Cambodia Outshines Thailand in Race for Chinese Tourists

 

Picture courtesy of China Daily

 

In an intriguing twist in Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape, Cambodia is emerging as a significant contender for Chinese holidaymakers, leaving Thailand trailing in its wake. Central to this success is Cambodia's strategic designation of 2025 as the "China-Cambodia Tourism Year", a move already yielding remarkable returns.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362154-cambodia-outshines-thailand-in-race-for-chinese-tourists/

Russian Man Arrested for Dangerous BMW Drifting Stunt on Ban Amphur Beachfront

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon.

 

Residents of Najomtien were left shaken after a Russian national was caught drifting a high-powered BMW in a public beachfront car park in the early hours of the morning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362153-russian-man-arrested-for-dangerous-bmw-drifting-stunt-on-ban-amphur-beachfront/

Storm Brewing: Elite Powers Disenchanted with PM Paetongtarn’s Reign

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gestures as she attends the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

 

THAILAND – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces formidable criticism from high-ranking power brokers dissatisfied with her leadership. Dubbed a mere "puppet" of her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s tenure is now under siege, as academic Pornchai Theppanya voices concerns over her unfitness to govern.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362151-storm-brewing-elite-powers-disenchanted-with-pm-paetongtarn’s-reign/

British Woman Arrested at Heathrow for Cannabis Smuggling

 

Picture courtesy of Newsquest

 

A British holidaymaker has become the latest individual ensnared in a rising trend of drug smuggling cases. Keira Borrett from Gorleston, Norfolk, was apprehended at London Heathrow's Terminal 4 on May 23 after customs officers discovered her suitcases were packed with herbal cannabis upon her return from a trip to Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362167-british-woman-arrested-at-heathrow-for-cannabis-smuggling/

Pattaya Powers Up Safety: Cracks Top 10 in Southeast Asia Safety Rankings

 

File photo for reference only

 

Pattaya is celebrating a jump into the top 10 of the Southeast Asia Safety Index, credited largely to its expansion of CCTV coverage. Ranked ninth by the Numbeo index, this beachside city is making waves with its efforts to boost safety, trailing just behind Bangkok at seventh and led by Chiang Mai, which took the top spot.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362192-pattaya-powers-up-safety-cracks-top-10-in-southeast-asia-safety-rankings/

 

Chinese Man Rescued from Pattaya Rooftop Water Tank
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded 

 

A Chinese man sparked a rescue operation late afternoon on 29 May, after climbing onto the rooftop of an eight-storey condominium and leaping into a large water tank, where he floated for more than 30 minutes before being rescued in a difficult operation.

 

Full stoey:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362193-chinese-man-rescued-from-pattaya-rooftop-water-tank/

 

Inmate Attacks Guards with Baton in Thai Prison Incident

 

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Two prison guards at Klong Prem Central Prison have been injured after an inmate snatched a baton and attacked them. The incident involved a prisoner with a history of repeat offences, resulting in a court order for continued detention.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362194-inmate-attacks-guards-with-baton-in-thai-prison-incident/

 

Anutin Reaffirms Paetongtarn as Official PM Amidst Rumours

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

THAILAND – At the Thai Parliament on the evening of 29th May, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, firmly addressed recent speculation about potential political hiccups. Anutin made it clear that Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the official Prime Minister, dismissing any notion of a "standby" Prime Minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362195-anutin-reaffirms-paetongtarn-as-official-pm-amidst-rumours/

 

Teenage Boy 15, Dies After Motorcycle Crashes into Rear of Car in Lampang
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A 15-year-old boy has died following a road crash in Lampang province on the evening of 28 May. The incident occurred on the outer ring road near the entrance to Ban Sri Muad Klao, in Chomphu subdistrict, Mueang district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362196-teenage-boy-15-dies-after-motorcycle-crashes-into-rear-of-car-in-lampang/

 

Online E-Cigarette Kingpin Arrested in Bangkok – Over 100 Million Baht in Sales Uncovered
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In a high-profile raid conducted by police, a major online e-cigarette distributor with a customer base spanning the country has been arrested. The suspect, identified as Mr. Thonnon, 41, was found in possession of over 100,000 vaping products worth more than 50 million baht at a commercial building in the Prawet district of Bangkok.

