THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 21 May 2025

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Island Overload: 10,000 Flock to Koh Samui Every Day

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's pristine island getaway, Koh Samui, is reeling under the weight of an overwhelming tourist invasion, with a staggering 10,000 visitors descending upon its shores each day. The rise in tourist numbers follows the tantalising release of HBO’s scenic hit, "White Lotus," filmed on the island, which has led to the spike dubbed as the 'White Lotus Effect'.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361280-island-overload-10000-flock-to-koh-samui-every-day/

 

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Warning Issued: Even Indirect Defamation Remains Illegal Under Thai Law

 

Picture courtesy of Human Rights Facebook

 

Social media uproar! Lawyer James advises that using defamatory language, even without naming an individual, can still constitute defamation under Thai law.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361286-warning-issued-even-indirect-defamation-remains-illegal-under-thai-law/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorbike Gunmen Open Fire in Chonburi Car Chase

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In an incident that resembled a scene from an action film, gunmen on a motorbike opened fire on a white Honda Jazz in a late-night car chase through a residential area in Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province. Authorities discovered 17 spent shell casings strewn across the road, along with a detached car bumper and a mobile phone believed to belong to one of those involved.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361291-motorbike-gunmen-open-fire-in-chonburi-car-chase/

 

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Immigration Crackdown Nabs Turkish, Myanmar Vendors in Bangkok

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

In a recent crackdown by Immigration Division 1 officers in Bangkok, eight individuals were apprehended for illegally selling street food on the bustling Khao San Road.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361297-immigration-crackdown-nabs-turkish-myanmar-vendors-in-bangkok/

 

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Drama at Wat Pho: General Prawit’s Stairfall Sparks Concern

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod Thai edition

 

A video has emerged showing the moment General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, slipped and fell on the stairs at Wat Pho, Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361299-drama-at-wat-pho-general-prawit’s-stairfall-sparks-concern/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Foreign Criminal Gang Exploited Thai Banking System Using ‘Mule Accounts’ – Over 2 Billion Baht in Damages

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Police have launched a sweeping investigation into a network of foreign nationals accused of exploiting Thailand’s banking system by using tourist visas to open hundreds of fraudulent “mule” bank accounts nationwide. Authorities estimate total damages exceeding 2.2 billion baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361265-police-operation-at-pattaya-bank-linked-to-chinese-call-centre-scam/#findComment-19815130

 

[snoop1130]

Ex-Air Hostess Claims £1.5M Drug Stitch-Up in Sri Lanka

 

Photo courtesy of The Sun

 

Charlotte May Lee, once a British air hostess, is at the centre of a harrowing legal ordeal after her arrest in Sri Lanka. Authorities at Colombo airport discovered 46 kilogrammes of high-grade synthetic cannabis within her luggage, alleged to be worth an astonishing £1.5 million. Lee, however, insists this was a setup, claiming she had no idea the drugs were in her suitcase.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361327-ex-air-hostess-claims-£15m-drug-stitch-up-in-sri-lanka/

 

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Phuket Immigration Cracks Down on Visa Overstays, Arrests Four Foreign Nationals

 

Pictures courtesy of Phuket Immigration Facebook

 

Phuket has become the latest focal point in Thailand's intensified campaign against visa overstays, as Immigration officers conduct a strategic crackdown to reinforce the nation's immigration laws. Launching the operation on Monday, May 19, the Phuket Immigration department, in collaboration with local agencies, apprehended four foreign nationals accused of remaining in the country beyond their legal allowances. This initiative is part of a broader, nationwide effort to eliminate illegal immigration and bolster security within the kingdom.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361328-phuket-immigration-cracks-down-on-visa-overstays-arrests-four-foreign-nationals/

 

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Beware of Tourist Scams: Bangkok Named Top Hotspot for Fraud

 

Photo courtesy of TakeMe Tour’s Blog

 

If you're planning a holiday in Thailand, be vigilant with your spending. Bangkok has been identified as one of the world's leading hotspots for tourist scams, with a significant portion of fraud cases tied to questionable taxi and car rental dealings. This revelation comes from a recent report by the Mastercard Economics Institute, highlighted by CNBC, which outlines a concerning rise in travel-related scams globally.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361329-beware-of-tourist-scams-bangkok-named-top-hotspot-for-fraud/

 

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Nonthaburi Lawyer Sues Phuket Counterpart Over Sex-for-Dropping-Charges Allegation

