US Man Detained After Taking Photos Near Military Airport

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rat | via The Thaiger

 

On December 16, officers in Surin detained an American man for taking photos near a military airport. Border Patrol Police Unit 21 raised the alarm due to his suspicious behaviour, which led to his detention by Mueang Surin Police Station officers. The man, who refused to have his mobile phone inspected, was wearing a military-style cap and sunglasses at the time.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381985-us-man-detained-after-taking-photos-near-military-airport/

 

UPDATE
Cambodian Scam & Casino Site Destroyed in Thai Army Strike

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Thai Army units have destroyed a site in Cambodia allegedly used previously as a scam centre and casino that served as a launch point for drone attacks against Thailand, according to an official social media post on December 16, 2025. The operation targeted an area near Chong Sa Taku, where the structures were hit by sustained gunfire and subsequently caught fire, leaving the site severely damaged. Images released online showed buildings engulfed in flames following the attack.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381945-16-thai-civilians-dead-amid-ongoing-border-tensions/#findComment-20280605

 

Woman with Alzheimer's Missing in Chon Buri, Daughter Seeks Help

 

Photo via The Pattaya News

 

A mother with Alzheimer's, Phannee Noen-iam, disappeared from Chon Buri on December 7, leading her daughter, Phimphilat, to appeal to the media and public for assistance. Phannee, 55, was last seen boarding a transport bus and getting off near a hardware store in Bo Win. The family is concerned as Phannee suffers from memory loss and is unable to care for herself.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382025-woman-with-alzheimers-missing-in-chon-buri-daughter-seeks-help/

 

Thailand Nominates Chiang Mai for UNESCO Heritage Status

 

Wat Chedi Luang | Photo via Tourism Authority of Thailand

 

Thailand has moved to nominate Chiang Mai's ancient Lanna capital for UNESCO World Heritage status. The nomination emphasizes seven iconic temples and the city’s historical layout. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, along with Minister of Culture Sabina Thaised, announced the decision after a national committee meeting.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382026-thailand-nominates-chiang-mai-for-unesco-heritage-status/

 

Beauty Queen's Eye-Slant Gesture Sparks Backlash Across Asia
 

File photo courtesy of Die Zeit

 

Sarah Dzafce, Miss Finland, has ignited a worldwide scandal after a photo showed her pulling her eyelids to mimic "slanted eyes." The image, captioned "eating with a Chinese", has resulted in her losing her crown after a backlash from Asian communities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382024-beauty-queens-eye-slant-gesture-sparks-backlash-across-asia/

Woman Revives in Coffin, Passes Away Days Later in Thailand

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

A Thai woman, Chonthirat Sakulku, 65, amazed family and temple staff by briefly reviving inside a coffin before passing away on December 14 at Bang Yai Hospital. Her initial signs of life were observed at Wat Rat Prakong Tham in Phitsanulok, where she was presumed dead due to a serious illness. On December 16, her funeral rites and cremation took place under the temple’s free funeral program.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1379805-woman-shockingly-awakens-inside-her-own-funeral-coffin/#findComment-20281357

 

Interpol Alert: Chinese Major Scam Suspect Detained in Bangkok

 

Photo via Matichon

 

A Chinese national wanted by Interpol for a billion-baht investment scam has been arrested at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Huang, 44, attempted to leave the country using a fake Mexican passport under the alias "Gol," but was detained by immigration officers. Officials discovered his real Chinese passport, confirming his identity and international fugitive status.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382031-interpol-alert-chinese-major-scam-suspect-detained-in-bangkok/

 

New Regulation to Manage Stray Animals in Bangkok by 2026

 

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

Bangkok is set to implement a citywide program in early 2026 aimed at managing the city's estimated 100,000 stray dogs. The initiative will require mandatory pet registration and microchipping to promote responsible ownership and reduce stray populations. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized the importance of tracking pet ownership to address issues caused by stray animals.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382033-new-regulation-to-manage-stray-animals-in-bangkok-by-2026/

 

Taiwanese Man Arrested for Exploiting Thai Workers

 

Photo via Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency, Republic of China (Taiwan)

 

Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a prostitution ring involving 16 women from Thailand, culminating in the arrest of a Taiwanese man, Wu. Operated from a dormitory, the ring recruited Thai women for sex work in Taiwan, including Wu's girlfriend, a former student in Taiwan who served as a translator and recruiter. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) reported that the successful operation, initially conducted in June, was only recently disclosed due to legal procedures.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382034-taiwanese-man-arrested-for-exploiting-thai-workers/

Malaysian Pencak Silat Team in Assault Controversy at SEA Games

 

Photo via YouTube/ SEA Combat

 

The Malaysian pencak silat team reportedly assaulted referees and officials during a SEA Games competition in Thailand on December 15, following a contentious decision favoring a Thai athlete. The incident occurred during the women's pencak silat Class B quarter-final, where a 60-60 draw led to a controversial ruling in favor of Jongthima Ruenthong of Thailand over Malaysia’s Nor Farah Mazlan. Officials deemed Mazlan committed more fouls, sparking protests and subsequent chaos.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382036-malaysian-pencak-silat-team-in-assault-controversy-at-sea-games/

 

