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/

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/

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/

Illegal Cannabis Farm with 1,685 Plants Raided in Bangkok

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook/ตำรวจไทย – Thaipolice

 

Three Vietnamese men were taken into custody after police raided an illegal cannabis farm in a Bangkok warehouse. The operation, conducted on December 17, involved officers from the Crime Suppression Division and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382063-illegal-cannabis-farm-with-1685-plants-raided-in-bangkok/

 

Foreign Student's Plea for Justice After Chiang Rai Crash

 

Picture via TikTok/@laminkhaing05

 

A foreign student in Chiang Rai has taken to TikTok to seek justice following a devastating car crash. The incident left her injured and another man dead, with the Thai driver allegedly failing to take responsibility. The student involved, La Min Khaing, a second-year undergraduate at Mae Fah Luang University, shared her ordeal in a TikTok video on Sunday, 14 December, hoping to raise awareness and gain support.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382064-foreign-students-plea-for-justice-after-chiang-rai-crash/

 

Phuket Woman Brandishes Gun in Heated Debt Dispute

 

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A tense encounter unfolded at a Phuket viewpoint yesterday when a woman allegedly threatened finance agents with a firearm over missed car payments. At around 4:20 pm at Khao Khad Viewpoint, two agents approached the woman about a debt of over 33,000 Thai baht on a Honda Jazz. The situation escalated when she reportedly threatened the agents with a gun.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382065-phuket-woman-brandishes-gun-in-heated-debt-dispute/

 

Navy Arrests 19 Foreign Nationals Near Chanthaburi Border
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Royal Thai Navy has detained 19 foreign nationals during a pre-dawn operation along the Chanthaburi border, disrupting suspected transnational crime and cyber scam activity. The arrests were made at 04.30 on 17 December 2025, with all individuals found to have entered Thailand illegally. Authorities said the operation prevented a suspected attempt to cross into Cambodia.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382066-navy-arrests-19-foreign-nationals-near-chanthaburi-border/

 

Thai Marines Oust Cambodian Forces in Trat Victory

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Royal Thai Navy marines have successfully reclaimed Ban Nong Ri in Trat province from Cambodian forces after days of strategic combat, as confirmed on Wednesday. Following an escalating threat since December, the Border Defence Command, along with the Marine Task Force, mounted an intense operation to regain control over the crucial area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382067-thai-marines-oust-cambodian-forces-in-trat-victory/

 

Phuket Man Arrested After Wife Dies Following Broom Assault
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A 51-year-old woman has died after being assaulted at her home in Phuket, with her husband arrested at the property on December 17. The victim succumbed to her injuries after being taken to Mission Phuket Hospital, prompting an immediate police investigation. The incident has drawn attention to a fatal domestic violence case in the Rassada area of Phuket City.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382068-phuket-man-arrested-after-wife-dies-following-broom-assault/

 

Bank of Thailand Slashes Rates Again Amid Economic Struggles

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Bank of Thailand has reduced its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, aiming to bolster economic growth amidst political troubles, a strengthening baht, and US tariffs. This marks the fifth rate cut since October 2024, with a total reduction of 125 basis points. The central bank aims to support the slowing economy, as highlighted by recent votes from the Monetary Policy Committee.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382069-bank-of-thailand slashes-rates-again-amid-economic-struggles/

 

China Comments on Thai-Cambodian Border Weapon Seizure

 

Picture courtesy: Facebook Chinese Embassy Bangkok

 

In a fresh twist on the Thai-Cambodian border tension, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand has addressed concerns over reported clashes involving Chinese-made weapons. During a press briefing on Wednesday, December 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China responded to queries about the situation, stating that China's defence ties with both nations are non-threatening and unrelated to these conflicts. The statement came after reports surfaced of Thai troops seizing military gear, including Chinese anti-tank missiles, from Cambodian forces.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382071-china-comments-on-thai-cambodian-border-weapon-seizure/

 

Thai–China Police Step up Joint Crackdown on Scam Centres
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Senior Thai and Chinese officials have reaffirmed closer cooperation against transnational online fraud following high-level talks at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok. The meeting underscored joint efforts to dismantle scam centres and strengthen intelligence sharing between the two countries. Authorities said the cooperation would accelerate arrests and disrupt criminal networks operating across borders.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382070-thai–china-police-step-up-joint-crackdown-on-scam-centres/

