Drunken Christmas Brawl Injures Foreign Tourist in Pattaya
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A foreign tourist was injured in a drunken brawl outside a beer bar in Pattaya in the early hours of Christmas Day, prompting a police response and hospital treatment. The incident caused a brief disturbance in a busy nightlife area as crowds gathered to watch while rescue workers attended the scene.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382756-drunken-christmas-brawl-injures-foreign-tourist-in-pattaya/

German Tourist Loses 22,000 Baht in Pattaya Hair Cure Scam
 

File picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

A German tourist has lost 22,000 baht after falling victim to a hair regrowth scam on Pattaya Beach Road, highlighting an ongoing problem affecting visitors in one of Thailand’s busiest resort areas. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 25, 2025, and was formally reported to Pattaya City Police later that morning. The case has renewed attention on long-running confidence scams that target foreign tourists through casual conversation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382766-german-tourist-loses-22000-baht-in-pattaya-hair-cure-scam/

German Tourists Arrested Over Hotel Vandalism in Chiang Mai

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Two foreign tourists have been arrested in Chiang Mai after allegedly vandalising a hotel room and causing losses of more than 200,000 baht, police said on 25 December 2025. The suspects, both German nationals, were detained after fleeing the property without paying compensation and have been handed over for legal proceedings. Police confirmed the arrests followed formal complaints from the hotel.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382749-german-tourists-arrested-over-hotel-vandalism-in-chiang-mai/

Foreign Tourists Brawl on Pattaya Beach Road Over Shoulder Bump

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A fight between two foreign tourists erupted on Pattaya Beach Road in the early hours of 25 December 2025, briefly causing alarm among bystanders and other visitors in the busy seaside area. The incident unfolded in the middle of the road near Soi 13/2, Chonburi province, before the men eventually separated and left the scene. No official injuries were reported, but the confrontation drew a crowd and disrupted the atmosphere at one of Pattaya’s most prominent tourist locations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382754-foreign-tourists-brawl-on-pattaya-beach-road-over-shoulder-bump/

India Slams Thailand Over Hindu Statue Demolition in Disputed Zone

 

 

The Indian government is expressing outrage following the demolition of a Hindu deity statue in a disputed region between Thailand and Cambodia. On December 24, 2025, an official statement was released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemning the act, which has escalated tensions in the area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382790-india-slams-thailand-over-hindu-statue-demolition/

 

Bhumjaithai Picks Anutin and Sihasak for PM Race

 

 

The Bhumjaithai party has officially nominated Anutin Charnvirakul and Sihasak Phuangketkeow as its prime ministerial candidates for the upcoming general election. The party highlights Anutin, the current caretaker prime minister, for his governing experience and public support amidst Thailand's ongoing challenges. The party emphasises the need for leadership continuity, positioning Anutin as the most suitable person to lead the nation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382791-bhumjaithai-picks-anutin-and-sihasak-for-pm-race/

 

CAAT Adds 66 Flights as Year-End Travel Nears Pre-Covid Levels

 

 

In anticipation of a surge in air travel this year-end, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has requested airlines to arrange 66 additional flights from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This initiative will provide an extra 11,312 seats. Additionally, airlines will offer 30% discounts on 202 flights across 11 routes.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382793-caat-adds-66-flights-as-year-end-travel-nears-pre-covid-levels/

 

Russian Man Jailed for Son’s Speedboat Murder

 

Pictures courtesy of Phuketinsta 

 

The Takua Pa Provincial Court in Phang Nga province has sentenced 45-year-old Russian citizen Artem Bugorsky to 12.5 years in prison for the intentional murder of his 13-year-old son, Lucas. The verdict follows a fatal incident on a tourist speedboat in late January 2025, which resulted in the boy’s death from severe propeller injuries. The case has drawn attention in Thailand due to its violent nature and the involvement of mental health findings.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382792-russian-man-jailed-for-son’s-speedboat-murder/

 

UK Court Jails Fugitive Drug Trafficker Found Hiding in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

A British court has sentenced Ben Stephen Ransome to 14 years in prison after he was returned from Thailand, bringing a major transnational drug trafficking case to a close. The ruling follows his arrest in Phuket after years on the run from a UK arrest warrant. The conviction marks a significant outcome of cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382794-uk-court-jails-fugitive-drug-trafficker-found-hiding-in-thailand/

 

Drunk Pickup Driver Crashes Into Shop, Killing 1 & Injuring 4
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A drunk-driving crash involving a pickup truck left one person dead and four others injured after the vehicle struck multiple vehicles and ploughed into a grocery shop in Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon province, on the morning of 25 December 2025. The impact caused extensive damage to the shop and several vehicles along Ban Don Kai Dee–Tha Sao Road, prompting an emergency response from police, medical staff and rescue workers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382796-drunk-pickup-driver-crashes-into-shop-killing-1-injuring-4/

