THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 8 July 2025

[webfact]

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. 

 

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

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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/

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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/

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Cannabis Clash: Thai Health Minister Falls Ill as Protesters Demand Reform

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

BANGKOK - Public Health Minister Somsak Thesuthin falls ill as pro-cannabis activists present demands at the ministry. His absence prompts questions about the controversial cannabis legislation debate in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366023-cannabis-clash-thai-health-minister-falls-ill-as-protesters-demand-reform/

 

[webfact]

Cambodia Denies Using North Korean Hackers in Cyber Attacks on Thailand

 

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

In a strong rebuttal, Cambodia's government flatly denied media allegations of employing North Korean hackers to attack Thai institutions. This emphatic denial was stated in an official release by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, as reported by the Khmer Times.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366024-cambodia-denies-using-north-korean-hackers-in-cyber-attacks-on-thailand/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk Lorry Driver Crashes into Toll Booth in Samut Prakan, Gas Cylinders Scatter and Leak
 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A crash occurred on evening of 6 July, when a six-wheeled lorry crashed into a toll booth barrier at the Bang Kaew 1 toll gate on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway, causing panic as CO₂ and LPG gas cylinders spilled onto the road and some began leaking. The driver, found to be heavily intoxicated, was rescued from the wreckage.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366025-drunk-lorry-driver-crashes-into-toll-booth-in-samut-prakan-gas-cylinders-scatter-and-leak/

 

[webfact]

Thailand Rethinks Tourism Strategy After 34% Plunge in Chinese Arrivals

 

Picture courtesy of Kasikorn Research Centre

 

Thailand's tourism sector is in a bind as Chinese visitor numbers slump, forcing tourism bodies to reassess targets and boost their efforts to attract tourists.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366026-thailand-rethinks-tourism-strategy-after-34-plunge-in-chinese-arrivals/

 

[Georgealbert]

Australian Tourist Found Dead After Massage on Koh Samui
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 43-year-old Australian man was found dead in a massage parlour on the island of Koh Samui, after staff initially believed he had fallen asleep following a massage session.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366027-australian-tourist-found-dead-after-massage-on-koh-samui/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pattaya Bolt Driver Threatened by Gun-Wielding Man

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon 

 

A late-night ride-hailing job took a terrifying turn for a 31-year-old Bolt driver in Pattaya, after a woman being pursued by an armed man leapt into his vehicle in a panic.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366028-pattaya-bolt-driver-threatened-by-gun-wielding-man/

 

[webfact]

Thai Govt Cracks Down on Nominee Practices in Tourism Sector

 

Deputy Government Spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak. Picture courtesy of NBT

 

The Thai government has issued a stern warning against acting as nominees for foreign investors in tourism and related sectors, threatening severe legal penalties for violators.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366029-thai-govt-cracks-down-on-nominee-practices-in-tourism-sector/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Shot Dead by Ex-Boyfriend After Refusing Reconciliation Attempt
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

A 26-year-old woman was fatally shot in the head by her former boyfriend, after she refused his plea to rekindle their relationship. The suspect, reportedly from a well-known local family, fled the scene in a modified pickup truck, prompting a police manhunt.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366030-woman-shot-dead-by-ex-boyfriend-after-refusing-reconciliation-attempt/

 

[Georgealbert]

Former Senior Police Officer Killed in Chiang Mai Car Crash
 

Picture courtesy of แซ่บทุกเรื่อง เมืองพัทยา

 

A retired senior police officer and former political candidate was killed on when his Mercedes-Benz veered off the road and struck a tree in Chiang Mai province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366031-former-senior-police-officer-killed-in-chiang-mai-car-crash/

 

[webfact]

Doctors in Thaksin Hospital Saga Face Promotion Uproar

 

From Left. Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat Singhacharu and Pol Lt Gen Thaweesilp Wechvitarn. Composite courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Amidst a whirlwind of controversy, political activist Dr Tul Sittisomwong has lodged an official objection against the promotion of two senior police doctors linked to Thaksin Shinawatra's contentious stay at the Police General Hospital.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366033-doctors-in-thaksin-hospital-saga-face-promotion-uproar/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thailand and United States Launch CARAT 2025 Joint Naval Exercise in Sattahip
 

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News.

 

Senior naval commanders from Thailand and the United States presided over the opening ceremony of the CARAT 2025 joint military exercise on 7 July, marking the start of one of the largest bilateral naval training operations between the two nations.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366032-thailand-and-united-states-launch-carat-2025-joint-naval-exercise-in-sattahip/

 

[Georgealbert]

Early Morning Fire at Bangkok Supermarket – Faulty Fridge Suspected
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A fire broke out on the morning of 7 July, at a supermarket in the Watcharaphon area of Bangkok, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompting an emergency response from local firefighters.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366034-early-morning-fire-at-bangkok-supermarket-–-faulty-fridge-suspected/

 

[Georgealbert]

Golf Caddy Dies in Motorbike Crash in Chiang Mai
 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 23-year-old female golf caddy was killed in a crash, after losing control of her motorbike and crashing into a power pole in Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong district.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366035-golf-caddy-dies-in-motorbike-crash-in-chiang-mai/

 

[webfact]

Phuket Family of 7 on Bike Sparks Safety Outrage

 

Picture via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

 

A shocking scene in Phuket has ignited online outrage after a photograph showed a couple precariously transporting five children on a single motorcycle. The image swiftly circulated on Thai social media, drawing attention to the alarming disregard for road safety.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366037-phuket-family-of-7-on-bike-sparks-safety-outrage/