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

A legal battle brews in Thailand as a Nonthaburi lawyer, Nattachapong Boonkerd—known as Lawyer Kop—files a lawsuit against a well-known Phuket lawyer. The allegations stem from a woman's shocking claim that the Phuket lawyer demanded sexual favours in exchange for not pursuing defamation charges against her.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361330-nonthaburi-lawyer-sues-phuket-counterpart-over-sex-for-dropping-charges-allegation/

 

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Police Hunt for Suspect in Tragic Death of Thai Nurse on Koh Samui

 

Photo via Facebook/ นันท์นภัส หอมหวล

 

Authorities are intensively searching for the suspect responsible for the murder of Aunchuree Wongmueang, a 36-year-old nurse found dead in her welfare accommodation on Koh Samui, Surat Thani province. The grim discovery was made today, May 21, by her colleagues after they failed to reach her and decided to check her room using a spare key at Green Park Village.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361331-police-hunt-for-suspect-in-tragic-death-of-thai-nurse-on-koh-samui/

 

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Robinhood Steers Thailand's Food Delivery Future as Foodpanda Exits

 

Photo of a Robinhood delivery rider courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand’s food delivery landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with Thai-native platform Robinhood stepping up to fill the void left by Foodpanda. On May 20, Robinhood announced a strategic agreement with Foodpanda Thailand, allowing for a seamless transition of customers, restaurant partners, and delivery riders before Foodpanda ceases operations on May 23.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361332-robinhood-steers-thailands-food-delivery-future-as-foodpanda-exits/

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MGM Resorts Eyes $3-5 Billion Investment in Bangkok Casino

 

Photo courtesy of Macau Daily Times

 

MGM Resorts International is advocating for Thailand to establish a competitive casino tax rate similar to Singapore’s and to permit a substantial local presence in casino complexes. This move is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth in Thailand, with the company considering a hefty investment of US$3-5 billion in a potential casino development in Bangkok.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361333-mgm-resorts-eyes-3-5-billion-investment-in-bangkok-casino/

 

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Pattaya Police Investigate Suspected Serial Sexual Assaults on Thai Teens

 

Photo via Facebook/ จับตาพัทยา

 

In Pattaya, authorities are on high alert following reports of two separate sexual assaults filed in quick succession this morning. The incidents, suspected to involve the same assailant, have prompted an urgent investigation by the Mueang Pattaya Police Station.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361334-pattaya-police-investigate-suspected-serial-sexual-assaults-on-thai-teens/

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Pattaya Waitresses Assaulted After Polite Noise Request Sparks Chaos

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

A calm request for quiet turned into a violent confrontation on Pattaya's beachfront, leaving two waitresses bloodied and bruised. Ms. Rosukon and Ms. Rungtiwa, aged 26 and 33 respectively, have come forward with allegations of an attack by a noisy group during their dinner outing, sharing evidence with local media and the police.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361335-pattaya-waitresses-assaulted-after-polite-noise-request-sparks-chaos/

 

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Chaos in Pattaya as Naked Men Cause Public Disturbances

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

Pattaya residents were left stunned as two separate incidents involving stark-naked men unfolded this week, causing widespread concern in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361336-chaos-in-pattaya-as-naked-men-cause-public-disturbances/

 

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Drunk Driver Causes Fatal Accident in Phuket, Arrested After Hospital Release

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic road accident in Phuket has claimed the life of a woman after a heavily intoxicated man drove his motorcycle against traffic. The incident occurred at 11:45 p.m. on May 20, on Road 4027 in Pa Khlok, near a petrol station.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361337-drunk-driver-causes-fatal-accident-in-phuket-arrested-after-hospital-release/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
AirAsia Explains Flight Change After Aircraft Door Malfunction in Khon Kaen

 

File picture of the aircraft involved - A320 Neo - HS-CBF

 

Thai AirAsia has issued a statement clarifying an incident involving Flight FD3251 from Khon Kaen to Don Mueang on 20 May, where a malfunction in one of the aircraft’s doors required the airline to reduce the number of passengers on board.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361268-khon-kaen-airport-airline-requests-30-passengers-to-give-up-seats-due-to-rear-door-issue/#findComment-19815515

 

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Phuket Roads See High-Speed Drama as Motorcyclist and Passenger Attempt Escape

 

Photo via Facebook/ Matichon

 

A chaotic sequence of events unfolded on the roads of Phuket as a Thai motorcyclist and his Italian passenger attempted a hasty escape following a collision with a van. However, their flight ended tragically when they subsequently crashed into an SUV, resulting in serious injuries.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361338-phuket-roads-see-high-speed-drama-as-motorcyclist-and-passenger-attempt-escape/

