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/

Bang Na–Trat Footbridge Collapse Caused by Raised Truck Bed Kills One

 

Picture courtesy of BrightTV

 

A pedestrian footbridge collapsed on the inbound Bang Na–Trat Road towards Bangkok on 18 December 2025, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The incident caused major disruption as emergency services closed parts of the carriageway to manage the scene and assist the victims.

 

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

French Tourists' AI-Edited Pictures Cause Phuket Drama

 

Picture via Facebook/Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

French tourists allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to alter photos from a Phuket boat trip in order to claim a refund, sparking significant controversy. The Facebook page Phuket Times reported this incident on December 18. The tourists supposedly edited photos to depict the boat as old and poorly maintained, aiming to secure a refund from the travel agency they used.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382122-french-tourists-ai-edited-pictures-cause-phuket-drama/

Dutch Rider Fatally Crashes into Parked Pickup in Chon Buri

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A tragic motorcycle accident in Chon Buri claimed the life of a 54-year-old Dutch man in the early hours of December 18. The incident occurred when the motorcyclist allegedly collided with a parked pickup truck with a trailer near Khao Pho Thong Temple in the Pong sub-district of Bang Lamung. Emergency services, including the Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Foundation and local police, rushed to the scene, but sadly, the rider was pronounced dead on-site.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382176-dutch-rider-fatally-crashes-into-parked-pickup-in-chon-buri/

 

Man Surrenders After Dramatic 10km Police Chase in Samut Prakan

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A man turned himself in after a wild, 10-kilometer police chase through Samut Prakan, leaving two officers injured. The high-speed pursuit began on December 17 and ended with the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Warut, surrendering to Samrong Tai Police.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382177-man-surrenders-after-dramatic-10km-police-chase-in-samut-prakan/

 

Rare Big Cats Spotted Roaming Thai National Park Together

 

Picture via สำนักบริหารพื้นที่อนุรักษ์ที่ 12 นครสวรรค์

 

Footage from Khlong Lan National Park has captured the mesmerising sight of a leopard and a black panther roaming the wilds of Kamphaeng Phet together. Recorded by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) camera traps, this stunning duo was first captured on film in June 2020, rekindling interest in Thailand's rich biodiversity and conservation success.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382179-rare-big-cats-spotted-roaming-thai-national-park-together/

 

Police Arrest Five Chinese Nationals in Hotel Gambling Raid
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

Police in Bang Lamung, Chonburi province, have arrested five Chinese nationals during a raid on a hotel in the Na Kluea area for illegal gambling, seizing cash and equipment used in the activity. The arrests were carried out on 18 December 2025 as part of a wider crackdown on vice, with all suspects admitting to the offences during questioning. Officers said the operation was conducted with transparently and in accordance with legal procedures.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382180-police-arrest-five-chinese-nationals-in-hotel-gambling-raid/

 

Cambodian Drones Spotted Near Thai Oil Rigs as Tensions Rise

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS WORLD

 

The sighting of Cambodian drones near Thai oil rigs in the Gulf of Thailand represents a dramatic escalation. This development comes as hostilities between Thai and Cambodian forces continue for the 12th consecutive day since December 7. The Thai navy has vowed a strong response to these intrusions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382181-cambodian-drones-spotted-near-thai-oil-rigs-as-tensions-rise/

 

British Man Arrested For Illegal Birdwatching Tours
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities have arrested a British national for operating illegal birdwatching tours for foreign tourists in key wildlife areas in Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi, with officials stressing the move protects licensed Thai guides and the tourism sector. The suspect was taken into custody after completing a multi-day trip and now faces criminal charges under Thailand’s tourism and labour laws. Officials said the arrest demonstrates ongoing enforcement against unlicensed tour operations.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382182-british-man-arrested-for-illegal-birdwatching-tours/

 

Decomposed Body With Severed Limbs Found in Bangkok
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police in Bangkok are investigating the discovery of a badly decomposed body with severed limbs found in overgrown grassland in the Khan Na Yao district. The unidentified remains were located on the afternoon of 18 December, prompting an urgent response from local police and forensic teams. Authorities cordoned off the area as they worked to establish the cause of death and the identity of the deceased.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382183-decomposed-body-with-severed-limbs-found-in-bangkok/

 

Uzbek Woman Held in Pattaya on Interpol Red Notice
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

 

Immigration police in Chonburi have arrested a 22-year-old Uzbek national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice and found to be overstaying her visa by 112 days. The suspect, identified only as Mrs A, was detained after investigators confirmed she was the subject of an international arrest request issued by authorities in Uzbekistan for a serious criminal offence. She was taken into custody after appearing at Chonburi Immigration to collect a visa extension, following a police operation designed to secure her arrest without incident.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382184-uzbek-woman-held-in-pattaya-on-interpol-red-notice/

