Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s love affair with the front pages of newspapers continues, as his latest request to leave Thailand has been met with a resounding “no” by the country’s Criminal Court. Thursday morning saw Thaksin and his trusted legal counsel, Winyat Chatmontree, arriving at the courthouse with the kind of understated elegance that only a Mercedes-Benz Maybach can offer. Nevertheless, the comfort of the vehicle did little to cushion the blow of the court’s decision, which scuttled his plans to jet off to the scenic environs of Indonesia. The destination? A significant meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), set to commence in Indonesia on Friday. However, Thaksin’s itinerary is now a moot point. The court found his reasons for the overseas jaunt rather lackluster and unconvincing, thus nixing his travel request. Controversy continues to cast a long shadow over Thaksin, stemming from lingering lese-majeste and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a heart-pounding moment reminiscent of a tense thriller, a mother in Udon Thani, Thailand, exhibited remarkable bravery when confronted by her son under the most alarming circumstances. As the sun set over Ban Huai Nong Yang in the Mueang district, the tranquility was shattered on March 4, as a harrowing scene unfolded that no mother ever envisions. Her son, entangled in the clutches of drug addiction, demanded money, a request she found herself compelled to refuse. However, this refusal spiraled into a dire situation when he brandished a gun, aiming it at her chest with eyes full of desperation and rage. “Do you want to die?” he uttered, a question more chilling than any Arctic wind. Yet, in a display of courage that would have made any warrior proud, the mother answered with a steely resolve, “If you dare to shoot, I am ready to die,” before defiantly walking…
In a recent turn of events, the usually serene island of Phuket found itself at the center of an international intrigue where a plot of clandestine travel and deception was thwarted right at its doorstep. A congregation of Afghan and Kazakh nationals had concocted an elaborate scheme to slip past Thai immigration officials using meticulously forged passports that closely mimicked those issued by the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, their plans went awry as vigilant officers at Phuket International Airport detected the forgery, ultimately leading to their arrest and conviction. It was on a fateful December day when five tourists, claiming to hail from Afghanistan, tried their fate with these counterfeit documents. Alas, they underestimated the scrupulous nature of Thai immigration personnel who promptly spotted the discrepancies in their travel credentials. These officers, whose seasoned eyes could dissect truths from deceit, thus prevented what could have been an entry nightmare for…
In a dynamic twist straight out of a gripping crime thriller, the serene city of Lop Buri has morphed into a focal point of one of Thailand’s largest medical corruption scandals. With a backdrop that could rival any suspenseful drama, Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) spearheaded an intense investigation, probing into allegations of systemic corruption at the Veterans General Hospital (VGH) in bustling Bangkok. Our story begins with whispers of intrigue surrounding the illicit use of medications and medical supplies meant for veterans and their families. As Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat alongside officials from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the War Veterans Organisation of Thailand delve deeper, a sinister plot unravels. Allegedly, these nefarious activities have plagued the hallowed halls of VGH since 2017, hinting at a scandal of epic proportions. On an electrifying Thursday morning, the lush…
In a twist of events straight out of a high-octane thriller, a teenager found himself in a harrowing situation as a group of over 10 motorcyclists pursued him through the neon-lit streets of the city. This dramatic episode unfolded at the witching hour of 12:30 AM on March 5, leaving the young man, only 17, with shocking injuries that painted a grim picture of relentless aggression. The protagonist of our story, Tae, bears the battle scars of the night etched across his body — seven stitches gracing his forehead, a swollen right eye, and a lip that tells tales of an unforgiving encounter. His arms and legs are littered with cuts, and a particularly nasty gash sits ominously on his back, just below the neck. But let’s rewind and unravel the sequence of events that led to this nightmarish scenario. The clock struck midnight as Tae clocked out from work,…
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that unfolded amidst the idyllic beauty of Thailand, a British backpacker’s journey ended in sorrow after a kayaking mishap. The tale of Shanghaman Gowribalan, a talented Swansea-raised engineer, serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen risks that can accompany the thrill of adventure travel. Gowribalan, at the tender age of 24, embarked on a journey that took him 6,000 miles from the comfort of Wales to the mesmerizing landscapes of Surat Thani Province. Nestled within the embrace of Khao Sok National Park lies the Rajjaprabha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam, a vast 185-square-kilometre artificial lake, renowned for its stunning vistas and serene waters. It was here that Gowribalan and his friend anticipated an unforgettable kayaking adventure. The fateful morning of February 11, 2024, began like any other day filled with the promise of exploration. After sharing breakfast, Gowribalan and his friend ventured…
In a sobering turn of events at Phra Samut Chedi Police Station, a 32-year-old contractor met his untimely death in a holding cell, leaving behind a deep sense of tragedy and grief. This somber tale revolves around Donrathee, who found himself ensnared in allegations of theft, which spiraled into a distressing end. As the echoes of this incident still linger, his mother, Saravee, aged 51, was seen poignantly mourning the loss of her son at the somber scene. The incident occurred in the agonizing confines of the male detention area, where Donrathee was discovered lifeless, hanging from a ventilation duct. Clad in a black t-shirt and blue three-quarter jeans, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on those present. Swiftly, emergency services, including legal authorities and medical personnel from Phra Samut Chedi Swatayannond Hospital, were called into action to address this unexpected tragedy. At the heart of this heartbreaking narrative…
In a bold move stirring up the otherwise bustling Khlong San district, the Department of Employment, working under the Ministry of Labour, recently orchestrated a surprise inspection on seven karaoke venues. The operation, which took place on March 5, followed a hot tip about certain foreign workers operating without the necessary work permits. Upon entering the establishment with the element of surprise firmly on their side, investigators identified a total of 52 migrant workers. Alas, among them, 24 were legit, brandishing their valid paperwork like a badge of honor. However, 28 weren’t quite hitting the legal note, found working without the proper authorizations in place. The operation wasn’t just another day at the office; it was a robust effort to reinforce fair labor practices and ensure the playing field remains even for all. The investigation prompted legal proceedings against four employers, each facing the music for engaging illegal workers. Such…
In the sun-dappled, idyllic town of Prachuap Khiri Khan, known mostly for its serene beaches and mouth-watering local cuisine, an unsettling storm of scandal took center stage, shaking the peace and placing a spotlight on the unthinkable. A man celebrated for his contributions to education, donning the title of an ‘Outstanding Teacher,’ revealed a darker side more chilling than any plot twist in a suspense novel. Arrested, the 32-year-old English teacher, known only as Kritsana, shattered the tranquil façade of education by committing acts that are unfathomably sinister. Such a tale begins with the relentless pursuit of justice, sparked by a transnational network determined to protect the world’s youth. The alert bells rang from the distant shores of the United States when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children discovered the edges of a digital crime—a photograph of a young boy, cruelly immortalized in abuse, traced back to a…
Imagine yourself strolling through a bustling city, where every corner reveals a new story, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The best way to truly experience the heartbeat of any destination is on foot. When you walk through towns or cities, you can feel the rhythm of urban life, interact with the locals, and uncover those often-overlooked treasures. In support of this philosophy, the UNWTO’s Walking Tourism initiative has been propelled further by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). They’re inviting more visitors to explore Thailand’s most fascinating districts by foot. Joining in this initiative, Marriott Bonvoy® is thrilled to guide you on a rewarding walking tour of Thailand—the enchanting “Land of Smiles”. Bangkok: Ah, Bangkok—where the streets pulsate with color and chaos, capturing hearts worldwide. While many might opt for the zippy tuk-tuk or the efficient skytrain to navigate this vibrant city, there’s a lesser-taken path that promises…