Early Morning Fire Guts Bangkok Spa in Siam Square
 

Pictures courtesy if Amarin

 

An early morning fire tore through a spa in Bangkok’s busy Siam Square shopping district on 18 July, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and causing significant damage to a four-storey commercial building.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367098-early-morning-fire-guts-bangkok-spa-in-siam-square/

 

UPDATE:

 

Outrage in Phuket: Dog Buried Alive, French Owner Claims It Was a Tragic Error

 

Picture  via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

A Frenchman residing in Phuket has come under fire after claiming he mistakenly buried his Siberian Husky alive, believing it to be dead. This shocking incident was witnessed by a foreign woman neighbour who reported the distressing scene online, causing a social media uproar.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366943-foreigner-buries-dog-alive-in-shocking-phuket-incident/page/5/#findComment-19953020

 

Chinese and South Korean Nationals Arrested in Pattaya in Transnational Crime Crackdown
 

Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Immigration authorities have arrested two foreign nationals wanted in connection with serious international crimes, as part of a crackdown on transnational criminal activity Pattaya city.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367100-chinese-and-south-korean-nationals-arrested-in-pattaya-in-transnational-crime-crackdown/

 

UPDATE

 

Police Search for Woman in Pattaya Deaths

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Police are experiencing dramatic developments as they search for a mysterious woman connected to the death of a Swedish man. Mr. Mika Huotari, 38, was tragically discovered lifeless in a bathtub at a Pattaya condominium. Shockingly, hours earlier, another foreigner, Mr. Michael Shane, 54, from Australia, was found dead in the same building.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367047-swede-aussie-found-dead-hours-apart-in-same-pattaya-condo/#findComment-19953171

 

Boob Dispute: Indian Tourists Call Cops on Pattaya Bar Girl

 

Photo via Facebook/ สยามชล นิวส์

 

In an unusual turn of events, police in Pattaya were summoned to a hotel in the Bang Lamung district after three Indian tourists accused a Thai bar girl of misleading them regarding her appearance and physique.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367121-boob-dispute-indian-tourists-call-cops-on-pattaya-bar-girl/

 

Pattaya Drama: Cash Snatch Allegation Lands Indian Tourist in Jail

 

Picture courtesy of Pond5

 

In the early hours of July 18, a dramatic turn of events unfolded on Pattaya's famous Walking Street. A 27-year-old ladyboy woman reported to the Pattaya City Police Station, claiming an Indian tourist stole her money following a night out.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367124-pattaya-drama-cash-snatch-allegation-lands-tourist-in-jail/

 

Thailand’s Tourism Record: 2025 Sees Surging Traveller Numbers

 

Photo of Koh Tao courtesy of Travel Gay

 

Thailand is setting tourism records again in 2025, with Chinese, Malaysian, and South Korean tourists leading the charge. New data from Agoda reveals that Thailand remains a top draw for visitors in the region, with Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket as the most popular stops.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367125-thailand’s-tourism-record-2025-sees-surging-traveller-numbers/

 

Bangkok Crowned Top Destination for Digital Nomads in 2025

 

Picture courtesy of Bookaway

 

In a global survey conducted by HotelWithTub, Bangkok has emerged as the top destination for digital nomads in 2025, edging out over 1,300 other cities. Praised for its cost-effective living, reliable internet, and vibrant lifestyle, Thailand’s capital scored an impressive 91 out of 100 in key categories, affirming its status as an ideal hub for remote workers.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367126-bangkok-crowned-top-destination-for-digital-nomads-in-2025/

 

SCB Braces for Economic Storm, Plans Digital Expansion

 

Picture courtesy of MindInventory

 

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is preparing for a turbulent financial period, scaling back operations over the next 12 to 18 months as Thailand’s economy faces significant challenges.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367128-scb-braces-for-economic-storm-plans-digital-expansion/

 

Thai Electricity Bills to Remain High Despite Lower Fuel Costs

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand’s electricity bills are set to stay high throughout the year, despite decreasing fuel costs, lower demand, and a stronger baht. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has decided to maintain the power tariff at 3.98 baht per unit, disregarding opportunities to reduce costs.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367130-thai-electricity-bills-to-remain-high-despite-lower-fuel-costs/

 

Retired Aussie Officer Loses 40 Million Baht in Phuket Crypto Scam

 

Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

A retired Australian police officer, Michael “Tom” Reinecke, hoping for peaceful retirement days in Thailand, now finds himself nearly penniless. He fell victim to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam orchestrated by a German expat, known only as "Alex," in Phuket.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367131-retired-aussie-officer-loses-40-million-baht-in-phuket-crypto-scam/

 

Thaksin Unveils Vision to Transform Thailand into ASEAN Powerhouse

 

