FILE- A staff member prepares a flower bud of cannabis for a customer at a cannabis shop in Bangkok, Thailand, July 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Thailand has announced a review of current cannabis laws following pressure from industry advocates. The group "Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future" has argued that stringent regulations are crippling the sector and called for swift reforms to rejuvenate the market.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375445-thailand-to-reconsider-cannabis-laws-amid-industry-concerns/

Lawn Mowing Leads German Man into 20m Thai Well

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

A German national in Chonburi, Thailand, accidentally fell into a 20-meter-deep well while mowing his lawn. The incident occurred on October 9, when Mr. Roland Lorenz, 63, slipped into the well in Sattahip district. He floated for 40 minutes before being rescued by local authorities, alerted by a neighbor.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375491-lawn-mowing-leads-german-man-into-20m-thai-well/

MP calls for reform of Thailand’s archaic alcohol laws

 

Pictures courtesy of Patong Police Facebook page

 

Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has criticized Thailand's alcohol laws, highlighting confusion during religious holidays as a significant issue. He called for urgent reform of the Entertainment Venue Act of 1966, aiming to support the tourism and nightlife industries. This call follows enforcement challenges during the Buddhist Lent holiday on October 7, where inconsistencies arose over where alcohol could be sold.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375481-mp-calls-for-reform-of-thailand’s-archaic-alcohol-laws/

U.S. Military Base Request Sparks Protest in Phang Nga

 

Photo courtesy of Phuket Express

 

A group of Phang Nga residents protested on October 8, 2025, against a proposed US military base in their province. Led by Mr. Dusit Buathong from the Phang Nga Civil Society for Happiness Association and Mr. Siriphong Konsap, they marched at the Phang Nga Provincial Hall, voicing their opposition to the US using the Phang Nga Naval Base area for military purposes. Their petition was received by Deputy Governor Mr. Buncha Thanuin.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375484-us-military-base-request-sparks-protest-in-phang-nga/

American Jumps from Ferry, Evades Rescuers for an Hour

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon 

 

A 36-year-old American sparked a rescue operation off the coast of Pattaya on the morning of 9 October, after leaping from a passenger ferry bound for Koh Larn and refusing help for more than an hour. The incident took place at around 09.20, as the ferry headed towards Tawaen Beach. Passengers and crew watched in shock as the man, identified only as Joshua, swam away and repeatedly gestured for rescuers to come back.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375520-american-jumps-from-ferry-evades-rescuers-for-an-hour/

 

Sri Lankan Man Caught Using Fake French Passport at Airport
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A 26-year-old Sri Lankan man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after attempting to board a flight to Vienna using a forged French passport. Officers from the Investigation and Suppression Division of Immigration Bureau Region 2 intercepted the suspect, identified as Mr. Sayanthan, during routine checks before departure. The arrest disrupted an apparent passport forgery operation involving international collaborators.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375522-sri-lankan-man-caught-using-fake-french-passport-at-airport/

 

American Tourist Assaulted by Motorcyclist Near Walking Street
 

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya News

 

A violent altercation occurred near Pattaya’s Walking Street on the evening of 8 October 2025, when an American tourist was allegedly attacked by a Thai motorcyclist. The incident left the visitor unconscious on the street and prompted a police investigation into the suspect’s identity.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375524-american-tourist-assaulted-by-motorcyclist-near-walking-street/

 

Samsen Road Remains Closed as BMA Ensures Ground Stability

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on 9 October that Samsen Road in Dusit district will remain closed while the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and contractors reinforce the ground to prevent further subsidence. The road, which was initially expected to reopen on the 9 October, will stay shut for an extended period as engineers adjust their plans to ensure long-term stability.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375525-samsen-road-remains-closed-as-bma-ensures-ground-stability/

 

Fire Erupts at 38-Storey Condo in Bangkok
 

Pictures courtesy of  Daily News

 

A fire broke out at a 38-storey condominium opposite Pata Department Store in Bangkok’s Pinklao area on the afternoon of 9 October, prompting a mass evacuation of residents. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the 16th floor as emergency crews rushed to the scene around 14:00. Firefighters from the Bang Khun Non Fire and Rescue Station managed to control the blaze within 45 minutes.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375526-fire-erupts-at-38-storey-condo-in-bangkok/

 

Manhunt After Ex-Convict Kills Mother With Knife
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod

