In a bold and decisive move, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has taken a firm stand against the callous call centre gangs notorious for their role in human trafficking and transnational crimes. As of early February 2025, under the watchful eye of national police chief Kittharath Punpetch, the RTP has transformed the landscape with the introduction of over 5,000 nationwide checkpoints, creating a web of vigilance that stretches across Thailand. This formidable operation has already borne fruit with the apprehension of 524 foreign nationals linked to a spectrum of illicit activities. But the net has been cast wider. Crowds numbering 231 have found the gates to Thailand impenetrable. Meanwhile, over 45,000 individuals have been penciled into a critical watchlist, all within three weeks of intensified efforts. Spotlights of success include the riveting capture of two suspects in Songkhla, discovered alongside a nefarious assembly of two SIM boxes and an arsenal…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a political saga unfolding this week, Senator Premsak Piayura is gearing up to light a fire under Thailand’s parliamentary scene. The senator is preparing to table a motion aimed at invoking a Constitutional Court’s ruling to determine if parliament wields the power to amend Section 256 of the legal code. A move like this could open the doors to assembling a charter-drafting assembly (CDA). Interestingly, whispers on the grapevine suggest that Senator Premsak already has rallying support from 40 of his fellow senators, a requisite number under the law’s constraints. This motion isn’t just blowing in the wind; it’s primed to be slotted into the hands of Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha this Thursday. Why Thursday? That’s when the parliamentary chatter about charter amendment bills is slated to kick off, hitting the ground running with proposals that target, among others, the very Section 256 in question. But, like…
The joyous echoes of children’s laughter reverberated through the newly renovated halls of Ban Don Thong School (Ong Pittayakarn), nestled in the quaint locale of tambon Klong Mai within Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom. The reason? A heartwarming gesture of goodwill from the Israeli Embassy to Thailand, spearheaded by the enthusiastic and ever-charismatic Israeli Ambassador, Orna Sagiv. This picturesque school, offering a nurturing cradle for kindergarten to primary-level education, was in dire need of some TLC. Outdated infrastructure and a less-than-ideal environment hampered its potential. But thanks to the embassy’s benevolence, showered generously with a budget of 172,248 baht in early November, the school underwent a transformation that would make any phoenix blush. Roofs were rejuvenated, ceilings were revamped, boards received a facelift, and the once worn-down playground and activity hall now gleamed like new under the tropical sun. During a jubilant visit on Tuesday, Ambassador Sagiv was greeted with…
In a dramatic turn of events in Khon Kaen, local authorities apprehended a 31-year-old man, Warit, whose full surname remains undisclosed, for egregious crimes involving the sexual exploitation of underaged boys and distributing the heinous acts online. This arrest transpired during a meticulously planned raid conducted by the tenacious Cyber Crime Investigation Division 3 (CCID3), as they aggressively crack down on nefarious activities across several provinces under their jurisdiction, including Maha Sarakham, Yasothon, Roi Et, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The sting operations were spearheaded by Pol Lt Gen Chatpanthakan Klaiklueng, the astute commander of CCID3, who unraveled a labyrinthine network of illegal enterprises, extending beyond mere online debauchery to encompass illegal lottery rings and unsettling tales of human trafficking. The pursuit of justice gained momentum after an invaluable tip-off unveiled the existence of a sinister chatroom on the popular Line application, where members shamefully shelled out a 200-baht admission fee to…
The rhythmic sound of flowing water is one we often take for granted, yet it plays a crucial role in shaping our environment and lives. This year, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is taking strides to ensure that the symphony of water flowing through Thailand’s 22 river basins hits just the right notes. Helmed by the diligent Secretary-General, Surasee Kittimonthon, this ambitious initiative is racing towards completion despite its share of twists and turns. Already, two comprehensive water management plans have materialized for both the Lower Southern Basin and the Chi River Basin. The announcement of these plans in the Royal Gazette on February 6 marked a significant milestone. However, this is just the overture. Under the baton of Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the ONWR committee has now greenlit additional blueprints for the Sakae Krang, Wang, and Nan River basins. A grand total of seventeen more…
