Thailand Bans All Poker, Card Game Permits Nationwide
 

Picture courtesy of natural8

 

In a decisive move reflecting Thailand's hardline stance on gambling, the Ministry of Interior has announced the immediate ban on permits for all poker and card games. Signed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the directive No. 3179/2568 was unveiled on October 22. It overturns a prior directive from July, halting all current and potential approvals for gambling-related card activities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376696-thailand-bans-all-poker-card-game-permits-nationwide/

Thai Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Activities
 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thai authorities have intensified scrutiny of foreign activities on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, driven by several legal breaches, including nominee businesses and unauthorized work. Deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Samran Nuanma, emphasized the government's commitment to address crimes involving foreigners, aiming to protect Thai citizens. This effort forms part of broader operations conducted by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and related agencies, focusing on maintaining lawful conduct and public confidence.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376703-thai-police-intensify-crackdown-on-illegal-foreign-activities/

Thailand Aims for Tourism Recovery with New Safety Initiatives

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is strategizing to rejuvenate its tourism sector after a challenging year. A key focus will be on transforming the nation’s safety image and partnering with airlines to ensure affordable travel. The goal is to boost revenue by 8%, reaching 1.63 trillion baht in 2026, according to Yuthasak Supasorn, former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376709-thailand-aims-for-tourism-recovery-with-new-safety-initiatives/

 

 

E-Cigarette Explosion Kills 47-Year-Old Man in Thailand
 

Pictures courtesy of Nong Bua Lamphu City Police Facebook

 

A fatal incident has occurred in Northeast Thailand, where a 47-year-old man died after his e-cigarette exploded while he was fishing. This tragedy marks Thailand’s first confirmed death linked to a vaping device. The shocking incident took place in Ban Kut Chim, Mueang district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, on October 18.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376678-e-cigarette-explosion-kills-47-year-old-man-in-thailand/

 

Brawl Erupts in Bangkok Over Taxi Drop-Off Dispute
 

Photo via TikTok/ @buti.39

 

A physical confrontation took place outside a Bangkok shopping mall between a Thai motorcycle taxi rider and a foreign passenger. The incident, shared on TikTok by user @buti.39, was reportedly sparked by a disagreement over a drop-off location. The video, posted on October 20, shows the rider, sporting an orange vest with the number 9, attempting to drop off an Arab national, who refused to dismount.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376713-brawl-erupts-in-bangkok-over-taxi-drop-off-dispute/

 

Thailand, Cambodia to Jointly Survey Disputed Border Villages

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thai and Cambodian border officials have agreed to conduct joint surveys in disputed areas along their shared border, following two days of extended talks that concluded late night on 22 October, in Chanthaburi. The agreement marks a step forward in addressing long-standing territorial uncertainties, with both sides pledging to employ modern mapping technology and install temporary boundary markers to clarify contested zones.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376736-thailand-cambodia-to-jointly-survey-disputed-border-villages/

 

Russian-Owned Koh Phangan Rental Firm Raided, 400 Vehicles Seize
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Authorities on Koh Phangan seized nearly 400 cars and motorcycles from a rental company after discovering it operated without proper business licenses. The operation, carried out on 21 October 2025, involved seven arrests, including foreign nationals working illegally. The company also offered daily hotel accommodations without registration, prompting further investigation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376737-russian-owned-koh-phangan-rental-firm-raided-400-vehicles-seize/

 

Ex-Prosecutor Jailed for Taking 500,000 Baht Bribe From Chinese

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has sentenced a former prosecutor to two years in prison for soliciting a 500,000-baht bribe to assist a Chinese national accused of passport forgery. A female accomplice received the same initial sentence, later both sentences were reduced to one year and four months due to partial cooperation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376738-ex-prosecutor-jailed-for-taking-500000-baht-bribe-from-chinese/

 

Chinese CEO Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Over Plastic Waste Fraud

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities arrested a 40-year-old Chinese woman at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly using forged import permits to bring plastic waste into Thailand. The suspect, CEO of a plastics manufacturing company, was detained while attempting to leave the country. Investigators are pursuing legal action for violations of customs regulations and environmental laws.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376739-chinese-ceo-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-over-plastic-waste-fraud/

 

Vorapak Quits as Deputy Finance Minister Over Scammer Allegation
 

Picture courtesy of TNR

 

Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak Tanyawong resigned from Thailand’s Bhumjaithai-led cabinet on October 22, 2025, following allegations linking him to a Cambodian business group accused of involvement in international scam operations. His resignation took effect immediately and came after social media criticism and growing political pressure.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376740-vorapak-quits-as-deputy-finance-minister-over-scammer-allegation/

 

Kuwaiti Arrested in Patong Over Drugs and Visa Overstay
 

Pictures courtesy of Phuket Express

 