 

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Tragic Case of Child Exploitation in Hua Hin Leads to Arrests and Investigation

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A distressing case has emerged from Hua Hin involving a 13-year-old girl who revealed she was coerced into sex work at age 11 by her mother and aunt. The two women allegedly sold her to a 50-year-old man for drug money and to settle loan shark debts.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361339-tragic-case-of-child-exploitation-in-hua-hin-leads-to-arrests-and-investigation/

 

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Efforts Intensify to Save Critically Endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins in Songkhla Lake

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a bid to protect the shrinking population of Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake, Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is ramping up conservation measures as the dolphin numbers have dwindled to a mere 17. This critical situation was underscored during Minister Chalermchai Sri-on's visit on May 19, where he stressed the necessity of balancing conservation efforts with infrastructural development, notably the Songkhla Lake bridge.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361340-efforts-intensify-to-save-critically-endangered-irrawaddy-dolphins-in-songkhla-lake/

 

[snoop1130]

Principal Transferred Following Controversy Over Flag-Hoisting Incident

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The principal of Ban Hin Kob school in Chumphon, Jeeraporn Sanguansuchart, has been transferred following backlash over her decision to make students hoist the national flag during a storm. The transfer will facilitate a thorough investigation into her actions, which have been criticised as inappropriate.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361341-principal-transferred-following-controversy-over-flag-hoisting-incident/

 

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Father and Son Arrested at Checkpoint with 50kg of Crystal Meth

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

In a major bust, a father and son duo were arrested at a police checkpoint for transporting over 50 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The operation was led by officials from the Highway Police Division and the Central Investigation Bureau, who acted on a tip-off regarding a southern drug network.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361342-father-and-son-arrested-at-checkpoint-with-50kg-of-crystal-meth/

 

[snoop1130]

Cabinet Approves Measures to Shield Youths from E-Cigarettes

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai Cabinet has approved a comprehensive set of measures aimed at protecting youths from the dangers of e-cigarettes. On Tuesday, the government, guided by proposals from the National Health Commission, gave the green light to five key strategies designed to curb vaping among young people.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361343-cabinet-approves-measures-to-shield-youths-from-e-cigarettes/

 

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Border Patrol Intercepts Major Drug Shipment at Thai-Myanmar Border

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a major law enforcement success, the Border Patrol Police Unit 327 thwarted a drug trafficking operation, seizing 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," hidden in a modified vehicle. This operation was executed based on intelligence suggesting a significant drug movement between Myanmar and Thailand.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361345-border-patrol-intercepts-major-drug-shipment-at-thai-myanmar-border/

 

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Tragic Incident in Phatthalung: Man Arrested for Ex-Lover’s Murder at Reservoir

 

Photo via Facebook/ สายตรงข่าวจริง

 

A tragic incident unfolded in Phatthalung province as a man allegedly lured his ex-girlfriend to a reservoir, where he purportedly attempted to assault her sexually and subsequently fatally attacked her. The victim, 52-year-old Malee, was discovered in critical condition on May 20 near the Khao Hua Chang Reservoir, suffering from severe facial and head injuries, with her trousers found around her ankles.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361346-tragic-incident-in-phatthalung-man-arrested-for-ex-lover’s-murder-at-reservoir/

 

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Missing Thai Durian Vendor Found Safe, Reveals She Needed Time Away

 

Photo via DailyNews

 

After days of concern, a Thai durian vendor from Surat Thani, previously reported missing, has surfaced to assure authorities and family of her well-being. The vendor, 43-year-old Sujittra, widely known as Jay Kaew, clarified that her disappearance was a personal decision for a peaceful retreat.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361348-missing-thai-durian-vendor-found-safe-reveals-she-needed-time-away/

 

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SRT Advances 40 Billion Baht Upgrade of Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

After enduring years of frustrating delays, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to advance a significant 40 billion baht upgrade of Bangkok's Inland Container Depot in Lat Krabang. The SRT board has given its approval, marking a crucial step forward in a project mired by stalled negotiations and missed timelines since bidding began in 2019.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361349-srt-advances-40-billion-baht-upgrade-of-lat-krabang-inland-container-depot/

 

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to continue:

 

Thailand Live Thursday 22 May 2025
https://aseannow.com/topic/1361324-thailand-live-thursday-22-may-2025/