Foreign Tourists Caught Having Sex on Tuk-Tuk in Phuket

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Foreign tourists have been filmed engaging in sexual activity inside a tuk-tuk while travelling over Patong Hill in Phuket, prompting widespread criticism online and raising questions about public decency and the island’s image. The incident occurred on the night of 29 January and was captured by a motorist’s dash-cam travelling behind the vehicle. Images later circulated widely on social media, drawing strong reactions from the public.

Electric Cannabis Vapes Raise Concerns Among Thai Youth

File photo for reference only

Electric cannabis vapes have recently become a significant concern due to their increasing prevalence among young people in Thailand. Product Watch issued a warning on January 29 about the widespread availability and the toy-like designs of these vapes, making them appealing yet risky for children and teenagers.

No Currency Manipulators; US Adds Thailand to Watchlist

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

The US Treasury announced enhanced scrutiny of countries' foreign exchange practices, focusing on their interventions against both depreciation and appreciation relative to the dollar. The latest semi-annual report indicated no major trading partner was labeled a currency manipulator, but Thailand was added to a "monitoring list" alongside China, Japan, and eight other countries. This move aims to track countries with significant trade surpluses and assess their currency management practices.

Vespa Incident: Child Crashes Into 7-Eleven, Injuries Reported

Photo via Thairath

A four-year-old girl accidentally drove a Vespa scooter into a 7-Eleven in Pathum Thani, Thailand, injuring herself and her aunt. The incident took place on January 29 at 7 p.m. in the Lat Lum Kaeo district. Local police and rescue services responded quickly to the emergency after receiving a report about the crash.

Assault on Thai Vendor Leads to Dutch Man's Arrest in Phuket

A Dutch national was arrested at Phuket International Airport after he and his companions allegedly assaulted a Thai street vendor in Patong. The incident occurred during a disagreement over motorcycle parking on January 25, causing both physical and emotional harm to the vendor. The man, identified as Wesley, was apprehended as he prepared to travel to Bangkok.

Two Thai Soldiers Injured by Blast at Chong An Ma Border

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Two Thai soldiers were injured after an explosion triggered by heat from a grass fire along the border at Chong An Ma on 30 January, while troops were attempting to contain the blaze. Shrapnel from the blast struck both men, prompting emergency medical treatment and urgent hospital transfers.

Police Raid Pattaya Scam Setup, Arrest Two Chinese Men

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Cyber police have dismantled an alleged scam operation in Pattaya, arresting two Chinese nationals and seizing dozens of electronic devices believed to be used in online fraud, including systems designed to intercept one-time passwords (OTP). The raid uncovered 26 mobile phones, laptops, cash and networking equipment, highlighting the scale of suspected cybercrime activity operating from a condominium.

Four Parties Outline Tax Reforms to Expand Thailand’s Tax Base

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Thailand’s leading political parties have unveiled competing tax reform proposals aimed at expanding the country’s narrow taxpayer base, where only about 4 million of the nation’s 40 million workers currently pay income tax. The plans were presented on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the “Thailand Redesign 2026 The Next Level” debate, with parties arguing that reform is essential for economic sustainability, fairness, and long-term growth.

Woman Tourist Falls Into Deep Gorge at Pai Canyon, Rescued

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A foreign female tourist slipped and fell into a deep ravine at a popular scenic spot in Pai Canyon (locally known as Kong Lan) in Mae Hong Son province on the morning of 30 January 2026, prompting a complex rescue operation. Emergency responders successfully lowered rescue personnel by rope to reach the injured woman and brought her to safety before transporting her to Pai Hospital.

Thailand EV Charging Price Rise Threatens Cost Advantage

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Thailand’s electric vehicle sector is facing fresh uncertainty after government proposals to sharply raise public EV charging prices, a move that could erase the cost benefits that have driven rapid adoption. Proposed electricity rate adjustments could push charging costs as high as 11 baht per unit, bringing EV running costs close to those of petrol-powered vehicles. The announcement has raised concerns about a potential slowdown in EV uptake and wider impacts on environmental and industrial policy.

Taxi Driver Burned to Death in Parked Car in Buriram

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews

A 58-year-old taxi driver was found burned to death inside his car in a village in Buriram province in the early hours of 30 January 2026. The vehicle was discovered engulfed in flames on a concrete road in Ban Tha Ngam village, Phutthaisong district, with the fire destroying the car completely and leaving the victim dead at the scene. Police said the immediate cause of the fire remains unknown.

AMLO to Auction Luxury Watches & Designer Goods in Bangkok

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

The Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Commission (AMLO) will hold a public auction of seized luxury assets, offering 130 items including branded handbags, wristwatches, shoes and other valuables, with bidding set to take place in early February. The auction is expected to attract strong interest from collectors and buyers due to the presence of high-end international brands and comparatively low starting prices.

Pattaya Woman Rescued From Fourth-Floor Suicide Attempt

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

A 43-year-old woman from Surin was rescued after threatening to jump from a fourth-floor hotel balcony in Pattaya, following severe emotional distress linked to a failed relationship with a foreign partner. The incident prompted an urgent response from police and rescue workers, who successfully intervened before any injuries occurred.

Police Arrest Two Women for Drug Crimes on Koh Phangan

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Police have arrested two women for selling illegal drugs to tourists during the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, according to provincial authorities. The arrests form part of a targeted crackdown aimed at reducing narcotics circulation at one of Thailand’s most prominent tourist events. Police said the operation was designed to limit both local and foreign involvement in drug offences.

China Sends Aid to Thailand for Border Conflict Victims

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

China has delivered humanitarian assistance worth 10 million yuan to Thailand to support civilians affected by fighting along the Thai–Cambodian border, with distribution to be coordinated by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The first shipment arrived on Friday, 30 January 2026, with a second delivery scheduled for Sunday, 1 February 2026, providing essential supplies for displaced and affected communities.

Former Boxer Attacks Male Students in Buriram Park

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Two male students were injured after being assaulted by a former boxer in a public park in Nang Rong district, Buriram province, on 30 January 2026, prompting police intervention and renewed concerns about repeat violent offending. The suspect, who was recently released from prison, was subdued after a prolonged struggle involving police and rescue workers. Both students managed to escape and report the incident, avoiding more serious harm.

Police Raid Mae Sot Buildings Over Illegal Internet Links

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Cyber police have raided three commercial buildings in Mae Sot, Tak province, after detecting abnormally high internet usage suspected of supplying unauthorised signals across the border into Myawaddy, Myanmar. The operation took place on 30 January 2026 near the First Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, a sensitive border area frequently monitored for transnational crime.

Cyber Police Seize ฿3.8m in Gambling Money Laundering Raid

Pictures courtesy of InsideThailand

Cyber police have raided a car battery shop in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, seizing more than 3.8 million baht in cash and arresting two men accused of laundering money for an illegal online gambling website. The operation was led by senior officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division and forms part of a nationwide crackdown on online gambling networks. Police said the business was used as a front to conceal financial transactions linked to the gambling operation.

US Man Stunned at Years-Long Gold Hoard’s Value

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A US national living in Thailand was left visibly shocked after selling a collection of gold he had accumulated over several years, when the final valuation came in at a lot higher value than what he had anticipated. The sale took place on 30 January 2026 at a gold shop in Surin province, during a period of historically high gold prices in Thailand. The moment was shared online and quickly drew public attention.

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Sunday 1 February 2026

https://aseannow.com/topic/1386310-thailand-live-sunday-1-february-2026/