THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 31 May 2025

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Australian Man Caught Stealing Cannabis from Phuket Shop

 

Photo via Facebook/ สถานีตำรวจภูธรวิชิต

 

An Australian 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/

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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. 

 

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

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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/

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Thaksin Wants Pheu Thai Back in Control of Interior Ministry

 

File photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, has voiced his desire to regain control of the Ministry of Interior from the Bhumjaithai party.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362303-thaksin-wants-pheu-thai-back-in-control-of-interior-ministry/

 

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Expat Confusion Grows as Thailand Cracks Down on Helmet Law Violations

 

File photo courtesy of Triptipedia

 

Thailand’s latest initiative to enforce stricter motorcycle helmet regulations is creating a stir among residents and tourists. Starting 1 June, the "Safe Roads Project", spearheaded by Thai traffic police, aims to curb road accidents by imposing a heftier fine of up to 2,000 baht for those caught without a helmet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362304-expat-confusion-grows-as-thailand-cracks-down-on-helmet-law-violations/

 

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Medical Council Meeting on Veto in Thaksin Doctors' Case

 

Fike photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

The Medical Council of Thailand is bracing for a pivotal meeting on June 12, after a controversial veto by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin overturned its decision to discipline three doctors associated with Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362305-medical-council-meeting-on-veto-in-thaksin-doctors-case/

 

[Georgealbert]

Loan Shark Gang Arrested After Harassing 76-Year-Old Woman in Lampang

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities in Lampang have arrested two men involved in an illegal loan shark operation after they were found threatening and intimidating a 76-year-old woman who had borrowed 4,000 baht to care for her bedridden son. A total of 49 victims were later identified, with loan records totalling 330,000 baht seized during the operation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362306-loan-shark-gang-arrested-after-harassing-76-year-old-woman-in-lampang/

 

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TAT Rolls Out Roadshow in Japan: Eyes THB 55 Billion Tourism Surge

 

Picture courtesy of Freepik

 

In a grand bid to draw more Japanese tourists and hit a lofty revenue target, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unleashed the ‘Amazing Thailand Roadshow to Japan 2025’. Spanning three bustling cities, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the roadshow is making waves and aiming to net a whopping THB 55 billion by the year’s end. The strategy? Engage, entice, and expand—the trifecta approach to luring travellers from Japan’s rich market.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362307-tat-rolls-out-roadshow-in-japan-eyes-thb-55-billion-tourism-surge/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Loose Bolts Blamed for Fatal Bell 212 Helicopter Crash

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Initial investigations into the recent crash of a Bell 212 police helicopter in Prachuap Khiri Khan province have revealed that two critical bolts had come loose, leading to a catastrophic loss of control and the severing of the tail section, senior police officials confirmed on 30 May.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361652-helicopter-crash-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/page/2/#findComment-19837394

 

[Georgealbert]

Suspected Anthrax Case in Nong Bua Lamphu After Man Eats Raw Beef

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Health authorities in Nong Bua Lamphu province are investigating a suspected case of anthrax infection after a 64-year-old man developed skin lesions following theconsumption of raw beef salad, commonly known in the region as koi neua.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362308-suspected-anthrax-case-in-nong-bua-lamphu-after-man-eats-raw-beef/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Tourist Accused of Groping Female Intern at Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A Chinese tourist has been detained by staff at Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium after allegedly sexually assaulting a female intern during her work duties. The incident occurred on the morning of 30 May at the popular attraction in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362309-chinese-tourist-accused-of-groping-female-intern-at-chiang-mai-zoo-aquarium/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Crushed to Death by Truck After Motorbike Collision in Ratchaburi

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A crash in Ratchaburi Province left one woman dead and another seriously injured after their motorbike clipped an 18-wheeler and overturned. The deceased was thrown beneath the truck and fatally crushed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362310-woman-crushed-to-death-by-truck-after-motorbike-collision-in-ratchaburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mysterious Object Falls from Sky, Crashes Through Roof
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Residents of a home in Chonburi province were left shaken after a mysterious object plummeted from the sky and crashed through the roof into a bedroom, narrowly missing the occupant.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362311-mysterious-object-falls-from-sky-crashes-through-roof/

 

[Georgealbert]

Mother Finds Son Dead in Car Outside Her Noodle Shop in Suphan Buri

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 38-year-old man was discovered dead inside his car on 30 May, outside a noodle shop in Suphan Buri province, leaving family and friends in shock and grief. The cause of death remains undetermined.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362312-mother-finds-son-dead-in-car-outside-her-noodle-shop-in-suphan-buri/

 

[Georgealbert]

Real Estate Firm Denies Links to Chinese ‘Grey Capital’ in Pattaya Controversy

 

 

Picture courtesy of TMN

 

The management of Baidi International (Pattaya) Real Estate Asset Management Co., Ltd. has firmly denied any connection to alleged Chinese “grey capital” investment networks, following a wave of online speculation and media reports.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362313-real-estate-firm-denies-links-to-chinese-‘grey-capital’-in-pattaya-controversy/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Extradited from Bahrain Over Human Trafficking Charges
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 57-year-old woman has been extradited from Bahrain to face charges of human trafficking after allegedly luring young Thai women into forced prostitution under the guise of legitimate employment.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362314-woman-extradited-from-bahrain-over-human-trafficking-charges/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Fake Run Scandal: Victims Appeal to Lawyers’ Council for Legal Action

