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/

UPDATE
Police Arrest British Man Over Illegal National Park Tours

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Tourist police have arrested a 53-year-old British man accused of illegally operating tour programmes and guiding foreign visitors through national parks across Thailand for more than a decade. Authorities said the arrest forms part of a nationwide crackdown aimed at protecting the tourism industry and improving visitor safety during the peak travel period.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382182-british-man-arrested-for-illegal-birdwatching-tours/page/4/#findComment-20285567

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/

Animal Trafficking Allegations Denied by Dutch WFFT Founder

 

Photo via Facebook/กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช

 

The Dutch founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (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 made these claims public on Facebook and called for an investigation.

 

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

Thai Police & UK Launch Custody Reform Pilot at Eight Stations
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Royal Thai Police has launched a pilot reform of suspect detention procedures in partnership with the United Kingdom, aiming to raise custody standards and strengthen human rights protections, with immediate implementation at eight police stations. The initiative was formally reviewed on 19 December 2025 at 13.00 when Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, inspected operations at Pathum Wan Metropolitan Police Station, one of the designated model sites.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382281-thai-police-uk-launch-custody-reform-pilot-at-eight-stations/

 

Four-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Run Over in Chonburi
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A four-year-old girl was killed after being run over by a car beside a convenience store in Si Racha district, Chonburi, on 19 December, causing her mother to collapse in shock after witnessing the incident. Rescue workers and medical staff attempted prolonged resuscitation at the scene, but the child later died from severe injuries. Police have launched an investigation and questioned the driver, who admitted he did not see the child.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382283-four-year-old-girl-killed-after-being-run-over-in-chonburi/

 

Canadian Man Arrested After Car Theft at Krabi Police Station

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Police arrested a Canadian national on 19 December 2025 after he allegedly stole a car from a Thai man who had driven to Krabi City Police Station seeking help. The incident caused alarm as the suspect seized the vehicle inside the police compound and fled through central Krabi, prompting a rapid manhunt involving more than 30 officers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382285-canadian-man-arrested-after-car-theft-at-krabi-police-station/

 

Thailand & Meta Crackdown on Online Scam Networks

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC) has joined forces with Meta and international law enforcement partners to disrupt major online scam networks operating across South East Asia. The coordinated action, carried out in Bangkok, has led to the removal of tens of thousands of scam-linked online assets and strengthened cross-border enforcement against transnational cybercrime.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382288-thailand-meta-crackdown-on-online-scam-networks/

 

Man Injured After Falling Through Roof During Theft Attempt

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

A 24-year-old Lao national was injured after falling from a four-storey building in Bangkok while allegedly attempting to steal property from a neighbouring house. The incident occurred late on the night of 18 December, with emergency services rushing him to hospital due to severe injuries sustained in the fall. Police said the man remains in serious condition and will be questioned again, once his health improves.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382290-man-injured-after-falling-through-roof-during-theft-attempt/

 

Chinese Man Arrested For Illegal Amulet Sales Near Tha Phae Gate
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Tourist Police have arrested a Chinese national for illegally selling Buddhist amulets and offering belief-based rituals near Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate, a major tourist landmark, as part of a New Year crime suppression campaign. The suspect was found operating without a work permit while residing in Thailand on a tourist visa. Authorities said the action aims to protect lawful businesses and boost visitor confidence ahead of the festive season.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382291-chinese-man-arrested-for-illegal-amulet-sales-near-tha-phae-gate/

 

Woman Dies After Fall From 35th-floor Bangkok Condo
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A 36-year-old woman was found dead after falling from the 35th floor of a condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Na district on 19 December, causing shock among residents and prompting a police investigation. Officers confirmed the woman, identified as Ms Mint, was discovered at the side of Building E with catastrophic injuries. A knife was found nearby and the case has drawn attention due to her past criminal history.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382292-woman-dies-after-fall-from-35th-floor-bangkok-condo/

 

British Tourist Dies at Koh Samui Hotel as Drugs Probed

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A 28-year-old British tourist has died after being found unconscious at a hotel on Koh Samui, while his friend remains hospitalised, as police investigate possible drug involvement and the disappearance of cash. Officers were alerted in the early hours of Friday, December 19, 2025, after hotel staff found two British men unresponsive at a property in the Chaweng Beach area. Both were taken to hospital, where one was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382293-british-tourist-dies-at-koh-samui-hotel-as-drugs-probed/

 