Photo courtesy of Billet de France

 

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to the public sphere with a grand plan to position Thailand as a leader in aviation, electric vehicles, and green energy. Describing this as a "golden opportunity" for national transformation, Thaksin outlined strategies that could redefine the country's economic landscape.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367133-thaksin-unveils-vision-to-transform-thailand-into-asean-powerhouse/

 

Bangkok Assault: Woman Challenges Police Inaction After 7-Eleven Attack

 

Screenshots from @lizzismommyy TikTok video

 

In the bustling streets of Bangkok, a routine late-night trip for milk turned traumatic for one resident of the Fortune Condo Narathiwas, sparking widespread anger online. The woman, whose encounter with an aggressive stranger at a local 7-Eleven has captured public attention, is now challenging the police’s handling of the incident.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367134-bangkok-assault-woman-challenges-police-inaction-after-7-eleven-attack/

 

Thailand Eyes Competitive Tariffs After Promising U.S. Trade Talks

 

Photo courtesy of TNA

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is riding a wave of optimism following productive negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Pichai announced that Thailand could soon benefit from a U.S. customs duty rate near 20% for Thai products, aligning with regional peers.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367136-thailand-eyes-competitive-tariffs-after-promising-us-trade-talks/

 

PPRP Questions Thai-US Trade Deal Over Naval Base Access

 

Photo via Talk News Online

 

A political storm brews as MPs from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) accuse the Thai government of secretly planning a deal with the United States, exchanging the use of a naval base for tariff reductions. This accusation comes amidst heightened scrutiny over Thailand’s trade negotiations with the US.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367137-pprp-questions-thai-us-trade-deal-over-naval-base-access/

 

Transnational Crime Sting: Pattaya Raids Capture Chinese and Korean Fugitives

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

In a sweeping crackdown on transnational crime in Pattaya, Thai immigration police have arrested two foreign fugitives, revealing a web of international criminal activity. Commissioner Panumas Boonyalak led the operations, which resulted in separate dramatic takedowns this week.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367138-transnational-crime-sting-pattaya-raids-capture-chinese-and-korean-fugitives/

 

UPDATE
 

Phuket Fury: Frenchman Accused of Burying Dog Alive

 

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

A Frenchman in Phuket faces backlash after being accused of attempting to bury his Siberian Husky alive. The incident has sparked an online outcry as local and international communities rally for animal welfare.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1366943-foreigner-buries-dog-alive-in-shocking-phuket-incident/page/6/#findComment-19954503

 

Soi Yen Sabai Mayhem: Police Tackle Youthful Brawls

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

Late-night pandemonium erupted on Soi Yen Sabai in Pattaya this week, igniting local frustration and prompting a decisive police crackdown. The commotion stemmed from clashes between two groups of Middle Eastern youths on 16th July, coinciding with the summer influx of Kuwaiti students.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367140-soi-yen-sabai-mayhem-police-tackle-youthful-brawls/

 

Thai Senate Election Scandal: 229 Accused of Vote-Rigging

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

An investigative panel has recommended prosecuting 229 individuals, including Bhumjaithai Party executives, for alleged widespread vote-rigging during Thailand’s Senate election last year. The Election Commission (EC) must now consider these recommendations and may approach the Constitutional Court to potentially dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367141-thai-senate-election-scandal-229-accused-of-vote-rigging/

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Vows to Restore Faith in Thai Buddhism

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Facebook

 

Thailand is grappling with a series of monk scandals that have shaken the nation's trust in Buddhism. In response, Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a major initiative to restore the religion’s tarnished image.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367142-paetongtarn-shinawatra-vows-to-restore-faith-in-thai-buddhism/

 

Rayong Shock: Father Found Dead Surrounded by Beer Bottles

 

Photo via Facebook/ ท่านเปา

 

In a tragic discovery in Rayong's Ban Chang district, Thai man Thaweesak Namwongsa was found dead among more than 100 empty beer bottles in his bedroom. The 44-year-old, reportedly overwhelmed by personal stress, had turned to heavy drinking in the weeks leading up to his death.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367143-rayong-shock-father-found-dead-surrounded-by-beer-bottles/

 

Phuket Sees Surge in European Off-Peak Travel, Revenue Set to Soar

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Phuket is witnessing a remarkable shift in tourism dynamics as European visitors increasingly choose the island for off-season travel. The Phuket Tourist Association anticipates this change could augment tourism revenue by over 40 billion baht (approximately £900 million) this year, reflecting a significant 10% growth.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367144-phuket-sees-surge-in-european-off-peak-travel-revenue-set-to-soar/

 

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Saturday 19 July 2025 
https://aseannow.com/topic/1367123-thailand-live-saturday-19-july-2025/