Thailand's Afternoon Booze Ban Lifted: Restaurants Rejoice

 

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Thailand has officially lifted its ban on selling alcohol in restaurants from 2 PM to 5 PM, a decision set to increase sales by 25%. The restaurant industry is celebrating, with hopes that this move will stimulate both the economy and tourism. Appreciation has been extended to the Thai government for this forward-thinking change, which includes both ruling and opposition parties.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372771-thailands-afternoon-booze-ban-lifted-restaurants-rejoice/

Thailand's Tourism Booms with 22M Visitors in 2025

 

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Thailand's tourism sector is witnessing a remarkable recovery, with foreign tourist arrivals surpassing 22 million for the year, generating over 1 trillion baht in revenue. From January 1st to September 7th, 2025, the country welcomed 22,387,817 visitors, as reported by Natreeya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The influx of tourists, primarily from China, Malaysia, India, Russia, and South Korea, marks a significant boost to Thailand’s economy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372782-thailands-tourism-booms-with-22m-visitors-in-2025/

New Express Buses Cut Travel Time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

 

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State-owned Transport Co Ltd has launched a trial of new special express bus services aimed at slashing travel times between Bangkok and the popular destinations of Chiang Mai and Phuket. This initiative, starting today and running until 8th March, represents a significant shift from traditional routes by reducing the number of stops and offering onboard meals instead of breaks at roadside eateries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372778-new-express-buses-cut-travel-time-from-bangkok-to-chiang-mai/

Indian Man Detained for Stalking Incident in Phuket

 

Photo via Facebook/ เจ๊ม้อย v+

 

An Indian man was apprehended in Phuket's Kamala district after allegedly stalking a Thai woman and masturbating in front of her. Local administrative officers intervened and escorted the suspect to a police station, following a disturbance in the community where the woman cried out for help. Residents assisted the woman, contributing to the swift action taken against the man.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372786-indian-man-detained-for-stalking-incident-in-phuket/

Doctors Probed for Allegedly Aiding Thaksin’s Hospital Stay

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

A police investigation has commenced into two doctors accused of enabling Pheu Thai figure Thaksin Shinawatra to spend six months in a Police Hospital suite, rather than serve prison time. This investigation, initiated by a police fact-finding committee, follows the suspension of Dr. Sophonrat Singhajaru and Dr. Taweesilp Wechawitarn, who allegedly falsified medical reports to favour Thaksin and had their medical licences suspended by the Medical Council.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372800-doctors-probed-for-allegedly-aiding-thaksin’s-hospital-stay/

 

Thai PM Anutin Flies High with Fleet of Private Planes

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's newly appointed Prime Minister, owns a fleet of three private aircraft, raising questions about how frequently he might fly while leading the government. With a political career spanning 30 years, Anutin has often flown his planes as both a businessman and a philanthropist. His penchant for flying began at 45, leading him to pilot across Thailand, Southeast Asia, and even Europe.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372801-thai-pm-anutin-flies-high-with-fleet-of-private-planes/

 

Thai Consumer Confidence Hits 32-Month Low Amid Economic Woes

 

Picture courtesy of Thailand Business News

 

Thai consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest point in over two years, driven by fears of a sluggish economic recovery, political instability, and US tariffs. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reported a decline in its consumer index to 50.1 in August from 51.7 in July. The survey, conducted prior to Anutin Charnvirakul taking office as the new Prime Minister, suggests uneasy public sentiment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372802-thai-consumer-confidence-hits-32-month-low-amid-economic-woes/

 

Tourist Rescued After Ignoring Red Flag at Karon Beach

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A foreign tourist narrowly avoided drowning at Karon Beach on 10 September, after ignoring a red flag warning and being swept out to sea. Lifeguards on duty spotted the man struggling in the rough surf and intervened, rescuing him within minutes. The tourist suffered exhaustion and inhaled some water but survived without life-threatening injuries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372803-tourist-rescued-after-ignoring-red-flag-at-karon-beach/

 

Police Dismantle Fake Chinese Firms in Stock Scam
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Police have launched a crackdown on a fraud network involving fake Chinese-linked companies accused of deceiving investors through bogus stock trading schemes. On 11 September, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the operation, code-named “9.9 FAKE COMPANY,” resulting in the arrest of 15 suspects, including 14 Thais and one Chinese national. Police said the group was tied to at least 265 cases, with reported damages totalling 654 million baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372805-police-dismantle-fake-chinese-firms-in-stock-scam/

 

Ayutthaya Rescue Worker Shot Dead on Motorcycle
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 24-year-old rescue worker from the Ayutthaya Ruamjai Rescue Association was shot dead while riding his motorcycle in Ban Phraek district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, on 11 September. The victim, identified as Mr. Sarayut Nokchan, known as “Keng,” was found lying on the roadside next to his blue Honda Wave motorcycle. Police believe the attacker approached in a vehicle, spoke briefly with him and then fired at close range.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372807-ayutthaya-rescue-worker-shot-dead-on-motorcycle/

