THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 23 June 2025

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Opal Shines as Thailand's First Miss World Amid Diplomatic Drama

 

Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri. Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Thailand's first Miss World, has been back home for just a week, capturing the spotlight from beauty pageant fans and media alike. Her return has gone beyond celebratory activities, touching on vital diplomatic matters amidst regional tensions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364494-opal-shines-as-thailands-first-miss-world-amid-diplomatic-drama/

 

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Taiwanese Man Arrested in Pattaya Drug Frenzy

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A Taiwanese man was arrested in Chonburi after wreaking havoc with a baseball bat while under the influence of drugs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364511-taiwanese-man-arrested-in-pattaya-drug-frenzy/

 

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Latvian National Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for Heroin Smuggling

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

A Latvian man was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi International Airport for attempting to smuggle heroin concealed in metal pipes. The arrest occurred today, June 23, following a coordinated effort between immigration officials and the Customs Department.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364539-latvian-national-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-for-heroin-smuggling/

 

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Phuket Fines Over 28,000 Foreign Tourists for Traffic Offences in 2025

 

 

Phuket officials have reported that 28,809 foreign tourists were fined for traffic violations on the island in 2025. Russian visitors topped the list with 3,121 cases, followed by tourists from China (1,721), the UK (1,419), France (1,365), and India (1,069).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364540-phuket-fines-over-28000-foreign-tourists-for-traffic-offences-in-2025/

 

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Bangkok's Formula One Ambitions Face Potential Financial Deficit

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's plans to host a Formula One Grand Prix in Bangkok from 2028 to 2032 have gained momentum following Cabinet approval. The ambitious project aims to elevate Thailand's global standing through a five-year street racing event. However, a new analysis highlights significant financial risks, suggesting the endeavour could lead to substantial state deficits.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364541-bangkoks-formula-one-ambitions-face-potential-financial-deficit/

 

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Bangkok-Samui Bus Accident in Chumphon Leaves Passengers Injured

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A Bangkok-Samui passenger bus veered off Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon province early this morning, June 23, injuring several passengers, with two in critical condition. The incident, occurring at 2:50 am, also involved a damaged pickup truck nearby, leading to an ongoing police investigation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364542-bangkok-samui-bus-accident-in-chumphon-leaves-passengers-injured/

 

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Leaked Audio Sparks Political Crisis for Thailand's PM

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, talks to reporters at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing the gravest crisis of her leadership following the leak of a contentious phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The recording has ignited public outrage and raised serious questions about her diplomatic judgement and leadership.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364543-leaked-audio-sparks-political-crisis-for-thailands-pm/

 

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Cambodia Condemns Thai Temple for Imitating Angkor Wat

 

File photo for reference only

 

Cambodia’s Culture and Fine Arts Minister, Phoeurng Sackona, has criticised the construction of a temple in Thailand's Buri Ram province, alleging it replicates the historic Angkor Wat, a key part of Cambodia's cultural heritage.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364545-cambodia-condemns-thai-temple-for-imitating-angkor-wat/

 

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Thai Transwomen Removed from Exam for Gender Expression

 

Photo via Facebook/ Panusara Ngaokot

 

Two Thai transwomen seek justice after being barred from a teacher licensing exam for dressing as their gender identity rather than their biological sex.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364546-thai-transwomen-removed-from-exam-for-gender-expression/

 

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Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions Rise with Travel and Trade Bans

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a move likely to heighten border tensions, the Thai Army has prohibited Cambodian carts and motorcycles from crossing into Thailand through several key checkpoints in the eastern region. The directive, issued by Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya of the Burapa Task Force, took effect immediately on Monday morning.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364547-thai-cambodian-border-tensions-rise-with-travel-and-trade-bans/

 

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Thailand Intensifies Crackdown on Scammers and Online Crime

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand steps up efforts against scams and online crime with new measures following PM’s upcoming meeting.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364548-thailand-intensifies-crackdown-on-scammers-and-online-crime/

 

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Elephant Calf Rescued and Reunited After Pond Plunge in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a heartwarming turn of events yesterday, a young elephant was successfully rescued and reunited with its mother after a tumble into a pond in Chanthaburi's Pong Nam Ron district. The incident unfolded when the baby elephant, part of a nearby herd, was spotted in distress by officials at the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364549-elephant-calf-rescued-and-reunited-after-pond-plunge-in-thailand/

 

