Thai Firm Sparks Outrage with Harsh Penalty for Party Absence

 

Picture courtesy of Freepik

 

A Thai company has ignited controversy by threatening an employee with cuts to overtime pay, bonuses, and salary raises for missing the New Year party. Tan Pao highlighted the incident on Facebook, revealing that the company issued a formal disciplinary warning to those absent. This warning includes deducting 50 hours of overtime pay, withholding the annual bonus, and ruling out salary raises.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381882-thai-firm-sparks-outrage-with-harsh-penalty-for-party-absence/

Tourist Theft Alert: Gang Targets Tourists in Bangkok

 

Photo by Chanatib Bunpasoet-chn

 

A Thai man has issued a warning about a pickpocket gang operating in Bangkok’s Chinatown after CCTV evidence revealed three women stealing from a tourist. The footage, shared by Chanatib Bunpasoet-chn on social media, shows the gang targeting a foreign woman on Songwat Road. This incident underscores the need for tourists in the area to be vigilant against such criminal activities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381913-tourist-theft-alert-gang-targets-tourists-in-bangkok/

Thai Resident Urges Action on Foreign Graffiti in Phuket

 

Photo via Facebook/ยศวดี พานทอง

 

A Thai resident has urged legal action against two foreigners who were caught spray-painting in Phuket without permission. The call came after Yotwadee Panthong exposed the men’s activities in a local Facebook group on December 15. His post, featuring photos of the men in action, questioned whether authorities would intervene.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381912-thai-resident-urges-action-on-foreign-graffiti-in-phuket/

Pheu Thai Picks Thaksin Nephew Yodchanan as PM Candidate

 

Yodchanan Wongsawat. Picture courtesy of Facebook

 

Pheu Thai Party has announced Yodchanan Wongsawat as their prime candidate for prime minister in the upcoming general election on 8th February. Party leader Julapun Amornvivat revealed that Wongsawat, Thaksin Shinawatra’s nephew, is their top choice, accompanied by two other candidates, Julapun himself and veteran Suriya Juangroongruangkit. This move highlights Pheu Thai's ambition to regain power and address Thailand's pressing issues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381940-pheu-thai-picks-thaksin-nephew-yodchanan-as-pm-candidate/

 

Klatham Pins PM Hopes on Thammanat in Feb 8 Election

 

Thammanat Prompao. Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

De Facto Klatham boss Thammanat Prompao has been confirmed as the top contender for prime minister in the February 8 election, according to Klatham leader Naruemon Pinyosinwat. Thammanat, currently the acting deputy prime minister and acting agriculture minister, plans to run despite facing allegations of connections with international money-laundering suspects, including Benjamin Mauerberger. Naruemon, who is acting education minister, did not reveal if she might be Thammanat’s running mate or if other candidates will join him on the Klatham ticket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381941-thammanat-set-as-klatham’s-top-pm-contender/

 

Bangkok's Skytrain Future Under Review as City Hall Acts

 

BTS Skytrain. File photo

 

Bangkok city officials are gearing up to decide the fate of the skytrain system, with the current concession expiring in 2029. The Traffic and Transportation Department will finalise a study next month, presenting its recommendations to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), as revealed at a recent forum. Sitthiporn Somkitsan, director-general, stated the report will include insights from various stakeholders about the mass-transit train line's future contract.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381942-bangkoks-skytrain-future-under-review-as-city-hall-acts/

 

Helicopter Maker Leonardo Denies Liability in UK Vichai Crash

 

Picture courtesy of pixel8000 | via The Thaiger

 

Italy-based aerospace company Leonardo has firmly denied responsibility for the tragic 2018 helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, a well-known Thai entrepreneur and Leicester City football club owner. In a lawsuit from Vichai’s family, Leonardo is being sued for up to £2.15 billion (approximately 98 billion Thai baht) in London’s High Court. The company maintains that its AW169 model, which was involved in the incident, remains safe and that this was the first crash of its kind.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381943-helicopter-maker-leonardo-denies-liability-in-uk-vichai-crash/

 

Ten Chinese Nationals Arrested at Illegal Worksite in Chonburi
 

Picture courtesy of เช็กข่าวพัทยา

 

Ten Chinese nationals were arrested during an inspection of a construction site in Phan Thong district, Chonburi, after being found working illegally without permits. Authorities said the operation followed complaints from local residents and resulted in all ten men being taken into custody for prosecution under Thai law.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381944-ten-chinese-nationals-arrested-at-illegal-worksite-in-chonburi/

 

16 Thai Civilians Dead Amid Ongoing Border Tensions

 

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia persisted on Tuesday, with Thai officials confirming the civilian death toll has now reached 16. The Thai Defence Ministry reported limited economic impact so far, despite escalating military actions. Heavy shelling continues at strategic locations, with both sides exchanging fire.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381945-16-thai-civilians-dead-amid-ongoing-border-tensions/

 

