THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 9 May 2025

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Soviet Spacecraft Set to Re-enter Earth: Thailand's Minimal Risk

 

Pictures courtesy of GISTDA Facebook

 

A dormant Soviet spacecraft, Cosmos 482, which has been orbiting Earth since 1972, is expected to re-enter the atmosphere imminently, prompting cautious vigilance from space agencies worldwide. Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued an alert regarding the spacecraft's anticipated descent, scheduled for May 10 around 6.56pm local time.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360234-soviet-spacecraft-set-to-re-enter-earth-thailands-minimal-risk/

 

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Thailand Adjusts Tourism Goals Amid 30% Drop in Chinese Visitors

 

Photo courtesy of South China Morning Post

 

Facing a significant decrease in Chinese visitors, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is considering revising its foreign tourist targets for the year. Initially projecting 37.46 million visitors and 3.4 trillion baht in revenue for 2025, TAT may lower these numbers to approximately 35.54 million tourists, mirroring last year's figures. Chinese tourists, key contributors to Thailand's tourism, are expected to number only 4 million this year.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360236-thailand-adjusts-tourism-goals-amid-30-drop-in-chinese-visitors/

 

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Thai-Ghanaian Fraud Gang Arrested for 200 Million Baht Japan Scam

 

Photo: Bangkok Post

 

In a significant crackdown, Thai authorities have arrested six members of a multinational fraud gang, consisting of five Thai nationals and one Ghanaian, for orchestrating a scam that swindled over 200 million baht from a company in Japan. The arrests, carried out by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), took place in various locations, including Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, and Nonthaburi.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360237-thai-ghanaian-fraud-gang-arrested-for-200-million-baht-japan-scam/

 

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Thai Senators Oppose 956 Million Baht Parliament Renovation Plan

 

Picture courtesy of Sum Up

 

In a strong display of dissent, a group of 30 Thai senators has publicly opposed a proposed 956 million baht budget for renovations at the country's new parliament complex, branding the plan as excessive, misdirected, and lacking public benefit. Spearheaded by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas at a press conference on May 8, the group criticised the initiative for failing to address existing structural issues.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360238-thai-senators-oppose-956-million-baht-parliament-renovation-plan/

 

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Lop Buri Man Investigated After Wife Found Dead Post-Argument

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 61-year-old man in Lop Buri province is under scrutiny following the discovery of his 66-year-old wife's lifeless body in their apartment after an alleged alcohol-fuelled argument. The incident occurred early on May 9, when Police Lieutenant Banchachop Choptham of Phatthana Nikhom Police Station received a report of a death at a local dormitory.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360239-lop-buri-man-investigated-after-wife-found-dead-post-argument/

 

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Recycling Firm's Board Member Arrested for 333 Million Baht Tax Fraud

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a significant development, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) police have detained Sarisa Raksinapapawi, a board member of a recycling company, for allegedly participating in a tax fraud scheme that resulted in state losses exceeding 333 million baht (US$10 million).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360240-recycling-firms-board-member-arrested-for-333-million-baht-tax-fraud/

 

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Arrest Warrants Expected in State Audit Office Building Collapse Probe

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

 

Authorities are poised to issue arrest warrants next week for three groups linked to the recent collapse of the State Audit Office’s under-construction building. The structure fell following the earthquake on March 28, prompting a comprehensive investigation led by the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360243-arrest-warrants-expected-in-state-audit-office-building-collapse-probe/

 

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Government Declares Success in 3 Cuts Strategy Against Myanmar Call Centres

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai government's implementation of the 3 Cuts strategy to disrupt call centre operations in Myanmar has been declared a success three months into its execution. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, speaking on May 8, highlighted the significant impact of the measures initiated since February 5 to target electricity, fuel, and internet access in key locations.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360244-government-declares-success-in-3-cuts-strategy-against-myanmar-call-centres/

 

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Thailand's Industry Ministry Eyes Regulation on Gas Canisters Amid Risks

 

Pictures courtesy of MGR Online

 

