THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 18 July 2025

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British Tourist Attacked in Chiang Mai Over Karaoke Bill Dispute

 

Photo via Facebook/ กูรูเชียงใหม่ เรื่องเชียงใหม่กูรู้

 

In Chiang Mai, tensions escalated yesterday as nine karaoke bar workers were arrested for assaulting a British tourist following a dispute over alleged overcharging.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367004-british-tourist-attacked-in-chiang-mai-over-karaoke-bill-dispute/

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American Man Arrested at Phuket Airport for Smuggling 6 kg of Heroin

 

Picture courtesy of Phuket News

 

In a dramatic sting operation, an American man has been arrested at Phuket International Airport, attempting to smuggle over six kilogrammes of heroin out of Thailand. The revelation, the result of a coordinated effort involving the Tourist Police, Customs, and narcotics officers, has sent shockwaves throughout the region.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367003-american-man-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-smuggling-6-kg-of-heroin/

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Transgender Hairdresser Faces HIV Prejudice from Client's Mother

 

Photo via Facebook/ เอมมี่ พิมพ์รภาดา

 

In a disheartening incident highlighting ongoing prejudices, transgender hairdresser Watchara “Emmy” U-phat shared her experience of being unfoundedly accused of potentially spreading HIV by a client and her mother. Despite Emmy being HIV negative, the accusations stemmed from stereotypes about transgender individuals.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367011-transgender-hairdresser-faces-hiv-prejudice-from-clients-mother/

 

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Bangkok Police Clamp Down on Tuk Tuks Blocking Roads

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a concerted effort to curb traffic chaos in Bangkok, more than 800 tuk tuk drivers have been apprehended this month for blocking roads outside the city's bustling malls. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367017-bangkok-police-clamp-down-on-tuk-tuks-blocking-roads/

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Swede, Aussie Found Dead Hours Apart in Same Pattaya Condo

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

In a startling incident that has left Pattaya City reeling, two foreign men were discovered dead in the same condominium building within hours of each other. Thai police have launched an intensive investigation to resolve the confusion surrounding these deaths.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367047-swede-aussie-found-dead-hours-apart-in-same-pattaya-condo/

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Russian Teen Nabbed in Midnight Pattaya Graffiti Plot

 

Picture courtesy of THe Pattaya News

 

Pattaya pier vandalism crackdown as officials demand cleanup from youth and guardians

 

A 16-year-old Russian boy, Dobrynia, was caught spray-painting on Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier Overpass during the early hours of July 17. Pattaya City’s Special Affairs Unit intervened just in time, halting the teenager's act of vandalism. The officers confiscated six cans of spray paint and a Yamaha Aerox motorbike, reportedly used by the teen to reach the scene.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367048-russian-teen-nabbed-in-midnight-pattaya-graffiti-plot/

 

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NBTC Slashes Mobile Tariffs: Cheaper Packages Under 240 Baht

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Regulators urge affordable plans as industry feels pressure to lower costs

 

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to revise mobile phone tariffs, aiming to introduce more affordable Blue Flag Packages, reducing the cap from 240 baht (£5.29) per month. Acting Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul revealed that the NBTC discussed 86 agenda items in their recent meeting, including updates on business permits, license supervision, and legal proceedings.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367049-nbtc-slashes-mobile-tariffs-cheaper-packages-under-240-baht/

 

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Hua Hin Stunned by Discovery of Live Explosives in Tourist Area

 

Pictures courtesy of Phetkasem Hua Hin

 

Blasts averted as live munitions spark fears of foul play in tourist hotspot

 

Rubbish collectors in Hua Hin stumbled upon a shocking find: deadly military explosives discarded beside a bin. What started as a routine day turned into a full-blown bomb squad operation as police scrambled to secure the area in the quiet coastal town.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367051-hua-hin-stunned-by-discovery-of-live-explosives-in-tourist-area/

 

[Georgealbert]

Dramatic Rescue as Man Pulled from Submerged Pickup Truck and Revived After Crash in Trat
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

In a dramatic rescue amid torrential rain in Trat province, emergency responders pulled a 24-year-old man from a partially submerged pickup truck and managed to revive him after he was found without a pulse.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367052-dramatic-rescue-as-man-pulled-from-submerged-pickup-truck-and-revived-after-crash-in-trat/

 

[Georgealbert]

