THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 8 May 2025

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Middle Eastern Tourists Bolster Phuket as Chinese Arrivals Dip, Say Industry Leaders

 

File photo for reference only

 

In light of a dip in Chinese tourists, Middle Eastern visitors are flocking to Phuket, ensuring the island remains a key tourist hotspot. The Phuket Tourism Industry Council is calling upon the government to tackle pressing traffic and environmental issues to sustain its appeal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360099-middle-eastern-tourists-bolster-phuket-as-chinese-arrivals-dip-say-industry-leaders/

 

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Covid-19 Resurgence in Thailand: Over 8,000 Cases Reported in a Week

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is witnessing a worrying resurgence of Covid-19 cases, with over 8,446 hospital visits recorded between 27th April and 3rd May. This uptick in cases has been brought to attention by Assoc Prof Dr Thira Woratanarat, a respected public health expert from Chulalongkorn University. Bangkok has emerged as the epicentre of this latest wave, logging the highest number of new infections at 2,377, according to Dr Thira's recent analysis.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360125-covid-19-resurgence-in-thailand-over-8000-cases-reported-in-a-week/

 

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Thai Teenager Missing for a Week: Family Appeals for Public's Help

 

Photo via Facebook/ ปภัสสร ฯ.

 

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of 17-year-old Naphatsorn “Namtan” Plerphukiao from Chachoengsao province has captured national attention, as today marks a week since she went missing. The young girl was last seen taking a taxi from her dormitory in Pathum Thani to Bangkok, before vanishing without a trace.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360129-thai-teenager-missing-for-a-week-family-appeals-for-publics-help/

 

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Phuket's Weekend Booze Ban: Elections and Visakha Bucha Day Prompt Crackdown

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Phuket's residents face a dry weekend, as dual alcohol bans take centre stage due to upcoming municipal elections and Visakha Bucha Day. These restrictions will mean localities across the island will see a significant reduction in alcohol availability.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360131-phukets-weekend-booze-ban-elections-and-visakha-bucha-day-prompt-crackdown/

 

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Phuket Airport Set for Major Expansion, Aiming for 18 Million Annual Passengers

 

 

Phuket is gearing up for a transformative leap in air travel capacity, as Airports of Thailand (AOT) propels forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project. This expansion is designed to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually, reinforcing Thailand's status as a central force in regional aviation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360132-phuket-airport-set-for-major-expansion-aiming-for-18-million-annual-passengers/

 

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Karaoke Bar in Mae Chan Raided for Hiring Underage Girls

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, police and administrative officials raided a karaoke bar in Mae Chan, situated along Phahon Yothin Road, due to suspicions of human trafficking involving a 15-year-old girl. This event has spotlighted serious concerns about the exploitation of minors in the entertainment industry.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360133-karaoke-bar-in-mae-chan-raided-for-hiring-underage-girls/

 

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Thai Airways Warns of Delays Due to Pakistan-India Airspace Closure

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thai Airways International (THAI) has advised passengers flying on South Asian and European routes to verify their flight details amidst ongoing airspace closures at the Pakistan-India border. This alert follows geopolitical tensions between the two nations, impacting some of THAI's flight paths.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360134-thai-airways-warns-of-delays-due-to-pakistan-india-airspace-closure/

 

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Senate Committee Seeks PM's Insight on Casino Bill as Confusion Reigns

 

Photo courtesy of Bloomberg News

 

The special Senate committee reviewing the controversial casino-entertainment complex bill in Thailand is contemplating inviting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss the bill's intentions next week. Led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, the committee plans its second session today, following the initial meeting on April 23. Despite prior rumours, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Prime Minister was not expected at today's meeting.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360135-senate-committee-seeks-pms-insight-on-casino-bill-as-confusion-reigns/

 

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Surat Thani Police on Hunt for Woman Accused of 3 Million Baht Ticket Fraud

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Police in Surat Thani have ramped up efforts to capture a woman allegedly involved in a large-scale ticket fraud operation, affecting over 50 individuals and totalling damages of more than 3 million baht. An arrest warrant was issued for Kaewta Chookhao on 7th May, following investigations into the fraudulent sale of airline tickets.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360136-surat-thani-police-on-hunt-for-woman-accused-of-3-million-baht-ticket-fraud/

 

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Bangkok Swat Team Busts Gun-Modifying Duo Selling Illegally Online

 

File photo for reference only

 

A Swat team in Bangkok has successfully apprehended two suspects accused of illegally modifying and selling firearms online, following a decisive raid on a home in the Suan Luang district. The men, Natthakiat (known as New, age 29) and Suppasit (known as Peach, age 31), were taken into custody on Thursday, as confirmed by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). Their full surnames remain undisclosed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360137-bangkok-swat-team-busts-gun-modifying-duo-selling-illegally-online/