 

Fugitive Shooting Suspect Surrenders After Rooftop Standoff
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 43-year-old man wanted for murder in Songkhla province has surrendered to police after a dramatic five-hour standoff on the roof of his home. The suspect, identified as Mr. Suthep, had been evading capture since allegedly shooting his neighbour dead earlier this month. Officers surrounded his house in Singhanakhon district on 10 September, eventually persuading him to come down peacefully.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372808-fugitive-shooting-suspect-surrenders-after-rooftop-standoff/

 

Myanmar Worker Injured After Hand Trapped in Meat Grinder
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A 20-year-old Myanmar worker suffered severe injuries after her hand became trapped in a meat grinder at a pork shop in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi, on 11 September. Rescue teams from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and Bang Bua Thong municipal emergency unit rushed to the scene. It took about 30 minutes to dismantle the grinder and free her hand before she was taken to hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372810-myanmar-worker-injured-after-hand-trapped-in-meat-grinder/

 

Chiang Mai Man Arrested with 100kg of Crystal Meth in Lorry
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

Police in Lampang province seized over 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a 22-wheel trailer truck on 9 September, arresting the driver in what authorities described as a large drug bust for northern Thailand. The suspect, a 38-year-old man from Chiang Mai, confessed to being hired to transport the narcotics from Lamphun to Ayutthaya for 120,000 baht. The announcement was made during a press conference on 11 September by Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthapol Yisakorn, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372811-chiang-mai-man-arrested-with-100kg-of-crystal-meth-in-lorry/

 

Motorcycle taxi driver shot dead in Bangkok family feud
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A motorcycle taxi driver was fatally shot on 11 September in Bangkok, in what police believe was a long-running family inheritance dispute. The shooting took place in Soi Ratchada-Tha Phra 13, under the jurisdiction of Bukkhalo Police Station, leaving one man dead and sparking an urgent manhunt for the suspect, who is reportedly the victim’s nephew.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372813-motorcycle-taxi-driver-shot-dead-in-bangkok-family-feud/

 

Authorities Survey Songkhla Lake After Fishing Gear Removal
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

Officials surveyed a 5.2-kilometre navigation channel in Songkhla Lake on 11 September, following the removal of illegal fishing gear, ensuring safer passage for boats. The inspection comes a month after 13 rows of 159 traps and nets, known locally as “pong pangs,” were dismantled from the waterway. Authorities aim to propose long-term measures to protect the channel and support affected fishermen.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372814-authorities-survey-songkhla-lake-after-fishing-gear-removal/

 

Five Myanmar Men Caught Illegal Gold Mining in Pilok Forest
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities from Khao Laem National Park in Kanchanaburi have arrested five Myanmar nationals for illegally attempting to mine gold in the Pilok Ki forest. The men were detained with mining tools and survival equipment before they could begin excavation. Officials said the arrests prevented further damage to a vital watershed conservation area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372816-five-myanmar-men-caught-illegal-gold-mining-in-pilok-forest/

 

Drunk Man Hangs Upside Down on Wrong House Fence for 2 Hours
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A 58-year-old man in Lampang endured an embarrassing ordeal early on 10 September, after becoming trapped upside down on a metal fence for over two hours. Emergency services from Tonthong Lampang Rescue Foundation and Thung Fai Police Station were called to the scene at a home in Tha Thok Village, Thung Fai Subdistrict, Muang Lampang District. The man was rescued without serious injury.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372817-drunk-man-hangs-upside-down-on-wrong-house-fence-for-2-hours/

 

Teen Student Fatally Stabbed Outside Market in Samut Prakan
 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

 

A 17-year-old student was fatally attacked by a group of youths outside Nang Ram Market in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan, on 10 September. The victim, identified as Sutthimon, known as “Tang,” was riding his motorcycle to sit an exam when he was surrounded, stabbed multiple times and kicked to the ground. Emergency responders attempted CPR before rushing him to Bang Sao Thong Hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372819-teen-student-fatally-stabbed-outside-market-in-samut-prakan/

 

UPDATE:

 

Alcohol Sales Confusion: Can Restaurants Sell from 2-5 PM?

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

The news buzzing around town suggests that restaurants might be able to sell alcohol between 2 PM and 5 PM. However, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn has clarified on Facebook that this remains a misconception. According to the Alcohol Control Act Amendment 2025, this time slot remains alcohol-free, contrary to what some believed.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372771-thailands-afternoon-booze-ban-lifted-restaurants-rejoice/#findComment-20079420

British Tourist Brutally Attacked by Transgender Gang in Pattaya

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A British tourist, aged 65, sought some companionship in Pattaya, only to find himself brutally attacked by a gang. The incident occurred after he hired two individuals for company but was confronted by four transgender individuals demanding ฿10,000 each. When he refused, the gang allegedly attacked him with a knife, leaving him with serious head injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372825-british-tourist-brutally-attacked-by-transgender-gang-in-pattaya/

 

