THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 17 July 2025

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Thailand Delays Tourist Entry Fee Amid Travel Concerns

 

Photo of tourists at U-Tapao Airport courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Thailand has once again postponed its proposed 300-Baht entry fee for foreign tourists, citing concerns over global economic uncertainty and travel demand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced the delay, pushing the introduction past 2025.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366891-thailand-delays-tourist-entry-fee-amid-travel-concerns/

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Bangkok’s Iconic Seafood Venue Staneemeehoi Bids Farewell

 

Pictures courtesy of Sathaneemeehoi Facebook

 

In a vibrant corner of Bangkok, Staneemeehoi, renowned for its flamboyant mix of seafood dining and cross-dressing performers, is set to close its doors on July 31. This unique spot, nestled in Hua Mum Night Market, has been a magnet for both locals and tourists, famed for its live entertainment by the "Thai Hot Guys" who dance in silk pyjamas and crop tops.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366899-bangkok’s-iconic-seafood-venue-staneemeehoi-bids-farewell/

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Uzbek Man Arrested in Phuket for Assault and Theft

 

Photo via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

 

In a troubling incident in Phuket, an Uzbek national has been apprehended by local police on allegations of assaulting his girlfriend and stealing her belongings.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366894-uzbek-man-arrested-in-phuket-for-assault-and-theft/

[webfact]

Thailand Delays Tourist Entry Fee Amid Travel Concerns

 

Photo of tourists at U-Tapao Airport courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Thailand has once again postponed its proposed 300-Baht entry fee for foreign tourists, citing concerns over global economic uncertainty and travel demand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced the delay, pushing the introduction to beyond 2025.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366891-thailand-delays-tourist-entry-fee-amid-travel-concerns/

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Chiang Mai Crowned Asia's Best City, Bangkok Shines in Third

 

Photo of Sasikan Wattanachan courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand’s tourism splendour has been firmly recognised, with Chiang Mai being crowned Asia’s best city for 2025 by Travel + Leisure, scoring an impressive 91.94 out of 100. Not to be overshadowed, Bangkok also earned praise, securing third place with a score of 91.34, while Tokyo snagged the second spot with 91.39 out of 100.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366925-chiang-mai-crowned-asias-best-city-bangkok-shines-in-third/

 

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Coway Clears Air After Thai Celebrity’s Purifier Bacteria Claim

 

The water purify model that Chanya uses. | Photo via Facebook/ Coway Thailand
 

Coway, the renowned water purifier brand, has reassured customers of its product quality following a claim by Thai celebrity Chanya Tamada that her purifier’s water contained coliform bacteria. Chanya aired her concerns on Facebook, alleging the water from her Coway device fell short of advertised standards.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366926-coway-clears-air-after-thai-celebrity’s-purifier-bacteria-claim/

 

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Thai Woman Flees South Korean Man After Cannabis Gummy Incident

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook/ ข่าวสารชลบุรี

 

In the wee hours of this morning, chaos erupted in Pattaya as a Thai woman managed to escape a South Korean man after being forced to consume cannabis gummies. The 25-year-old, identified only as Bew, was found visibly intoxicated and distressed outside a convenience store on Pattaya Sai Song Road at 3:36 am.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366927-thai-woman-flees-south-korean-man-after-cannabis-gummy-incident/

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Thailand's Digital Baht Plan Targets Big-Spending Tourists

 

Picture courtesy of Business World
 

Thailand is seizing the crypto trend by letting tourists spend their digital coins directly on everything from pad Thai to plush resorts.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366928-thailands-digital-baht-plan-targets-big-spending-tourists/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fire in Computer Room at Nakornping Hospital, Chiang Mai — Patients Evacuated Safely

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A fire broke out in the server room of the computer centre at Nakornping Hospital in Chiang Mai on the afternoon of 16 July, prompting emergency evacuations of patients and staff from Building 1 on Chotana Road, Mae Rim District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366929-fire-in-computer-room-at-nakornping-hospital-chiang-mai-—-patients-evacuated-safely/

 

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Thailand's High-Speed Rail Bidding Opens for 2026

 

Picture courtesy of MGR online

Transforming Travel: Bangkok to Nong Khai in Record Time

 

BANGKOK - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is gearing up to open bidding for the cutting-edge Bangkok to Nong Khai high-speed railway in 2026.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366930-thailands-high-speed-rail-bidding-opens-for-2026/

 

[Georgealbert]

