In what can only be described as a shocking revelation, Thailand’s healthcare system is currently under the microscope as news of a major scandal has emerged, shaking the very foundations of public trust. The Ministry of Public Health is on high alert as 16 clinics are at the center of a storm, accused of swindling the country’s universal health scheme out of nearly 30 million baht. On July 15, the diligent Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, Thanakrit Chitareerat, personally inspected several of these clinics located in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song Dao district, as the investigation into the alleged scam took a critical turn. The crux of the scandal lies in the fraudulent claims submitted under the Universal Coverage Scheme, better known amongst locals as the ‘gold card.’ This initiative is a lifeline for countless Thai citizens, offering free or low-cost healthcare services. However, the latest revelations suggest a betrayal…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the picturesque subdistrict of Nong Prue, nestled within Chon Buri, a storm is brewing—albeit of the environmental kind. Concerned residents have recently raised alarm bells over what appears to be an illegal discharge of wastewater into the vital Mabprachan Reservoir. This body of water isn’t just a scenic spot; it’s a lifeline for the local communities. The murmur of inconvenience started on a seemingly typical July 15 morning, right by the exercise area near a quaint eatery located at the Hot Two Point intersection on Phonpraphanimit Road 34. What began as a gentle whisper quickly grew to a clamor for action as reporters hurried to the scene to confirm the commotion. Upon their arrival, a drainage pipe stood accused, silently emptying its dubious contents into the reservoir. The water’s surface was marred with streaks of oil and patches of grease, unmistakably betraying the presence of contamination. A pungent aroma…
In an unsettling tale from the peaceful province of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, an air of shock and disbelief has enveloped the local community. It all began on June 28th, when an ordinary motorcycle ride turned into a harrowing experience for a father and his innocent four-year-old daughter, changing their lives forever. The young girl, now tragically blind, became an unintended victim of an attack with truly malevolent roots. The distressing episode came to light when the girl’s family, in sheer desperation, reached out to a local social media influencer, known for their engaging Facebook page “Ban Hia Charn Aui Ubon.” This platform, which often sheds light on local issues, caught the attention of various news outlets, thrusting the heartbreaking incident into the public spotlight. The narrative begins with the girl’s father, who was leisurely driving through the community roads of the Det Udom district. Unexpectedly, they found themselves confronted by…
In the often bustling corridors of Phuket’s Vachira Hospital, a curious chapter unfolded yesterday that brought more than just healthcare into the spotlight. It was a day when the unexpected zig-zagged through the ordinary, as one man’s wayward moment turned the hospital upside down. At around 3 PM, nestled within the heart of the third-floor outpatient examination room, a wave of commotion broke the humid air. The story began as a mental illness episode that spiraled into an unintended spectacle. A man, identified merely as 40-year-old Boonruen, and whose surname is carefully kept under wraps, found himself amidst chaos that was as unpredictable as a Monsoon rain in July. In a moment of bewilderment, Boonruen clutched a nurse’s shoulder bag and sprinted with an urgency befitting a marathoner, yet without a finish line in sight. Witnesses, their faces etched with surprise and bewilderment, watched the scene unfold. Like a script…
In a tale that reads like a script from a gritty crime drama, Bangkok police have unraveled a sophisticated con operation, masquerading behind the façade of officialdom. A criminal gang posing as a fake director of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) tricked an unsuspecting postgraduate student into forking over hundreds of thousands of baht. This audacious group, infamous for its call centre scams, was nabbed right out of a bustling shopping epicenter in Bang Na, yesterday, July 15. The hero leading this real-life sting was none other than Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, the formidable Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Alongside him, a team of sharp deputies and officers from the Central Investigation Bureau, with a little backup from the Pho Klang Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, orchestrated the operation that led to this gang’s falling house of cards. The gang’s modus operandi was as clever as it was…
