Posts published in “Thailand”

Popping into the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the heart of Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, often offers a vibrant tapestry of sounds, colors, and scents. But for one visitor last week, the experience was memorable for altogether different reasons. As the light shimmered off the canal, a wave of controversy rippled through the market, revealing an undercurrent of dissatisfaction among patrons. Yamolpon Kaeosakun, a Thai native, took to social media with a grievance that quickly captured the public’s attention. In a lively and widely-followed Facebook group, We Are Consumers (พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค), Yamolpon chronicled an experience she shared with two foreign friends. The three embarked on what they expected to be an enchanting journey through the famed floating market, yet the final bill of 9,500 baht left them in shock. For a two-hour trip starting at 10 AM and concluding at 1 PM, Yamolpon felt their payment was excessive, to say the…

In an unfolding saga straight out of a gripping thriller, a Thai couple known as Em and Bee, has found themselves at the heart of a complex web involving allegations against law enforcement officers, missing pieces in their narrative, and revelations that are keeping everyone on their toes. Their story has drawn attention from all corners, highlighting issues of credibility, deception, and justice. Em and Bee initially approached the public spotlight by accusing a former police officer of rape and another officer of extorting 15,000 baht in exchange for assistance. Frustrated by what they perceived as stagnation in the police investigation, they turned to high-profile lawyer Paisarn Rueangrit, hoping for a breakthrough. Yet, their predicament seemed to deepen as their past decisions and omissions began to surface. The tale began in Pathum Thani province, where financial struggles led Em and Bee to pawn their car at a local garage. Unable…

The political arena of Thailand has recently been embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy, but fear not. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, is here with a cool head and a calming presence, much like a diplomat wielding a magical shield of rationality. Amid the uproar resulting from the leaked audio conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, Phumtham has publicly leapt to the defense of the Prime Minister. In his dual role as Defence Minister, Phumtham downplayed the hullabaloo, steadfastly confirming the coalition’s allegiance to Paetongtarn, while swatting away rumors of a government disintegration like an annoying summer mosquito. “Our government stands firm,” Phumtham asserted with unyielding confidence. “Cabinet adjustments are in the works, but the Prime Minister’s office remains steadfast. Despite Bhumjaithai’s exit from the coalition, coalition harmony will carry on as we recalibrate our focus.” When the question arose whether members of…

In the tranquil landscapes of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a scene of somber discovery unfolded on the early morning of June 20, 2025. The peaceful environs were unsettled by the grim find of one Rolf Guski, a 63-year-old German expatriate, whose lifeless body was discovered in his rented dwelling. The quiet serenity of the Tha Kuen sub-district, in the bustling Tha Sala district, was replaced by the soft hum of police investigations when officers from Thasala Police Station arrived at approximately 6:50 a.m. The discovery was made by Guski’s Thai wife, Sukanya, who stumbled upon the heart-wrenching sight of her husband lying on the floor of his bedroom, showing no signs of external harm or trauma. An immediate search by law enforcement found no indicators of a forced entry or altercation, leaving a poignant though clear narrative pointing towards an ongoing illness. As his body was respectfully transported for an autopsy,…

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has recently sounded the alarm over a crafty new scam that’s targeting unsuspecting customers, with fraudsters masquerading as bank staff. The con artists have been tricking victims into freezing their own accounts, leaving their finances in jeopardy. This week, SCB issued a public warning following a surge in reports about these devious scammers who contact customers, either by call or message, to inquire if they had authorized someone else to open an SCB account on their behalf. The scammers then deceitfully claim that they need to ‘freeze’ the victim’s account for verification reasons. SCB has firmly reminded its customers that opening a bank account must be done in person with valid identification—no proxies allowed! According to a statement shared on their Facebook page, SCB emphasized, “SCB has no policy of contacting customers to request personal information such as ID numbers, passwords, or account numbers. We never…

The tranquil beauty of a Pattaya morning was shattered yesterday when an early riser witnessed a scene more suited to a dramatic movie than real life. Chaos ensued at the bustling intersection where Pattaya South Road meets Thanon Sai Sam. This was no run-of-the-mill traffic squabble; it was, instead, a fiery altercation that turned the heads of both passersby and the Internet alike, creating a social media storm of epic proportions. At approximately 6:45 AM, the heart of Pattaya found itself at the center of an unfolding drama as a viral video captured the scene of a motorcycle taxi driver, clad in the unmistakable orange vest of his trade, embroiled in a furious confrontation with a Bolt passenger. This gentleman of the two-wheeled taxi brigade was later identified as Wiriyaphanit Yusawat, aged 66, whose temper flared in the mesmerizing glow of early daylight, igniting a public outcry that resounded across…

The vibrant yet simmering streets of Phuket Old Town became a stage for a charged demonstration as hundreds of locals rallied their voices against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This eruption of public discontent came to life following a sensational leak of an audio clip, which sent waves through both political tide pools and bustling markets alike. As the sun descended on June 19th, the group known as ‘Phuket Loves the Nation’ assembled a passionate crowd of around 200 to 300 demonstrators at Queen Sirikit Park, carving out a space where dissent wore no muzzle and creativity met activism. Driving the pulse of protest from the back of a lively pickup truck, charismatic speakers seized the microphone to fan the fiery spirits of the gathered masses. It wasn’t long before fervent voices chorused under bold banners, with plumes of reflection and frustration wafting upwards. One particularly audacious placard emblazoned with the…

Forget the easy shortcut of relying solely on international driving permits (IDPs) when acquiring a driver’s license in Thailand! Very soon, all foreign nationals yearning to steer a vehicle in the land of smiles will need to put their knowledge to the test. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is introducing sweeping changes that will see foreign drivers stepping up to the challenge of passing a written test, even if they’re already equipped with valid international permits. Wonder what this uproar is all about? This initiative is part of a thoughtful remodeling towards global synchronization and enhanced road safety. Gone are the days when IDPs alone could suffice to snag a temporary Thai driver’s license. Under this proposed regulation, amassing public feedback as we speak, the new guidelines will write a fresh chapter in the Thai tale of driving, detailing revised protocols for training, testing, and the renewal of licenses…

On June 20, the ever-fiery stage of Thai politics was set ablaze once more by veteran activist Jatuporn Prompan, as he declared an open political war against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. At a press conference held amidst the historical walls of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Hotel, Jatuporn unleashed a vehement rallying cry to a packed room of over 40 political activists, former PAD, PDRC, UDD members, academics, artists, performers, and even military veterans. United under the banner “Uniting the Power of the Land,” these formidable forces called for an immense protest at the iconic Victory Monument on June 28, demanding the Prime Minister’s immediate resignation. The catalyst for this insurrection? A leaked audio recording that spread like wildfire across the nation, igniting feelings of betrayal and outrage. In the clip, Prime Minister Paetongtarn was reportedly engaged in an unsettling phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, seemingly undermining the authority of…

The subtropical whispers of the palm plantation in Nakhon Si Thammarat seem to hide more than just secrets of nature. On the 19th of June, a chilling discovery sent shivers down the spines of the local folks—a tale reminiscent of a ghost from the past. Just like clockwork, a sinister déjà vu wove through the Tha Rue sub-district, unraveling with the kind of dark poetry that ensures some mysteries of life are never forgotten. Last seen amid the tranquil foliage and endured silence of the palm trees that dance to the whims of the southern wind, the scene was anything but serene. Residents, following an invisible thread spun by the repugnant odor sweeping through their idyllic locale, unwittingly orchestrated a grim march to unveil the grim final chapter of an unknown soul. Burrowed within a canal, swaddled by grass and masked by a burial of leaves, lay the decomposing body…