DLT to Introduce 10–20 Baht Rush Hour Taxi Fee from December

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to introduce an additional 10–20 baht service charge for taxi rides during rush hours starting in December 2025. The move aims to reduce the widespread problem of taxi drivers refusing passengers during peak traffic periods and late-night hours. The adjustment will not affect the base fare, which remains at 35 baht, but will apply only as a service fee during designated times.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376371-dlt-to-introduce-10–20-baht-rush-hour-taxi-fee-from-december/

Drunken Ex-Boxer from Denmark Climbs Roof in Phuket Frenzy

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

A former Danish boxer caused alarm in a Phuket neighbourhood on the afternoon of October 18 when he drunkenly climbed onto the roof of a residence and threatened to jump, prompting a swift and coordinated police response. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376387-drunken-ex-boxer-from-denmark-climbs-roof-in-phuket-frenzy/

Two Israelis Arrested in Koh Phangan Business Raids

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Police have arrested two Israeli nationals and six Thai and Myanmar workers in a coordinated crackdown on illegally operated businesses on the resort island of Koh Phangan. The operation forms part of an ongoing national campaign against foreign investors using Thai nominees to bypass business ownership laws.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376343-two-israelis-arrested-in-koh-phangan-business-raids/

Drug Raid at Bangkok Nightclub Nets Nigerian Dealer
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A narcotics raid in central Bangkok has led to the arrest of a Nigerian drug dealer and two Thai staff members, with multiple illegal substances seized and over 20 partygoers testing positive for drugs. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376364-drug-raid-at-bangkok-nightclub-nets-nigerian-dealer/

Three Indian Men Arrested After Attack in Pattaya
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Chonburi Immigration Police have arrested three Indian nationals accused of assaulting a compatriot in a jealous rage at a restaurant in South Pattaya. The incident, which occurred on 17 October 2025, left the victim with a head wound requiring seven stitches. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376381-three-indian-men-arrested-after-attack-in-pattaya/

German Woman Killed, Husband Injured in Phang Nga Crash
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

 

A German woman was killed and her husband seriously injured after their motorcycle collided with a pickup truck in Phang Nga Province on 18 October 2025. The fatal crash occurred at around 17:20 on Phetkasem Road near the U-turn in front of Ban Pak Weep School, Kuek Kak Subdistrict, Takua Pa District.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376430-german-woman-killed-husband-injured-in-phang-nga-crash/

 

Chinese Man Arrested for Using Fake Immigration Stamp
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Immigration officers in Nong Khai arrested a Chinese national attempting to cross into Laos using a counterfeit passport stamp on 18 October 2025. The man, identified as Mr. Deng Ruipeng, was travelling in a car with a Thai driver when officers at the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint detected irregularities in his travel documents.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376431-chinese-man-arrested-for-using-fake-immigration-stamp/

 

Elderly Father of Local Official Bludgeoned to Death
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A shocking murder has taken place in Dan Chang District, Suphan Buri Province, where an 84-year-old man, father of a local council member, was killed in his own home. The victim, identified as Mr. Thawin Phumchampa, was found dead in a hammock outside his residence, having suffered multiple severe head and facial injuries from a hammer attack. Police swiftly launched an investigation after CCTV footage captured the brutal assault in clear detail.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376433-elderly-father-of-local-official-bludgeoned-to-death/

 

Hong Kong Man Arrested for Scamming Victim into Buying B14m Gold
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

A 45-year-old Hong Kong national has been arrested in Bangkok after allegedly scamming a Thai victim into transferring 410,000 baht and attempting to trick them into buying 14 million baht worth of gold. The swift intervention of police from the Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station prevented the loss, leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Mr. Tang Ming Yin.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376434-hong-kong-man-arrested-for-scamming-victim-into-buying-b14m-gold/

 

Navy Sergeant Jumps from Fourth Floor After Alleged Assault
 

Picture courtesy of Sattahip News

 

A 20-year-old navy sergeant sustained serious injuries after jumping from a fourth-floor flat in Sattahip, Chon Buri, in the early hours of 19 October 2025. The incident occurred after the victim reportedly jumped from the balcony to escape an alleged sexual assault attempt by a senior navy officer. Emergency responders from the Sawang Rojanatham Sathan Sattahip Rescue Foundation were alerted at 03:05 and quickly coordinated with Sattahip and Military Police to the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376436-navy-sergeant-jumps-from-fourth-floor-after-alleged-assault/

 

Rescue Officer Stabbed to Death While Fishing in Nong Bua Lamphu
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police in Nong Bua Lamphu are investigating the brutal murder of a 47-year-old rescue officer from the Nakhum Hai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), who was found dead beside an irrigation canal on 18 October. The victim, identified as Mr. Pirun, was reportedly fishing when he was attacked and fatally stabbed in the chest. Local officials and colleagues described him as a kind, well-liked man with no involvement in drugs or conflict.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376438-rescue-officer-stabbed-to-death-while-fishing-in-nong-bua-lamphu/

