Drinking After Hours in Pubs to Cost Up to 10,000 Baht Fine

 

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From 8 November, patrons drinking in pubs after official closing hours will face fines of up to 10,000 Thai baht. This enforcement is part of new amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, announced by the Department of Provincial Administration. The changes target those continuing to consume alcohol in venues after legal hours.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373421-drinking-after-hours-in-pubs-to-cost-up-to-10000-baht-fine/

Thaksin's Health Declines: Hypertension, Hair Loss, Insomnia

 

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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is experiencing health issues, including high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and hair loss, as reported by his daughter Paetongtarn after a family visit Thursday morning to Klong Prem Central Prison. The visit, which included Paetongtarn, her sister Pintongta, and their husbands, was their second to the prison but was cut short due to Thaksin's condition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373469-thaksins-health-declines-hypertension-hair-loss-insomnia/

US Rate Cut Impact: Thai Baht May Strengthen Rapidly

 

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Vorapak Tanyawong, nominated for Thailand's finance minister, expressed concerns about the potential rapid appreciation of the baht following the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut its interest rate by 0.25%. This development could impact Thailand's export and tourism sectors if the baht strengthens too rapidly. As investors might turn to Southeast Asian markets, the Thai bond and investment sectors could see increased foreign investment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373473-us-rate-cut-impact-thai-baht-may-strengthen-rapidly/

Thai-Cambodian Borders Shut: PM Anutin Confirms Unrest

 

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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that no border checkpoints between Thailand and Cambodia are currently open. This announcement comes after recent clashes in Sa Kaeo province, where crowd-control police confronted Cambodian nationals dismantling barbed-wire barriers. Anutin emphasized that the military is now tasked with managing the situation and handling security concerns at the border.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373484-thai-cambodian-borders-shut-pm-anutin-confirms-unrest/

Phuket Police Hunt Foreign Suspects in American’s Robbery
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Police are investigating a violent robbery in Phuket after dashcam footage showed two foreign suspects ramming a motorcycle and robbing an American national at knifepoint. The incident, which took place in daylight during a rainstorm, has raised safety concerns among residents and visitors. Investigators confirmed that the victim, an American man in his 40s, was targeted for his luxury Philippe Patek Pink Gold watch, reported at worth over 2 million baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373505-phuket-police-hunt-foreign-suspects-in-american’s-robbery/

 

Oil Train Hits Pickup in Phitsanulok, One Dead, One Hurt
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A man was killed and his wife critically injured when an oil freight train struck their pickup truck at a level crossing in Phitsanulok’s Phrom Phiram district early on 18 September. The impact threw the vehicle into a canal, leaving the truck destroyed. Police and rescue teams confirmed that the couple were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to hospital, but the man later died.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373507-oil-train-hits-pickup-in-phitsanulok-one-dead-one-hurt/

 

Thai and Chinese Air Forces Conduct Falcon Strike 2025 Drills

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The Royal Thai Air Force and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force of China have launched joint exercises, Falcon Strike 2025, in Udon Thani province. The drills, which began on 15 September 2025, aim to enhance tactical air operations and strengthen military cooperation between the two nations. The training is scheduled to continue until 25 September 2025 at Wing 23 airbase.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373508-thai-and-chinese-air-forces-conduct-falcon-strike-2025-drills/

 

Shopkeeper Killed With Hoe in Suspected Robbery in Udon Thani
 

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Police in Udon Thani are investigating the murder of a 59-year-old shopkeeper known as “Je Nong,” who was found dead inside her store near Phen market. She had suffered severe head injuries caused by a small iron hoe, with officers suspecting the motive was robbery. The killing, has shocked traders and residents in the busy market area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373510-shopkeeper-killed-with-hoe-in-suspected-robbery-in-udon-thani/

 

Five-Year-Old Found Dead in Hat Yai Canal After Going Missing
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A five-year-old boy, known as “Nong Inter,” was found dead in the U-Tapao Canal in Hat Yai, southern Thailand, on 18 September 2025, roughly 20 hours after he went missing. The child’s disappearance had prompted a local search, leaving his parents devastated.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373512-five-year-old-found-dead-in-hat-yai-canal-after-going-missing/

 

Monk Arrested in Bang Lamung for Meth and Ice Trafficking
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Authorities in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, have arrested a monk involved in methamphetamine and crystal meth (ice) distribution, seizing 492 meth pills and 72 grams of ice hidden in household items. The arrest followed a tip-off from the public via the LINE app group “BROKEN DOWN BANGLAMUNG.” The monk was found at a two-storey residence in Soi Thetsaban 1, Huay Yai 27, visibly shocked when authorities arrived.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373513-monk-arrested-in-bang-lamung-for-meth-and-ice-trafficking/

 

