THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 21 May 2025

[webfact]

Ex-Air Hostess Charlotte Lee Arrested for £1.5M Cannabis in Sri Lanka

 

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail

 

Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former British air hostess from Coulsdon, South London, finds herself at the centre of a drug smuggling scandal after being apprehended at Colombo Airport, Sri Lanka. Lee was intercepted by customs officials carrying 46 kilogrammes of high-grade Kush cannabis, with an estimated street value of £1.5 million, in her luggage after a flight from Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361205-ex-air-hostess-charlotte-lee-arrested-for-£15m-cannabis-in-sri-lanka/

[webfact]

Thailand Eases Alcohol Laws Amid Concerns Over Safety Impact

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a significant policy shift, Thailand is set to relax its stringent alcohol laws, aiming to empower small- and medium-sized brewers and stimulate economic activity.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361207-thailand-eases-alcohol-laws-amid-concerns-over-safety-impact/

[webfact]

Thai Police Arrest Transwoman After Brawl With Israeli Tourist

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Pattaya police have apprehended a Thai transwoman involved in a violent altercation with an Israeli tourist on Pattaya Beach Road. The transwoman, whose identity remains undisclosed, vanished from the scene shortly after a chaotic brawl erupted in the early morning hours. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361208-thai-police-arrest-transwoman-after-brawl-with-israeli-tourist/

[webfact]

UPDATE

Construction Worker Declared Dead After 19-Metre Fall at Bangkok Rail Site

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The incident occurred at a construction site for Bangkok’s Orange Line mass transit project yesterday when a 33-year-old worker fell into a 19-metre-deep shaft and became trapped beneath a landslide of soil and floodwater. Authorities have now confirmed the incident is no longer a rescue.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361072-construction-worker-trapped-after-falling-into-deep-pit-at-bangkok-subway-site/#findComment-19812625

[webfact]

Thai Singer Sek Loso Sentenced to 3 Years Without Parole

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In a recent ruling, the Thai Supreme Court has sentenced famed rocker Sek Loso, real name Seksan Sukpimai, to 2 years and 12 months in prison without parole. The charges stem from resisting arrest, illegal drug use, and possession of firearms and ammunition during a police raid on his home in 2017.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361244-thai-singer-sek-loso-sentenced-to-3-years-without-parole/

 

[webfact]

Anutin's Name Surfaces in Vote-Rigging Scandal

 

Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

The Bhumjaithai Party faces fresh accusations of election meddling, jeopardising its political standing. Former Thai Rak Thai MP Kusumavati Sirikomut has accused high-ranking Bhumjaithai members, including Anutin Charnvirakul and Chaichanok Chidchob, of orchestrating electoral fraud and money laundering during last year's senatorial elections.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361245-anutins-name-surfaces-in-vote-rigging-scandal/

 

[Georgealbert]

Lorry Driver Dozes Off, Crashes into Vehicles at Red Light, 1 Dead, 3 Seriously Injured

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A road crash occurred in Phang Nga province when a drowsy 18-wheeler lorry driver ploughed into stationary vehicles waiting at a red light, resulting in one fatality and three others seriously injured.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361246-lorry-driver-dozes-off-crashes-into-vehicles-at-red-light-1-dead-3-seriously-injured/

 

[webfact]

Russian Man Arrested for Visa Overstay After Living in Koh Phangan Temple for 8 Months

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook Public Relations Office Area 5

 

A 30-year-old Russian man, Maksim Abroskin, has been arrested on Koh Phangan after authorities discovered he had been living unlawfully in a temple for over eight months.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361247-russian-man-arrested-for-overstay-after-living-in-koh-phangan-temple-for-8-months/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fire Breaks Out at Prominent School in Bangkok’s Nong Chok District
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A fire broke out on the morning of 20 May, at a well-known school in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district, causing an evacuation of teachers and students as thick smoke was seen billowing from the upper floors of the building. Emergency services were able to bring the blaze under control without reports of injury.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361248-fire-breaks-out-at-prominent-school-in-bangkok’s-nong-chok-district/

 

[Georgealbert]

