Police Raid 11 Sites in Probe Linked to “Big Joke” 
 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Police have carried out coordinated searches at 11 locations in Bangkok and Surat Thani as part of an expanded investigation into an alleged bribery case involving gold bars weighing 246 baht, linked to the network of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, also known as “Big Joke”. The operation was ordered by the national police chief to gather additional evidence under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and related offences, with documents, physical evidence and assets seized for further examination.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382970-police-raid-11-sites-in-probe-linked-to-“big-joke” /

Court Sentences Businessman to 1,210 Years for Loan Fraud
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

The Criminal Court has handed down a landmark ruling against businessman Prasit Jeawkok, sentencing him to a combined 1,210 years in prison for operating fraudulent loan schemes, though Thai law limits the enforceable term to 20 years. The verdict underscores the scale of the offences while immediately confirming that Prasit will serve the statutory maximum sentence.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382992-court-sentences-businessman-to-1210-years-for-loan-fraud/

China & Vietnam Welcome Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire Deal
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

China and Vietnam have welcomed a joint statement and ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, describing dialogue and consultation as effective tools to address complex disputes and ease border tensions. The statements underline regional support for de-escalation and signal diplomatic engagement aimed at consolidating stability following the agreement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382976-china-vietnam-welcome-thailand–cambodia-ceasefire-deal/

Boycott Calls Grow After Hindu Statue Damage Near Thai Border
 

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

A social media backlash has emerged after a video showing the partial demolition of a Hindu deity statue near the Thai–Cambodian border went viral, prompting online calls by some Indian users to boycott Thailand as a tourist destination. The reaction spread rapidly across X and Instagram, with hashtags such as “Boycott Thailand” and “Boycott Pattaya” trending and urging travellers to cancel bookings. The article was reported by the Times of India.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1382957-boycott-calls-grow-after-hindu-statue-damage-near-thai-border/

Yala's Delivery Disaster: Parcels Pile Up Amid Staff Crisis

 

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

A severe logistics breakdown in Yala Province has seen tens of thousands of parcels stranded in a warehouse after a mass resignation of delivery staff. On December 28, local reporters discovered uncollected parcels stacked high in a well-known shipping company’s warehouse, causing growing customer frustration and demands for immediate solutions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383033-yalas-delivery-disaster-parcels-pile-up-amid-staff-crisis/

British Man Foils Gold Necklace Snatch in Bangkok Street

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Two Tunisian nationals were arrested in Bangkok after allegedly snatching a gold necklace valued at 150,000 Thai baht from a British tourist. The theft occurred early today near Sukhumvit Soi 4, where a swift response from local residents and Lumphini Police played a crucial role in the suspects’ capture.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383034-british-man-foils-gold-necklace-snatch-in-bangkok-street/

 

Bangkok Braces for New Year Pollution Surge Amid Poor Ventilation

 

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

Bangkok residents are being warned of impending higher pollution levels over the New Year period as air circulation weakens, increasing concerns over PM2.5 particulate matter. Officials from the city have emphasised the importance of exercising caution, especially during the period between December 29 and January 1, as they anticipate that holiday traffic and festivities will worsen the situation. The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre's forecast points to heightened risks during this time.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383036-bangkok-braces-for-new-year-pollution-surge-amid-poor-ventilatio/

Bangkok Police Arrest Cambodian Man With Gun and Explosives

 

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

Bangkok police swiftly apprehended a Cambodian man with a gun and explosives, thwarting a planned revenge attack. Acting on intelligence, officers launched a raid in Khlong Sam Wa district, Bangkok, discovering a homemade firearm and explosive device in his rented room.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383037-bangkok-police-arrest-cambodian-man-with-gun-and-explosives/

 

Eazy FM and Goodtime Radio to Cease Broadcasting by Yearend

 

File photo for reference only

 

Tero Radio Co., Ltd., part of Tero Entertainment Plc, has announced it will be closing by the end of 2025. This means the closure of popular stations Eazy FM and Goodtime Radio, a major sign of decline in the radio industry. The decision, disclosed this afternoon, comes after 35 years of broadcasting, with the company citing challenges due to changing media consumption trends.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383038-eazy-fm-and-goodtime-radio-to-cease-broadcasting-by-yearend/

Chinese Stab Nightclub Guards in Pattaya Dispute
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

 

Three nightclub security guards were stabbed and injured during a violent incident involving a group of Chinese men at a popular entertainment venue in South Pattaya, prompting a major police investigation. The attack occurred late on 28 December, leaving two guards in a serious condition and raising concerns about safety in the city’s nightlife areas.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383039-chinese-stab-nightclub-guards-in-pattaya-dispute/

 

 

CIB Busts Counterfeit Goods Rings on Samui and Phangan
 

Pictures courtesy of CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has dismantled counterfeit goods operations on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, seizing hundreds of fake branded items with an estimated total value exceeding 1 million baht. The crackdown led to the arrest of two shop owners and the confiscation of large quantities of counterfeit merchandise, aimed at protecting Thailand’s tourism image during the high season.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383040-cib-busts-counterfeit-goods-rings-on-samui-and-phangan/