 

Police in Ubon Ratchathani are searching for a man who allegedly murdered his mother with a knife just seven days after being released from prison for killing his father. The brutal attack occurred at around 19:40 on 8 October 2025 in Ban Nong Manow, Kut Lat subdistrict, Mueang district. Authorities have urged residents in the area to stay indoors and lock their homes as the suspect remains at large and is believed to be armed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375527-manhunt-after-ex-convict-kills-mother-with-knife/

 

Crowd Control Units Deployed to Sa Kaeo for Expulsion Operation
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Provincial Police Region 2 has ordered the deployment of six Crowd Control Companies and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units to Sa Kaeo Province in preparation for an operation to expel Cambodian citizens accused of encroaching on Thai territory. The operation will be conducted in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew, Khok Sung District, between 11 and 15 October 2025.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375528-crowd-control-units-deployed-to-sa-kaeo-for-expulsion-operation/

 

Man Arrested for Stealing Motorcycles to Feed 300 Stray Dogs
 

Picture courtesy of khaosod

 

Police in Chonburi have arrested a 23-year-old man accused of stealing more than 10 Honda PCX motorcycles worth around 82,500 baht each, selling them for just 20,000 baht to raise money for his mother to feed 300 stray dogs. The suspect, identified as Tawarat, nicknamed “Toey Sriracha,” was detained on 9 October 2025 outside a convenience store in Na Jomtien while allegedly preparing to steal another motorcycle. His thefts spanned several districts, including Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Nong Prue, Na Jomtien and Sriracha.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375530-man-arrested-for-stealing-motorcycles-to-feed-300-stray-dogs/

 

Jealous Husband Kills Nurse Wife Before Shooting Himself
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A man in Surat Thani fatally shot his wife, a nurse, inside their staff housing at a local hospital before taking his own life with the same gun early on 9 October. Police said the incident stemmed from jealousy following a heated argument between the couple, who had been married for more than two decades and had two children.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375531-jealous-husband-kills-nurse-wife-before-shooting-himself/

 

British Motorcyclist Killed in Chiang Mai Crash Horror

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod English

 

A British motorcyclist tragically lost his life after a crash in Chiang Mai involving three vehicles. The accident occurred early Thursday morning in the Juvenile Court underpass on Chiang Mai-Lampang Road. Craig D, 51, died instantly after he fell off his motorbike and was hit by three cars.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375543-british-motorcyclist-killed-in-chiang-mai-crash-horror/

 

Bangkok Launches Smoking Crackdown to Improve Air Quality

 

File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok authorities have announced a stricter enforcement of public smoking laws to safeguard residents and tourists from secondhand smoke. Health advocate Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit and Chayanan Sithibusaya of the Tobacco Products Control Office met with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to address indoor air pollution caused by cigarette smoke. The move responds to long-standing gaps in enforcement of anti-smoking laws first enacted in 1992.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375574-bangkok-launches-smoking-crackdown-to-improve-air-quality/

 

Thailand Hosts Grand Diwali to Attract Indian Tourists

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is set to host the "Grand Diwali Celebration," targeting 100,000 Indian travelers, with anticipated annual arrivals reaching a record 2.5 million. Puneet Kochhar, director of Kochhar Travel in Delhi, states Thailand remains a top overseas destination for Indian tourists, particularly from Delhi and Mumbai. This festival aims to tap into travel preferences from Gujarat and Maharashtra, countering the trend of staying home during Diwali.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375579-thailand-hosts-grand-diwali-to-attract-indian-tourists/

 

Anutin Charnvirakul Favored for Prime Minister

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party, emerged as the leading candidate for premiership in a recent Khon Kaen University poll. Conducted from October 3 to 5, 2025, the survey involved 1,074 respondents aged 18 and above across 20 northeastern provinces. Anutin was favored by 24.3% of participants, outpacing opposition People's Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who garnered 22.8% support.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375581-anutin-charnvirakul-favored-for-prime-minister/

 

Flu Cases in Thailand Surpass 700,000 as Deaths Reach 61

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is experiencing a significant surge in influenza cases, with over 700,000 reported and 61 fatalities. As the country enters cooler weather, health officials urge immediate vaccination for vulnerable groups to prevent further spread. The Department of Disease Control reported 702,238 flu cases between January 1 and October 8, indicating a concerning trend.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375583-flu-cases-in-thailand-surpass-700000-as-deaths-reach-61/