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Over a thousand participants who fell victim to the fraudulent “Run For Destination 2025” event are seeking justice through Thailand’s Lawyers’ Council, after the much-anticipated run failed to materialise on 25 May as promised.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361715-runners-baffled-as-phantom-run-lacks-organisers-confusion-over-“run-for-destination-2025”/#findComment-19837429

 

[Georgealbert]

3 Female Municipal Officers Arrested for Forging Documents to Illegally Withdraw Money

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Three female municipal employees in Phichit province have been arrested at their workplace after being found guilty of forging documents using the identities of vulnerable citizens to fraudulently obtain credit cards and cash withdrawals totalling over 2 million baht. One suspect admitted to using the money to pay offunderground debt and gamble on online lotteries.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362315-3-female-municipal-officers-arrested-for-forging-documents-to-illegally-withdraw-money/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Arrested for Fatal Shooting in Samut Sakhon – Claims Self-Defence

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 39-year-old man has been arrested for the fatal shooting of a Phetchabun native in a rented room in Samut Sakhon province. The suspect claimed he acted in a fit of rage after the victim allegedly stole from him and assaulted his family.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362316-man-arrested-for-fatal-shooting-in-samut-sakhon-–-claims-self-defence/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Politician Faces New Charges for Obstructing Election Officials in Songkhla

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Sirdonai Plaiduang, better known as “Sor Golf”, a provincial councillor in Songkhla, is now facing additional criminal charges along with nine associates. The charges stem from an incident during the recent local elections, in which they are accused of obstructing the duties of polling station officials.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19837441

 

[Georgealbert]

DSI Raids on International Scammer Gang Fronting as Legitimate Business

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has dismantled a major international scam operation using a Bangkok-based import-export company as a front, with estimated damages exceeding 2 billion baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362317-dsi-raids-on-international-scammer-gang-fronting-as-legitimate-business/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Arrested at Airport Over Online Gambling & Money Laundering Scheme Worth 500 Million
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport have arrested a 35-year-old Thai woman wanted on charges of operating an illegal online gambling network and laundering more than 500 million baht. The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of 30 May as she attempted to flee the country.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362318-woman-arrested-at-airport-over-online-gambling-money-laundering-scheme-worth-500-million/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Missing Woman Found Safe in Pattaya After Weeks of Concern

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

After weeks of concern, 43-year-old Ms. Metinee Julmantana, known as “May”, who had been reported missing from Pattaya earlier this month, has been found safe and well.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362072-discovery-of-human-skull-in-chachoengsao-spark-investigation/#findComment-19837457

 

[Georgealbert]

AI Surveillance Helps Thai Tourist Police Arrest Over 180 Criminals
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Tourist Police have successfully deployed cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to enhance tourist safety, resulting in the arrest of over 180 individuals with outstanding warrants, according to a government briefing held at Government House today.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362321-ai-surveillance-helps-thai-tourist-police-arrest-over-180-criminals/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk, Abusive Police Sergeant Suspended After Assaulting Traffic Officer in Chiang Mai

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A police officer in Chiang Mai has been suspended from service pending a disciplinary investigation, after a shocking incident in which he was caught on camera drunkenly assaulting a fellow traffic police officer.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362322-drunk-abusive-police-sergeant-suspended-after-assaulting-traffic-officer-in-chiang-mai/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Man Surrenders After Family Feud Turns Deadly: Three Shot Dead in Suphan Buri Rampage

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A 32-year-old tattoo artist, identified as Mr. Paiboon or “Bas”, has surrendered to police after shooting dead three of his relatives and injuring another in a violent incident sparked by a long-standing family dispute in U Thong district, Suphan Buri province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362256-manhunt-underway-for-suspect-in-deadly-u-thong-family-shooting/#findComment-19837504

 

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Nestlé's B577m Brew Battle: Coffee Crisis Heads to Court

 

File photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Nestlé has stirred the pot by launching a colossal 577 million baht lawsuit, accusing former business collaborators of infringing the Nescafé trademark. The multinational coffee titan halted sales for eight tense days in April due to a Minburi Civil Court injunction.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362324-nestlés-b577m-brew-battle-coffee-crisis-heads-to-court/

 

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PM Pledges B157bn Tourism Boost Amid Budget Debate Wrangles

 

Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged a hefty 157 billion baht to rejuvenate Thailand's tourism sector. In a key meeting on Friday, Shinawatra highlighted her commitment to enhancing visitor safety and convenience, alongside broader initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation's tourist appeal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362325-pm-pledges-b157bn-tourism-boost-amid-budget-debate-wrangles/

 

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Thai Village Builds Shelters for Stray Dogs, Earns Praise

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Residents of Chalika village in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been lauded on social media for their kindness in building small shelters for stray dogs. These shelters, made from curved metal sheets, provide refuge from the sun and rain along the village's fences.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362326-thai-village-builds-shelters-for-stray-dogs-earns-praise/

 

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13 High-Rise Projects in Bangkok Breach Construction Laws

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

In a shocking revelation, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has flagged 13 high-rise projects in Bangkok for breaching construction laws. According to TCC Secretary-General Saree Aongsomwang, residents from 11 different communities have lodged complaints concerning safety and non-compliance issues linked to these towering developments.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362332-13-high-rise-projects-in-bangkok-breach-construction-laws/