THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 July 2025

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Welshman Heads Home After Medical Emergency in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of Yahoo

 

A Welsh holidaymaker's trip to Bangkok turned into a life-threatening ordeal, but thanks to a community’s generosity, he's now safely back home.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367488-welshman-heads-home-after-medical-emergency-in-thailand/

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Vitai Ratanakorn Announced as Thailand's New Central Bank Governor

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

In a critical move for Thailand's economy, Vitai Ratanakorn, a seasoned banking executive, has been approved by the cabinet to become the new governor of the Bank of Thailand. The decision, announced on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting, now awaits royal assent. If confirmed, 54-year-old Vitai will assume his new role on 1st October, inheriting a five-year term amidst significant economic challenges.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367493-vitai-ratanakorn-announced-as-thailands-new-central-bank-governor/

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Bangkok Delivery Rider Caught with Trump-Impressed Ecstasy

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a striking incident in Bangkok, a 35-year-old delivery rider was apprehended on July 21 on Lat Phrao Road, carrying ecstasy pills embossed with former US President Donald Trump's likeness. The arrest unfolded during a routine traffic and crime suppression operation, spearheaded by Police Colonel Prontwee Somwong and his team from Chok Chai traffic police.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367491-bangkok-delivery-rider-caught-with-trump-impressed-ecstasy/

 

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Thailand Aims for Top 10 in Global Tourism Revenue by 2026

 

Photo courtesy of Daily Express

 

In a bold move to reshape its tourism sector, Thailand has set its sights on earning a colossal 2.8 trillion Thai Baht in revenue by 2026, aspiring to join the global top ten for tourism income. This strategy, revealed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), aims to increase spending per visitor rather than merely counting their numbers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367486-thailand-aims-for-top-10-in-global-tourism-revenue-by-2026/

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Thailand Rejects 0% Tax Deal with US, Cites Risk to Local Farmers

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thailand has decisively rejected a 0% tax agreement with the US, citing significant potential impacts on its agriculture sector. The government is instead launching a 200 billion baht (£4.5 billion) soft loan scheme to support private sectors and farmers. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira made his position clear amidst rising pressure.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367528-thailand-rejects-0-tax-deal-with-us-cites-risk-to-local-farmers/

 

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Thai Military Court's Verdict on Cadet's Death Sparks Outrage

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

The Supreme Military Court has delivered its final verdict on the tragic 2017 death of army cadet Phakaphong "Mei" Tanyakan. Two senior cadets were found guilty of assaulting him, resulting in fines of 15,000 baht (approx. £354) each and suspended sentences of four months and 16 days. The sentences are suspended for two years, allowing them to continue their military careers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367529-thai-military-courts-verdict-on-cadets-death-sparks-outrage/

 

[Georgealbert]

Jealous Wife Shoots Husband Dead in Bed, Then Takes Own Life

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

A murder-suicide unfolded in the early hours of the morning after a jealous wife fatally shot her husband at their home in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, before driving to a nearby canal and taking her own life.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367531-jealous-wife-shoots-husband-dead-in-bed-then-takes-own-life/

 

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Duty-Free Giant King Power Closes Shops in Bangkok and Pattaya

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

King Power is closing three downtown shops in Bangkok and Pattaya, cutting costs as group tour revenues dwindle. The voluntary redundancy scheme aims to right-size operations for a smoother future, says CEO Nitinai Sirismatthakarn.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367532-duty-free-giant-king-power-closes-shops-in-bangkok-and-pattaya/

[Georgealbert]

Suspected Myanmar Drone Crashes in Tak
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna.

