Posts published in “Thailand”

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s… well, actually, it is a plane, and it’s racing towards a bold new era of air travel safety. Thai Airways International is joining a steadily growing list of airlines taking proactive measures to prevent in-air mishaps, particularly those pesky fires from lithium-ion batteries. As of March 15, passengers will need to bid a temporary adieu to their on-board power bank privileges. Yes, you heard it right: those portable chargers are officially grounded — at least in terms of use during flights on THAI aircraft. Before you start wondering about an unplugged voyage with a dwindling smartphone battery, take heart. This isn’t about a confiscation of power banks; you can still tuck them into your hand luggage. They’re just no longer welcome to play ‘connect the cable’ during your journey. In the airline’s statement, a nod to safety simply cannot be overstated. “For…

High drama and riveting turns of fate often walk hand in hand within the corridors of power, and few tales exemplify this as vividly as the career saga of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, once an influential deputy police chief in Thailand. The police force’s disciplinary committee recently cast a unanimous vote to dismiss Surachate, putting a decisive twist on a career marked by both accolade and controversy. The dismissal, tied to accusations of his involvement in an online gambling syndicate, marks a notable fall from grace for a man who was once the radiant star of the law enforcement arena in Thailand. The firing decision now sits on the desk of Thailand’s national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharat Punpetch, awaiting final approval. With this dismissal, Surachate would not only lose his position but also forfeit his pension — a steep price for a man whose entire career revolved around service…

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the serene tropical paradise of Koh Larn, the bustling yet idyllic island getaway just off Pattaya’s coastline, a tragic discovery was made on a seemingly ordinary Thursday afternoon. The sun, with its usual sultry embrace, painted the day golden as it slipped towards the horizon at 4:30 PM. But amidst the picturesque backdrop that had tourists meandering along the beaches and trails, a group of responders were hurriedly ushering down a somber path, one that neither begins with the soothing sounds of waves nor ends at a scenic viewpoint. Pol Col Anan Mahakitassawakul, the officer at the helm of the Pattaya City station’s investigative unit, received the report and acted swiftly. Nestled behind Khao Phra Yai, the locale commonly heralded for its peaceful panoramas and breathtaking vistas, the forested area bore witness to an unsettling sight. There, against the vibrant green…

In the heart of Bangkok, nestled within the storied walls of the Neilson Hays Library, a profound dialogue unfolded on March 6, 2025. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Organon (Thailand) Company Limited joined forces with the Kenan Foundation Asia, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to host a pivotal roundtable titled “Innovative Approaches to Women’s Health.” The event, held on the eve of International Women’s Day, became a beacon of hope, reflecting a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). As the sun streamed through the library windows, the dialogue centered around advancing the APEC Smart Families Policy, touching on the vital nexus of women’s health and societal progress. Amidst the elegant setting, pressing issues came to the fore, painting a vivid picture of challenges faced by women…

In the serene province of Surin, nestled in the northeastern part of Thailand known as Isaan, a tragic incident has cast a shadow over the peaceful community of Sikhoraphum district. On a seemingly mundane day, March 7, a dangerous and often overlooked hazard claimed the life of a vibrant young soul, leaving behind a community steeped in sorrow and disbelief. The tragedy unfolded when a 15-year-old girl, full of life and promise, was found unresponsive in bed, her unsuspecting innocence betrayed by something as commonplace as a phone charger. This seemingly innocuous device turned into a silent predator as she fell asleep while using her phone, only to be found with ominous burn marks tracing the path of the charger cord—a victim of accidental electrocution. Sergeant Den Wanyang of the local police force took to social media to share the heartbreaking news, recounting how the call came in at the…

