Chiang Mai Named Safest City in ASEAN for 2025

 

Chiang Mai Moat. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.

Chiang Mai has been recognised as the safest city in ASEAN for 2025, according to Numbeo. The city topped the list which evaluated crime levels and feelings of safety both day and night.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360603-chiang-mai-named-safest-city-in-asean-for-2025/

 

Thaksin's Prison Probe: Supreme Court Inquiry Launches June 13

 

Picture courtesy of Thailand Court

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to attend a Supreme Court inquiry on June 13. This inquiry will explore allegations that his jail sentence may not have been properly enforced.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360604-thaksins-prison-probe-supreme-court-inquiry-launches-june-13/

 

Thaksin Health Drama: Police General Hospital's Chief Doctor Requests Justice

 

Picture courtesy of AMARIN TV

 

The chief doctor at Bangkok Police Hospital is fighting back against the decision by the Medical Council to punish doctors involved in the care of Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360609-thaksin-health-drama-police-general-hospitals-chief-doctor-requests-justice/

Tourist's Midnight Climb Fails to Change Phuket Traffic Light

 

 

Picture courtesy of Channel 3Plus News

 

In a late-night incident in Phuket, a foreign tourist took an unusual approach to hasten his wait at a red light.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360616-tourists-midnight-climb-fails-to-change-phuket-traffic-light/

 

Body of Foreign Man Found on Kata Beach, Phuket

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

The body of a foreign man was discovered on the morning of 14 May, on Kata Beach in Phuket, with a mysterious message found nearby written in the sand. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to aid in their investigation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360617-body-of-foreign-man-found-on-kata-beach-phuket/

 

Monitor Lizard Found Carrying Remains of Baby in Shocking Discovery in Samut Prakan

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A deeply disturbing incident occurred on 14 May, in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, when a monitor lizard was discovered carrying what appeared to be the remains of a human infant in its mouth.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360636-monitor-lizard-found-carrying-remains-of-baby-in-shocking-discovery-in-samut-prakan/

 

Thailand Expands Alcohol Sale Venues Amid New Law Changes

 

File photo for reference only

 

In an effort to stimulate tourism while maintaining cultural respect, the Thai government has modified its alcohol sale legislation, allowing more venues to offer alcoholic drinks daily. Last week's enactment of a new law explicitly permits sales in five key types of locations, effective as of Saturday. This shift bases itself on the principle of regulation over prohibition, recognising that outright bans may be largely ignored.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360647-thailand-expands-alcohol-sale-venues-amid-new-law-changes/

 

Swedish Father Denies Harassment Allegations in Udon Thani

 

Photo via Channel 8

 

A complex and disturbing case has emerged from Udon Thani, Thailand, where a Swedish man has denied accusations of sexually harassing his 16-year-old half-Thai, half-Swedish biological daughter. The allegations have been brought by his Thai ex-wife, Suay, who claims Carl attempted to assault their daughter, Em, in a hotel owned by Carl’s friend, Ploy.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360648-swedish-father-denies-harassment-allegations-in-udon-thani/

 

British Teen Thought as Missing in Thailand Found Arrested in Georgia

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook

 

In a twist that took everyone by surprise, Bella May Culley, a teenager from Billingham, County Durham, and once believed missing in Thailand, has surfaced 4,000 miles away, facing severe drug charges in Georgia. The 18-year-old was apprehended at Tbilisi International Airport with an alleged massive haul of cannabis, raising concerns for her family who had been anxiously searching for her in Asia.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360650-british-teen-thought-missing-in-thailand-found-arrested-in-georgia/

 

Pattaya Boat Operator Apologises After Rant at Foreign Tourists

 

Picture courtesy of Matchicon

 

A Pattaya tour boat operator has issued a profuse apology after a crew member's expletive-laden tirade against foreign tourists went viral, sparking concerns over Thailand's hospitality image. The incident, which unfolded during a Koh Larn Relax snorkelling trip last Saturday, was captured in a now-viral video, labelling the tourists as "animals" in a heated exchange.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360651-pattaya-boat-operator-apologises-after-rant-at-foreign-tourists/

 

Thailand Sets Sights on Growing Sustainable Protein Market

 

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Thailand is gearing up to seize a significant share of the burgeoning global edible insect market, with projections indicating a growth rate of 25.1% annually from 2025 to 2030. As consumers worldwide increasingly turn to sustainable protein alternatives, Thailand's established prowess in insect farming positions it as a key player.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360652-thailand-sets-sights-on-growing-sustainable-protein-market/

 

Thai Teen Gains Support for Education Amid Family Hardships

 

Noo Dee and Hone Krasae news host | Photo via โหนกระแส [Hone-Krasae] official

 

A story of resilience and community support has emerged in Thailand, where a 16-year-old girl, Noo Dee, found hope after facing overwhelming family difficulties. With her mother, Rung, critically ill from brain tumours and her father, a high-ranking police officer, refusing to support her, Noo Dee's future seemed uncertain.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360653-thai-teen-gains-support-for-education-amid-family-hardships/

 

Thailand Revises Ayutthaya Rail Station Design to Protect Heritage

 

File photo for reference only

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has adapted its design for the Ayutthaya high-speed rail station, following crucial advice from international heritage organisations emphasising the need to balance modern development with the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360656-thailand-revises-ayutthaya-rail-station-design-to-protect-heritage/

 

Thai Baht Wobbles Amid Stronger US Dollar and Trade Truce

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai baht faces renewed pressure as it teeters against a surging US dollar this week, spurred by a temporary pause in the US-China tariff war. Currency analysts anticipate the baht could decline to 33.80 against the dollar following fluctuations in global market sentiment.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360657-thai-baht-wobbles-amid-stronger-us-dollar-and-trade-truce/