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Massive Thai Drug Bust: 2,399kg Crystal Meth Seized

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a major drug bust, Thai authorities have arrested eight suspects and seized a whopping 2,399 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine near Ban Laem Son pier in Rayong's Klaeng district. This haul, valued at approximately 1.5 billion baht, marks a significant interception in the fight against drug trafficking.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364550-massive-thai-drug-bust-2399kg-crystal-meth-seized/

 

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Chachoengsao's Toxic Legacy: 1,000 Litres of Waste Unearthed

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In Chachoengsao province, Thailand, a buried environmental concern has resurfaced with the unearthing of 1,000 litres of industrial waste. Despite the discovery in 2022, no legal action had been initiated until now. The Ministry of Industry has promised a thorough investigation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364551-chachoengsaos-toxic-legacy-1000-litres-of-waste-unearthed/

 

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Palm Tree Dispute Erupts in Deadly Neighbour Feud

 

Photo via Facebook/ หม่อนไหม สุราษฎร์ธานี

 

In a shocking incident yesterday, a long-standing conflict over stolen palm trees led to the shooting of two neighbours in Surat Thani, Thailand. The incident has left one man dead and another critically injured, drawing attention to the tragic consequences of unresolved disputes.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364552-palm-tree-dispute-erupts-in-deadly-neighbour-feud/

 

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Giant Water Monitor Lizard Rescued from Ayutthaya Home Ceiling

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Rescue services in Ayutthaya faced an unusual challenge when a large water monitor lizard, over 2 metres in length and weighing more than 30 kilogrammes, was discovered living in the ceiling of a home in Khan Ham subdistrict, Uthai district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364553-giant-water-monitor-lizard-rescued-from-ayutthaya-home-ceiling/

 

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Thailand Expands Access to Safe Abortion Services for Insured Citizens

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a significant move, the Social Security Office (SSO) of Thailand has announced that insured Thai citizens can now access medical services for terminating unplanned pregnancies, free from legal repercussions.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364554-thailand-expands-access-to-safe-abortion-services-for-insured-citizens/

 

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Kanchanaburi Man Nabbed with 41 Migrants in Failed Smuggling Bid

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a dramatic turn of events today, a Thai man was apprehended in the early hours while attempting to smuggle 41 illegal migrants in Kanchanaburi. The incident unfolded when a police pursuit ended with the suspect's vehicle stuck in mud, leading to the arrest of all involved.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364555-kanchanaburi-man-nabbed-with-41-migrants-in-failed-smuggling-bid/

 

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Student Accommodation Scam Unveiled in Songkhla: 50 Affected

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a troubling development, over 50 first-year students from Songkhla have been caught in an accommodation scam. A local landlord allegedly double-booked rooms and withheld deposits, leaving many without a place to stay as the new semester began.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364556-student-accommodation-scam-unveiled-in-songkhla-50-affected/

 

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Phuket Breaks Guinness World Record for Stir-Fry Extravaganza

 

Picture courtesy of PR Phuket

 

Phuket has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous stir-fry of Hokkien noodles, marking a highlight of this year's Phuket Peranakan Festival. The record was clinched yesterday at Saphan Hin, as confirmed by local officials.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364557-phuket-breaks-guinness-world-record-for-stir-fry-extravaganza/

 

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Thailand Post Diversifies with Specialised Logistics Shift

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a decisive strategic pivot, Thailand Post is now focusing on specialised logistics services to mitigate risks from fluctuating e-commerce parcel volumes. This transition stems from a notable shift by e-commerce giants towards more economical delivery providers, coupled with a slowdown in online retail growth, as noted by Thailand Post president, Dhanant Subhadrabandhu.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364558-thailand-post-diversifies-with-specialised-logistics-shift/

 

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Thai Scam Uncovered: Woman Charged in Call Centre Fraud Scheme

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a significant development, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday detained a woman accused of luring Thai citizens into a fraudulent call centre operation in the Philippines.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364559-thai-scam-uncovered-woman-charged-in-call-centre-fraud-scheme/

 

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Thai Reconciliation Turns Deadly Amid Renewed Feud

 

Photo via Facebook/ Auan

 

In a shocking turn of events yesterday, a Thai man, who recently shared a hopeful social media post about reconciling with a long-time rival, was found dead following a dispute. The incident, occurring on June 22, has left the community in Samut Sakhon province in disbelief.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364560-thai-reconciliation-turns-deadly-amid-renewed-feud/