THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 31 July 2025

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At least 10 people killed in fireworks explosion in Suphan Buri

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A powerful explosion from a firework blast shook a residential area in Suphan Buri province late morning on 30 July, causing widespread panic and injuring several residents. The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 in Ban Pho Thasai, Ban Pho Subdistrict, Mueang District.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368240-firework-explosion-rocks-suphan-buri-multiple-injuries-reported/

 

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Foreign Tourists in Pattaya Feel "Short-Changed" Amid Local Deals

 

Photo courtesy of Thailand tourism

 

As Pattaya boosts domestic tourism with exclusive deals for Thai nationals, foreign visitors express frustration over perceived unfair pricing. Government-backed discounts and co-pay perks are attracting local travellers, but expats and tourists are asking why they face higher charges for similar experiences, from hotel stays to national park entries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368260-foreign-tourists-in-pattaya-feel-short-changed-amid-local-deals/

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Thailand’s Health Minister Faces Corruption Petition Over Cannabis Rules

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network has called for an official investigation into the new cannabis regulations issued by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. This appeal, filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on Tuesday, accuses Somsak and others of prioritising investor interests over the needs of local, small-scale growers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368259-thailand’s-health-minister-faces-corruption-petition-over-cannabis-rules/

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CAAT Considers Raising Airport Service Charge by October

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a bid to enhance airport operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is anticipating a decision on increased Passenger Service Charges (PSC) by October. A significant hike could potentially add three billion baht to Airports of Thailand's (AOT) annual revenue.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368264-caat-considers-raising-airport-service-charge-by-october/

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Supreme Court Verdict on Thaksin’s Hospital Stay Set for September 9

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

The Supreme Court has set September 9 to deliver its verdict on whether ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra avoided prison by getting cushy treatment at the Police General Hospital instead of serving time behind bars. This high-profile case has captured national attention, as questions swirl around the legality of his hospital stay.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368299-supreme-court-verdict-on-thaksin’s-hospital-stay-set-for-september-9/

 

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Thailand's Gripen Fighters Make Combat Debut in Cambodia Clash

 

YAS 39. File photo courtesy of โดย Tuomo Salonen / SIMFinnish Aviation Museum - commons file, CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Thailand's Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has marked a historic moment by deploying JAS 39C/D Gripen fighter jets in actual combat for the first time. On July 26, these Swedish-built warplanes saw action against Cambodian artillery targeting Thai positions amid a tense border dispute.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368300-thailands-gripen-fighters-make-combat-debut-in-cambodia-clash/

 

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Chuwit Reveals Thai Businessman Behind Times Square #TruthFromThailand Display

 

Picture courtesy of SIam Rath

 

Former politician Chuwit Kamolvisit has unveiled the identity of the Thai individual behind the #TruthFromThailand display in Times Square.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368302-chuwit-reveals-thai-businessman-behind-times-square-truthfromthailand-display/

 

[Georgealbert]

Government Official Caught Using State Vehicle to Deliver Meth
 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A 29-year-old civil servant has been arrested in Chonburi province after being caught using a government-issued vehicle to deliver methamphetamine, allegedly to finance his online gambling addiction. The suspect, whose name has been withheld, serves as a disaster prevention and mitigation officer at a local municipal office.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368301-government-official-caught-using-state-vehicle-to-deliver-meth/

 

[Georgealbert]

Aussie with a Thai Heart Donates Rice to Soldiers at Sakon Nakhon Border Relief Centre

 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

 

An Australian man and his Thai wife won the hearts of locals on 29 July as they arrived to donate bags of rice and essential supplies to soldiers deployed along Thailand’s border, amid ongoing tensions.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368303-aussie-with-a-thai-heart-donates-rice-to-soldiers-at-sakon-nakhon-border-relief-centre/

 

[Georgealbert]

Fire Guts Bicycle Shop in Nakhon Ratchasima – Owners Rescued from Upper Floor
 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

 

A large fire broke out in the early hours of the morning of 30 July, at one of the biggest bicycle sales and repair centres in Chor Hor subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima, causing extensive damage and prompting a dramatic rescue operation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368304-fire-guts-bicycle-shop-in-nakhon-ratchasima-–-owners-rescued-from-upper-floor/