 

CIB Arrests Myanmar National Over Chanthaburi Murder
 

Pictures courtesy of CIB

 

Police have arrested a 30-year-old Myanmar national in connection with a brutal murder in Chanthaburi, where a man was killed, bound and concealed inside a bin hidden in a bamboo grove. The suspect, identified only as Mr N., was detained by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Highway Police Division on 17 December 2568 in Samut Sakhon province. He is one of three suspects named in an arrest warrant issued by the Chanthaburi Provincial Court.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382186-cib-arrests-myanmar-national-over-chanthaburi-murder/

 

Chinese Driver Accused of Road Rage Involving 12-Year-Old
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Police are investigating an incident in which a foreign driver allegedly used a car to block and confront an elderly man and his 12-year-old granddaughter, leaving the child distressed and in tears. The confrontation, which occurred on 18 December, has sparked widespread public concern after video footage circulated online. The family has since filed a formal police complaint seeking legal action.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382187-chinese-driver-accused-of-road-rage-involving-12-year-old/

 

South Korean Scam Suspect Held on Interpol Notice

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Tourist Police have arrested a South Korean national wanted under an Interpol Blue Notice after he allegedly defrauded compatriots of nearly 97 million won and fled to Thailand, where he was found overstaying his visa and in possession of illegal drugs. The suspect was detained during a targeted raid in Bangkok and now faces prosecution under Thai law, with extradition coordination under way. Authorities said the operation underscores ongoing efforts to track transnational crime networks.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382189-south-korean-scam-suspect-held-on-interpol-notice/

 

Mother in Mental Health Crisis Attacks Son in Sattahip
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A 19-year-old man was injured after being attacked with a knife by his mother during a mental health episode in Sattahip district, Chon Buri province, on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at about 1.30pm. The incident caused alarm among residents after the victim was left bleeding heavily and had to be rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382192-mother-in-mental-health-crisis-attacks-son-in-sattahip/

 

Gunman Kills 59-Year-Old Man in Phrae Roadside Shooting
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A 59-year-old man was shot dead in a roadside attack in Long district, Phrae province, late on 17 December, prompting a police manhunt for the gunman. The victim was found lying face down in a pool of blood beside a village road, with multiple shotgun wounds to his back and chest. The killing has shocked local residents and left the victim’s family searching for answers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382193-gunman-kills-59-year-old-man-in-phrae-roadside-shooting/

 

Motorcyclist Killed in Head-on Crash With Lorry in Trat
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

A motorcyclist was killed instantly after losing control and crossing into the opposite lane before colliding head-on with a soil lorry in Trat province on the evening of 18 December. The impact dragged the rider’s motorcycle for more than 50 metres, leaving the victim dead at the scene and causing significant disruption on the local road.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382195-motorcyclist-killed-in-head-on-crash-with-lorry-in-trat/

 

Rayong Shuts Illegal Recycling Plant Over Water Pollution
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities in Rayong province have ordered the immediate closure of a recycling factory accused of illegally drawing water from a public canal to wash waste and discharging untreated wastewater back into the same waterway. The action, taken on 18 December, aims to prevent environmental damage to connected water sources, including Dok Krai Reservoir, a key raw water supply for the province.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382196-rayong-shuts-illegal-recycling-plant-over-water-pollution/

 

Thai Navy Says Cambodia Violated Ottawa Convention
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

The Royal Thai Navy has announced it has uncovered clear evidence indicating that Cambodia has violated the Ottawa Convention and international humanitarian law after discovering a stockpile of anti-personnel landmines and related training documents. The findings have heightened concerns over security and civilian safety along the Thai–Cambodian border.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382197-thai-navy-says-cambodia-violated-ottawa-convention/

 

Thailand Targets 6.7 Million Chinese Tourists by 2026

 

file photo

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target to attract 6.7 million Chinese visitors by 2026. This goal follows a significant downturn in Chinese arrivals this year, driven by negative sentiment and unforeseen events. TAT is actively working to restore confidence through various partnerships, including agreements with a leading Chinese travel agency and the Haikou tourism authority.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382198-thailand-targets-67-million-chinese-tourists-by-2026/

Bangkok Malls Go All Out for New Year, Attract 1.6M Visitors

 

file photo

 

Large malls across Bangkok and nationwide are significantly increasing their investments in New Year countdown events to boost year-end spending. Central Pattana Plc (CPN) and The Mall Group aim to draw 1.6 million attendees with their grand celebrations. CPN is allocating 500 million baht for events across 13 malls, including a major highlight at CentralWorld, expecting a turnout of 1.5 million visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382199-centralworld-leads-massive-new-year-celebrations-across-thailand/

