In an electrifying twist of police drama straight out of an action-packed movie, four men suspected of wreaking havoc in Uttaradit province last December met their justice today in a sprawling series of police operations. These crackdowns spanned the bustling metropolis of Bangkok and two central provinces, churning out an unanticipated haul of illegal armaments. As announced by Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, the respected commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, the quartet — Watcharaphong, Sarut, Sarawut, and Phumin — found themselves in handcuffs by May 8. Though their family names remain under wraps, these individuals, aged between 36 and 56, were essentially the stars (or villains, depending on one’s perspective) of a gripping real-life caper spanning multiple towns. But the drama doesn’t stop with dramatic arrests. Alongside these men came a treasure trove of firepower that seemed fit for a small army: 20 unauthorized firearms, over 4,000 rounds of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a gripping chapter of Thai medical ethics, three doctors now find themselves in the spotlight following former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s much-debated hospital stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital. The Medical Council of Thailand has stepped in, wielding its regulatory power to discipline these practitioners after a probing investigation unveiled disturbing questions about the quality and integrity of care rendered. As the skies light up on this 5th of May, 2025, the repercussions are being felt from the corridors of medical associations to the public eye. Today, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa, esteemed as the Medical Council’s first vice president, officiated the declaration that echoed through the medical community. One doctor received a formal warning—a slap on the wrist, perhaps—while two others faced the severer sanction of having their medical licenses suspended. The thorn at the heart of this disciplinary action was the seeming scarcity of…
In the heart of Thailand’s vibrant Pattaya, a shocking and tragic event unfurled on April 26 that has since sparked intense discussions and demands for change. Within the confines of a guesthouse room, the mutilated body of a transgender sex worker was discovered—a horrifying act that has cast a somber shadow over the city’s bustling life. Forensic officers urgently descended upon the scene, collecting evidence in a bid to piece together the grim puzzle. This appalling murder, allegedly committed by a Chinese national, has ignited a fierce call for justice and reform. In a powerful collective effort, Thai rights groups have rallied to petition parliament, imploring for decisive action against hate crimes and for accountability from the Chinese embassy concerning this grievous incident. The petition, submitted on a significant Thursday, was spearheaded by the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT), in collaboration with the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination (MovED),…
In the picturesque, yet slightly notorious, Rangsit area of Pathum Thani, a storm has brewed. Like a plot ripped from a legal thriller, Wichian Chubtaisong, the vigilant President of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, found himself at the eye of this legal tempest. On a seemingly routine Thursday, no fewer than 70 distraught individuals—mostly students—came knocking on the council’s door. Their grievance? Alleged fraud intricately woven by the proprietor of a not-so-humble abode: a privately-run dormitory. Received by both Mr. Chubtaisong and his capable vice president, Weerasak Chotiwanich, the complaints were as serious as they were diverse. From unapproved tweaks to rental agreements—tantamount to document forgery under criminal law—to the more gripping tales of unlawful detention when tenants attempted to vacate, the allegations read like a poorly written landlord horror movie script. The cherry on top of this dystopian sundae? The alleged seizure of personal treasures, including—gasp!—iPads! These tales of…
In the ever-busy corridors of Suvarnabhumi Airport, where Thai Airways airplanes proudly line the runways, a sudden pause has taken the stage amidst the daily hustle and bustle. This unexpected intermission is not due to a technical glitch or inclement weather, but rather, a geopolitical standoff brewing thousands of miles away. Marking themselves as an indispensable link between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, Thai Airways International finds itself rerouting paths and plans as the skies over South Asia close off in response to escalating tensions between neighboring giants, India and Pakistan. The national carrier, renowned for weaving cultural connections through its flights, has made the difficult decision to suspend its services to Lahore and Karachi this Thursday. It’s a pause in the everyday rhythm that reflects a larger, more intricate global dance. The bustling airliner had meticulously scheduled Flight TG345 to lift off from Bangkok at 7:50…