Motorcyclist Injured After Crashing Into Pickup and Landing Face-First on a Durian
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A bizarre road crash in Buriram Province left a motorcyclist injured after he crashed into the rear of a parked pickup truck and was thrown into the air, only to land face-first onto a durian fruit in the back of the vehicle.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366931-motorcyclist-injured-after-crashing-into-pickup-and-landing-face-first-on-a-durian/

 

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Thai Farmers Sound Alarm as US Trade Talks Threaten Local Agriculture

 

Picture courtesy of THe Nation
 

Thai farmers are up in arms as trade talks with the United States hit a boiling point, fearing devastating effects on local agriculture and national food security due to US demands.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366932-thai-farmers-sound-alarm-as-us-trade-talks-threaten-local-agriculture/

 

[Georgealbert]

70-Year-Old Grandmother Caught Selling Meth Pills from a Basket to Local Teenagers
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A 70-year-old woman has been arrested in Sa Kaeo Province after being caught selling methamphetamine pills, commonly known as yaba, from a basket to local youths. The woman, identified only as Mrs. Buala, was apprehended following complaints from residents who said they could no longer tolerate the constant flow of teenagers visiting her home day and night.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366933-70-year-old-grandmother-caught-selling-meth-pills-from-a-basket-to-local-teenagers/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese Crew Member Killed After Crane Incident Aboard Cargo Ship Off Surat Thani Coast
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Chinese crew member died at sea after being critically injured in a crane incident aboard a cargo vessel off the coast of Surat Thani province. Despite urgent rescue efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to medical facilities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366934-chinese-crew-member-killed-after-crane-incident-aboard-cargo-ship-off-surat-thani-coast/

 

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Thailand's New Labour Bill Grants 120 Days Maternity Leave, 15 for Fathers

 

File photo

 

In a landmark decision today, the House of Representatives passed the updated Labour Protection Act, granting female employees an astounding 120 days of paid maternity leave.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366935-thailands-new-labour-bill-grants-120-days-maternity-leave-15-for-fathers/

 

[Georgealbert]

Elderly Cyclist Injured as Van Runs Red Light at Bangkok Crossing
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An 84-year-old cyclist suffered a fractured pelvis after being struck by a van that ran a red light at a pedestrian crossing in the Prawet district of Bangkok. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred at 7:03 on the 13 July, near the entrance to Soi Chaloem Phra Kiat Rama IX Soi 38, a crosswalk leading into Bueng Nong Bon Public Park, close to Suan Luang Rama IX.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366936-elderly-cyclist-injured-as-van-runs-red-light-at-bangkok-crossing/

 

[Georgealbert]

Residents Terrified as Gang of Illegal Street Racers Taunt Police Despite Drug Raid
 

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Locals in the Bang Pakok area of Rat Burana District of Bangkok are living in fear after a notorious gang of illegal motorcycle racers, or “dek waen”, continued to gather and provoke authorities despite a recent police crackdown.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366937-residents-terrified-as-gang-of-illegal-street-racers-taunt-police-despite-drug-raid/

 

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Thaksin's Secret Mission: Inside the Hunt for Rebel MPs

 

Thaksin Shinawatra | File photo

 

In a bold, covert move, Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly tasked a high-profile government figure with the mission to rally dissident MPs from the opposition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366938-thaksins-secret-mission-inside-the-hunt-for-rebel-mps/

 

[Georgealbert]

Road Closures Announced for Pattaya Marathon 2025, Motorists Urged to Plan Ahead
 

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Marathon.

 

The city of Pattaya has announced temporary road closures across key routes on 19–20 July 2025 to facilitate the highly anticipated “Pattaya Marathon 2025.” Authorities have requested the cooperation of residents, motorists, and tourists to plan their journeys in advance and avoid congested areas during the event.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366939-road-closures-announced-for-pattaya-marathon-2025-motorists-urged-to-plan-ahead/

 

[Georgealbert]

CIB Officers Arrest Man Who Fired Seven Shots During Alcohol-Fuelled Altercation
 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have apprehended a man accused of firing seven gunshots during a heated confrontation at a house party in Tha Tako District, Nakon Sawan. The arrest was made at the car park of Big C supermarket in Tha Tako following a coordinated stakeout by the Special Operations Division (SOD), under the CIB.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366940-cib-officers-arrest-man-who-fired-seven-shots-during-alcohol-fuelled-altercation/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pregnant Woman 26, Killed After Being Run Over by Lorry on Samut Prakan Road
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A 26-year-old woman who was two months pregnant lost her life after being run over by an 18-wheeler lorry in a horrific road crash on the evening of 15 July, in Samut Prakan province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366941-pregnant-woman-26-killed-after-being-run-over-by-lorry-on-samut-prakan-road/

