A snapshot shared on social media by Fair Party MP, Kannavee Suebsaeng, recently stirred up a storm. The image captured an early-morning exodus of detention vans with windows obscured by black tape, pulling out from the immigration detention center on Soi Suan Phlu in Bangkok. This covert operation seemed to be the preamble to a day loaded with tension and debate, as 40 Uyghur detainees found themselves being deported from Thailand, ending an eleven-year chapter in the country. The move came following reassurances from China stating that these individuals would be well taken care of, as disclosed by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. With that, Thailand has come under heavy siege from human rights activists worldwide. When the news broke, Phil Robertson, Bangkok’s own watchdog from Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, was not one to mince words. Describing the move as “unthinkable,” he boldly suggested that Thailand should relinquish its…
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As darkness falls over Nong Sai village, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Residents eagerly gather around an ancient neem tree, its history stretching back over a century, nestled beside an abandoned house at the edge of the rice fields. It’s a Buddhist holy day, February 26th to be precise, and the villagers believe this spiritual occasion could bring them good fortune in the upcoming lottery draw. The neem tree stands tall, its bark aged and wise, embraced by the shared memories of the community. Flowers, incense, brightly burning candles, and a scattering of red drinks form a sacred offering at its base. This ritual is not just tradition; it’s a hopeful plea for the spirits to reveal promising numbers. With respectful reverence, the villagers begin by lighting incense, a signal to the spirits that they’re seeking guidance. The careful scraping of the bark follows, the villagers’ eyes squinting…
As the sun gently sets over the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, a new chapter in the realm of tourism unfolds. By the close of this year, chatter abounds with the impending arrival of a 300-baht tourism tax, set to be levied on foreign visitors. This new scheme, a brainchild of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, aims to strike a delicate balance between generating revenue and smoothing the tourist experience during Thailand’s much-awaited High Season. Yet, as with all great innovations, the tax proposal has sparked a whirlwind of debate across the industry, with critics and supporters locking horns over its potential implications. If all goes according to plan, this contentious tax will leap from legislative text to living reality by March, once it graces the pages of the Royal Gazette. The tax applies uniformly to all globetrotters—those arriving via the ease of air travel and those embarking upon more…
In a somber turn of events on February 26, a catastrophic accident unfolded on Highway 11 in the serene province of Nakhon Sawan, transforming a routine journey into an indelible tragedy. The accident, involving an unyielding collision between a passenger van and a hulking trailer truck, resulted in the heartrending loss of four lives and left five others injured, casting a pall over the community. The fateful van was making its way back from the hallowed grounds of Dhammakaya Temple, carrying a group immersed in spiritual reflection and headed toward the tranquil province of Phichit. On its journey back, destiny had a different plan as it met its sudden and cruel fate. The incident was promptly reported to Police Lieutenant Pisol Phasuk from the vigilant Tha Tako Police Station, marking a grim precedent for that day in Don Ka subdistrict, nestled in the heart of Tha Tako district. Upon their…
In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on February 26, a serene highway in the tranquil province of Nakhon Sawan bore witness to a devastating accident that has left the community in shock. A van, filled with hopeful pilgrims returning from the revered Dhammakaya Temple, collided disastrously with a trailer truck on the well-traveled Highway 11, transforming a spiritual journey into a tragic tale of loss and survival. The serene ambiance of the Don Ka subdistrict was shattered as Police Lieutenant Pisol Phasuk from the Tha Tako Police Station responded to urgent reports of a catastrophic collision. The scene that greeted the emergency services was nightmarish. Amidst the roadside chaos, an 18-wheeler loomed, its trailer visibly marred where contact had been made. Yet, it was the sight of the crumpled Toyota van, its structure mangled almost beyond recognition, that told the somber story of the day. Inside the twisted metal, four…
