Thailand Faces Calls to Publicise Updated Entry Rules

 

file photo

 

Amid increasing cases of travellers being denied entry to Thailand, tourism operators are urging the government to consistently publicise updated rules and enhance pre-screening measures, as the nation clamps down on multiple visa runs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381403-thailand-faces-calls-to-publicise-updated-entry-rules/

Civilians Killed in Escalating Thai-Cambodian Border Conflict

 

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

Heavy fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border resulted in the deaths of three Thai civilians, marking the first civilian casualties since renewed combat resumed. This follows a skirmish on Sunday that left two Thai soldiers wounded and disrupted a previously brokered ceasefire. Reports indicate that about two dozen people have died and hundreds of thousands are displaced or relocated to temporary shelters on both sides.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381453-civilians-killed-in-escalating-thai-cambodian-border-conflict/

Repeated Flag Errors Spark Diplomatic Tensions at SEA Games

 

Photo by Achmad Ibrahim via AP

 

Vietnam lodged a formal complaint on December 11 regarding Thailand's repeated display of incorrect national flags during the 2025 SEA Games. This marked the third such error since the event began. The immediate impact involves diplomatic tensions and organizational lapses that prompted Vietnam to demand corrective measures from the Games’ organizers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381444-repeated-flag-errors-spark-diplomatic-tensions-at-sea-games/

Foreigner Accused of Poisoning Pets Sparks Outrage in Chon Buri

 

CCTV image of the suspect | Photo via Ch7HD News

 

Locals in Sattahip, Chon Buri, are up in arms after a foreign national allegedly poisoned numerous dogs and birds in a neighbourhood alley, leaving carcasses strewn across the street.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381407-foreigner-accused-of-poisoning-pets-sparks-outrage-in-chon-buri/

PM Anutin Dissolves House, Calls for February Elections

 

Anutin Charnvirakul | file photo

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dissolved the House of Representatives today, announcing a general election for the second Sunday of February. This abrupt decision follows a surprise shift by Bhumjaithai-led lawmakers toward constitutional amendment legislation, which was consequently aborted after prolonged debate. The move precludes an impending censure motion by the opposition People's bloc.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381468-pm-anutin-dissolves-house-calls-for-february-elections/

 

Student Arrested with Loaded Gun On Campus in Bangkok

 

 

A routine campus patrol turned dramatic when Bangkok police arrested a university student for allegedly carrying a loaded revolver. The incident occurred on December 9 at around 9pm when the 19-year-old was found beneath a university building with a .38-calibre Smith & Wesson, six bullets, and a leather holster.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381469-student-arrested-with-loaded-gun-on-campus-in-bangkok/

 

Phuket U-Turn Drama: Foreign Rider Slammed, Sparks Debate

 

Picture courtesy of by Facebook/ Wongwit Sand | via Thaiger

 

A foreign motorcyclist in Phuket faced backlash after a video of him making an illegal U-turn over a traffic island went viral. The footage, initially posted by Thai driver Wongwit Sand on Facebook, shows the rider attempting the manoeuvre and nearly colliding with Wongwit's car. The criticism intensified when Newshawk Phuket shared the video and accused the foreigner of reckless behaviour.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381470-phuket-u-turn-drama-foreign-rider-slammed-sparks-debate/

 

Immigration Arrest Foreign Fugitives & Scam Suspects
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Immigration authorities, announced on 11 December, they have arrested several foreign nationals linked to illegal entry, international fraud operations and drug offences, following an intensified nationwide crackdown ordered by senior Royal Thai Police leaders. The operation, carried out under directives from national police chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet and senior commanders overseeing transnational crime suppression, targeted foreigners operating illegal businesses, overstaying visas, or using Thailand as a base for criminal activity. Officers said the aim was to protect public safety and preserve Thailand’s international reputation as cross-border crime networks increasingly attempt to relocate into the country.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381471-immigration-arrest foreign-fugitives-scam-suspects/

 

