In a shocking turn of events, a humble Burmese roti vendor found himself at the center of a storm in the vibrant streets of Pattaya. It all started on a seemingly ordinary day when Pattaya Beach, with its azure waves and swaying palms, became the backdrop for a series of troubling incidents. On May 22nd, amid the usual hustle and bustle, two young women approached the Mueang Pattaya Police Station with tales that would send chills down anyone’s spine. Their account was harrowing. They recounted how a man, seemingly benign at first, had tricked them into riding his motorcycle from the sunlit sands to a far more sinister setting. For one victim, it was an abandoned bathroom – a place where the echoes of her cries went unanswered. The other found herself whisked away to a darkened alley, only to narrowly escape the looming threat with the help of a…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a heartwarming tale resonating with compassion and hope, a story of survival has unfolded from the picturesque province of Chon Buri. Here, a resolute 70-year-old grandmother, Jidapa Thiraphanan, and her spirited teenage granddaughter, Pavinee, affectionately known as Ploy, have navigated the turbulent seas of poverty by subsisting on a remarkable staple—boiled rice water. Their story, a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of community, recently captured the hearts of countless individuals, leading to a much-needed lifeline facilitated by a benevolent monk and the viral nature of social media. The clock struck 2:30 pm on May 22, painting a sunny afternoon when Phra Khru Thawornsatthakhun, the esteemed abbot of Wat Woraprot Sangkhawat, accompanied by a group of enthusiastic volunteers from the Vihok Weha organization, arrived to meet Jidapa and her granddaughter, residing in a humble rented room in the Mueang district. Overwhelmed by the support, Jidapa and…
Imagine a night where the richness of Thai culture melds seamlessly with the elegance of Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. As the clock ticks towards the evening of May 28, 2025, the city is abuzz with anticipation. An event that’s set to be nothing short of spectacular, the Thai SELECT Royal Gala Night promises an unparalleled dining experience under the esteemed patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi. This gala isn’t merely an event; it’s a celebration—a culinary symphony showcasing the exotic allure of Thai cuisine while fortifying its international renown. At the heart of this prestigious evening lies “THE FIVE SPIRITS OF THAI TASTE,” a glorious tribute to the complexity and depth of Thai flavors. These flavors are meticulously woven into an extravagant gala dinner. The focus here is the Thai SELECT certification, a coveted accolade that underscores the authenticity, quality, and tradition embedded in Thai culinary…
In what has become a saga rife with courtroom drama, the heart-wrenching case surrounding the tragic drowning of beloved Thai actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong has taken yet another emotional turn. It was a day that few who live along the banks of the Chao Phraya River will soon forget. On February 24, 2022, the vibrant spirit of Nida slipped beneath the shimmering surface of the water, forever leaving a void in the hearts of her fans and loved ones. As her luminous visage gazes out at us from a photo placed at Piboonsongkram pier, the haunting beauty of her memory lingers on. Fast forward to the more recent setting of the Nonthaburi Provincial Court: a place where decisions carry the weight of justice and the somber echoes of lost possibilities. True to form, the courtroom was a stage of tense deliberations and heavy anticipation, as those involved in the harrowing…
In the charming town of Udon Thani, a tale unfolds of a young boy, Ata, whose resilient spirit guides him through an extraordinary journey. Ata, a bright-eyed 12-year-old, found solace in the quiet corners of an abandoned school, clutching a cherished photograph of his late mother. His escape was fueled by claims of mistreatment from his father and grandparents’ perceived favoritism, a saga that has since captured the community’s heart. Presently, Ata finds refuge under the protective wing of the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office. Nestled within the nurturing environment of a children’s home, Ata is given the freedom to breathe and dream once again amidst the caring embrace of those committed to his well-being. Meanwhile, Samrong, Ata’s 66-year-old grandmother, defends her intentions with fervor. Her heart, she assures, holds love equally for all her grandchildren. With a mix of exasperation and tenderness, she refutes the whispers of…
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…
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…