[Georgealbert]

Twelve Arrested in Late-Night Gambling Raid in Prachuap Khiri Khan
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Twelve people have been arrested after authorities raided a suspected illegal gambling setup operating out of a private residence in the coastal district of Thap Sakae. The late-night operation saw gamblers scatter in all directions as officials closed in on the property.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366036-twelve-arrested-in-late-night-gambling-raid-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai-Lao Couple Caught Smuggling Over 4kg of ‘Happy Water’ Drug at Nong Khai Border
 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Nong Khai have arrested a Thai man and a Laotian woman for attempting to smuggle over four kilograms of the illegal party drug known as “Happy Water” into Thailand.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366039-thai-lao-couple-caught-smuggling-over-4kg-of-‘happy-water’-drug-at-nong-khai-border/

 

[Georgealbert]

Teenager Killed in Motorbike Crash with SUV in Nonthaburi
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A 16-year-old student intern lost his life after his motorcycle collided with an SUV that was turning into a petrol station in Bang Bua Thong District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366040-teenager-killed-in-motorbike-crash-with-suv-in-nonthaburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Ceiling Collapse at Bung Khla Hospital Sparks Urgent Repairs

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Local health authorities have confirmed that emergency repairs are underway at Bung Khla Hospital, following a ceiling collapse caused by heavy rainfall. The incident occurred after persistent downpours on 5 July, which overwhelmed the building’s inadequate drainage system.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365938-ceiling-collapses-at-rural-hospital-after-heavy-rain-amidst-ongoing-budget-crisis/#findComment-19928120

 

[Georgealbert]

Gun-Wielding Man Assaults Officials at Housewarming Party in Buriram

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A man brandishing a firearm caused chaos at a housewarming party in Buriram province on 6 July, assaulting local security officers and injuring a resident who attempted to intervene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366041-gun-wielding-man-assaults-officials-at-housewarming-party-in-buriram/

 

[Georgealbert]

Broke Thai Gamblers Pawn Passports for Casino Cash, Arrested Attempting to Sneak Back Across
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Five Thai nationals were arrested after attempting to illegally cross back into Thailand from Cambodia, having allegedly lost all their money gambling at a casino in Poipet. Four of the men had reportedly pawned their passports to continue gambling before deciding to return home without documents.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366043-broke-thai-gamblers-pawn-passports-for-casino-cash-arrested-attempting-to-sneak-back-across/

 

[Georgealbert]

Hit-and-Run Horror: Motorcyclist and Pillion Killed as Pickup Driver Flees Scene

 

Picture courtesy of SaimNews.

 

A Thai man and a Cambodian woman were killed in the early hours of morning after their motorcycle was struck by an orange box pickup truck, whose driver fled the scene without offering assistance or taking responsibility.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366044-hit-and-run-horror-motorcyclist-and-pillion-killed-as-pickup-driver-flees-scene/

 

[Georgealbert]

Tragedy in Forest as Wild Elephant Kills Mother and Injures Adult Son
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A mother has been killed and her son seriously injured after they were attacked by a wild elephant in a remote forested area in Kanchanaburi. The tragic incident occurred while the pair were foraging for local fruits in a mountainous area near their village.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366045-tragedy-in-forest-as-wild-elephant-kills-mother-and-injures-adult-son/

 

[Georgealbert]

Phitsanulok and Krabi Airports Achieve Certification as DoA Pushes for Further Approvals

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two regional airports, Phitsanulok and Krabi, have officially received public airport operating certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), marking a significant step towards raising national aviation standards and passenger safety.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366046-phitsanulok-and-krabi-airports-achieve-certification-as-doa-pushes-for-further-approvals/

 

[Georgealbert]

Stepfather Confesses to Fatal Assault on Child in Nonthaburi

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 23-year-old stepfather has confessed to fatally injuring his two-year-old stepson in a case that has shocked the local community. The young boy, referred to as “A”, died after suffering a severe head injury when his stepfather allegedly pushed him, causing him to fall and strike the back of his head on the floor.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366047-stepfather-confesses-to-fatal-assault-on-child-in-nonthaburi/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug-Crazed Man Kills Disabled Neighbour by Stuffing Him Into Drain

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A 63-year-old disabled man has died in a horrifying incident in Suphan Buri Province after allegedly being assaulted and forced into a roadside drain by a neighbour who was reportedly under the influence of drugs.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366048-drug-crazed-man-kills-disabled-neighbour-by-stuffing-him-into-drain/

 

[webfact]

Thailand Confirms Readiness for Earthquakes and Tsunamis

 

Picture courtesy of INN News

 

Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister has assured the nation of its preparedness to handle potential earthquakes and tsunamis. Six Andaman coastal provinces are set for regular emergency drills as part of ongoing efforts. Concerns over seismic threats in the Gulf of Thailand were dismissed.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366049-thailand-confirms-readiness-for-earthquakes-and-tsunamis/

[Georgealbert]

Swedish Man & Thai Woman Arrested for Cocaine Possession & Distribution in Phuket

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Two individuals, a Swedish national and a Thai woman, have been arrested in Phuket on suspicion of cocaine trafficking, following a police operation that led to the seizure of narcotics and associated drug paraphernalia.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366051-swedish-man-thai-woman-arrested-for-cocaine-possession-distribution-in-phuket/