 

Rescue Team Uses Ropes to Evacuate 200kg Patient from 5th Floor
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

More than 20 rescue workers in Nonthaburi carried out a tense and complex operation to safely evacuate a severely ill man weighing over 200 kilograms from the fifth floor of an apartment building. The patient, who had been bedridden for days and unable to eat or move, was suffering from severe breathing difficulties. The dramatic rescue took place on the evening of 18 October 2025, after the Siam Nonthaburi Radio Centre received an urgent call for assistance.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376439-rescue-team-uses-ropes-to-evacuate-200kg-patient-from-5th-floor/
 

 

Elderly Man Kills Monk in Dispute Over Pets at Temple
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

A 72-year-old monk was fatally attacked by a 70-year-old man in a shocking incident at Om Yai Temple in Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province on 18 October. The victim, identified as Phra Chum Kamya, known as Luang Ta Chum, was found lying in a pool of blood at the temple with severe head injuries from a bladed weapon. Emergency services rushed him to Sam Phran Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376440-elderly-man-kills-monk-in-dispute-over-pets-at-temple/

 

Man Injured by Spitting Cobra While Checking Fish Trap
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 69-year-old man in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, was injured after a spitting cobra sprayed venom into his eye while he was checking a fish trap on 19 October. Mr. Tee Amtamngam had set the trap in a rice field the previous evening and mistook the contents for a large fish. Upon lifting the trap, venom from the snake hit his left eye, causing immediate pain and irritation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376441-man-injured-by-spitting-cobra-while-checking-fish-trap/

 

Homeless Couple’s Indecent Act at Pattaya Bar Prompts Action
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A viral video showing a homeless couple engaging in a sexual act outside a closed beer bar in Pattaya has sparked public outrage and prompted swift action from local authorities. The 37-second clip, filmed on Soi Buakhao, captured the couple behaving indecently in daylight as bystanders reacted in shock. The footage quickly spread across social media, leading to concerns.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376442-homeless-couple’s-indecent-act-at-pattaya-bar-prompts-action/

 

162 Myanmar Migrants Caught Hiding in Thong Pha Phum Forest

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna 

 

Authorities in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum District arrested 162 Myanmar nationals who were found hiding in a forest on the morning of October 19, 2025. The large group, which included men, women and minors, was waiting for transport to several provinces where they hoped to find work. Officials said the arrests were made after a tip-off from a local resident alerted them to suspicious activity in the area.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376443-162-myanmar-migrants-caught-hiding-in-thong-pha-phum-forest/

 

Officials Warn Cannabis Threatens Phuket’s Tourism Image

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of iStock

 

Phuket is calling for tighter cannabis regulations, as incidents involving tourists' erratic behaviour due to excessive cannabis use tarnish its tourism image. Sarayut Mallum, from the Phuket Tourism Association, links this negative impact to cannabis misuse, citing cases of tourists experiencing hallucinations and risky behaviour after smoking multiple joints.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376448-officials-warn-cannabis-threatens-phuket’s-tourism-image/

 

Bhumjaithai Party Triumphs in Kanchanaburi By-Election

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In a stunning victory, the Bhumjaithai Party won the Kanchanaburi by-election held on Sunday, October 19, defeating its sole competitor, the Pheu Thai Party. According to the Provincial Election Commission Office at 8:40 p.m., Bhumjaithai's candidate, Wisuda Wichiansilp, secured 52,807 votes, outpacing Pheu Thai's Gen. Chinwat Maendej by more than 16,000 votes, who managed 35,964 votes.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376449-bhumjaithai-party-triumphs-in-kanchanaburi-by-election/

 

Veteran Journalist Barry Kenyon Dies in Pattaya Road Crash
 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

The Pattaya community is mourning the loss of Barry Kenyon, a respected journalist with the Pattaya Mail, former British honorary consul and long-standing community figure, who died following a road collision in Jomtien on the night of 18 October. The 84-year-old was struck by a speeding motorbike while crossing Thappraya Road to meet friends for dinner. Emergency responders took him to Pattaya City Hospital, but he succumbed to severe injuries shortly after arrival.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376458-veteran-journalist-barry-kenyon-dies-in-pattaya-road-crash/

 

American Rider and Thai Woman Killed in Jomtien Crash

Picture courtesy of Responders.

