In a dramatic turn of events, Bangkok’s own Member of Parliament, Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, found himself at the center of an intense legal storm, as he presented himself to the police in Chiang Mai on a rather disquieting Tuesday morning. The pressing matter at hand was a serious charge related to a 25-year-old Taiwanese woman who alleged that she had been assaulted by the MP during her stay in a Chiang Mai hotel on January 9th. The young woman’s allegation swiftly spiraled into a formal complaint, prompting the Chiang Mai Provincial Court to issue an arrest warrant, thus setting the legal ball rolling. With these charges simmering in the public eye, Mr. Chaiyamparwaan, accompanied by his legal representative, arrived at the Chiang Mai provincial police station, eager to meet with the authoritative figure Pol Col Damnoen Kan-ong, the deputy commander, along with other investigative officers involved in the case. As throngs…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a tale that seems too improbable to be true, soldiers of the Rachamanu Task Force vigilantly monitor the Muang Mee surveillance point in Mae Sot district, Tak, creating a keen-eyed line against the bustling entertainment complexes of Shwe Kokko just across the border in Myanmar’s Myawaddy. The juxtaposition of Thai troops and neighboring nightlife might conjure the image of an unlikely frontier, charged with tension and international intrigue. Flying nearly under the radar until now, roughly 200 Chinese nationals are poised for a return trip home, courtesy of China’s zealous crackdown on call-center scams. These operations, which have mushroomed across the Southeast Asian landscape, often under suspect circumstances reminiscent of an underworld Anthony Bourdain might explore, have ensnared countless victims trafficked by ruthless criminal syndicates. This Thursday, the group is expected to be escorted back to China on a commercial flight departing from Mae Sot, Tak Province—an unsung launch…
As we wave goodbye to the rainy drops and welcome the bright and dry embrace of the dry season, Phuket officials are rolling up their sleeves to tackle the potential specter of a drought. Yesterday, February 17th, the bustling corridors of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office were alive with urgency and resolve. Chief Sopon Thongsai, along with an array of agencies, huddled together for the first emergency meeting of the year, not unlike a council of weather-mages strategizing over ancient scrolls, to keep water woes at bay. The vanilla skies of February generally don’t see much rain, a little tap here or a sprinkle there. However, this year seems to have blessed the island with a fair share of showers, a smidgen more than the previous year, helping our water reserves take a satisfied sip. But don’t pop the confetti just yet! The forecast for a relentlessly…
In a thrilling development for travelers frequenting Thailand’s vibrant destinations, a first-class bus service, operated by the nationally esteemed Transport Co., has rolled out a fresh offering for seamless transit to the bustling getaways of Pattaya and Hua Hin. Officially hitting the roads on March 8, these luxurious rides whisk passengers away from the bustling terminals of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, blending comfort with convenience for both wanderlust-filled tourists and locals on the go. Under the adept stewardship of Atthawit Rakchamroon, Managing Director of Transport Co., travelers can expect a top-tier experience. For those keen on soaking up the beachy vibes of Pattaya, there are four round trips daily between Don Mueang and this lively city, spanning 162 kilometers. The ride, offering two-and-a-half hours of downtime or planning time (your pick!), comes at a pocket-friendly fare of just 155 baht. For the charm-seekers aiming to relish Hua Hin’s serene…
Picture this: the heart of Bangkok stirring awake in the early morning light, with the usual scent of morning traffic slowly rising as the city starts its daily hustle. Amidst this urban orchestra, an extraordinary scene unfolds that reads like a page-turner from a gripping thriller. The serene neighborhood of Bang Khae came alive yesterday morning with the type of excitement that usually remains between the covers of a sensational novel—a major drug bust right off Phetkasem Road in Thonburi. It all began at the break of dawn, 7:30 AM to be precise, when an intrepid team from the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 9, led by the astute Police Colonel Thirachai Dedkad, zeroed in on their target. Alongside him, the eagle-eyed Police Colonel Shanti Kornkasem and a fleet of sharp-minded officers were poking into the shadows of the city, tracking a notorious gang suspected of orchestrating a drug trade using…
