Two Bangkok Residents Seek Help After Norwegian Man's Assault

Two Bangkok residents sought legal help after a Norwegian man allegedly assaulted them, damaged a phone and threatened to kill them on a Bang Na skywalk Saturday morning.

2 Aug Khaosod

BANGKOK — Two Bangkok residents have sought assistance from the Sai Mai Must Survive organisation after alleging that a Norwegian man assaulted them, damaged a mobile phone and threatened to kill them near Bang Na intersection.

The incident allegedly occurred at about 08:30 on Saturday on the skywalk above Bang Na intersection, near Sanphawut Road in Bang Na district.

The complainants, identified by the pseudonyms T, 29, and Y, 28, approached the organisation on Sunday to request legal assistance and raise concerns for their safety.

T said he had been walking across the skywalk on his usual route to work when he heard a foreign man shouting behind him. He alleged that the man suddenly kicked him in the right arm, causing his mobile phone to fall from his hand. According to T, the man picked up the phone, removed its case and threw it forcefully onto the ground, cracking the screen.

T said the man then began behaving aggressively towards other people in the area. He claimed the man appeared to be under the influence of a substance, although this has not been independently confirmed.

T ran towards the road to seek help and encountered Y, a close friend, nearby. Y said she approached the man and asked why he had attacked her friend. She alleged that he responded by saying he was exercising and that, had he intended to hurt T, he would have cut his throat with a knife. She also claimed that he threatened her in English, saying: "I will kill you."

When Y attempted to record the incident on her phone, the man allegedly ran towards her and knocked her to the ground. The pair said they fled towards a group of motorcycle taxi drivers as the man chased them. He reportedly stopped pursuing them after seeing the group and crossed the road, where he allegedly caused further disturbances at nearby shops.

Both complainants said they had never met the man before and had no previous dispute with him. T said he regularly used the skywalk to travel to work and now feared encountering the man again. He has temporarily begun taking a motorcycle taxi instead of walking.

The suspect was later identified by the complainants as a Norwegian national known as Erling. Ekkaphop Luangprasert, founder of the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page, said the organisation had contacted Bang Na Police Station and asked investigators to locate the man. He urged authorities to act quickly, expressing concern that the suspect could leave Thailand before legal proceedings were completed.

Police had not publicly announced any arrest or charges as of Sunday afternoon.

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National

Bank of Thailand Reports Economy Weakened in Q2

Thailand's economy slowed across most sectors in the second quarter, hit by Middle East conflict ripple effects, surging energy prices, and declining tourist arrivals from key markets. Private consumption contracted as living costs rose, pr

2 Aug Khaosod

The Bank of Thailand has revealed that Thailand's economy remained stable in June 2025, though the second quarter showed slowdown across nearly all sectors compared to the first quarter. The primary causes stem from the ripple effects of the Middle East conflict, which has heavily impacted the global economy, particularly through rising energy prices. Additionally, foreign tourist travel has been constrained, with visitor numbers declining sharply from Middle Eastern and European markets, while airlines have reduced flights due to elevated fuel costs. This has severely dampened Thailand's service sector, especially hotels, accommodations, and restaurants, with popular tourist destinations showing clear signs of weakness. Private consumption has also contracted significantly due to rising living costs, and despite some government support measures in June, spending has fallen across nearly all categories, particularly in hotels and dining. Consumer goods and fuel consumption have declined following advance purchases in the previous quarter, and electric vehicle sales have dipped slightly following the end of the EV 3.0 incentive scheme. Although exports and private investment have continued to improve—particularly in technology products aligned with the global electronics upswing and data center investment demand—imports have surged significantly, especially crude oil for domestic reserves and electronic components and appliances matching the rise in technology exports. For the third quarter, Thailand's economic growth is expected to remain concentrated, with household consumption also constrained despite government stimulus, as overall living costs remain elevated. The government must monitor the Middle East conflict's progress, U.S. trade policy, tourism sector recovery, and rising living cost impacts, along with increased business costs and potential stronger-than-forecast El Niño effects. Going forward, the government must adopt a forward-thinking approach to implement relief and remedial measures that address emerging challenges across immediate response, recovery, and long-term sustainable restoration phases.

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Police

Chinese Man Arrested for Beating Wife to Death in Chiang Mai

A 45-year-old Chinese man was arrested in Chiang Mai after allegedly beating his 38-year-old wife to death following an argument over claims of infidelity; their child witnessed the incident.

