THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 15 August 2025

[webfact]

Price Wars Unhealthy for Restaurants, Experts Warn

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The ongoing price war in the restaurant industry has sparked concerns among experts and business leaders, who argue that it is not a sustainable approach for long-term growth. The Restaurant Association and marketing experts emphasise the need for strategic thinking amid intense competition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369727-price-wars-unhealthy-for-restaurants-experts-warn/

[webfact]

Plodprasop’s Plan: Buy Cambodian Landmines to Clear Danger

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

In a troubling situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, five Thai soldiers have lost a leg each after stepping on landmines between 16th July and today, 14th August. Amidst calls for urgent action, former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has launched an unconventional campaign aimed at addressing these tragic incidents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369731-campaign-launched-for-thai-soldiers-after-mine-injuries/

[webfact]

Russian Fugitive Arrested in Phuket for Illegal Firearms

 

Photo via Facebook/Phuketandamannews

 

In a dramatic turn of events, police in Phuket apprehended a Russian national today, after he fled arrest in Bangkok. The 27-year-old, whose name remains undisclosed, was wanted on charges related to illegal firearm possession.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369732-russian-fugitive-arrested-in-phuket-for-illegal-firearms/

[webfact]

Navy’s New Submarine to be 'Completed Within the Next 3 Years'

 

Picture coutresy of Thairath

 

In a significant development for the Royal Thai Navy, the Cabinet has approved the use of Chinese-manufactured engines for its new submarine project. This decision marks a pivotal shift from the original plan, which included German-made engines. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, commander of the Royal Thai Navy, announced that the submarine is expected to be completed within the next three years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369728-thai-navy’s-new-submarine-to-use-chinese-engines/

[webfact]

Thaksin Moves to Shield Daughter from Impeachment

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In an unprecedented political showdown, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly using his considerable influence and resources to protect his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from an impending impeachment. The Constitutional Court could potentially remove the court-suspended Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn, later this month.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369774-thaksin-moves-to-shield-daughter-from-impeachment/

 

[webfact]

Baht Boost: Thai Currency Set to Soar as Dollar Dips

 

File photo

 

Analysts predict that the Thai baht will soon test 32 against the US dollar, with even stronger gains due to a weakening greenback. The US Federal Reserve faces mounting pressure to cut interest rates in September, creating a favourable environment for the baht's rise. Following Thailand’s 25 basis points policy rate cut, the baht hovered between 32.24 and 32.26 to the dollar on Thursday, after wrapping up at 32.31 on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369775-baht-boost-thai-currency-set-to-soar-as-dollar-dips/

 

[webfact]

Thailand Losing Tourist Edge to Vietnam and South Korea

 

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Thailand's once-thriving tourism industry is experiencing a significant slowdown due to intense competition from Vietnam and South Korea. Industry executives have flagged ineffective domestic subsidy schemes and unfavourable safety perceptions as additional hurdles to growth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369776-thailand-losing-tourist-edge-to-vietnam-and-south-korea/

 

[webfact]

From Fame to Infamy: ‘Johnny the Enforcer’ Faces Land Fraud Heat

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

THAILAND - The northeast has been rocked by a high-profile arrest, as 'Johnny the Enforcer', a policeman with a massive online following, finds himself embroiled in controversy. He, along with his wife and three associates, faces accusations of building a hotel on land intended for struggling farmers in Ubon Ratchathani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369777-from-fame-to-infamy-‘johnny-the-enforcer’-faces-land-fraud-heat/

 

[webfact]

Thai Army Keeps Border Checkpoints with Cambodia Closed

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

The Thai army is holding its position and keeping border checkpoints with Cambodia closed. Commanding the Second Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang stated today that Thai troops will remain at the 11 strategic locations they seized during recent clashes with Cambodian forces from July 24 to 28. Key sites under Thai control include Phu Makua, the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, and Preah Vihear.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1369778-thai-army-keeps-border-checkpoints-with-cambodia-closed/

 

[Georgealbert]

British Rider Wheelies into Woman, Prompting Vigilante Attack

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Rescue

 

Pattaya police are investigating a late-night road collision involving a British man on an electric off road bike who allegedly caused injury to a local woman before being assaulted by angry bystanders.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1369779-british-rider-wheelies-into-woman-prompting-vigilante-attack/

 

[Georgealbert]

Armed ‘Rider’ Robs Gold Shop of Over 60 Baht in Gold
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Police are hunting a gunman who, dressed as a delivery rider, stormed a gold shop in a Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, shopping mall on the afternoon of 14 August and made off with more than 60 baht-weight of gold.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1369780-armed-‘rider’-robs-gold-shop-of-over-60-baht-in-gold/