Alex and Jay are your charming hosts for this week, bringing you the most captivating headlines from Thailand and Southeast Asia. From edgy stories of crime to uplifting archaeological finds, they’ve got the scoop covered. This week, they dive into the glamorous world of social media swindling and roll the dice on some international intrigue. To kick off the news savvy, we’ve got Ellis Matthews, the British TikTok sensation who lived a bit too lavishly in Thailand while raking in benefits from the UK. Thailand’s justice system wasn’t entertained and has since put her behind bars for visa overstays and fraudulent dealings. Her escapades included flaunting high-end escapades on TikTok while advising on how to claim UK benefits abroad. With a tumultuous history of legal challenges, her arrest has been met with a wave of online chatter, but her fundraising efforts seem to have hit a rough patch. Young Ellis’…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a bold and resolute move, Morrisons, the esteemed British supermarket chain, has declared it’s high time to “make good things happen.” Like a knight on a quest for justice, they have decided to sever ties with Thai coconut producers, casting aside those who have been linked to the appalling practice of forced monkey labor. The noble intervention comes after heart-wrenching investigations led by the intrepid advocates of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which uncovered a dark underbelly within Thailand’s coconut industry. The revelations are enough to leave you aghast—a world where young, innocent monkeys are cruelly chained and made to scale trees in a relentless quest for coconuts; it’s the stuff of nightmares. Despite PETA’s attempts to shake the conscience of Thai government officials, the response has been a frustrating silence, a void where action should be. But don’t lose hope just yet. Morrisons has taken…
In an unsettling incident that has shaken the calm of Pathum Thani, authorities are in pursuit of a Thai man believed to be responsible for a heart-wrenching tragedy. This incident involves the alleged abandonment and drowning of his 10-month-old baby in a local canal. It was a serene morning on March 13 when fisherman Prachak Wangchuechom’s routine took an unexpected and horrendous turn. As he cast his net into the calm waters of the Song Canal in Soi Phahonyothin 64, Lam Luk Ka district, he made a discovery that nobody should ever have to endure. Entangled in his net, rather than the expected bounty, was a dark, mystifying backpack. Initially, the discovery seemed minor, but a pervasive and ghastly odor soon emanated from the suspicious package. With an uneasy feeling, Prachak opened the bag to reveal multiple plastic layers concealing something unspeakable. Fearing the worst, he quickly contacted the authorities…
In an unsettling turn of events, a peaceful morning in Mae Lan district of Pattani was shattered by the unmistakable roar of an explosion. Nine valiant members of the police force found themselves caught up in the chaos, bearing the brunt of a bomb that had been insidiously placed beneath a roadside pole. The officers, on a routine assignment offering protection to the local teachers, suddenly became the focal point of an attack that has once again highlighted the deep-seated tensions in this southern border province. The incident unfolded between the serene landscapes of village Moo 1 and the neighboring Moo 2 in tambon Muang Tia. It was around 8:50 AM when the peace was pierced by the blast. Pol Capt Nathee Meesuksri of Mae Lan station quickly acknowledged the weight of the situation as reports flooded in about the injured officers. The scene was soon swarming with fellow law…
In a rather audacious turn of events straight out of a slapstick comedy movie, a daring gang embarked on a spree so outlandish that even the most seasoned mystery aficionados would raise an eyebrow. This spectacle unfolded in Nonthaburi, a bustling province radiating vibrant energy just northwest of Bangkok, where a group of enterprising miscreants decided to redefine the art of burglary. Equipped with nothing short of a single motorcycle—a detail that adds a pinch of hilarity to their escapade—this gang managed an astonishing feat: the theft of various household appliances, ranging from a washing machine and refrigerator to an air conditioner and television, from a single building. Their unusual heist did not go unnoticed by the vigilant Nonthaburi police force. The police, swift in action and guided by the tenacity of Police Colonel Phisut Chantarasuwan alongside Deputy Superintendent Phasakorn Chaiyawong, swooped in like hawks capturing their prey. They arrested…
