THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 22 May 2025

[Georgealbert]

Birthday Party Raid at Pool Villa Leads to Arrest of 55 Youths and Drug Seizure

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded

 

In an early-morning raid on 22 May, Chonburi provincial police stormed a pool villa in Bang Lamung District and arrested 55 partygoers, including 11 minors, the youngest just 15 years old, in connection with illegal drug use and possession during a birthday party.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361397-birthday-party-raid-at-pool-villa-leads-to-arrest-of-55-youths-and-drug-seizure/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcyclist Killed in High-Speed Collision with Pickup Truck in Pattaya

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon.

 

A road crash occurred in Pattaya on the evening of 21 May, resulting in the death of a 43-year-old motorcyclist after his high-powered motorcycle collided with the rear of a pickup truck.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361404-motorcyclist-killed-in-high-speed-collision-with-pickup-truck-in-pattaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

School Minibus Overturns in Lopburi, Sending 21 to Hospital

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A school minibus carrying 20 students overturned in Lopburi province on morning of 22 May, leaving 21 individuals with thankfully only minor injuries and shock.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361412-school-minibus-overturns-in-lopburi-sending-21-to-hospital/

 

[snoop1130]

Ex-Arsenal Star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas admits role in £600K Thai Drug Smuggling Plot

 

Picture courtesy of Sky News

 

In a dramatic revelation, former Arsenal wonderkid Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has owned up to his role in a plan to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis from Thailand to the UK. The ex-youth international was apprehended after authorities discovered 60 kilogrammes of the drug concealed within four suitcases at London Stansted Airport.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361438-ex-arsenal-star-jay-emmanuel-thomas-admits-role-in-£600k-thai-drug-smuggling-plot/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Court Orders Ex-PM Yingluck to Pay 10 Billion Baht in Rice Scheme

 

Yingluck Shinawatra | File photo courtesy of AFP via SCMP

 

In a significant legal decision, the Supreme Administrative Court in Thailand has ordered former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to pay 10.028 billion baht ($306 million) in damages related to her administration's controversial rice-pledging scheme. This ruling partially reverses an earlier judgment by the Central Administrative Court, which had annulled a 2016 order from the Ministry of Finance.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361439-thai-court-orders-ex-pm-yingluck-to-pay-10-billion-baht-in-rice-scheme/

 

[snoop1130]

Tourist Flees Angry Thai Men After Violating Krabi Park Rules

 

Photo via Facebook/ อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา-หมู่เกาะพีพี

 

A foreign tourist in Krabi found himself in hot water after a viral video captured him fleeing from a group of irate Thai men. The chaos erupted when the tourist ignored rules at Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park during a visit in April, which has recently gained traction online.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361440-tourist-flees-angry-thai-men-after-violating-krabi-park-rules/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Man Goes Viral for Riding Motorbike on Mattress in Sisaket

 

Screenshots from @usernsm9x412dj TikTok video

 

A Thai man has captured the internet’s imagination and a fair share of laughter after a video of his unique motorcycle ride went viral. This amusing clip, which has garnered over 11 million views, shows him cruising down the road in Sisaket province while lying face-down on a mattress, firmly grasping the handlebars.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361441-thai-man-goes-viral-for-riding-motorbike-on-mattress-in-sisaket/

 

[snoop1130]

Uthai Thani Teacher Dismissed for Unsettling Batman Mask Stunt

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a startling incident that has sent shockwaves through Uthai Thani province in Thailand, a mathematics teacher has been dismissed from his position after he was found posing nude at a school while wearing only a Batman mask. This bizarre behaviour, captured in a series of inappropriate videos, prompted swift action from the Education Ministry and has become a focal point for discussions on professional conduct within educational spaces.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361445-uthai-thani-teacher-dismissed-for-unsettling-batman-mask-stunt/

 

[snoop1130]

Bangkok's "Captain Pom" Relocated Amid Alleged Assault Probe

 

Picture courtesy of เที่ยงวันทันเหตุการณ์ Facebook

 

In a developing story out of Bangkok, Pol Lt Jakrapan "Captain Pom" Yuyuen, a deputy inspector with the Bang Bon police station's investigation unit, has been transferred from his post. The move comes amidst an ongoing probe into accusations that he, along with others, assaulted 56-year-old singer Suchart Makmanee at a local restaurant earlier this month.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361447-bangkoks-captain-pom-relocated-amid-alleged-assault-probe/

 

[snoop1130]

Deadline Set for Missing Documents in Thaksin Medical Case

 

Picture courtesy of Warong Dechgitvigrom Facebook

 

In a move that's capturing public attention in Thailand, an aide to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has requested the Medical Council of Thailand to submit crucial documents concerning former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's hospital treatment. The documents are essential to assess the conduct of three doctors facing discipline for allegedly misrepresenting Thaksin's medical condition, which allowed him to serve his prison sentence in a VIP hospital suite.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361448-deadline-set-for-missing-documents-in-thaksin-medical-case/

 

[snoop1130]

