Life in Phuket was recently overshadowed by a sorrowful sequence of events as the vibrant island found itself grappling with the news of two tragic suicides. In what seemed like a nightmare unfolding in the early hours of May 5th, authorities and locals alike were left reeling from two heartbreaking incidents that occurred just hours apart. The first heart-rending discovery unfolded around 8:45 AM when Police Lieutenant Colonel Surachat Thongyai from Patong Police Station received a nerve-jangling report. It was an apparent suicide at a hotel under renovation on the well-known Phra Metta Road in Patong. Promptly gathering a team, Surachat coordinated with a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital, as well as experts from the Phuket Provincial Forensic Science Division, to meticulously examine the scene. Upon their arrival, the investigators were met with the somber sight of a foreign gentleman whose life had tragically come to an end. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a tale that sounds more fit for a dramatic television series than a bustling Thai market, it appears our sweet-toothed entrepreneur Anusara has found herself enlisted not in a culinary exchange, but a dizzying tango of alleged deceit and pastries! Imagine whisking away your morning to produce the delicate confections of Thai dessert Heaven, only to find your trust misplaced and your painstakingly crafted goodies at the center of a financial trickery—what a bittersweet confectionery conundrum! Let us unravel the story that unfolded in the vibrant setting of the Save One Market in Nonthaburi, where 31-year-old homemaker and skilled dessert artisan Anusara, who can create sweets as appealing to the eye as they are to the taste buds, placed not just her valuable ingredients into 470 boxes of mouthwatering desserts, but her faith in the hands of one young vendor by the name of Phornchanok. It all started on…
Once a beacon of ambition and political prowess, the Sappaya-Sapasathan building in Bangkok has been the talk of the town since the momentous decision to erect its foundation back in 2013. Initially, this grand architectural project was poised to crown the cityscape by late 2015. However, much like an unpredictable plot twist in a thrilling novel, the actual completion lagged until July 2019, with costs escalating from an anticipated 13 billion baht to a staggering 24 billion baht. (Thank you, Nittaya Nattayai, for the visual insight!) Fast forward to today, as the sun rises over 2025, the conversation buzzes around the quite necessary renovations of this parliamentary giant. According to Paradorn Prissanananthakul, a deputy House speaker with perhaps the longest last name in parliamentary history, these renovations target more than just aesthetics—they aim to plug the fiscal leaks caused by our committees’ current practice of renting hotel rooms for seminars.…
As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Thailand, there’s a peculiar yet familiar trend that emerges as the academic year draws near. Parents, armed with determination and the hope of a brighter future for their children, are frequenting pawn shops more than ever. It’s that time of year when school uniforms and the myriad of educational essentials become an unwavering priority. May 16th marks the beginning of a new school term, and to meet the anticipated surge, pawn shops across the nation are gearing up by bolstering their cash reserves. In the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Korat, municipality-operated pawn shops are preparing an impressive arsenal of financial support. Across its three city branches, a whopping 300 million baht has been set aside, with enticing low-interest rates to aid parents in their time of need. Siriphan Kuanha, the manager of the city’s bustling second branch, confidently assured…
In the heart of Rayong, a poignant saga of family, hardship, and heartache has unfolded. The unexpected hero and victim, a 34-year-old woman named Pan, has left behind a legacy that ties money to a tale of who cared and who reaped from her distress. Pan bravely fought oral cancer, a costly battle she could not wage alone, ultimately leaving her disabled and financially strained. Her story struck a chord, rippling through the hearts of many as the bleak details were shared publicly. Miraculously, a donation campaign raised over 7 million baht, shine of hope to fund her plight. Despite these efforts, fate had a cruel twist; Pan succumbed to cancer in September last year. As if orchestrating her affairs with divine foresight, Pan had drafted a will that directed the allocation of the remaining 4.8 million baht, a testament to who stood by her side when life was bleakest.…
