THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 20 June 2025

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UPDATE:

 

Coup Fears Cast Shadow Over Thailand’s Tourism Industry

 

Anti-government protesters gather in front of Government house demanding Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 19, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Political ripples send shockwaves through Thailand’s robust tourism industry. Tourism operators across Thailand are raising the alarm, urging that a coup must be averted as political instability looms.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364159-thai-opposition-demands-house-dissolution-amid-coup-concerns/#findComment-19884952

 

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Hun Sen's Diplomatic Coup Leaves Thai Prime Minister Reeling

 

Picture courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department

 

Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen has left Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a precarious position following the release of a contentious audio recording.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364242-hun-sens-diplomatic-coup-leaves-thai-prime-minister-reeling/

 

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Gen Prawit Calls Urgent Meeting Over Leaked Audio of Thai, Cambodian Leaders

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has called an emergency meeting for 20th June, drawing significant attention as the party addresses the fallout from a leaked audio recording.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364249-prawit-calls-urgent-meeting-over-leaked-audio-of-thai-cambodian-leaders/

 

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Thailand Tightens Rules for Foreign Drivers: Tests Now Mandatory

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Visa Expert

 

Thailand is set to introduce stricter regulations for foreign nationals seeking to obtain a Thai driver's licence. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has proposed a draft regulation requiring all foreigners to pass a written test, irrespective of holding a valid international driving permit (IDP).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364291-thailand-tightens-rules-for-foreign-drivers-tests-now-mandatory/

 

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Illegal Cosmetic Clinic in Phuket Busted; Uzbek Woman Arrested

 

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Authorities in Phuket have apprehended an Uzbek woman operating an unlicensed beauty clinic, reinforcing measures against illegal medical practices in tourist areas. Known as Maftu, she was caught conducting cosmetic procedures in the Chalong area on June 17.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364292-illegal-cosmetic-clinic-in-phuket-busted-uzbek-woman-arrested/

 

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Activist Jatuporn Prompan Calls for Mass Protest Against Thai PM

 

Photo of Jatuporn Prompan (centre)

 

Veteran activist Jatuporn Prompan has announced a mass protest at Bangkok's Victory Monument on June 28, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation over accusations of national betrayal.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364294-activist-jatuporn-prompan-calls-for-mass-protest-against-thai-pm/

 

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Nestlé Case Moved to Intellectual Property Court, Operations Continue in Thailand

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a significant legal development, the Appeal Court for Specialized Cases has decided to transfer a case involving Nestlé from the Minburi Civil Court to the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court. This ruling ensures that Nescafé products will continue to be available in Thailand.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364295-nestlé-case-moved-to-intellectual-property-court-operations-continue-in-thailand/

 

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Thai Army Confirms Cambodian Tourists' Visit to Disputed Temple

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

This morning, the Thai army confirmed that a group of Cambodian tourists visited Prasat Ta Khwai temple in Surin province. This visit comes amid tensions following Cambodia's filing of a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice over this and two other disputed temples, along with the Mombei area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364296-thai-army-confirms-cambodian-tourists-visit-to-disputed-temple/

 

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Bangkok Firm Raided for Transforming Credit Cards into Fake VIP Access Cards

 

File photo for reference only

 

Authorities in Bangkok have dismantled an illegal scheme operating from a company in Soi Sukhumvit 13, Watthana District. The operation involved converting standard plastic credit cards into counterfeit metal cards resembling premium brands, deceiving consumers into believing they offered exclusive airport privileges.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364298-bangkok-firm-raided-for-transforming-credit-cards-into-fake-vip-access-cards/

 

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Tourist Overcharging Allegations at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

 

Photo via Facebook/ Yamolpon Kaeosakun

 

A troubling incident at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi has sparked debate after a local woman accused a boat operator of severely overcharging her and her foreign friends.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364299-tourist-overcharging-allegations-at-damnoen-saduak-floating-market/

 

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Rapid Growth in Foreign Currency Deposit Accounts Driven by Young Investors

 

File photo for reference only

 

Foreign Currency Deposit (FCD) accounts have seen significant growth, largely fuelled by younger investors seeking higher returns. As of April 2025, FCD accounts in Thailand numbered 4.33 million, a remarkable 71.6% increase from the start of the year and 433% from the previous year, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364301-rapid-growth-in-foreign-currency-deposit-accounts-driven-by-young-investors/

 

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Decomposed Body Found in Nakhon Si Thammarat Evokes Memories of Past Crime

 

Photo via Facebook/ นครปักษ์ใต้

 

In Nakhon Si Thammarat's Tha Rue sub-district, residents were shocked by the grim discovery of a man's decomposed body in a palm plantation. The unsettling find occurred on June 19, evoking memories of a similar unsolved case from two years ago.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364303-decomposed-body-found-in-nakhon-si-thammarat-evokes-memories-of-past-crime/

