THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 18 May 2025

[Georgealbert]

Health Minister Forms Panel to Examine Thaksin Medical Care Controversy

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Thailand's Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has taken a decisive step by assembling a 10-member panel to review the Medical Council’s ruling on the treatment provided to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360898-health-minister-forms-panel-to-examine-thaksin-medical-care-controversy/

[Georgealbert]

SRT Sets Stage for KiHa Train Testing by End of June

 

KiHA 40. File photo courtesy of Thai Train Guide

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is gearing up to commence testing its newly acquired KiHa 40 and 48 diesel trains before the end of June. Provided as a donation from Japan, these second-hand trains are earmarked for suburban feeder routes by the year's end.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360901-srt-sets-stage-for-kiha-train-testing-by-end-of-june/

[Georgealbert]

Man Kills Village Shaman with Machete over Black Magic Fears

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A brutal murder has shocked a remote village in Tak, after a man suffering hallucinations allegedly killed a local shaman he believed had cursed his young nephew. The suspect reportedly attacked the 62-year-old victim with a machete, inflicting more than 20 wounds, before dragging the body to a nearby stream and concealing it with banana trees and leaves.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360923-man-kills-village-shaman-with-machete-over-black-magic-fears/

 

[Georgealbert]

Royal Thai Police Partners with Meta to Enhance Online Safety in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

In a major step toward bolstering digital safety, Meta has announced a strategic partnership with the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and key stakeholders from across Thailand. The collaboration aims to strengthen online fraud prevention and promote a secure and sustainable digital environment for Thai users.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360924-royal-thai-police-partners-with-meta-to-enhance-online-safety-in-thailand/

 

[Georgealbert]

Koh Lanta: Mentally Ill Woman Found Murdered in Palm Plantation

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 23-year-old woman suffering from mental illness was found brutally murdered in a palm plantation on Koh Lanta, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360925-koh-lanta-mentally-ill-woman-found-murdered-in-palm-plantation/

 

[Georgealbert]

EGAT Floating Solar Project at Vajiralongkorn Dam Bidding Open Until June 20
 

Picture courtesy of kaoded.

 

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is forging ahead with its ambitious plan to develop floating solar power plants, launching the first phase of a 50-megawatt, floating solar project at Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi Province. The bidding process for interested contractors is now officially open and will run until 20 June.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360926-egat-floating-solar-project-at-vajiralongkorn-dam-bidding-open-until-june-20/

 

[Georgealbert]

Prominent Meditation Centre Under Investigation for Encroachment

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

All current and former chiefs of Khao Laem National Park are facing investigation after authorities uncovered a large-scale illegal development by an unregistered meditation centre operating within protected forest land in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360927-prominent-meditation-centre-under-investigation-for-encroachment/

 

[Georgealbert]

Free Rides on Pink Line Extension to Muang Thong Thani Begin 20 May

 

Picture courtesy of The Standard.

 

The Ministry of Transport has announced that commuters will be able to enjoy free trial rides on the new extension of the MRT Pink Line from Si Rat Station to Muang Thong Thani starting 20 May until 16 June 2025. The move aims to ease traffic congestion in the area and improve access to major events and concerts at IMPACT Arena.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360942-free-rides-on-pink-line-extension-to-muang-thong-thani-begin-20-may/

 

[Georgealbert]

Deadly Land Dispute: Woman 35, Kills Elderly Neighbour in Chaiyaphum

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A long-standing land dispute turned deadly in Chaiyaphum province on the evening of 16 May, when a 35-year-old woman allegedly bludgeoned her 61-year-old neighbour to death with a wooden club during a heated altercation outside her home.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360943-deadly-land-dispute-woman-35-kills-elderly-neighbour-in-chaiyaphum/

 

[Georgealbert]

Malaysian Tourists Cause Uproar in Hat Yai with Noisy Midnight Street Racing
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Local residents in Hat Yai, have voiced outrage after a group of Malaysian-registered cars disrupted the peace with high-speed driving and deafening exhaust noises through city streets during the early hours of 17 May.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360944-malaysian-tourists-cause-uproar-in-hat-yai-with-noisy-midnight-street-racing/

