In a significant swoop against crime that echoes the drama of a blockbuster action film, law enforcement hailing from every corner of Thailand unified their forces for an unforgettable Friday operation. Over 4,000 officers, donning full gear and carrying determination in their hearts, were mobilized to tackle the country’s most formidable criminal figures and their network of notorious hitmen. Their mission? Wipe out the clandestine underworld shrouding the land. The grand crackdown culminated in more than 200 arrests, as officers raided 667 pre-identified locations like vigilant shadows in the night. Each arrest brought society closer to unraveling the intricate tapestry of crime. With 218 suspects securely cuffed and catalogs of weaponry seized, the operation was nothing short of breathtaking. A colossal haul of 239 firearms found its way into police custody—an alarming arsenal made up of 109 pistols, 76 homemade guns, 52 rifles, and even a couple of war weapons,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture a blazing evening on Khao San Road—its vibrant energy flowing, its streets alive with the chatter of tourists and the irresistible allure of sizzling street food. Yet, behind this bustling façade lies a narrative of challenge and appeal as venue operators and restaurateurs rally for governmental reprieve. Many find themselves at the financial precipice, hoping the Thai government will heed their request to pause the crippling 5% excise tax threatening their livelihood. “Crafting an appealing environment for customers when so heavily taxed feels like climbing an uphill battle,” exclaimed Yani Loeiwanitcharoen of the Night Restaurant Business Trade Association. Her voice harmonizes with numerous others, united in their appeal to economic sensibilities. Recently, this coalition, embracing the Khao San Road Business Association, the Thailand Bartenders Association, and others, passionately presented their case. They seek a temporary exception from this levy, which gnaws at profits like clockwork termites. Imagine the scene:…
In the lush yet fraught landscapes of Myanmar, February 14 was a significant day marked by the heartwrenching yet hopeful liberation of foreign individuals from a notorious scam call center nestled in Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy district. Under the vigilant supervision of the Karen Border Guard Force, foreigners found a flicker of freedom, though the path forward remains a challenging journey. Amongst those liberated were eleven pregnant women, adding layers of urgency and complexity to their rescue tale. Caught in the relentless grip of harsh camp conditions, these women face a precarious existence, desperately seeking salvation in the form of medical treatment just across the border in Thailand. Jay Kritiya, spearheading the Citizens Network for Human Trafficking Victims, shed light on their plight, revealing the sparse healthcare and insufficient nourishment confronting these women, who previously numbered twelve before a tragic miscarriage reduced their count. Acknowledging the grim reality, countless stories emerged…
On what seemed like an ordinary Friday, the tranquil surroundings of Pa Phu Nam Khem National Park were disrupted as law enforcement officials launched a significant raid, casting a spotlight on the shadowy corners of illegal logging. Nestled in the picturesque expanse of the Bang Saphan district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, the park had unwittingly become the stage for a saga involving 21 suspects, a motley crew of equipment, and a twist of environmental intrigue. The operation, spearheaded by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led to the arrest of two Thai nationals alongside 19 Myanmar nationals. These individuals, unbeknownst to them according to their own claims, were caught in the act of unlawfully felling trees within the cherished bounds of the national park. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, an astute officer at the helm of this investigative endeavor, revealed that the suspects admitted to their involvement yet insisted they…
On a bustling February morning at Suvarnabhumi Airport, eager passengers lined up for processing at immigration counters. As cameras clicked to capture the steady stream of travelers, a question lingered in the air—would the visa-free period for foreign tourists in Thailand soon be halved from 60 days to 30 days? According to Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no decision had been reached, and he assured that no immediate changes would affect current tourists. “Despite rumors buzzing and reports making rounds both locally and internationally, no new regulations have been rolled out,” explained Mr. Balankura on the nature of the speculations flaring up discussions among travelers and tourism stakeholders alike. Back in the splendid month of July 2024, Thailand unveiled a gesture of hospitality by allowing passport holders from 93 countries to enjoy up to 60 days of visa-free travel, extendable by another 30 days. The tantalizing…
