French Man Brutally Attacked by Thai Bolt Driver in Pattaya

 

Photo via Facebook/ อธิปบูรพา

 

A French national named Nikolai was knocked unconscious after a confrontation with a Thai Bolt driver in Pattaya on September 21. The incident occurred when an argument over road-crossing escalated into a physical assault, leaving the 55-year-old Nikolai with a serious head injury. He was transported to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for treatment after a local witness alerted emergency services.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373827-frenchman-injured-in-pattaya-after-clash-with-bolt-driver/

Foreign Tourist Involved in Bar Conflict Over Unpaid Tab

 

Photo via Facebook/ อธิปบูรพา

 

An altercation occurred in Pattaya between a foreign man and Thai bar workers after he refused to pay his bill at a bar near Central Pattaya early on September 21. As tensions rose, local police arrived promptly due to the bar’s proximity to a police station. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373853-foreign-tourist-involved-in-bar-conflict-over-unpaid-tab/

Chon Buri Brawl: Masseuses, Karaoke Staff Clash Over Foreigner

 

Photo via Facebook/ อธิปบูรพา

 

A violent clash erupted yesterday, September 21, in Chon Buri, involving more than ten karaoke bar workers and five masseuses. The altercation centred around a misunderstanding involving a foreign customer..

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373829-chon-buri-brawl-masseuses-karaoke-staff-clash-over-foreigner/

Pakistani Man Arrested for Alleged Misconduct in Udon Thani

 

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Pakistani man has been arrested in Udon Thani following allegations of sexual misconduct involving an 18-year-old local resident, identified as “Miss A,” who has autism. The incident reportedly occurred at a dormitory on Nittiyo Road, where the victim resides. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373832-pakistani-man-arrested-for-alleged-misconduct-in-udon-thani/

Car Carrying Myanmar Migrants Crashes, 2 Dead, 7 Hurt

 

Picture courtesy of MGR

 

A car transporting Myanmar migrants crashed on Ratchaphruek Road in Pathum Thani early on 22 September, leaving two people dead and seven others injured. The collision occurred when the vehicle driver lost control and struck a road sign in the central reservation. Police and rescue workers confirmed the deceased were one man and one woman, while the injured included six men and one woman.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373868-car-carrying-myanmar-migrants-crashes-2-dead-7-hurt/

 

Teen Stabbed to Death at Balloon Festival in Nakhon Ratchasima
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

An 18-year-old man was fatally stabbed at a balloon festival in Hua Thale, Nakhon Ratchasima, in the early hours of 22 September 2025. Police received the report at 00:10 and found the victim, identified only as Mr. A, with three stab wounds to his torso. He was immediately taken to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373870-teen-stabbed-to-death-at-balloon-festival-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

 

Abandoned Baby Elephant Rescued in Kanchanaburi Park

 

Picture courtesy of Daily New

 

A baby elephant abandoned by its mother has been rescued in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, Kanchanaburi, after being found weak and injured. Park officials confirmed the young female calf was suffering from exhaustion and a hind leg injury but is now showing signs of recovery. The animal remains under veterinary care.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373871-abandoned-baby-elephant-rescued-in-kanchanaburi-park/

 

Bahraini Tourist’s Body Found After Drowning off Phuket Beach
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

Authorities have recovered the body of a Bahraini tourist who drowned at Karon Beach, Phuket, after going missing for three days. The incident occurred on 19 September when three Bahraini brothers entered the sea despite red flag warnings. While two were rescued, the eldest, Jasim Abdali Almeshkhas, was swept away by strong waves.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373873-bahraini-tourist’s-body-found-after-drowning-off-phuket-beach/

 

BMTA to Lease 1,520 Electric Buses Worth 15.3 Billion Baht
 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

 

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to lease 1,520 electric air-conditioned buses (EVs) with a total project value of 15.355 billion baht. The draft Terms of Reference (TOR) was published on 19 September 2025 for public consultation, which ends on 26 September, with the goal of opening the tender in October. The buses are expected to begin entering service from late 2026 through October 2027.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373875-bmta-to-lease-1520-electric-buses-worth-153-billion-baht/

 

 

Man With Gun Attacks Partner at Pattaya Restaurant
 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon

 

Police and rescue teams responded to a violent incident at 01:30 on 22 September, at a BBQ restaurant in Soi Non Plabwan, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. A 20-year-old woman, identified only as Ms B, was injured after being assaulted by her 35-year-old boyfriend, Mr Bell. Emergency responders provided first aid before transferring her to hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373876-man-with-gun-attacks-partner-at-pattaya-restaurant/

 