 

Thai Foreign Minister Open to Neutral Mediation in Cambodia Conflict

 

 

Thailand's Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has declared the nation's openness to foreign mediation in the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia, highlighting the importance of neutrality. During his official visit to Japan from 18 to 20 December 2025, Sihasak stressed that Thailand did not initiate the unrest and urged Cambodia to take tangible steps towards peace, such as a genuine ceasefire.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382200-thai-fm-open-to-neutral-mediation-in-cambodia-conflict/

 

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TikTok Strikes Deal to Spin Off US Entity Amid Trump’s Backing
 

file photo

 

TikTok has finalised its agreement to create a separate US entity with primarily American investors, as announced by CEO Shou Chew in a memo to employees. This development aligns with efforts to secure TikTok's future in the US following a law mandating a spin-off from its parent company, ByteDance. The move, backed by US president Donald Trump, aims to place the popular app under American ownership, averting a potential ban.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382206-tiktok-strikes-deal-to-spin-off-us-entity-amid-trump’s-backing/

New Thai Law Bans Alcohol Sales to Intoxicated Customers

 

Reference picture courtesy of AP News

 

A new law banning the sale of alcohol to intoxicated people is now in effect across the country. This law holds sellers jointly responsible for any resulting harm, including property damage, injury, or death. This regulation forms part of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, Amendment No. 2, B.E. 2568 (2025), aiming to enhance public safety by imposing stricter controls on alcohol sales.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382208-new-thai-law-bans-alcohol-sales-to-intoxicated-customers/

 

139 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Year-End Immigration Raid

 

Picture courtesy of MGR online | via The Thaiger

 

Immigration officers in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, launched a significant year-end raid on December 18, resulting in the arrest of 139 foreign nationals and fines levied on landlords for failing to comply with reporting laws. The crackdown, initiated by Immigration Division 3 following directives from the Royal Thai Police, targeted areas within Kamphaeng Saen district known for housing migrant workers without proper documentation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382220-139-foreign-nationals-arrested-in-year-end-immigration-raid/

 

Shocking Discovery: Headless Body Found in Bangkok Marshland

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

In a chilling discovery, a headless body was found by a local fisherman in a roadside forest area in Bangkok's Khan Na Yao district on December 18. Rescue workers were alerted around 4.30 pm and responded swiftly to the marshland, which posed challenges due to dense reeds and standing water.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1382228-shocking-discovery-headless-body-found-in-bangkok-marshland/

 

Thai Court Ruling Shifts Credit Card Fraud Proof to Banks

 

 

Thailand’s Supreme Court has ruled decisively that banks, not customers, have the responsibility to prove who authorised disputed credit card transactions. This ruling sets a robust legal precedent aimed at enhancing consumer protection amidst increasing cyber scams. By placing the burden on banks, the decision represents a major step towards empowering consumers against unauthorised credit card charges.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382244-landmark-court-ruling-shifts-credit-card-fraud-proof-to-banks/

Van Driver Attacks Tourist with Bottle at Phuket Airport

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

A Thai van driver attacked a foreign woman with a plastic bottle outside Phuket International Airport on December 18, following a disagreement over rubbish allegedly left in his vehicle. The incident, occurring near the busy Entrance 2 of the passenger terminal at 9pm, was captured on video and quickly gained attention on Thai social media.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382250-van-driver-attacks-tourist-with-bottle-at-phuket-airport/

Animal Trafficking Allegations Denied by WFFT Founder

 

Photo via Facebook/ Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand - WFFT

 

The Dutch founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailandhttps://aseannow.com/forum/18-thailand-news/ (WFFT), Edwin Wiek, has denied accusations of animal trafficking after receiving a tiger from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNU) in Kanchanaburi on December 17. The allegations were made by retired national park official, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, who claimed that Wiek and Thai officials were involved in the illegal transfer of the tiger from Myanmar into Thailand. Chaiwat publicized these claims on Facebook, urging for an investigation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382251-animal-trafficking-allegations-denied-by-wfft-founder/

 

Fake Monk Arrested in Ang Thong for Fraud and Drug Use

 

Photo via Khaosod

 

A man pretending to be a monk was arrested in Ang Thong on December 18 after police uncovered his lack of monk credentials and attempt to falsify a urine test. The man, identified as 48-year-old Jaran, had been soliciting donations at Rong Thong Shrine Market. Police, alerted by unusual activity, found him in monk robes with donation envelopes, claiming the funds were for a Kanchanaburi monastery.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382252-fake-monk-arrested-in-ang-thong-for-fraud-and-drug-use/