Picture this: a bustling Friday night at Michelangelo’s Bar & Lounge in the heart of Phuket, where laughter and clinking glasses fill the air. Amidst the lively atmosphere, patrons have their own reasons to raise a toast—it’s just another evening of unwinding after a long week. But unbeknownst to many, something far more serious is about to unfold behind the tavern doors. At precisely 9:10 p.m., the music is gently competing with the symphony of chatter when a group of stern-faced officers makes its entrance. The Phuket immigration officers, accompanied by local law enforcement, discreetly approach a corner table. There, they find the man who had unknowingly become the evening’s center of attention: Donald Ray Mangiameli, a 67-year-old American. His alleged activities have brought the spotlight upon him, albeit unwelcome. Donald, often addressed with a casual nod and a clink of beer mugs by his fellow patrons, now faces the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a bustling metropolis like Bangkok, teeming with life at every corner, where the pulse of the city echoes through its streets and alleyways. In this vibrant cityscape, an unexpected saga unfolds at the Veterans General Hospital. Recently, a female doctor found herself embroiled in a scandal, having been suspended from her medical duties amidst allegations of illicit medication sales outside the hospital’s respected bounds. This story, as engaging as it is startling, came into the limelight thanks to Thanadet Phengsuk, a dedicated Bangkok Member of Parliament representing the People’s Party. With a reputation as the deputy chairperson of the Military Commission, Thanadet wielded the power of social media to expose the alleged misdeeds. His post, originally shared via the popular platform X (formerly known as Twitter), did not hold back in condemning what he described as the unethical actions of a senior military doctor affiliated with the Veterans Hospital.…
In the tranquil heart of Chumphon province, a seemingly mundane evening meal turned into a thrilling encounter worthy of a wildlife documentary. It all began innocuously enough for Jirawan, a 55-year-old resident of the picturesque 55/3 Village 6, Khon subdistrict, whose evening took a slithery turn when an unexpected guest crashed the dinner party—a 4-meter-long king cobra. The serene single-storey abode, snuggled close to the thickly forested mountain pass, provided a perfect setting for nature’s grand entrance. But instead of appearing in an idyllic panorama, the guest preferred the domestic warmth of Jirawan’s kitchen. As she savored her meal, the substantial 8-kilogram serpent sidled in, much to her surprise. In a swift retreat worthy of an Olympic sprinter, Jirawan abandoned her culinary delight, opting instead to make a hurried call for help. The emergency line buzzed, alerting Sarawut Muangdaeng, head of the rescue unit from the Chumphon Charity Foundation. With…
In an unsettling incident that unfolded on the train tracks of Lopburi, a somber veil has descended over the small community. What began as an ordinary journey on the northern train number 207 from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan morphed into a tragic episode that left passengers and the railway staff deeply shaken. The clock had just about hit 5:30 PM on February 14, 2025, when the tranquility of the evening was pierced by a sudden and unfortunate mishap that no one saw coming. The police, led by Lieutenant Thannadon Thiangsan from Tha Hin Police Station, swiftly responded to the reports. Arriving with a contingent of medical professionals from Ananda Mahidol Hospital and dedicated volunteers from the Por Tek Tung Foundation, they made their way to platform one of the Lopburi railway station. What they encountered was heartbreaking: the lifeless body of a man dressed in a red shirt and floral…
In a striking turn of events that has sent ripples through the social security corridors of Bangkok, a crafty former officer has found herself in the limelight—but not the kind you’d want. Enter Ms. Nithima, 52, arrested just yesterday at her place of employment, a company nestled in Suan Luang district. It took a formidable alliance of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) to bring this saga into clearer focus. According to a media source well-acquainted with the unfolding drama, Ms. Nithima was apprehended with a warrant hotly pursued since May 20, 2022, courtesy of the Criminal Court. Her alleged crimes? A cocktail of corruption, misconduct, and misrepresentation, all deftly outlined in the annals of Section 147 and Section 157 of the Criminal Code. Imagine, if you will, the span from December 2007 to September 2014—a time when Ms. Nithima, holding the lofty title of…
