In the heart of the bustling Bang Bua Thong district of Nonthaburi, an intriguing drama unfolded in the wee hours of Saturday morning, unraveling a curious story that could easily rival a soap opera plot. Picture a lively karaoke bar, nestled within the vibrant Bua Thong Market 3, serving as the unlikely setting for this real-life escapade. The establishment, shrouded in whispers of exclusivity, reportedly catered solely to a Vietnamese clientele. The plot thickens as the police, led by the intrepid Pol Col Phreut Chamroonsart, swooped in, responding to clandestine rumors suggesting that this unassuming nightspot hid a more nefarious underbelly. The raid, executed with precision at the stroke of 1 am, responded to the echoing grievances of concerned locals who suspected the bar was more than just a venue for tuneful serenades and rhythmic thumping basslines. According to the vigilant chief of Bang Bua Thong police station, the bar…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the heart of Chon Buri, a creature of irresistibly bouncy charm is drawing crowds from far and wide—the enchanting Moo Deng. Known affectionately as the “bouncy pig,” this pygmy hippo has leapt into the hearts of social media enthusiasts across the globe, turning the Khao Kheow Open Zoo into a bustling hotspot since her birth on a fateful July 10th. But be warned! If you’re planning a visit, patience is a virtue you’ll need to pack alongside your camera. This past weekend, in particular, saw an unprecedented tsunami of guests eager to lay eyes on the internet’s favorite hippo. Traffic congested to a near standstill with queues extending over five kilometers, transforming peaceful Chon Buri into a bustling metropolis for the curious and the Instagram savvy. The root of this traffic tangle? None other than the zoo itself, nestled a scenic 40 kilometers northeast of the lively Pattaya city.…
In the bustling streets of Bangkok, an eye-catching billboard stands tall, showcasing a lineup of celebrities who have lit up Asian screens for years. From the charming Pakorn “Boy” Chatborirak to the vivacious Pechaya “Min” Wattanamontree, and not forgetting the charismatic Kan “Fluke” Kantathavorn, Yuranunt “Sam” Pamornmontri, and Pakorn “Dome” Lam, each graces the advertisement for The iCon Group. However, behind the glamour, a scandal of epic proportions is unraveling. Recently, shrouded in controversy, The iCon Group has been thrust under the spotlight with claims of a deceptive pyramid scheme, catching its famous endorsers in the crossfire. The alleged scheme has reportedly inflicted financial damage surpassing a staggering 118 million baht as over 300 victims have emerged from the shadows to tell their tales. Pol Col Uthane Nuipin, articulating the gravity of the situation, stated that the investigation, which kicked off on a recent Thursday, had already amassed 306 statements…
In the heart of Thailand’s southern provinces, a dramatic scene unfolded this past weekend as the usually serene Pattani River roared to life with a vengeance. Stretching its liquid arms across Yala, the river showcased its raw, untamed power, reminding everyone of nature’s unpredictable prowess. It was a weekend of eye-widening turbulence, punctuated by heavy rains that cascaded down in Betong and Than To districts, leaving their mark in an abundance of displaced earth and flooded terrain. Imagine a wall of water so fierce it brushed aside everything in its path, swiftly transforming roads into rivers and hillsides into sliding slopes. With little warning, the torrent surged into the path of unsuspecting villagers, leaving them to grapple with its relentless force. Among the human tales of survival and loss was that of a humble 66-year-old man, Koder Luebaji, whose life was cruelly claimed by the waters that swept him away,…
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has found itself in a turbulent storm of scandal, and it’s not something even the most skilled pilots can simply fly over. The heart of this scandal involves allegations of bribery linked to two significant procurements of asphalt concrete pavers back in 2019 and 2020. The ominous clouds gathered when AM Prapas Sornchaidee, the RTAF’s spokesman, announced that an order had been given for a meticulous investigation into these procurements by none other than the air force’s head honcho, ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul. This investigation kicked into high gear following a shocking revelation from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to the SEC, executives from Wirtgen (Thailand), a subsidiary of the American agricultural and construction heavyweight Deere, greased the palms of Thai government officials to clinch contracts across a plethora of agencies. Deere, caught red-handed with the proverbial cookie jar, accepted culpability for…
