Crucial Verdict Day for Thaksin: Lèse-Majesté Case Looms

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's ex-Prime Minister, is facing a landmark verdict today in connection with a high-profile lèse-majesté case. Involving charges under Section 112 of the Thai Penal Code, the case has stirred national and international interest, particularly as the verdict date coincides with the second anniversary of Thaksin's return to Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370562-crucial-verdict-day-for-thaksin-lèse-majesté-case-looms/

 

Armed Chinese Men Hold Woman Hostage in Pattaya Home

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

Police in Pattaya are hunting two Chinese men after a Thai woman was allegedly bound, threatened at gunpoint and held captive in her home in the early hours of the morning.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1370568-armed-chinese-men-hold-woman-hostage-in-pattaya-home/

 

Criminal Court acquits Thaksin in landmark case

 

 

The Criminal Court has delivered its verdict in the high-profile case involving Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, who faced charges under Article 112 and the Computer Crimes Act. These charges stemmed from a contentious interview with South Korean media back in May 2015.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370562-crucial-verdict-day-for-thaksin-lèse-majesté-case-looms/#findComment-20032865

UPDATE
Ambulance Driver and Association Head Face Serious Charges Following Fatal Collision

 

Picture from responders.

 

Police have filed four serious charges against the driver of an ambulance involved in a recent fatal crash.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1370555-student-killed-several-injured-in-ambulance-collision/#findComment-20033109

 

UPDATE:

 

Thaksin Acquitted of Royal Defamation and Computer Crime Charges

 

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of royal defamation and computer crime charges linked to a 2015 interview with South Korea's Chosun Media. On August 22, the Criminal Court in Thailand delivered its verdict, ruling the evidence insufficient for conviction.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370562-crucial-verdict-day-for-thaksin-lèse-majesté-case-looms/#findComment-20033393

 

Thaksin Wins Case: Jubilant Scenes Outside Court

 

video screenshot

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of charges under the lèse-majesté and Computer Crime laws, sparking celebrations outside the courthouse. Supporters from the red-shirt movement enthusiastically gathered, declaring him “Prime Minister in our hearts” as they waved banners and chanted slogans in a jubilant display.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370612-thaksin-wins-case-jubilant-scenes-outside-court/

 

Geese Patrol: Chiang Mai's Eco-Friendly Moat Plan

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In an unexpected twist in urban management, the picturesque city of Chiang Mai has embarked on a unique environmental project involving geese. This week, a pilot initiative saw the release of 10 geese into the city's historic moat to investigate their potential role in cleaning the water and reducing pollution.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370614-geese-patrol-chiang-mais-eco-friendly-moat-plan/

 

Seven Arrested in Thailand for Illegal Abortion Services

 

Photo via Facebook/ Chiangmai Report

 

In a decisive operation, Thai police have arrested seven individuals in the northern provinces of Lamphun and Chiang Mai for running illegal abortion services. This followed a tragic incident in which a Thai woman suffered severe health complications after consuming abortion pills ordered online.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370615-seven-arrested-in-thailand-for-illegal-abortion-services/

 

Phuket Eyes Film Stardom as Chinese Officials Visit

 

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A senior Chinese film delegation from Hainan Province, led by Chen Jiyang, explored the scenic island of Phuket on Wednesday, 20 August, eyeing its potential as a premier international filming location. Their mission: forge deeper cultural ties and promote Thailand-China film collaborations.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370616-phuket-eyes-film-stardom-as-chinese-officials-visit/

 

Thailand to Host Global Wellness Summit 2026

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has been selected to host the prestigious Global Wellness Summit (GWS) in 2026, a significant opportunity for the nation to spotlight its traditional health and beauty offerings on a global platform.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370617-thailand-to-host-global-wellness-summit-2026/

 

Popular Tempura Chain Tenya Bids Farewell to Thailand

 

Photo courtesy of Wheree

 

Thailand's tempura enthusiasts are mourning the imminent departure of beloved Japanese restaurant chain, Tenya. Known for its crispy tempura and authentic Japanese flavours, Tenya will close its last two branches at Terminal 21 and Samyan Mitrtown on 31 August, marking the end of its nearly decade-long presence in the country.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370619-popular-tempura-chain-tenya-bids-farewell-to-thailand/