In response to rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants, Thailand's Ministry of Industry is pushing to classify gas canisters as a controlled product. Minister Ekanat Prompan announced this proposal, citing the popularity of barbecue eateries using gas canisters that are often improperly reused despite being designed for single use.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360245-thailands-industry-ministry-eyes-regulation-on-gas-canisters-amid-risks/

 

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Thai Commerce Ministry Boosts Efforts to Combat Declining Fruit Prices

 

Photo courtesy of The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Shanghai

 

In a proactive response to plummeting fruit prices, Thailand's Commerce Ministry is fast-tracking the distribution of 950,000 tonnes of produce both domestically and internationally. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the ministry is collaborating with various organisations to manage this surplus through a comprehensive strategy encompassing production, marketing, export, processing, and trade facilitation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360246-thai-commerce-ministry-boosts-efforts-to-combat-declining-fruit-prices/

 

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Thailand to Halve Workplace Fatalities with New “Safety Thailand” Vision

 

Photo courtesy of IndustriALL Global Union

 

In a bold initiative to enhance workplace safety, Thailand's Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has launched the "Safety Thailand" vision, aiming to halve workplace fatalities within five years. Announced at the National Occupational Safety Day 2025 ceremony, the strategy seeks to reduce severe injuries from 2.13 to one per 1,000 workers and cut deaths from 5.3 to no more than three per 100,000 workers by 2030.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360247-thailand-to-halve-workplace-fatalities-with-new-“safety-thailand”-vision/

 

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Northern Thailand Shaken by Tremors Following Southern Earthquake

 

Picture courtesy of the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department

 

The province of Nan in northern Thailand experienced two small tremors early yesterday morning, following a prior earthquake in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat that caused notable damage. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department reported that the magnitudes in Nan registered 1.7 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, occurring at 4.04am and 4.52am respectively. Both tremors originated one kilometre underground in tambon Yap Hua Na, Wiang Sa district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360248-northern-thailand-shaken-by-tremors-following-southern-earthquake/

 

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Security Guard Fatally Shot in Bangkok: Investigation Underway

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In the early hours of May 9, a security guard was tragically gunned down at the maintenance office of a waste disposal centre in Bangkok's Pravet district. The victim, 44-year-old Thirasak, was discovered near the entrance of On Nut 86, clad in a blue long-sleeve shirt and red shorts, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the left chest.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360249-security-guard-fatally-shot-in-bangkok-investigation-underway/

 

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Royal Ploughing Ceremony Signals Start of Thai Rice Planting Season

 

 

Today at Sanam Luang, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a pivotal event marking the onset of Thailand's rice planting season, was held with grandeur. Presided over by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, the ceremony included attendance from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, cabinet members, and diplomatic representatives. This traditional event, aligning with the sixth lunar month, is revered for promoting agricultural prosperity and good fortune.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360250-royal-ploughing-ceremony-signals-start-of-thai-rice-planting-season/

 

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Phuket Prepares for Landmark Tsunami Drill: CMEX 25

 

 

Phuket is set to host the largest tsunami disaster drill in years, with the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise scheduled for June 24-26. The exercise will span six Andaman coastal provinces, with Phuket taking the lead. Designed to enhance preparedness for a worst-case tsunami scenario, the drill will involve government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and local residents.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360252-phuket-prepares-for-landmark-tsunami-drill-cmex-25/

 

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Severe Hailstorm Hits Udon Thani, Causing Widespread Damage

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

On May 8, a severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain wreaked havoc across Udon Thani, inflicting significant damage on numerous homes and infrastructure. The storm, which struck at around 1.30pm, uprooted trees and toppled high-voltage power poles, leading to road blockages and widespread power outages.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360253-severe-hailstorm-hits-udon-thani-causing-widespread-damage/

 

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Rayong Authorities Bust Chinese 'Zero-Dollar' Lobster Factory

 

Picture courtesy of กฤช ศิลปชัย - Krit Silapachai Facebook

 

In a coordinated effort, Rayong MP Krit Silpachai and provincial employment officers have dismantled a "zero-dollar" Chinese lobster factory allegedly depriving locals of jobs. The crackdown followed reports of unauthorised foreign employment within the operation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360254-rayong-authorities-bust-chinese-zero-dollar-lobster-factory/