 

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Democrat Party Elects to Remain in Coalition After Intense Deliberation

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a significant political development, the Democrat Party has chosen to remain in Thailand's government coalition following a detailed three-hour meeting on Thursday. This critical decision came amidst a turbulent political climate sparked by a leaked audio conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which mentioned the Thai 2nd Army Region's commander.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364304-democrat-party-elects-to-remain-in-coalition-after-intense-deliberation/

 

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Thai Man Confesses to Murder of Neighbour, Cites External Influence

 

Photo via Facebook/ ร้อยเอ็ด ทันข่าว

 

In the Isaan province of Surin, a Thai man has confessed to murdering his transgender neighbour, 63-year-old Pratheep Kongthawee, allegedly under the influence of a Cambodian acquaintance. The crime came to light on June 4 when a 15-year-old boy discovered Pratheep’s body, concealed beneath a red blanket in his home, with a fatal stab wound to the neck.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364305-thai-man-confesses-to-murder-of-neighbour-cites-external-influence/

 

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Taro the Cat: Viral Sensation Capturing Hearts in Thailand

 

 

Taro, a white and orange cat, has captured the internet's heart with his legendary napping poses in a Thai convenience store. Known for his relaxed demeanour, Taro's choice of nap spots—whether sprawled across crates or lounging on the cashier counter—has earned him viral fame.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364306-taro-the-cat-viral-sensation-capturing-hearts-in-thailand/

 

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Democrat Party Chooses Stability, Remains in Coalition Amid Political Strain

 

Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand’s Democrat Party, the country's oldest political group, has decided to remain in the government coalition following a tense three-hour meeting on June 19. This decision comes amidst political turbulence sparked by a leaked audio clip involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364307-democrat-party-chooses-stability-remains-in-coalition-amid-political-strain/

 

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Thai Authorities Disrupt Human Smuggling Operation in Kanchanaburi

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

In a significant operation, Thai authorities have dismantled a human smuggling route in Kanchanaburi, apprehending 20 Myanmar migrants hiding in a rubber plantation. This action followed a dawn raid led by Chakrit Tanpirul, the district chief of Thong Pha Phum.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364309-thai-authorities-disrupt-human-smuggling-operation-in-kanchanaburi/

 

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Chiang Mai Businessman Arrested for Illegal Excavation in Protected Zone

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has arrested 70-year-old businessman Aree Naksuk in Chiang Mai for running an illegal soil excavation in a designated green zone. His arrest follows years of resident complaints about the disruptive operation located in tambon Buak Khang, San Kamphaeng district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364310-chiang-mai-businessman-arrested-for-illegal-excavation-in-protected-zone/

 

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Thai Man Arrested for Desecrating National Symbols and Royal Portrait

 

 

On June 19, police arrested a Thai man in Bangkok's Lat Phrao area for sharing videos that showed him desecrating the Thai national flag and a portrait of King Rama X. The man, identified as Somkiat, posted videos on Facebook using the flag as a doormat, placing his foot on the royal portrait, and urinating on both. He also used vulgar language to criticise the royal family, inviting those offended to confront him directly.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364311-thai-man-arrested-for-desecrating-national-symbols-and-royal-portrait/

 

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Thai Clinic Attack: Armed Men Steal Medication After Violent Assault

 

Photo via Facebook/ เจ๊ม้อย v+

 

In a shocking incident in Pathum Thani, two men forcibly seized prescription medication from a drug rehabilitation clinic on Wednesday, 18th June, after their purchase request was denied due to a lack of proper documentation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364312-thai-clinic-attack-armed-men-steal-medication-after-violent-assault/

 

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Pink Line Sees 68% Drop in Ridership on First Day of Paid Service

 

File photo for reference only

 

The introduction of fares on the extended Pink Line in Nonthaburi led to a sharp 68% drop in passenger numbers, as reported by the Department of Rail Transport.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364313-pink-line-sees-68-drop-in-ridership-on-first-day-of-paid-service/

 

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Pattaya Outrage: Taxi Driver Assaults Bolt Passenger

 

Photo courtesy of Inn News

 

A disturbing altercation at a busy Pattaya intersection is sparking public outrage, following the viral spread of a video showing a motorcycle taxi driver assaulting a Bolt passenger.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364314-pattaya-outrage-taxi-driver-assaults-bolt-passenger/

 

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RTAF Warns Personnel: Conversations May Be Recorded

 

Pictures courtesy of RTAF News Facebook

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has cautioned its members to be mindful of their words, as conversations might be recorded, sparking discussions about privacy and digital vigilance.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364316-rtaf-warns-personnel-conversations-may-be-recorded/