In a significant update that affects many across Thailand, the Department of Comptroller General has published the revised welfare schedule for state welfare cardholders this May. It’s a tale of fiscal relief rolled out thoughtfully over two phases. Deputy Director General Tiwaporn Phasuk, the vanguard of this initiative, enthusiastically confirms the specifics, making a public appeal to all beneficiaries to swiftly verify their eligibility and make the most of these advantages. As the clock struck on May 1, eligible cardholders saw a pleasant surprise slide into their provisions bag: A 300 baht monthly spending allowance arrived, ready to be redeemed for essential goods at approved shops. This sweet stipend, however, comes with a catch — it’s a “use it or lose it” deal, cash withdrawal or rollover won’t fly here. An 80 baht discount on cooking gas, sparking flames of relief in kitchens across the country, becomes available once every…
This morning, under the cloak of night, the serene province of Nong Bua Lamphu was punctuated by a seismic whisper. At precisely 1:36 a.m. on May 6, the earth sent gentle ripples through the Boon Than subdistrict of Suwannakhuha district. Registering a modest 3.0 on the Richter scale, this earthquake originated from a depth of 4 kilometers, its epicenter nestled beneath the quaint villages of Boon Than and Saeng Arun. While the earth’s rumblings were felt by the slumbering residents, there was little cause for alarm. After all, in this region, the Loei Suture—a well-known geological fault line—has been gently shaking off its dust for quite some time. This recent tremor echoes the precedents set by its predecessors: a 3.4-magnitude quake in 2018, a 3.8 in 2020, and a gentle 2.6 just last year. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the meteorological station stationed in Loei province, these tremors are…
In the vibrant yet sometimes chaotic heart of central Bangkok, a tale of conflict and resolution unfolded, as an intrepid police operation led to the apprehension of several young gang members. These individuals were embroiled in a violent melee involving fellow nationals, sending shockwaves across the city and drawing the keen-eyed attention of law enforcement. The backdrop to this intense drama begins on the bustling streets of Bangkok, where simmering tensions flared into open conflict. On May 5, under the astute leadership of Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, a strategic operation saw the arrest of three young men linked to these aggressive exchanges. The trio, identified as 18-year-old Chakraphat, a Thai Yai national, alongside Myanmar nationals, 21-year-old Zaw Win and 19-year-old Zaw Han, were sought after in connection to joint assaults causing significant physical injuries. The saga took a decisive turn thanks to arrest warrants unleashed by the Criminal Court…
In a spirited effort to rekindle the flames of tourism, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has rolled out the striking “Hello, Ni Hao” campaign. Aimed squarely at enticing Chinese travelers back to the Land of Smiles, this audacious initiative promises to bring new life to Thai tourism by extending a warm invitation to over 300 Chinese media stars and influencers. Imagine the dazzling parade of cameras and smartphones capturing the essence of Thailand’s countless wonders, only to beam them back to a mammoth audience eagerly awaiting travel inspiration. “Restoring trust and reshaping perceptions,” Sorawong championed, as he mapped out a strategy to usher the once-booming Chinese market back to its former glory. From January 1st to April 28th of this year, Thailand raked in a resounding 952 billion baht in tourism revenue, marking a heartening 4.73% uptick compared to the same span of the previous year. While Chinese…
Tuesday saw a significant leap forward in the intense search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic collapse of the SAO building in Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district. Helmed by the indefatigable Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, the operation continued to uncover grim truths amidst the rubble. Although the rescue teams have not unearthed additional survivors or victims since last night through the crack of dawn, hope still flickers in the hearts of those working tirelessly on the site. As of now, the daunting task of clearing the concrete floor of the basement—stretching across an immense 40×40 meters expanse—has reached completion. The focus has now shifted to the imposing collapsed section coiled around parking zone B, standing an ominous 3 meters in height and fanning out 15-20 meters wide, a challenge that demands another 2-3 days of arduous labor. In an effort to…