 

Thailand Exposes Cambodia Again at UN Over Landmines, Aggression

 

Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand has exposed Cambodia at the UN over landmine placement and aggressive actions while urging peace under certain conditions. Thai Ambassador to the UN, Rachada Suthepakul, made these allegations after Cambodia falsely claimed Thai misconduct.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382072-thailand-exposes-cambodia-again-at-un-over-landmines-aggression/

 

Kazakh Fraud Suspect Held in Phuket on Interpol Red Notice
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Immigration Police in Phuket have arrested a Kazakh national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice for fraud, after tracing him to a residence in the provincial capital. The suspect had allegedly fled criminal proceedings in Kazakhstan and was found hiding in Thailand. Authorities said the arrest reflects strengthened international cooperation in tracking transnational fugitives.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382073-kazakh-fraud-suspect-held-in-phuket-on-interpol-red-notice/

 

Thailand’s Feb 8 Election to Go Ahead Despite Border Conflict

 

Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

The Election Commission confirms the February 8 election will go ahead, despite border clashes affecting provinces near Cambodia. Plans include special polling for evacuees.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382074-thailand’s-feb-8-election-to-go-ahead-despite-border-conflict/

 

Villagers Find Monk Dead, Suspected Elephant Attack
 

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

A Buddhist monk was found dead by villagers on a footpath outside a rural community in Khon Kaen, with authorities suspecting he was attacked by a wild elephant while on his morning alms round. The discovery has shocked local residents and prompted a formal investigation, with officials preparing a post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382075-villagers-find-monk-dead-suspected-elephant-attack/

 

Cambodia Rejects Claims of Foreign Mercenaries in Border Conflict

 

file photo

 

Cambodia's Senate President, Hun Sen, has dismissed reports from Thai media about the involvement of foreign mercenaries, including Russians, in the border conflict with Thailand. In a statement posted on Facebook, Hun Sen reiterated that Cambodia has no foreign military presence, maintaining that the nation's dignity and sovereignty remain intact. He noted that while Cambodia has previously hosted foreign troops for peacekeeping purposes, there are currently no foreign soldiers involved in military operations within the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382076-cambodia-rejects-claims-of-foreign-mercenaries-in-border-conflic/

 

Man, 64, Dies After Falling Into Six-Metre Borehole in Lampang
 

Picture courtesy of responders

 

A 64-year-old man has died after falling into a six-metre-deep borehole at his home in Lampang province, prompting a police and rescue response and leaving his family devastated. The incident occurred at a private residence in Ban Pong Khwak, Mae San subdistrict, Hang Chat district and was reported to authorities shortly after it happened. Emergency services confirmed the man was found deceased at the bottom of the borehole.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382077-man-64-dies-after-falling-into-six-metre-borehole-in-lampang/

 

Trump’s ‘Roadside Accident’ Remark on Thai Landmines Sparks Anger

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS WORLD

 

OPINION

 

In a statement that has sparked widespread controversy, President Donald Trump referred to a recent landmine explosion in Thailand as a "roadside accident," leaving many feeling angered and disillusioned. During a call with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Trump's remarks about the November 10 incident at Huay Santamaria were considered a stark misrepresentation of the actual circumstances. This response has increased scrutiny of the US's understanding of the complexities surrounding the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382078-trump’s-‘roadside-accident’-remark-on-landmines-sparks-anger/

CIB Chase Halts Migrant Smuggling Vehicle in Kanchanaburi
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers ended a dramatic 40-kilometre pursuit in Kanchanaburi province, intercepting a vehicle carrying 19 Myanmar nationals who had entered Thailand illegally. The chase concluded when the vehicle left the road and became stuck in a sugarcane field, leading to the detention of all occupants found inside. Authorities said some of those transported were planning to continue onward to Malaysia.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382079-cib-chase-halts-migrant-smuggling-vehicle-in-kanchanaburi/

 

One Dead as Car Overturns & Burns in Chonburi
 

Picture courtesy of responders 

 

A fatal road crash claimed one life and left another person injured after a saloon car driver lost control, overturned and caught fire in Chonburi province on the evening of 17 December 2025. The crash occurred at around 6.30pm on the Ban Bueng–Klaeng road in Nong Suea Chang subdistrict, Nong Yai district. Villagers who passed the scene attempted to help, managing to rescue one occupant, while another was later found dead inside the burned vehicle.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382080-one-dead-as-car-overturns-burns-in-chonburi/