 

full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362197-online-e-cigarette-kingpin-arrested-in-bangkok-–-over-100-million-baht-in-sales-uncovered/

 

University Lecturer Unmasked as Illegal Arms Dealer Operating Inside Military Welfare Store

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities have uncovered a shocking case involving a university lecturer who allegedly operated an illicit online firearms business out of a welfare shop within a military base in Nakhon Si Thammarat.The suspect, Mr Wisut  41, was arrested following a raid by military operatives and has since been transferred to police custody.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362198-university-lecturer-unmasked-as-illegal-arms-dealer-operating-inside-military-welfare-store/

 

Trang’s Hat Chao Mai National Park Announces Seasonal Closure of Islands & Caves
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The chief of Hat Chao Mai National Park, Mr. Pathum Phongsakornfueangfu, has officially announced the temporary closure of several key tourist areas within the park during the upcoming monsoon season, to ensure public safety and allow for natural regeneration.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362199-trang’s-hat-chao-mai-national-park-announces-seasonal-closure-of-islands-caves/

 

Medical Faculty Minibus Crashes into Lamp Post in Suphan Buri, Driver Critically Injured

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A crash occurred late morning on 29 May, when a minibus driver, carrying medical students from Ramathibodi Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine lost control and crashed into a central reservation lamp post outside the Suphan Buri Provincial Administration Organisation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362200-medical-faculty-minibus-crashes-into-lamp-post-in-suphan-buri-driver-critically-injured/

 

Crypto Launderer Arrested in Bangkok for Aiding Call Centre Scam Syndicate
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Thai cybercrime authorities have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a major money laundering operation linked to a notorious call centre scam syndicate and illegal online gambling networks, involving the exchange of over 300 million baht worth of illicit cryptocurrency.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362201-crypto-launderer-arrested-in-bangkok-for-aiding-call-centre-scam-syndicate/

 

Teacher Beats 7-Year-Old with Metal Ruler, Says “Let Her Die” , Mother Files Police Report

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A case of child abuse has emerged in Chonburi province, where a 7-year-old girl was allegedly beaten by her teacher using a metal ruler, prompting her mother to file a formal complaint with the police. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern over the safety of students in schools.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362202-teacher-beats-7-year-old-with-metal-ruler-says-“let-her-die”-mother-files-police-report/

 

Military Urges Public to Refrain from Sharing Images of Troop Movements Amid Border Tensions
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Second Army Region has issued a public advisory requesting civilians to refrain from photographing, recording, or posting any information related to military operations, especially the movement of troops and weaponry, in light of recent tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362203-military-urges-public-to-refrain-from-sharing-images-of-troop-movements-amid-border-tensions/

 

Transformer Fire at Bang Chalong Housing Complex Triggers Chaos – Six Injured in Escape
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Panic erupted at a low-income housing complex in Bang Chalong, Bang Phli District, on the morning of 29 May, after a large transformer caught fire, sending thick smoke through the building and forcing terrified residents to leap from floors to escape. Six people were injured in the incident, though none critically.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362204-transformer-fire-at-bang-chalong-housing-complex-triggers-chaos-–-six-injured-in-escape/

 

‘Mr Nobody’ Caught by Police After Home Theft Spree

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A career criminal known locally as “Mr Nobody” has been arrested along with an accomplice after a series of high-value thefts targeting up market homes in Bangkok, netting around 500,000 baht in stolen goods, from his latest crime.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362205-‘mr-nobody’-caught-by-police-after-home-theft-spree/

 

Teaching Water Survival Skills: Lifesaving Lessons for Phuket Youth
 

Picture courtesy CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through the Marine Police Division, has joined forces with the GRIP IT Foundation to launch the “Everybody Swims” initiative, a programme dedicated to teaching water survival skills to children in Phuket.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362206-teaching-water-survival-skills-lifesaving-lessons-for-phuket-youth/

 

Body of Missing Retired Civil Servant Discovered by Excavator in Kanchanaburi Canal

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A grim discovery was made on the morning of 29 May, when a backhoe operator conducting land clearance work in a canal accidentally unearthed the body of a missing retired civil servant. The decomposed remains were found tangled in aquatic weeds beneath a railway bridge in Tha Maka District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362209-body-of-missing-retired-civil-servant-discovered-by-excavator-in-kanchanaburi-canal/

 

UPDATE
Murder Suspect in Drum Killing Surrenders After Family Reveals Hideout

 

Picture of reenactment courtesy of Matichon.