Thai Director Wins Cannes Prize with Bold Political Comedy

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Cannes, France – Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke has garnered international recognition for his daring political comedy "A Useful Ghost," which won the top prize at the Critics' Week sidebar section of the Cannes Festival. The film combines humour, politics, and supernatural elements, featuring influencer and actress Davika "Mai" Hoorne as a ghost inhabiting a vacuum cleaner to support her widowed husband.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361450-thai-director-wins-cannes-prize-with-bold-political-comedy/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand Hosts "Sawasdee Ni Hao" to Boost Chinese Tourism

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is set to host "Sawasdee Ni Hao," a grand event celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists for the remainder of 2025. Announced by the government this morning, the event reflects Thailand's strategic efforts to boost its tourism sector.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361451-thailand-hosts-sawasdee-ni-hao-to-boost-chinese-tourism/

 

[snoop1130]

Thailand Mandates Enhanced Air Travel Services for Disabled Passengers

 

File photo for reference only

 

From May 30, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) mandates that facilities for people with disabilities and others requiring assistance be provided at airports and on airplanes, ensuring equitable access to air travel. This directive is designed to enhance the inclusivity of Thailand's aviation services, bringing them in line with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361452-thailand-mandates-enhanced-air-travel-services-for-disabled-passengers/

 

[snoop1130]

Phu Kradueng Cable Car Set to Launch by 2027 Amid Environmental Concerns

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has confirmed plans to launch a cable car at Phu Kradueng National Park by 2027, reviving a 40-year-old proposal. The project will allow up to 5,000 visitors daily, a limit imposed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to minimise environmental impact.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361453-phu-kradueng-cable-car-set-to-launch-by-2027-amid-environmental-concerns/

 

[snoop1130]

Exploding Rocket Adds Chaotic Twist to Kalasin Festival

 

Picture courtesy of @pentor227 TikTok

 

A traditional rocket festival in Kalasin province took a dramatic turn when a skyrocket exploded, scattering fireballs and sending participants scrambling for safety. This annual event in northeastern Thailand is steeped in tradition, where villagers launch handmade rockets to invoke seasonal rains and compete for airtime longevity. Yet accidents, like the one on May 21, are not uncommon.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361455-exploding-rocket-adds-chaotic-twist-to-kalasin-festival/

 

[snoop1130]

ACT Demands Expanded Probe into State Audit Office Building Collapse

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Over 50 days after the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building, which claimed about 100 lives, the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) is pushing for a broader investigation encompassing those in influential roles who may have contributed to the disaster. ACT's secretary-general, Mana Nimitmongkol, has raised concerns about the greater implications of the collapse, pointing out the significant loss of public funds—over 2 billion baht—and the erosion of public trust in the integrity of state construction projects.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361456-act-demands-expanded-probe-into-state-audit-office-building-collapse/

 

[snoop1130]

Fraudster Arrested for Scamming 8 Million Baht by Impersonating Doctor and Executive

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 46-year-old man, identified as Vorathep, has been arrested in Bangkok for fraud and impersonation after deceiving victims into investing over 8 million baht (approximately US$245,170). Known for his polished appearance, Vorathep allegedly duped individuals by posing as a doctor or high-level executive.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361457-fraudster-arrested-for-scamming-8-million-baht-by-impersonating-doctor-and-executive/

 

[snoop1130]

Hazardous Heavy-Metal Levels Detected in Northern Thai Rivers

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Authorities in Thailand have detected unsafe levels of heavy metals, notably arsenic and lead, in the Kok, Mekong, and Sai rivers in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. The pollution is suspected to originate from outside Thailand, posing potential health risks to local communities.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361458-hazardous-heavy-metal-levels-detected-in-northern-thai-rivers/

 

[snoop1130]

Pattaya Cannabis Shop Busted for Selling Illegal Vapes and Cigarettes

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A recent police raid has exposed a cannabis shop on Pattaya's Beach Road as a front for selling illegal vape devices and foreign cigarettes. The operation, led by Pattaya Police and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), targeted the Dr Weed cannabis store, revealing a hidden stash of 110 disposable vape devices and 216 packs of imported tobacco. The seized goods are estimated to be worth 60,000 baht.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361459-pattaya-cannabis-shop-busted-for-selling-illegal-vapes-and-cigarettes/

 

[snoop1130]

Border Patrol Officer Dies in Tragic Shooting Incident in Phitsanulok

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

In a tragic incident in the Mueang district of Phitsanulok province, a Border Patrol officer fatally shot himself after critically injuring a woman during a personal confrontation. Police received reports of the incident at 4:45 PM on May 21, at a local residence in the Tha Thong subdistrict.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361460-border-patrol-officer-dies-in-tragic-shooting-incident-in-phitsanulok/

 

[snoop1130]

Rare "Tharathum" Tree Species Discovered in South Thailand's Wetlands

 

Pictures courtesy of Botanical Garden Organisation Thailand Facebook

 

In a significant botanical breakthrough, Thai researchers have discovered a rare tree species in the wetlands of Surat Thani province. Named "Tharathum"—a fusion of the Thai words for water (thara) and tree (tham)—this unique plant was found near the flood-prone Tapi River in Khian Sa district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361461-rare-tharathum-tree-species-discovered-in-south-thailands-wetlands/