Eight individuals find themselves entangled in a physical assault and extortion scandal that has rocked Bangkok University to its core. The case has captured the attention of the community and social media alike, sending ripples of outrage throughout the city. At the center of this debacle are two young suspects, Rasipa “Preem” Satchawan, 22, and Chakatpol “Oshi” Wachirawan, 19. Their names have become synonymous with extortion and assault, with accusations surfacing about the severe physical and psychological injuries inflicted on a junior student. It all began last Sunday when Rasipa and Chakatpol were apprehended. The chilling details of their alleged transgressions spread like wildfire across the internet, igniting a fury of protests by Saturday evening. The bone-chilling act involved pouring hot soup over the victim, leaving burns festooned across his back, neck, and arms, accompanied by a brutal beating and an unasked-for haircut. The duo insisted their actions were merely…
In a sweeping crackdown aiming to safeguard the economic sanctity of Thailand, authorities have launched an aggressive pursuit against rogue enterprises. As of late, they’ve prosecuted a staggering 820 cases tied to nominee businesses, those elusive entities skirting the law, causing damages that painfully spiral upwards of 12.49 billion baht. A formidable task force, under the vigilant eye of Deputy Government Spokeswoman, Ms. Sasikan Wattanachan, is helming this offensive. This elite squad brings together brains and brawn from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Immigration Bureau, the Customs Department, among others. Their mission? Sniff out those sneaky loopholes used to bypass the Foreign Business Act, and throttle the flow of dodgy overseas merchandise that seep into Thai markets. Since September of last year, these efforts have unearthed hundreds of clandestine operations deeply entrenched not just in the tourism industry but also sprawling across online marketplaces, construction materials, accounting services, transport…
Picture this: the Songkran festival is in full swing, colorful water fights break out along the streets, and tourists gather at the Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla, eagerly anticipating their cross-border adventures. As vibrant an image as that paints, this year, Songkhla’s not just bustling with festival-goers. Come next Tuesday, it’s set to be a hive of governmental activity as the region plays host to the first mobile cabinet meeting of the year. The Thai government, led by the astute Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, intends to focus its efforts on fostering development along the southern region’s east coast and the vital Sadao border trade gateway with Malaysia. It’s all systems go as not only Ms. Paetongtarn but her entire cabinet will touchdown in Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces, diving into a multi-faceted mission that spans across Monday and Tuesday. Springing into action, the ministers are set to engage deeply with local…
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon in Bangkok, the opulent Shangri-La Hotel buzzed with a sense of occasion. Guests in dapper attire filled the grand ballroom, their laughter intertwining with the soft notes of classical Iranian music. This was no ordinary evening—it was a celebration steeped in history and camaraderie, marking Iran’s National Day and the glorious 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. The spotlight of the evening was undeniably on Nassereddin Heidari, the charismatic Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand, who was about to address the anticipating audience. Heidari, with a resonant voice that exuded both pride and warmth, greeted the gathering with a welcome speech that resonated beyond the gilded walls of the hotel. His words painted a vivid picture of Iran’s grand vision to strengthen tourism exchanges with Thailand. It came as no surprise to the guests that over 50,000 Iranians had…
Bangkok’s Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, was a buzz of excitement last month as tourists flocked to the bustling heart of the city. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, an impressive 4.8 million foreigners set foot on Thai soil between the dawn of the new year and February 9. This influx of globetrotters has joyously pumped over 234.9 billion baht into the economy, painting a picture of prosperity for the Land of Smiles. Leading the parade were visitors from China, their numbers soaring to 825,617, putting them in a league of their own. Hot on their heels were travelers from Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India, numbering 617,631, 330,628, 263,572, and 232,828 respectively. It’s clear that Thailand’s reputation as a must-visit destination echoes far and wide. The week spanning February 3 to February 9 brought a delightful sprinkle of tourists from long-haul destinations, marking a 4.15% uptick. Russian and…