2 Aug The Thaiger Crime

Chinese man beats wife to death over alleged affair in Chiang MaiLegacyA Chinese man was arrested today, August 2, after allegedly beating his wife to death at their rented home in Chiang Mai following an argument over claims she was having an affair. Police were called to the home in a housing estate in Chang Phueak, Mueang district, at around 12.10am. Rescue workers found the 38 year old Chinese woman unconscious in an upstairs bedroom and attempted CPR, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, the suspect and his wife had moved into the house about a month ago so they could care for their child, who is studying at an international school in Thailand. Investigators said the 45 year old husband told them he had received a phone call from a friend in China claiming his wife was having an affair. The phone call reportedly led to an argument that escalated into the fatal assault. DailyNews reported that the couple’s child witnessed the incident. Photo via Amarin TV The husband was taken into custody and charged with assault causing death. Police said he admitted assaulting his wife, claiming he acted out of jealousy and had not intended to kill her. Officers said questioning has been delayed because the man speaks only Chinese and they are arranging an interpreter to assist with the investigation. Elsewhere, a police inspector filed divorce lawsuits after allegedly discovering his wife was having an affair. However, the dispute later ended in tragedy when he shot his wife before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide at their home in Nonthaburi. In another similar case, a Thai man stabbed his wife to death at their shared home in Rayong after suspecting her of having an affair with a man she met on TikTok. The story Chinese man beats wife to death over alleged affair in Chiang Mai as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Election Commission to Rule on Senate Vote-Rigging Case

The Election Commission will decide by August whether to prosecute 229 senators and supporters accused of orchestrating a large-scale vote-rigging scheme, with observers skeptical the panel will take decisive action given its current compos

2 Aug Khaosod

The Senate vote-rigging case is reaching its conclusion. The Election Commission has scheduled 12 meetings to examine the allegations, with a decision expected by August. The outcome will reveal whether the commission follows the 26th Investigation Committee's recommendation to prosecute 229 accused individuals—138 current senators and 91 supporters—or the 36th Arbitration Subcommittee's finding of no misconduct. A third possibility involves finding scapegoats, though observers watch closely for what may amount to political sacrifice to preserve broader interests. A recent Supreme Court ruling on August 5, 2025, provides instructive precedent: the court convicted two Chachoengsao Senate candidates of vote-rigging based solely on Line chat messages showing vote-swap agreements. The defendants had argued that vote-swapping was not illegal and that the Election Commission itself lacked proper authority to regulate candidate introductions. However, the Supreme Court ruled that candidate matching and vote-swapping are distinct activities, and that election fraud extends beyond monetary gain to include dishonest vote-seeking that undermines fair and genuine elections. The court barred both candidates from voting for ten years. By contrast, the current Senate rigging case presents far more extensive evidence: coordinated organization, divided responsibilities, hotel meetings, matching attire, intercepted vote-buying operatives, and voting patterns mathematically impossible to occur by chance. The real test is how the Election Commission will rule. Given the commission's current composition, observers hold little hope for decisive action. If the commission finds guilt, the case goes to court; if not, vote-rigging tactics will become the accepted standard for the next three years until this Senate term expires and another election occurs.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Singer Dies in Motorcycle Crash at Drainage Ditch in Songkhla

Freelance singer Aan Wai Thaya died in Songkhla after his motorcycle fell into an unmarked drainage ditch during roadside construction, with his sister inviting mourners to a farewell gathering at the accident site.

2 Aug Khaosod

Free-lance singer and music video lead actor Aan Wai Thaya has died suddenly in a road accident after his motorcycle fell into a large drainage ditch during a pipeline installation project along a roadside. The incident occurred opposite Baan Tha Thon Temple in Tha Chang subdistrict, Bang Klam district, Songkhla province. The accident site lacked warning signs and adequate lighting.

His sister, Cream, has posted an invitation on Facebook for friends and family to join a farewell gathering at the accident site. She wrote: "Hello, I'm Cream, Aan's sister. I would like to invite everyone—friends, family, and acquaintances—to join us in bidding farewell to our Aan Wai Thaya. You are welcome to bring flowers or food as offerings. The family will provide free soft drinks. Please come and join us in saying goodbye to Aan one last time at the accident site in front of the CALTEX petrol station today, August 2, 2026, from 5:30 PM onward. #WithCondolences #LoveAndMissing #AanWaiThaya"

Shortly before the accident, Aan had posted expressing shock and sadness over the death of popular YouTuber Hlun, writing: "My condolences to his family. I am truly shocked. I really enjoyed watching his videos. He was a grateful and talented person. May he rest in peace." Many people have commented on that post expressing their own shock at Aan's sudden death, not expecting that he would pass away so soon after mourning Hlun.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Ranger Firefight Kills Drug Smuggler, Seizes 300,000 Pills

Rangers killed one drug smuggler and seized 300,000 methamphetamine pills following a firefight at the Myanmar-Thailand border in Chiang Mai's Mae Ai District early August 2.

