Cannabis Advocates Warn of Economic Damage from Policy Shift

 

A worker tends to cannabis plants at a farm in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok, Thailand, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Cannabis advocates are set to rally at the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok on Monday, opposing the government's move to recriminalise cannabis, which was delisted from the national narcotics list three years ago.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365944-cannabis-advocates-warn-of-economic-damage-from-policy-shift/

 

Naked Russian Critically Injured After Jumping from Third-Floor Balcony in Phuket

 

Composite courtesy of Amarin TV

 

A Russian man in Phuket caused a stir by climbing into a woman's third-floor dorm room before jumping from the balcony, leaving him critically injured.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365951-naked-russian-critically-injured-after-leaping-from-third-floor-balcony-in-phuket/

 

Factory Fire Rages Out of Control in Samut Sakhon, Buildings Collapse Amid Explosions
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A massive fire has broken out at a factory in the Ban Koh area of Mueang District, Samut Sakhon Province, with flames spreading rapidly and causing extensive structural damage. As of noon on 7 July, the blaze remains out of control, with multiple explosions reported and parts of the factory buildings collapsing.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365966-factory-fire-rages-out-of-control-in-samut-sakhon-buildings-collapse-amid-explosions/

 

Thai Baht's Rise in Jeopardy Amid Political Uncertainty

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai baht's recent four-month rally faces challenges as political turmoil threatens to impact the nation's economy. According to Christoper Wong, a senior FX strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, the baht may trade at 32.30 per US dollar by year-end and into early 2026. This suggests only a modest 0.7% increase from its current level following a 5% surge in the past months.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365984-thai-bahts-rise-in-jeopardy-amid-political-uncertainty/

 

Thai Police Dismiss British Teen’s Drug Smuggling Claims

 

Picture courtesy of Chronicle Live

 

A British teenager, Bella May Culley, is at the centre of an international controversy after being accused of smuggling cannabis into Georgia. The 19-year-old broke down in a Tbilisi courtroom, claiming she was tortured and forced to carry drugs. Thai officials quickly dismissed her account as fictitious.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365985-thai-police-dismiss-british-teen’s-drug-smuggling-claims/

 

Tensions Rise as Cambodian Woman Enters Thai Heritage Site

 

Protesters gather at Victory Monument demanding Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

 

In a cross-border incident at Prasat Ta Khwai, a Cambodian woman carrying a cloth stitched with her national flag sparked tensions on Saturday. The site, located in Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district, witnessed a potential confrontation involving Thai tourists and military personnel.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365987-tensions-rise-as-cambodian-woman-enters-thai-heritage-site/

 

Anutin Denies Eyeing Thai PM Role Amidst Political Rumours

 

Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy of Siam Rath

 

In a swirl of political speculation, the Bhumjaithai Party has firmly denied claims that its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, is eyeing the post of Thailand’s next prime minister. This rebuttal comes after assertions by the Pheu Thai Party in the wake of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365988-anutin-denies-eyeing-thai-pm-role-amidst-political-rumours/

 

Phuket Police Catch Iranian Nationals for Shoe Theft

 

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews

 

In a recent incident in Phuket's bustling Patong neighbourhood, local police arrested two Iranian men accused of stealing trainers from a second-hand shoe shop on Phang Mueang Sai Kor Road. The event unfolded on Thursday, July 3, when officers at the Patong Police Station were alerted to the theft through CCTV footage.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365989-phuket-police-catch-iranian-nationals-for-shoe-theft/

 

Thai Minister Urges Public to Halt Handouts to Reduce Begging

 

Picture courtesy of The Borgen Project

 

In a surprising move, Thailand's Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa, has urged the public to stop giving money to beggars, especially in key tourist spots like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chon Buri. His remarks aimed to address the growing visibility of street begging, which he believes is exacerbated by well-meaning but counterproductive generosity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365990-thai-minister-urges-public-to-halt-handouts-to-reduce-begging/

 

Thailand Halts Controversial Casino Bill Amid Political Turmoil

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai government has decided to withdraw its contentious bill to legalise casinos, responding to growing public opposition and recent political upheaval. The move comes as the ruling coalition's majority faces pressure due to internal strife.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365991-thailand-halts-controversial-casino-bill-amid-political-turmoil/

