THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 23 May 2025

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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/

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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. 

 

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

 

[webfact]

Tourist Flees Angry Thai Men After Violating Krabi Park Rules

 

Photo via TikTok @98jeffers

 

A foreign tourist in Krabi found himself in hot water after a viral video captured him fleeing from a group of irate Thai men.

 

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

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Khon Kaen 'Secret Club' Spa Exposed as Gay Brothel in Police Raid

 

Picture via Facebook ศูนย์ข่าวทานตะวัน ขอนแก่น

 

Police in Khon Kaen have uncovered an illegal prostitution ring at the "Secret Club" spa, disguised as a health facility but offering sexual services to gay clients. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361481-khon-kaen-secret-club-spa-exposed-as-gay-brothel-in-police-raid/

 

[webfact]

Khon Kaen Taxi Drivers Gear Up for Bangkok Protest Showdown

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Khon Kaen taxi drivers announced today, May 22, their readiness to back their Bangkok counterparts by converging on Government House. The goal is to prompt serious action against unlicensed "black-plate" taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab, Bolt, and Maxim, which they claim are eating into their customer base and crippling their income.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361483-khon-kaen-taxi-drivers-gear-up-for-bangkok-protest-showdown/

 

[Georgealbert]

Australian Arrested in Pattaya for Vandalising Rescue Booth While Drunk, Found on Overstay

 

Picture Courtesy of SiamChon News

 

A 51-year-old Australian man has been arrested after allegedly vandalising a rescue booth while intoxicated, in what he claimed was a drunken misunderstanding. He was later found to have overstayed his permission to stay by nearly a year.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361484-australian-arrested-in-pattaya-for-vandalising-rescue-booth-while-drunk-found-on-overstay/

 

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Thaksin to Address International Drug Crimes in Keynote Speech

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to make a significant reappearance on the public stage with a keynote speech tackling international drug crimes.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361486-thaksin-to-address-international-drug-crimes-in-keynote-speech/

 

[Georgealbert]

Tanker Crashes in Bangkok, Spilling Over 30 Tonnes of Oil
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A traffic incident occurred in the early hours of the morning of 22 May, when a tanker carrying over 30 tonnes of Carbon Black Feedstock Oil, overturned on a busy ring road in the capital, spilling its hazardous load and forcing authorities to shut down the highway.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361487-tanker-crashes-in-bangkok-spilling-over-30-tonnes-of-oil/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcycle Theft Gang Busted After Stripping & Selling Stolen Bikes to Mae Sot

 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Bangkok police have arrested members of a motorcycle theft ring responsible for stealing and dismantling motorbikes for parts, which were then sold in Mae Sot. The arrests followed an intensive surveillance operation after a spate of thefts.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361489-motorcycle-theft-gang-busted-after-stripping-selling-stolen-bikes-to-mae-sot/

 

[webfact]

Thai Police Face Scrutiny Over New Patrol Motorbike Purchase

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

The Thai police force's decision to phase out older patrol motorbikes in favour of new models has ignited debate online.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361490-thai-police-face-scrutiny-over-new-patrol-motorbike-purchase/

[Georgealbert]

Missing 73-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Palm Plantation After Two-Day Search

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 73-year-old man who had been missing for two days was found dead in a water channel within an oil palm plantation in Phatthalung province. The discovery followed a family-led search aided by a spiritual medium.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361491-missing-73-year-old-man-found-dead-in-palm-plantation-after-two-day-search/

 

[Georgealbert]

Teacher Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Nonthaburi
 

Picture courtesy ot Khaosod.

 

A crash claimed the life of a teacher in Nonthaburi province early morning of 22 May, when she lost control of her motorcycle and crashed on Chaiyaphruek Road.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361492-teacher-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-in-nonthaburi/

 

[webfact]

The Thai Baht Paradox: Currency Climbs as Economy Falters

 

File photo

 

In a striking turn of events, the Thai baht has recently surged against the US dollar, reaching 32.70 baht per dollar, raising concerns for Thailand's fragile economy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361494-the-thai-baht-paradox-currency-climbs-as-economy-falters/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Investment ‘Coaches’ Arrested Over Fake Gold Trading Scam
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two self-styled investment “coaches” have been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for allegedly luring victims into a fraudulent online gold and FOREX trading scheme, resulting in financial losses of millions.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361493-two-investment-‘coaches’-arrested-over-fake-gold-trading-scam/

 

[Georgealbert]

Death of Former Village Headman’s Assistant – Suspected Suicide After Court Stress
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former village headman’s assistant was found dead in a remote farm hut in Si Sa Ket province on the morning of the 22 May, with initial findings suggesting suicide following mounting stress over an ongoing court case.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361495-death-of-former-village-headman’s-assistant-–-suspected-suicide-after-court-stress/

 

[Georgealbert]

School Van Crashes Into Pole in Chai Nat, 5 Children Injured, Driver Admits Falling Asleep

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Five primary school children sustained minor injuries after a school transport van driver veered off the road and slammed into an electricity pole in Chai Nat province early morning of 22 May. The driver later admitted to having momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361496-school-van-crashes-into-pole-in-chai-nat-5-children-injured-driver-admits-falling-asleep/

 

[Georgealbert]

