Thailand to Reclassify Cannabis as Controlled Substance

 

File Photo – Police stand guard as cannabis activists and entrepreneurs, holding cannabis plants, gather in front of Government House in Bangkok. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Thailand plans to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance, limiting its use strictly to medical purposes, according to Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364625-thailand-to-reclassify-cannabis-as-controlled-substance/

DSI Seeks Frenchman in 18-Year-Old Thai Murder Mystery

 

Photo via Facebook/ DSI กรมสอบสวนคดีพิเศษ

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand is reaching out to a foreign national, likely French, believed to have crucial information about the 18-year-old unsolved murder of Japanese tourist Tomoko Kawashita in Sukhothai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364659-dsi-seeks-frenchman-in-18-year-old-thai-murder-mystery/

Axe Attack in Chon Buri: Road Dispute Escalates Violently

 

Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเด็ดชลบุรี เพชฌฆาตข่าว

 

In a startling incident in Chon Buri, Thailand, a road dispute turned violent when a man attacked another's car with an axe. The victim, Withit, 31, reported that his wife and their five-year-old son were in the vehicle during the attack.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364654-axe-attack-in-chon-buri-road-dispute-escalates-violently/

UPDATE:

 

Thailand Tightens Cannabis Distribution with New Regulations

 

Screenshot via Amarin TV

 

Public Health Minister Somsak Theopsuthin has announced new measures to regulate cannabis distribution, focusing on medical use and ending its free availability across Thailand. The announcement on 24th June revokes the 2022 directive and now categorises cannabis flowers as a controlled herb.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364625-thailand-to-reclassify-cannabis-as-controlled-substance/page/2/#findComment-19896629

 

Thailand Launches Half-Half Travel Scheme to Support Post-Pandemic Recovery

 

Picture courtesy of กรุงเทพธุรกิจ

 

Thailand launches a campaign to spark domestic tourism with a 1.75 billion baht investment in the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364686-thailand-launches-half-half-travel-scheme-to-support-post-pandemic-recovery/

 

Pattaya Beach: Locals Unite for Massive Shoreline Cleanup

 

PIcture courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya Beach was buzzing with activity as over 500 eager locals gathered for a massive cleanup, led by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364687-pattaya-beach-locals-unite-for-massive-shoreline-cleanup/

 

UN Demands Thailand Act on Trafficking Scams Linked to Abuse

 

Scam centre victims, deceived or trafficked into working in Myanmar, remain trapped in limbo inside a compound at KK Park. Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The United Nations has delivered a stern warning to Thailand, urging immediate action against cross-border human trafficking tied to online scams in Southeast Asia.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364688-un-demands-thailand-act-on-trafficking-scams-linked-to-abuse/

Finnish Fugitive Wanted for Murder & Drug Trafficking Captured in Hua Hin

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A Finnish national wanted by INTERPOL for serious crimes including murder and large-scale drug trafficking has been apprehended, following a covert operation by immigration police.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364689-finnish-fugitive-wanted-for-murder-drug-trafficking-captured-in-hua-hin/

 

Political Jitters and Falling Numbers Shake Thailand’s Tourism Recovery

 

Picture courtesy of Today Online

 

Thailand's tourism sector is reeling as foreign visitor numbers slide. From January 1 to June 22, there was a 4.24% drop in arrivals compared to the same time last year, revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364690-political-jitters-and-falling-numbers-shake-thailand’s-tourism-recovery/

 

Three Injured in Pattaya Fire – Welding Work Suspected as Cause

 

Pictures courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ

 

An early-morning fire tore through a family-run grocery store and home in Soi Boonsampan, Nong Prue, sending thick smoke across the neighbourhood and leaving three residents injured, including two who leapt from the second floor to escape the flames.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364691-three-injured-in-pattaya-fire-–-welding-work-suspected-as-cause/

 

Paetongtarn Stands Firm as Senators Demand Ouster Over Cambodia Remarks

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra leaves after talking to reporters at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has firmly dismissed concerns over any potential damage caused by her private phone chat with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364692-paetongtarn-stands-firm-as-senators-demand-ouster-over-cambodia-remarks/