Quick-Thinking M6 Students Save Fellow Student with CPR

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Three students at Surathampitak School in Nakhon Ratchasima have been widely praised for their composure after successfully reviving a fellow student whose heart had suddenly stopped during a lesson.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361249-quick-thinking-m6-students-save-fellow-student-with-cpr/

 

[Georgealbert]

Three Rescued, One Dead After Car Plunges Upside-Down into Canal in Samut Sakhon

 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A dramatic rescue unfolded in Samut Sakhon on the afternoon of 19 May, when a car carrying four people overturned as it plunged into a canal, leaving three survivors and one fatality despite heroic efforts from police officers and local residents.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361250-three-rescued-one-dead-after-car-plunges-upside-down-into-canal-in-samut-sakhon/

 

[Georgealbert]

Croatian Man Arrested for Running Illegal Tour Business in Chiang Mai

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A Croatian national has been arrested in Chiang Mai for illegally operating a tour business and working without a permit, in violation of laws protecting local employment and tourism regulations.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361251-croatian-man-arrested-for-running-illegal-tour-business-in-chiang-mai/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Icebreaker “Xue Long 2” Visits Thailand to Mark Royal Celebration & Bilateral Ties
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Chinese polar research vessel Xue Long 2 , also known as the Snow Dragon 2 , docked at Chuk Samet Pier, Royal Thai Navy Base in Sattahip, Chonburi Province, for an official visit to Thailand from 19–23 May. The visit is part of celebrations marking the 70th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361252-chinese-icebreaker-“xue-long-2”-visits-thailand-to-mark-royal-celebration-bilateral-ties/

 

[Georgealbert]

Village Official Murders Wife in Jealous Rage with Hammer Blows to the Head
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A village assistant headman has confessed to brutally murdering his wife in a jealous rage on 19 May, just six months after their marriage. The victim was found dead in her bedroom, having suffered multiple fatal blows to the head with a heavy hammer.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361254-village-official-murders-wife-in-jealous-rage-with-hammer-blows-to-the-head/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Killed After Skidding on Spilled Pineapples & Crashing Into Lorry on Expressway
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 34-year-old man was killed in the early hours of the morning of 20 May, after his car skidded on spilled pineapples and collided with the rear of a 10-wheeler lorry on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway in Samut Prakan province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361255-man-killed-after-skidding-on-spilled-pineapples-crashing-into-lorry-on-expressway/

 

[Georgealbert]

Former Paramilitary Arrested for Fatal Gang Shooting After Facebook Feud

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former paramilitary ranger has been arrested for his role in a deadly gang shooting in a Bangkok community, which stemmed from a heated exchange on Facebook. The suspect, who had been on the run, was captured in a rural area of Surin Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361256-former-paramilitary-arrested-for-fatal-gang-shooting-after-facebook-feud/

 

[Georgealbert]

Elderly Thai Man with Alzheimer’s Stabs Wife, Takes Own Life
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

An 82-year-old man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease hanged himself after stabbing his 77-year-old wife in a shocking domestic incident in Pran Kratai District, Kamphaeng Phet Province.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361257-elderly-thai-man-with-alzheimer’s-stabs-wife-takes-own-life/

 

[Georgealbert]

Third Naval Area Command Seizes Two Illegal Indonesian Fishing Vessels near Phuket
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command has apprehended two Indonesian fishing boats and 18 crew members for illegal fishing activities in Thai territorial waters southwest of Phuket Island.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361258-third-naval-area-command-seizes-two-illegal-indonesian-fishing-vessels-near-phuket/

 

[Georgealbert]

Jealous Ex-Husband Shoots Rival Dead in Love Triangle Murder

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 24-year-old man was shot dead in a remote hut late on 19 May by his partner’s jealous ex-husband, who lay in wait before launching the fatal attack in Ronnaphibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Police arrested the suspect on 20 May, after obtaining a court warrant.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361259-jealous-ex-husband-shoots-rival-dead-in-love-triangle-murder/

 

[Georgealbert]

Illegal Migrant Workers Found Staffing Karaoke Bar in Nonthaburi, Owner Charged
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Immigration Police raided a popular karaoke venue in Nonthaburi and arrested seven illegal migrant workers, while also charging the Thai owner for employing undocumented foreigners and facilitating illegal entry.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361260-illegal-migrant-workers-found-staffing-karaoke-bar-in-nonthaburi-owner-charged/