In a tragic turn of events, the rough seas around the idyllic Koh Phaluai in Surat Thani turned somber as they bayed witness to a dire maritime incident. On July 15, the sun hadn’t yet dipped below the horizon when Deputy Director Natthaphon Sinpunpon of Surat Thani’s Centre for Maritime Security responded to a distress call that echoed over static-filled communications. Accompanied by the steadfast team from the Centre for Maritime Security Region 2, they embarked on a rescue mission aboard the swift Maritime Security 4003. Their destination: a cargo ship sailing under the Chinese flag, Ocean Win Tori, embroiled in an ordeal that would go down as a tragic chapter in its logbook. The ship’s journey from Indonesia had almost reached its Thai waypoint to load goods, en-route to the vast expanse of China. It was within this ceaseless voyage that 56-year-old Wang Jiejun’s life met an unanticipated and…
In a bustling corner of Bangkok’s vibrant Khlong Sam Wa district, an unexpected scene unfolded that seems more like a plot twist out of a movie than real life. Two unlikely characters, a Cambodian couple by the names of Nga Phon and Chanty Rav, had been apprehended by local authorities for their unconventional venture – running an illicit pork stall right under the noses of the law. But this wasn’t just any pork stall; it was a lively slice of market life complete with animated conversations in Thai and cash transactions reminiscent of the days when digital payments weren’t pervasive. On an otherwise typical Monday morning, specifically July 14, the market scene was abuzz. The vivid calls of vendors, the chatter of customers, and the fresh aroma of grilled meats were suddenly interrupted by a deliberate police operation. Led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, the operation, as riveting as…
In the bustling and vibrant world of Thailand, the sense of excitement and anticipation is palpable as the nation’s lottery enthusiasts eagerly scour for the mystical digits that might just change their lives forever. The lottery fever is not just a game of chance—it’s a cultural phenomenon, where social media pulses with whispers and predictions ahead of each draw. Today is no exception and amid the brilliant chaos, a few extraordinary tales of number-hunting are making waves, each more intriguing than the last. One of the most compelling narratives floating around comes from the enigmatic Wat Somwang’s Ai Khai. Once again, the spiritual figure’s incense stick numbers are being leaned upon by hopeful hearts. Word has it that the shimmering smoke trails have spelled out fortunes to the tune of 25 million baht for astute followers in the past. This time, the numbers hover tantalizingly close, teasing fortune-seekers with the…
In the heart of Thailand’s northeastern province, a mystical slice of paradise known as Kham Chanod Island awaits its eager visitors. This sacred haven, sheltered amidst the waters in Udon Thani, has become the focal point of hopeful punters from across the nation. As the lottery draw looms large today, anticipation crackles in the thick, humid air, and attendees seem gripped by an exhilarating mix of faith and fervor. Yesterday, on July 15, hundreds of devoted seekers swarmed the sacred grounds, eager to receive blessings from the revered Phaya Naga. This mythical serpent and symbol of prosperity has captivated believers, drawing them to engage in rituals with Pu Sri Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pratumma. While the influx of visitors has dwindled compared to previous years—with locals noting a decline from a bustling 2,000-3,000 on festive weekends to a modest 1,000—this dip has done little to dampen the spirits of…
Yesterday, the Thai Cabinet made an exciting decision that promises to put Thailand in the international spotlight, blending the thrill of sports with a warm welcome to global visitors. A lavish budget of over 424 million baht has been sanctioned to host the much-anticipated Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Women’s Volleyball World Championship 2025. Set your calendars, volleyball fans, as this riveting tournament will unfold from August 22 to September 7, gracing four dazzling Thai provinces: Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. This vital budget, precisely 424,177,200 baht, has been secured from the central emergency fund, committing to the hefty licensing fee payable to the FIVB. Beyond the competitive volleys and spikes that the tournament promises, there’s a grander plan in play; it’s about showcasing Thailand’s prowess on the global stage as a tourism and investment haven. With international broadcasts serving as a gateway, Thailand aims to enhance its…