In the vibrant heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, where the whispering fields of rice sway under the open sky, a sudden surge of nature’s unpredictability disrupted the serene landscape. It was a Saturday morning that many will not soon forget, as the mighty Mun River, with its untamed fervor, decided to spill beyond its storied banks, sending a deluge across the expansive plains of Phimai district. Pools of water carried memories of rain, embracing the land in an unexpected, waterlogged embrace. The Mun River, ever the vital force coursing through this region, was particularly impatient this morning. Its waters were emboldened by prolonged downpours that swelled the river to its brim and beyond, most notably in the upstream precincts near the formidable shoulders of Phimai Dam. As nature’s reservoir ran over its generous bounds with an excess of 3.6 million cubic meters, the call to action was swift and decisive. Engineers…
In a tale that reads like a subplot from an espionage thriller, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is stirring up turbulence within its ranks. Without the customary salute, the RTAF has emphatically declared that it will show no favoritism nor protection to any officers tangled in an alleged bribery scheme concerning two procurement deals for asphalt concrete pavers dating back to the 2019-2020 fiscal year. This stern message was delivered with the precision of a cockpit headset by RTAF spokesperson, Air Marshal (AM) Prapas Sornchaidee. Like a scene from a courtroom drama, these revelations trail a document unleashed by none other than the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC dropped a bombshell, accusing certain bigwigs from Wirtgen (Thailand), a segment of the US-based equipment titan, Deere, of greasing palms with state officials to lock in purchase agreements with multiple agencies. The implications have sent ripple effects across…
In an audacious leap toward financial reform, the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party has tossed a proverbial wrench into the narrative surrounding credit accessibility with their proposed bill to overhaul the current credit bureau legislation. This initiative aims to open the doors to credit access, offering a sturdy scaffold for individuals teetering on the precipice of financial instability, reducing the allure of succumbing to the sinister grasp of loansharks. Helming this reformative crusade is none other than the party’s deputy leader and list MP, Anucha Burapachaisri, alongside the bill’s dynamic brainchild, Atavit Suwanpakdee, accompanied by influential party comrades. In a recent proclamation, they announced their intent to fine-tune the Credit Information Business Act BE 2545 (2002), propelling the nation toward a more inclusive financial future. In a clarion call for transformation, Mr. Anucha underscored the dire necessity of revamping the credit bureau’s modus operandi. It’s a fact: the current credit…
The atmosphere was electric as the September 22 re-match for the local election in Pathum Thani unfolded, casting a spotlight on the intriguing landscape of political allegiances and the capricious nature of support in Thai politics. The esteemed seat of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) saw old alliances crumble, as the absence of backing by a major party thwarted what once seemed a sure pathway to victory. At the heart of this political whirlwind was Kamronwit Toopkrajang, a former city police commissioner and erstwhile confidant of the illustrious Thaksin Shinawatra. Intent on securing his return as PAO chief, Kamronwit strategically resigned earlier this year to orchestrate an election. Yet, fate had other plans, introducing a complex web of past ties, broken trust, and high stakes. Considered a decorated aide under Thaksin’s shadow, Kamronwit’s journey through the political labyrinth was anything but straightforward. Reflecting on Kamronwit’s rise, one can’t…
As Thailand inches closer to the conclusion of a gripping legal drama, the spotlight is firmly on Pheu Thai Party’s enigmatic figure, General Pisal Wattanawongkiri. Once at the helm of the Fourth Army Region during the infamous 2004 Tak Bai incident, Gen Pisal now finds himself at the center of swirling controversy and legal intrigue. Amidst the cacophony of political tension and public scrutiny, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has eloquently navigated the murky waters of party loyalty and justice, ensuring fair treatment for the general, who remains enveloped by a cloud of uncertainty. The clock is indeed ticking as the 20-year statute of limitations on the Tak Bai case nears its expiration on October 25, 2024. With the possibility of Gen Pisal returning from medical treatment abroad after this deadline has passed, questions loom over the Pheu Thai Party’s stance on their party-list MP. Mr. Phumtham, who is also…