 

Thaksin Shinawatra May Teach English in Prison

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai prime minister, may teach English to inmates while serving his one-year sentence at Klongprem prison, according to Corrections Department chief Prawut Wongsrinil. Given his age, he won't be assigned labor-intensive tasks outdoors. Instead, he might lead English classes on the prison premises, although no specific start date has been mentioned.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375584-thaksin-shinawatra-may-teach-english-in-prison/

 

Seaplanes to Enhance Phuket’s Luxury Tourism Sector

 

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Officials and industry figures met in Phuket to discuss a proposed seaplane project designed to enhance luxury tourism and boost regional connectivity. Spearheaded by Thai Seaplane Co Ltd, the initiative aims to introduce seaplane services in Phuket Bay, focusing on high-end tourists, while upholding strict environmental standards. The public forum, held on October 9 at Baan Ao Makham, was led by Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai and attended by various stakeholders.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375585-seaplanes-to-enhance-phuket’s-luxury-tourism-sector/

 

Pheu Thai Faces Challenges Ahead of March Elections

 

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

The Pheu Thai party, part of Thailand's current opposition bloc, faces a challenging path to becoming the core of a future government. According to a NIDA academic, the Bhumjaithai and People's parties have equal opportunities, at roughly 50:50, to lead a government after the general election anticipated in March. Despite Pheu Thai's recent rally indicating readiness, uncertainties remain over their potential prime minister candidates and the possibility of members leaving for other parties.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375587-pheu-thai-faces-challenges-ahead-of-march-elections/

 

Mariah Carey Arrives in Bangkok for Mimi Anniversary Tour

 

Pictures courtesy of กรุงเทพธุรกิจ

 

Mariah Carey has touched down in Bangkok ahead of her concert, part of her world tour, "Mariah Carey Live in Bangkok 2025 – The Celebration of Mimi," set for October 11 at Impact Challenger Hall. Her arrival at Don Mueang Airport was met with enthusiasm, with organisers and fans welcoming her warmly. Known for her iconic songs like "Hero" and "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Carey is back in Thailand for the first time in nearly ten years, much to the delight of her fans.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375589-mariah-carey-arrives-in-bangkok-for-mimi-anniversary-tour/

 

Phuket Airport Set to Welcome Over 16 Million Passengers

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Phuket International Airport is projected to receive over 16 million passengers this year, thanks to increased international arrivals and new direct flight offerings from Europe and Asia. During China's Golden Week from October 1 to 8, the airport experienced a 60% increase in passenger traffic compared to last year, with an average of 29 flights a day. This surge brought in 34,375 passengers, approximately 65% of pre-Covid levels.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375592-phuket-airport-set-to-welcome-over-16-million-passengers/

 

Heavy Fog and Cold Snap Make Doi Inthanon a Hotspot

 

File photo for reference only

 

Tourists are heading to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, as an unexpected cold snap hit the area. On Thursday, October 10, 2025, temperatures plummeted to 11°C, accompanied by heavy fog, creating picturesque and chilly conditions. This sudden weather change has delighted visitors seeking a romantic getaway ahead of a long weekend.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375596-heavy-fog-and-cold-snap-make-doi-inthanon-a-hotspot/

 

Thailand's Supreme Court Cuts Philip Morris Fine to 20M Baht

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Supreme Court has reduced the fine levied on Philip Morris Thailand from 130 million baht to 20 million baht for tax evasion on imported cigarettes. The court ruled that the company avoided tax on cigarettes imported from Indonesia in 2002 and 2003. This decision modifies a penalty initially set by a lower court in 2020.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375598-thailands-supreme-court-cuts-philip-morris-fine-to-20m-baht/

 

Officials Plan Extreme Sports Hub in Pattaya

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya News

 

Pattaya officials are exploring plans to transform the city into a global center for extreme sports by hosting international competitions. The initiative aims to attract thrill-seeking tourists and boost the local economy. In a recent meeting, Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, along with city and sports officials, discussed these plans with Mr. Apichat Rutnin, President of the Asian Extreme Sports Federation, and Mr. Pascal Filippi, Managing Director.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375600-officials-plan-extreme-sports-hub-in-pattaya/

 

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Thailand Live Saturday 11 October 2025
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