 

Thailand Seeks China's Backing for Lasting Peace with Cambodia

 

In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, left, stands with Thai Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit, right, at the General Border Committee Meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AKP via AP)

 

Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has urged China to actively support the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, emphasising the importance of avoiding renewed conflicts. This call came ahead of his visit to China's Yunnan province, where he met with China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, and Cambodia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Prak Sokhonn. These discussions align with recent diplomatic efforts by a Chinese special envoy in both countries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383041-thailand-seeks-chinas-backing-for-lasting-peace-with-cambodia/

 

Pattaya Knife Attack Suspect Surrenders After Stabbing Indian
 

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

 

Police in Pattaya have taken a 34-year-old man into custody after he surrendered over a knife attack that injured an Indian tourist at a birthday party, prompting renewed scrutiny of his explanation for the assault. The suspect, identified as Mr Thanwa, presented himself to investigators in the early hours of 28 December at Pattaya City Police Station. The victim sustained injuries and remains under medical care, delaying a full account of events.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383042-pattaya-knife-attack-suspect-surrenders-after-stabbing-indian/

 

Trat Steps Up Gulf Patrols to Block Smuggling to Cambodia

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre | via Bangkok Post

 

Local authorities in Trat have ramped up maritime inspections in the Gulf of Thailand. This move aims to thwart the smuggling of energy products and military-related supplies to Cambodia. The initiative follows a directive from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC) Region 1, in line with a National Security Council resolution urging tighter monitoring of transport routes along the eastern seaboard.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383043-trat-steps-up-gulf-patrols-to-block-smuggling-to-cambodia/

 

Drug-Impaired Lorry Crashes into Homes, Killing Elderly Woman
 

Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

A drug-impaired lorry driver lost control of his vehicle and ploughed into three homes in Phetchabun province, killing a 78-year-old woman and leaving another resident seriously injured. The crash also destroyed two pickup trucks and caused extensive damage in a residential community, prompting police to file multiple serious charges against the driver. The immediate impact left families displaced and a neighbourhood badly damaged.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383045-drug-impaired-lorry-crashes-into-homes-killing-elderly-woman/

 

Pattaya Lifeguard Revives Dutch Tourist After Sea Rescue
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

A Pattaya lifeguard successfully resuscitated a Dutch female tourist who lost consciousness after drowning at Jomtien Beach, restoring her pulse with CPR before she was rushed to hospital, where she was reported to be stable. The incident occurred at about 1.00pm on 28 December 2025 behind the police booth at Dongtan curve. The immediate intervention prevented a fatal outcome and allowed advanced medical care to continue.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383047-pattaya-lifeguard-revives-dutch-tourist-after-sea-rescue/

 

Man, 53, Stabbed to Death After Warning 16-Year-Old in Bangkok
 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A 53-year-old man has died after being stabbed by a 16-year-old boy following a dispute over the teenager’s behaviour near a temple in Bangkok. The attack occurred on the afternoon of December 27, leaving the victim critically injured before he later died in hospital despite emergency treatment.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383049-man-53-stabbed-to-death-after-warning-16-year-old-in-bangkok/

 

Construction Worker Dies After Fall at Khlong Prem Tunnel Site
 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

A construction worker died after falling from a steel beam at a drainage tunnel construction site along Khlong Prem Prachakorn in Bangkok early on 28 December, prompting a police investigation and formal post-mortem procedures. The incident occurred at approximately 04.30 and resulted in the immediate death of the worker at the scene. Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play and that the family has been notified.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383050-construction-worker-dies-after-fall-at-khlong-prem-tunnel-site/

 

Warehouse Fire at Chon Buri Paper Packing Plant
 

Pictures courtesy of NBT

 

A major fire broke out at a paper packing factory in Chon Buri in the early hours of December 28, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the collapse of a warehouse structure. The blaze was confined to a storage facility and caused no reported injuries, with authorities confirming the situation was fully brought under control later in the morning.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383051-warehouse-fire-at-chon-buri-paper-packing-plant/

 

Disabled Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash in Pathum Thani
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

A disabled man was killed in a traffic collision involving a pickup truck, a sidecar motorcycle and a ten-wheel lorry in Pathum Thani on the morning of December 28, 2025, prompting a police investigation into a suspected hit-and-run. The impact threw the victim beneath the lorry’s wheels, where he died at the scene, causing disruption along the inbound Rangsit route.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383053-disabled-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash-in-pathum-thani/

 

Trump Hails Thailand and Cambodia Ceasefire Breakthrough

 

video screenshot

 

In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump has praised a new ceasefire accord between Thailand and Cambodia, while levelling criticism at the United Nations. On Sunday, Trump hailed the agreement that ends recent hostilities between the two nations, calling it a "rapid and very fair conclusion." His comments were shared in a post on Truth Social, where he commended the leaders' swift resolution to the conflict.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383054-trump-hails-thailand-and-cambodia-ceasefire-breakthrough/

