In an unfolding drama straight out of a film script, a young Thai woman, who danced her way into the hearts of millions through a viral music video, has now become the centerpiece of a sobering narrative. The video, which soared past 130 million views, featured this remarkable woman, known affectionately as “Bell.” But beneath the catchy tunes and vibrant visuals, a darker story unfurls—a tale of alleged abuse that has captured the digital world’s collective attention. The backdrop to Bell’s story plays out like a thriller, involving her former beau, a man entangled in the shadows of power as the son of a police officer. The gloomy twists of their narrative are now spotlighted by the foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice (CRSJ), shining a light on the disturbing allegations of repeated physical and psychological torment Bell endured. It was on the news program Hone Krasae that Bell laid…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The curtains have drawn on the much-anticipated Crisis Management Conference 2025 in the vibrant heart of Bangkok. Delegates from 13 cities around the globe have pledged to fortify their efforts in urban disaster preparedness. This commitment comes at a crucial time, as climate-related emergencies continue to rear their unpredictable heads worldwide. The event, hosted by the bustling Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), took place at the prestigious Asawin Grand Convention Hotel. Over two compelling days, experts from cities like Delhi, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo huddled together under the theme “Collaboration for Crisis Management.” The air was charged with purpose as attendees brainstormed on how to buffer their urban jungles against impending crises. While the first day was all about sharing and strategizing, the second day saw delegates embarking on a field trip to observe cutting-edge high-rise rescue operations and advanced flood management systems. This hands-on experience was a testament…
In the enchanting locale of Koh Phangan, a stunning island in southern Thailand renowned for its turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife, an unexpected turn of events has caused quite the stir. Pascal Patrick, a 56-year-old French national, became the headline of the day when police officers discovered illicit substances stashed away at his wife’s hotel, transforming an otherwise blissful destination into the scene of a suspense-filled saga. The clock struck around 4 PM last Thursday when a team of vigilant tourist police, bolstered by local officials and officers from the Koh Phangan police station, descended upon the KPG Suite Dream hotel situated in the picturesque tambon Ban Tai of Koh Phangan district. The officers were armed with a tip-off about a foreign man allegedly working without proper documentation, indulging in inebriation and excitedly showcasing weapons like BB guns and knives to the intrigued hotel guests. Pol Lt Col Winit Boonchit…
In the serene yet sun-drenched locale of Phuket, an unexpected drama unfolded that felt like a plot twist in a foreign thriller. It all began on February 24, 2024, when a widely respected Thai doctor, Tharadao Chandam, affectionately known as Dr. Pai, found herself at the heart of a legal storm. Her supposed assailant? None other than a Swiss businessman named Urs Fehr, known locally as David, a seemingly unassuming owner of the beloved Phuket Elephant Camp. The incident reportedly occurred at the Yamu Beach villa, a place usually known for its tranquility, where Dr. Pai alleged that David unleashed a physical and verbal assault while she sat undisturbed on the villa steps. What initially seemed like a straightforward plea for justice turned into a layered narrative of courtrooms and appeals. The initial ruling came last September when Phuket’s Provincial Court threw out the case, citing insufficient evidence. Dr. Pai’s…
Picture this: a modern-day warrior not dressed in armor but in the garb of a lawyer. His battleground is the courtroom, and his weapon? His relentless pursuit of justice and freedom of expression. Who is this valiant figure, you ask? None other than Arnon Nampa, a Thai lawyer who has been thrust into the international limelight. An indomitable spirit, Arnon has been showered with accolades, most notably being crowned the Asia-Pacific hero at the 2024 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk. Imagine the surprise as Arnon etched his name in history as the first Thai national to clutch this prestigious prize. Incarcerated but undeterred, he symbolizes unyielding grit and an unwavering commitment to democratic ideals amid the choppy seas of repression. Life behind bars has not dimmed Arnon’s fire. His 22-year sentence, a byproduct of multiple convictions under Thailand’s infamous lèse-majesté law, underscores the harsh realities…