 

Explosive Attack Injures Two Officers in Pattani, Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

An attack on a military truck from the 44th Ranger Regiment Task Force in Pattani province has left two officers injured. The incident occurred on May 13 at 1pm when unidentified assailants planted a bomb in Yaring district, targeting the patrol vehicle as it travelled along Highway 41.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360658-explosive-attack-injures-two-officers-in-pattani-thailand/

 

Escaped Prisoner Recaptured in Na Thawi After Public Alert

 

Picture courtesy of เรือนจำอำเภอนาทวี กรมราชทัณฑ์ กระทรวงยุติธรรม Facebook

 

A prisoner, convicted of drug-related offences, has been recaptured following his escape from Na Thawi district prison. The swift recapture was aided by a 50,000 baht reward incentive offered for information leading to his arrest.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360659-escaped-prisoner-recaptured-in-na-thawi-after-public-alert/

 

UPDATE:

 

Motorbike Taxi Driver Arrested for Murder of Elderly Woman in Thailand

 

Photo: Bangkok Post

 

A motorbike taxi driver has been arrested on Koh Samui for the murder of 89-year-old Noonil Kitparb, whose body was found in a sack in a paddy field in Muang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The suspect, Charoen "Tia" Srichamras, allegedly lured the elderly woman away from a shopping mall on May 9 before strangling her and abandoning her body along Therdphra Kiat Road.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360479-89-year-old-found-dead-in-sack-police-hunt-taxi-driver/#findComment-19800675

 

Thai Authorities Probe 1,200 in Money Laundering Linked to Senate Vote-Rigging

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thai authorities are investigating approximately 1,200 suspects for their involvement in money laundering tied to vote-rigging activities during last year's Senate elections. This joint inquiry by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Election Commission (EC) seeks to unravel complex financial transactions linked to illegal election practices.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360660-thai-authorities-probe-1200-in-money-laundering-linked-to-senate-vote-rigging/

 

Unpacking Thailand’s Beauty Ideals: A Call for Diversity and Inclusion

 

An internal conflict | Photo by Farhan Abas on Unsplash

 

Upon arriving in Bangkok and boarding the Skytrain, I was immediately struck by the advertisements surrounding me. They displayed high beauty standards: porcelain-white, ultra-thin individuals with flawless skin and disproportionately large eyes. It was a surreal experience, more reminiscent of AI-generated images than of real human beings. This homogenous portrayal of beauty seemed at odds with the diverse backgrounds I grew up with in Canada and the United States.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360663-unpacking-thailand’s-beauty-ideals-a-call-for-diversity-and-inclusion/

 

Fatal Crash in Phetchabun: Toyota Fortuner Hits Two Bus-Waiting Women

 

Picture courtesy of komchadluek

 

A tragic accident unfolded on May 13 near an intersection in Na Chaliang, Mueang Phetchabun district, when a Toyota Fortuner veered off course, resulting in the death of one woman and severe injuries to another. The incident was caught on CCTV and shared online, showing the vehicle losing control and striking the two women seated at the central reservation of the Saraburi-Lomsak Road.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360664-fatal-crash-in-phetchabun-toyota-fortuner-hits-two-bus-waiting-women/

 

Tragedy in Chiang Rai: Stepfather Charged for Murder of Disabled Toddler

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

A heart-wrenching incident has occurred in the northern province of Chiang Rai, where a Thai stepfather has been arrested for the brutal murder of his two-year-old disabled stepdaughter, Wanida. The child's body was discovered in a river following her disappearance on May 8, triggering a police investigation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360666-tragedy-in-chiang-rai-stepfather-charged-for-murder-of-disabled-toddler/

 

Thieves Arrested in Phetchaburi for String of Electrical Wire and Appliance Thefts

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A group responsible for a series of thefts in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, has been apprehended by police in an operation led by Police Lieutenant General Naiwat Phadermchit. The suspects, identified as 47-year-old Surachet Nucharoen, 24-year-old Weerapat Maksuwan, and 31-year-old Methavee Samutklang, conducted nearly ten break-ins, targeting electrical wires and household appliances, with their illegal gains reportedly funding methamphetamine purchases.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360667-thieves-arrested-in-phetchaburi-for-string-of-electrical-wire-and-appliance-thefts/

 

Thai Mother's Plea for Son's Welfare Sparks Outpouring of Support

 

Photo via Naewna

 

In a heartbreaking plea, a 33-year-old Thai mother from Sisaket province turned to social media, proposing to sell her organs to provide a better life for her one-year-old son. Struggling with poverty and illness, she initially posted pictures of her son on Facebook, seeking an adoptive family for him. Her post revealed the severe conditions they were living in, including the boy having gone without milk for three days.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360668-thai-mothers-plea-for-sons-welfare-sparks-outpouring-of-support/

 

Pattaya Mechanic Brutally Attacked by Teen Gang Over Parking Fee Dispute

 

Picture of mechanic fighting off attack courtesy of Pattaya News

 

In a shocking incident in Pattaya, a 27-year-old mechanic, Woramet Nilket, was assaulted by a gang of teenagers over a 100-baht parking fee, leaving him bloodied and bruised. The attack unfolded at 1pm on May 13 at his motorcycle repair shop on Soi Khao Noi, near the railway in Chon Buri province.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360669-pattaya-mechanic-brutally-attacked-by-teen-gang-over-parking-fee-dispute/

 

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Thursday 15 May 2025 
https://aseannow.com/topic/1360662-thailand-live-thursday-15-may-2025/