing man, 21-year-old Natithorn, known to friends and family as “Job”, who vanished after attending a rock concert in Lopburi. His body was discovered on 6 May.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359979-man-found-dead-in-canal-after-disappearance-following-concert-in-lopburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai Military Clarifies ‘Mystery Aircraft’ Sighting Over Kanchanaburi

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A mysterious aircraft spotted flying over Kanchanaburi province on Monday caused alarm among local residents, prompting swift clarification from the Thai military.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359980-thai-military-clarifies-‘mystery-aircraft’-sighting-over-kanchanaburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Yala Police Officer Under Investigation for Live-Streaming Suicide
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Authorities have launched an official investigation after a police officer, disguised as a delivery rider, live-streamed a suicide outside Yala Regional Hospital, sparking widespread public outrage.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359981-yala-police-officer-under-investigation-for-live-streaming-suicide/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk Police Officer Crashes Patrol Pickup Into Woman’s Motorcycle and Flees Scene

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A police officer in Chachoengsao province is facing legal action after allegedly driving a patrol vehicle under the influence of alcohol, crashing into a local woman’s motorcycle outside her home, and fleeing the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359982-drunk-police-officer-crashes-patrol-pickup-into-woman’s-motorcycle-and-flees-scene/

 

[Georgealbert]

Three Seriously Injured in Motorway Crash as Pickup Slams into Lorry
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Three people were left trapped and seriously injured after a pickup truck crashedinto the rear of a lorry on a motorway 7, near Pattaya on the night of 6 May.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359983-three-seriously-injured-in-motorway-crash-as-pickup-slams-into-lorry/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Australian Tourist Jailed in Phuket for Dangerous Motorcycle Stunt

An Australian tourist has been sentenced to 15 days in prison by a Phuket court after performing dangerous motorcycle stunts on public roads. The court imposed the jail term without the possibility of suspension or the option to pay a fine, citing the serious risk posed to other road users.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359200-aussie-tourist-arrested-for-reckless-stunts-on-phuket-road/page/3/#findComment-19784586

 

[webfact]

Phuket Airport to Install Automated Passport Control Channels

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak, the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, visited Phuket Airport to discuss plans for the implementation of Automated Border Control (ABC) channels.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359984-phuket-airport-to-install-automated-passport-control-channels/

 

[Georgealbert]

Australian Tourist Rescued After Near-Drowning Off Racha Yai Island

 

Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta

 

A 22-year-old Australian tourist was rushed to Chalong Hospital in Phuket on 6 May, after a near-drowning incident while swimming off the coast of Racha Yai Island.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359985-australian-tourist-rescued-after-near-drowning-off-racha-yai-island/

 

[webfact]

PM Paetongtarn Signals Doubts Over Next Handout Phase

 

Picture courtesy of Money and Banking

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Tuesday that crucial revisions are necessary in the government's prominent money handout scheme.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1359988-pm-paetongtarn-signals-doubts-over-next-handout-phase/