Foreigners Suspected Behind Cambodian Bomber Drone Attacks

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai army has raised concerns that foreigners may be operating Cambodian bomber drones used in ongoing border clashes. Radio exchanges during drone attacks reportedly featured English, raising suspicions about who might be controlling these aerial assaults.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381472-foreigners-suspected-behind-cambodian-bomber-drone-attacks/

 

Two Vietnamese Flee Scammer Compound, Caught in Border Shelling
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Two Vietnamese men emerged from forest along the Thai–Cambodian border in Surin province on 11 December 2025, trembling and in tears after fleeing a scammer compound near a casino in Cambodia and becoming trapped amid ongoing cross-border clashes. Local volunteers and police found the pair exhausted, injured from walking through the forest and fearful of artillery fire that continued to strike near the Chong Chom border market. Officers provided immediate assistance before initiating legal procedures for their transfer to immigration authorities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381473-two-vietnamese-flee-scammer-compound-caught-in-border-shelling/

 

Teen Gang Shoot-out Leaves Shop Worker Injured
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

A shoot-out between rival teenagers in Nong Prue, near Pattaya, left an 18-year-old convenience store employee injured and damaged a resident’s vehicle, prompting a large police response and an urgent search for the gunmen. The incident occurred at the entrance of Soi Nongprue 4 in Bang Lamung district, where officers from Nong Prue Police Station were alerted to gunfire, injuries and property damage. Responders found the victim, identified as Natthaphat, with a gunshot wound that pierced his right arm before he was rushed to hospital.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381475-teen-gang-shoot-out-leaves-shop-worker-injured/

 

Most Thais Unaware of Alcohol’s Role in Cancer Surge

 

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A recent survey by ThaiHealth reveals alarming ignorance among Thais regarding the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. This oversight plays a significant role in the escalating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis in Thailand. The study’s findings were discussed at a forum jointly organised by the Centre for Alcohol Studies, the Association of Thai NCD Alliance, and ThaiHealth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381476-most-thais-unaware-of-alcohol’s-role-in-cancer-surge/

 

Police Raid in Kamphaeng Phet Finds Overstaying Foreign Suspects
 

Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

Police in Kamphaeng Phet detained foreign nationals on 11 December after an African Embassy alerted authorities to a group claiming they were being confined in a house in Mu 8, Thepnakhon subdistrict. Officers located the property and found 15 Africans, including four Namibians and one Zimbabwean, all unharmed but overstaying their visas. The group told police they had escaped an explosion at KK Park in Myawaddy, Myanmar and were awaiting onward transport to Cambodia arranged by a Chinese-led network.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381477-police-raid-in-kamphaeng-phet-finds-overstaying-foreign-suspects/

 

Missing Monk Found Alive in Cave After 5 Day Search in Loei
 

Pictures courtesy of NBT

 

Rescue teams have found Luang Ta Somchai, a 77-year-old monk missing for five days, alive but exhausted in a narrow rock crevice inside a cave about two kilometres from Wat Thammasathan Phasawan in Loei province. The discovery on 11 December 2025 brought an immediate end to an extensive search involving volunteers, local officials and community leaders. Emergency personnel worked to extract him safely and transport him to hospital for treatment.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381479-missing-monk-found-alive-in-cave-after-5-day-search-in-loei/

 

Ex-wife Shoots Intruding Former Husband in Ayutthaya
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A 47-year-old man was seriously injured after being shot by his former wife during an intrusion at her home in Bang Pa-In district, Ayutthaya, on 11 December 2025 at around 10:00. Police and rescue teams arrived to find the man, identified as Mr Kan, lying inside the property with a gunshot wound that entered his back and exited through his chest. The former wife, Ms Supranee, 51, surrendered at the scene and handed over a .38 handgun, stating she fired because she feared for her safety.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381480-ex-wife-shoots-intruding-former-husband-in-ayutthaya/

 

Pickup Truck Spins Out, Kills Woman waiting at Bus Stop
 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