Student Drug Test Leads to Arrest of Meth Dealer in Surat Thani
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities in Phanom District, Surat Thani Province, arrested a 35-year-old man for dealing methamphetamine after a routine drug screening at a local school revealed that a student had tested positive for drugs.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367053-student-drug-test-leads-to-arrest-of-meth-dealer-in-surat-thani/

 

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Thailand Cracks Down on Dangerous ‘Zombie Pod’ Vape Drug

 

File photo courtesy of Central Investigation Bureau

 

THAILAND - Thai authorities are stepping up efforts against the misuse of etomidate, an intravenous anaesthetic, to combat its inclusion in hazardous vape products called “zombie pods”. Previously, etomidate was limited to medical use by doctors, but its illegal mixing in e-cigarettes has sparked action.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367054-thailand-cracks-down-on-dangerous-‘zombie-pod’-vape-drug/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Tortured with Hot Iron & Held Captive by Ex-Husband
 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

 

A 32-year-old woman has come forward with harrowing allegations of brutal assault, torture and repeated abuse at the hands of her former husband, including being burned with a hot iron, forcibly detained and subjected to sexual assault.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367055-woman-tortured-with-hot-iron-held-captive-by-ex-husband/

 

[Georgealbert]

55 Illegal Foreign Workers Detained at Chinese Construction Site in Sriracha
 

Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Authorities in Chonburi launched a crackdown, raiding a construction site linked to a Chinese development project and arresting 55 illegal migrant workers, including engineers and labourers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367057-55-illegal-foreign-workers-detained-at-chinese-construction-site-in-sriracha/

 

[Georgealbert]

Lorry Driver Admits Falling Asleep After Slamming into Tanker in Chachoengsao
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A traffic collision occurred on Highway 331 in Plang Yao district, Chachoengsao province, when a ten-wheel box lorry crashed into a chemical tanker. The incident caused an explosion of the rear tyre and a fire extinguisher extinguisher, resulting in minor injuries. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367058-lorry-driver-admits-falling-asleep-after-slamming-into-tanker-in-chachoengsao/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai-Chinese Centre for New Energy Automotive Technology Opens in Sakon Nakhon
 

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A new international dual-degree programme in new energy automotive technology was officially launched at Sakon Nakhon Technical College, marking a major step forward in vocational education and cross-border collaboration between Thailand and China.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367059-thai-chinese-centre-for-new-energy-automotive-technology-opens-in-sakon-nakhon/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pattaya Police Settle Brawl Between Middle Eastern Tourists With Reconciliation & Warning
 

 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

Police in Pattaya have resolved a violent altercation involving groups of Middle Eastern youths that took place in Soi Yensabai, South Pattaya. The incident, which was captured on video by local residents, showed a street brawl that prompted concerns over public safety and noise disturbances from revving motorcycles.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367060-pattaya-police-settle-brawl-between-middle-eastern-tourists-with-reconciliation-warning/

 

[Georgealbert]

Tense Confrontation as Devotees Hurl Firebombs at Excavators During Temple Dispute
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A violent clash erupted at a disputed temple site in Nong Phai District, Phetchabun Province, as three religious devotees were arrested after throwing firebombs and explosives at construction equipment preparing to demolish a shrine. The confrontation marks the latest escalation in an ongoing dispute over the fate of the shrine, known locally as a “hong jeh,” within the grounds of Wat Rong Bom temple.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367061-tense-confrontation-as-devotees-hurl-firebombs-at-excavators-during-temple-dispute/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug-Addled Man Sets Fire to Family Home in Sisaket
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 32-year-old man suffering from drug-induced psychosis deliberately set fire to his family home in Prue Kan Subdistrict, Khukhan District, Sisaket Province, after allegedly failing to get money from his parents. The house was completely destroyed, but nearby homes were saved thanks to swift action by local fire crews.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367062-drug-addled-man-sets-fire-to-family-home-in-sisaket/

 

[Georgealbert]

Final Suspect Arrested in Murder of Thai-Cambodian Tycoon ‘Sia Auan’ in Sa Kaeo

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Police have arrested the final suspect in the high-profile 2013 kidnapping and murder case of “Sia Auan”, a prominent Thai-Cambodian businessman. The suspect, Mr. Amnat “Buakhao” Changmuenwai 51, was apprehended in Nakhon Ratchasima after over a decade on the run.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367063-final-suspect-arrested-in-murder-of-thai-cambodian-tycoon-‘sia-auan’-in-sa-kaeo/

 

[Georgealbert]