In a legal saga captivating the public and the press, the Thai Attorney General’s office has officially indicted eight individuals in the contract killing case of Chaimate “Tong” Sittisanitpong, steering the wheels of justice into motion with a dramatic twist of conspiracy, firearms, and intrigue. This tale, filled with suspense and courtroom drama, takes the spotlight on Thailand’s legal stage. As the case unfolded, details were divulged by Attorney General’s inspector Sak Kesem Nithaiyok, whose revelations have sparked widespread interest across the country since the events of February 26 unraveled. This case isn’t merely about enforcing the law but also about untangling the web of allegations that ensnare Naphaphat Anchasamitchamon, the foremost accuser, and Thanatsarankorn Techatanatchoti, the primary defendant. Alongside them stand a compelling cast of characters: Saksith Chinwong, Thanapat Songsang, Apisit Sodchuen, Sitthichai Sriphakdi, Phattharaphon Boonchu, Sunthorn Wilawan, and Mincharat Phacharamarakul. The charges brought against these figures read like…

In the heart of the historic Ayutthaya province, a storm of controversy and heartache has erupted, rattling the very foundations of trust and security that parents place in educational institutions. This once-peaceful corner of central Thailand has become the center of a deeply disturbing case involving the acting director of a school in the Bang Sai district, who stands accused of sexually assaulting thirteen young boys aged between eight and twelve years old. This scandal not only shocks the community but also stirs nationwide anger and disbelief. The grim reality unfolded like a tragic tapestry after a vigilant parent discovered disturbing changes in their son’s behavior. The boy’s suddenly intense aversion to attending school pricked the instincts of his parents, who courageously urged him to unburden his heart. It was then, amid tears and anguish, that the child’s horrific ordeal was revealed: an alleged rape by a figure of authority,…

In a truly purrfectly orchestrated operation at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, the Thai police recently announced a triumphant crackdown on an audacious attempt to smuggle exotic wildlife out of Thailand. The dramatic events unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Sunday, March 2, when a 44-year-old Indian woman attempted to take flight with some rather unusual companions on AirAsia flight FD 137 heading to Bangalore. But, it turns out, she was about to learn the hard way that it takes a lot more than monkey business to outsmart the vigilant AirAsia staff. Despite the suspect’s cunning plan, these eagle-eyed staffers quickly spotted the telltale signs of trouble and promptly notified the authorities. Upon further inspection, the woman’s luggage was revealed to be hiding a veritable Noah’s Ark worth of protected animals, enough to ruffle more than just a few feathers. Striking images captured by The Egalitarian provided clear snapshots of the…

In a robust move to curb the surge of unlawful e-cigarettes, the Thai government is taking unprecedented steps to dismantle their smuggling, online sales, and distribution networks. At an invigorated meeting on March 6 at Government House, Minister Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, who has a keen eye on consumer interests, unveiled a multi-layered offensive against these illicit peddlers. Her strategy includes not just a crackdown, but also sustainable measures to keep this burgeoning problem at bay. In just 26 days from February 1, law enforcement officials managed to arrest 666 individuals and seize an astonishing stash of over 400,000 e-cigarette products, estimated at over 41 million baht. Truly, the numbers speak volumes of their steadfast resolve. At the core of this mission is a collaborative effort among various agencies, including the Customs Department, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, all under the watchful eyes of the…

The scene in Bang Phli was one of fiery turmoil, as flames waged war against the resolute brigade of Bangkok’s finest firefighters. Inside a warehouse packed to its ceiling with frozen goods, a blaze unraveled, turning structure and contents alike into charred remnants. As the day stretched on, the firefighters’ battle against the flames entered its eighth hour, with smolders of rebellion yet refusing to submit. Despite this prolonged entanglement with fire, the air crackled with a collective sigh of relief when the warehouse owner dismissed any rumors of a lingering ammonia threat, thus sparing the public from inhaling hazardous gases that could have added to the chaos. On this fateful day, March 7, a cavalry of over 30 gleaming fire engines converged upon the scene like an army called to duty. The call to arms resonated citywide, mobilizing almost 200 firefighters from across the metropolis to stand against the…