Thai-Aussie Couple Reports Police Extortion Incident in Pattaya

 

Photo via Facebook/ อธิปบูรพา

 

A Thai woman and her Australian husband claim a police officer extorted 20,000 baht from them in Pattaya on October 13. Mint, the 25-year-old Thai woman, recounted the alleged incident while seeking to reclaim the money. According to her, the situation unfolded at Mueang Pattaya Police Station when her husband was detained for allegedly not paying a bar bill.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375947-thai-aussie-couple-reports-police-extortion-incident-in-pattaya/

Thailand Targets 12M Tourists for High Season

 

Fireworks at Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 | Photo via Thailand Update/Facebook

 

Thailand aims to attract 12 million international visitors during the upcoming high season through four major events: the Amazing Marathon, Maha Loy Krathong 2025, Vijit Chao Phraya Light Festival, and the Amazing Thailand Countdown. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375956-thailand-targets-12m-tourists-for-high-season/

Medical Network Urges Health Ministry to Revoke Cannabis Policy
 

File picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A coalition of doctors, academics and anti-drug advocates sent an open letter,  on 13 October 2025, to Thailand’s Health Minister, Mr. Pattana Phomphat, calling for the revocation of the 8 February 2022 ministerial announcement that removed cannabis from the list of Category 5 narcotics. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375882-medical-network-urges-health-ministry-to-revoke-cannabis-policy/

Thai & Indian Pair Arrested Over Gold Scam on US Victim
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Cybercrime police have arrested an Indian man and a Thai woman accused of running a transnational online fraud scheme that tricked an American citizen into transferring more than $59,000. The funds were later used to buy gold in Thailand, which was sold in India at a profit. The operation, police said, is part of a larger network that defrauded over 20 foreign victims, with a total circulation of around 20 million baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375974-thai-indian-pair-arrested-over-gold-scam-on-us-victim/

 

Pattaya Bar Worker Injured After Fourth-Floor Jump
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 20-year-old bar worker in Pattaya was seriously injured after jumping from a fourth-floor window following an argument with her boyfriend. The incident took place on South Pattaya Road on 14 October. Rescue teams rushed to the scene to provide emergency assistance before transporting the woman to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375976-pattaya-bar-worker-injured-after-fourth-floor-jump/

 

PM Anutin May Dissolve House to Avoid Censure Showdown

 

Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul may dissolve the House of Representatives by early December, pre-empting a censure debate from opposition groups. The prime minister might opt for a general election before the House reconvenes in mid-December, thus avoiding a potential grilling motion by opposition factions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375977-pm-anutin-may-dissolve-house-to-avoid-censure-showdown/

 

Blind German Man Unaware of Wife’s Death in Their Home
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

A 69-year-old blind German man unknowingly sat outside his rented home in Chachoengsao for hours on the evening of 14 October, unaware that his Thai wife had taken her own life inside. Police later discovered the body of 53-year-old Nisara at their residence in Pruksa 36 Village, Soi 14, Khlong Udom Chonlachon subdistrict, after being notified at around 18.30.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375978-blind-german-man-unaware-of-wife’s-death-in-their-home/

 

Over 30,000 Hair Dryers Seized in Pathum Thani Raid
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Authorities have seized more than 30,000 substandard hair dryers and over 100,000 other uncertified electrical products in a raid at a warehouse in Pathum Thani. The operation, led by Deputy Industry Minister Sgt Maj. Yotsingh Liemlert, followed reports of a child’s death caused by a faulty hair dryer in Buriram province. Officials emphasised that the raid is part of a broader crackdown on unsafe and illegally imported products.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375979-over-30000-hair-dryers-seized-in-pathum-thani-raid/

 

Pregnant Woman Missing After Boat Sinks in Ayutthaya
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A boat towing barges, sank in the Pa Sak River in Ayutthaya, leaving a seven-month-pregnant woman missing and prompting an urgent search by rescue teams. The incident occurred near the Chia Tai Company pier in Pak Chan Subdistrict, Nakhon Luang District, where divers were deployed to locate the missing woman.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375981-pregnant-woman-missing-after-boat-sinks-in-ayutthaya/

 

Drunken Father-in-Law Shot Dead in Nakhon Pathom
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A 59-year-old man was shot dead by his son-in-law after a gunfight broke out at their family home in Nakhon Pathom late on 13 October. Police said the father-in-law, heavily intoxicated, had kicked his daughter’s bedroom door and shouted for her to “say goodbye to her husband” before opening fire. The son-in-law, who was eating noodles outside the house, narrowly dodged the shots and returned fire, killing the older man.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375982-drunken-father-in-law-shot-dead-in-nakhon-pathom/

 

Chiang Mai Girl's Severed Hand Reattached After Gang Attack

 

File photo for reference only

 