In a twist that could rival any political thriller, Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) finds itself in the eye of a brewing storm. At the heart of it all is DSI chief, Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, a man seemingly unfazed by a growing clamor for his temporary eviction from an investigation that has tongues wagging across the nation. The saga revolves around alleged collusion in the Senate election, with 22 senators penning an impassioned plea to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to sideline him. Yutthana, however, remains a picture of unbothered composure. “Let them talk,” his demeanor seemed to whisper when asked about the request for his removal. With the gravitas of a seasoned investigator, Pol Maj Yutthana emphatically vouched for the legality of his investigative process, reinforcing the idea that every step has been within the solid boundaries of the law. His confidence beams as he welcomes the…
In a gripping and distressing tale, a Thai actress, identified only as Bell, is seeking justice after being fiercely attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Kong. His sinister threats and the alleged misuse of influence, rooted in his father’s position as a police officer, have brought a whirlwind of public sympathy and concern her way. Bell courageously turned to the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice (CRSJ) for assistance and went public with a harrowing account of abuse in the hope of holding Kong accountable. She presented a compelling array of video evidence and photographs of her bruises and wounds to the Facebook news page, Talat Lang Upgrade (ตลาดล่างอัปเกรด). Her tragic ordeal was further recounted on the popular television show, Hone Krasae. Armed with these exposures, Bell aims to spur justice, driving home a poignant plea for public awareness to keep a vigilant eye on individuals like Kong. The saga began innocently…
In a lush corner of Thailand, where the horizon is framed by the towering sandstone peaks of Phu Kradueng National Park, a botanical symphony unfolds beneath the canopy—the whispers of leaves punctuated by the joyous chants of discovery. Researchers from the esteemed Chulalongkorn University, instruments in hand and curiosity alight, recently embarked on an expedition into this botanical wonderland. Their mission was as delicate as the ferns they sought: to catalog the park’s pteridophytes, those ancient spore-bearing plants that persist in painting the landscape with shades of emerald and jade. The expedition, with backing from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), went way beyond the expected. As they meandered along Phu Kradueng’s trails, they gathered 288 samples, among which three species—Selaginella sp., Asplenium sp., and Oleandra sp.—emerged like shy stars stepping out for their debut on the global botanical stage. This triumphant uncovering didn’t end there.…
The sun was just beginning to rise over the vibrant streets of Pattaya when an unexpected commotion stirred the otherwise tranquil early hours. Nathan James Webber, a 51-year-old Australian gentleman, found himself in an exceedingly curious predicament that unleashed a cascade of events as colorful as the Thai city itself. It all began on the hazy, early morning of May 20, not far from the bustling Soi Najomtien 8, where Webber’s reliable steed – his motorcycle – decided to call it a day. Alas, his trusty ride left him stranded and in search of aid. But, as fate would have it, Webber’s search for help was far from straightforward. Within arm’s reach stood a rescue booth operated by the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, a beacon of hope in dire times. However, under the shroud of inebriation and bafflement, Webber perceived the chatter emanating from the booth’s two-way radio as stress…
In an exciting step to reignite the flame of domestic travel, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with Advanced Info Service (AIS) to roll out the Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere campaign. This collaborative venture aims to rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism scene by spotlighting both well-trafficked cities and those hidden gems that are often overlooked. The campaign kicks off with a vibrant event on Banthat Thong Road in Bangkok, a locale renowned among food lovers and the young-at-heart alike, renowned for its mouthwatering culinary offerings and special perks. Somchai Lertsutiwong, AIS’s Chief Executive, shared the ambitious vision behind the initiative: to position Thailand as a preeminent regional tourism nexus while ensuring that the resulting economic benefits ripple right down to local communities. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to a digitally enriched travel experience, enhanced by AIS’s state-of-the-art network. Echoing this sentiment, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of…