THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 26 May 2025

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Norway Halts Income Letters at Thai Embassy; Retirees Affected

 

Picture courtesy of Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok

 

Norwegian retirees in Thailand will soon lose access to income confirmation letters from the Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok. This change means retirees must adapt to Thai visa rules, which require direct financial proof. The move aligns with Thai immigration reforms and Norway's focus on core consular services.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361774-norway-halts-income-letters-at-thai-embassy-retirees-affected/

 

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Pheu Thai Hits Back: ‘Thaksin Hasn’t Fled the Country’

 

Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath

 

An MP from Thailand's Pheu Thai party has vehemently denied rumours that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has fled the country, criticising those spreading false information.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361748-pheu-thai-hits-back-‘thaksin-hasn’t-fled-the-country’/

 

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Illegal Tours Targeted as Thailand Boosts Tourist Safety

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Tourism Ministry partners with the military, police, and civil agencies to nullify illegal tours and regain tourist trust. Natreeya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, laid out a robust plan focusing on tourist safety amid social media-fuelled concerns, promising it as a priority.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361781-illegal-tours-targeted-as-thailand-boosts-tourist-safety/

 

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Pheu Thai Bids to Cut Yingluck’s Rice Scheme Penalty

 

FILE - Former Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra talks to reporters as she arrives at the Supreme Court for last day of the hearing in Bangkok, Thailand, July 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

In a fresh move on Sunday, Pheu Thai declared its intention to use administrative law in a bid to slash former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra's financial penalty from the controversial rice-pledging scheme.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361786-pheu-thai-bids-to-cut-yingluck’s-rice-scheme-penalty/

 

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COVID-19 Cases in Thailand Surge to Ten Times Flu Levels

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

In a recent update, Dr. Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine reported that COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed, now exceeding influenza cases by tenfold. This alarming trend was highlighted on Dr. Thira's Facebook post.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361793-covid-19-cases-in-thailand-surge-to-ten-times-flu-levels/

 

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Police Raid Bangkok Pub, Arrest Manager for Child Exploitation

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Bangkok police raided a well-known pub in the Prawet district, arresting a 38-year-old female manager for illegally using a 16-year-old girl to entertain customers without a licence. Three individuals were also found with drugs during the raid.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361795-police-raid-bangkok-pub-arrest-manager-for-child-exploitation/

 

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UPDATE
 

Covid-19 Cases Surge: Bangkok Struggles with Most Infections

 

Picture courtesy of News Bureau of Thailand

 

Thailand witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases last week, tallying up to 53,563 new infections and resulting in five fatalities, as stated by the Department of Disease Control.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361793-covid-19-cases-in-thailand-surge-to-ten-times-flu-levels/#findComment-19826530

 

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British Tourists Warned: Thai Drug Mule Scam on the Rise

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

British tourists planning trips to Thailand face an alarming new threat — criminal gangs attempting to recruit them as drug mules under the guise of offering luxury holidays. Recent intelligence suggests these gangs are becoming increasingly active, posing significant risks for unsuspecting travellers.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361819-british-tourists-warned-thai-drug-mule-scam-on-the-rise/

 

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British Tourists Expose Monk for Inappropriate Behaviour in Chiang Mai

 

Photo via ThaiRath

 

In a striking incident that has captured public attention, two British tourists have shed light on an unsettling encounter with a monk at a temple in Chiang Mai. This episode, which took place on 30 March, resulted in the monk being expelled from the temple premises.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361822-british-tourists-expose-monk-for-inappropriate-behaviour-in-chiang-mai/

 

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Tax-Free Wine Boom in Thailand Spurs Costs and Controversy

 

File photo for reference only

 

A new study reveals that Thailand's tax exemption policy on imported wine, introduced in early 2024, has sparked a massive increase in consumption, especially among wealthier citizens. While the policy was aimed at encouraging imports by reducing customs duties from 54%-60% and lowering excise taxes, it has also resulted in nearly 600 million baht in lost annual government revenue.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361823-tax-free-wine-boom-in-thailand-spurs-costs-and-controversy/

 

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New Rules Tighten Oversight on Non-Degree Courses in Thailand

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai government is ramping up oversight of non-degree courses at local colleges to curb their misuse by foreigners seeking to work illegally in the country. Deputy government spokesman Karom Phonphonklang announced on Sunday that new regulations from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation took effect on 14 May.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361824-new-rules-tighten-oversight-on-non-degree-courses-in-thailand/

 

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Most Thais View Economy as Critical, Seek Continuation of Digital Wallet Scheme

 

File photo for reference only

 

A recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals that a majority of Thai citizens perceive their country's economic situation as critical, necessitating urgent government intervention. The poll, conducted on 7th and 8th May, queried 1,310 individuals from various backgrounds about their views on the economic crisis and the future of the "digital wallet" benefit scheme.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361825-most-thais-view-economy-as-critical-seek-continuation-of-digital-wallet-scheme/

 

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Thai Police Ground Aircraft Fleet for Safety Inspections Post-Crashes

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In response to recent aviation tragedies, the Royal Thai Police have grounded their entire fleet of aircraft, encompassing both fixed-wing planes and helicopters. This precautionary decision, announced by Police General Kitrat Phanphet, aims to ensure the highest safety standards following two deadly accidents within the past month.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361826-thai-police-ground-aircraft-fleet-for-safety-inspections-post-crashes/

 

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Thai Police Uncover Gang Forcing Man to Swallow Bullet over Gambling Debt

 