At an opulent gathering on a bright Bangkok afternoon, the charismatic Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to the podium with an air of determined assurance. Her message was clear: Thailand is sprinting full throttle towards a future where sustainable development is not just a goal, but a way of life. The crowd at the Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2025, hosted by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), clung to her every word. “Sustainable Thailand — Advancing with Reforms,” was the theme reverberating through the elegantly adorned ballroom as Ms. Paetongtarn outlined her vision. With Thailand basking in the glory of being named the Asean’s leader in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for an impressive six consecutive years, she assured everyone there would be no easing up on this ambitious journey. The room buzzed with excitement as she spoke about nurturing resilient economic growth that could withstand the rapid…
In a bold move that has drawn international attention, Col Saw Chit Thu, the formidable leader of the Myanmar junta-allied Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), has embarked on a mission to join forces with the Thai government. Their target? To dismantle the notorious call-centre scam gangs entrenched near the Thai-Myanmar border. Addressing Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Col Saw Chit Thu left no room for doubt, affirming that the BGF is committed to apprehending call scammers and human traffickers operating within its territories in Myanmar. The colonel has further pledged to streamline the repatriation process for victims of human trafficking. Kicking off this cooperative effort, the BGF has planned to escort a significant number of foreign trafficking survivors from Myawaddy across the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, delivering them safely to Thai soil in Tak’s Mae Sot district. This daring maneuver aims to bolster the collaborative initiative between Thailand and Myanmar…
In a recent crackdown that feels like it’s pulled straight from the pages of an action novel, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) swooped down on an illicit operation, seizing a staggering haul of sexual enhancement products, known as “Nam Phueng Pueng Pang.” These products, cleverly disguised as harmless honey-based supplements, actually contained the active ingredients found in Viagra. The dangers they pose are nothing short of alarming. The mastermind behind this shady endeavor, a 38-year-old Yemeni national named Ahmed, found himself at the center of a sting operation on February 14. It seems cupid had other plans for this Valentines—no love lost, hopefully. Ahmed was apprehended under charges of breaching the Food Act of 1979 for selling products with misleading labels. While usually, a bouquet of roses or chocolates would do the trick, this Valentine’s saw authorities more interested in false advertising than in cupid’s toying with heartstrings. The…
The tranquil greens of the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, nestled in the scenic district of Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima, have suddenly found themselves in the eye of a political storm. The picturesque golf course, owned by an influential family, is embroiled in an intriguing land ownership dispute that has captivated Thailand’s political landscape like a compelling thriller. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party leader and Thailand’s current interior minister, has been under the media spotlight. Allegations have surfaced claiming that the verdant fairways of his family-owned golf course might be encroaching on land designated for agricultural reform. This accusation, a spark igniting a flurry of political drama, prompted the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to probe the land titles of the well-manicured resort grounds. Responding to these charges, Anutin has categorically dismissed them as mere political machinations. He maintains an air of confidence, asserting his…
In the hallowed halls of academia where legacy and networking often take precedence over actual education, a fascinating trend is emerging. It’s the age-old debate: does “know-how” truly outweigh “know-who”? For many, especially those attending elite study programs, the answer seems increasingly inclined towards the latter. At the center of this discourse is the advanced justice administration (AJA) course, a prestigious program allegedly teeming with influential figures eager to expand their social circles. But recently, this course found itself in the eye of a storm, as two senior Supreme Court judges took a bold stance against it. They penned an impassioned plea to the Supreme Court president, imploring a reevaluation of such networking-focused educational endeavors. The judges expressed their fears that these courses might be compromising the very foundation of judicial integrity. When judges and justice officials participate in these high-profile programs, there arises a risk that the friendships formed…