Devastating townhouse fire kills seven family members in Rayong

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A devastating fire in Rayong claimed the lives of seven people from the same family when flames engulfed a row of townhouses in the early hours of 2 October. The blaze, believed to have started from an electrical short circuit, destroyed four homes and left three others injured from smoke inhalation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374797-rayong-townhouse-fire-kills-seven-family-members/

Thailand Faces Frequent Climate Disasters, Experts Warn

 

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Thailand confronts severe climate challenges as storms, floods, heatwaves, and droughts become frequent. The “From Climate Change to Disaster” panel at Sustainability Expo 2025 emphasized that these phenomena are now fundamental issues needing urgent address.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374831-thailand-faces-frequent-climate-disasters-experts-warn/

Thai Airports Raise Service Charges for Travellers

 

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Thailand's Department of Airports has raised the passenger service charge, known as the "airport tax," for outbound travellers at six regional airports. Both domestic and international passengers will face an additional fee of 25 baht per person. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374843-thai-airports-raise-service-charges-for-travelers/

Police Hospital Chief Transferred Amid Thaksin Controversy

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The chief physician of Police General Hospital, Dr. Taweesilp Wechawitarn, has been reassigned to an inactive post at the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre starting October 1. This follows a six-month suspension of his medical license by the Medical Council of Thailand for assisting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in avoiding prison time.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374837-police-hospital-chief-transferred-amid-thaksin-controversy/

British Teen Vanishes in Thailand Near Myanmar Border

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

The search for a 19-year-old British youth, Lawrence Stallard Honour, is intensifying after his mysterious disappearance from Pattaya on September 26. Concerns grow as it emerges he may have been lured to work for a criminal call centre. With a failed attempt to cross from Kanchanaburi’s Three Pagodas Pass to Myanmar, local authorities are on high alert.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374860-british-teen-vanishes-in-thailand-near-myanmar-border/

 

Dutch Suspect Arrested in Pattaya Underage Sex Case

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities in Pattaya have arrested a Dutch national and a Thai woman accused of running an underage sex trafficking operation just metres from a police substation. The raid, carried out on 2 October, rescued three minors who were allegedly being sold for sex to foreign tourists inside a hotel near Dongtan Beach in Jomtien. The case has raised serious concerns about law enforcement oversight, given the proximity of the illicit activity to the police station.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374862-dutch-suspect-arrested-in-pattaya-underage-sex-case/

 

Man Stabbed in Phuket Bar Attack by Politician’s Grandson
 

Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

A violent stabbing occurred late on 1 October in central Phuket when the grandson of a prominent Phatthalung politician allegedly attacked the new partner of his former girlfriend. The victim, a 25-year-old man from Nakhon Si Thammarat, sustained life-threatening injuries after being stabbed multiple times inside a popular city bar. Police confirmed that the incident appeared to stem from jealousy.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374863-man-stabbed-in-phuket-bar-attack-by-politician’s-grandson/

 

Russian Tourist Found Dead in Phuket Swimming Pool
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Police in Phuket are investigating the unexplained death of a 58-year-old Russian man who was discovered submerged in a swimming pool at his accommodation in Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang District, on 2 October 2025. The man, identified as Mr Vladimir, was later found by police when they arrived, lifeless in his room after attempts to resuscitate him failed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374864-russian-tourist-found-dead-in-phuket-swimming-pool/

 

Seven-Year-Old Boy Killed by Teacher Reversing Car at School
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint

 

An incident at a primary school in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, claimed the life of a seven-year-old pupil on 2 October 2025. The boy, was fatally injured when struck by a teacher’s reversing vehicle within the school grounds. He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374865-seven-year-old-boy-killed-by-teacher-reversing-car-at-school/

 

Chinese Tourist Still Missing From Phuket Beach

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

The search for a 21-year-old Chinese tourist swept out to sea at Nai Han Beach in Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, remains ongoing. The man was carried away by strong waves in front of his girlfriend on October 1 and authorities have yet to locate him as of the evening of October 2.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374867-chinese-tourist-still-missing-from-phuket-beach/

 

Police Arrest Key Money Mule in Transnational Crime Ring
 

Picture courtesy of MGR

 

The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) has arrested a 55-year-old woman accused of acting as a major money mule for an international criminal network. Authorities said her accounts processed over 5 billion baht in illicit transactions linked to cross-border organised crime. The arrest followed multiple warrants issued by the Criminal Court.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374868-police-arrest-key-money-mule-in-transnational-crime-ring/