Step into the world of Cindy Sirinya Bishop, where beauty goes beyond the surface, and advocacy takes center stage. This Thai-American supermodel, actress, and advocate has charted an inspiring journey of transformation and empowerment. Born on December 30, 1978, Cindy stands tall—literally at 178 cm—and figuratively as a beacon of change, continually breaking molds and setting new standards. Her journey boasts milestones from being crowned Miss Thailand World 1996 to becoming a UN Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Women. As the year 2025 unfolds, Cindy is poised to captivate audiences as a keynote speaker at the Bangkok Post Women Vision 2025 event, aptly titled HER STORY OUR STORY. This event celebrates the indomitable spirit and contributions of women across various industries, and Cindy’s journey is nothing short of legendary. Imagine growing up in the vibrant tapestry of Thailand, a place where beauty standards have long been defined by traditional norms. Cindy,…
In the vibrant world of glamour and advocacy, Cindy Sirinya Bishop stands tall—not just in stature, but in her remarkable journey of transformation and empowerment. As we eagerly await her appearance as a guest speaker at the heralded Bangkok Post Women Vision 2025 event, HER STORY OUR STORY, Cindy’s life story continues to inspire many. This celebration of women’s contributions to leadership across industries is a testament to emerging voices that challenge the status quo, a task Cindy has embraced with grace and determination. Born on December 30, 1978, with a captivating blend of American, English, Indian, and Thai heritage, Cindy Sirinya Bishop has not merely skimmed the surface of societal norms—she’s redefined them entirely. Raised in Thailand, her distinctive multinational looks and striking height drew more than a few sideways glances during her formative years. Labeled as a ‘farang,’ a local term for foreigners, young Cindy wrestled with self-doubt,…
In a dramatic turn of events on Sukhumvit Road, nestled in the bustling Chon Buri’s Sattahip district, chaos reigned supreme one afternoon, bringing the neighborhood to a standstill. All this began with a seemingly straightforward car crash that soon spiraled into a multidimensional spectacle no one saw coming. An evening meant for the humdrum of daily life ended up being an action-packed sequence that left everyone gasping for air. Picture this: a highly inebriated Lieutenant Commander Kriangsak Taeklang, a name now echoing across the internet faster than a viral dance video, commandeered his white Toyota Vios. In an unfortunate yet reckless maneuver, he decided to test the structural integrity of Tharanya’s brown Honda City. Spoiler alert—the Honda lost this test, bearing the scars on its right side as a lasting memory of the encounter. Enter the police, sirens wailing, ready to perform the customary roadside sobriety routine. However, they were…
On Sukhumvit Road, in the usually serene district of Sattahip, Chon Buri, chaos struck like a thunderbolt on a clear day. A drunken Lieutenant Commander from the Navy, Kriangsak Taeklang, decided to test the crash resistance of his white Toyota Vios by ramming it into Tharanya’s unsuspecting brown Honda City. The unfortunate collateral in this vehicular mayhem? The Honda’s poor rear right side, now sporting a crumpled, decidedly less aerodynamic structure. When the local police arrived, they found Kriangsak putting on quite the show, appearing as if he’d had more than just a swig or two of the sailor’s favorite—strong spirits. As the officers prepared the paperwork and gentle coaxing typical of guiding an inebriated officer towards a breathalyser test, the cavalry—or rather, the Navy’s Air and Coastal Defence Command (ACDC) pickup—rolled onto the scene. This wasn’t your garden-variety rescue mission; six armed soldiers leapt out, sporting M16s as if…
In a stunning revelation that left social media abuzz, a dedicated Thai park ranger named Sai stepped up to expose the audacious antics of a pair of Italian tourists on February 27, 2025. The tourists had brazenly ignored official warnings and embarked on a reckless snorkeling excursion in a designated no-go zone, putting a fragile coral reef ecosystem at risk. With his camera in hand, Sai captured the rule-breaking escapade and shared the jaw-dropping video on his Facebook and Instagram accounts, sending shockwaves across the digital realm. In the vivid footage, Sai, exasperated yet determined, addressed the flagrant violation with a pointed remark, “Can you do anything you want if you have money? Foreign tourists look down on Thai people.” His sentiment struck a chord, resonating with the frustration of many locals who feel their homeland is often a backdrop for tourists’ entitled behavior. The story behind the video painted…