Patong police arrested a 36-year-old Kuwaiti national, on 20 October 2025, for possession of crystal methamphetamine and overstaying his visa. Authorities seized 0.74 grams of the narcotic during the arrest at a hotel room in Soi Nanai 8. The suspect was immediately taken into custody and transferred to Patong Police Station for further legal action.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376741-kuwaiti-arrested-in-patong-over-drugs-and-visa-overstay/

 

Baby’s Body Found in Rubbish Bin in Bangkok
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities discovered the body of a four-month gestation foetus discarded in a black plastic bag at a condominium in Bangkok. The infant, estimated to have been dumped around 24 hours prior, was found by sanitation staff during routine waste collection. Police have launched an investigation to trace the mother.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376742-baby’s-body-found-in-rubbish-bin-in-bangkok/

 

Anutin Plans to Scrap Alcohol Zoning, Extend Hours to 4AM

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has directed government agencies to lift restrictions on alcohol sales and extend nightlife operating hours, in a move expected to boost state revenue by hundreds of billions of baht. The proposal includes abolishing the current zoning system for alcohol sales and allowing entertainment venues to stay open until 4AM, two hours later than the existing 2AM closing time.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376743-anutin-plans-to-scrap-alcohol-zoning-extend-hours-to-4am/

 

Chinese Man Arrested for Illegal Tour Guiding at Wat Phra Kaew
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A 40-year-old Chinese man has been arrested in Bangkok for illegally working as a tour guide while leading a group of Chinese tourists through the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The arrest was part of a nationwide operation targeting unlicensed guides and illegal tour operations as Thailand enters its high tourism season.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376744-chinese-man-arrested-for-illegal-tour-guiding-at-wat-phra-kaew/

 

Rider Distracted by Phone Crashes into Lamp Post, Killing Two
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A young motorcycle rider and his female passenger were killed instantly after the rider, allegedly distracted by his mobile phone, lost control and crashed into a lamp post in Bangkok’s Bang Na district. The fatal collision occurred on 21 October near the entrance of Soi Bang Na-Trat 16, along the Bang Na-Trat Frontage Road.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376745-rider-distracted-by-phone-crashes-into-lamp-post-killing-two/

 

Myanmar Broker Arrested for Forging Worker Registration Papers
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Immigration authorities have arrested a Myanmar national accused of operating a fraudulent document service that forged official immigration seals on migrant worker registration forms in Ayutthaya province. The suspect allegedly charged between 5,000 and 6,000 baht per document and used computer software to counterfeit Immigration Bureau stamps.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376747-myanmar-broker-arrested-for-forging-worker-registration-papers/

 

Man Emaciated After Drinking Only Kratom Water
 

Picture courtesy of Manager Online

 

A 23-year-old man has been found severely underweight and too weak to move after consuming only herbal Kratom water for an extended period instead of plain water. The case, shared widely on social media, has raised health concerns about the potential dangers of excessive kratom drink consumption.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376749-man-emaciated-after-drinking-only-kratom-water/

 

Nonthaburi Vendor Fined 159,000 Baht Over Health Rules
 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A street vendor in Nonthaburi has been left in disbelief after receiving a fine of 159,000 baht from the Pak Kret Municipality for breaching public health regulations. The case has drawn attention to the financial strain such penalties place on low-income traders, who often earn only a few hundred baht a day.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376751-nonthaburi-vendor-fined-159000-baht-over-health-rules/

 

Delivery Worker Caught Delivering Drugs After Losing Money
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A 29-year-old delivery worker in Nonthaburi has been arrested for drug trafficking after admitting he turned to the illegal trade to repay debt from losing a customer’s 1,000-baht cash-on-delivery payment. The man was caught following a police sting and dramatic chase that ended with him jumping into a canal in an attempt to escape.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376752-delivery-worker-caught-delivering-drugs-after-losing-money/

 

Nigerian Holds Symbolic Ceremony Against Cambodian Influencer
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A Nigerian resident in Thailand, known locally as “Diamond,” staged a symbolic ceremony, on 21 October 2025, in Nong Jan, Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province, involving a clay pot and a Cambodian influencer called “Buk Boy.” The act drew laughter and engagement from local residents while showing support for Thai military personnel stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376753-nigerian-holds-symbolic-ceremony-against-cambodian-influencer/

 

DSI Hands Over Seized Crypto Assets Worth ฿251M to AMLO
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) transferred seized assets, on 22 October 2025, from the P Miner Cryptocurrency Group case, valued at over 251 million baht, to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to be distributed to victims. The handover was witnessed by Justice Minister Pol. Gen. Rutthapol Naowarat, DSI Director Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam, AMLO Secretary-General Thepsu Baworachotidara and AMLO Assistant Secretary-General Wittaya Neetitham.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1376765-dsi-hands-over-seized-crypto-assets-worth-฿251m-to-amlo/