 

Mysterious Death of Pork Vendor Found Chained in Forest

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A shocking discovery was made in Nakhon Pathom, on 2 October, when a cattle herder found the body of a man in a forested area of Moo 9, Tambon Mab Khae, Mueang district. The victim, later identified as 55-year-old pork vendor Mr Supakrit, was found with his left foot chained to a tree, secured with a padlock. Nearby were personal items including bottles of soft drinks, herbicide sachets and a bicycle.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374869-mysterious-death-of-pork-vendor-found-chained-in-forest/

 

Ex-Convict Stabs Rival Then Shot Dead in Bangkok Clash
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A 26-year-old man was shot dead after attacking a rival with a knife outside Khlong Chan Flats in Bangkok in the early hours of 1 October. Police from Lat Phrao Police Station were alerted at 00.30 and found the victim, identified as Mr Kulphong, lying in a pool of blood with two gunshot wounds to the neck and leg. A knife was recovered beside the body, while the alleged gunman, 33-year-old Mr Kraiwee, had already been taken to hospital with stab wounds.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374870-ex-convict-stabs-rival-then-shot-dead-in-bangkok-clash/

 

Bangkok Factory Blaze Forces Evacuation of Workers

 

Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A fire broke out at a plastic factory in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district early on 2 October, forcing more than 10 workers to evacuate as explosions and thick smoke spread through the area. Fire crews took around an hour and half, to bring the flames under control, with no casualties reported.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374871-bangkok-factory-blaze-forces-evacuation-of-workers/

 

Fatal Udon Thani Bus Crash Kills 71-year-old Motorcyclist
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A 71-year-old man was killed instantly when his motorcycle was struck by a passenger bus at a busy intersection in Udon Thani city on 2 October. The incident sparked further controversy after the bus driver clashed with reporters at the scene, leading to an additional police complaint.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374872-fatal-udon-thani-bus-crash-kills-71-year-old-motorcyclist/

 

Yacht Electrician Dies After Electrocution at Bali Hai Pier
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A yacht electrician died after being electrocuted while working at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya in the early hours of 3 October. Rescue workers attempted to resuscitate the victim with CPR before rushing him to hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374874-yacht-electrician-dies-after-electrocution-at-bali-hai-pier/

 

Thaksin's Pardon Plea Denied by Thailand's Justice Minister

 

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanitchakorn)

 

In a significant decision, Thailand's Justice Minister has denied former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s plea for a further Royal pardon of his one-year jail term. The rejection was outlined in a formal letter dated September 23rd, addressed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul by then Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. This decision sends Thaksin's request back to the Office of the Secretary-General of the Cabinet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374889-thaksins-pardon-plea-denied-by-thailands-justice-minister/

 

Monk Arrested in Child Pornography Linked to Online Groups

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

Police in Chanthaburi arrested a 29-year-old monk on 2 October after uncovering his role as an administrator of online groups distributing child sexual abuse material. The raid revealed extensive evidence, including videos of novice monks being abused, prompting immediate dismissal from the monastic order and multiple criminal charges.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1374894-monk-arrested-in-child-pornography-linked-to-online-groups/

 

Portuguese Scammer Arrested in Bangkok After 2-Year Hunt

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon Online

 

Police in Bangkok have captured Carlos Laposo, a notorious Portuguese scammer, linked to almost 19 billion baht in crypto and credit card fraud. The arrest occurred in a popular shopping mall following a global manhunt.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374895-portuguese-scammer-arrested-in-bangkok-after-2-year-hunt/

 

British Actor Flies In to Boost Morale at Eastern Thai Border

 

Photo courtesy of บ้านเมือง

 

A British actor has traveled to Thailand's eastern border to donate solar panels and supplies to the Border Patrol Police. Mark Shelley, accompanied by his Thai wife, Naphatwarun Sirirattanasap, brought nine solar panel sets, dried food, snacks, and bottled water to officers in Trat province. This gesture aims to boost the morale of police stationed near the Cambodian border, where tensions have been rising.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374936-british-actor-flies-in-to-boost-morale-at-eastern-thai-border/

 

Thailand Aims for 3M More Chinese Tourists by Year-End

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's tourism and sports minister, Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, aims to attract 2-3 million more Chinese tourists during his four-month term, acknowledging the country's declining status as a "tourism giant." He announced the "Big Impact, Act Fast" policy during his initial visit to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), emphasizing the need to target markets with growth potential.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374938-thailand-aims-for-3m-more-chinese-tourists-by-year-end/