 

[Georgealbert]

6 Women Caught in Sugarcane Field Trying to Cross Border to Work for Online Gambling Centre
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint News

 

Six young women from northern Thailand, including teenagers, were apprehended late night on 15 July, while hiding in a sugarcane plantation near the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province. They reportedly intended to cross illegally into Cambodia to work as administrators for an online gambling operation based in the notorious “Hi-So” building in Poipet.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366942-6-women-caught-in-sugarcane-field-trying-to-cross-border-to-work-for-online-gambling-centre/

 

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Foreigner Buries Dog Alive in Shocking Phuket Incident

 

video screenshot

 

PHUKET - In an appalling act of cruelty in Rawai, Phuket, a foreign resident has allegedly buried a dog alive, leaving only its head above ground. The incident, which took place in Soi Suksan 1, has sparked widespread outrage across social media.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366943-foreigner-buries-dog-alive-in-shocking-phuket-incident/

 

[Georgealbert]

Deputy PM Phumtham Opens First National Village Security Volunteer Day in Sisaket
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Thailand’s first National Village Security Volunteer (Chor Ror Bor – CHRB) Day was held with great fanfare at the Sports Authority of Thailand’s football ground in Sisaket Province, drawing more than 4,000 security volunteers from four provinces.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366944-deputy-pm-phumtham-opens-first-national-village-security-volunteer-day-in-sisaket/

 

[Georgealbert]

Aide to Songkhla MP Allegedly Abducts & Assaults 65-Year-Old Man in Brutal Attack
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

A 65-year-old retired civil servant was reportedly abducted and severely beaten by a group of men believed to be close associates of a Member of Parliament (MP) for Songkhla. The incident, which took place late on 10 July in Ranot District, has left local residents shocked and raised serious concerns about abuse of political power.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366945-aide-to-songkhla-mp-allegedly-abducts-assaults-65-year-old-man-in-brutal-attack/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Municipalities Investigate Wastewater Discharge into Pattaya Reservoir
 

Picture courtesy of kaoded.

 

Authorities from two local municipalities have launched a joint investigation into suspected wastewater discharge into Mabprachan Reservoir in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, following concerns raised by residents over potential environmental and public health risks.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366947-two-municipalities-investigate-wastewater-discharge-into-pattaya-reservoir/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug Suppression Chief Receives 2 Major Cross-Border Drug Lords at Mae Sai
 

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

In a high-profile operation at Thailand’s northern border, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), led a special task force to the Second Mae Sai Border Checkpoint in Chiang Rai to officially receive two major drug trafficking suspects extradited from Myanmar.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366949-drug-suppression-chief-receives-2-major-cross-border-drug-lords-at-mae-sai/

 

[Georgealbert]

Buriram Police Crack Down on Teenage ‘Biker Gangs’ Behind Bomb Scares & Street Violence
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

Police in Buriram Province have arrested 25 teenagers allegedly involved in a series of violent disturbances, including illegal street racing, armed brawls and throwing improvised explosives in urban areas. Officers also seized dozens of modified motorbikes, homemade weapons and over 100 bottles of kratom extract. Parents of those involved now face charges for neglecting their legal duties under child protection laws.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366950-buriram-police-crack-down-on-teenage-‘biker-gangs’-behind-bomb-scares-street-violence/

 

[Georgealbert]

Vietnamese Man & Thai Woman Die From Electrocution in Udon Thani Floodwaters
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

Tragedy struck in Udon Thani on the afternoon of 15 July, when a Vietnamese man and a Thai woman lost their lives after being electrocuted in floodwaters outside a massage parlour. The incident occurred following heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding across the city.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366952-vietnamese-man-thai-woman-die-from-electrocution-in-udon-thani-floodwaters/

 

[Georgealbert]

Warning Issued Over Fake Banknotes in Saraburi: Street Vendors Duped by Loan Shark
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities and local market vendors in Saraburi have been alerted to the circulation of counterfeit 100-baht banknotes, allegedly distributed by a loan shark known only as “Bang.” The notes, discovered by market traders, have identical serial numbers and are visibly smaller than genuine banknotes.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366954-warning-issued-over-fake-banknotes-in-saraburi-street-vendors-duped-by-loan-shark/