In a dramatic turn of events on the sunny shores of Jomtien Beach, a clandestine gambling operation was brought to its knees, leading to the arrest of six individuals with a penchant for risky dice games. As the golden sun dipped below the horizon on January 10, the tranquility of the Chon Buri province beach was startlingly disrupted by the loud clamor of dice rolling and eager cheers echoing across the sands. This spontaneous beachside casino, featuring a mix of Thai and Cambodian nationals, was the focus of an exhilarating police bust that day, leaving a tale to remember. As whispers of this illicit escapade reached the vigilant ears of Police Colonel Navin Theerawit—esteemed superintendent of the Pattaya City Police Station—the wheels of justice were set in motion. In a bid to restore serenity to the popular tourist destination, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirachat Nootes, known for his tactical acumen, was…
Posts published in “Thailand”
A clandestine world of jackpot-chasing adventures and slot machines beckons from the shadows of Nonthaburi, courtesy of an unauthorized casino operation (Photo: Courtesy of Immigration Bureau). Meanwhile, the Council of State is voicing strong opposition to the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill. The council claims this legislative move veers off the government’s policy track and fails to curb the rampant scourge of illegal gambling. According to an insider, last month saw the Secretariat of the Cabinet disseminate a circular to myriad agencies, seeking their viewpoints to facilitate a decisive cabinet mandate on this proposed bill. With the nation’s attention pivoting towards a royal festivity slated for Tuesday, deliberations on the bill have been nudged forward to Monday instead. Yet, the Council of State remains firm in its objections, harboring significant reservations about the bill’s provisions. The crux of the concern lies in the bill’s prescriptive scope, narrowly targeting comprehensive entertainment hubs.…
In a delightful twist of cultural tradition, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shared a heartwarming glimpse into her past with a charming family photo, celebrating National Children’s Day. This treasured snapshot, posted on the cheerful Saturday celebration, glimpsed the more innocent days of her childhood, providing a nostalgic connection to her influential lineage as the youngest daughter of the illustrious leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. In a conversation brimming with inspiration and ambition, Prime Minister Paetongtarn fondly recounted how her father’s dedication and vigor ignited her passion for governmental service. As a hallmark of her leadership, she reveals plans to broaden educational access through a robust scholarship initiative designed to open doors for young, eager minds. On this special children-centric day, Ms. Paetongtarn welcomed youthful visitors into the storied halls of Government House, letting them capture dreams in their snapshots as they beamed from the prime minister’s chair. Amidst the buzz, 46 students…
It was a crisp National Children’s Day when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the illustrious Thaksin Shinawatra, decided to share a cherished childhood photo that might have sparked nostalgia in many. Captured amidst youthful innocence, the image was a reminder of simpler times, even as she addressed the budding aspirations of Thailand’s youth from her post as the nation’s leader. With the sun casting gentle rays over Government House, young pairs of wide-eyed dreamers filed in, ready to claim, if only momentarily, the coveted chair of the Prime Minister. It was a day of promise and potential, a day Paetongtarn seemed to have meticulously orchestrated to resonate with the ambitions of her younger self. Her agenda was clear: offering inspiration, opportunity, and a dose of realism to the children visiting her office. Amidst the hum of youthful enthusiasm, Ms. Paetongtarn recounted her unexpected journey from hotel management to the…
In the vibrant nation of Thailand, renowned for its bustling markets and vibrant street food, the air was recently filled with quiet whispers of a potential health concern. However, as of today, the 1st of November 2025, the Thai health authorities have confirmed there’s no need for alarm regarding a cluster of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV). The statement assured all, from the scenic north highlands to the sun-kissed beaches of the south, that the situation is under control. No clusters have emerged, and citizens are encouraged to continue their lives free from worry. Dr. Panumas Yanawetsakul, the esteemed director-general of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC), has been diligently observing updates from global health entities, including the World Health Organization and our close trading partners in China. The findings reassure us that, contrary to some rumors, there has been no confirmation of any significant hMPV outbreak in China that might…