 

Robber Nabbed Minutes After Gold Heist at Hat Yai Lotus Mall

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

A lone thief who staged a daring daylight robbery at a gold shop inside Hat Yai’s Lotus mall has been swiftly apprehended by police, thanks to quick coordination between mall security and nearby patrol officers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364693-robber-nabbed-minutes-after-gold-heist-at-hat-yai-lotus-mall/

 

Two Injured as Booby-Trapped Torch and Drill Explode in Lopburi

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A couple of explosions have rocked a rural village in Lopburi province after two seemingly ordinary household items, a head torch and an electric drill, were found to be booby-trapped with explosives. Two people have been left injured, including an 18-year-old who lost fingers and an eye, in what local authorities are now treating as a deliberate attempt to harm people.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364694-two-injured-as-booby-trapped-torch-and-drill-explode-in-lopburi/

 

One Dead as Fishing Boat Catches Fire and Sinks Off Surat Thani Coast

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A dramatic rescue unfolded off the coast of Surat Thani after a fishing trawler caught fire and sank during rough sea conditions, leaving one crew member dead and others forced to jump overboard to save their lives.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364695-one-dead-as-fishing-boat-catches-fire-and-sinks-off-surat-thani-coast/

 

Ubon Teen Knocked Unconscious at School, Still No Apology

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

A 15-year-old boy was knocked unconscious at school in Ubon Ratchathani and has yet to receive an apology or compensation. His family shared the incident on social media, noting the attacker was a soldier’s child.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364696-ubon-teen-knocked-unconscious-at-school-still-no-apology/

 

Thaksin's Cambodia Concerns Stir Political Pot

 

File photo courtesy of Facebook sorrayuth9115

 

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra expresses uncertainty over Cambodia ties, says Jakrapob Penkair.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364699-thaksins-cambodia-concerns-stir-political-pot/

 

Chiang Mai: Woman Drowns in Ping River After Leaving Message for Her Daughter

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An incident unfolded in Chiang Mai on the early morning of 24 June, as a woman drowned in the Ping River after making a final phone call to leave money for her daughter. Rescue teams are continuing the search for her body after witnesses reported her disappearing beneath the strong current.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364697-chiang-mai-woman-drowns-in-ping-river-after-leaving-message-for-her-daughter/

 

Stemming Online Gun Trade to Halt Violent Crime

 

File picture for reference only.

 

Editorial Analysis By Naewna.

 

The rise in violent crime involving firearms across the country, is becoming an increasingly grave concern. One of the root causes is the ease with which weapons can now be acquired, especially through online platforms. The proliferation of illicit gun sales via social media and encrypted channels has emerged as a major threat to national security and public safety. Recent tragedies from school shootings to deadly family disputes and public acts of violence, highlight a disturbing trend: disputes are more frequently being resolved with deadly force.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364701-stemming-online-gun-trade-to-halt-violent-crime/

 

Man in Mukdahan Contracts Flesh-Eating Bacteria

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Local health authorities have reported a confirmed case of necrotising fasciitis, commonly referred to as a “flesh-eating bacterial infection”, in the province of Mukdahan.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364702-man-in-mukdahan-contracts-flesh-eating-bacteria/

 

Motorcyclist Dies After Plunging from Bridge in Bangkok, Police Investigating if Hit-&-Run

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A 42-year-old plumbing technician tragically lost his life after falling from a bridge into a riverside garden in the Daokanong area of Bangkok on the evening of 23 June. Police are now working to determine whether the man was struck by another vehicle or lost control of his motorbike.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364703-motorcyclist-dies-after-plunging-from-bridge-in-bangkok-police-investigating-if-hit-run/

 

Mystery Body Found Bound and Beaten in Raphiphat Canal, Ayutthaya
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A grisly scene unfolded, as a local resident discovered the body of an unidentified man floating in the Raphiphat Canal in Phachi District, Ayutthaya. Authorities are treating the incident as murder, citing signs of physical assault and restraint.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364704-mystery-body-found-bound-and-beaten-in-raphiphat-canal ayutthaya/