Get ready for an electrifying gastronomic journey as the exquisite Tenshino at Pullman Bangkok King Power opens its doors for an exclusive Michelin-starred dining spectacle. From March 12th to 16th, 2025, the restaurant will proudly welcome the culinary virtuoso Chef Akihito Shintani, all the way from Osaka, Japan, for an unforgettable five-night culinary escapade. This extraordinary event will unveil a fusion menu like no other, where traditional Chinese techniques seamlessly intermingle with the precision and finesse of Japanese cuisine. Chef Shintani, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative flair, masterfully marries the bold umami flavors from both culinary worlds, crafting dishes that strike the perfect chord of flavor, artistry, and technique. A Rare and Limited-Seating Experience Awaits Experience a meticulously curated 15-course Michelin-starred menu created by the acclaimed Chef Shintani. Savor premium ingredients, meticulously sourced from Japan and around the globe to ensure an unparalleled taste experience. Immerse yourself in…
In the bustling and colorful landscape that is Thailand, there exists a constant tussle between tradition and modernity. From the serene temple grounds to the chaotic nightlife hubs, there’s always a buzz, with visitors hoping to connect with the culture in their way. However, recent developments have shined a spotlight on the flip side of the tourism coin, where fun occasionally teeters into the realm of unruliness. On February 17, Police General Kitrat Panphet, Thailand’s national police chief, tightened the reins on foreign nationals. The mandate was clear and resonated across all police divisions, urging them to watch closely over the behaviors of foreign visitors. It was more than just about law enforcement; it was about protecting the essence of what makes Thailand charming. Fyew issues caught fire, causing this administrative crackdown. Pai, a tranquil gem tucked in Mae Hong Son, turned into a hotspot of controversy earlier this month.…
It was the evening of Valentine’s Day, traditionally celebrated with flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. Yet, for one Thai woman in the serene province of Phang Nga, the romance of the day was rudely interrupted. While resting peacefully in her bedroom, she became the unintended victim of a stray bullet that seemingly fell from the heavens. February 14 was meant to be a day of love and joy, but it turned into an unexpected thriller, straight out of an action-packed Hollywood movie. Lying in her cozy sanctuary at a house in the heart of the Khao Lak area, the woman’s tranquility was shattered by a sharp, sudden impact. A stray bullet, a mere speck of lead with potentially lethal consequences, lodged itself into her chest. Thankfully, however, it left only a bruise on her skin—a dark, circular reminder of the day’s events. The randomness of the incident bewildered even the…
In a sweeping crackdown spanning across Bangkok and several provinces, law enforcement swept up what seemed like a screenplay-worthy ensemble of drama and deception. Over the course of a high-octane raid last week, 10 individuals accused of masterminding a complex Thai-Chinese investment scam were apprehended. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced on Tuesday that amongst the arrested were a mix of six Thai nationals—comprised of four women and two men—and four Chinese men. Their arrest locations read like an unconventional traveler’s itinerary, ranging from Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, to Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. Each suspect brought their own tangled narrative, known only by first names reminiscent of characters from an exotic novella: Atchara, 27, Porntip, 44, Nopawit, 31, Chonlathee, 21, Pantharee, 26, Supawadee, 39, Gao, 35, Xiong, 30, Mao, 46, and Zhou, 44. We might not know their full stories, but they’ve…
In the northeastern corner of Thailand, nestled within the serene vibes of Khon Kaen province, lurks an unexpected health threat that’s turning heads—quite literally. Imagine a dish so heralded for its unique blend of herbs, spices, and lime that it holds a revered spot in local culinary stories and yet, poses a silent danger capable of reshaping entire futures. This intriguing yet perilous delicacy is known as koi pla. For the residents of Khon Kaen and beyond, koi pla is more than just a dish—it’s a tantalizing staple that adorns many a dining table. A concoction starring fresh raw fish mixed with vibrant herbs and the tangy kick of lime juice, it’s a culinary emblem. However, beneath its enticing exterior lies a potential menace: parasitic invaders stealthily leading the charge in escalating cases of liver cancer. In regions where koi pla graces dining experiences frequently, a wicked truth unfolds. According…