 

Vietnamese Nationals Arrested in Bangkok Drug Raid

 

Photo via Facebook/ ToKo

 

In a bold operation, Thai police arrested four Vietnamese nationals after uncovering a drug production facility in Bangkok's Lat Phrao area. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) shared details at a recent press conference, highlighting a growing concern about international drug trafficking.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370558-europe–thailand-drug-pipeline-smashed-in-bangkok-raids/#findComment-20033726

 

Chon Buri Drug Bust: Ketamine Vape Ring Uncovered

 

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

In a dramatic evening operation, Bang Lamung Police have apprehended a Chinese national allegedly orchestrating a black market trade of ketamine-laced vape pods in Chon Buri. The arrest, led by Police Colonel Sarawut Nuchanart, took place on August 21st and marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370621-chon-buri-drug-bust-ketamine-vape-ring-uncovered/

 

Thai-Cambodian Border Issues: Talks and Tensions

 

File photo for reference only

 

Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border remain high, casting doubt on the effectiveness of a recently agreed ceasefire. Despite signing a 13-point ceasefire during a General Border Committee meeting in Malaysia on August 7, both nations are accusing each other of provocations and misinformation, threatening stability in the region.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370622-thai-cambodian-border-issues-talks-and-tensions/

 

Relief in Border Zones: Free Utilities for Evacuated Homes

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a move to support families affected by recent unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, the government announced on Thursday that households in officially declared evacuation zones will receive free water and electricity for July and August. The decision comes amidst ongoing recovery efforts after clashes in the region led to significant property damage.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370623-relief-in-border-zones-free-utilities-for-evacuated-homes/

 

Environmental Flaws Halt Land Bridge Megaproject

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a move that could redefine the future of Thailand's contentious Land Bridge megaproject, the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment is demanding a fresh review of its Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA). Concerns have been raised about incomplete and potentially inaccurate data in the current report, which may jeopardise not only the project but also the government's standing.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370624-environmental-flaws-halt-land-bridge-megaproject/

 

Facebook Undercover Sting Busts Illegal Gun Dealers

 

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Two suspected illegal firearm dealers have been arrested in Thailand following undercover operations by the Tourist Police Command. The arrests occurred after officers discovered the suspects were selling illegal guns via Facebook, seizing weapons and ammunition in Pattaya and Ratchaburi.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370625-facebook-undercover-sting-busts-illegal-gun-dealers/

 

Tragic Loss: Soldier's Mum Killed in Restaurant Attack

 

Photo via Facebook/ Jack Thekop

 

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a young soldier returned from the frontline to mourn his mother, who was fatally stabbed at her restaurant in Kamphaeng Phet province last Wednesday.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370626-tragic-loss-soldiers-mum-killed-in-restaurant-attack/

 

UPDATE
Two Dead and 13 Injured After Ambulance Runs Red Light in Rayong

 

Picture from responders.

 

It has now been confirmed that two died and 13 others were injured after a ambulance ran a red light and collided with a hatchback car, at an intersection in Ban Chang district, Rayong province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1370555-student-killed-several-injured-in-ambulance-collision/#findComment-20033796

 

Flood Alert Issued in Phuket as Canal Levels Rise

 

Photo via The Nation

 

In Phuket today, Friday, 22 August, officials issued a flood warning due to persistent heavy rain and high tides that threaten to overwhelm the Bang Yai Canal. Water levels have surged dramatically, causing concern among local authorities and residents alike.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370627-flood-alert-issued-in-phuket-as-canal-levels-rise/

 

Influencer's Mocking Video Leads to Legal Action

 

Photo via Facebook/ ลุยจีน Luijeen

 

A second-hand car dealer in Phuket is taking legal action against a Chinese influencer who recorded and shared a disparaging video mocking him in Chinese. This video has ignited discussions among Thai and Chinese netizens, highlighting cultural sensitivities and the power of social media.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370631-influencers-mocking-video-leads-to-legal-action/

 

to continue:

Thailand Live Saturday 23 August 2025 
https://aseannow.com/topic/1370618-thailand-live-saturday-23-august-2025/