In January 2018, a resolute Jon Ungphakorn stood at the forefront, uniting activist groups and rallying for a cause he held dear. The mission? A clarion call for citizens to reject 35 contentious orders by the National Council for Peace and Order, which were allegedly infringing upon people’s rights. The image, captured by Apichart Jinakul, depicted Jon in his element—a tireless advocate for justice and equality. It’s with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of this remarkable figure in contemporary Thai history. Jon Ungphakorn, once a vibrant beacon of hope, peacefully passed away in his home at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as impactful as it is lasting. His departure was confirmed by the Prachathai news agency on a contemplative Tuesday morning. A pivotal figure in championing freedom and democracy, Jon co-founded Prachathai, an important voice in the media landscape, and iLaw, an NGO dedicated…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a heart-wrenching incident that has cast a somber shadow over the lush expanses of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a dedicated guardian of nature, Kritsiri Pinprayun, tragically lost his life on a Monday night that locals will not soon forget. In the thick undergrowth of Khao Nan National Park, where the whispers of the wild collide with the brave footsteps of those who protect it, Kritsiri’s steadfast commitment met an untimely and tragic end. As twilight descended, casting long shadows among the trees of Village 4 in Tambon Taling Chan, three rangers embarked on their routine patrol under the serene blanket of a starlit sky. Kritsiri, along with his fellow rangers, formed the first line of defense against those who would disturb the peace and sanctity of this natural haven. As duty demanded, each took a separate path, their torches cutting through the dense darkness like solitary beacons of vigilance. But…
Calling all Bangkok dwellers! Mark your calendars for a spectacular event you simply can’t afford to miss — the BKK Expo 2025. From Thursday, May 15 to Sunday, May 18, Benchakitti Park transforms into the heart of entertainment, culture, and innovation, with a smorgasbord of activities ranging from culinary delights and endearing pet encounters to spellbinding cultural performances, complimentary health checks, and captivating exhibitions spotlighting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s many triumphs. Celebrating the Third Year of Governor Chadchart’s Leadership Draped under the rallying slogan “We Work, BKK Works!”, the expo celebrates the dynamic third year of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s administration, initiated on May 7, 2025. Under the astute leadership of Governor Chadchart, the expo shines a light on the substantial progress made under his administration, underscored by a steadfast commitment to tackling urban challenges via community involvement, echoing the mantra, “All problems can be solved with citizen collaboration.” A…
In a somber turn of events in the bustling district of Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok, a devastating fire has claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman, Duang Junlapong, in the dark, early hours of May 13th. Duang, a Laotian national, tragically found herself trapped within the fiery confines of her family home, a multi-story structure that doubles as a bustling clothing store. The blaze erupted around 2:00 AM in Soi Sakae Ngam 3, sparking panic and chaos as thick smoke and flames engulfed the lower levels of the four-story edifice. The inferno found its fuel in the T-shirts and underwear stocked on the ground floor, swiftly licking up the walls and spreading to the upper levels where the family resided. Firefighters from the Bang Khun Thian district and officers from the Tha Kham Police Station raced against the clock, battling the furious flames for over an hour before gaining control…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, within the vibrant Din Daeng district, a young man of just 20 years finds himself at the center of a gripping saga that ripples through the channels of justice. This emerging narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a sinister human trafficking operation that unscrupulously exploited innocent youths using Facebook as its deceptive mouthpiece. Led by the diligent efforts of an adept cadre of law enforcement officers, the story takes a thrilling twist that could rival any crime thriller. The apprehension of this young suspect, known as Abdul Waris, transpired with the seamless synergy of a top-notch investigative team. Under the auspices of a warrant issued by the esteemed Phitsanulok provincial court dated January 31, the investigation was meticulously orchestrated by Police Colonel Netiwit Thanasitnitikul, Deputy Police Lieutenant Colonel Narit Phukjit, and Police Captain Warat Sermsujarit. Collaborating closely with the Phitsanulok provincial police, their mission…