2 Aug Khaosod

Ranger units under the Phahonyothin Task Force engaged in a fierce firefight with a drug smuggling gang at the Mae Ai border, resulting in one smuggler's death and the seizure of approximately 300,000 methamphetamine pills. On August 2, 2569, Maj. Gen. Kitti Najai, commander of the Ranger Control Command at the Third Army Region Operations Center, assigned Lt. Col. Prakasit Praobyon and Maj. Phirot Khemkij to lead two operational teams on patrol in Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, following intelligence that a trafficking group was smuggling narcotics from Myanmar into Thailand.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., officers discovered a group of three to five smugglers moving through a natural passage near Pang In subdistrict in Ma Lika tambon, Mae Ai District. When challenged, the gang opened fire with an unidentified weapon, sparking a three-minute firefight. After gunfire ceased in the darkness with limited visibility, ranger forces secured the area and waited for daylight to conduct a thorough search, requesting three additional operational teams for support.

At 6:00 a.m., personnel from the Chaiyanuphaap Special Task Unit entered the area alongside prosecutors, a hospital doctor, police, and forensic investigators. They discovered one deceased smuggler and blood trails suggesting other gang members were wounded and escaped using their knowledge of the terrain. Officers recovered two modified backpacks containing approximately 150,000 methamphetamine pills each, totaling roughly 300,000 pills. All ranger personnel remained unharmed. The seized methamphetamine was handed over to Mae Ai Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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National

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Marks 65 Years With New Brand Ambassador

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand celebrates 65 years in the country with a new "Enjoy The Ride" brand campaign and mascot ambassador Mitsuru, positioning cars as lifestyle companions rather than just transportation.

2 Aug Khaosod

Mitsubishi Motors celebrates 65 years of operations in Thailand and unveils a new brand direction called "Enjoy The Ride," introducing "Mitsuru" as the brand ambassador to encourage Thais to enjoy life on every journey.

Chief Executive Officer Ryoichi Inaba said, "On the occasion of Mitsubishi Motors' 65th anniversary in Thailand, we thank our customers, business partners, dealer networks, and all employees who have been part of our journey over six decades and have been instrumental in our continuous development. What Mitsubishi Motors is proud of is not only delivering high-quality vehicles that meet every lifestyle or providing excellent service, but also the trust and confidence from our customers, as well as our contribution to job creation and driving Thailand's automotive industry and economy.

"Trust and support from all sectors have been the driving force enabling us to step into a new chapter under the concept 'Enjoy The Ride' because we believe that the role of automobiles today has changed alongside people. They are not merely vehicles for transportation, but part of life at every important moment, whether it be work, spending time with family, or creating new memories.

"Therefore, we aim to be more than just a car manufacturer, but a brand that helps people live more fully through automobiles that combine Japanese engineering expertise with deep understanding of diverse road conditions and user needs. We deliver travel experiences filled with confidence, joy, and meaning. With 'Mitsuru' as our new brand ambassador, we convey the power of fun, vibrancy, and inspiration to invite everyone to discover the meaning of travel and enjoy life in their own way."

Since 1961, Mitsubishi Motors has stood alongside Thailand as a trusted Japanese automotive brand. The company's core philosophy centers on customers, guided by "KOE" (listening to customer voices) and "KANDO" (creating impressions across all products and services). This foundation has enabled 65 years of continuous growth, making Mitsubishi Motors one of Thailand's leading automakers and a crucial global production hub, with over 7 million cumulative vehicles produced and over 5 million Thai-made vehicles exported to more than 120 countries worldwide.

With a vision to enhance every dimension of people's lives, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand develops high-quality vehicles offering strength, durability, safety, and confidence for diverse travel needs under the "Expert in Any Road Condition" design philosophy. The company blends Japanese engineering standards with deep understanding of Thai users' behavior and needs through close collaboration between research and development teams of both countries. For example, the Mitsubishi Xforce HEV underwent over 100,000 kilometers of test drives on various Thai road conditions to perfectly fine-tune the vehicle for real-world use.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Weather

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain, 36 Provinces On Alert

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned 36 provinces of heavy rain and flash flooding over the next 24 hours as a monsoon trough and low-pressure system bring widespread thunderstorms and accumulated rainfall, particularly to northern a

