Transport Minister Suspends Elevated Road and Rail Projects

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered an immediate stop to all elevated road and rail projects in Thailand to review construction site safety standards. This decision follows two fatal crane accidents within 24 hours. The latest incident occurred on the Rama II–Samut Sakhon elevated expressway, resulting in two deaths when a crane collapsed onto cars near the Paris Hotel in Samut Sakhon.

Bangkok Leads Global Nomad Rankings, Chiang Mai Takes Second

Bangkok and Chiang Mai have been ranked as the top two cities globally for digital nomads, according to a survey by nomad.com. The rankings highlight Thailand's growing appeal among remote workers, emphasizing factors such as affordability, connectivity, and lifestyle in both cities. Bangkok's top position is attributed to its balance of low living costs, efficient transport, and vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive base for professionals.

Election Commision Investigates Videos for Campaign Law Breaches

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Election Commission (EC) in Thailand is currently investigating five online video clips suspected of breaching election laws. This action forms part of an ongoing review, with dozens more cases pending. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC's secretary-general, noted these clips were assessed in a meeting involving the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra May Get Parole in May

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is likely to be granted parole in May after serving two-thirds of his one-year prison sentence, as reported by a source at the Department of Corrections. The news emerged following a family visit to Klongprem Central Prison. Thaksin’s anticipated parole can occur as soon as he completes eight months of his sentence.

Thailand Set for First Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

A nationwide test of Thailand's mobile phone emergency alert system will be conducted on January 20 at 2 PM. This exercise will involve messages sent to millions of users across all 76 provinces and Bangkok. It aims to simulate a national-level emergency alert for large-scale disasters, according to Theerapat Katchamat, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

MRTA Awards Red Line Rail Expansion Contracts

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) in Thailand has finalized bids for two contracts as part of the Red Line commuter rail expansion project. Unique Engineering and Construction Plc (Uniq) secured the Dark Red Line extension contract for 6.057 billion baht, while a joint venture between Uniq and Trusty Construction (UT) won the Light Red Line project with a bid of 14.72 billion baht. The contracts involve extending the Dark Red Line to Thammasat University and the Light Red Line from Siriraj to Salaya.

Anti-Money Laundering Targets High-Profile Financial Crime Cases

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has announced the seizure and freezing of 974 assets worth 252 million baht from cases involving narcotics, corruption, fraud, and online gambling in Thailand. The action was decided at Amlo's first transaction committee meeting of the year. Assets were seized across 16 major cases, reflecting significant efforts to tackle serious offenses.

People's Party Candidate Arrested for Money-Laundering

File photo for reference only

Ratchapong Soisuwan, a candidate from the People's party running in the February 8 election for Tak Province's Constituency 2, was arrested in Bangkok on January 14. The arrest, executed by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, charges Ratchapong with involvement in money-laundering activities linked to online gambling. The immediate impact has cast a shadow on the party's campaign as they emphasize a strict non-tolerance policy towards corruption.

Rare Crested Jayshrike Spotted in Kaeng Krachan

Photo via Thanadol Thongngern

A rare sighting of a crested jayshrike occurred yesterday, January 14, at Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi. The appearance of the elusive bird on the park's Ban Chang Yieb trail caused excitement among birdwatchers and officials. Captured by tourist Thanadon Thongngern, the sighting highlights the bird's rarity and significance.

Thai Man Shares Last Moment with Girlfriend Before Crane Tragedy

Photo via Facebook/ Petch Ps

A construction crane collapse onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, resulted in 32 deaths on January 14. Among the victims was Chananya Wongchan, who was en route to her father's funeral. The tragedy has sparked national grief and demands for improved safety measures.

Foreign Pickpockets Take 14,500 Baht from UAE Tourist in Pattaya

Photo via Facebook/ ไอ้เผือกนิวส์

A tourist from the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed Abdelkaliq Abdalla Khadim Almaazmi, was pickpocketed by two foreign men in Pattaya, losing approximately 14,500 baht. The incident occurred near the Marine Plaza Hotel when a stranger approached him for a conversation, distracting Almaazmi while an accomplice stole the cash. The crime has prompted local police to warn tourists to stay alert in nightlife areas and alleys.

Myanmar Woman Arrested for Operating Unlicensed Hair School

Photo via Thairath

A Myanmar woman, Nan Thu Thu Kwaw Oo, was arrested in Nonthaburi on January 14 for allegedly running an unlicensed hairdressing school in Bang Bua Thong. This contravenes Thai labor laws, which reserve such practices for citizens. The arrest ensued after immigration officers were shown footage of her teaching hairstyling to fellow Myanmar nationals at a Bang Rak Phatthana property.

MP Candidate Arrested for Alleged Gambling Operation

A candidate for the People’s Party in Thailand, Ratchapong Soisuwan, was arrested on January 14 over alleged ties to an online gambling network and money laundering. The arrest took place at his home in Bangkok's Bueng Kum district. Ratchapong is running for MP in Tak province and was previously associated with the Move Forward Party.

Mass Evacuations in Samut Prakan After Chemical Leak Hits School

File photo for reference only

A significant chemical leak in the Song Phi Nong community led to urgent evacuations and school closures in the Phra Samut Chedi district on Thursday. Residents reported a pervasive, suffocating smell, causing throat irritation and dizziness. Schools were closed, and children were sent home to avoid prolonged exposure.

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Thailand Live Friday 16 January 2026

https://aseannow.com/topic/1384727-thailand-live-friday-16-january-2026/