 

A suspected drone believed to belong to the Myanmar military crashed inside Thai territory in the morning of 21 July, prompting Thai authorities to declare a danger zone in the affected area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367533-suspected-myanmar-drone-crashes-in-tak/

 

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Thailand Bets on Medical Tourism to Revive Economy

 

Bumrungrad International Hospital | File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Thailand is diving into medical and wellness tourism to tackle slow economic growth amid global uncertainties. With a focus on medical tourism, manufacturing, and eldercare, the nation aims to boost its economy, according to Messe Düsseldorf Asia, a global trade organiser.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367535-thailand-bets-on-medical-tourism-to-revive-economy/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai Comedian Thongthong Mokjok Involved in Road Crash in Ayutthaya
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Popular Thai comedian Thongthong Mokjok (real name: Khatchathep Iamsiri), 54, was involved in a road crash in the early hours of morning of 22 July, when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle at a junction in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, leaving the 19-year-old rider critically injured.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367534-thai-comedian-thongthong-mokjok-involved-in-road-crash-in-ayutthaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

University Lecturer Arrested in Khon Kaen Crystal Meth Sting Operation
 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A respected academic from a well-known university in Khon Kaen has been arrested in a police sting operation after being caught attempting to sell crystal methamphetamine. The arrest has reignited public scrutiny due to his connection with a previous scandal involving the drug-related death of a male companion in early 2024.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367536-university-lecturer-arrested-in-khon-kaen-crystal-meth-sting-operation/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Lao Nationals Caught Smuggling 8,000 Bottles of Unlicensed Cough Syrup at Border
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Authorities at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II border checkpoint in Mukdahan province have arrested two Lao men attempting to smuggle 8,000 bottles of unlicensed cough syrup out of Thailand. The syrup, which lacked approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was concealed in a pickup truck headed for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367537-two-lao-nationals-caught-smuggling-8000-bottles-of-unlicensed-cough-syrup-at-border/

 

[Georgealbert]

Boy Rescued After Becoming Trapped in Playground Ride in Buriram
 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

 

A young schoolboy was rescued after becoming trapped in a playground ride at a primary school in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province, during the school’s lunchtime break.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367538-boy-rescued-after-becoming-trapped-in-playground-ride-in-buriram/

 

[Georgealbert]

Cyber Police Launch ‘Cyber C.A.T.’ Campaign to 3,000 Chiang Mai Students on Online Scams
 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In a proactive move to protect students from the growing threat of cybercrime, the commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Region 4 (CCIB 4), Police Major General Kritach Bunrungrattanayot, launched the Cyber C.A.T. (Cyber Children Assistant Team)programme at Dara Academy in Chiang Mai on 21 July.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367539-cyber-police-launch-‘cyber-cat’-campaign-to-3000-chiang-mai-students-on-online-scams/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pattaya Authorities Launch Drug Crackdown – Two Dealers Arrested, 16 Test Positive
 

Picture courtesy of TMN

 

An anti-drug operation in Pattaya has resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and 16 individuals who tested positive for illegal substances, as authorities ramp up efforts to create drug-free communities under the Ministry of Interior’s “No Drugs, No Dealers” policy.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367540-pattaya-authorities-launch-drug-crackdown-–-two-dealers-arrested-16-test-positive/

 

[Georgealbert]

Irrigation Department Races to Clear 20,000 Tonnes of Water Hyacinth from Chao Phraya River
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The Royal Irrigation Department is urgently clearing more than 20,000 tonnes of water hyacinth and aquatic weeds from upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam in anticipation of an incoming surge of floodwater. The operation aims to ensure unobstructed water flow and prevent downstream flooding as water levels in the Chao Phraya basin continue to rise.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367541-irrigation-department-races-to-clear-20000-tonnes-of-water-hyacinth-from-chao-phraya-river/

 

[Georgealbert]

Four Chinese Nationals Arrested After Trekking from Guizhou to Illegally Enter Thailand
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A joint security operation between military and police forces has resulted in the arrest of four Chinese nationals who illegally entered Thailand after trekking for hundreds of kilometres from Guizhou Province in China, passing through Laos and aiming to cross into Myanmar.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367542-four-chinese-nationals-arrested-after-trekking-from-guizhou-to-illegally-enter-thailand/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fugitive Arrested After 10 Years for Role in Murder of Rubberwood Tycoon
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Police have arrested a man wanted for his role in the brutal murder of a rubberwood businessman over a decade ago, following a tip-off that led authorities to a house in Hat Yai, Songkhla province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367543-fugitive-arrested-after-10-years-for-role-in-murder-of-rubberwood-tycoon/