Russian National Arrested in Phangan Drug Sting Using Crypto
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police in Surat Thani have arrested a 43-year-old Russian man accused of acting as a drug courier after a controlled purchase operation on Koh Phangan, seizing multiple types of illegal drugs and related equipment. The suspect was detained late at night on 15 December following a third undercover attempt, after officers linked him to drug sales conducted through a messaging application and paid for using cryptocurrency.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381946-russian-national-arrested-in-phangan-drug-sting-using-crypto/

 

Cambodia Hires Foreign Lobbyists for PR Battle with Thailand

 

Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri. Video screenshot

 

Thailand's Defence Ministry has accused Cambodia of employing foreign lobbyists to sway global opinion amid tensions between the two nations. Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri stated that these lobbyists are portraying Cambodia as the victim in the ongoing conflict, stirring international sympathy against Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381947-cambodia-hires-foreign-lobbyists-for-pr-battle-with-thailand/

 

Man Seriously Injured After Wife Throws Acid on Him
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A 60-year-old Thai man suffered severe chemical burns after being doused with acid while sleeping at his home in Nikhom Phatthana district, Rayong province, in the early hours of 16 December. The attack left him with extensive injuries to his body and face, including hair loss, open burn wounds and damage to his eyes and mouth, prompting an emergency response from police and rescue workers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381948-man-seriously-injured-after-wife-throws-acid-on-him/

 

China to Fly Home 1,000 Scam Suspects Via Mae Sot
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

 

Chinese authorities have begun repatriating more than 1,000 Chinese nationals accused of working and running scam operations, following coordinated action with Thailand and Myanmar at the Thai–Myanmar border. The first group of 100 people was transferred at midday on 16 December 2568 through Mae Sot International Airport in Tak province, marking the start of a four-day operation involving 19 flights.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381949-china-to-fly-home-1000-scam-suspects-via-mae-sot/

 

Swedish Embassy Advises Citizens on Thai–Cambodia Border Tensions

 

Picture Facebook Swedish Embassy

 

The Swedish Embassy in Thailand has issued a strong warning to its citizens, advising against travel within 50 kilometres of the Thailand–Cambodia border. This alert, which includes islands in the eastern province of Trat such as Ko Chang, Ko Kut, and Ko Mak, comes amid escalating tensions. The advisory, posted on 16 December 2025, emphasises the importance of safety and remains effective since 12 December 2025 until further notice.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381950-swedish-embassy-advises-citizens-on-thai–cambodia-border-tension/

 

Aeronautical Radio Studies “Follow The Green” For Suvarnabhumi
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is studying the adoption of “Follow The Green” technology at Suvarnabhumi Airport to enhance ground traffic safety, cut carbon emissions and raise operational standards. The system is intended to improve aircraft movement accuracy on the ground and reduce risks during taxiing operations.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381951-aeronautical-radio-studies-“follow-the-green”-for-suvarnabhumi/

 

Anutin Tells Trump: Cambodia Must Cease Fire First

 

Picture courtesy of Kaohoon International

 

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called on US President Donald Trump to urge Cambodia to stop firing first. This comes after Trump threatened tariffs on Thailand and Cambodia if hostilities continue. Trump made these remarks in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his use of tariffs as leverage.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381952-anutin-tells-trump-cambodia-must-cease-fire-first/

 

CIB & FDA Bust 4×100 Drug Rings, Seize 1.3m Pills
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have dismantled three networks linked to the illegal “4×100” drug mixture, seizing more than 1.3 million tramadol capsules worth over 20 million baht. The coordinated raids targeted 10 locations across four provinces on 16 December 2025, disrupting supply chains feeding youth drug abuse.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381953-cib-fda-bust-4×100-drug-rings-seize-13m-pills/

 

DSI Busts Bt300m Illegal Timber Operation in Nong Khai
 

Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), working with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has uncovered a large-scale illegal timber operation in Nong Khai, seizing protected wood valued at more than 300 million baht. The timber was allegedly smuggled from northern national park forests, illegally processed and prepared for export abroad. Several suspects were arrested at the site, including Thai nationals and undocumented migrant workers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381955-dsi-busts-bt300m-illegal-timber-operation-in-nong-khai/

 

Woman Killed as Van Hits Sugarcane Truck in Loei
 

Picture courtesy of Responders 

 

A woman was killed and a man injured after a van crashed into the rear of a sugarcane truck in Wang Saphung district, Loei province, in the early hours of 16 December 2025. The collision left both victims trapped inside the vehicle, requiring rescue teams to use cutting equipment at the scene. Emergency services responded shortly after midnight following reports of casualties and a fatality.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381956-woman-killed-as-van-hits-sugarcane-truck-in-loei/

 

Army Appoints Relatives of Fallen Soldiers to Service Roles

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

The Royal Thai Army has continued to appointed relatives of fallen soldiers to civil and military service roles, reaffirming its pledge that no family of a deceased serviceman will be left behind and that their honour will be upheld permanently. The move provides immediate employment and institutional support to affected families following recent losses during operational duties.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381957-army-appoints-relatives-of-fallen-soldiers-to-service-roles/