Sea Turtle Passes Tourist Wristband After 27 Days
 

Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

A sea turtle that swallowed a tourist wristband during a snorkelling trip in the Similan Islands has successfully passed the item after 27 days and is being prepared for release back into the sea. The Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (ศวอบ.) confirmed the outcome on 18 December 2568, marking the end of an intensive monitoring and treatment period. The case highlights ongoing risks to marine wildlife from debris associated with tourism activities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382294-sea-turtle-passes-tourist-wristband-after-27-days/

 

Couple Fear Injustice After Drunk Rider Released by Police
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A husband and wife in Chonburi have voiced fears of unfair treatment after a female motorcyclist, allegedly riding drunk and against traffic, collided with their motorcycle and was later allowed to return home by police. The incident left the couple and their six-year-old son injured and their motorcycle damaged, raising questions about police handling of the case.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382296-couple-fear-injustice-after-drunk-rider-released-by-police/

 

Police Shut Illegal Engine Oil Recycling Plant
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Consumer Protection Police have raided and shut down an unlicensed engine oil recycling factory in Pathum Thani, seizing nearly 700,000 litres of illicit lubricants valued at more than 14 million baht. The operation immediately halted suspected illegal production and distribution activities, with all products and raw materials taken as evidence. Authorities said the case could have significant safety and regulatory implications due to fire risks and unauthorised fuel handling.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382297-police-shut-illegal-engine-oil-recycling-plant/

 

CIB Arrests Online Gambling Site Admin at Don Mueang Airport
 

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a 25-year-old administrator of a well-known online gambling website at Don Mueang Airport after he returned to Thailand from Cambodia. The arrest took place in the international arrivals hall, immediately removing a suspect linked to illegal online gambling operations and alleged money laundering from circulation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382298-cib-arrests-online-gambling-site-admin-at-don-mueang-airport/

 

Cambodia Tallies Heavy Losses in Border Conflict 
 

Pictures courtesy of BBC

 

Cambodia is counting mounting human and economic costs from renewed fighting with Thailand, as hospitals treat severely wounded soldiers and civilians flee border areas. The second round of clashes has lasted longer and proved more destructive than the five-day conflict in July, with heavy casualties and widespread displacement.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382299-cambodia-tallies-heavy-losses-in-border-conflict /

 

Bangsaen21 Half Marathon Set for 21 December 2025 
 

Pictures courtesy of Bangsean21

 

The Bangsaen21 Half Marathon will return on 21 December 2025, bringing one of Thailand’s most prominent road running events back to Chonburi province with an early-morning start and an internationally certified course. The event has drawn runners from Thailand and abroad, reinforcing Bangsaen’s position on the international running calendar.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382303-bangsaen21-half-marathon-set-for-21-december-2025 /

 

Foreign Man Caught Cheating Bangkok Curry Challenge for ฿20,000

 

Pictures courtesy of Facebook/ Gold Curry Bangkok

 

A well-known curry restaurant in Bangkok has exposed a foreign customer for cheating during an eating challenge to claim a 20,000-baht cash prize. The incident prompted the restaurant to publicly revoke its congratulations after reviewing CCTV footage. The case has raised concerns among venues that run competitive eating events.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382321-foreign-man-caught-cheating-bangkok-curry-challenge-for-฿20000/

 

Anutin Says Thailand Will not Yield Amid Border Clashes
 

Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared that Thailand will never give in as fighting escalates along the Thai-Cambodian border, pledging full government backing for the armed forces to defend national sovereignty. His remarks were made amid reports of clashes along the entire frontline, with Hill 350 identified by the military as a key strategic battleground. The statement was intended to reassure the public and reinforce morale during a period of heightened tension.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382323-anutin-says-thailand-will-not-yield-amid-border-clashes/#elControls_20286485_menu

 

UPDATE
F-16s Strike Casino Site in Cambodia’s Pursat

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Thai military forces, supported by the Royal Thai Air Force, carried out air strikes on casino-linked sites in Cambodia’s Pursat province on December 20, causing heavy damage and prompting the evacuation of suspected scammer operations. The strikes targeted areas near the Thmor Da casino, where Thai authorities said military positions had been established close to the Trat border. Officials reported continued explosions and clashes following the operation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382299-cambodia-tallies-heavy-losses-in-border-conflict /#findComment-20286872

 

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Sunday 21 December 2025

https://aseannow.com/topic/1382335-thailand-live-sunday-21-december-2025/