 

Police Bust Chinese-Backed Fake Cosmetics Warehouse in Bangkok

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thai police have dismantled two warehouses in Bangkok used to store counterfeit cosmetics and hair care products, seizing more than 118,000 items with an estimated value exceeding 10 million baht. The raid, carried out on 25 December 2025, targeted premises in the Sai Mai district and was led by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), amid warnings that the fake products could pose serious health risks to consumers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382797-police-bust-chinese-backed-fake-cosmetics-warehouse-in-bangkok/

 

Woman Arrested With Meth While Visiting Husband at Police Cell
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A 36-year-old woman was arrested at Khok Kram Police Station in Bangkok after officers discovered methamphetamine pills and crystal methamphetamine in her possession while she attempted to visit her husband in a detention cell. Police said the arrest was made on 24 December 2025 after officers noticed suspicious behaviour and a strong smell resembling illegal drugs near the holding area. The seizure included 41.49 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 62 methamphetamine pills, with the suspect taken into custody at the scene.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382798-woman-arrested-with-meth-while-visiting-husband-at-police-cell/

 

School Bus Overturns in Roi Et, Five Students Injured

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A school shuttle bus overturned on a provincial road in Roi Et early on 25 December 2025, leaving five students with injuries and the 73-year-old driver hurt. The crash occurred at about 6.40am on the Rong Kham–Phon Thong road in Sa Nok Kaeo subdistrict, Phon Thong district, disrupting morning travel and prompting an emergency response from police and rescue workers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382802-school-bus-overturns-in-roi-et-five-students-injured/

 

TAT Warns of Revenue Drop Amid Border Conflict and Flooding

 

File photo

 

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects a significant drop in New Year holiday revenue, forecasting a 2-9% decline compared to last year. Border tensions and severe flooding affecting southern provinces have contributed to this decrease in tourist numbers. However, a robust local currency continues to buoy outbound travel.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382812-tat-warns-of-revenue-drop-amid-border-conflict-and-flooding/

 

Japanese Man Storms Thai Temple Begging Monks to Cleanse Sins

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Japanese man created a scene at a temple in Udon Thani, causing alarm among monks with his requests for spiritual cleansing.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382816-japanese-mans-temple-drama-plea-for-cleansing-causes-stir/

 

Bus Crashes Into Lorry in Phetchaburi, Injuring Many
 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A passenger bus crashed into the rear of a 10-wheel lorry in Phetchaburi province on 26 December 2025, leaving more than 10 people injured and causing major traffic disruption on the main Phetkasem Road into Bangkok. One passenger was seriously hurt after being thrown through a window and onto the road surface during the impact. Emergency services were deployed rapidly as the scene became chaotic and a secondary multi-vehicle collision followed shortly afterwards.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382820-bus-crashes-into-lorry-in-phetchaburi-injuring-many/

 

DSI Hands Child Abuse Case to Prosecutors; UNICEF Praise

 

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has formally submitted a major child sexual abuse material case to public prosecutors, involving more than 240,000 illicit files distributed through Telegram and VK, marking a significant step towards prosecution and reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to tackling online child exploitation.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382823-dsi-hands-child-abuse-case-to-prosecutors-unicef-praise/

 

Bangkok Police Bust E-Cigarette Warehouse, Seize Stock
 

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

Bangkok Metropolitan Police investigators have raided a converted house used as an illegal e-cigarette warehouse in Bang Phli district, arresting an online sales agent and seizing contraband worth more than 4 million baht. The operation disrupted a large-scale online distribution network supplying electronic cigarettes and refill liquids, which are prohibited under Thai law.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382824-bangkok-police-bust-e-cigarette-warehouse-seize-stock/

 

Motorcyclist Injured by Fallen Cable in Khon Kaen

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A 35-year-old woman was injured after a fallen signal cable caught her neck and caused her motorcycle to crash in a village road in Khon Kaen province in the early hours of 25 December 2025. The incident left her with severe neck injuries and prompted renewed calls for authorities to address recurring safety hazards linked to low-hanging cables and oversized vehicles.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382826-motorcyclist-injured-by-fallen-cable-in-khon-kaen/

 

 

Bangkok Chokes: Residents Urged to Mask Up as Pollution Soars

 

Picture courtesy: Smart Air

 

Bangkok is grappling with alarming levels of PM2.5 pollution, prompting city officials to advise residents to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities. Several districts reported higher pollution levels, some reaching the orange category, which can impact health.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382817-bangkok-chokes-residents-urged-to-mask-up-as-pollution-soars/

 

Police Arrest Bird Feed Sellers After Clash at Tha Phae Gate
 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Tourist Police in Chiang Mai have arrested seven people accused of illegally selling pigeons food, at Tha Phae Gate after a confrontation with foreign tourists went viral online, prompting concerns over public nuisance and the city’s tourism image. The suspects were detained on 25 December 2025 and charged with causing public disturbance before being handed over to Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station for legal proceedings.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382827-police-arrest-bird-feed-sellers-after-clash-at-tha-phae-gate/