 

Bangkok Sees Surge in HFMD and Influenza Cases

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Bangkok is experiencing a notable rise in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and influenza cases, prompting the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to issue a warning to parents and communities. The increase coincides with the rainy season, which heightens the risk of such infections. The DDC reports 10,344 HFMD cases within the first nine months, translating to 239.99 cases per 100,000 people, though no deaths have been recorded.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374941-bangkok-sees-surge-in-hfmd-and-influenza-cases/

 

Phuket Theft: Man Seeks Help to Identify Foreign Suspect

 

Photo via Facebook/ Ferosh Eve Suriya

 

A Thai man is appealing for assistance in identifying a foreign suspect accused of stealing two laptops and a wallet from accommodations in Bang Tao, Phuket, on October 1. Ferosh "Eve" Suriya shared CCTV footage on Facebook, asking the public for any information about the man's identity. The theft reportedly occurred between 5:50 AM and 6:00 AM in the Soi Bang Tao 11 area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374942-phuket-theft-man-seeks-help-to-identify-foreign-suspect/

 

Mother Hospitalized After Son's Alleged Drug-Fueled Attack

 

Screenshot from Thairath video

 

A Thai man is accused of attacking his mother in their rural home while under the influence of cannabis, leaving her with severe injuries. The incident occurred in a village in Thailand following an argument between the mother and her biological son. The suspect has turned himself into the police and is under investigation for the attack.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374943-mother-hospitalized-after-sons-alleged-drug-fueled-attack/

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Reclaims Shares in SC Asset

 

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SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited revealed on October 1, 2025, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has regained a 28.43% share in the company. This move involves the reacquisition of 1,216,149,870 ordinary shares from Kiatnakin Phatra Asset Management Company Limited and Land and Houses Fund Management Company Limited. The immediate impact is the restoration of Paetongtarn as the company's largest individual shareholder.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374945-paetongtarn-shinawatra-reclaims-shares-in-sc-asset/

 

Pattaya Woman Attacked in Robbery, Suspect at Large

 

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

A 19-year-old lady from Laos, referred to as Da, was attacked during a robbery at her Pattaya home on October 2. The incident occurred when an unidentified man forced his way into her residence around 4am, assaulting her and stealing her iPhone 15. The man initially pretended to need the toilet before shoving Da and dragging her to the bathroom, where a struggle ensued.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374946-pattaya-woman-attacked-in-robbery-suspect-at-large/

 

Thailand to Build Border Fences with Cambodia

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) has approved plans to construct fences along the Thai-Cambodian border, as announced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Thai military will finalize the details, including location and design, based on local needs and terrain. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage border disputes and improve security.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374947-thailand-to-build-border-fences-with-cambodia/

 

Pattaya Hosts Beauty Pageant to Boost Tourism, Promote Culture

 

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya welcomed contestants for a cultural event on October 1, aiming to promote Chinese heritage and enhance local tourism. The event at Pattaya City Hall was officiated by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and is part of activities leading to the pageant's final on October 4 at Siam Fantasy, Asiatique The Riverfront. The pageant seeks to select a Thai woman of Chinese descent to represent Thailand at the 2025 Miss Chinese International event in Hong Kong.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374949-pattaya-hosts-beauty-pageant-to-boost-tourism-promote-culture/

 

Anutin Vows Zero Tolerance in Call Centre Bribery Case

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged strict anti-corruption measures as Minister Chaichanok Chidchob investigates a 40-million-baht monthly bribe tied to call centre scams. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, fully supports the inquiry, asserting that no corruption will be tolerated within his government. The controversy arose following Chaichanok's revelation of bribe offers from entities linked to call centre operations in exchange for legal leniency.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374950-anutin-vows-zero-tolerance-in-call-centre-bribery-case/

 

Woman Attacked with Boiling Water Over Romance Dispute

 

Photo via Facebook/ บ้านเฮียชาญ อุ้ยอุบล

 

A woman in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, was allegedly attacked by her employer's daughter, Bee, who poured boiling water over her. The incident, reportedly sparked by the woman's relationship with Bee's brother, left the 22-year-old with severe burns. The attack drew widespread attention after a social media post showed the victim's injuries.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374952-woman-attacked-with-boiling-water-over-romance-dispute/