 

Alcohol Campaign Targets Bangkok Restaurants During New Year
 

Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

Bangkok’s alcohol control organisations and restaurant operators have launched a coordinated campaign to tighten alcohol sales and promote drink-driving prevention during the annual “dangerous days” road safety period, aiming to reduce deaths and injuries over the New Year holidays. The campaign enforces strict compliance with age limits, refusal of service to intoxicated customers and encourages safer travel options for drinkers. Authorities warned that violations, particularly sales to those under 20, will face legal consequences.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383055-alcohol-campaign-targets-bangkok-restaurants-during-new-year/

 

Late-Night Raids Shut Illegal Venues in Phuket
 

Picture courtesy of CrimeAsia

 

Provincial officials in Phuket carried out coordinated late-night raids on illegal entertainment venues in Patong and Phuket Town, resulting in arrests, drug seizures and the shutdown of unlicensed businesses. The operations, which began at around 12.30am on 28 December, led to several charges, the detention of suspects and the transfer of cases to local police for prosecution.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383057-late-night-raids-shut-illegal-venues-in-phuket/

 

UPDATE
Sihasak Arrives in China For Thailand–China–Cambodia Talks 

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, has arrived in China to begin diplomatic talks focused on the situation along the Thai–Cambodian border, following a recently agreed ceasefire. His visit is expected to support ongoing efforts to stabilise the area and strengthen coordination among the three countries involved. The discussions are aimed at reviewing the latest developments and maintaining momentum after the halt in hostilities.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383041-thailand-seeks-chinas-backing-for-lasting-peace-with-cambodia/#findComment-20302006

 

UPDATE
Thailand, China Discuss Ceasefire After Border Agreement

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

Thailand and China held high-level talks on 28 December 2025 to review the situation along the Thailand–Cambodia border following a ceasefire agreement, with Thailand signalling it will release 18 prisoners after a 72-hour observation period. The discussions highlighted China’s supportive role and outlined immediate steps aimed at stabilising the situation and facilitating civilian movement in border areas.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383041-thailand-seeks-chinas-backing-for-lasting-peace-with-cambodia/#findComment-20302203

 

Thailand Issues Q&A on 72-Hour Cambodia Ceasefire Agreement

 

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

Thailand has published a detailed Q&A to clarify the 72-hour ceasefire agreement with Cambodia. This move comes as officials work to manage border tensions and outline the priorities of security, sovereignty, and public safety amidst recent hostilities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383071-thailand-issues-qa-on-72-hour-cambodia-ceasefire-agreement/

 

People's Party Candidate Caught in 20 Billion Baht Drug Bust

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

The Narcotics Suppression Police have arrested two individuals linked to a staggering 20 billion baht drug money laundering scheme involving a People's Party MP candidate in Bangkok. The suspects ran a front transport company, and their arrest came during a large-scale operation targeting drug networks.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383076-peoples-party-candidate-caught-in-20-billion-baht-drug-bust/

 

Thai Soldier Critically Injured by Landmine at Sisaket Border

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A Thai army combat engineer was critically injured after stepping on a landmine while clearing a border area in Sisaket province on 29 December", prompting urgent medical treatment and renewed scrutiny of mine clearance along the Thai–Cambodian frontier. The incident occurred in the Sattasom area of Kantharalak district and has heightened concerns over the safety of troops operating in previously contested zones.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383090-thai-soldier-critically-injured-by-landmine-at-sisaket-border/

 

UPDATE
China Hosts Cambodia–Thailand Talks to Back Border Ceasefire

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Foreign ministers and senior military officials from China, Cambodia and Thailand met in Yunnan Province on 28–29 December 2025, issuing a joint message backing a recent Cambodia–Thailand border agreement and outlining steps to consolidate a ceasefire. China welcomed the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting signed by Cambodia and Thailand on 27 December 2025, describing it as a positive signal for regional peace and stability. The meeting underscored dialogue and consultation as practical and effective means to resolve complex disputes, with immediate implications for easing border tensions and restoring normal conditions in affected areas.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1383041-thailand-seeks-chinas-backing-for-lasting-peace-with-cambodia/#findComment-20302817

 

Thai Mother Warns Parents After Maid Allegedly Poisons Milk

 

Photo via Facebook/ Yokey R.

 

A Thai mother has issued a warning on social media after a housemaid allegedly poured disinfectant into her young son's milk bottle. The unsettling incident took place on December 26, in Thailand, when the family employed a temporary maid, identified as Usanee Palang-usa, for a day while their regular housekeeper was off. The child's grandmother noticed a strong chemical scent from the milk, leading to urgent medical attention for the boy, who fortunately remained stable.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1383104-thai-mother-warns-parents-after-maid-allegedly-poisons-milk/