 

ONCB Cracks Down on Illegal Kratom Factories, Warns of Jail Term
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has intensified a nationwide crackdown on illegal kratom drink factories, warning that mixing kratom with medicines is a serious offence punishable by imprisonment. Authorities said the move aims to curb the spread of so-called “four by one hundred” drinks and prevent long-term harm to young people’s brains and nervous systems. Officials stressed that unregulated production sites pose both legal and public health risks.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382081-oncb-cracks-down-on-illegal-kratom-factories-warns-of-jail-term/

 

Tourist Rescued After Freediving Medical Emergency Off Phuket
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

The Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center Region 3 rescued a foreign male tourist on Wednesday afternoon 17  December, after he suffered a medical emergency while freediving in Manta Bay off Racha Noi Island in Phuket province. The incident prompted an urgent response at sea, with authorities transferring the injured tourist to hospital for treatment.

 

Fukl story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382082-tourist-rescued-after-freediving-medical-emergency-off-phuket/

 

Narathiwat Officer Shot Outside Home in Second Ambush
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

A police officer in Narathiwat province is in a coma after being shot in the chest during an ambush outside his home on 17 December, marking the second attempt on his life. The victim, identified as Pol Snr Sgt Maj Asri, 39, suffered a gunshot wound that entered the left side of his chest and exited through his back, leaving him critically injured. He was initially treated at Janae Hospital before being airlifted for specialist care.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382083-narathiwat-officer-shot-outside-home-in-second-ambush/

 

Thai Man Reports Job Scam Ending in Forced Mule Accounts
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

A Thai man has filed a police complaint after being deceived into applying for a dietary supplement sales job in Bangkok, only to be taken to the Thai–Cambodian border and coerced into opening bank mule accounts for a scam network. The case highlights the continuing impact of cross-border fraud operations targeting Thai jobseekers and involving organised criminal groups.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382084-thai-man-reports-job-scam-ending-in-forced-mule-accounts/

 

Thai Soldier Killed by Mortar Shrapnel on Border Duty
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A Thai soldier has been killed while on duty near the border, becoming the 21st confirmed fatality in the ongoing clashes. Private Wasant Khanhuathon, known by the nickname “Esso,” died on 17 December 2025 after being struck by mortar shrapnel during an operation. He succumbed to his injuries while being transferred for medical treatment, authorities said.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382085-thai-soldier-killed-by-mortar-shrapnel-on-border-duty/

 

Bangkok Prison Scandal: VIP Perks and Prostitution Unveiled

 

file photo

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has concluded its probe into the "Chinese VIP" scandal at Bangkok Remand Prison, forwarding the explosive findings to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The scandal charges former prison chief Manop Chomchuen and his secretary, Traiphol Sikiaowkae, with abuse of authority.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382103-bangkok-prison-scandal-vip-perks-and-prostitution-unveiled/

 

China Sends Envoy to Mediate Thailand–Cambodia Border Clash

 

 

China has dispatched its special envoy to Thailand and Cambodia today to mediate the escalating border clash between the two nations. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand announced on Facebook that China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict. As a neighbour to both countries, China has taken an active role in promoting dialogue and reducing tension, with the envoy playing a crucial diplomatic role.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382106-china-sends-envoy-to-mediate-thailand–cambodia-border-clash/

 

Thai English Proficiency Slips Further Down Global Rankings

 

 

Thailand's position in global English proficiency has taken a hit, according to the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index. Ranked 116th out of 123 countries, Thailand fell into the "very low proficiency" category with a score of 402. This represents a significant drop of 13 points from the previous year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382107-thai-english-proficiency-slips-further-down-global-rankings/

 

Pedestrian Overpass Collapses Onto Vehicles in Samut Prakan
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A pedestrian overpass collapsed onto a lorry and a pickup truck on Thep Ratthanakorn Road in Samut Prakan on Thursday morning, leaving people injured and trapped inside the vehicles. The incident caused major disruption as debris blocked all main lanes, prompting an urgent emergency response. Officials rushed to the scene to carry out rescues and begin an investigation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382109-pedestrian-overpass-collapses-onto-vehicles-in-samut-prakan/