In a new chapter for Thailand’s judicial system, the task of filling two vacant seats on the Constitutional Court has turned the spotlight onto two standout figures, each bringing their unique tapestry of experience to the fore. As the drums of decision echo through the corridors of power, the anticipation is palpable among those watching, waiting to see who will step into these pivotal roles. One of the nominees is Sarawut Songsivilai, a distinguished figure with a storied career, most notably as the former director-general of both the Department of Rail Transport and the Department of Highways. His career has been a testament to his steadfast leadership in steering some of Thailand’s most critical transportation sectors. With a blend of engineering prowess and public policy savvy, Sarawut is poised to bridge his technical expertise with judicial oversight—a unique crossover in the intricate world of constitutional law. The selection process, meticulously…
Picture this: a serene suburban neighborhood in Nonthaburi, suddenly abuzz with activity as cybercrime police march towards an unassuming house. It’s a typical Thursday, yet something unusual is in the air. In the spotlight is Kanpharawee, a 19-year-old whose online endeavors have thrust her into the paths of law enforcement. Armed with an arrest warrant, officers ready themselves to confront a digital empire they had been investigating—this is no ordinary takedown. The young woman, keeping to herself a surname shrouded in discretion, is at the heart of a burgeoning scandal. Kanpharawee is accused of curating explicit content, videos capturing her intimate escapades, and selling them to eager digital voyeurs. Her efforts have not gone unrewarded; she has reportedly amassed a lucrative income, raking in between 70,000 and 90,000 baht each month from her subscription-based business. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), spearheaded by the determined Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan,…
As the sun cast its golden rays over Bangkok, a photo emerged, causing a ripple across social media at the speed of light. It captured a seemingly innocuous moment: former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a significant figure in Thai politics, allegedly being wheeled from a specialized room at the Police General Hospital for a CT and MRI scan in October of 2023. Yet, this snapshot was more than just a routine medical check – it became the epicenter of a health-related controversy shaking the upper echelons of Thailand’s medical and political landscape. The Medical Council of Thailand, in a decisive move, announced the suspension of two doctors while issuing a stern warning to a third. This drastic action took center stage after thorough investigations allegedly revealed that Thaksin’s supposed critical illness, which had justified his serving prison time in a hospital, was not, in fact, critical. Prof Dr. Prasit Watanapa,…
Picture this: Former director-general of the Department of Rail Transport and Department of Highways, the esteemed Sarawut Songsivilai, becomes a potential new face of Thailand’s Constitutional Court. A photograph capturing his dignified presence recently emerged from the Transport Ministry, marking a significant moment in the selection process for new court judges. The wheels of Thailand’s judiciary system are in motion, as the committee entrusted with filling two vacant spots on the Constitutional Court has made its selections. These vacancies were left by none other than court president Nakharin Mektrairat and charter court judge Punya Udchachon, both of whom gracefully exited after their commendable seven-year terms. Presiding over this selection process with a firm yet fair hand was Supreme Court President Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul. So, who are the lucky (and perhaps not-so-lucky) nominees in this judicial saga? Enter Pol Capt Sutham Cheurprakobkit, a seasoned 62-year-old public administration professor from Mahidol University, and…
Imagine the nocturnal calm of Phuket’s idyllic Nai Yang Beach, when suddenly, the shadowy stillness is dramatically interrupted by an unexpected drug bust. This late-night operation, set against the tranquil backdrop of the Thai coastline, was part of a strategic endeavor spearheaded by Thalang District’s diligent Chief Siwat Rawangkun. On the evening of May 6th, under the mysterious glow of streetlamps, a checkpoint was established to curb the surging drug activity that had silently crept its way into this scenic sanctuary. The operation unfolded like a scene from a suspense thriller, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Law enforcement assembled on the road to Nai Yang Beach, just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket International Airport. The atmosphere was electric, as 160 individuals were carefully selected for random urine tests. Tension hung in the air, the kind that makes your heart skip a beat,…