In the tranquil town of Surat Thani, nestled near the bustling Vibhavadi Camp Hospital, tranquility met chaos when a fiery beast tore through a used car dealership in the early hours of March 14, 2025. The devastating blaze, igniting at the witching hour of 3:40 am, transformed the quiet night into a scene straight out of a catastrophe movie. As the flames danced with abandon, emergency services sprang into action, embarking on a race against time to tame the inferno that threatened to devour everything in its path. The scene was nothing short of dramatic. Billowing smoke and searing heat emanated from what used to be a thriving car dealership, as the fire, having birthed in the dealership’s office, crept hungrily toward the rows of vehicles parked within. In mere minutes, the flames found playmates—a pickup truck and seven other cars—setting them ablaze in a spectacle that painted the night…
It’s quite a scene at the district office in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat province, where yesterday the district chief, Supeeyan Taemohseng, stood amidst the rubble in his signature blue attire, evaluating the remnants of a once bustling hub for border pass issuance. This inspection heralded the news that, come Friday, the gears of bureaucracy would begin turning once more, allowing hopeful travelers to resume their cross-border ventures into Malaysia after an interruption due to the shocking downtown bombings that shook the district to its core. It was a harrowing day, March 8, when suspected insurgents unleashed chaos, detonating bombs that not only marred the concrete and glass but also left an indelible mark on the community’s psyche. The ambitious plan of carnage aimed at the district office compound didn’t spare the esteemed auditorium, a veritable hub where border passes are processed daily. Among the grievous repercussions, two defense volunteers lost their…
In a heartwarming celebration brimming with enthusiasm and a dash of grandeur, Khao Kheow Open Zoo rolled out the red carpet for its most cherished resident, Pang Nat, on Thai Elephant Day. The occasion, marked with jubilance and devotion, took place bright and early at 10am on March 13. Ularika Kongprom, the zoo’s dynamic assistant director, spearheaded the ceremony while a delightful medley of zoo executives, dedicated staff, and eager students basked in the festivity, eager to show their support and admiration for Thailand’s majestic symbol – the elephant. The highlight of this glorious day was an extravagant buffet staged specifically for Pang Nat, the zoo’s esteemed senior elephant, who was joined by her jovial companions, Pang Janphen and Pang Jim. Together, these gentle giants indulged in a colossal buffet cake, artfully assembled from the freshest fruits and vegetables. Visitors, buzzing with excitement, had the rare opportunity to hand-feed these…
Hold onto your hats, food lovers! McDonald’s is turning up the heat with a jaw-dropping multi-million baht investment aimed at taking Thailand by storm. The Chief Executive of McThai Co Ltd, Kittiwan Anuwatesakul, has unveiled plans for a whopping 700 million baht expansion. They’re rolling out the red carpet for 20 brand-new outlets, which will devour a hearty 70-80% of the budget. Not to mention, 25 existing branches are getting a chic refurbishment! Currently, McThai boasts 240 branches scattered across this beautiful land known for its rich culture and mouth-watering cuisine. While the precise locations for the new outlets remain veiled in secrecy, whispers promise that these will be sites worth visiting. More than just a facelift, the revamped locations will serve up three tantalizing design themes that scream ‘modern-day fun.’ Expect a Geometry theme that sizzles with a sleek contemporary vibe, Essential Ingredients 2.0 splashes you in a pop…
Imagine a destination where luxury, wellness, and world-class hospitality seamlessly blend into one exquisite experience. Enter the BDMS Wellness Clinic Sri panwa, a crown jewel sitting regally upon the stunning tropical landscape of Phuket. Officially launched by BDMS, Thailand’s leading name in preventive healthcare, this clinic promises to redefine luxury wellness, sculpting an unrivaled experience where science dances gently with holistic rejuvenation. The BDMS Wellness Clinic Sri panwa is much more than a healthcare facility; it’s a symphony of medical precision and serene tranquility set against the golden hues of Phuket’s sun-kissed shoreline. But it’s not just their breathtaking locale that attracts discerning travelers from across the globe. The clinic offers a comprehensive suite of health assessments that promise to unveil the mysteries of your biological age with telomere length testing, provide insights into disease risks through epigenetic evaluations, and meticulously check your hormone balance, vital antioxidants, and micronutrients. With…