2 Aug Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, warning of persistent heavy rainfall in parts of Thailand caused by a monsoon trough passing over the northern region and northern Laos, combined with a low-pressure system near northern Vietnam's coast and a moderate southwest monsoon over the Andaman and Thai waters. Heavy downpours and accumulated rainfall may trigger sudden flooding and flash floods, especially in foothill areas adjacent to streams and low-lying zones. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea will reach 1–2 meters, while the lower Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 1-meter waves, with thunderstorm areas experiencing waves exceeding 2 meters. Mariners are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm-prone regions. Regional forecasts: Northern region (Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok) will have thunderstorms over 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places, temperatures 23–28°C low and 30–36°C high, southwest winds 10–20 km/h. Northeastern region (Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan) will see thunderstorms over 60% of the area with heavy rain, temperatures 23–24°C low and 30–35°C high. Central region (Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi) will experience thunderstorms over 60% of the area with heavy rain, temperatures 24–25°C low and 34–35°C high. Eastern region (Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, Trat) will have thunderstorms over 60% of the area with heavy rain, temperatures 24–26°C low and 31–34°C high, with 1-meter waves and higher waves in thunderstorm zones. Southern East Coast (Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Yala, Narathiwat) will see thunderstorms over 40% of the area, temperatures 23–26°C low and 33–36°C high. Southern West Coast (Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket) will have thunderstorms over 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places, temperatures 23–24°C low and 32–35°C high, with 1–2-meter waves. Bangkok and vicinity will experience thunderstorms over 60% of the area, temperatures 25–27°C low and 33–35°C high.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Fortune Teller Dupes Businesswoman Out of 30 Million Baht

A fortune teller defrauded a 32-year-old businesswoman of over 30 million baht in Ko Lanta by using threats of family calamities to pressure her into buying ritual supplies over four years. Police are investigating after another victim repo

2 Aug Khaosod

On August 2, 2025, at the Sai Yai Must Survive center on Wat Koh Road in Sai Yai district, a 32-year-old businesswoman filed a complaint with Ekaphop Luang Prasert, founder of the Sai Yai Must Survive Facebook page, against a famous fortune teller who had defrauded her of over 30 million baht across four years. Previously, a Thai-Hong Kong businesswoman had also come forward alleging that the same fortune teller had scammed her out of 40 million baht.

The victim, identified as Ms. A (pseudonym), explained that she operates a food sales business. Four to five years ago, she found the fortune teller's Facebook page and requested a fortune reading about her business. Initially, the teller made statements that matched reality and seemed credible, earning her trust. Over time, the fortune teller pressured her to purchase ritual supplies and perform ceremonies costing between 30,000 and 700,000 baht each. When she hesitated, the teller threatened that she and her family would face calamities and business failure, forcing her to transfer money repeatedly over 4-5 years.

When the Thai-Hong Kong businesswoman's case became public last month, the victim recognized the same scheme. The fortune teller subsequently contacted her claiming the news was false, but refused to issue a public clarification, convincing the victim she had been completely defrauded. She decided to seek help from Sai Yai Must Survive, urging other victims to stop sending money and file police reports.

Ekaphop Luang Prasert noted that fake fortune tellers and self-proclaimed experts proliferate due to current economic and social stress, with victims losing substantial sums when the fraudsters happen to guess correctly. A previous case involving the Thai-Hong Kong businesswoman is being investigated at Pravet Police Station. Luang Prasert will coordinate with Pol. Col. Chatchapan Klaengklin, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, to help victims file formal complaints and trace financial transactions to recover assets.

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National

Essential Goods, Transport Remain VAT-Exempt Through September 2027

The Thai government extended VAT exemptions on essential goods including rice, eggs, meat, seafood, and public transport through September 2027 to ease the financial burden on citizens.

2 Aug Khaosod

To ease the financial burden on citizens, essential goods and services including rice, eggs, meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit, and motor vehicle transport will continue to be exempt from the 7% value-added tax (VAT). The Ministry of Finance, through the Revenue Department, proposed to the Cabinet to extend the reduced VAT rate through September 30, 2027, which the Cabinet approved on July 27, 2024. The Revenue Department confirmed that while general goods and services will continue to be taxed at 7%, essential items such as food ingredients (rice, meat, produce, fresh seafood, fresh eggs) and vehicle transport remain VAT-exempt to relieve the public's financial burden under current economic conditions. Small business operators earning no more than 1.8 million baht annually are likewise exempt from VAT. For further inquiries, contact any Revenue Department office nationwide or the RD Intelligence Center at telephone 1161.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Cabinet Approves Faster Deportation of Foreigners

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a new regulation allowing authorities to deport foreigners whose behavior violates Thai moral and social standards, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt.

2 Aug The Phuket News

BANGKOK: A Cabinet-backed draft regulation will allow authorities to remove foreigners whose conduct is deemed incompatible with Thai morals and social norms, the Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Pakorn Nilprapunt said yesterday (Aug 2).

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next