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.

 

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

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. 

 

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

Anwar Ibrahim Urged to Ditch Thaksin from ASEAN Advisor Role

 

 File photo  courtesy of Siam Rath

 

The Student and People Network for Reform of Thailand has petitioned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to remove Thaksin Shinawatra from his advisory role in ASEAN.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360679-anwar-ibrahim-urged-to-ditch-thaksin-from-asean-advisor-role/

Air Force Scandal: Officer Transferred Amid Conscripts Misuse Claims

 

Picture courtesy of AMARIN TV

 

An air force scandal has erupted as a senior officer faces charges for reportedly exploiting conscripts as GrabBike riders and pocketing their earnings.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360680-air-force-scandal-officer-transferred-amid-conscripts-misuse-claims/

 

Aussie Nabbed: Phuket Airport Arrest for Violent Assault

 

Picture courtesy of Phuket Airporrt Immigration

 

An Australian man, aged 30, found himself in cuffs at Phuket Airport on May 13, 2025, following a sting operation by the immigration team and Koh Phangan police.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360681-aussie-nabbed-phuket-airport-arrest-for-violent-assault/

Forest Ranger in Chiang Mai Goes on Shooting Rampage, Injures Colleagues

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Panic broke out at a forest ranger outpost in Chiang Mai’s Chiang Dao district after a ranger opened fire on his colleagues, injuring two, before being shot and apprehended by police. Fellow officers suspect the shooter may have been suffering from hallucinations brought on by alcohol or drugs.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360682-forest-ranger-in-chiang-mai-goes-on-shooting-rampage-injures-colleagues/

 

Patricide in Maha Sarakham: Son Murders 84-Year-Old Father, Conceals Body in Septic Tank
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

In a harrowing incident that has shaken the community of Phayakkhaphum Phisai district in Maha Sarakham province, a 41-year-old man has been arrested for the brutal murder of his 84-year-old father. The body, found in a septic tank behind the family home, had been concealed for three days.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360683-patricide-in-maha-sarakham-son-murders-84-year-old-father-conceals-body-in-septic-tank/

 

Shock at Chanthaburi Pier: Decomposed Body Found Entangled in Fishing Boat Propeller
 

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Local residents were left stunned on the  morning of 14 May, after a gruesome discovery at the Nong Bua pier in Chanthaburi province. A man’s decomposed body was found floating face-up in the canal, entangled in the propeller of a moored fishing boat.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360685-shock-at-chanthaburi-pier-decomposed-body-found-entangled-in-fishing-boat-propeller/

 

Fire at House of Prominent Politician in Udon Thani
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities in Udon Thani are investigating a mysterious fire that broke out late at night on 13 May, at a traditional Thai-style house belonging to a well-known local politician. Initial findings suggest the blaze may have been caused by a candle left unattended, but arson has not yet been ruled out.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360686-fire-at-house-of-prominent-politician-in-udon-thani/

 

UPDATE
Ukrainian Woman Re-Arrested in Phuket After Failing to Appear in Court Over Damaged Rental Property

 

Picture courtesy of Phuket Police.

 

A Ukrainian woman has been re-arrested in Phuket after allegedly failing to attend a scheduled court hearing in connection with severe damage caused to a rented condominium in the Wichit area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360371-ukrainian-arrested-at-phuket-airport-over-condominium-vandalism/page/2/#findComment-19800930

 

Social Media Tattoo Artist “Namwan Laiphrang” Arrested in Drug and Firearms Raid

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Well-known social media tattoo artist Sarawut “Namwan Laiphrang” was arrested at his home in Bang Bua Thong district on 14 May, following a police raid that uncovered illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360687-social-media-tattoo-artist-“namwan-laiphrang”-arrested-in-drug-and-firearms-raid/

 

Police Officers Undergo Firearms Refresher Training to Boost Operational Efficiency
 

Pictures courtesy of Sattahip News.

 

Police Colonel Patikorn Sornchai, Deputy Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, presided over a firearms training exercise aimed at enhancing the skills and readiness of police officers from Sattahip Police Station. The session took place at the Naval Special Warfare Command’s shooting range in Samae San, Sattahip District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360688-police-officers-undergo-firearms-refresher-training-to-boost-operational-efficiency/

 

Constitutional Court Suspends Justice Minister in Thai Senate Probe Shake-Up

 

File photo courtesy Wikipedia

 

Bangkok's legal drama unfolded as Thailand's Constitutional Court delivered a hammer blow on Wednesday, ordering Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong to halt his oversight of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). This decisive action occurs amidst accusations of his undue meddling in a sensitive Senate election investigation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360689-constitutional-court-suspends-justice-minister-in-thai-senate-probe-shake-up/

 

Cambodian Men File Assault Complaint Against Influencer Group After Alleged Mall Attack
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Two Cambodian nationals have filed a police complaint on 14 May, against a well-known Thai vocational-style influencer and his associates, accusing them of physically assaulting them inside a prominent shopping mall in the Samrong area. The victims insist they did nothing wrong and deny any links to a gang known as “BK Khmer”.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360690-cambodian-men-file-assault-complaint-against-influencer-group-after-alleged-mall-attack/

 

Military and Excise Officials Seize Illegal Cigarettes in Sa Kaeo Raids
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