World Petanque Federation Bans 2025 SEA Games Event in Thailand
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The World Petanque Federation (FIPJP) and the World Petanque and Bowls Federation (WPBF) on 22 September, announced a ban on petanque competitions at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The ban comes amid concerns over the qualifications of the current executive committee of the Petanque Association of Thailand, preventing Thai athletes from participating in international competitions. Any nation that enters athletes in the SEA Games event risks a two-year suspension from global tournaments, including the World Games, Asian Games and Asian Masters Games.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373877-world-petanque-federation-bans-2025-sea-games-event-in-thailand/

 

Woman Killed as Boyfriend’s Brother Reverses Truck Over Her

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A 54-year-old woman, identified as Mrs. Pariwan, was fatally struck by a reversing pickup truck in Nakhon Ratchasima on 22 September 2025. The incident occurred in a residential community in Nai Mueang subdistrict, with the vehicle driven by Mr. Chai, aged 55, the older brother of the victim’s new partner. Emergency responders and a forensic medical team from Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital attended the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373878-woman-killed-as-boyfriend’s-brother-reverses-truck-over-her/

 

Thaksin's Lese Majeste Appeal Deadline Extended

 

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, and his daughter and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, arrive at Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

The Court of Appeal has extended the deadline for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to appeal the lese majeste case against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra until October 22. Thaksin was acquitted of these charges on August 22, but amid ongoing pressure from activists, the OAG has been granted additional time to prepare their appeal, an extension confirmed on September 22 by the OAG.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373880-thaksins-lese-majeste-appeal-deadline-extended/

 

Full story: 

Trang Police Arrest Man, 26, Over Fatal Stabbing of Mechanic
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Police in Trang have arrested a 26-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a car mechanic in Huai Yot district on 20 September. The suspect, identified as Mr. Chainarong, was detained outside his home in Mueang district under a warrant issued by the Trang Provincial Court. He faces charges of murder.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373881-trang-police-arrest-man-26-over-fatal-stabbing-of-mechanic/

 

Rayong Subdistrict Chief Sentenced to 5 Years for Bribery
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

 

On 22 September 2025, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Region 2 sentenced Mr. Surin, the head of the Samk Thong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) in Mueang District, Rayong, to five years in prison. The conviction relates to soliciting a bribe from a contractor responsible for building a concrete road.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373882-rayong-subdistrict-chief-sentenced-to-5-years-for-bribery/

 

Vape Smuggling Network Busted in Bangkok
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Police in Bangkok have dismantled an electronic cigarette smuggling operation, seizing over 50,000 items worth more than 10 million baht. The arrest was announced on 22 September 2025 by Pol Maj Gen Pattanask Boopasuwan, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), along with senior officers. The suspect, 24-year-old Phanthawong Laikraka, was detained at a house in Bang Khae district with thousands of vaping products and two vehicles.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1373883-vape-smuggling-network-busted-in-bangkok/

 

Naked Foreign Man Goes Wild in Phuket and Strangles Cop

 

Photo courtesy of Phu ket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

A chaotic incident unfolded in Phuket yesterday, as a foreign man was filmed walking naked through the Patong area, assaulting a police officer who tried to intervene. The scene, captured in a viral video on the Phuket Times Facebook page, showed the man striding unclothed amidst a lively street filled with tourists and locals, casting doubt on tourist behaviour and visa-free entry policies.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373900-naked-foreign-man-goes-wild-in-phuket-and-strangles-cop/

 

Baht Surge Threatens Thai Tourism Economy

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The recent appreciation of the Thai baht is raising concerns about its potential impact on tourism and associated businesses, as cautioned by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The baht's strengthening could result in Thailand missing its target of 40 million foreign tourists this year, diminishing the economic benefits derived from their expenditures. A stronger baht means foreign visitors need to spend more for goods and services, making Thailand comparatively more expensive.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373930-baht-surge-threatens-thai-tourism-economy/

 

Corrections Deny Rumors of Thaksin's Hospital Transfer

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai Prime Minister, remains at Klong Prem Central Prison despite rumors of his transfer to Corrections Hospital. Officials have confirmed that he is still incarcerated at Klong Prem, experiencing normal symptoms for his age, such as fatigue and body aches. Thaksin's condition was reviewed by a prison doctor, dispelling the notion of a hospital move.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373931-corrections-deny-rumors-of-thaksins-hospital-transfer/

 

Long Waits at Thai Border Frustrate Malaysian Tourists

 

Photo via Hatyai Focus

 

Malaysian tourists have reportedly faced delays of two to three hours at the Sadao Customs Checkpoint in Songkhla, Thailand. The backlog was attributed to slow document processing times, leading to frustration among travelers. Some even fainted due to the long waits, while others abandoned their trips and returned home.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373932-long-waits-at-thai-border-frustrate-malaysian-tourists/

 