 

Thai Army Spokesman Rejects Talks as Cambodia GBC Stalls
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin 

 

The Thai–Cambodian border dispute intensified on 26 December, after a senior Thai military spokesman dismissed negotiations as a waste of time, as talks under the General Border Committee (GBC) entered a critical third day with no agreement. The remarks underscored rising tensions and uncertainty over whether the negotiations would collapse, prompting Thai authorities to prepare contingency plans.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1382831-thai-army-spokesman-rejects-talks-as-cambodia-gbc-stalls/

 

Thai Party Plans to Axe 1,000 and 500 Baht Notes

 

 

The Thai Pakdee Party has announced a plan to cancel the 1,000 and 500 baht banknotes throughout Thailand. This move aims to combat corruption and disrupt illicit cash flows. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the party leader, shared this anti-corruption policy on Facebook, asserting these notes enable grey money operations to disguise illegal wealth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382858-thai-party-plans-to-axe-1000-and-500-baht-notes/

 

Three Rescued from Stuck Lift in Pattaya Hotel

 

Photo via Facebook: ข่าวสารชลบุรี

 

Three people were rescued from a glass lift at a Pattaya hotel early on December 26 after being trapped for nearly an hour. Rescue teams responded to a distress call at a hotel on Soi Yensabai, South Pattaya, finding two hotel employees and a foreign guest stuck on the ground floor. They were freed by breaking the lift's glass panel after initial efforts to open the doors failed.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382865-three-rescued-from-stuck-lift-in-pattaya-hotel/

 

Severely Burned Man Travels for Treatment After Yacht Accident

 

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Cambodian man, Lee Boonma, 46, traveled from Hua Hin to Pattaya seeking medical attention after suffering severe burns while working on a yacht. He sustained burns over approximately 80% of his body. Rescue teams and medics transported him to Pattaya City Hospital for urgent care upon his arrival.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382867-severely-burned-man-travels-for-treatment-after-yacht-accident/

 

Driver Demands Extra Fare Due to Traffic, Poses as Grab Agent

 

Photo via X: @Mr_Whathapened

 

A man impersonating a Grab driver has sparked controversy after a video showing him demanding extra payment from foreign passengers due to a traffic delay went viral. The incident, documented by @Mr_Whathapened on X, depicts the driver insisting on a higher fare than initially agreed upon, causing confusion among the passengers while security personnel attempted to intervene. The driver attributed the fare increase to outdated 2022 rates and traffic-induced delays, eventually persuading the passengers to pay the additional amount.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382868-driver-demands-extra-fare-due-to-traffic-poses-as-grab-agent/

 

Cambodian Men Charged for Attacking Thais in South Korea

 

Photo via Daniel Bernard on Unsplash

 

Four Cambodian men were arrested and charged in South Korea for allegedly attacking two Thailand nationals with glass bottles on December 7 in Yeongam county, South Jeolla province. This incident resulted in injuries to the Thai victims and reflects escalating tensions between Cambodian and Thai communities. The suspects, around 30 years old, were identified and have been formally charged with group assault resulting in injury.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382869-cambodian-men-charged-for-attacking-thais-in-south-korea/

 

Thai Soldiers Receive Heartwarming New Year Messages

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Thai soldiers stationed along the Cambodian border are receiving a flood of New Year cards and greetings. These messages, filled with support and gratitude, have been shared on the Second Army Region's Facebook page, demonstrating widespread appreciation for their service. The cards convey well-wishes for safety and extend moral support to the troops for their ongoing commitment to national security.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382871-thai-soldiers-receive-heartwarming-new-year-messages/

 

 

Baht's Strength Hits Rice Exports as Prices Surge

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's November 2025 exports grew by 7.1% to US$27.445 billion, marking a 17th consecutive month of expansion, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Imports were higher at US$30.172 billion, leading to a trade deficit of US$2.726 billion. Excluding oil, gold, and military supplies, exports saw an increase of 11.8%, largely driven by electronics and industrial goods.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382872-bahts-strength-hits-rice-exports-as-prices-surge/

 

Influencer Criticized for Mocking Cambodian Soldiers Online

 

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Thai influencer, Gun Jompalang, faced backlash after posting a controversial image mocking Cambodian soldiers during ongoing border tensions. The photo, showing him smiling with a Cambodian military badge, drew ire from Thai social media users who emphasized that soldiers, irrespective of nationality, are often young conscripts with little say in broader political issues. The post, amidst a 19-day military standoff, sparked a heated debate over the role of influencers in wartime discourse.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382873-influencer-criticized-for-mocking-cambodian-soldiers-online/