 

British Woman Develops Thai Accent After Stroke in Turkey

 

Picture courtesy of LADbible

 

Cathy Warren, a 29-year-old from Basingstoke, experienced a startling transformation after suffering a stroke while on holiday in Turkey in September 2023. Warren woke up with paralysis on her left side and an altered accent, now sounding like her Thai mother. This change is attributed to foreign accent syndrome, a rare condition affecting speech patterns.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376820-british-woman-develops-thai-accent-after-stroke-in-turkey/

 

Thai Deputy PM Dismisses Claims of Foreign Land Encroachment

 

Photo via Matichon

 

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Suchart Chomklin, announced that investigations revealed no foreign encroachment on forest land in Koh Pha Ngan. Concerns were raised by locals alleging that Israeli nationals used Thai nominees to illegally obtain seaside land and encroach on protected areas. Suchart confirmed no evidence of forest land occupation by foreigners, though other legal issues will be addressed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376821-thai-deputy-pm-dismisses-claims-of-foreign-land-encroachment/

 

Thai Woman Claims Airport Sold Her Seized Knife Online

 

Photo by Chalabala via Canva

 

A Thai woman accused Suvarnabhumi Airport of corruption after her confiscated pocket knife surfaced for sale on Facebook. Chongpriang Tainangam discovered her item, seized on August 25 for safety violations, being sold in the Leatherman Thailand Club group. In response, Chongpriang demanded answers from the Airports of Thailand (AOT), suspecting foul play.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376824-thai-woman-claims-airport-sold-her-seized-knife-online/

 

Bangkok Prepares for Loy Krathong: Safety Measures in Place

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Metropolitan Authority Facebook

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has initiated thorough safety inspections at all piers and floating platforms in preparation for the Loy Krathong Festival on November 5. This initiative aims to ensure public safety and minimize environmental harm during the festivities. District offices under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have been tasked with verifying the structural integrity of piers, installing safety railings, and displaying capacity limits clearly.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376826-bangkok-prepares-for-loy-krathong-safety-measures-in-place/

 

Prince Andrew accused of lavish royal escapades on Thai taxpayer

 

Photo of Thaksin Shinawatra and Prince Andrew in 2006 from Shutterstock

 

Prince Andrew is accused of using taxpayer-funded trips to Thailand for personal meetings with women while acting as the UK’s trade envoy. Former diplomat Ian Proud claims the prince combined official duties with private excursions to meet ladyboys, a practice known among embassy staff. This allegation adds to the scrutiny Andrew already faces amid his links to Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre’s accusations.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376827-prince-andrew-accused-of-lavish-royal-escapades-on-thai-taxpayer/

 

Phuket Festival Brings Colour and Crowds Despite Rain

 

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket erupts with vibrant celebrations despite rain as the annual Vegetarian Festival continues, featuring colourful street processions led by devotees from 39 Chinese shrines. The festival, promoting spiritual cleansing, began on October 19 with the raising of Go Teng poles to invite the Nine Emperor Gods. Processions commenced on October 21, showcasing spirit mediums who pierce their cheeks in a ritual believed to absorb misfortune.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376828-phuket-festival-brings-colour-and-crowds-despite-rain/

 

Thailand's Cybercrime Proposal Wins IPU Approval

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's proposal on cybercrime and transnational scams was approved as the only emergency agenda item at the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva. This marks a diplomatic achievement for Thailand, as more than 100 member parliaments supported the initiative focused on transnational organised crime and hybrid threats to democracy. The proposal received over two-thirds majority support, becoming a significant milestone for Thai Parliament on the global stage.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376829-thailands-cybercrime-proposal-wins-ipu-approval/

 

Bangkok Rises to 33rd in 2025 Global Cities Index

 

File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok has ascended to the 33rd position in Kearney’s Global Cities Index (GCI) 2025, marking a significant leap due to robust business growth and enhanced digital infrastructure. This positions the city as a key player in the global arena, overcoming economic and political challenges. The city’s ongoing rise from 45th in 2024 demonstrates its resilience and competitiveness in the face of global uncertainties.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376832-bangkok-rises-to-33rd-in-2025-global-cities-index/

 

BTS Green Line Fares Set for November Hike

 

Photo by Vasuta Thitayarak via Canva

 

Bangkok's Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will increase fares for the BTS Green Line train extensions starting November 1. This affects the Mo Chit–Khu Khot, Bang Chak–Samut Prakan, and Pho Nimit–Bang Wa routes, transitioning from a flat 15 baht fare to a distance-based system. The aim is to cover operational costs and ensure sustainable public transport.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376833-bts-green-line-fares-set-for-november-hike/