Former Senior Official Arrested in Mangrove Land Title Fraud Case
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A former high-ranking civil servant has been arrested at his home in Bangkok for alleged involvement in a large-scale land title fraud scheme involving protected mangrove forests in southern Thailand.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361497-former-senior-official-arrested-in-mangrove-land-title-fraud-case/

 

[Georgealbert]

CIB Cracks Down on Chinese Lead Call Centre Scam
 

Pictures courtesy of CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested five individuals involved in a transnational call centre scam, in an operation dubbed the “Scam Mission Crack Down.” The suspects face charges of public fraud and impersonation in connection with an elaborate online deception scheme.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361498-cib-cracks-down-on-chinese-lead-call-centre-scam/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcyclist Killed & Homeless Man Critically Injured in Nonthaburi Collision

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A motorcyclist was killed and a homeless man severely injured in a high-speed collision late night on 21 May, in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361499-motorcyclist-killed-homeless-man-critically-injured-in-nonthaburi-collision/

 

[Georgealbert]

Gang Clash Turns Deadly on Pattaya Street, Machetes, Guns & Homemade Bombs Used

 

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A violent confrontation between rival gangs erupted in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, leaving one man dead and two others injured. Armed with knives, guns and homemade explosives, the young assailants turned a planned meeting into a deadly street battle.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361500-gang-clash-turns-deadly-on-pattaya-street-machetes-guns-homemade-bombs-used/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mentally Ill Man Drowns in Rubber Plantation Pond in Nakhon Si Thammarat

 

Picture courtesy of CH7

 

A 33-year-old man with a history of mental illness drowned after suffering a suspected cramp while swimming in a pond located in a rubber plantation in Sichon district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361501-mentally-ill-man-drowns-in-rubber-plantation-pond-in nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man High on Meth Arrested After Hijacking Taxi and Fleeing to Hotel

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 35-year-old man has been arrested by highway police after hijacking a taxi at knifepoint in Ayutthaya and fleeing to a hotel in Nonthaburi. The suspect, who was under the influence of methamphetamine, now faces multiple charges.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361502-man-high-on-meth-arrested-after-hijacking-taxi-and-fleeing-to-hotel/

 

[Georgealbert]

Heir Demands 1.5 Million per Rai for Road Access to Health Centre

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A long-running community access road to a rural health centre in Nakhon Sawan province has been suddenly barricaded, causing severe disruption to local residents and patients, after a landowner claimed inheritance rights and demanded the hospital pay 1.5 million baht per rai, to continue using the route.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361503-heir-demands-15-million-per-rai-for-road-access-to-health-centre/

 

[Georgealbert]

Cambodian Man Electrocuted While Fishing, Relatives Attempt Sand Burial in Bid to Revive Him

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 32-year-old Cambodian migrant worker died after being electrocuted while using a makeshift fish-stunning device near an irrigation canal in Chonburi province. Despite 30 minutes of resuscitation attempts by emergency services, the man could not be saved. In a display of misplaced faith in folklore, his grieving friends and wife attempted to bury his body in sand, believing it would draw out the remaining electricity and revive him.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361504-cambodian-man-electrocuted-while-fishing-relatives-attempt-sand-burial-in-bid-to-revive-him/

 

[Georgealbert]

Cyber Police Raid Home of Local Councillor ‘Sor Golf’ in Major Online Gambling Crackdown

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Cybercrime police have launched a sweeping operation targeting a major online gambling network, with the home of a high-profile local councillor, known as “Sor Golf,” among four key locations raided. Authorities uncovered a vast web of financial transactions linked to illegal online betting, with total funds exceeding 200 million baht annually.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361505-cyber-police-raid-home-of-local-councillor-‘sor-golf’-in-major-online-gambling-crackdown/

 

[webfact]

Defence Minister Keeps Alarm Bells Ringing: Coup Not Off the Table

 

Thai Army soldiers in Chiang Mai, 2014 | File photo by Takeaway - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

 

Thailand’s Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has raised eyebrows with an unvarnished warning about the possibility of future coups. Ten years since the 2014 power grab, Phumtham is urging all to study the past to fortify democracy. Clear-eyed about history, he insists no guarantees can be given against a repeat.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361506-defence-minister-keeps-alarm-bells-ringing-coup-not-off-the-table/

 

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Israeli Man Arrested for Using Fake Passport at Suvarnabhumi Airport

 

Picture courtesy of INN News

 

Immigration police at Suvarnabhumi Airport apprehended an Israeli man attempting to leave Thailand using a fake passport.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361507-israeli-man-arrested-for-using-fake-passport-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

 

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Thai PM Visits Two London Venues to Boost Soft Power

 

Picture courtesy The Nation

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has embarked on a mission to boost Thai soft power in Europe, visiting a Muay Thai gym and a large Asian superstore in London.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361514-thai-pm-visits-two-london-venues-to-boost-soft-power/

 

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Thailand to Host Grand "Diwali 2025" to Boost Indian Tourism

 

Picture courtesy by Khokarahman - own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Thailand is set to shine with the "Diwali 2025" festival this October, a move designed to attract over 500,000 Indian tourists and position the country as a global festival hub.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361518-thailand-to-host-grand-diwali-2025-to-boost-indian-tourism/

 

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True Network Outage Due to Power Failure, Compensation Announced

 

Picture courtesy of 3Plus NEWS

 

On 23 May, mobile services from network provider True went down unexpectedly for several hours due to a significant outage.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361520-true-network-outage-due-to-power-failure-compensation-announced/