 

Woman Found Slashed to Death in Rented Room, Boyfriend on the Run

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A 22-year-old woman was found brutally murdered inside a rented room in Sriracha district on the evening of 23 June. Police have launched a manhunt for her boyfriend, who fled the scene on a motorcycle shortly after the incident.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364705-woman-found-slashed-to-death-in-rented-room-boyfriend-on-the-run/

 

UPDATE
Local Councillor Surrenders After Firing Shotgun at Khao Yai Wild Elephant

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A subdistrict administrative organisation councillor (Sor. Or. Bor. Tor.) in Pak Chong district has surrendered to police after admitting to firing a shotgun to scare away a wild elephant known as “Plai Biang Lek”, which had strayed from Khao Yai National Park.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364588-authorities-to-prosecute-suspect-in-shooting-of-khao-yai-wild-elephant-‘plai-biang-lek’/#findComment-19896718

 

Body of Baby Boy Found Buried Beside House in Ubon Ratchathani

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

In a deeply distressing incident, the body of a newborn baby boy has been discovered buried in the ground beside a house bathroom in the Tha Tunoi subdistrict of Khueang Nai district. The discovery, made on the afternoon of 23 June, followed reports from local residents of a foul odour emanating from the area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364706-body-of-baby-boy-found-buried-beside-house-in-ubon-ratchathani/

 

Massive Drug Bust in Rayong: Authorities Seize 2.4 Tonnes of Crystal Meth
 

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News.

 

In a major anti-narcotics operation near the mouth of the Prasae River, Rayong, authorities have seized a staggering 2,399 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value exceeding 300 million baht within Thailand. If smuggled abroad, the drugs could have fetched up to 1.5 billion baht on the international market.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364707-massive-drug-bust-in-rayong-authorities-seize-24-tonnes-of-crystal-meth/

 

Tourist Police Bust Online Gambling Ring “Asha123” in Bang Saen
 

Picture courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา

 

In a crackdown on cybercrime, The Tourist Police Bureau has dismantled a large-scale illegal online gambling operation under the website asha123, following a comprehensive investigation under the national anti-cybercrime policy spearheaded by Police General Kittirat Phanpet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364708-tourist-police-bust-online-gambling-ring-“asha123”-in-bang-saen/

 

Thailand Prepares to Destroy Over 28 Tonnes of Seized Drugs

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

On 24th June, a significant event took place at the Drug Testing Institute in Bangkok, as Thailand prepared to destroy over 28 tonnes of seized narcotics. Apikit Chorotprasert, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), presided over the opening of the drug warehouse.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364711-thailand-prepares-to-destroy-over-28-tonnes-of-seized-drugs/

 

Parliament Showdown Looms as Bhumjaithai Seeks to Oust PM

 

Composite image courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

The Bhumjaithai Party is calling for a no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her ministers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364713-parliament-showdown-looms-as-bhumjaithai-seeks-to-oust-pm/

 

Online Operation Busted in Pattaya Condo: 9 Foreign Nationals Arrested for Working Illegally 

 

Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Immigration police in Chonburi, together with tourist police, have raided a clandestine office hidden within a condominium in Pattaya, arresting nine foreign nationals accused of working illegally and overstaying their visas/permission of stay.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1364730-online-operation-busted-in-pattaya-condo-9-foreign-nationals-arrested-for-illegal-work/

 

Thai PM's 'Irrational' Claims Slammed by Cambodia: A Cross-Border Clash

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, centre, arrives at Government House for a cabinet meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Cambodian officials have rebuffed recent assertions by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as “irrational”. On 23 June, Shinawatra stated that Thailand had halted electricity, internet, and oil supplies to Cambodia amid efforts to combat cross-border crime. However, Cambodian authorities assert they've independently suspended these services.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364731-thai-pms-irrational-claims-slammed-by-cambodia-a-cross-border-clash/