Thailand Faces 40 Road Deaths Daily as Drunk Driving Persists

 

 

Thailand's road crisis is making headlines as civil society groups highlight the grim reality of 40 fatalities daily and losses reaching 600 billion baht annually. These groups are advocating for tough measures against drunk drivers, including vehicle confiscation during the New Year 2026.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382541-thailand-faces-40-road-deaths-daily-as-drunk-driving-persists/

Enhanced Thai Immigration Measures Rolled Out for Festive Travel

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

In a coordinated effort, the Immigration Bureau and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are enhancing security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists during the Christmas and New Year 2026 period. On December 22, 2025, key officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonlaksum and Mr. Tosapol Wannasuphaphol, oversaw the deployment of immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport to facilitate smooth immigration procedures over the festive period.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382540-enhanced-thai-immigration-measures-rolled-out-for-festive-travel/

Crackdown on Dodgy Goods: Customs Targets Online Sales

 

 

The Thai Customs Department is clamping down on the sale of non-certified products through online platforms. In a bid to tackle the flow of illegal or substandard goods, the department has signed agreements with online sales platforms. Director-General Phantong Loykulnanta announced this initiative should help reduce the availability of such items.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382542-crackdown-on-dodgy-goods-customs-targets-online-sales/

BOT Prepares 70 Billion Baht for New Year Revelry Cash Demand

 

file photo

 

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is gearing up for New Year celebrations by allocating banknotes totalling 70 billion baht for citizen withdrawals across the nation. This move guarantees a steady cash flow to adequately support the anticipated public spending frenzy for the New Year 2026 festivities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382558-bot-prepares-70-billion-baht-for-new-year-revelry-cash-demand/

Indian Man Arrested for Guiding at Pattaya Floating Market
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities have arrested an Indian national for illegally operating as a tour guide at the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya, reinforcing a renewed crackdown on unlicensed tourism activities in the Eastern region. The arrest took place on 23 December 2025 and resulted in the suspect being taken into custody for legal proceedings, highlighting the immediate enforcement of Thailand’s tourism laws to protect visitors and industry standards.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382614-indian-man-arrested-for-guiding-at-pattaya-floating-market/

 

AMLO Seizes Luxury Yacht in Cross-Border Scam Crackdown
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has seized a luxury pleasure yacht worth about 1.125 billion baht as part of an expanded investigation into a transnational scammer network linked to call centre fraud. The seizure marks a significant escalation in asset recovery efforts, pushing the total value of assets restrained in related cases to more than 10.165 billion baht. Officials said the action demonstrates the immediate financial impact of Thailand’s national campaign against technology-related crime.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382617-amlo-seizes-luxury-yacht-in-cross-border-scam-crackdown/

 

Chiang Mai Airport Tightens Security For New Year Surge
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Chiang Mai International Airport has increased security and passenger facilitation measures ahead of the New Year holiday period, as daily passenger numbers are expected to average more than 34,000. The airport anticipates heavier traffic due to consecutive public holidays, seasonal tourism activities and favourable weather conditions. Authorities say the measures aim to ensure safety while reducing congestion during peak travel days.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382618-chiang-mai-airport-tightens-security-for-new-year-surge/

 

Drunk German Detained After Rampage at Sattahip Market
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Police detained a German national after he went on a drunken rampage at Bang Sare market in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, on December 23, 2025, damaging vendors’ property and injuring himself. The incident caused alarm among residents and shop owners, prompting officers from Sattahip police station to intervene to restore calm. Authorities said the man was taken into custody primarily to de-escalate the situation and prevent further harm.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382620-drunk-german-detained-after-rampage-at-sattahip-market/

 

Teen Found Drowned After Night Trapping Rats in Rice Field
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

A 17-year-old boy was found dead in an irrigation canal beside a rice field in Uthai Thani province on 22 December 2025, after leaving home overnight to trap rats and eels. The discovery devastated his grandparents, who had prepared food for him and raised the alarm when he failed to return.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382621-teen-found-drowned-after-night-trapping-rats-in-rice-field/

 

Police Arrest Three More Over Hat Yai Flood Beer Theft
 

Pictures courtesy of CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested three suspects on 22 December, linked to the theft of large quantities of beer during severe flooding in Hat Yai, after video footage of the incident spread widely on social media and triggered strong public reaction. Police recovered a significant amount of stolen alcohol from a private residence, and all suspects now face criminal proceedings.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382623-police-arrest-three-more-over-hat-yai-flood-beer-theft/

 

Motorcyclist Killed in Collision at Sattahip Junction
 

Pictures and video courtesy of Sattahip News

 

A 63-year-old woman was killed in a collision between a car and a motorcycle at a traffic light junction in Sattahip, Chonburi, on the morning of 23 December 2025. The crash occurred at approximately 10.40am at the kilometre 1 traffic light intersection, in Sattahip subdistrict, causing traffic disruption while emergency services responded and police conducted initial investigations.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382625-motorcyclist-killed-in-collision-at-sattahip-junction/

