In the idyllic coastal town of Kata, an investigation continues into the tragic landslide that claimed 13 lives and left numerous others injured last August. This heart-wrenching catastrophe disrupted the serene ambiance of the region, and yet, as we stand in March 2025, resolution remains elusive. The wheels of justice, it seems, are turning slowly, largely owing to the complex nature of the extensive damage caused. Leading the charge for answers is Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, the seasoned Senior Inspector (Investigation) at Karon Police. Determined to leave no stone unturned, Lt. Col. Ekkasak has arranged for a critical set of interviews slated for March 5. These interviews aim to pull together myriad accounts from both victims and witnesses to paint a clearer picture of the events. As the lieutenant explains, “This case is highly sensitive. We are dedicated to ensuring all testimonies align accurately with the allegations put forth.“…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Just as the vibrant Pattaya nightlife was winding down on March 2, an overwhelming aura of melancholy descended upon a South Pattaya condominium. It was here that a tragic story unfolded, leaving a Swedish man in tears next to the lifeless body of his beloved girlfriend, 26-year-old Sureetip. As dawn began to break, Police Major Suthiraphan Tapasri of the Mueang Pattaya Police Station received a heart-wrenching call that would lead him to a scene of unimaginable sorrow. The clock had just ticked past 4:06 am when the major was alerted to the suicide incident. Arriving at the scene, he found the Swedish man enveloped in grief, seated beside his girlfriend’s body, unable to tear himself away until the comforting embrace of the officers led him aside. Sureetip had reportedly ended her life using a pair of trousers, a haunting choice that cast a shadow over her tragic end. Prior to…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a peculiar incident unfolded that seemed straight out of an unscripted drama. The whispery hours of dawn were interrupted by an intriguing arrest at a shopping center’s fourth-floor restroom. Amidst the flashy lights of the capital, a 31-year-old Japanese national, Masato Omichi, had caught the attention of Thonglor’s vigilant police. The clock read around 2 am, and an anonymous tip had set the officers hot on his trail. Apparently, Omichi’s suspicious behavior didn’t quite mesh with the usual shopper profile. The law enforcement team, spearheaded by the meticulous Police Colonel Pansa Amarapitak and his able Deputy, Colonel Natthakit Jokkhoksung, acted swiftly on the intelligence received. Approaching Omichi, the officers revealed their smooth badges, and in what could only be described as a scene from a gripping detective series, Omichi’s demeanor transitioned from casual to overly nervous. The officers, equipped with sharp instincts and adequate…
In a significant stride toward revolutionizing healthcare in Thailand, Mahidol University has proudly introduced the Mahidol University Foundation Fund for Sustainability. This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at bolstering medical research and driving innovation, marks a pivotal moment in the university’s quest to push the boundaries of medical advancements. Spearheading this visionary effort is Somsak Leeswadtrakul, the esteemed president of Mahidol University Alumni Relations and a dedicated member of the Mahidol University Foundation’s board. With an ambitious target in sight, the fund is set to amass a formidable one billion baht. At the heart of this bold endeavor lies the visionary “MU-Bio Plant”—a cutting-edge facility designed to reshape the landscape of drug production by harnessing the potential of living cells. Leeswadtrakul expresses excitement over this pioneering effort, emphasizing that this plant will focus its efforts on producing advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP). These innovations hold the promise of making cancer treatments not…
In Pathum Thani’s tranquil neighborhood, where the Rangsit Phra Yurasak Canal softly flows, a surreal chapter unfolded. It was an evening like any other, serenity punctuated only by the rhythmic plopping of fishing lines into the water. But for 36-year-old Jaruwat Suriya, this routine fishing excursion transformed into a gripping tale that would reverberate throughout the community. On the night of March 1, as the clock ticked toward 10 p.m., Police Lieutenant Pornchet Prommool received a perplexing call from Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station. The night would no longer be ordinary; a discovery near Pier 2, adjacent to Kaew Bridge, demanded immediate attention. It was here, on the serene route to Rangsit Market nestled in the Prachathipat subdistrict of Thanyaburi district, that a floating mystery awaited unraveling. The police, in conjunction with dedicated volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and a seasoned diving team, hurried to the scene. The waters,…