Fire Breaks Out on 6th Floor of Army HQ
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Thai Army Headquarters early on 18 September 2025, near the military secretary’s office. Initial reports indicate that an electrical short circuit triggered the blaze, which spread to adjacent areas before being contained. No injuries or significant structural damage have been reported.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373515-fire-breaks-out-on-6th-floor-of-army-hq/

 

Brother-in-Law Kills Teenager in Roadside Shooting
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

Police in Nakhon Si Thammarat are searching for a man accused of fatally shooting his brother-in-law in what investigators say was a revenge attack. The incident happened on the evening of 17 September 2025 in Khun Phra subdistrict, Phipun district, near a ceramic factory. The victim, 18-year-old Mr. Thanudet, was shot in the face with a shotgun and died at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373516-brother-in-law-kills-teenager-in-roadside-shooting/

 

Ex-Bang Kaeo Mayor Jailed 6 Years Over Fire Truck Graft
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1 has sentenced former Bang Kaeo Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), Samut Prakan, mayor, Mr. Phattharaphon Champarat, to six years in prison without suspension. The ruling, delivered on 18 September 2025, found him guilty of bid rigging in the procurement of a 40-million-baht ALP (aerial ladder platform) fire truck. The court also convicted four other defendants, imposing prison terms.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373517-ex-bang-kaeo-mayor-jailed-6-years-over-fire-truck-graft/

 

Uthai Thani School Shuts Classes After Hand, Foot & Mouth Cases
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A primary school in Thap Than district, Uthai Thani province, has closed two classrooms after 10 children were found to be infected with hand, foot and mouth disease. The closure aims to prevent wider transmission, with teachers and staff carrying out cleaning and disinfection.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373518-uthai-thani-school-shuts-classes-after-hand-foot-mouth-cases/

 

Elderly Man Killed in Hit-and-Run on Electric Tricycle
 

Pictures courtesy of Workpoint

 

An 85-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his electric tricycle on Maliwan 201 Road in Loei province. The incident occurred on 18 September 2025 at around 10:00, leaving the victim fatally injured at the scene. Authorities confirmed the vehicle involved is believed to be a large truck that fled immediately after the collision.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373519-elderly-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-on-electric-tricycle/

 

Police Seize 800kg of Crystal Meth in Bangkok Raid
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Bangkok police have seized 800 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in a major operation targeting the “R 1688” drug network. Three suspects were arrested along with firearms, vehicles and cash, after officers discovered the drugs hidden in a hut near a fish pond in Bang Khun Thian district. The haul represents one of the largest recent drug seizures in the capital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373520-police-seize-800kg-of-crystal-meth-in-bangkok-raid/

 

Thai Navy Strikes New Submarine Deal with China

 

Yuan-class S26T. File photo courtesy of Defence Security Asia

 

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has inked a fresh agreement with Chinese defence contractors to revive Thailand's delayed submarine project. The contract was signed on Tuesday at China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) headquarters in Beijing, following Thai cabinet approval on August 5. This move marks a significant step forward after disputes over engine specifications stalled progress.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373527-thai-navy-strikes-new-submarine-deal-with-china/

 

British Gang Busted in Phuket for Robbing American Lawyer

Picture courtesy of MGR

 

Police in Phuket have arrested four British nationals, Mr. Hussain Meer, 26, British; Mr. Mir Wayne Carew, 25, British; Mr. Yanne Sarkawat, 25, British and Mr. Malique Kai Walters, 27, British, accused of ramming an American motorcyclist, before robbing him of a luxury watch worth 2.3 million baht. The suspects, believed to be part of an organised gang, were detained on 19 September 2025 and taken in for questioning. The victim, a 40-year-old American lawyer, confirmed he had no prior connection to the men.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373562-british-gang-busted-in-phuket-for-robbing-american-lawyer/

 

Thailand Ranks 34th as Portugal Tops Global Retirement List

 

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The Global Retirement Report 2025 has named Portugal as the top destination for retirees, while Thailand ranks 34th among 44 countries. This report evaluates countries based on factors like retirement visa programs and quality of life, influencing retirees considering relocation. Many countries in Europe and the Americas, known for their high quality of life, dominate the top rankings.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373567-thailand-ranks-34th-as-portugal-tops-global-retirement-list/

 

Thaksin’s Son-in-Law Tipped as Pheu Thai’s PM Candidate

 

Photo of Nuttaphong Kunakornwong courtesy of The Standard

 

Pheu Thai is considering Nuttaphong Kunakornwong, husband of Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, as a possible prime ministerial candidate, sparking speculation in Thai political circles. Nuttaphong, chief executive of SC Asset Corporation, is being seen as a fresh potential leader by some within the party. His current distance from politics adds intrigue to the possibility of his leadership.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373568-thaksin’s-son-in-law-tipped-as-pheu-thai’s-pm-candidate/

 

Global Stage for Thai Curry Rice at 2025 Bangkok Event

 