 

[Georgealbert]

Bomb Attack in Narathiwat Injures Six Police Officers and One Civilian
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A roadside bomb exploded on the morning of 30 July, in Narathiwat province, injuring six police officers and a local resident. The incident occurred at approximately 08:00 in the village of Jue Rae, Moo 9, Sako Subdistrict, in the troubled Sungai Padi District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368306-bomb-attack-in-narathiwat-injures-six-police-officers-and-one-civilian/

 

[Georgealbert]

Landslide Crashes into Police Vehicle During Heavy Rain in Chiang Rai
 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews

 

A police patrol vehicle was damaged by a sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai, with officers narrowly escaping injury by leaping to safety.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368307-landslide-crashes-into-police-vehicle-during-heavy-rain-in-chiang-rai/

 

[Georgealbert]

Six Kuwaiti Nationals Arrested for Reckless Motorbike Riding in Najomtien
 

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News.

 

Police in Najomtien have arrested six foreign nationals for dangerous late-night motorbike riding along Sukhumvit Road near the Nong Chub Tao intersection. All six individuals were found to be Kuwaiti citizens, none of whom were able to produce valid driving licences or vehicle documentation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368309-six-kuwaiti-nationals-arrested-for-reckless-motorbike-riding-in-najomtien/

 

[Georgealbert]

Government Unveils Three-Phase Plan to Tackle Illegal Cigarette Crisis
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

The government has launched a comprehensive three-phase crackdown on illegal cigarettes, aiming to curb a crisis that has caused the country to lose more than 25 billion baht annually in tax revenue. Authorities say the surge in illicit cigarette consumption is a direct consequence of recent enforcement campaigns against e-cigarettes.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368310-government-unveils-three-phase-plan-to-tackle-illegal-cigarette-crisis/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug Dealer Caught at Party in Ayutthaya – Attempts to Bribe Officials with 200,000 Baht
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A suspected methamphetamine dealer was arrested in the middle of a drinking party in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province after allegedly trying to sell drugs to undercover officers, then attempting to bribe them with 200,000 baht in cash in exchange for his release.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368311-drug-dealer-caught-at-party-in-ayutthaya-–-attempts-to-bribe-officials-with-200000-baht/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Dismantle ‘Mule Account’ Network Attempting Cross-Border Escape
 

Picture courtesy of  Kaoded.

 

Police in Chiang Saen district have arrested four individuals suspected of operating as part of a “mule account” syndicate, following a targeted investigation into cross-border financial crimes in northern Thailand. The arrests were made just as the group was preparing to board a ferry to cross into Laos.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368313-police-dismantle-‘mule-account’-network-attempting-cross-border-escape/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Raid Illegal Gambling Den in Sa Kaeo, Arrest 12 Thai and Cambodian Nationals
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Police have raided an illegal gambling den near the Cambodian border in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo, arresting 12 individuals, including nine Thai nationals and three Cambodians, for participating in unlawful gambling activities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368314-police-raid-illegal-gambling-den-in-sa-kaeo-arrest-12-thai-and-cambodian-nationals/

 

[Georgealbert]

Bitter Row Between 88-Year-Old Businessman & Ex-Wife Sparks Police Intervention
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A heated altercation between an 88-year-old well-known tailor and his former wife escalated into a dramatic street confrontation in Nonthaburi, prompting a police response and sparking a potential legal battle.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368316-bitter-row-between-88-year-old-businessman-ex-wife-sparks-police-intervention/

 

[Georgealbert]

Civil Aviation Authority Bans All Drone Flights Nationwide Until 15 August

 

File picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued an urgent nationwide ban on all drone flights, effective immediately until 15 August 2025, in response to tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368317-civil-aviation-authority-bans-all-drone-flights-nationwide-until-15-august/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pattaya Police Triumph in Regional Training Competition

 

Picture courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา

 

Pattaya City Police Station has been awarded first place in the prestigious annual regional police training competition, securing top honours in two key categories: Unarmed Drills and Urban Tactical Operations.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368318-pattaya-police-triumph-in-regional-training-competition/