 

Cambodia Covers Costs to Secure Return of 20 Artefacts from Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In a recent twist to a cultural saga, Cambodia has stepped up to cover the expenses for the return of 20 Khmer artefacts from Thailand, following financial constraints expressed by Thai authorities. This development comes after Thai Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week cited budgetary issues and rising bilateral tensions as reasons for delaying the repatriation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365992-cambodia-covers-costs-to-secure-return-of-20-artefacts-from-thailand/

 

Elderly Fisherman Falls into Pattaya Car Park Shaft; Injuries Serious

 

An automatic car park elevator shaft at Laem Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya | Photo via Pattaya News

 

An unfortunate incident unfolded in Pattaya yesterday morning when an elderly fisherman, 66-year-old Worapong Taengtong, fell into an elevator shaft at Bali Hai Pier's automatic car park. The mishap, which resulted in serious injuries, occurred around 7.06 am.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365993-elderly-fisherman-falls-into-pattaya-car-park-shaft-injuries-serious/

 

Thai Border Police Foil Cigarette Smuggling Operation

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a significant border operation on July 6, Thai authorities detained two Cambodian nationals attempting to smuggle nearly 16,000 packs of untaxed cigarettes near the Khao Din market on the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365994-thai-border-police-foil-cigarette-smuggling-operation/

 

Thai Driver Makes History with FIA F3 Win at Silverstone

 

Photo via Facebook/ Campos Racing

 

Thailand is celebrating a historic milestone as Tasanapol “Tern” Inthraphuvasak becomes the first Thai driver to win a round of the FIA Formula 3 Championship. This landmark victory took place at the acclaimed Silverstone Circuit in the UK on Saturday, 5th July.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365995-thai-driver-makes-history-with-fia-f3-win-at-silverstone/

 

Van and Truck Collision in Chai Nat Injures Five Pilgrims

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A collision between a passenger van and a truck in Chai Nat has left five people injured, highlighting concerns over road safety. The accident unfolded on the Asia Highway in Sing Buri province, as the van carried pilgrims making merit to the revered Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365996-van-and-truck-collision-in-chai-nat-injures-five-pilgrims/

 

Thailand Aligns Cyber Policy with International Law and Human Rights

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has formally declared its stance on applying international law in cyberspace, emphasising that human rights laws extend to the digital realm. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a statement on Facebook.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365997-thailand-aligns-cyber-policy-with-international-law-and-human-rights/

 

Khon Kaen Bust: Police Seize 5 Million Meth Pills in 24 Hours

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a significant crackdown in Khon Kaen, police seized five million methamphetamine pills within a single day. The operation involved two major arrests on separate occasions, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365998-khon-kaen-bust-police-seize-5-million-meth-pills-in-24-hours/

 

Thai Woman’s Scandal Rocks Bangkok Temple with Monk Affairs

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

In a scandal that's gripped Thailand, a woman named Golf has confessed to intimate relationships with several monks, including having children with some. The incident centres on the respected abbot of Tri Thotsatheo Temple in Bangkok, Arch, who left the monkhood suddenly, sparking suspicions of both romantic entanglements and financial impropriety.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365999-thai-woman’s-scandal-rocks-bangkok-temple-with-monk-affairs/

 

Cross-Border Efforts to Tackle Mekong River Arsenic Contamination

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has sounded the alarm over heavy metal contamination in the Mekong River, with the source believed to be unregulated mining activities in Myanmar. The issue has been classified as “moderately serious.”

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366000-cross-border-efforts-to-tackle-mekong-river-arsenic-contamination/

 

Thailand's Mpox Situation: Latest Case in Chiang Mai Under Investigation

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Thailand's Department of Disease Control is intensifying efforts in Chiang Mai following the recent confirmation of an mpox case. This highlights a nationwide tally of 40 cases in 2023, contributing to a total of over 900 cases and 13 deaths since last year.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366001-thailands-mpox-situation-latest-case-in-chiang-mai-under-investigation/

 

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Thailand Live Tuesday 8 July 2025  
https://aseannow.com/topic/1365986-thailand-live-tuesday-8-july-2025/