In the serene confines of Muang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, a tale of sinister betrayal unfolded that left the community in a state of disbelief. Our story begins with Noonil Kitparb, an 89-year-old whose gentle demeanor captivated those who knew her. On an otherwise ordinary day, May 9th, a moment captured on camera would be the last time anyone saw her alive. The grainy footage showed the elderly woman perched on the back of a motorcycle, blissfully unaware of what fate would soon contrive. Her companion on this ride to an uncertain end was 55-year-old Charoen “Tia” Srichamras, a local motorsai taxi driver thought to be trustworthy. However, instead of a routine drive through the vibrant streets of their Thai neighborhood, this journey would mark the beginning of a chilling mystery. Noonil was not seen again until, to the horror of the community, her lifeless body was discovered—cold and abandoned…
In recent times, a storm of controversy has brewed in the serene locales of Chon Buri, where a prominent private educational institution finds itself embroiled in a scandal fraught with deceit and false promises. Upwards of 50 aggrieved parents and students thronged to the Nong Prue Police Station on May 12, despairing over the alleged issuance of fraudulent graduation certificates and payment receipts, casting shadows over an institution once held in high esteem. This motley group aims to escalate their complaint further to the Damrongdhama Centre in Bang Lamung district, seeking redress and transparency. Picture this: amidst the scorching heat of a Thai summer, a 44-year-old parent’s tale unfolded, laden with despair and disillusionment. She detailed how her daughter, an aspiring student who took a hiatus in 2020 due to health hurdles, resumed her academic journey in 2024. Remarkably, after a solitary term, the school bafflingly declared her a graduate,…
In the quaint Kanchanaburi province, the morning tranquility was suddenly shattered by a collision that has left the community in somber reflection. As the sun rose on May 12th, a tragic fate awaited Somchai, a 73-year-old, and his beloved 74-year-old companion, Sudjai. Their motorcycle journey encountered a devastating end at the hands of an oncoming pickup truck, painting a heartbreaking scene in the middle of a busy traffic junction. It was just past 10:20 AM when the calamity unfolded. Reports rushed in, and Police Lieutenant Woraporn Kalaphakdi from Nong Khao Police Station swiftly arrived at the chaotic scene, his team joined by compassionate medics from Somdej Phra Sangharaj Hospital and dedicated personnel from the Khun Rattanawut Foundation. The sight was nothing short of grim; the couple’s motorcycle lay crumpled, the remnants of their journey starkly displayed against the asphalt. The lifeless body of Somchai lay nearby, while a critically injured…
In a serene village in Udon Thani, a tragedy unfolded that has left the community reeling and pondering the complexities of familial love and personal freedom. The lifeless body of 54-year-old Ladda was discovered in the tranquility of a local pond, her untimely demise a haunting reminder of unresolved distress and deep-seated desires unfulfilled. The evening of May 12 was intended to be just like any other. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Police Lieutenant Songphop Kamjai received a call that would alter the peaceful scenery. The report was of a drowning in Nong Na Lam, Sam Phrao subdistrict, prompting a swift response from rescue teams. The pond, a familiar spot nestled within a local home, became the scene of a heartrending search. After over 20 minutes of meticulous diving in its 4-meter depths, the body of Ladda was retrieved, a shadow of her former vivacious self. Preliminary examinations…
On what was supposed to be just another Saturday night, the picturesque town of Hua Hin was engulfed in a devastating storm that turned deadly, leaving its residents in shock and prompting a wave of urgent safety inspections. The heart-wrenching incident occurred amid the heavy downpour on May 10, as two individuals tragically lost their lives after being electrocuted due to a sagging power cable, an accident propelled by the relentless flash floods sweeping through the area. The calamity unfolded on Soi 94, where torrents of rain had transformed roads into treacherous watercourses. The victims were navigating their motorbike near the Dusit Land 10 housing estate around 8:30 PM, attempting to maneuver around a flooded patch of road. In their earnest attempt, their motorbike made deadly contact with a low-hanging electrical wire, which resulted in a horrific electrocution. Earsplitting cries from one of the riders pierced the stormy night, alerting…