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/

 

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/

CIB Breaks Online Gambling Firm Mule Accounts, Arrests Five
 

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

Police have dismantled an online gambling money-laundering network that used company “mule accounts” to move more than 100 million baht in just four days, arresting five company directors and seizing extensive evidence. The operation, led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), targeted firms used as fronts to receive and transfer funds linked to online slot and baccarat gambling.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382337-cib-breaks-online-gambling-firm-mule-accounts-arrests-five/

 

Russian Tourists’ Crash Kills Sidecar Rider in Kanchanaburi
 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath 

 

A fatal multi-vehicle road crash in Kanchanaburi province left one man dead and three people injured after a motorcycle ridden by Russian tourists skidded and struck a sidecar motorcycle, causing it to veer into oncoming traffic. The crash occurred on 19 December and resulted in the death of the sidecar rider at the scene, while the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382338-russian-tourists’-crash-kills-sidecar-rider-in-kanchanaburi/

 

Narcotics Office Seizes Precursor Chemicals in Rayong
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized large quantities of chemical substances during an inspection of a factory in Ban Chang district, Rayong province, after discovering failures to report exports of high-risk precursors. Officials said the operation, was aimed at preventing chemicals from being diverted into illicit drug production, with authorities warning the quantities involved posed a serious threat if allowed to circulate.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382340-narcotics-office-seizes-precursor-chemicals-in-rayong/

 

AOT Denies Checks on Cambodia-Bound Transit Passengers
 

Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost 

 

Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has denied claims that passengers transiting through Bangkok en route to Cambodia were subjected to unnecessary checks and luggage searches, rejecting allegations circulated by Cambodian authorities and regional media. The operator said the reports were “entirely untrue” and insisted that services at Thai airports meet international aviation safety standards. The issue has prompted travel warnings and raised concerns among transit passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382341-aot-denies-checks-on-cambodia-bound-transit-passengers/

 

Tourist Police AI flags 676th Wanted Suspect in Kanchanaburi
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Tourist Police have used an AI-powered camera system to identify and arrest a wanted suspect in Kanchanaburi province, marking the 676th such detection nationwide. The arrest took place on 18 December 2025 after the system alerted officers to the presence of a person subject to an outstanding warrant at the Kanchanaburi provincial bus terminal, enabling an immediate apprehension and reinforcing security at a key transport hub.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382342-tourist-police-ai-flags-676th-wanted-suspect-in-kanchanaburi/

 

Rubio Urges Thailand-Cambodia Truce by Dec 22 or 23
 

Picture courtesy of TNR

 

The United States says it hopes Thailand and Cambodia will restore a ceasefire by early next week as fighting along their shared border continues to cause deaths and mass displacement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was “cautiously optimistic” a renewed truce could be reached by Monday or Tuesday, Dec. 22 or 23, amid diplomatic efforts to halt the clashes. The renewed fighting this month has killed at least 21 people in Thailand and 18 in Cambodia, while displacing more than 800,000 people, according to officials.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382343-rubio-urges-thailand-cambodia-truce-by-dec-22-or-23/

 

Cyber Police Arrest Man Selling Guns & Ammunition Online

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Cyber Police have arrested a 41-year-old man accused of selling firearms and ammunition online, seizing a large cache of weapons and related items during coordinated searches in Nakhon Ratchasima. The arrest took place on 19 December at 10:55, with officers intercepting the suspect as he attempted to send illegal items to customers via a parcel delivery service.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382344-cyber-police-arrest-man-selling-guns-ammunition-online/

 

Abbot & Two Monks Caught Drinking at Suphanburi Nightclub
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Local authorities in Suphanburi have detained an abbot and two junior monks after they were found drinking alcohol inside a city-centre nightclub during an official inspection on December 19, 2025. The incident led to the immediate removal of all three from the monkhood, with one junior monk also entering drug rehabilitation after testing positive for narcotics. The discovery has drawn public attention due to the senior religious status of one of those involved.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382346-abbot-two-monks-caught-drinking-at-suphanburi-nightclub/

 

Police Region 5 Busts Bank Mule Gang in Lampang
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police Region 5 has arrested nine suspects linked to a so-called “bank mule stable” gang accused of opening accounts for fraud and withdrawing stolen cash, disrupting an alleged scam operation in Lampang province. Officers say the group recruited individuals to open bank accounts before escorting them to multiple ATMs to withdraw cash for onward transfer.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382349-police-region-5-busts-bank-mule-gang-in-lampang/

 

Chinese National Arrested in Pattaya Vape Crackdown
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Police have arrested a Chinese national during a raid on a rented house in Pattaya, uncovering a large-scale illegal e-cigarette operation with products valued at more than 10 million baht. The operation also revealed a suspicious white powder believed to be a possible anaesthetic, raising concerns about public health risks linked to illegal vaping products.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382356-chinese-national-arrested-in-pattaya-vape-crackdown/

 