Thai Aviation Faces Pilot Shortage Amid Fleet Expansions

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai aviation sector is projected to experience a pilot shortage in the next 2-3 years due to fleet expansions amid licensing issues preventing over half of Thai pilots from returning to work. Woranate Laprabang, CEO of Vietjet Thailand, stated that only 20-30% of pilots have been recalled by airlines, highlighting the current shortage. Vietjet Thailand, operating 18 aircraft with plans to expand, requires additional pilots to meet operational demands.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373933-thai-aviation-faces-pilot-shortage-amid-fleet-expansions/

 

Thaksin Might Serve Longer Prison Term After New Charges

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra could face a jail term longer than his current one-year sentence due to a possible new lawsuit. Allegations involve his supposed conspiracy to avoid imprisonment by staying in a Police Hospital ward for six months, following his return from self-exile in 2023. Authorities suggest Thaksin may have exploited legal loopholes with help from certain officials.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373934-thaksin-might-serve-longer-prison-term-after-new-charges/

 

Anutin to Address UN Before Parliament Debate on Cambodia

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is cleared to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, potentially discussing the border conflict with Cambodia before his policy statement is debated in parliament. The Council of State, the government's legal advisory body, has cited urgency as the reason for this exception, allowing him to address the international community.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373935-anutin-to-address-un-before-parliament-debate-on-cambodia/

 

Thailand's Public Debt Nears Fiscal Ceiling Threatening Economy

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's public debt has reached 12.12 trillion baht as of July 31, 2025, equating to 64.49% of GDP, according to the Public Debt Management Office. Although this remains under the legal limit of 70%, officials warn that slow economic growth and weaker revenues could push the debt ratio closer to the ceiling. Concerns escalate as the country’s fiscal health impacts both its economic planning and international credit ratings.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373936-thailands-public-debt-nears-fiscal-ceiling-threatening-economy/

 

Thai Man Faces Repeated Marriage Proposals from Stranger

 

Photo via Facebook/ เจ๊ม้อย v+

 

A Thai man named Tar from Udon Thani has encountered persistent harassment from a 60-year-old lady claiming to admire him. On September 22, Tar, a 44-year-old, called the police after the woman arrived at his home, ready to move in despite his lack of any personal acquaintance with her. Officers found the lady wearing a disguise and carrying luggage, who claimed to have followed Tar on social media.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373940-thai-man-faces-repeated-marriage-proposals-from-stranger/

 

Joint Effort Nabs Pattaya-Based $15M Scam Group

 

Picture courtesy of Korea JoongAng Daily

 

South Korean police have dismantled a crime syndicate based in Pattaya, accused of orchestrating online scams that defrauded nearly 900 victims of 21 billion Korean won (approximately US$15 million). On September 22, authorities confirmed that 25 members of the group, Longge Company, have been arrested. Twenty-one suspects are now in custody in South Korea, while nine others, including the alleged leader known as Jaryong, are detained in Thailand awaiting extradition.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373941-joint-effort-nabs-pattaya-based-15m-scam-group/

 

Thai Hotels Brace for Decline in Chinese Tourists

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai hotel industry is expecting a decrease in Chinese tourists in the latter half of 2025 due to concerns over safety and perceived higher costs compared to Thailand's regional competitors. A recent survey highlighted that over 57% of hoteliers anticipate fewer Chinese visitors, with almost a quarter predicting a drop exceeding 15% from the first half of the year. This sentiment is echoed by expectations of decreased international and domestic tourist numbers.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373942-thai-hotels-brace-for-decline-in-chinese-tourists/

 

Newborn Found Abandoned in Pattani Alley

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

A newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in an alley in Pattani City on September 23, alarming local residents and sparking an urgent police investigation. The baby, with the umbilical cord still attached, was wrapped in an old sarong and placed in a paper bag at the front of a house. Fortunately, the homeowner, Mr. Prateep Euanmongkol, found her while taking out the trash and promptly alerted authorities.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373945-newborn-found-abandoned-in-pattani-alley/

 

15-Car Collision in Phuket Underpass Leaves One Injured

 

Picture courtesy of Wichit Police Station Facebook

 

A multi-car collision yesterday in Phuket's Darasamutr Intersection underpass caused significant traffic chaos. The incident involved 15 vehicles, leaving one person injured with chest tightness. Authorities quickly responded, leading rescue efforts and managing the traffic disruption that ensued.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373946-15-car-collision-in-phuket-underpass-leaves-one-injured/

 

Pattaya Assault: Filming Dispute Leaves Man Critically Injured

 

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

A young man was critically injured in Pattaya following a violent assault that escalated from an argument over filming. The attack occurred in the early hours of September 22 behind Tukcom Mall in South Pattaya, after an argument turned violent when the victim recorded his attacker.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373948-pattaya-assault-filming-dispute-leaves-man-critically-injured/