Motorcycle Crash in Pattaya Injures Two Thai Women

 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

Two Thai women were injured in an early morning road crash in Pattaya when their motorcycle collided with pedestrians. The incident occurred at 03.00 on 12 September, in front of a hotel near the intersection of Pattaya Second Road and Pratamnak Road, South Pattaya, Chonburi. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit were quickly dispatched following the report.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1372831-motorcycle-crash-in-pattaya-injures-two-thai-women/

 

British Expat Shares Thai Retirement Costs, Inspires Moves

 

Photo via Instagram/ @thai_si_888

 

A British expatriate, Simon Thatcher, has shared the costs of his retirement lifestyle in Thailand via a TikTok video, encouraging many viewers to consider relocating. Thatcher, who retired under a visa costing 1,900 baht fee annually, explained that he employs a visa agent to ease the process. He revealed that his monthly living expenses ranged between 35,000 and 45,000 baht, a figure substantially lower than that of London.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372873-british-expat-shares-thai-retirement-costs-inspires-moves/

 

Thaksin’s Journey: From Thai PM to Exile to Prisoner in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of The Business Times | AFP

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, began a one-year prison sentence for past convictions of corruption and abuse of power. This marks a significant downturn for Thaksin, 76, whose daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently ousted as prime minister and replaced by a rival. Thaksin's political party, Pheu Thai, has also been relegated to the opposition.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372875-thaksin’s-journey-from-thai-pm-to-exile-to-prisoner-in-thailand/

 

Thailand Attracts 7,000 Pros via Long-Term LTR Visa Plan

 

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Thailand's Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program has attracted over 7,000 high-quality foreign professionals, generating more than 23 billion baht ($725.5 million) in economic value, according to the Board of Investment (BOI). Launched in September 2022, the initiative is drawing expertise from Europe, the United States, and Asia, significantly impacting Thailand's economy through visa fees, spending, foreign investment, and tax revenue.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372876-thailand-attracts-7000-pros-via-long-term-ltr-visa-plan/

 

Thai Leaders Alarmed by Unusual Gold Exports to Cambodia

 

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Thailand’s business leaders have raised concerns over irregular gold exports to Cambodia, which they fear are artificially strengthening the baht and threatening the country's economic recovery. The Joint Private Sector Committee (JPSC) found anomalies in trade data, with gold shipments to Cambodia valued at tens of billions of baht being far higher than historical norms.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372877-thai-leaders-alarmed-by-unusual-gold-exports-to-cambodia/

 

Customer Receives Curry Smoothie Instead of Avocado

 

Photo via Facebook/ Thitiwat Koosakul

 

A Thai man's smoothie order went awry when he received a drink blended with green chicken curry instead of avocado. Thitiwat Koosakul shared the incident on Facebook, expressing disappointment with the restaurant's lack of accountability. His order, placed through the LINE Man app, included spicy grilled chicken and an avocado smoothie, both mistakenly replaced with green chicken curry.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372879-customer-receives-curry-smoothie-instead-of-avocado/

 

NACC Urges Review of Prison Detention Regulations

 

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The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will request the new cabinet to instruct the Department of Corrections (DoC) to reassess its policies on allowing prisoners to be detained outside of prison. This comes after concerns about the 2023 regulations, effective from December 3, which lack clarity and could be misinterpreted to permit inmates to serve sentences at home.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372881-nacc-urges-review-of-prison-detention-regulations/

 

Bangkok Office Occupancy Dips Below 80% Amid New Supply

 

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Occupancy rates in Bangkok’s office market fell to 79.3% in Q2 2025, marking the first time since 2004 that it dropped below 80%, as new Grade A properties drew tenants from older buildings. CBRE Thailand highlighted that this decline, prompted by an influx of new space, is reshaping the market dynamics. New developments like One Bangkok Tower 5 and Central Park Offices added approximately 145,814 square meters to the market.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372882-bangkok-office-occupancy-dips-below-80-amid-new-supply/

 

Phuket Cracks Down on Unlicensed Claw Machines

 

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket authorities have shut down dozens of unlicensed claw machines in Thalang district as part of a major clampdown on gambling-style games. Between September 6 and 9, officials inspected various public venues, finding around 50 illegal machines, including some at Robinson Lifestyle Thalang mall. Operators have been given 15 days to remove the machines or face legal action.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372883-phuket-cracks-down-on-unlicensed-claw-machines/

 

Fatalities Drop to Zero on Phuket’s Renovated Highway

 

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A road safety initiative on Phuket's Thepkrasattri Road has successfully reduced fatalities to zero in a notoriously dangerous area. The Safe & Seamless U-Turn project, officially handed over to Governor Sophon Suwannarat on September 11, was a collaboration between local authorities and international partners. Spearheaded by Rotary District 3330, Patong Rotary Club, and the UK-based Safer Roads Foundation (SRF), the initiative shows a significant improvement in safety on this key thoroughfare.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1372884-fatalities-drop-to-zero-on-phuket’s-renovated-highway/