 

[Georgealbert]

Italian-Thai Development Posts Nearly 3 Billion Baht Loss in Q1 as Revenues Plummet

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD), Thailand’s largest construction firm, reported a dramatic downturn in performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenues nearly halved and a net loss approaching 3 billion baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360945-italian-thai-development-posts-nearly-3-billion-baht-loss-in-q1-as-revenues-plummet/

 

[Georgealbert]

Furniture Company Praised for Social Responsibility After Warehouse Fire

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A furniture manufacturer has been widely praised for its swift and compassionate response to residents affected by a devastating warehouse fire in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360946-furniture-company-praised-for-social-responsibility-after-warehouse-fire/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pattaya Looking to Launch Thailand’s First  Pneumatic Monorail in Smart City Transformation

 

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya City

 

In a bold stride towards modern urban mobility and environmental responsibility, Pattaya is exploring the introduction of a pneumatic powered monorail system, potentially becoming the first city in Thailand to implement such a futuristic transport solution.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360947-pattaya-looking-to-launch-thailand’s-first  pneumatic monorail-in-smart-city-transformation/

 

[Georgealbert]

Global Resort Giant Wynn Eyes Investment in Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Sector
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A top executive from one of the world’s leading resort and entertainment companies has expressed keen interest in investing in Thailand’s emerging entertainment complex sector, highlighting the kingdom’s potential as a global destination for leisure and tourism.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360948-global-resort-giant-wynn-eyes-investment-in-thailand’s-entertainment-complex-sector/

 

[Georgealbert]

Satellite Images Reveal Rare Earth Mining Near Border, Raising Toxic Contamination Fears
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Human rights groups have raised alarms over two newly identified rare earth mining operations just kilometres from Thailand’s northern border, amid growing concern about potential toxic runoff into the Kok River, which flows through Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360949-satellite-images-reveal-rare-earth-mining-near-border-raising-toxic-contamination-fears/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fugitive Drug-Dealing Couple Arrested After Six Years on the Run
 

Picture courtesy of CIB.

 

Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), under the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), have arrested a couple who had been evading arrest for over six years. The pair, Ms. Patcharee (alias Ploy) and Mr. Phattharaphon, were detained in a community area of Prachathipat Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360950-fugitive-drug-dealing-couple-arrested-after-six-years-on-the-run/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcyclist Fires Celebratory Shots, Skids Off Bend & Dies at Irrigation Canal

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 38‑year‑old man has died after losing control of a Yamaha motorbike moments after discharging a revolver into the night sky, police in Chachoengsao confirmed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360951-motorcyclist-fires-celebratory-shots-skids-off-bend-dies-at-irrigation-canal/

 

[Georgealbert]

Stricter Controls on Paper Waste Imports Amid Surge in Smuggling

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Enquirer.

 

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has announced the implementation of more stringent regulations on the import of paper waste, in response to a rise in smuggled shipments containing prohibited and hazardous materials.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360952-stricter-controls-on-paper-waste-imports-amid-surge-in-smuggling/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chiang Mai: MOU Signed to Boost Aerial Response to Wildfires, Disasters & Health Emergencies

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chiang Mai authorities, to enhance aerial operations in tackling wildfires, natural disasters and emergencies in Chiang Mai province a region severely affected by annual haze and environmental crises.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360953-chiang-mai mou-signed-to-boost-aerial-response-to-wildfires-disasters-health-emergencies/

 

[Georgealbert]

Former Monk’s Aide Confesses to Depositing Funds for Gambling Ring

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former monk’s aide has confessed to depositing large sums of cash into a woman’s bank account on more than a hundred occasions, funds now suspected to be tied to an online gambling network. The case, unfolding rapidly in Bangkok, has shaken both religious and law enforcement circles as investigators widen their probe into illicit financial activities linked to the monastic community.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360954-former-monk’s-aide-confesses-to-depositing-funds-for-gambling-ring/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Caught Smuggling 17.6kg of Heroin Hidden in Pet Food & Coffee

 

Picture courtesy of The Standard.