Thai-MECC Warns Vessels on Illegal Oil Transport to Cambodia

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai-MECC issued a stern warning to Thai vessels about changing their nationality to transport oil illegally into Cambodia. This follow-up comes after a noticeable drop in such incidents, following the implementation of stringent measures aimed at curbing this illegal activity. According to the Thai-MECC, two vessels involved were inspected and cooperated with the authorities, signaling the effectiveness of the new monitoring system.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382037-thai-mecc-warns-vessels-on-illegal-oil-transport-to-cambodia/

 

Thailand Faces Rising Disinformation Threats: Report

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is confronting an alarming rise in misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeting its medium-to-large companies, according to the World Security Report by Allied Universal and G4S. The report, which surveyed over 2,300 Chief Security Officers globally, highlighted that 78% of these companies experienced such attacks in the past year. Additionally, 60% of experts pointed out that more than half of threat actors are motivated by disinformation, marking the country as the second-highest globally for such threats.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382039-thailand-faces-rising-disinformation-threats-report/

 

Laos Confirms Imported Thai Oil Stays for Domestic Use Only

 

File photo for reference only

 

Lao Energy Minister Malaithong Kommasith has asserted that oil imported from Thailand will remain for Lao domestic use only, with no exports to Cambodia. This statement came following discussions with Thailand's Energy Minister, Prasert Sinsukprasert, who raised concerns about potential cross-border security risks. Malaithong assured no oil will cross into Cambodia, highlighting that such actions breach Lao cross-border laws, and all involved parties are monitoring the imports closely.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382042-laos-confirms-imported-thai-oil-stays-for-domestic-use-only/

 

Government Announces Week-Long Toll-Free on Thai Expressways

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Ministry of Transport in Thailand announced that the Burapha Withi and Kanchanaphisek expressways will be toll-free from December 30, 2025, to January 5, 2026. This move is intended as a New Year gift to facilitate travel during the holiday season. The toll exemption applies to all vehicle types using these routes.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382043-government-announces-week-long-toll-free-on-thai-expressways/

 

Health Impact of Fine Dust Worries Bangkok's Workers

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Informal workers in Bangkok are increasingly concerned about the impact of PM2.5 fine dust particles on their health and work performance. Despite the ongoing exposure and health risks, there is currently no comprehensive long-term policy to address the issue. Kanokporn Hoosawatdee, who runs a roadside fried-pork stall in Bang Khen, reports that she now takes four anti-allergy pills daily due to worsening symptoms linked to air pollution.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382044-health-impact-of-fine-dust-worries-bangkoks-workers/

 

Co-Payment Scheme Awaits Full Government Transition

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The implementation of Thailand's "Khon La Khrueng Plus" Phase 2 co-payment scheme is delayed until a regular government is established, as announced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Due to legal restrictions, the caretaker government cannot utilize the central budget following the dissolution of parliament. Charnvirakul emphasized adherence to regulations during this transition period.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382045-co-payment-scheme-awaits-full-government-transition/

 

Phuket Accident: Foreign Riders Abandon Injured Friend

 

 

In Phuket today, three foreign motorcyclists fled after crashing into a Thai woman’s motorcycle at a red light. The incident occurred at an intersection near Go Benz Rice Porridge Phuket, where Patiphat Road meets Vichitsongkram Road. The accident left the Thai woman and one foreign rider injured, though the precise details of their conditions remain undisclosed. The three other foreign riders allegedly abandoned their injured companion and left the scene.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382046-phuket-accident-foreign-riders-abandon-injured-friend/

 

Cruise Ship Brings 2,600 Tourists to Pattaya

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Pattaya welcomed around 2,600 tourists and crew members from the cruise ship 'Westerdam' on Wednesday morning. The vessel, operated by Holland America Line, was anchored near Koh Lan, with passengers and crew transported to Bali Hai Pier to explore the area.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382047-cruise-ship-brings-2600-tourists-to-pattaya/

 

Thai Troops Search for Missing Soldiers After Border Clash

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Royal Thai Army has initiated an urgent mission to locate two missing soldiers after a clash with Cambodian troops near the Ta Kwai temple ruins in Surin province. The confrontation occurred overnight in the contested Hill 350 area. Following their withdrawal from heavy resistance, the Thai troops discovered the absence of Sgt Maj 1st Class Samroeng Khlangprakhon and Pvt Phanuphat Saosa.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382048-thai-troops-search-for-missing-soldiers-after-border-clash/

 

UPDATE
Border Clashes Kill Two More Thai Troops, Death Toll Rises to 21

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Two more Thai soldiers have been killed in fighting along the Thai–Cambodian border, pushing the confirmed death toll to 21 as clashes intensified on 17 December 2025. The latest fatalities were reported amid sustained artillery fire across multiple frontline areas, heightening concern over the escalating human impact of the conflict. Military officials confirmed the deaths as hostilities continued into the evening.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1381945-16-thai-civilians-dead-amid-ongoing-border-tensions/#findComment-20281587

 

UK Becomes First European Nation to Send 1M Tourists to Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of TAT Newsroom

 

Thailand achieved a significant tourism milestone this year, with long-haul tourist arrivals breaching the 10 million mark for the first time. A Thai Airways flight from London to Bangkok landed on December 17, symbolically marking this milestone. This year, the UK also claimed the title of the first European nation to send over 1 million visitors to Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382057-uk-becomes-first-european-nation-with-1m-tourists-to-thailand/

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Thursday 18 December 2025
https://aseannow.com/topic/1382010-thailand-live-thursday-18-december-2025/