In a story that seems plucked straight from the script of a soap opera loaded with drama and intrigue, former Thai sub-district chief Praween Chankhlai, widely known as Kamnan Nok, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. This tale of hubris and calamity pivots on the cold-blooded murder of Police Major Sivakorn Saibua at what was supposed to be an ordinary dinner party, laced with merriment and drink, on September 6, 2023. We inch into the climactic scene at a swanky pool villa in Praween’s dominion, Nakhon Pathom, a province where palm trees whisper secrets and power is often measured in opulent soirées. Praween, emboldened perhaps by the target of a 25-million-baht Bentley gleaming nearby, commanded the room. However, a seemingly simple request met a fateful crossroads—a demand that Police Major Sivakorn, a man steadfast in his principles, promote Praween’s nephew. The officer’s refusal was more than an echo in the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the midday sun cast its golden glow upon the hustle and bustle of Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, November 8, 2024, became a day to remember. The air was thick with anticipation as high-profile lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, known to many as Lawyer Tam, and his wife Patthitta, took the long walk past the flashing cameras of inquisitive reporters bustling to capture every tense moment. This spectacle was not just another courtroom drama but rather a swirling vortex of intrigue surrounding an alleged web of deception that had its roots stretching from Thailand to the glitzy streets of Hong Kong and the romantic avenues of France. The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) delivered an indictment against Sittra and six other associates, accusing them of orchestrating a brazen fraud conspiracy. At the epicenter of this storm is Jatuporn “Madame Oy” Ubonlert, a woman whose story encapsulates both triumph and turmoil. As fate…
In the heart of Bangkok, on a not-so-ordinary day of January 7, 2025, passengers casually strolled past a train at the Hua Lamphong railway station, little knowing about the imminent evolution of their railway experience. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is charting an ambitious course, earmarking a hefty budget of 24.1 billion baht to replace the aging fleet of railcars that have dutifully served passengers for three decades. These newfangled railcars are poised to rejuvenate the railways, bringing about a fresh wave of excitement among travelers. “We’re not just talking about routine updates here,” declared SRT governor Veeris Ammarapala on a crisp Thursday morning. “These railcars will take over our current long-distance trains and bolster our double-track rail services, allowing us to serve even more passengers along expanded routes.” The SRT is set on positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the transportation sector, aiming to woo passengers with…
The air was heavy with anticipation on January 15, 2025, when Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement, bringing to a close a seemingly interminable conflict that had ravaged the region. By January 19, the guns fell silent, marking the end of an arduous struggle that had left a monumental mark on Gaza. As the dust began to settle, the spotlight shifted toward the burnt city’s inevitable rebirth. Enter the United Arab Emirates, a shimmering beacon of opportunity amid the shadows of desolation. The UAE, rich in oil, gas, and ambition, sees its role as a pivotal player in the reconstruction and stabilization of Gaza, adding finesse to the sooty aftermath of war. Peeling back the layers of contemporary Middle Eastern diplomacy, one finds the UAE taking center stage in a world seeking stability amidst chaos. This strategic juggernaut, seasoned by its rivalry with Qatar, signed the historic Abraham Accords…
On a busy Thursday, amidst the bustling atmosphere of Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveiled the ambitious “Seal Stop Safe” campaign. This bold initiative aims to tighten the noose on drug trafficking across 51 border districts of Thailand’s 14 provinces, with a laser-focused resolve to yield visible results in just six months. In the grandeur of the Santi Maitri Building at Government House, the Prime Minister emphatically championed the cause. “Our government stands resolute on its drug policy,” declared Ms. Paetongtarn. “Drugs are thieves of potential. Freeing our society from their grip will unleash the untapped promise within all Thais.” The operation, scheduled to commence next month and run until the end of July, is a strategic alignment with the government’s comprehensive approach to drug prevention and suppression, targeting those high-risk areas flagged by the vigilant Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). With a clarion call to action, the…