 

A Thai national has been arrested at the Nong Khai border checkpoint after attempting to smuggle more than 17.6 kilograms of heroin concealed within bags of pet food and coffee. The drugs, with an estimated street value of over 61 million baht, were intercepted during a joint operation by multiple law enforcement agencies.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360955-man-caught-smuggling-176kg-of-heroin-hidden-in-pet-food-coffee/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

Plantation Horror: Police Re-Enact Grisly Murder Scene in Trang as Families Demand Execution

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In a scene of high emotion and national outrage, Police escorted four suspects through a re-enactment of a grisly triple murder and body burning at a palm oil plantation in Trang province. The suspects, accused of shooting and then immolating their victims, were met with fury from grieving relatives, who demanded the death penalty, claiming the gang was responsible for eight murders in total.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360702-nationwide-manhunt-for-plantation-murder-gang-intensifies-as-police-close-in-on-suspects/#findComment-19807560

 

[Georgealbert]

New Electric Cart Crashes After Nanny Puts It in Wrong Gear
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A newly purchased electric cart crashed through a residential home just a day after being brought home, in an incident that fortunately left no one injured. The cart, driven by the family’s nanny, ploughed into the property after she allegedly put it into the wrong gear and failed to release the accelerator in time.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360956-new-electric-cart-crashes-after-nanny-puts-it-in-wrong-gear/

 

[Georgealbert]

Villagers Demand Action After Foreigner’s Pit Bulls Maul Dog to Death
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

Fear has engulfed the residential community of Areeya Village, in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, after a foreign national reportedly allowed two pit bulls to maul a locals pet dog to death in full view of onlookers. The man allegedly stood by and watched the brutal attack unfold without making any effort to stop it, prompting widespread outrage among villagers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360957-villagers-demand-action-after-foreigner’s-pit-bulls-maul-dog-to-death/

 

[Georgealbert]

Indian Tourist Found Dead on Koh Samet with Head Bound in Plastic Bag
 

Pictured courtesy of Workpoint.

 

The body of a 49-year-old Indian male tourist has been discovered wedged among rocks near Ao Som on the southern side of Koh Samet, with initial investigations revealing his head was bound with a black plastic bag secured by a luggage strap.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360959-indian-tourist-found-dead-on-koh-samet-with-head-bound-in-plastic-bag/

 

[Georgealbert]

Van Crashes into Lorry, Three Dead Including One-Year-Old Girl

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A road crash occurred on the morning of 18 May, just 30 kilometres from its destination when a passenger van carrying a family group collided with the rear of a 10-wheeled lorry, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a one-year-old girl and injuring four others.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360973-van-crashes-into-lorry-three-dead-including-one-year-old-girl/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Malaysian Street Racers Apologise After Late-Night Car Stunt in Hat Yai

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A group of young Malaysian tourists has issued a formal apology after being caught racing their vehicles in a noisy late-night stunt through the streets of Hat Yai. The group, consisting of 10 men and women aged between 21 and 25, were driving six modified saloon cars, which drew the ire of local residents due to the loud engine noise and dangerous driving behaviour.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360944-malaysian-tourists-cause-uproar-in-hat-yai-with-noisy-midnight-street-racing/#findComment-19807970

 

[Georgealbert]

Naked Foreign Man Escapes Hospital, Runs Amok in Pattaya Streets

 

Picture courtesy of CH7.

 

Residents were left stunned in the early hours of 18 May, when a naked foreign man, believed to be aged about 40, escaped from a local hospital and went on a destructive rampage through the city’s Naklua area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360977-naked-foreign-man-escapes-hospital-runs-amok-in-pattaya-streets/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mystery as Man’s Body Washes Ashore in Pattaya

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A mystery is unfolding in Pattaya after the body of an unidentified man was discovered washed up on the city’s beach late morning of 18 May. Police are working to determine the cause of death and the identity of the deceased.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360984-mystery-as-man’s-body-washes-ashore-in-pattaya/