In a tale that feels ripped straight from the pages of a thrilling crime novel, a daring drug operation unraveled under the bright Thai sun in the picturesque province of Kanchanaburi. Just imagine, a seemingly ordinary checkpoint inspection transforming into a dramatic standoff with enough methamphetamine to fuel a small city! Yesterday, on January 27, sharp-eyed law enforcers of the province scored a common-turned-epic victory against drug smuggling. It was at a nondescript highway checkpoint where their vigilance paid off. Kanchanaburi, a province known for its enchanting landscapes and historical significance, was the stage for this rather unexpected act of criminal subterfuge. Law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle draped in an air of suspicion, its secret cargo tucked away beneath the hood – or, more accurately, inside the fuel tank! Picture this: 10,000 of those illicit tablets nestled amongst the gasoline, stealthily making their way from the remote district of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the pristine island of Phuket finds itself in the throes of a nationwide environmental emergency, it becomes front-and-center in Thailand’s rigorously enforced crackdown on burning amidst escalating smog and deadly PM2.5 pollution levels. With this beautiful tropical paradise now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the nation in a concerted battle against these pollutants, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has commanded all Thai provinces to impose strict prohibitions on burning, sending Phuket’s leadership into decisive action. Last Friday, January 24, Vice Governor Adul Chuthong unveiled measures that were as bold as they were urgent. The edict: a sweeping ban on all agricultural burning during the dry season—an imperative move to shield the island’s delicate ecosystems and safeguard the health of its residents. But heed this, violators! This edict carries considerable weight, with the potential for eye-watering fines up to 5 million baht and, dare I…
In the heart of Sukhothai, the world stood still as the burgeoning tale of a young athlete met an abrupt and heartbreaking end. Her name was Cheryada Dee-in, though many called her by her fond nickname, Janjao. At just ten years old, Janjao had captured the admiration of the soft tennis community, promising a dazzling future in this burgeoning sport. Tragically, her promising journey was cut short on a fateful Sunday night, leaving her family and fans across the country enveloped in profound sorrow. On that ill-fated night, Janjao was traveling in the back of a pickup truck with dreams as vast as the night sky. She was returning home to Sukhothai from a triumphant competition held at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi in Pathum Thani province. On the court, Janjao had proven her mettle by clinching the second spot in the fiercely contested female individual under-12 event, a testament…
In a dazzling display of nature’s artistry, the shoreline of Laem Bali Hai has been transformed into a vivid emerald masterpiece, enthralling visitors and nature enthusiasts from near and far. The rocky coast now resembles a lush, verdant meadow, gracing Pattaya with a rare phenomenon that only graces the shores once or twice each year. As the tides recede, revealing the hidden secrets of the ocean bed, an explosion of green algae emerges, carpeting the rocks in a shimmering coat of botanical brilliance. This fleeting spectacle is nothing short of magical, captivating onlookers who flock to the scene, smartphones at the ready, eager to immortalize the surreal landscape on their Instagram feeds and social media stories. The buzzing atmosphere at Laem Bali Hai is reminiscent of a meadow, not only in its appearance but also in the vibrant energy of the throngs of tourists, locals, and students who gather to…
The Sukhothai province in Thailand has been under an atmospheric siege for a solid week, with PM2.5 pollution levels reaching hazardous heights. It’s a situation that’s kept residents on their toes, urging them to turn their homes into sanctuaries by cleaning meticulously and donning protective gear like urban soldiers. Doctor Warat Chotipitayasunon, serving as the Government spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health on PM2.5 issues, has become somewhat of a familiar face as he reported on January 27 about the rising awareness of PM2.5 pollution among the public. Yet, amidst the growing awareness and cooperation from various agencies, there’s a plot twist worthy of a crime thriller. Enforcement actions were carried out against 15 environmental villains involved in illegal burning activities. These reckless acts contributed significantly to wildfires, torching around 6,016 rai of land and sending PM2.5 levels skyrocketing beyond safe standards. The Health Information Centre has been busy,…