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), alongside the Thai Restaurant Association and various partners, has announced the "Khao Gaeng Thai Curry Rice Championship 2025" to spotlight Thailand's finest curry rice chefs. This initiative aims to elevate Thai curry rice on the global culinary stage and increase international awareness of Thailand's diverse food culture. Scheduled from October 17 to 19, 2025, the event will be held at the Phenix Building in Pratunam.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373569-global-stage-for-thai-curry-rice-at-2025-bangkok-event/

 

Thailand Criticized Over BBC's "Dark Side" Documentary

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

The recent release of the BBC documentary "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" has stirred significant controversy among expatriates, Thai influencers, and local citizens. The film, intended to delve into the less glamorous aspects of Thailand, has instead been criticized for painting a disproportionately negative picture of the country. This reaction underscores the challenges in capturing the multifaceted nature of any nation within the confines of a single documentary, especially when the focus is on controversial or troubling issues.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373571-thailand-criticized-over-bbcs-dark-side-documentary/

 

Fair Party Urges Action on Citizenship Bribes in Thailand

 

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Fair Party leader Kannavee Suebsueng has urged Thailand's new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, to tackle a "bribes-for-citizenship" scheme in which stateless individuals pay brokers for legal status. This call to action follows Kannavee's visit to Fang district, Chiang Mai, where he was informed of the issue by locals. Bribes reportedly range from 3,000 to 40,000 baht per individual, potentially amassing 2.5 billion baht through illegal channels affecting Thailand’s 483,626 stateless residents.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373573-fair-party-urges-action-on-citizenship-bribes-in-thailand/

 

Thailand to Work with Central Bank on Baht Management

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's new government, led by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, announced plans to collaborate with the Bank of Thailand in managing the baht, currently at a four-year high. Monitoring efforts will focus on capital inflows and irregularities in gold trading. Ekniti and future central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn aim to stabilize the volatile currency.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373574-thailand-to-work-with-central-bank-on-baht-management/

 

Major Health Initiative: New Hospital in Don Muang District

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A new 200-bed hospital is set to be developed in Don Muang district, northern Bangkok, as part of initiatives to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups. This announcement was made during the recent Health Assembly of the Northern Bangkok Group. The project has a budget of 1.99 billion baht, and construction will begin next year, aiming for completion by 2030.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373575-major-health-initiative-new-hospital-in-don-muang-district/

 

Thailand Plans Major Expressway Expansion Projects

 

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The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has announced plans for 11 new expressway projects spanning 170 kilometers with a total investment exceeding 273 billion baht. The expansion aims to enhance nationwide connectivity and address the increasing demand for traffic and improved logistics. Currently, Exat manages eight expressway routes totaling 224.6 kilometers, with August's traffic volumes averaging 1.71 million vehicles daily and generating 65.61 million baht in toll revenues.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373577-thailand-plans-major-expressway-expansion-projects/

 

Thai Gold Shop Heist: Hostage Taken, Robber at Large

 

Screenshot from รี่ สุภาวดี Facebook video

 

A man wielding a knife took a customer hostage during a gold shop robbery in Saraburi, Thailand, and escaped on a motorcycle with stolen jewelry. The robbery occurred on September 17 at Por Udomsuk gold shop in Ban Mo district. Police are conducting a manhunt for the suspect, who fled towards Ayutthaya province.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373578-thai-gold-shop-heist-hostage-taken-robber-at-large/

 

Thailand Faces Revenue Shortfall in 2025 Fiscal Year

 

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Thailand's Finance Ministry anticipates a revenue shortfall for the 2025 fiscal year, with collections likely to miss the 2.88 trillion baht target by tens of billions. Slower economic growth, projected at 2.2% GDP expansion, primarily drives the deficit. Key tax categories such as automobile taxes, hampered by the government's EV promotion, along with VAT from imports and corporate taxes, have underperformed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373579-thailand-faces-revenue-shortfall-in-2025-fiscal-year/

 

Pattaya Police Honored for Crime Prevention Initiative

 

Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Police in Pattaya have been nationally recognized for their innovative project aimed at enhancing community cooperation to bolster crime prevention efforts. The initiative, launched by Pattaya City Police Station, was selected from over 1,400 police stations as a model for community engagement. It received the “Excellent, 3rd Place” award for the 2025 fiscal year by the Royal Thai Police, highlighting its success as a top community policing strategy.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373580-pattaya-police-honored-for-crime-prevention-initiative/

 

Bangkok Maps SEA Games 2025 Plans with Sports Authority

 

Photo courtesy of ASEAN Hub Facebook

 

Bangkok's administration and Thailand's sports authority have initiated preparations for co-hosting the 2025 SEA Games. A meeting on September 18 saw Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) outline a public relations strategy. Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsangboon and SAT Governor Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee led the discussion, emphasizing the city's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting the event.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373581-bangkok-maps-sea-games-2025-plans-with-sports-authority/