 

[Georgealbert]

Two Construction Workers Electrocuted While Building Flood Barrier in Pathum Thani
 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

 

Two construction workers have died after being electrocuted while working on a flood barrier in front of a temple in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367544-two-construction-workers-electrocuted-while-building-flood-barrier-in-pathum-thani/

 

[Georgealbert]

Rescue for Two Dogs Found with Chains Embedded in Their Necks in Lampang
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Two severely injured dogs were rescued in Lampang Province after images of them with deep neck wounds caused by tight chains went viral on social media, prompting swift action from animal welfare groups and local volunteers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367546-rescue-for-two-dogs-found-with-chains-embedded-in-their-necks-in-lampang/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thief Stabs Himself After Crashing Stolen Motorcycle During Getaway in Rayong

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

An attempted motorcycle theft in Rayong ended in disaster for the would-be thief, who accidentally stabbed himself in the stomach after crashing the stolen vehicle during his escape.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367548-thief-stabs-himself-after-crashing-stolen-motorcycle-during-getaway-in-rayong/

 

[Georgealbert]

Elephant Left with Broken Tusk After Territorial Fight in Khao Yai National Park
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A wild bull elephant known as Plai Duan has been left visibly distressed after sustaining a serious injury during a clash with another male elephant, Plai Biang Lek, in the forests near Khao Yai National Park. The confrontation resulted in Plai Duan’s left tusk being completely broken off.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367550-elephant-left-with-broken-tusk-after-territorial-fight-in-khao-yai-national-park/

 

[Georgealbert]

Forest Department Probes Influencer Police Officer’s Resort for Encroachment
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into a luxury riverside resort owned by former police officer-turned-social media influencer, Pol. Sgt. Yutthaphon Srisompong, widely known as “Johnny the Enforcer”, for alleged forest land encroachment in the Lam Dom Noi self-reliant community zone.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367552-forest-department-probes-influencer-police-officer’s-resort-for-encroachment/

 

[Georgealbert]

Raid on Chinese-Backed Warehouse Uncovers Dangerous Household Chemicals & Illegal Cosmetics

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have raided a warehouse in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district, uncovering more than 400,000 items of illegal household chemicals and unregistered cosmetics, valued at over 20 million baht. The operation is believed to be linked to a Chinese business network distributing hazardous goods via online platforms.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367553-raid-on-chinese-backed-warehouse-uncovers-dangerous-household-chemicals-illegal-cosmetics/

 

[Georgealbert]

Child Dies After Being Accidentally Run Over by Father’s Pickup Truck
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An incident in Buri Ram province has left a one-year-old girl dead and her family devastated after she was run over by her father’s pickup truck.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367555-child-dies-after-being-accidentally-run-over-by-father’s-pickup-truck/

 

[Georgealbert]

Jealous Village Chief Guns Down Wife & In-Law in Shooting Spree – 3 Dead, 2 Injured
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A village chief is on the run after carrying out a horrific shooting rampage that left three people dead and two others seriously injured in what police believe was a jealous rage over his wife.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367556-jealous-village-chief-guns-down-wife-in-law-in-shooting-spree-–-3-dead-2-injured/

 

[Georgealbert]

Car Crash at Pattaya Junction Injures Two as Vehicle Ploughs into Som Tam Stall
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A road crash occurred early evening on 22 July, in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, when a car crossing a junction was struck by a delivery pickup truck and then veered off course, crashing into a roadside som tam stall and injuring two people.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367557-car-crash-at-pattaya-junction-injures-two-as-vehicle-ploughs-into-som-tam-stall/

 

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British Embassy Alerts Pattaya Expats to Growing Risks

 

Pattaya | File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The British Embassy has issued a stern warning to Brits residing in Pattaya, highlighting a worrying rise in consular emergencies. At a reception held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, the consul for consular affairs, addressed British expats and Thai officials, stating that UK nationals facing distress are increasing rapidly.

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367526-british-embassy-alerts-pattaya-expats-to-growing-risks/