 

Fake Modelling Scam Suspect Arrested Over ฿10 Million Losses
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Police have arrested a 52-year-old man known for the “Toey Top Model” on allegations of running a fake modelling scheme that defrauded more than 10 victims of over 10 million baht, causing significant financial losses to families who believed they were investing in their children’s futures. The suspect was taken into custody on 23 December 2025 in Nonthaburi province following multiple arrest warrants linked to fraud and computer crime offences.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382626-fake-modelling-scam-suspect-arrested-over ฿10-million-losses/

 

Teens Shot in Surat Thani School Rivalry Clash
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

A violent confrontation involving secondary school students left two teenagers injured by gunfire in Surat Thani province on 22 December, prompting a police manhunt for the suspected shooters. The victims, a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old young woman, were shot in the lower leg and foot during an encounter outside Wat Tritharam in Phunphin district and were taken to Phunphin Hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that the suspects, both aged 15, fled the scene on a motorcycle with several accomplices.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382627-teens-shot-in-surat-thani-school-rivalry-clash/

 

Three Adjacent Homes Collapse in Ayutthaya, Residents Evacuated
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Three single-storey townhouses partially collapsed overnight in a residential estate in Khlong Chik subdistrict, Bang Pa-in district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, prompting emergency evacuations and safety cordons. The incident occurred in the early hours of 23 December 2025, with internal floors sinking by about 50 centimetres and walls and roof structures cracking and subsiding. No injuries were reported, as residents had moved belongings out after noticing warning signs.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382629-three-adjacent-homes-collapse-in-ayutthaya-residents-evacuated/

 

Chinese Fugitive Arrested at Phuket Hospital For Visa Overstay
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Police in Phuket arrested a 56-year-old Chinese national at a hospital in the city on 23 December, after confirming he was overstaying his visa by 113 days. The suspect, identified as Mr Liu Hongbo, was taken into custody following coordination between Chinese authorities and Thai immigration police, with immediate legal action initiated for immigration offences.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382631-chinese-fugitive-arrested-at-phuket-hospital-for-visa-overstay/

 

Thailand Deploys T-50TH in Combat for First Time
 

Pictures courtesy of Royal Thai Airforce

 

The Royal Thai Air Force has deployed the T-50TH Golden Eagle in live combat missions for the first time, operating alongside F-16 Fighting Falcons and Saab Gripen fighters. The operation marks the first confirmed transition of the T-50TH from an advanced training aircraft into an operational combat platform under conflict conditions. The missions involved air strikes against military targets on the Cambodian side during joint fighter operations, signalling a significant shift in Thailand’s airpower employment.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382632-thailand-deploys-t-50th-in-combat-for-first-time/

 

Trump Says He Solved 8 Wars, Turns Focus to Thai-Cambodia Row

 

file photo for reference only

 

US President Donald Trump has announced his success in resolving "eight wars," highlighting his attention on the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Speaking to US media after the Special Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Trump stated that Thailand and Cambodia have shown signs of resolving their conflicts with US intervention. Thai officials clarified that they misinterpreted Trump's remarks, as he did not blame Thailand for reigniting hostilities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382638-trump-says-he-solved-8-wars-turns-focus-to-thai-cambodia-row/

 

Baht Poised to Hit 30 per Dollar as Gold Soar

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Bank

 

The Thai baht may strengthen to 30 to the US dollar soon, analysts predict, driven by record-high gold prices and a weakening dollar. Dollar weakness, US-Venezuela tensions, and strong central bank purchases have contributed to recent increases in gold prices, which are now approaching $4,500 per ounce.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382645-baht-poised-to-hit-30-per-dollar-as-gold-soars/

 

Thailand and Laos Unveil Fifth Mekong Friendship Bridge

 

Picture courtesy of กรมทางหลวง

 

Thailand and Laos are set to inaugurate the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge on Thursday, enhancing connectivity between Bueng Kan and Bolikhamsai. As the nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, they view this new bridge as a significant boost to cross-border relations. Officials from both sides highlight this as a milestone for improving livelihoods and cooperation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382658-thailand-and-laos-unveil-fifth-mekong-friendship-bridge/

Thailand Warns GBC Talks May Collapse Over Ceasefire Terms
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Thailand and Cambodia will begin secretary-level talks under the General Border Committee (GBC) framework in Chanthaburi province at 16:00 on Wednesday, 24 December, after the Cambodian side agreed to attend. Thai officials have warned that Thailand will not proceed to the full GBC meeting or sign any agreement if key technical issues on troop deployment and a ceasefire remain unclear. The stance raises the possibility that the planned ministerial-level talks later this week could be cancelled.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382674-thailand-warns-gbc-talks-may-collapse-over-ceasefire-terms/

 

UPDATE
Thai F-16s Strike Cambodian Weapons Depot in Battambang

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets carried out an airstrike on a Cambodian military weapons depot in Battambang Province on 24 December 2025, triggering panic among local residents and prompting evacuations in nearby areas. The strike was reported to have targeted a specific military installation, with civilians fleeing the vicinity amid fears of further attacks.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382632-thailand-deploys-t-50th-in-combat-for-first-time/#findComment-20294375