A 14-year-old girl from Chiang Mai, whose hand was severed in a violent gang attack, has returned home after successful surgery. The attack occurred on September 16th, when a gang injured three students, mistakenly targeting the girl due to her hoodie. She was taken to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital where surgeons reattached her hand in a 20-hour operation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375984-chiang-mai-girls-severed-hand-reattached-after-gang-attack/

 

Three Lao Men Arrested for Robbing & Assaulting Taxi Driver
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police in Bangkok have arrested three Lao nationals accused of robbing and assaulting a 69-year-old taxi driver in the Ramkhamhaeng area, stealing 400 baht in cash before fleeing the scene. The suspects admitted to the crime, saying they had recently entered Thailand illegally and were unemployed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375983-three-lao-men-arrested-for-robbing-assaulting-taxi-driver/

 

Ghostly Wails at Thai-Cambodian Border Ignite Online Debate

 

Angkana Neelapaijit and Kan Chompalang. Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

A fiery row has erupted between Thai Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit and activist Kannawat Pongpaibulwech, known as ‘Kan Chompalang’, after unsettling noises, including ghostly wails and aircraft engine sounds, were reportedly blasted at Cambodian civilians near the Thai border.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375985-ghostly-wails-at-thai-cambodian-border-ignite-online-debate/

 

Mongkutwattana Hospital to Suspend Gold Card Services
 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath 

 

Mongkutwattana Hospital in Laksi district, Bangkok, will temporarily stop accepting patients under Thailand’s Gold Card scheme,  “30-baht scheme”, starting 16 October 2025. Hospital Director Dr. Riangthong Naenna stated the suspension follows unpaid debts exceeding 100 million baht from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), affecting more than 40,000 patients who rely on the scheme. Patients who wish to continue treatment must pay themselves at government hospital rates or be referred to other hospitals.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375986-mongkutwattana-hospital-to-suspend-gold-card-services/

 

Police Seize 48,000 E-Cigarettes Worth ฿20 Million
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police in Thailand’s Region 1 have seized over 48,000 e-cigarette items worth more than 20 million baht after intercepting a major smuggling network operating from the South. Two suspects from Songkhla and Pattani were arrested in Samut Sakhon on 14 October while transporting the contraband in two pickup trucks fitted with enclosed boxes. Both men reportedly admitted to being paid 3,000 baht per trip to deliver the products.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375987-police-seize-48000-e-cigarettes-worth-฿20-million/

 

Dubai Tourist’s Scooter Plunges into Pond at Pattaya Temple
 

Picture courtesy of Kalaya Mode Thong / Facebook

 

A tourist from Dubai accidentally drove his rented motorbike into a pond at Wat Mai Samran, also known as Wat Koh Larn, in Pattaya, sparking laughter from monks and villagers who rushed to help. The incident occurred on 12 October 2025 and was later shared widely online after a 35-second video was posted by local rescuer Kalaya Mode Thong on Facebook.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375990-dubai-tourist’s-scooter-plunges-into-pond-at-pattaya-temple/

 

Thousands of Jellyfish Wash Ashore on Cha-am Beach

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Thousands of jellyfish have washed ashore along Ban Bo Yai Beach in Cha-am, Phetchaburi Province, alarming tourists and prompting warnings from local fisheries officials not to touch them. The marine influx, reported on 14 October, has been attributed to strong winds and rough seas in the area over recent days.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375991-thousands-of-jellyfish-wash-ashore-on-cha-am-beach/

 

Cobra Bites 93-Year-Old Woman as She Sleeps Under House
 

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

A 93-year-old woman in Phetchabun narrowly survived after being bitten by a cobra while sleeping under her stilted house. The victim, identified as Mrs. Thong Prathumthong, was rushed to Phetchabun Hospital in serious condition but is now recovering and breathing unaided after treatment in intensive care. Doctors say she could return home within days if her wound shows no signs of infection.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1375993-cobra-bites-93-year-old-woman-as-she-sleeps-under-house/

 

Bangkok Condo Fire: Escape Route Blamed for Doctor's Death

 

Pictures courtesy of  Daily News

 

A doctor tragically lost his life in a Bangkok condominium fire on 9 October, with potential faults in the escape route and deficient smoke ventilation suspected as contributing factors. The blaze ignited in a 16th-floor unit of a 38-storey building on Pin Klao Road, near the Pata department store. The fire ravaged the 60-square-metre unit before firefighters successfully contained it, leaving the initial cause undetermined.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376006-bangkok-condo-fire-escape-route-blamed-for-doctors-death/

 

Thailand Sees 25 Million Visitors in 2025

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has welcomed over 25 million international visitors by October 2025, generating more than 1.15 trillion baht in tourism revenue. Although this is a significant achievement, it represents a 7.54% decrease in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. The top countries contributing visitors were Malaysia, China, India, Russia, and South Korea.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376052-thailand-sees-25-million-visitors-in-2025/

 