Canadian Family Domestic Violence Incident Reported in Phuket
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A domestic violence incident involving a Canadian family in Phuket prompted a police response in the early hours, leaving two children injured and their mother hospitalised. Authorities said neighbours alerted police after violence was reported at a private residence, leading to immediate intervention to protect the children and secure the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382357-canadian-family-domestic-violence-incident-reported-in-phuket/

 

Nonthaburi Immigration Raid Nets Cambodian Overstayers
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Immigration police in Nonthaburi arrested three Cambodian migrant workers for overstaying their visas during an early morning raid on a rented property, while another man was charged for failing to report foreign tenants. The operation led to the detention of those found to be living in Thailand illegally and the initiation of legal proceedings before deportation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382358-nonthaburi-immigration-raid-nets-cambodian-overstayers/

 

Thailand-Kingsgate Settlement Sparks Debate Over Mine Dispute
 

Picture courtesy of PBS

 

Thailand and Australian mining firm Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd have ended an eight-year arbitration dispute under the Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement, following a settlement announced on November 25. The Thai government says the agreement avoids compensation payments and restores investor confidence, while critics argue it benefits the company more than the public. The dispute centred on the closure and subsequent reopening of the Chatree gold mine.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382359-thailand-kingsgate-settlement-sparks-debate-over-mine-dispute/

 

Father of Five Killed by Pit Bulls in Kamphaeng Phet
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

A 52-year-old man has been mauled to death by dogs in a forested area near a watermelon farm in Kamphaeng Phet province, leaving his family of five children without their main breadwinner. The incident has sparked concern after the dogs owner attended the funeral but has not discussed compensation or assistance. Police have confirmed an investigation will proceed after funeral rites are completed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382360-father-of-five-killed-by-pit-bulls-in-kamphaeng-phet/

 

Neighbour Stabs 24-Year-Old Man to Death in Samut Prakan
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death by a neighbour in a residential village in Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan, on the morning of 20 December 2025. The victim was attacked outside his home shortly after returning from work, suffering 15 stab wounds and died at the scene. Police have arrested the suspect, a 31-year-old neighbour and seized a knife believed to have been used in the killing.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382371-neighbour-stabs-24-year-old-man-to-death-in-samut-prakan/

 

Hunt For Gunman After Local Election Candidate Shot Dead
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Police in southern Thailand are hunting suspects after a local election candidate was shot dead while driving, raising concerns over politically motivated violence. Mr Phayom Sangthong, 64, also known as Kamnan Yong, died after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle late on 19 December 2025. The killing has prompted an intensive investigation and heightened security concerns ahead of a local election.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382348-hunt-for-gunman-after-local-election-candidate-shot-dead/

 

Country to Sign U-Tapao Aircraft MRO Contract in January 2026
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Thailand will sign a contract on January 7, 2026 for a major aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul centre at U-Tapao Airport, marking the most advanced stage yet for the project and setting the framework for long-term aviation industry development. The move is expected to strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional aviation hub and support expanded air traffic capacity in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382372-country-to-sign-u-tapao-aircraft-mro-contract-in-january-2026/

 

Police Develop AI CCTV System to Prevent Bridge Suicides

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Police have launched a pilot project using artificial intelligence and smart CCTV cameras to prevent suicides on major river bridges, beginning with Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok. The system is designed to detect risky behaviour in real time and alert authorities so that intervention can occur before lives are lost.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382378-police-develop-ai-cctv-system-to-prevent-bridge-suicides/

 

Marine Engineer Injured by Landmine in Trat

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A Royal Thai Marine engineer was injured on Sunday morning after stepping on a landmine while reinforcing a security position in Ban Nong Ri, Trat Province, prompting an emergency response and heightened safety checks in the area. The incident occurred at 09.14 on 21 December 2025 and resulted in one soldier being wounded, with authorities moving quickly to secure the scene and prevent further harm.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382379-marine-engineer-injured-by-landmine-in-trat/

 

UPDATE
Thai Marines Seize Thmorda Casino, Air Strikes Destroy Buildings

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Thai naval forces seized control of the Thmorda casino area on 21 December 2025 after an amphibious operation by the Trat Marine Task Force, followed by air strikes that destroyed buildings deemed to have encroached on Thai sovereignty. The operation involved coordination with the Royal Thai Air Force, which deployed F-16 fighter jets to drop 10 bombs on the targeted structures. Authorities said the action secured the disputed area and concluded as planned.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382379-marine-engineer-injured-by-landmine-in-trat/#findComment-20288504

 

UPDATE
Aranyaprathet Orders Evacuation Amid Thai–Cambodian Clashes

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Residents in Aranyaprathet Municipality and nearby areas were ordered to evacuate on Sunday, 21 December 2025, following escalating unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border. Local authorities urged people to move to safe locations or designated shelters immediately, with evacuation transport provided for those without private vehicles.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382379-marine-engineer-injured-by-landmine-in-trat/#findComment-20288836

 

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Monday 22 December 2025
https://aseannow.com/topic/1382376-thailand-live-monday-22-december-2025/