 

A murder suspect who had been on the run after allegedly killing a man and concealing his body in a 200-litre oil drum has surrendered to police following a tip-off from his own relatives.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361033-gruesome-murder-in-nakhon-sawan-body-found-stuffed-in-drum-dumped-in-reservoir/#findComment-19835039

 

Villagers File DSI Complaint Over Funeral Fund Scam Worth 1.4 Billion Baht

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

More than 100 residents from Maha Sarakham province gathered today at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) headquarters in Bangkok to file a formal complaint, calling for an investigation into an alleged large-scale fraud involving a funeral welfare association and a local welfare fund. The total estimated losses exceed 1.4 billion baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362210-villagers-file-dsi-complaint-over-funeral-fund-scam-worth-14-billion-baht/

 

 

Youth on Motorbike Crashes Into Train in Samut Sakhon
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A young man sustained injuries after his motorcycle collided with a train in Samut Sakhon province, in a dramatic incident caught on CCTV.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362211-youth-on-motorbike-crashes-into-train-in-samut-sakhon/

 

Eastern Region Police Pioneer ‘AI Police’ Initiative in Chonburi
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Provincial Police Region 2 has launched the second phase of its “AI Police” training programme in Chonburi, positioning the province as a pilot model for the nationwide integration of artificial intelligence in modern policing.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362212-eastern-region-police-pioneer-‘ai-police’-initiative-in-chonburi/

 

Drunk Driver Kills Wife and Young Daughter in Crash on Highway 331
 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

A road crash on the night of 29 May, in Chonburi has claimed the lives of a woman and her four-year-old daughter, with a six-year-old boy injured, after a heavily intoxicated driver lost control of his pickup truck and crashed into a central reservation on Highway 331.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362214-drunk-driver-kills-wife-and-young-daughter-in-crash-on-highway-331/

 

United Wa State Army Rejects Ex-PM Thaksin's Accusations of Drug Smuggling

 

Picture by Steve Sandford – Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) has firmly rejected claims from former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who alleged that the UWSA is a primary source of narcotics smuggled from Myanmar into Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362216-united-wa-state-army-rejects-ex-pm-thaksins-accusations-of-drug-smuggling/

 

Thai Woman Tests Taxis, Charged 700 Baht for 100 Baht Fare

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A Thai woman pretending to be a foreign tourist has exposed the steep overcharging by Bangkok taxi drivers. Her social experiment, captured on video, shows taxis refusing to use meters and quoting fixed rates between 200 and 700 baht for a short trip to Siam, a popular shopping area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362226-thai-woman-tests-taxis-charged-700-baht-for-100-baht-fare/

Austrian Man Caught Stealing Cannabis from Phuket Shop

 

Photo via Facebook/ สถานีตำรวจภูธรวิชิต

 

An Austrian national has been apprehended by Thai police following a brazen theft of cannabis products from a shop in Phuket. The incident took place on the night of Sunday, 26th May, but it was only after a social media campaign by the shop owner, Chatchai Tanamas, that authorities were able to make an arrest.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362251-austrian-man-caught-stealing-cannabis-from-phuket-shop/

 

Thailand Plans Exciting Bangkok Street Circuit for F1 in 2028

 

Pictures courtesy of Siam Sport

 

Thailand is poised to rev up its motorsport scene with plans to host the F1 World Championship on a dynamic street circuit in Bangkok, rather than investing in a dedicated racetrack. Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed this ambitious plan, aligning with Formula One’s preferences and the enthusiastic backing of Thailand's private sector.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362253-thailand-plans-exciting-bangkok-street-circuit-for-f1-in-2028/

 

New Covid-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Gains Ground in Thailand

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's health experts are on high alert as a new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, emerges as a potential dominant strain. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, head of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), unveiled on 29th May that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is keeping a vigilant eye on multiple Omicron variants. Among them, NB.1.8.1 is attracting particular attention.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362255-new-covid-19-variant-nb181-gains-ground-in-thailand/