 

[Georgealbert]

Bangkok Police Meet with AFP to Discuss Australian Study Visit Scheme
 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

 

Senior officers from Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 9 met last week with representatives from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to discuss an ongoing exchange programme aimed at improving police station management systems and community engagement.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368319-bangkok-police-meet-with-afp-to-discuss-australian-study-visit-scheme/

 

[Georgealbert]

18 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Chiang Mai for Running Fraudulent Call Centre

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Eighteen foreign nationals, 12 Chinese and 6 Myanmar citizens, have been arrested in Chiang Mai after police raided a pool villa being used as a base for a sophisticated call centre scam targeting Chinese nationals.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368320-18-foreign-nationals-arrested-in-chiang-mai-for-running-fraudulent-call-centre/

 

[Georgealbert]

Armed Man Arrested After Firing Shotgun at Village Head’s Car & Police Drone in Rayong
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 45-year-old man has been arrested in Rayong province after going on a shooting spree with a shotgun, firing multiple rounds at a local village headman’s car and even taking aim at a police drone. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368322-armed-man-arrested-after-firing-shotgun-at-village-head’s-car-police-drone-in-rayong/

 

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Thai Workers Flock Back to Cambodia Despite Border Tensions

 

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Nearly 200 Thai nationals are eager to return to work in Cambodia, despite recent border clashes. The jobs, often linked to call-centre fraud, online gambling scams, and casinos, are drawing workers back as tensions ease.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368323-thai-workers-flock-back-to-cambodia-despite-border-tensions/

 

[Georgealbert]

Chinese National Arrested in Bangkok Condo for Producing Drug-Laced Vape Products
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Police from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) have raided a condominium in the Rama III area, uncovering a large-scale illegal operation producing vape cartridges (commonly known as “Pod K”) laced with illicit substances. A Chinese national was arrested at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368324-chinese-national-arrested-in-bangkok-condo-for-producing-drug-laced-vape-products/

 

[Georgealbert]

DSI Indicts International Scam Network Behind Fake E-Commerce Sites

 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath

 

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has formally charged members of an international scam network responsible for defrauding victims through fake e-commerce websites, causing economic damage exceeding 2 billion baht and affecting individuals across 24 countries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368325-dsi-indicts-international-scam-network-behind-fake-e-commerce-sites/

 

[Georgealbert]

Thailand and Cambodia Reaffirm Ceasefire Following China-Brokered Talks in Shanghai

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Thailand and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to a fragile ceasefire following days of border clashes, after China hosted diplomatic talks in Shanghai aimed at easing tensions.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368327-thailand-and-cambodia-reaffirm-ceasefire-following-china-brokered-talks-in-shanghai/

 

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Killed Instantly After Crashing Car While Fleeing Police in Kanchanaburi
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 25-year-old man was killed instantly after his car slammed into a utility pole and split apart while fleeing a police checkpoint in Kanchanaburi late night on 30 July,

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368328-man-killed-instantly-after-crashing-car-while-fleeing-police-in-kanchanaburi/

 

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Ceasefire Fails to Reassure Foreign Tourists Amid Thai Border Violence

 

Thai residents who fled homes following the clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers rest at an evacuation centre in Surin province, Thailand, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Thailand’s tourism sector faces turmoil as border clashes with Cambodia continue to escalate. Despite a ceasefire agreement on Sunday, the Royal Thai Army reported further attacks in contested areas as recently as Wednesday, putting the travel plans of foreign tourists at risk.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368330-ceasefire-fails-to-reassure-foreign-tourists-amid-thai-border-violence/

 

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Senator’s Credentials Questioned in ‘Fake Professor’ Scandal

 

Senator Keskamol Pleansamai. File photo

 

The Supreme Court is set to begin hearing a high-profile case against Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, accused of deceiving voters by claiming an unearned professorship. The Election Commission (EC) initiated the case, alleging that Keskamol misled the public during last year's Senate elections, a move that may have swayed the outcome in her favour.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368338-senator’s-credentials-questioned-in-‘fake-professor’-scandal/