 

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Tourist Fined for Risky Elephant Encounter in Khao Yai National Park

 

Picture courtesy of Channel 7

 

A thrill-seeking tourist recently received a fine for recklessly getting too close to a wild elephant at Khao Yai National Park, underscoring ongoing safety challenges in the popular tourist destination. The incident occurred on 7th May when the tourist and his group, who were travelling from Thailand’s eastern region, stopped to snap selfies with the elephant wandering along the road.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360138-tourist-fined-for-risky-elephant-encounter-in-khao-yai-national-park/

 

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People’s Party Apologises After Candidate Arrested for Drug Trafficking

 

Photo via Facebook/ สถานีตำรวจนครบาลมีนบุรี

 

The People’s Party has issued a public apology following the arrest of one of its members, who is a candidate in the imminent Samut Prakan Municipal Council election, on charges of drug trafficking. The incident occurred on 7th May when Min Buri Police Station officers executed a crackdown on the Boon Raksa drug trafficking gang, apprehending four suspects and seizing a substantial stash of narcotics.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360139-people’s-party-apologises-after-candidate-arrested-for-drug-trafficking/

 

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Fugitive Ex-Police Superintendent Arrested for Embezzling Officer Funds

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant breakthrough, authorities have apprehended a former police superintendent accused of embezzling officer allowances, bringing an end to a years-long pursuit. Police Colonel Chaiwat, who presided over the Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station in Pathum Thani, was arrested on 7th May by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) following a warrant issued by the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360140-fugitive-ex-police-superintendent-arrested-for-embezzling-officer-funds/

 

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Over 20 Teenagers Arrested at Drug-Fuelled Birthday Bash in Chai Nat

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Police in the Mueang Chai Nat district have apprehended more than 20 teenagers during a raid on a drug-fuelled birthday party held at a local resort. The operation, which took place on 7th May, exposed a variety of illegal substances, including ecstasy, ketamine, the so-called 'love drug,' and methamphetamine.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360141-over-20-teenagers-arrested-at-drug-fuelled-birthday-bash-in-chai-nat/

 

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Pattaya's Automated Parking Garage Incident Raises Safety Questions

 

Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Visitors and locals alike were left astonished as a large hole emerged in the side of Pattaya City’s automated parking facility near Bali Hai Pier, sparking concerns over the safety of the city’s cutting-edge car park. The event unfolded on 7th May around 12:30 pm, when a mechanical lift arm accidentally pierced the wall during a routine car retrieval process.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360142-pattayas-automated-parking-garage-incident-raises-safety-questions/

 

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Phuket to Break Guinness World Record with Hokkien Noodles at Peranakan Festival

 

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket is set to spice up this June with an ambitious bid to capture a Guinness World Record for its famous Phuket Hokkien Noodles. The record-breaking event will be the star attraction at the Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025, scheduled from June 20 to 22. Bringing together over 200 chefs, restaurants, and community groups, the event aims to showcase this iconic dish and put it on the global culinary map.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360144-phuket-to-break-guinness-world-record-with-hokkien-noodles-at-peranakan-festival/

 

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Tragic Turn as Thai Police Officer Slits Throat After Gold Theft Arrest

 

Photo via Facebook/ จึงจริง Jung Jing

 

In a shocking incident, a Thai police officer attempted to take his own life at Na Yong Police Station in Trang province after being implicated in a robbery. The incident unfolded on 7th May when the officer, identified as 46-year-old Police Senior Sergeant Major Teerayuth, was confronted by his colleagues following his alleged involvement in the theft of a gold necklace from a food vendor.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360145-tragic-turn-as-thai-police-officer-slits-throat-after-gold-theft-arrest/

 

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Homeless Man Performs Martial Arts Dance in Traffic, Shocking Motorists

 

Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A recent incident in Nakhon Ratchasima left motorists bewildered as a homeless man performed a martial arts dance in the middle of a busy road, forcing drivers to carefully navigate around him. The unusual event was captured on video by TikTok user @suttida.25, with the footage being shared widely online before it was removed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360146-homeless-man-performs-martial-arts-dance-in-traffic-shocking-motorists/

 

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Police Arrest Two Men for Running Large-Scale Online Porn Group and Gambling Ads

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a coordinated operation, police have apprehended two individuals from Lampang and Phayao, identified as the administrators of an extensive online porn group, Boarding V.4. The group, attracting over 500,000 followers, was also found promoting online gambling sites to enhance engagement.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360147-police-arrest-two-men-for-running-large-scale-online-porn-group-and-gambling-ads/