For more than a decade, the Suan Phlu immigration detention centre in bustling Bangkok has stood as a daunting fortress for 43 Uyghur detainees, housing them in a space that’s neither home nor refuge. These men, far from their homeland, now find themselves at the center of a swirling diplomatic storm, with allegations emerging from activists that the Thai government is planning to deport them back to China—a nation where they fear severe mistreatment. Spearheaded by former National Human Rights Commission head, Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, concerns have been voiced directly to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urging clarity on whether such deportation plans are indeed underway. The Associated Press reports having accessed a compelling letter penned by the detainees, a heartfelt plea echoing through the corridors of international human rights organizations: “We could be imprisoned, and we might even lose our lives.” This poignant message calls for swift global intervention to…
In a dramatic turn of events that could rival a thrilling crime novel, Ekkalak Phaenoi, notoriously known by his alias “Sergeant Em,” found himself at the center of a cross-border pursuit that ended at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint. This adrenaline-charged extradition from Cambodia to Thailand unfolded on a crisp Saturday morning, setting the stage for a narrative of international intrigue and justice. The serene setting of Sa Kaeo province was disrupted when Ekkalak, an ex-Thai marine, was smoothly transitioned from Cambodian to Thai custody. His alleged crime? The cold-blooded murder of a former Cambodian opposition MP, Lim Kimya, in the bustling heart of Bangkok. Unlike the clichéd culprit with a cloaked identity, Ekkalak had a notorious reputation that preceded him, making the event all the more sensational. Ekkalak’s audacious escape played out like a movie script. The 41-year-old suspect vanished into thin air after the fatal shooting, crossing borders…
In a gripping tale of cross-border intrigue and swift justice, authorities have captured and extradited Ekkalak Phaenoi, a 41-year-old former Thai marine, for the heinous crime of shooting a prominent Cambodian political figure. Ekkalak, infamously known by his moniker “Sergeant Em,” was handed over to Thai police following a tense international apprehension in Cambodia. This captivating saga reached a crucial point on a fateful Saturday morning when Cambodian law enforcement diligently transferred him to Thai custody at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province. The murky episode burst into the limelight after Ekkalak committed the high-profile assassination of Lim Kimya, a distinguished ex-member of the Cambodian opposition, on a bustling Tuesday evening. Swiftly evading arrest, Ekkalak attempted to disappear into the shadows by fleeing to Battambang, Cambodia, where he was promptly apprehended only a day later, thanks to seamless coordination between international police forces. Pol Lt Gen…
In a thrilling twist of fate, two Chinese nationals narrowly escaped the clutches of devious call-centre scam gangs, thanks to the vigilant soldiers patrolling the Thai-Myanmar border in the picturesque Phop Phra district. These daring young men, aged 27 and 36, were on the verge of crossing into perilous terrain when a sharp-eyed patrol from the renowned Naresuan Task Force intervened, halting their journey into uncertain treachery. The border guardians swiftly escorted the duo to the Mae Sot police station, where the necessary complaints were filed, and temporary accommodations eagerly awaited them as efforts to contact their relatives commenced. Their unexpected escapade began after they arrived at the bustling Suvarnabhumi airport, setting a course for Tak, a land of mysteries and unexpected adventures. This daring rescue comes on the heels of a similar event where 39 foreign nationals, who bravely claimed they had been ensnared by the treacherous web of…
(Photo: 123RF) In an intriguing twist of fate, the serene neighborhood of Huai Khwang found itself at the center of a pair of high-stakes heists that could rival a movie thriller. As the sun shone brightly on an otherwise typical Thursday, three unsuspecting Chinese nationals experienced a whirlwind of deception and theft that would leave them – and the local law enforcement – scrambling to piece together the puzzle of stolen fortunes. The day unfolded in dramatic fashion when Pol Col Prasopchok Iampinit, the astute chief of Huai Khwang Police Station, received news of two audacious robberies. Both incidents transpired almost simultaneously in different locales within the district, involving the theft of an eye-popping sum of 13 million baht. And in a move that would leave even seasoned detectives scratching their heads, the ill-gotten cash was all part of a daring cryptocurrency exchange operation. The saga’s first chapter began on…