The recent arrest of Navaporn Phakiatsakul, a 53-year-old Chinese woman with Thai citizenship, uncovered a criminal syndicate that has raised serious concern for Thai law enforcement. Police suspected Navaporn of being the leader of a gang engaged in a fraudulent scheme, surrogacy, and human trafficking. National deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn emphasized the urgency to deal with the increasing threat posed by Chinese organized crime in Thailand. Police were initially tipped off about the criminal ring by Chinese authorities but made little headway until a ransom case involving Chinese nationals occurred in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district. Ma Mingshan, a Chinese businessman, filed a report with the local police stating that his wife and brother were kidnapped shortly after leaving their three-year-old son at school. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 1 million yuan (about 4.7 million baht) via WeChat, an encrypted messaging app. With cooperation from Thai…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Wildfires persist in various regions of the North and in the southern district of Yala province, adversely impacting both areas with the haze produced by the fires. In Betong, the southernmost district of Yala, thick haze enveloped several parts of the town, leading to eye irritation and respiratory issues among local residents. Local officials issued a warning, advising the public to wear face masks for protection. Visibility was significantly reduced, and motorists were urged to exercise extra caution on the roads. Since Sunday, PM2.5 (fine dust) pollution levels have exceeded the “safety” threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) in Krabi, Satun, and Yala, according to data published on www.airthai.in.th. Prince of Songkla University’s air pollution and health impact research station reported that average PM2.5 levels in the South have ranged from 50 to 55µg/m3 since Saturday. The primary contributors to the deteriorating air quality include northeast winds carrying…
Helen Clark commends Thailand’s progress on cannabis decriminalization Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who is currently chairing the Global Commission on Drug Policy and is a member of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty, has lauded Thailand’s efforts in decriminalizing cannabis. She believes that the country’s decision to remove cannabis from the Category 5 narcotics list is a significant step towards ending the criminalization of people who use drugs. Clark highlighted her concerns at the Harm Reduction International Conference 2023 (HR23), noting that decriminalizing drug use could save money, relieve the pressure on law enforcement and the judicial system, and promote good health for those using drugs. The Thai government’s actions and potential future changes in their laws are being watched closely by other countries in Southeast Asia, which is known for having a heavy-handed approach to drugs. Despite the progress made in decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand continues…
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has vowed to amplify the promotion of soft power as a critical driver of the Thai economy should they emerge victorious in the upcoming general elections. Charnkrit Dejwithak, a representative for the party’s election strategy committee, emphasized the significance of a soft power development policy, as exemplified by the internationally popular Songkran festival. However, Charnkrit expressed concern about the lack of support for the country’s soft power initiatives. To remedy this, the PPRP promises to implement measures aimed at advancing these initiatives through the Pracharath fund if elected into government. Some highlights of these efforts include promoting Thai kickboxing, traditional fabrics, performing arts, films, and festivals. By spotlighting these cultural products, the PPRP seeks to improve Thailand’s competitiveness and revenue generation. With the election just around the corner, the party is preparing to launch new strategies aimed at engaging with voters across the country. In…
Severe winds converged to form a whirlwind at Pak Nakhon Bay, leading to the capsizing of no less than 12 boats in the Gulf of Thailand. The incident took place on a fateful Sunday evening when the whirlwind swept through Pak Nakhon Bay before taking to the shore and causing destruction across three districts – Pak Phanang, Muang, and Tha Sala. The aftermath resulted in the unfortunate loss of Anusorn Maneewong, a 30-year-old local fisherman, whose body was discovered floating in the water after his long-tail boat had sunk within the bay. The Nakhon Si Thammarat Rescue Foundation was able to rescue five more individuals from the water; however, another 60-year-old fisherman still remains missing. According to Pak Phanang police, the storm caused the sinking of at least 12 boats by Sunday evening. They raised concerns about the possibility of encountering more casualties, injuries, and wrecked boats. In a dramatic…
Located in close proximity to a famous landmark, a costume rental shop has observed a surge in demand for traditional Thai outfits during the traditional New Year festival, especially among female tourists. The exquisite design and charm of traditional Thai silk attire definitely caught the eye of many women visiting the area, according to the shop’s operator. Renting out these traditional Thai outfits, complete with accessories, begins at a highly affordable rate of just 150 baht for three hours. Impressively, the rental service even extends this package to include professional make-up application. These exquisite costumes, adorned with silk materials and intricately designed, are quite the catch for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture of Thailand during the celebration of the New Year festival. As one delves deeper into the details of these costumes, female visitors would find themselves adorned in a carefully crafted bodice wrapped in a single shawl.…
In recent years, a growing number of households in Thailand are choosing to welcome pets into their lives, recognizing the numerous benefits these animals can bring. The Democrat Party acknowledges the significance of advocating for animal husbandry to bolster family well-being and foster a sense of camaraderie brought about by having pets as companions. One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to cultivate positive and harmonious relationships between humans and their pets. The Democrat Party believes that this will greatly assist in nurturing kindness, compassion, and respect for all life forms, particularly among the younger generation. Deputy leader of the Democrat Party, Ongart Klampaiboon, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all animals are provided with essential care, protection, and a clean environment, while also stressing the need for them to coexist happily with humans in a society free from cruelty and abandonment. To achieve their goals, the Democrat…
A potential buyer is searching for a favorite government lottery ticket in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, back in February. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) According to a statistics expert at Thammasat University, one would have to purchase the lottery 100 times in a row – equivalent to roughly four years and two months – just to win the two-digit prize. Assoc Prof Wararit Panichkitkosolkul referred to a recent study conducted by the Faculty of Science and Technology at the university, which demonstrated the probability of winning the government lottery. He suggested that the government should cease promoting the lottery, as it is already well-known and the chances of winning are slim. The study also revealed that the odds of winning 2,000 baht from the government lottery’s final two-digit prize is a mere 1 in 100. A buyer would need to invest approximately 8,000 baht for one lottery ticket each round, 100 times,…
In a proactive effort to combat the harmful effects of air pollution on the health of citizens residing in tambon Na Phra Lan, located within Saraburi’s Chalerm Prakiat district, the Ministry of Public Health has initiated the development of a specialized application. This region, under constant threat due to the presence of limestone mines and concrete factories, has been designated as a pollution control zone since 2004. Rungruang Kitpati, the chairman of the ministry’s Intelligence Unit, expressed concern over with the impact of particulate matter pollution on the local population’s health. He stressed the importance of readily accessible and transparent pollution-related data as a means to empower residents to better safeguard their health and make more informed decisions. Timely and accurate data is also vital for the government in formulating effective strategies and allocating resources in the right direction. Unfortunately, much of the required information is still recorded on paper…
The Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute (SNMRI) strives to achieve outstanding performance in its silicone clinic by evaluating and crafting high-quality silicone prosthetics for individuals who have undergone post-traumatic amputations. The SNMRI understands that patients who lose all or part of an organ as a result of an accident often face significant obstacles when attempting to reintegrate into the workforce and society. With this in mind, the institute adopts a comprehensive approach towards the rehabilitation process by creating silicone prosthetics that offer more realistic appearances and deliver functionalities akin to the lost limbs. Dr. Pairoj Surattanawanich, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, highlighted the rapid advancements in technology and prosthetics designed to support individuals with disabilities. The SNMRI places a strong emphasis on addressing the mental well-being of patients who suffer permanent organ loss. Today’s prosthetics made of silicone provide enhanced support for fingers, toes, hands, and forefoot…