Posts published in “Thailand”

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…

The latest efforts of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) have brought a significant clampdown on call center gangs that have been plaguing the region with their international crime rings. In a relentless push to tackle human trafficking and associated transnational crimes, over 5,000 checkpoints have been established nationwide. As of early February, these operations have produced tangible results, with 524 foreign nationals apprehended and over 231 others denied entry into the country. Adding to this impressive crackdown, a staggering 45,000 individuals have been added to a watchlist in the span of just three weeks! Among the most notable arrests was a duo of suspects nabbed in Songkhla, accompanied by incriminating tools such as two SIM boxes and various computer devices. Meanwhile, in Tak, law enforcement intercepted another group with a hefty cache of communication gear, indicating the scale and seriousness of their organized activities. In an ambitious sweep, 478,000 vehicles…

In a scene that reads like a gripping detective novel, the Shwe Kokko new town in Myawaddy has taken center stage in the Thai government’s battle against illicit activities lurking just across the Thailand-Myanmar border. The drama that unfolds is taking place under the vigilant eye of the Royal Thai Police and their heightened scrutiny of suspected underhanded ties between high-ranking officers and criminal enterprises in Myanmar. Last Wednesday marked a turning point; amid swirling suspicions, a significant shake-up in the Tak province’s police ranks was announced. Five senior officers found themselves reassigned, shaking up the status quo while investigations loom large over them. A name that rings ominously through whispered corridors is Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat Intasueb—a figure whose wealth and influence cast long shadows across the seven provinces under his watch, including the restless Tak. With the power to connect the dots between regions, he is now temporarily…

From the balmy banks of the Moei River, a truly remarkable saga unfolded on a bright Wednesday afternoon, when 261 individuals took their first steps to freedom from the notorious scam centres of Myawaddy. Carefully orchestrated by the resolute Col Natthakorn Rueantip, head of the valiant Ratchamanoo special task force, the operation involved a convoy of 100 dedicated soldiers and a fleet of over ten trucks, all engaged in the noble mission of welcoming these weary travelers to Thai soil. As these foreign souls entered the Phop Phra district of Tak, they were met with a semblance of safety and a promise of due process at the local district office. The Thai authorities, steadfast in their resolve, prepared diligently for what they expected to be an increasing wave of victims seeking sanctuary from the menacing grips of Myanmar’s call-centre scam syndicates. In a strategic move to uproot these criminal networks,…

On a bustling Wednesday afternoon, a glimmer of hope crossed the border into Thailand’s Phop Phra district as 261 weary foreigners trudged from their battered beginnings in Myanmar, rescued from the treacherous grip of call-scam rogues. Their journey, a complex weave of despair and aspiration, unfolds with the backdrop of strategic enforcement led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Thanks to the stealthy actions of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, these captives found a lifeline after being plucked from the shadowy enclaves of KK Park and Shwe Kokko, notorious for their scam outposts. As the clock struck 4:30 pm, these individuals reached the threshold of a rejuvenated chapter, greeted by the compassionate, albeit critical, hands of Thai authorities. Earlier that fateful day, Mr. Phumtham engaged in discussions, unraveling the Myanmar government’s dissatisfaction over their inability to care for the lingering victims, initially anticipating a group of 53. Yet as the…

(Photo: Karen Information Centre) In the shadowy world of regional power dynamics, Col Saw Chit Thu stands at the helm of a formidable force, commanding an army of 8,000. Yet, his strength isn’t merely in numbers. Analysts suggest his operations in Myawaddy thrive on financial streams flowing from ventures that some might call less than savory. The man leads no ordinary battalion; instead, it’s a complex blend of local militias nested under the broader umbrella of the Myanmar junta-allied Karen Border Guard Force (BGF). The limelight found Saw Chit Thu once again, as Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, delivered a stark message, signaling across the border: should Saw Chit Thu or his high-level cohorts set foot on Thai soil, they will face immediate arrest. This isn’t a mere posturing; rather, it reflects the growing tensions fueled by transnational crime activities radiating from Shwe Kokko township, a…

In the bustling city of Bangkok on a warm September day in 2023, a spirited gathering took place at the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Station. Participants rallied to shine a light on Anti-Corruption Day, emphasizing the pressing issue of corruption not only in Thailand but globally. The urgency of the cause was highlighted by Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report, which cast a revealing spotlight on the global standings of nations striving to combat this pervasive issue. According to the 2024 CPI, Thailand’s score dipped slightly to 34 from 35 the previous year. Despite the slight drop in score, there was a silver lining as Thailand saw a minor improvement in its global standing, moving up one place to 107th. This annual survey, which meticulously evaluates 180 countries, never fails to stir conversations and spark movements worldwide. Taking a glance at the top of the list, Denmark emerged as…

Imagine this: it’s a brisk morning in 2025, and you’re flipping through the latest news to discover that complaints are on the rise! Yes, you read it right! Fiscal 2024 was a year buzzing with gripes, with over 59,400 grievances whispered, shouted, and penned across the country. This intriguing figure, unveiled by the permanent secretary’s office of the PM’s Office, grabbed the attention of the cabinet, as it marked an increase of 2,072 from the prior year. So, what exactly got on people’s nerves this past year? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of complaints. Leading the charge with 5,657 cases were the noise and vibration disturbances. Picture this: late-night concerts rocking your neighborhood, booming fireworks at temple fairs, and motorbikes racing through the streets while you’re trying to catch some Z’s. Especially during festival seasons, the cacophony was relentless, leaving many pleading for a peaceful night’s sleep. Not far…

Along the picturesque yet tense Thai-Myanmar border in Thailand’s Tak province, soldiers of the elite Rachamanu Task Force stand vigilant. The backdrop is as dramatic as it is unnerving—nestled amidst lush greenery lies the frontier where a human drama of hope, desperation, and diplomatic relations unfolds. The atmosphere is saturated with anticipation, as news swirls about the plight of foreign workers caught in the web of deceit spun by notorious scam gangs operating within Myanmar. It’s a story that transcends borders, capturing the world’s attention. Enter Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a man tasked with navigating the thorny geopolitical landscape wrought by power cuts, shady operations, and ensuing human crises. His words on this past Wednesday delivered in a steady, determined tone, painted a picture of preparedness mixed with realism. “Thailand has been alerted to the distress signals—gangs are releasing their shackled workers, urging them towards sanctuary in our lands,”…