A woman waiting at a bus stop in Pathum Thani was killed on the morning of 11 December, after a pickup truck lost control and spun into a roadside shelter. The incident occurred at around 08:00 on the inbound lane of the Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok Road at Khlong 8 in Lam Phak Kut, Thanyaburi district. Police and rescue workers arrived to find the body of Panyatip, an employee at the Halfway House for Men in Pathum Thani, lying near the bus shelter.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381483-pickup-truck-spins-out-kills-woman-waiting-at-bus-stop/

 

Myanmar Border Clashes Send Stray Rounds Into Thai School
 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

Heavy fighting between Myanmar military forces and the Karen National Union (KNU) has intensified near the Myanmar–Thailand border, sending stray bullets into a school in Tak province and forcing the emergency relocation of kindergarten pupils. The clashes resumed after several days of reduced hostilities, raising concerns for communities in Mae Sot district. Thai soldiers have reinforced positions along the border as safety measures were rapidly enacted for nearby residents.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381484-myanmar-border-clashes-send-stray-rounds-into-thai-school/

 

Babies Body Turns Out to be Animal Remains
 

Pictures courtesy of responders

 

Police in Sakon Nakhon moved quickly on the morning of 11 December, after receiving a report of a suspected infant corpse found in scrubland near Ban Sai Thong, in the Nong Sai Khao community of Mueang District. The alert, at 10:00, prompted senior officers and forensic teams to respond immediately due to the serious nature of the initial claim. The discovery raised concern among residents until authorities could confirm what had been found.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381485-babies-body-turns-out-to-be-animal-remains/

 

Rubber Plantation Guard Arrested After 18 years on The Run
 

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers have arrested a 63-year-old former rubber plantation guard in Nakhon Si Thammarat, ending more than 18 years on the run for the attempted murder of his former employer in Krabi. The suspect, identified in the warrant as Mr Jit, was detained at a roadside rotisserie chicken stall next to a PTT petrol station in Moo 3, Prik subdistrict, Thung Yai district. Police confirmed the arrest under a 2007 Krabi Provincial Court warrant for attempted murder and firearms offences.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381486-rubber-plantation-guard-arrested-after-18-years-on-the-run/

 

Government Pays Over ฿6.5bn in Southern Flood Relief
 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

The government has disbursed more than 6.5 billion baht in flood-relief payments to households across nine southern provinces, providing immediate support to communities affected by the 2025 rainy-season flooding. A total of 730,932 households have now received the 9,000-baht lump-sum assistance, according to an update issued on 11 December 2025 by government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat. Officials say the payments are intended to help families cover urgent expenses as recovery efforts continue.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381487-government-pays-over-฿65bn-in-southern-flood-relief/

 

Husband Kills Wife in Jealousy Shooting Before Taking Own Life
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A married couple were found dead in their bedroom in Hat Yai, Songkhla, after a jealous confrontation ended in a murder-suicide that left relatives shocked and police investigating the sequence of events. Police from Khuan Lang Station were alerted on 11 December to the discovery of two bodies, both aged 44, in a house in a local housing estate. Officers found the husband lying on top of his wife beside the bed, with both victims showing gunshot wounds to the right temple.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381488-husband-kills-wife-in-jealousy-shooting-before-taking-own-life/

 

UPDATE
Clashes Persist as Thai Forces Confirm Action on 13 Border Fronts

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

The Second Army Region has reported continued clashes along 13 border fronts across four northeastern provinces, confirming ongoing Cambodian counterattacks and at least 125 Cambodian soldiers killed. The situation, outlined on 11 December at 21:07, covers Ubon Ratchathani (2 fronts), Si Sa Ket (5), Surin (5) and Buri Ram (1), with Thai forces stating the areas remain under controlled monitoring. The update coincided with heightened tension in Buri Ram’s Ban Kruat district, where earlier reporters and local defence volunteers were forced to take shelter after a suspected explosive drone appeared overhead.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381453-civilians-killed-in-escalating-thai-cambodian-border-conflict/#findComment-20270364

 

Foreigner Rides Motorbike in Phuket Wearing Cooking Pot Helmet

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook/Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

