On Sunday night, a large group of armed men stormed into Dong Ma-i Botanical Garden in Roi Et province, making away with seven blocks of valuable payung wood previously confiscated from illegal loggers. Dong Ma-i Botanical Garden is located within a national forest reserve in Nong Phok district, around 86 kilometers from Roi Et town, and covers about 1,000 rai of land. Under the supervision of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, the botanical garden nurtures numerous plant species mentioned in Thai literature. According to Wisan Kudthalaeng, the forestry specialist in charge, the criminals were estimated to be around 30 heavily armed individuals, their faces concealed from view. The perpetrators entered the botanical garden at around 7:45 PM, threatening Wisan and five other officials on duty. The gang proceeded to use a crane to load the stolen payung wood onto a truck before making their escape around midnight.…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Significant advancements in the serial murder investigation of Sararat “Aem” Rangsiwuthaporn, also known as “Aem Cyanide” have incriminated an unnamed police officer. As the former wife of a high-ranking police officer, Sararat, 36, is the primary suspect in 14 murders and one attempted murder. Deputy National Police Chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, confirmed that an application for a court arrest warrant for the unnamed officer will be submitted in the next few days. Evidence gathered so far has led to the issuance of arrest warrants for Ms. Sararat in 10 cases. The investigation took a significant turn when the late Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong’s mother and elder sister lodged a complaint. Siriporn’s death came after ingesting cyanide poisoning while releasing fish with Ms. Sararat in a merit-making activity at the Mae Klong River. Subsequently, investigators found cyanide traces in Siriporn’s body and believed Ms. Sararat mixed the lethal substance in her…
The Pheu Thai Party, a leading political group in Bangkok, is calling on its candidates to campaign at major intersections in the city to attract the attention of busy commuters. According to Puangphet Chunla-iad, head of the party’s election campaign coordination committee, this strategy will effectively reach out to the largely uninformed demographic, specifically those residing in gated communities and condominiums, ensuring they learn about the candidates and their policies. Polls indicate that a significant number of these potential voters remain undecided ahead of the May 14 general election, and targeting them through intersection campaigning could help sway their votes in favor of the party. Notably, candidates such as Wan Yubamrung, running in the Nong Khaem-Bang Bon-Chom Thong area, Suthonpot Kitthanapitak (Don Muang), Kawiwong Yuwichit (Phra Khanong-Bang Na), and Penpisuth Jintasopon(Bang Kho Laem-Yannawa) have been encouraged to adopt this approach. Puangphet believes that campaigning at major intersections is a unique…
Laborers play an essential role in the progress of any country, and it is crucial to support their development and provide them with a high-quality life that matches their contributions to society. Market trends are constantly changing, and it is imperative that laborers can adjust to these shifts to keep up with the ever-evolving global landscape. As Prime Minister Prayut said, efficient and skilled laborers are invaluable assets to the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors of Thailand, contributing significantly to the nation’s growth and ability to stand firm alongside other countries amidst the challenges faced across the globe. The Thai government understands the importance of providing a strong foundation of support to its laborers, and as such, prioritizes their welfare and development. By ensuring labor protection and benefits are aligned with international standards, the Thai government aims to create a safe and secure working environment that allows its workforce to…
It is truly disheartening to see individuals who are meant to be stewards of our natural environment choosing to exploit and harm it instead,” said Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, in response to a recent incident involving a diving instructor. “Engaging in the hunting of marine wildlife will ultimately result in the depletion of our oceans and the demise of diving as a viable profession. It is clear that this individual has failed as an instructor, as it is their duty to set a positive example for others.” A series of photos that sparked public outrage last week were shared on the MONSOONGARBAGE THAILAND Facebook page, featuring a diving instructor from the Southern province boasting about his capture of a triggerfish. In a post accompanying the photos, the instructor stated: “This ferocious triggerfish is renowned at Ko Ran Pet for biting several of my free dive…
Get ready for an exciting new opportunity brought to you by the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) aimed at reigniting the passion for domestic tourism in the Land of Smiles. If you’ve ever fantasized about exploring Thailand’s beauty and diversity, this campaign will give you the chance to do just that and, quite possibly, turn your passion into your livelihood! TAT has launched a search for the top 20 contenders, who will battle it out to claim the prestigious title of “Tourist of Thailand.” The participants will be required to showcase their traveling experiences through content posted on their personal social media channels. At stake for the winner is a jaw-dropping prize, consisting of a monthly income of 126,000 baht for four months (a whopping 504,000 baht in total), plus exclusive vouchers granting access to various tourist attractions throughout Thailand. With these resources, the champion will create captivating travel content…
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made a strong appeal to voters in the southern province of Songkhla during a campaign event on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming May 14 general election and urging the younger generation to help him shape the nation. Addressing a crowd in Muang district, Gen Prayut, the top prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), underscored the need for change and expressed gratitude for the support from Songkhla residents. During his speech, Gen Prayut introduced the UTN leader and second prime ministerial candidate, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, as well as the UTN candidate Jua Ratchasi. Following the event, the prime minister visited several markets in Muang to garner support for the UTN’s parliamentary candidates in the district. On Saturday evening, Gen Prayut addressed thousands of supporters at the UTN’s inaugural rally in Phatthalung’s Muang district. He asserted that all proposed policies could be implemented…
The importance of sustainable farming, food safety and security, and addressing poverty among farmers was the subject of a recent 11-party forum on agriculture and food security. The forum discussed the need for organic farming, technological innovation, and upgrading the agricultural industry to meet international standards, as well as tackling land ownership disparity. The event was organized by the National Farmers Council, Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Sovereignty Action Thailand (the BioThai Foundation), Chulalongkorn University’s Social Research Institute, and their partners. Decharut Sukkumnoed, director of the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s Think Forward Centre, suggested that the government’s subsidy schemes should be revamped as they have failed to improve farmers’ livelihoods. “The farm sector needs restructuring and a fresh workforce of young farmers to supplement ageing farmers and upgrade the production of agricultural products,” he said. The MFP plans to increase the land rights fund from 300 million baht to 10…
In a bid to resolve a long-standing land dispute between Karen villagers and local authorities, an independent committee has granted permission for the villagers to return to their ancestral home in Bang Kloy Bon within the Kaeng Krachan National Park. The committee, chaired by PM’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai and including a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Suchart Setthamalinee, published a report on April 18 outlining their proposed solutions for the evicted Karen villagers. The primary solution recommended by the committee involves approving the request of 732 Karen villagers to return to their fertile lands deep within the forest of Bang Kloy Bon. In addition, the committee proposed allowing 150 Karen villagers to establish a new community in Huay Mae Priang village, located in the Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi province. Both groups will receive aid and compensation for their forced eviction from Bang Kloy Bon. Furthermore,…
In a coordinated effort, police raided a room at the Asia Pattaya Hotel in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, in the early hours of Monday, apprehending 80 Indian nationals caught in the midst of a high-stakes gambling game. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong) The small coastal town of Pattaya in Thailand’s Chon Buri province was abuzz with excitement in the dark hours of Monday morning when a team of law enforcement officers, led by Chon Buri police chief Pol Maj Gen Kampol Leelaprapaporn, descended upon the luxurious Asia Pattaya Hotel in Soi Phra Tamnak 4, tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. Tipped off by undercover police, the officers had received reliable intelligence that a group of Indian nationals had booked rooms at the hotel from April 27 to May 1, and had rented the Sampao meeting room specifically for gaming purposes. Upon entering the hotel, the police officers found a large gathering…