The tranquil suburb of Hua Mak in Bangkok was rocked by dramatic events on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday evening when a prominent property tycoon found himself in a grim spotlight. The scene unfolded at the upscale residence of Sirianont Srikureja, a 46-year-old real estate magnate, who now faces serious legal charges after an alleged assault scandal. Under the cloak of early evening darkness, Arthit Noodaeng, a 46-year-old delivery rider seeking to fulfill his duties, became an unfortunate victim of unexpected violence. According to his harrowing account, what started as a regular delivery mission turned into a nightmare. The startling sequence of events began when Mr. Srikureja, perhaps fueled by a mixture of paranoia and suspicion, dragged Mr. Arthit at gunpoint into his opulent mansion on Rama 9 Soi 35, an address nestled within the usually serene Bang Kapi district. As the story goes, the tycoon allegedly fired a warning shot…
In the heart of Bangkok, amidst the clamor and traffic of the bustling Hua Mak area, an unexpected drama unfolded that could rival the most thrilling suspense novel. It was a unique Wednesday evening, forever etched in the memories of witnesses, and especially in that of a hapless delivery rider, who stumbled onto the wrong doorstep at precisely the wrong time. Our tale begins with Sirianont Srikureja, a well-known figure in Bangkok’s real estate circle. As the 46-year-old CEO of a thriving property firm, his life might have appeared as polished as one of his luxurious properties. Yet, behind closed doors, a storm was brewing. This particular evening, the tempest reached its zenith, tragically intersecting with the routine of Arthit Noodaeng, a 46-year-old delivery rider merely trying to earn an honest day’s pay. As Arthit diligently carried out his role, unknowingly approaching the abode on Rama 9 Soi 35, little…
In a spine-tingling turn of events, the tranquil pace of life in Pathum Thani was upended last November, when the serene residential community found itself at the center of a chilling murder investigation. The tale began on November 8, 2024, when the body of Worrakanok Thepphimon, Deputy Secretary of the Khlong Sam Sub-district Office, was discovered in the most ghastly of conditions — naked, riddled with stab wounds, and a deep, gruesome cut across her throat. Her tragic end set the stage for a gripping saga that would capture the nation’s attention. This grim discovery drew a wave of shock, not least because the police spotlight soon fell on her very own sister, 51-year-old Bongkot Kaewklom. In a drastic twist, suspicions also encircled Bongkot’s husband, 43-year-old Pratin. He was already taken into custody on November 11, quickly after officers unearthed blood-stained knives cleverly concealed within his motorcycle compartment. These discoveries…
In an era where clean air feels like a luxury, Thai restaurants are stepping up to bring us a slice of freshness amid concern-laden news reports and atmospheric haze. Imagine walking into one of over 234 restaurants, dispersed across nine cozy provinces, and leaving pollution at the doorstep—yes, we’re talking about PM 2.5 dust-free rooms. This innovative effort stems from the Department of Health’s very own agenda, spearheaded by Doctor Amporn Benjapolphithak, to combat escalating pollution levels that concern every one of us who enjoys a good meal without the aftertaste of smog. Picture this: beloved eateries transforming into community champions, proving that social responsibility can be downright delectable. This whole dust-free affair isn’t just some whimsical idea; it’s part of a grand plan initiated previously in hospitals, and let’s be honest, who said wellness couldn’t be paired with a good Pad Thai? Now, we’re witnessing an expansion into schools,…
In a hair-raising saga that unfolded under the cloak of night on a serene street in Bangkok, an elderly man’s small fortune was snatched away in a heartbeat by a scoundrel on a motorcycle. It all transpired just after the stroke of midnight on January 27, leaving a community shell-shocked and a family heartbroken. This shocking incident brought together police officers, surveillance cameras, and a community eager for justice, painting a picture of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The victim, an 84-year-old spirited recycler, was ambushed while making his way home with dreams of visiting his beloved province of Phichit in the Isaan region. With a modest sum of 10,500 baht — hard-earned by collecting, sorting, and selling recycled treasures — he was about to bring a little joy back home. However, the all-too-familiar hum of a motorcycle turned out to be the harbinger of trouble, as…