 

[Georgealbert]

Six Injured as Livestock Truck’s Brakes Fail, Causing Minibus Collision in Samut Sakhon

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Six people were injured in a road crash on the afternoon of 20 May, when a livestock transport truck suffered brake failure and cut across a main road, causing a passenger minibus to crash violently into it.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361261-six-injured-as-livestock-truck’s-brakes-fail-causing-minibus-collision-in-samut-sakhon/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Crime Suppression Police Raid Seven Sites in Songkhla, Arrest Two More in Police Assault Case

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) launched coordinated raids on seven locations in Songkhla province on 20 May, arresting two additional suspects linked to a violent mob attack on a border patrol officer earlier this month. The incident, allegedly orchestrated by local political figure Siradon Phlaiduang, known as “Sor. Golf”, continues to draw national attention.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19813878

 

[Georgealbert]

Man 59, Kills Woman After Argument Over Car Transfer in Phatthalung
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 59-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly bludgeoning a 52-year-old woman to death following a heated argument about the transfer of a car. The shocking incident occurred near a reservoir in Tamot District, Phatthalung Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361263-man-59-kills-woman-after-argument-over-car-transfer-in phatthalung/

 

[webfact]

Anutin's Mission: All Thai Kids Back in Classrooms

 

File photo courtesy Thai PBS World

 

In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Interior has set a national mission to eliminate educational inequality by ensuring that all Thai children attend school. Led by Anutin Charnvirakul, the ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Education and various agencies, spearheading a countrywide campaign to return dropout children to classrooms.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361264-anutins-mission-all-thai-kids-back-in-classrooms/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Operation at Pattaya Bank Linked to Chinese Call Centre Scam
 

Picture courtesy of TMN.

 

Local residents were left shocked, as over 20 uniformed and plainclothes police officers descended on a bank branch located on Central Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361265-police-operation-at-pattaya-bank-linked-to-chinese-call-centre-scam/

 

[Georgealbert]

Sixteen Chinese Nationals Arrested at Patong Construction Site for Working Illegally

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Police in Patong have arrested sixteen Chinese nationals for allegedly working illegally at a construction site without the required permits.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361266-sixteen-chinese-nationals-arrested-at-patong-construction-site-for-working-illegally/

 

[webfact]

Engine Crisis Puts Thai Submarine Project in Peril Once Again

 

Reference picture courtesy of Defense Security Ais

 

Thailand's ambitious submarine project has hit another snag, casting further doubt on its future. The plan to install German MTU 396 engines in China's Yuan-class submarine has floundered, as Thailand's Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, found his efforts to secure the engines thwarted by EU restrictions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361267-engine-crisis-puts-thai-submarine-project-in-peril-once-again/

 

[Georgealbert]

Khon Kaen Airport: Airline Requests 30 Passengers to Give Up Seats Due to Rear Door Issue
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A domestic flight from Khon Kaen to Don Mueang was thrown into disarray on the 08:35 morning departure, when an airline unexpectedly requested 30 passengers to voluntarily forgo their seats due to an issue involving the aircraft’s rear door.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361268-khon-kaen-airport-airline-requests-30-passengers-to-give-up-seats-due-to-rear-door-issue/

 

[webfact]

Premchai Hospitalised Due to Breathing Issues and Illness

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

Premchai Karnasuta, a key figure embroiled in the controversial state audit office construction collapse case, has been hospitalised following respiratory complications and the exacerbation of longstanding ailments.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361269-premchai-hospitalised-due-to-breathing-issues-and-illness/

 

[webfact]

Covid-19's XEC Variant Spreads Like Wildfire, Says Thai Health Ministry

 

File photo courtesy of Photo: Xinhua/VNA

 

The alarming spread of the XEC variant of Covid-19 has put the Public Health Ministry on high alert as the virus is reportedly spreading seven times faster than the common flu. A concerted effort led by Minister Somsak Thepsuthin aims to safeguard vulnerable groups, while also keeping a vigilant eye on its proliferation in schools throughout the nation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361274-covid-19s-xec-variant-spreads-like-wildfire-says-thai-health-ministry/