An explosive video capturing a tumultuous encounter between Italian and Indian tourists in the heart of Phuket’s Patong area has set the social media world alight with debate. This gripping footage, running just over a minute, was posted on the Speednews Phuket Facebook page and shines a spotlight on an episode that transpired the previous day, January 27, at the bustling terminus of Bangla Road in Phuket’s Kathu district. The video portrays tourists locked in an intense skirmish, encircled by a crowd of bystanders – a mix of fellow travelers and local Thai residents. As fists flew, many in the crowd recorded the brawl with their smartphone cameras, while some spectators even vociferously encouraged the tumult. Amidst the chaos, security officers and other vigilant tourists intervened, managing to wedge themselves between the warring parties, quelling the fray before it took a more dire turn, eventually leading the embattled tourists to…
In an unprecedented move that could send ripples through Thailand’s medical community, the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) has issued a stern warning to doctors who lend their names to endorse medical clinics without actively working there. This new regulation, which is set to come into effect on February 9, is a reaction to recent revelations and is intended to uphold strictly ethical practices in the country’s medical profession. It all began with the case of Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, who found herself under public scrutiny when her 126 million baht asset declaration unveiled that she earned 210,000 baht annually merely from having her name used on a clinic’s signboard where she neither worked nor visited. The news has stirred quite a conversation, raising the question of ethical endorsements among the medical community. Dr. Methee Wongsirisuwan, who serves as the Assistant Secretary at the MCT, has been the harbinger of this…
In the small, otherwise peaceful town of Nan, an unfortunate incident has shaken the community and left a trail of sorrow and questions. The Nan Provincial Land Reform office found itself at the center of a tragic shooting yesterday, January 27. This horrifying event has left one person dead and another critically injured, causing a ripple of disbelief throughout the province. It all began with a seemingly mundane disagreement that spiraled out of control on the second floor of the land reform office. The police forces, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanatpong Santiphongsathorn and Police Major Danuwat Kittiyos, quickly responded to the chilling call. They arrived to a scene filled with stunned and fleeing colleagues, desperate to escape the chaos that ensued. The victim was Kijja, a 50-year-old senior surveyor who held the esteemed position of Director of the Technical and Mapping Division. Kijja was well-known for his dedication to…
In an unfolding drama that echoes the intrigue of a thrilling mystery novel, a British private estate consultant, Rachel Stallard, finds herself embroiled in a legal nightmare halfway across the globe. Like any suspenseful tale, her story begins with an ambitious journey for justice—a voyage from the UK to Thailand to collect a substantial unpaid service fee. But what awaited her was not a resolution, but rather a daunting detour through the dark corridors of power and alleged corruption. Stallard, driven by determination, landed in Thailand seeking recompense for a significant debt of £30,000 (about 1.25 million baht) owed by a Thai millionaire, formerly a client. Her company had rendered its consultancy services, but payment had hit an awkward pause that quickly turned silent. The meeting that she sought with the client unfortunately ignited a tempest rather than a tide of reconciliation. According to Stallard, her once-promising client morphed into…
In a daring drug bust that sounds like it’s ripped straight from the pages of a crime thriller, Khon Kaen police have successfully apprehended two men caught in the act of transporting a staggering load of four million methamphetamine pills. These arrests are believed to be linked to the notorious Xaysana – a major player in the drug trade from a neighboring country. On the brisk morning of January 27, the air buzzed with anticipation at Ban Phai Police Station as Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetpong spearheaded the operation alongside a remarkable team of officials, including Kraisorn Kongchalard, the governor of Khon Kaen, and senior police officers such as Police Major General Kittisak Chamrasprasert and Police Major General Prasai Jittasonti from Region 4. The suspects, a 34-year-old named Bird and a 40-year-old called Khet, were cornered following a meticulous investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Ban Phai district. The…