 

Two people killed after a rider on a high-powered motorcycle lost control and crashed into a tree on a curve in the Jomtien area. The crash occurred at around 07:00 on October 20, 2025, in front of the Lumpini Park Condo on Jomtien Second Road. Emergency rescue teams arrived quickly following reports of the crash.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376464-american-rider-and-thai-woman-killed-in-jomtien-crash/

 

Naked Foreigner Causes Chaos at Busy Pattaya Intersection

 

Picture via Facebook Channel One News

 

A bizarre incident unfolded in Pattaya as police swiftly responded to reports of a foreign man, unclothed and causing chaos at a busy intersection. The individual, believed to be around 40 years old, was seen standing in the nude at the South Pattaya Second Road traffic lights. Disruptions escalated as the man allegedly began pounding on passing cars.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376487-naked-foreigner-causes-chaos-at-busy-pattaya-intersection/

 

Snapchat, Duolingo and several banks among major apps down in Amazon internet services outage

Many of the world's biggest apps including Snapchat, Duolingo and Roblox have gone down, in what appears to be an issue affecting Amazon Web Services.

Source: BBC

Thailand's Aviation Fee Hikes May Impact Tourism Recovery

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's recent and proposed increases in aviation service fees, including the implementation of the 300-baht tourism tax, might challenge airlines already operating with marginal profits, potentially affecting the country's efforts to revive tourism to pre-pandemic levels. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warns that the heightened fees could deter the capacity to attract tourists. Sheldon Hee, IATA's regional vice-president for Asia-Pacific, highlighted the anticipated hikes in discussions with Thai aviation stakeholders.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376494-thailands-aviation-fee-hikes-may-impact-tourism-recovery/

Thai Red Cross Faces Calls to Revise Blood Donation Form

 

 

LGBTQ+ advocates in Thailand are pressuring the Thai Red Cross's National Blood Centre to alter their blood donation application form. This follows an Administrative Court decision that maintained a ban on LGBTQ+ blood donations, citing public safety. Critics argue that the court’s Sept 19 ruling failed to address important concerns within the form, leading to calls for a more inclusive screening approach.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376495-thai-red-cross-faces-calls-to-revise-blood-donation-form/

 

Thai Economy Faces 'Chronic Debt' Crisis with Millions Affected

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is grappling with a severe household debt crisis, with over 5.4 million citizens trapped in "chronic debt," primarily making interest payments as living expenses surge faster than income. Surapol Opasatien, CEO of the National Credit Bureau, highlighted this emerging risk at the "Life Fest 40+: Better to Know Early" event in Bangkok, warning that the economy could stagnate or expand by less than 1% in the final quarter of 2025 without swift intervention.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376497-thai-economy-faces-chronic-debt-crisis-with-millions-affected/

 

Thailand’s E-Commerce Surpasses Traditional Retail Sales

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's e-commerce market is experiencing significant growth, even amid economic slowdowns. Major players like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok are driving an increase in spending, with key sectors such as essential goods, fashion, and cosmetics witnessing substantial sales. The sector is growing at an annual rate of 12–15% as more consumers turn to digital shopping.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376498-thailand’s-e-commerce-surpasses-traditional-retail-sales/

 

Thai Hostage's Body Returned to Israel by Hamas

 

Photo via i24News

 

Israeli officials confirmed the return of Thai national Sonthaya Akkarasri's body by Hamas on October 18. Sonthaya, a 30-year-old agricultural worker in Israel, was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and declared dead on May 16, 2024. The identification was conducted by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Israeli authorities, who then informed Sonthaya's family.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376499-thai-hostages-body-returned-to-israel-by-hamas/

 

Teens Arrested, Motorcycles Seized in Pattaya Road Race

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Police apprehended approximately 10 teenagers and confiscated three motorcycles following an illegal street race in Pattaya early Sunday. Authorities intervened on Sukhumvit–Pattaya Road in tambon Nong Prue after receiving noise and safety complaints from residents. The raid occurred around 2 a.m. as officers sought to address public concerns about the dangerous activity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376500-teens-arrested-motorcycles-seized-in-pattaya-road-race/

 

Gov't Dismisses Fake News Linking Thai Politicians to Scams

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A report claiming South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok had a list of seven Thai politicians involved in scam operations in Cambodia has been dismissed as fake news by the government. Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat stated that the South Korean embassy in Thailand confirmed the report was false. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized continued cooperation with international partners against transnational scams.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376501-govt-dismisses-fake-news-linking-thai-politicians-to-scams/

 

Navy Officer Jumps to Escape Alleged Assault in Thailand

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

A young navy officer reportedly jumped from a fourth-floor dormitory in Sattahip, Chon Buri, claiming to escape an attempted assault by a senior officer. The incident occurred around 3 AM on October 19, leading to serious injuries for the 20-year-old, who was subsequently rushed to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376502-navy-officer-jumps-to-escape-alleged-assault-in-thailand/