The victim at the police station | Photo via KhaoSod

 

In a shocking case that has sparked widespread outrage, police in South Thailand have identified a gang responsible for forcibly making a 29-year-old man swallow a bullet as part of a brutal tactic to collect a gambling debt. This incident, which took place in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, surfaced following a disturbing video that circulated on social media.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361827-thai-police-uncover-gang-forcing-man-to-swallow-bullet-over-gambling-debt/

 

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Chulalongkorn Physicians Support Disciplinary Action Against Doctors in Thaksin Case

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A group of esteemed senior physicians from Chulalongkorn University has publicly supported the Medical Council of Thailand's (MCT) decision to discipline three doctors involved in issuing questionable medical certificates for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. These physicians, alumni from Chulalongkorn's 27th medical class, have praised the ruling as both principled and courageous.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361829-chulalongkorn-physicians-support-disciplinary-action-against-doctors-in-thaksin-case/

 

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Thailand Investigates Arsenic Contamination in Northern Rivers

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Ministry of Public Health has assured residents near the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers that there is no arsenic contamination in tap water, vegetables, or fish, despite initial arsenic findings in surface water. Ongoing monitoring has been implemented to ensure public safety, especially in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces where elevated arsenic levels were detected.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361830-thailand-investigates-arsenic-contamination-in-northern-rivers/

 

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Ad Carabao Opposes Casino-Entertainment Project, Sparks Debate

 

Yuenyong 'Ad Carabao' Opakul. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Renowned singer Yuenyong Opakul, popularly known as "Ad Carabao," has publicly criticised the planned casino-entertainment project proposed by the Thai government, arguing that it's not worth the potential adverse impacts. Through a Facebook post, he expressed strong opposition to the legalisation of casinos and online gambling, suggesting that these ventures lead to societal detriment rather than benefit.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361831-ad-carabao-opposes-casino-entertainment-project-sparks-debate/

 

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Chon Buri Police Seize 1,600 Tonnes of Illegal E-Waste in Warehouse Raid

 

Picture courtesy of Wassayos Ngamkham

 

In a significant crackdown, police in Chon Buri have seized 1,600 tonnes of illegal electronic waste and detained numerous undocumented migrant workers at a warehouse in Phanat Nikhom district. The operation, conducted on May 25, was a joint effort involving immigration officers, the Department of Industrial Works, and the provincial industry office, prompted by complaints from local residents.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361832-chon-buri-police-seize-1600-tonnes-of-illegal-e-waste-in-warehouse-raid/

 

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Thai Transwoman Allegedly Assaults and Robs Indian Tourist in Pattaya

 

Photo via Channel 7

 

In Pattaya, an Indian tourist, Hemant Bhoj, was allegedly robbed and assaulted by a Thai transwoman after the two engaged in sexual activities. The incident occurred at a hotel on Sai Song Soi 12, where Bohj, 41, was left with a bleeding head wound after being struck with a handbag.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361833-thai-transwoman-allegedly-assaults-and-robs-indian-tourist-in-pattaya/

 

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Wild Elephants Devastate Durian Orchard in Chanthaburi, Urgent Action Needed

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In the Khlong Takian area of Pluang subdistrict, Khao Khitchakut district, Chanthaburi province, a community is grappling with the destructive presence of wild elephants that have ravaged a local fruit orchard. Owned by teachers Piranut Kitpiboon and Anuwat Attawin, the orchard suffered severe damage as the elephants toppled nearly 30 durian trees, resulting in a loss of almost four tonnes of durian and damages exceeding 400,000 baht (US$13,570).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361834-wild-elephants-devastate-durian-orchard-in-chanthaburi-urgent-action-needed/

 

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Thailand Faces Economic Slowdown Amid Weak Consumer Spending and Industry Struggles

 

File photo for reference only

 

As Thailand braces for a potential economic downturn in the second quarter of 2025, signs of weakening consumer spending and confidence are becoming evident across multiple sectors. This comes as the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revised its economic growth forecast from 2.8% to a more modest 1.8%. While the first quarter experienced a 3.1% year-on-year expansion, caution has been advised in light of anticipated slowdowns.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361836-thailand-faces-economic-slowdown-amid-weak-consumer-spending-and-industry-struggles/

 

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Thailand Promotes Muay Thai Globally by Certifying Coaches in Japan

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

The Department of Skill Development (DSD) has taken significant steps to elevate Muay Thai's international profile by certifying coaches in Japan, aiming to enhance economic value and share Thai martial arts culture. On 25 May, Decha Prukpatanarak, Director-General of the DSD, officially launched this initiative to bolster Thai labour capability standards abroad, focusing on 19 Thai Muay Thai coaches currently residing in Japan.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361838-thailand-promotes-muay-thai-globally-by-certifying-coaches-in-japan/

 

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Illegal Avocado Import Uncovered in Pathum Thani Amid Mislabeling Scheme

 

Picture courtesy of Central Investigation Bureau

 

In a surprising customs breach, approximately 11 tonnes of avocados from Vietnam, mislabelled as mangoes, were illicitly imported into Thailand and discovered at the Talad Thai wholesale market in Pathum Thani province. On May 25, a coordinated raid involving consumer protection police, customs, and agriculture officials unveiled this smuggling operation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1361839-illegal-avocado-import-uncovered-in-pathum-thani-amid-mislabeling-scheme/

 

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to continue:

 

Thailand Live Tuesday 27 May 2025
https://aseannow.com/topic/1361828-thailand-live-tuesday-27-may-2025/