In a coordinated operation, military personnel from the Burapha Task Force, in collaboration with officials from the Sa Kaeo Excise Department, intercepted two separate attempts to smuggle contraband cigarettes destined for Bangkok. The raids were carried out in Ta Phraya and Aranyaprathet districts, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illegal goods.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360691-military-and-excise-officials-seize-illegal-cigarettes-in-sa-kaeo-raids/

 

Villagers Carry Sick Man Through Torrential Rain for 5 Hours After Road Collapse in Mae Hong
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A remote community in Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son province, was forced to carry a seriously ill man on a homemade litter, under a bamboo pole, through heavy rain and treacherous conditions for nearly five hours after landslides and flash floods severed all road access to the nearest hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360692-villagers-carry-sick-man-through-torrential-rain-for-5-hours-after-road-collapse-in-mae-hong/

 

Two Online Gambling Website Admins Arrested; Over 10 Million Baht in Assets Seized
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Thai police have arrested two administrators behind illegal online gambling websites, seizing assets worth over 10 million baht in a major crackdown that could lead to further high-level arrests.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360693-two-online-gambling-website-admins-arrested-over-10-million-baht-in-assets-seized/

 

Drug-Addicted Son Arrested After Cutting Motorbike Brakes in Attempt to Harm Parents
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Police in Buriram province have arrested a 29-year-old man accused of repeatedly terrorising his elderly parents, culminating in an alleged attempt to cause them fatal harm by cutting the brake cables on their motorbike.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360694-drug-addicted-son-arrested-after-cutting-motorbike-brakes-in-attempt-to-harm-parents/

 

Woman’s Receives Electric Shock Inside Police Station While Charging Phone
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A young woman received a electric shock and collapsed in full view of police officers and reporters at Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in the early hours of the morning of 14 May, after plugging in her phone charger at the public service area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360695-woman’s-receives-electric-shock-inside-police-station-while-charging-phone/

 

PM Paetongtarn Turns Fruit Vendor on TikTok to Celebrate Thai Produce

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has taken to TikTok in a delightful move to promote Thai fruits, donning the role of a fruit vendor for the day.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360696-pm-paetongtarn-turns-fruit-vendor-on-tiktok-to-celebrate-thai-produce/

 

Newborn Baby Dumped in Ping River
 

 

 

A deeply disturbing discovery has shocked local residents in Chiang Mai after the body of a newborn baby was found floating in the Ping River, trapped at a sluice gate in the Pa Daet area of Mueang District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360697-newborn-baby-dumped-in-ping-river/

 

50,000 Baht Reward Offered for Capture of Gold Thief After 18 Days on the Run

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A gold theft that took place at a shopping mall in Udon Thani province remains unsolved after 18 days, prompting the jewellery shop to offer a 50,000 baht reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360698-50000-baht-reward-offered-for-capture-of-gold-thief-after-18-days-on-the-run/

 

Viral Video Captures Tense Clash Between Women Competing for Patrons in Pattaya

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A late-night brawl between two groups of Thai women in Pattaya's bustling nightlife district depicts the fierce rivalry for foreign patrons.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360699-viral-video-captures-tense-clash-between-women-competing-for-patrons-in-pattaya/

 

Pregnant Woman and Friend Killed by Lightning Strike in Sisaket Field
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A pregnant woman and a male were killed after being struck by lightning in the middle of a field while helping to harvest eucalyptus trees for sale.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360700-pregnant-woman-and-friend-killed-by-lightning-strike-in-sisaket-field/

 

BGF Deports Ethiopian Nationals Involved in Call Centre Scam from Myanmar
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

In the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime, Myanmar’s Border Guard Force (BGF) in Myawaddy has handed over 90 Ethiopian nationals involved in illicit call centre operations run by the so-called “Grey Chinese” network. The repatriation operation took place across the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge II, located at Ban Wang Takhian Tai in Mae Sot District, Tak Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360701-bgf-deports-ethiopian-nationals-involved-in-call-centre-scam-from-myanmar/

 

Nationwide Manhunt for Plantation Murder Gang Intensifies as Police Close in on Suspects

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities have launched a major manhunt for four fugitives wanted in connection with a gruesome quadruple murder in a palm oil plantation in Trang province. The killings, described by police as a “nang yang” (tyre-burning) execution, have shocked the nation with their brutality.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360702-nationwide-manhunt-for-plantation-murder-gang-intensifies-as-police-close-in-on-suspects/

 

UPDATE
Councillor Golf and Associates Denied Bail Over Polling Day Assault

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

A Songkhla provincial court has denied bail to local councillor Siradon Phlaiduang, widely known as “Councillor Golf”, and seven of his associates, following their arrest for the alleged assault of a police officer during municipal elections on 11 May.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19801351

 

Chinese Man Claims Attempted Murder Over Knowledge of Business Secrets
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A Chinese national has filed a police complaint at Phaholyothin Police Station, Bangkok, claiming he was assaulted and threatened with death after allegedly discovering sensitive information about a Chinese-funded company operating in Thailand.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360703-chinese-man-claims-attempted-murder-over-knowledge-of-business-secrets/

 

Trat: Motorcyclist Killed After High-Speed Collision with Durian Truck

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A road crash has left a man dead after his motorcycle collided at high speed with a pickup truck loaded with durians in a village in Trat province. The victim’s mother and wife, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, were left inconsolable upon seeing his body.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360705-trat-motorcyclist-killed-after-high-speed-collision-with-durian-truck/