UPDATE

Fears of Further Collapse as High-Speed Rail Crane Structure Shifts Again

Picture courtesy of responders

Authorities on site faced tense moments after a high-speed rail construction crane was observed moving again, raising fears of a possible further collapse. The movement prompted immediate evacuation of rescue personal and a warning to all personnel in the area to remain alert, as the situation posed a renewed risk to officials and responders working nearby. Safety teams were instructed to monitor the crane closely while maintaining strict precautions.

UPDATE

Death Toll Rises to 28 After Crane Falls on Train in Korat

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

The death toll from the rail crash has risen to 28 after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, on 14 January 2026. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to recover bodies still trapped inside damaged carriages, while authorities work to identify victims and treat dozens of injured passengers.

Heated Argument Erupts on Bangkok Bus, Causes Stir Online

Photo via TikTok/ @gotobedwithnext

An argument between two passengers on a Bangkok public bus on January 13 escalated over complaints about slow driving during heavy traffic congestion. The altercation was caught on camera by a TikTok user, drawing widespread online attention. The incident highlights ongoing frustrations faced by commuters amidst road construction in the city.

"Ladyboy" Taunts Lead Thai Worker to Attack Cambodians

Photo via Facebook/ เจ๊ม้อย v+

A Thai worker at a Bangkok cannabis shop, named Jirayu, attacked Cambodian customers following alleged harassment, including mockery of his gender identity. CCTV footage, released by the shop owner, showed the incident occurring at 2 am on Sunday, January 11. The footage revealed Jirayu confronting and attacking the men outside the shop before resuming his duties.

Venomous Red-Headed Krait Seen in Kaeng Krachan Park

Photo via Dailynews

A rare red-headed krait was photographed in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, sparking interest due to its rarity and danger. On January 13, park ranger Busakorn Kantook captured the image during a routine patrol at Phanoen Thung Mountain. The red-headed krait is known for its glossy black body and bright red markings, warning of its highly venomous nature.

Woman Walks Naked in Udon Thani Protesting Alleged Abuse

Photo via CH7 News

A woman in Udon Thani garnered significant attention on January 13 when she was seen walking naked near Udon Thani Central Hospital. The incident, reportedly a protest against abuse, unfolded when 44-year-old Kung walked unclothed as a call for help after being allegedly mistreated by a local gang member.

UPDATE

Death Toll Rises to 32 After Crane Collapse Hits Passenger Train

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

The death toll from a crane collapse onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima has risen to 32, with rescue teams continuing a search for bodies trapped inside the wreckage. The incident has left 67 people injured out of 208 passengers, causing major disruption to rail services and prompting a large-scale emergency response. Authorities confirmed that recovery operations are ongoing.

15-Year-Old Victim's Rapist Remains at Large in Thailand

Photo via Hone Krasae

A mother in Rayong province, Thailand, is advocating for legal action after her 15-year-old daughter was drugged and raped in 2024. Despite filing a complaint with the police in July 2024, there has been no progress, and the suspect remains at large, threatening the victim and her family. The mother met with Rayong Provincial Police commander, Pramote Ngampradit, seeking an expedited investigation.

Thai Candidate Sues Over Staged Vote-Buying Post

Photo via Facebook/ ไพโรจน์ บัวเผื่อน

A parliamentary candidate from the People’s Party in Saraburi province, Thailand, has announced legal action against a woman who admitted to staging a fake vote-buying scenario on social media. The incident began when the woman, Rungnapa Kotphuthorn, posted a photo on Facebook showing a 1,000-baht note with an election leaflet from a People’s Party candidate, suggesting bribery. This quickly sparked allegations against Pairoj Buapuean, a candidate in the area.

Thai Sergeant Sentenced for Assaulting Conscript

File photo for reference only

A Thai army sergeant, Sgt Pitpiboon Wiang-in, has received a 45-day detention sentence and lost his gratuity after an assault on a conscript at the Army Reserve Centre in Prachuap Khiri Khan on October 7, 2025. The incident began as a fistfight between two conscripts. When the sergeant tried to mediate, tensions escalated, leading to the assault, which was captured on video and shared on social media.

Drug Use Found Among Six Workers at Phuket's Chalong Bay

Photo via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

Phuket authorities have intensified safety measures at Chalong Bay Pier after a fatal speedboat crash attributed to a drug-impaired driver. The crackdown involves random drug testing, with recent inspections revealing six tour boat workers testing positive for illegal substances. The initiative aims to boost safety and restore confidence among tourists visiting the region.

Myanmar Man Arrested After Car-Smashing Spree in Satun

Photo via Naewna

A Myanmar national was apprehended on January 13 after allegedly vandalizing 19 vehicles in Thailand's Satun province. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Saw, was caught on CCTV using stones and a digging tool to damage cars in the La-ngu district. The attacks took place around 3am, waking residents and causing significant property destruction.

UPDATE:

Accountability Demanded After Fatal Crane Collapse: PM Acts

File photo for reference only

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has demanded accountability following a devastating crane collapse in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima, which claimed 28 lives and injured 64 others. The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when the crane, part of a high-speed rail project, fell onto Special Express 21. This caused a derailment and subsequent fires in multiple train carriages, prompting an urgent and comprehensive response.

Thailand Election Commission Partners with TikTok for 2026 Polls

File photo for reference only

Thailand's Election Commission has teamed up with TikTok Thailand to enhance public access to information regarding the general election and referendum scheduled for February 8, 2026. The collaboration was announced by Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee and TikTok Thailand's Director of Public Policy, Chanida Klaiphan, at the Election Commission Office. They aim to ensure fair competition and reduce misinformation through this partnership.

Fresh Chilli Prices Hit Record Highs in Thailand

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

Chilli prices in Thailand have skyrocketed, reaching unprecedented levels between 250-350 baht per kilogram. A market survey in Satun's Khuan Kalong district found bird’s eye chillies selling for 300-350 baht per kg and Jinda red chillies at 250 baht. This price surge is affecting vendors who rely on fresh chillies for their products.

Chiang Mai Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

Thailand’s cabinet has endorsed Chiang Mai’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This decision, made on 13 January, intends to recognize the area under the category of cultural landscape. The focus is on preserving the city’s cultural monuments and heritage sites.

UPDATE

Two Foreign Nationals Among 32 Killed in Train–Crane Crash

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Two foreign nationals are among the 32 people confirmed dead following a collision between a train and a crane in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The victims have been identified as Mr Friedrich Wilhelm, a German national, and Kim Yongho, whose nationality has not yet been confirmed. Authorities said the death toll stands at 32, reaffirming figures reported in earlier coverage of the incident.

to continue:

Thailand Live Thursday 15 January 2026

https://aseannow.com/topic/1384592-thailand-live-thursday-15-january-2026/