Phuket, Thailand—a slice of paradise known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife—is taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety and legality of its international visitors. In cooperation with various international consulates, local authorities are ramping up efforts to crackdown on illegal activities. The reason? An alarming uptick in drug-related offences and an influx of foreigners working without the proper paperwork. Police Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying, the chief authority at Phuket’s immigration police, reveals some staggering numbers: last year alone, 194 foreign nationals had their visas canceled, and a whopping 998 deportations were executed due to offenses primarily involving drug use and working without valid visas. These immigration efforts are seen as a necessary response to safeguard the island’s reputation while ensuring visitors enjoy a safe and lawful stay. A comprehensive vetting process now awaits new arrivals, which includes ensuring they have no outstanding arrest warrants or appearances on international blacklists.…
The air buzzed with excitement and whispers of envy as news spread through north Thailand about the latest millionaire in town. Perhaps it was the serene surroundings of Chiang Mai that played a role in such unprecedented luck gracing one of its residents. In a tale that could rival any thriller, a mere three lottery tickets purchased through Lottery Plus catapulted Phon, a local from Chiang Mai, into the lap of luxury with a hefty win of 18 million baht, equivalent to an impressive US$525,530. March had only just begun, marking the advent of not just a new month, but a new chapter in Phon’s life. On the first day of March, the Government Lottery Office unveiled the winning numbers that would soon transform Phon’s life: 818894 for the first prize, accompanied by the three-digit front numbers 139 and 530, the three-digit back numbers 781 and 656, and the two-digit…
In the heart of the enchanting yet wild landscapes of Chanthaburi province lies the small village of Mueang Phaya Kamphut where life ebbs and flows with a serene rhythm, interrupted only by the occassional mystery and drama that the dense forests bring. Amid these surroundings, tragedy struck on March 1 when a villager fell victim to the majestic but potentially perilous inhabitants of the forest—a herd of wild elephants. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of Pong Nam Ron, nestled within a military zone, where nature knows no boundaries. Rescue volunteers from the esteemed Sawang Katanyu Association were alerted to an incident that sent shivers down the spines of those familiar with the delicate balance between man and beast. It was an ordinary day when 54-year-old Thongdee Muthong set out on an adventure with a friend, seeking the bounty that the forest promises. Perhaps they imagined discovering exotic flora or…
In the bustling world of ambitious infrastructure projects, few endeavors capture the imagination quite like the proposed 9A Canal Route. Picture this: a grand channel seamlessly linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, slicing through the heart of Southern Thailand, akin to the mythical shortcuts of ancient lore. The brainchild of the Thai Canal Association for Study and Development, this proposal could potentially draw a line in the economic sand, creating a whopping million new jobs. As of recently, the wheels have been set in motion with a well-crafted petition landing directly on the desk of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a government meeting in the picturesque setting of Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area. The visionary at the forefront, Gen Pongthep Thetprateep, President of the association, is pushing for a national committee to deep dive into the feasibility of this grand project. Yet, like any epic tale, the journey…
In the heartwarming mission dubbed as “11-Year Mission Possible,” a group of 40 Uyghurs was finally repatriated to Xinjiang, China, after spending a decade in detention in Thailand. The Thai government assured that they are now safe and sound, with reunions already taking place with some family members. This follows updates received from a delegation consisting of prominent Thai officials, including Chatchai Bangchuad, the secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), who embarked on the heartfelt journey to China along with the migrants. Chatchai was part of a high-level delegation that also featured Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong, a deputy national police chief, as well as officials from the Thai embassy in Beijing. Their mission was simple yet profound: ensure the Uyghurs return home safely and are joyously reunited with their families. Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub emphasized that reports reaching Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed the successful passage of these…