 

Businessman Found Dead After Police Inquiry Over Cow Shooting
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

A local businessman was found dead inside a pickup truck in a rice field in Buriram province, with police confirming he died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, after lighting a charcoal stove inside the vehicle. The discovery followed reports that he had recently been called in for questioning over a shooting incident in which a cow was killed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381958-businessman-found-dead-after-police-inquiry-over-cow-shooting/

 

Man Arrested Over Fake Gold Pawn Scam Worth 520,000 Baht
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Police have arrested a 29-year-old man accused of deceiving a gold shop into accepting a fake 10-baht gold necklace as collateral, resulting in a loss of 520,000 baht. The suspect allegedly posed as a wealthy customer, dressing well and removing the necklace from his neck to gain the shop’s trust. Officers recovered cash, the fake gold items and the vehicle believed to have been used in the crime.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381959-man-arrested-over-fake-gold-pawn-scam-worth-520000-baht/

 

UPDATE
Two Thai Soldiers Killed in Clashes at Ta Kwai Temple

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Two Thai soldiers were killed during intense overnight fighting near Ta Kwai temple and Hill 350, as clashes erupted along the Thai–Cambodian border. The Second Army Region confirmed that Cambodian forces attempted to advance into the area late on 16 December, triggering heavy exchanges of fire that continued into the night, with operations still under way into the morning.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381945-16-thai-civilians-dead-amid-ongoing-border-tensions/#findComment-20279889

 

Denmark Urges Caution: New Travel Advice for Thai Border Zone

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen. File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Denmark’s Foreign Ministry has issued updated travel guidance for Thailand, cautioning against all travel to a 50 km zone along the Cambodian border. This follows a heightened tension in the Thailand–Cambodia border dispute. The announcement aligns with Sweden's recent travel advisory update.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381961-denmark-urges-caution-new-travel-advice-for-thai-border-zone/

 

Senior Police Officer Found Dead in Chaiyaphum Hotel
 

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A senior police officer has been found dead in a hotel room in central Chaiyaphum, sparking shock within the local police force and prompting an official investigation. Police Colonel Somchai Sophonpanyaporn, Deputy Commander of Chaiyaphum Provincial Police, was discovered lying deceased beside his bed in a well-known hotel in the city centre. The death was reported on 16 December and is being treated as unexplained pending further forensic examination.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381962-senior-police-officer-found-dead-in-chaiyaphum-hotel/

 

Surachet 'Big Joke' Hakparn Sues Top Court Official and Committee

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

Police General Surachet Hakparn, also known as "Big Joke," has taken legal action against a deputy president of the Supreme Administrative Court and 61 court administrators. The lawsuit, filed at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, accuses them of neglecting their duties, resulting in unlawful conduct and personal harm. This legal move follows a previous filing against the deputy president of the same court.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381970-surachet-big-joke-hakpan-sues-top-court-official-and-committee/

 

Thai Insurers Adopt Unified Auto Repair Timeline Standards

 

Picture courtesy of pikisuperstar | via The Thaiger

 

The Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) has implemented a new unified standard for auto repair timelines to enhance consumer protection and industry transparency. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was agreed upon with 32 non-life insurers, fostering uniformity in assessing compensation for loss of vehicle use.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381976-thai-insurers-adopt-unified-auto-repair-timeline-standards/

 

Phuket Booms: High Season Triumphs, Future Events Spark Optimism

 

Picture via Wikipedia

 

Phuket's tourism industry is celebrating its strongest high season in five years, surpassing pre-Covid figures. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlights a substantial increase in visitor numbers and spending. With six major global events planned for 2026, tourism revenue is expected to rise by 10%, reaching 605 billion Thai baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381977-phuket-booms-high-season-triumphs-future-events-spark-optimism/

 

Trip.com Scraps Cambodia Partnership Over Privacy Fears

 

AI-generated illustration | via The Thaiger

 

Trip.com has abruptly ended its partnership with Cambodia's tourism authorities following privacy concerns voiced by users in China and Thailand. This move comes after Chinese users expressed fears that their personal information might be exposed to scam operations, triggering a significant backlash and a wave of account deletions on Trip.com's parent platform, Ctrip.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381979-tripcom-scraps-cambodia-partnership-over-privacy-fears/

 

Hat Yai Faces 2-Month Rebuilding After Flood Impact

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post  via The Thaiger

 

Tourism in Hat Yai is expected to need 1-2 months for full recovery following severe flooding that has hit the area. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported that the main source market, Malaysia, could see a reduction of up to 55% in December arrivals, leading to an overall annual decrease of 11%. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted December’s Malaysian arrivals are predicted to be 205,000, dropping 55% compared to last year, with a revenue dip of 54%, generating 4.4 billion Thai baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381983-hat-yai-tourism-faces-2-month-rebuilding-after-flood-impact/