Phuket Café Worker Allegedly Harassed by Russian Man

 

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

A Thai woman in Phuket has accused a Russian man of harassment, stating he stalked and threatened her after she rejected his romantic advances. The woman, employed at a Patong café, shared her concerns on the Phuket Times Facebook page on October 14. She emphasized that she had not encouraged his interest and demanded an end to his threatening behaviour.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376053-phuket-café-worker-allegedly-harassed-by-russian-man/

 

Tourists Filmed in Indecent Act on Pattaya Balcony

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A couple was filmed engaging in a sex act on a balcony in central Pattaya, causing public outrage and demands for authorities to intervene. The incident took place at a high-rise condominium on Pattaya Second Road, an area popular with both locals and tourists. The video has rapidly circulated online, raising concerns among residents and officials about the city's image.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376054-tourists-filmed-in-indecent-act-on-pattaya-balcony/

 

Phuket Governor Replaced After Just Two Weeks

 

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News

 

The Thai Cabinet has authorized the sudden transfer of Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra, who served only two weeks in office. Anuphong Panarat, the Secretary to the Governor, confirmed that the removal will be finalized upon receiving Royal Assent. This unexpected move has sparked public scrutiny and speculation regarding administrative dynamics within the Thai government.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376056-phuket-governor-replaced-after-just-two-weeks/

 

Blackpink's Lisa Named Thailand Tourism Ambassador

 

Photo courtesy of Thairath News show Facebook

 

International K-pop sensation Lisa from BLACKPINK has been appointed as Thailand's tourism ambassador as of October 15. By leveraging her global popularity, Thailand aims to attract an additional 5 to 10 million tourists next year. Her involvement is viewed as a strategic effort to highlight Thailand's culture, charm, and hospitality to a worldwide audience.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376059-blackpinks-lisa-named-thailand-tourism-ambassador/

 

Honesty Praised: Man Returns Lost 225,000 Baht

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A man in Bangkok has been praised for returning over 225,000 baht after finding it on the street, a move that has garnered commendation from local police and social media users. The cash belonged to a convenience store manager who lost it while on her way to make a bank deposit. The incident unfolded when Saranya, the store manager, reported the missing money to officers at Samsen Police Station on October 14.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376060-honesty-praised-man-returns-lost-225000-baht/

 

PEA Probes Worker Misconduct Over Electricity Bill Warnings

 

Screenshot from a video footage of a contractor discarding electricity bill warnings in the trash | Photo via KhaoSod

 

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Buriram is investigating a contractor after videos revealed a worker discarding electricity bill warnings intended for residents in Prakhon Chai district. The footage, captured by locals, shows the individual riding a motorbike, stopping at homes to scan meters and print slips, which were then thrown into trash bins instead of being delivered. This has raised concerns among residents about possible fraud or disconnection scams.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376062-pea-probes-worker-misconduct-over-electricity-bill-warnings/

 

Tragic Tesla Accident Claims Driver's Life in Pathum Thani

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic accident in Pathum Thani, central Thailand, claimed the life of a 55-year-old man named Witthawat, after his Tesla Model 3 veered off the road and plunged into a canal. Despite rescue teams’ efforts to free him from the submerged car, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred around 7am on October 15, near Soi Rong Makham.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376063-tragic-tesla-accident-claims-drivers-life-in-pathum-thani/

 

US-Thai Trade Hinges on Cambodia Border Peace

 

Photo courtesy of 24NewsHD

 

The United States has linked key trade negotiations with Thailand to a resolution of its border conflict with Cambodia, pressing both nations for a swift peace agreement. The Trump administration's move adds a geopolitical layer to US-Thai trade talks, with significant implications for Thailand's economic strategy as it prepares for upcoming elections.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376065-us-thai-trade-hinges-on-cambodia-border-peace/

 

Parties Face Legal Action Over Coalition Agreement

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A petition has been filed by a red-shirt leader, Niyom Nopparat, seeking the dissolution of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and the People's Party (PP) over a controversial memorandum of agreement (MOA). This MOA facilitated the formation of the current coalition government, which Niyom argues could potentially breach the constitution's Section 49. The section pertains to attempts to overthrow the democratic system, raising concerns about the legality of this political alliance.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376066-parties-face-legal-action-over-coalition-agreement/

 

Thai Agency Denies Forcing Tourists to Buy Souvenirs

 

Photo via TVBS

 

A Thai travel agency has refuted allegations that it compelled Chinese tourists to purchase souvenirs for commission, following a viral video of a Chinese tour guide threatening travelers. The video, which surfaced on Weibo and caught the attention of Thai netizens, showed the guide angrily warning tourists on a bus that they would face issues returning home unless they bought products at a duty-free shop. This incident led to online backlash, with accusations of the guide exploiting tourists for personal gain.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1375893-foreign-‘illegal-guide’-threatens-chinese-tourists-over-shopping/#findComment-20155654