 

Foreign Suspect at Large After Attacking Bangkok Bolt Rider

 

Photo via Facebook/ Ekkasit Jitwijarn

 

A foreign man is on the run after allegedly assaulting and robbing a Bolt motorcycle taxi rider, Ekkasit Jitwijarn, in Bangkok on December 22. The incident occurred around 11:15 pm near Soi Wisut Kasat under the Rama 8 Bridge. Ekkasit shared the incident on Facebook to warn others, stating the suspect rode off with his motorcycle after attacking him.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382685-foreign-suspect-at-large-after-attacking-bangkok-bolt-rider/

 

CNN to Broadcast 2025 NYE from Bangkok’s IconSiam

 

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

CNN has announced it will set up a live studio at Bangkok’s IconSiam complex to broadcast the 2025 New Year celebrations live. The coverage will include the New Year's countdown and will be accessible to viewers worldwide via CNN's television and digital platforms. This marks the first time CNN is establishing a dedicated live broadcast studio in Thailand for this event.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382687-cnn-to-broadcast-2025-nye-from-bangkok’s-iconsiam/

 

UPDATE:

 

Arrest Warrant Issued for Bangkok Expressway Shooting

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Songkran Panpu, a 37-year-old man from Chon Buri, following a fatal shooting on a Bangkok expressway early Tuesday. The incident left a 34-year-old motorist dead after a suspected road rage altercation near the Pracha Chuen toll plaza. Police are charging Songkran with murder, attempted murder, and illegal firearm possession.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382549-highway-horror-man-shot-dead-in-road-rage-rampage/page/2/#findComment-20294427

 

Thai Army Denies Misuse of Cluster Munitions

 

Photo via Royal Thai Army

 

The Royal Thai Army has rebutted Cambodian accusations that it endangered civilians by using cluster munitions, stating they targeted only military sites. Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree issued this statement following claims by Cambodia's Ministry of Information and other officials, suggesting Thailand's use of M-46 munitions in recent disputes. Cambodia argues these munitions pose a lingering risk to civilians, potentially remaining hidden in populated areas.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382690-thai-army-denies-misuse-of-cluster-munitions/

 

K-pop Star Lisa to Feature in Thailand Tourism Campaign

 

Photo via Instagram/ @lalalalisa_m

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the release of a teaser advertising film featuring Lalisa Manobal, widely known as Lisa from the K-pop group BLACKPINK, in January 2026. Lisa, appointed as Amazing Thailand Ambassador, will promote Thai tourism through this campaign, aiming to attract a global audience with her influence. Her involvement has already generated excitement among her fanbase, the Lilies, creating a buzz for Thailand’s highlighted tourist destinations.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382691-k-pop-star-lisa-to-feature-in-thailand-tourism-campaign/

 

Motorway Tolls Waived for New Year Holiday Rush

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Cabinet in Thailand has approved a measure to waive toll fees on Motorway 7 and Motorway 9 from December 30 to January 5, aiming to reduce congestion during the New Year holidays. This decision, announced by Deputy Government Spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit, follows a proposal from the Ministry of Transport to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382694-motorway-tolls-waived-for-new-year-holiday-rush/

 

 

Thailand's Emergency Care Budget Criticized as Insufficient

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand’s National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) has called for increased investment in emergency medical infrastructure, highlighting that the nation spends only 16 baht per person annually—significantly below international standards. This appeal comes ahead of the New Year travel period, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced emergency services to safeguard lives and reduce the risk of death and disability. NIEM stresses the importance of treating the emergency medical system as essential infrastructure, similar to roads and electricity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382696-thailands-emergency-care-budget-criticized-as-insufficient/

 

Neighbour Dispute Turns Deadly in Phatthalung Shooting

 

Photo via Thairath

 

A garbage truck driver allegedly shot and killed his neighbor in Phatthalung's Bang Kaeo district last night, December 23, leaving the victim's son injured. The incident unfolded around 10:20 p.m. in Tha Madua subdistrict, with local police, forensic specialists, doctors, and rescue workers rushing to the scene after reports of gunfire. The victim, 50-year-old Sriphrai, was found dead on his motorcycle, while his 23-year-old son, Anek, suffered a gunshot wound and was hospitalized in serious condition.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382699-neighbour-dispute-turns-deadly-in-phatthalung-shooting/

 

Thai Ladyboy Arrested for Fraud, Blackmail, and Mule Accounts

 

Photo via Naewna

 

Police in Nakhon Ratchasima arrested a 27-year-old Thai ladyboy, Jerdjaratthip Mueangsong, on December 23 in connection with multiple fraud and blackmail cases. She faces charges for mule accounts, fraud, and virtual sex-related blackmail, following three arrest warrants issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382700-thai-ladyboy-arrested-for-fraud-blackmail-and-mule-accounts/