A foreign motorcyclist in Phuket has sparked a social media frenzy after being photographed riding with a cooking pot on his head instead of a helmet. The photos, shared by The Phuket Times Facebook page on December 9, show the rider on a grey motorcycle wearing black clothing and the shiny aluminium pot. The quirky incident quickly grabbed attention, igniting both amusement and concern among Thai netizens.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381510-foreigner-rides-motorbike-in-phuket-wearing-cooking-pot-helmet/

 

UPDATE
F-16 Strike Kills Six Cambodian Soldiers Amid Border Clashes

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Thai security forces confirmed ongoing military operations along the Thai-Cambodian border on 12 December, as fighting intensified in both Trat and Sa Kaeo provinces. At 10:00, the Royal Thai Navy’s Trat Marine Task Force reported that an F-16 airstrike destroyed a designated target, with ground intelligence indicating six Cambodian soldiers were killed while sheltering in bunkers and trenches. Authorities warned evacuated residents not to return to high-risk areas, stressing continued danger from active combat zones.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381453-civilians-killed-in-escalating-thai-cambodian-border-conflict/#findComment-20270977

 

50-Year Search Ends: Foreign Siblings Find Beloved Thai Driver

 

Foreign trio reunited with their childhood driver in Ubon Ratchathani | Photo courtesy of Paweena Kumlue/Facebook

 

In Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, two foreign men and a woman reunited with a tricycle driver who cared for them over five decades ago. This touching reunion followed a search initiated after a Facebook appeal video was released on December 8. The three, who lived in Thailand as children while their father was a stationed soldier, have never forgotten the kindness of Poon Pong-aree, the driver.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381550-50-year-search-ends-foreign-siblings-find-beloved-thai-driver/

 

14 Chinese Nationals Arrested in Thailand Over Online Scams

 

Photo via Khaosod

 

Authorities in Bangkok have detained 14 Chinese nationals suspected of operating online scams following their illegal entry from Myanmar. The arrests took place on December 12 after the individuals were found hiding in a local love hotel. The operation highlights ongoing regional efforts to combat illicit activities and scam operations.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381551-14-chinese-nationals-arrested-in-thailand-over-online-scams/

 

Thai Girl Rescued from Abuse by Stepmother

 

Photo via Facebook/ ต้นอ้อ เป็นหนึ่ง

 

A five-year-old Thai girl was rescued yesterday, December 11, by the Be One organisation after suffering abuse by her stepmother in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian area. The organisation's founder, Chalida “Ton Or” Palamart, carried out the rescue following a report from a concerned neighbor who saw the abuse happening over several years.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381552-thai-girl-rescued-from-abuse-by-stepmother/

 

Thai Police Search for Suspect in Murder and Robbery Case

 

Photo via Thai News Agency

 

A 76-year-old Thai woman was found murdered in her home in Trat province, with over 120,000 baht in gold jewelry missing. The victim, referred to as A, was discovered by family members after concerns arose when she did not answer her phone on December 11. Her daughter, typically in daily contact from Bangkok, prompted relatives to visit the home around 1pm, leading to the grim discovery.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381553-thai-police-search-for-suspect-in-murder-and-robbery-case/

 

Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions Leave Citizens Stranded

 

Photo via Facebook/ NBT Connext

 

Thai nationals in Cambodia face challenges returning home through the Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province. Reports indicate that Cambodian authorities prevented their crossing without providing an explanation. Relatives allege demands for payments of 12,500 baht per person to allow passage.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381554-thai-cambodian-border-tensions-leave-citizens-stranded/

 

Cambodian Forces Briefly Capture Thai Outpost, Flag Removed

 

File photo for reference only

 

Fierce clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated in the Sa Kaeo province, as Cambodian forces briefly retook Ban Khlong Phaeng and removed the Thai flag. The confrontation occurred on December 12, 2025, with ongoing exchanges in other critical sectors. The Thai Defense Ministry and Army officials reported no civilian casualties despite heavy fighting, claiming 165 Cambodian soldiers killed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381555-cambodian-forces-briefly-capture-thai-outpost-flag-removed/