Phayao: Man Drowns After Birthday Blessings, Body Found 200 Metres Downstream
 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A 64-year-old man drowned in a swollen river in Phayao province, just after performing a religious ceremony to mark his birthday. His body was discovered over two hours later, entangled in bamboo 200 metres downstream from where he fell.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367064-phayao-man-drowns-after-birthday-blessings-body-found-200-metres-downstream/

 

[Georgealbert]

Buriram Police Stage School Intruder Drill to Bolster Emergency Readiness

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Police in Lam Plai Mat district, Buriram province, have conducted an emergency response drill simulating a deranged man attacking a local school, as part of a proactive strategy to strengthen security in educational institutions.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367067-buriram-police-stage-school-intruder-drill-to-bolster-emergency-readiness/

 

[Georgealbert]

DSI Probes Alleged Illegal Runway Built Over Public Land at Private Airport

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched an investigation into a private airstrip allegedly constructed over public land in Khanong Phra Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The 1-kilometre runway is suspected of being built without official permission and in violation of public land use regulations.

 

Ful story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367068-dsi-probes-alleged-illegal-runway-built-over-public-land-at-private-airport/

 

[Georgealbert]

CCTV Captures Suspect Stealing Road Warning Light Batteries in Phayao
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Police in Phayao Province are pursuing a suspect caught on CCTV stealing four solar-powered batteries used to operate road warning lights at a highway construction site. The theft, which occurred on Highway 1202, has caused disruption to safety measures and prompted an active police investigation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367070-cctv-captures-suspect-stealing-road-warning-light-batteries-in-phayao/

 

[Georgealbert]

Dowry Rental Business Owner Defrauded of 5 Million Baht in Investment Scam
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 30-year-old businesswoman who runs a dowry rental service has filed a police complaint after being allegedly defrauded of 5 million baht in a scam involving a fake investment pitch to a so-called “capital investor.” The suspect reportedly paid a rental fee of 200,000 baht but then used the full sum to repay personal debts rather than for its stated purpose.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367073-dowry-rental-business-owner-defrauded-of-5-million-baht-in-investment-scam/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai Employers Blow Whistle on Extortion Ring Targeting Cambodian Migrant Workers
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thai employers have presented key evidence to authorities in an unfolding investigation into a large-scale extortion and money laundering scheme that allegedly preyed on Cambodian migrant workers attempting to renew their work permits in Thailand.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367074-thai-employers-blow-whistle-on-extortion-ring-targeting-cambodian-migrant-workers/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drunk Driver Kills Waste Collector in Nakhon Phanom Crash

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A municipal waste collector was killed in the early hours of the morning after being struck and crushed by a speeding pickup truck, allegedly driven under the influence of alcohol. The victim’s body was torn in two upon impact.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367075-drunk-driver-kills-waste-collector-in-nakhon-phanom-crash/

 

[Georgealbert]

Road Rage Incident in Chumphon Ends in Gunfire
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A heated road rage incident erupted into violence in central Chumphon on the afternoon of 17 July, resulting in one man being shot and the alleged gunman arrested shortly after a police manhunt.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367076-road-rage-incident-in-chumphon-ends-in-gunfire/

 

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Cannabis Clash: Small Businesses Fear Monopoly Under New Rules

 

A staff member arranges bongs at a cannabis shop after Thailand started banning the sale of cannabis to those without a prescription in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

A pro-cannabis group is urging the Ministry of Public Health to ditch a new regulation targeting medical cannabis use, fearing it could monopolise the industry in favour of big investors. The Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future network staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding the withdrawal of the draft set to take effect in November.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367078-cannabis-clash-small-businesses-fear-monopoly-under-new-rules/

 

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Pattaya Police's Heroic Bike Push Thrills Stranded Tourists

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

In a tale of quick thinking and heartwarming action, two Russian tourists in Pattaya found an unexpected saviour in the form of local police officers who used their boots to push a broken-down bike through bustling traffic.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367081-pattaya-polices-heroic-bike-push-thrills-stranded-tourists/

 

[Georgealbert]

Suvarnabhumi Airport Conducts Full-Scale Emergency Drill
 

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) has conducted a full-scale emergency exercise as part of its 2025 fiscal year preparedness plan. The drill, codenamed SEMEX–25, aimed to test the airport’s readiness to respond to high-risk incidents in accordance with global safety standards.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367095-suvarnabhumi-airport-conducts-full-scale-emergency-drill/