Bangkok’s city sidewalks are getting a remarkable facelift, and last Tuesday’s field trip led by Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, the charismatic spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), offered journalists an insider’s perspective on this ambitious urban transformation. As the sun poured over the bustling lanes of Phran Nok Market in Bangkok Noi District and shimmered off the freshly laid paths at the Itsaraphap MRT Station in Bangkok Yai District, it was clear that the city’s footpaths were on track to become the pride of the metropolis. The initiative, a sweeping plan to refurbish a staggering 1,000 kilometers of footpaths by 2026, is cruising along, with over 70% completion in sight. By April 2025, a significant milestone will be reached, with 87 routes, totaling 774 kilometers, receiving their much-needed makeover. This mission isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move, as nearly 58.2% of the city’s residents traverse these walkways every…
Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., a trailblazer in Thailand’s digital asset and blockchain sector, has wrapped up the first quarter of 2025 with a pair of prestigious accolades, solidifying its standing at the forefront of industry leadership and as a prime employer. On March 21, the company proudly shared the news of receiving the “Leader of Business” award at the Future Trends Awards 2025, while also landing a spot among the “Top 55 Most Attractive Companies to Work for in 2025” according to QMAC. These honors are a testament to Bitkub’s dynamic leadership and its commitment to nurturing talent. Helming the ship with visionary zeal, Mr. Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., was distinguished with the Leader of Business accolade for the second year in a row. This award salutes his pivotal role in propelling innovation and sculpting the spine of…
Shining brightly on Thailand’s healthcare horizon, MedPark Hospital yet again secures its esteemed status as one of the nation’s preeminent medical establishments, proudly clinching a spot in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025. For the fourth year running, this accolade places MedPark at 6th in Thailand, boasting a commendable 81% overall score—a dazzling leap of 5% from last year. The spotlight shines on MedPark as it stands tall among the crème de la crème, with the evaluation encompassing more than 2,400 hospitals sprawled across 30 nations. Spearheaded by Newsweek in collaboration with the distinguished German analytics firm, Statista Inc., this annual ranking is heralded for its rigorous standards and unmatched global credibility. Peeking behind the curtain of evaluation, hospitals earn their stripes through a double-barrelled approach: the discerning eye of experts and the discerning voices of patients. The former engages a sweeping survey, tapping into the wisdom of over 85,000 medical…
In the typically tranquil province of Rayong, an otherwise quiet neighborhood was recently thrown into chaos by an unsettling turn of events. It all began when a Thai woman, driven by a mixture of frustration and anger, confronted her friend’s 12-year-old daughter in the Pluak Daeng district, accusing her of leading her own daughter astray. As the echoes of this incident reverberated through Rayong, it painted a poignant picture of a heartbreaking scene that still lingers in the minds of those who witnessed it. The footage that surfaced from the incident transports you right to the eye of the storm. Caught on camera, the 39-year-old woman, in a moment of rage, unleashes her fury on the young girl outside a modest abode. Her indignation isn’t limited to just one child; she vents her exasperation at the entire group of teenagers gathered there, believing them to be a bad influence on…
As Thailand navigates its way through a web of fiscal policies and economic growth strategies, a new chapter unfolds with the country’s plan for digital wallet handouts aimed at teenagers. The initiative is drawing raised eyebrows from experts and policymakers alike. Will the government’s attempt at redistributing funds to the tech-savvy youth spark economic magic, or will it prove to be more of a figment of fiscal fancy? The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has stepped into the spotlight, urging the government to rethink its digital handouts. Somchai Jitsuchon, the illustrious research director for inclusive development at TDRI, is sounding the alarm bells. On March 20, he waved the caution flag, suggesting that this second wave of wallet wizardry, aimed at the younger crowd aged 16 to 20, could flatline economically compared to its predecessor. The first phase, which zeroed in on vulnerable populations and state welfare cardholders, had more…