In a strategic move that could shape the United States’ diplomatic ties with Southeast Asia, Washington has identified Sean Kotaro O’Neill, a seasoned Foreign Service officer and former Wall Street attorney, as the ideal candidate to become the next US ambassador to Thailand. The nomination was made public on Wednesday, July 9, and now awaits the Senate’s nod of approval to officially hand him the baton from his predecessor, Robert F Godec. O’Neill brings a wealth of experience to the table, especially from his extensive background in this vibrant region. Currently serving as the Senior Bureau Official for the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs since January, his knowledge is vast and deeply-rooted. He is no stranger to the dynamic and culturally rich landscape of Asia, having previously held postings in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Hong Kong over a diverse two-decade career. His stint as the Consul…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amid the sun-soaked allure of Phuket’s pristine beaches, a fascinating yet dangerous marvel has suddenly resurfaced, capturing the attention and caution of holidaymakers. The blue sea dragon, an enchanting yet perilous marine creature, has decided it’s time to make a grand re-entrance. Phantom-like in its intermittent appearances, this creature, otherwise known as Glaucus atlanticus, seems to flutter right out of fantasy, yet its sting is as real as it is ominous. This rare creature, as elusive as it is beautiful, has graced Karon Beach, one of Phuket’s beloved coastal getaways, for the first time in nearly two years. Its arrival on the scene prompted MonsoonGarbage Thailand, a local environmental group, to sound an alarm via Facebook by sharing a startling image of the radiant dragon nestled within a glass of water. Although it measures a mere 3 centimeters, the blue sea dragon is no ordinary sea slug—it is one of…
In the vibrant yet often unpredictable nightlife of Pattaya, a recent incident took a rather unsettling turn. An American tourist, identified only as Raf, found himself at the center of an altercation with what was reportedly an irate bar owner in the early hours of July 11, 2025. This surprising and unwelcome twist comes against the backdrop of an otherwise joyous solo night out. Raf, 38, a frequent visitor to Pattaya’s bustling streets and renowned for his video escapades capturing local color, ended up at Mueang Pattaya Police Station by sunrise. Visibly marked by the scuffle, he arrived with more than just a hangover; instead, he bore bruises, cuts, and a rather bloody story to tell. His incident was quickly logged on social media, specifically on a sensational page known as “Exposed by Red Roof 2,” underscoring the event’s gravity and sending ripples of concern through the online community. The…
In the delightful paradise of Koh Samui, where turquoise waters kiss the sandy shores, an unexpected saga of a night-time heist unfolded. The island’s idyllic tranquility was temporarily shaken when a cunning thief attempted to abscond with a fan under the protective shroud of darkness. Little did he know, the appliance held a secret weapon—a GPS tracker—that would lead law enforcement on a modern-day treasure hunt, straight to his abode. Our tale begins with the ever-resourceful Maliwan, whose foresight went far beyond picking the perfect island in the Surat Thani province to call home. She reported the audacious burglary from a construction site nestled within the Mueang 3 area of the Maenam subdistrict. The time was the wee hours of July 8th, precisely 12.41 a.m., when the theft was caught on security cameras. These electronic witnesses captured a man, seemingly local, standing at an estimated height of 160 centimeters, artfully…
In what could easily be described as a scene unfolding from a gripping thriller novel, the serene beach city of Phuket found itself in the throes of a sensational drug bust. Picture this: a down-to-earth condominium located a stone’s throw away from a bustling shopping mall becomes the epicenter of an undercover operation leading to the arrest of two Thai men and one Russian national. Behind closed doors on that action-packed Wednesday, July 9, the Wichit Police orchestrated the operation, bringing an abrupt end to what was allegedly a drug-fueled party. The trio, composed of Sirawit and Thanakrit, both 23-year-old Thai locals, alongside Dmitrii, a 20-year-old Russian man, found themselves in police custody on charges that could see them spending significant time behind bars. It seems these young partygoers weren’t just experimenting with life in the sun-soaked paradise – they were also dabbling in an array of illicit substances. As…
In the vibrant tapestry of Thai politics, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has emerged once more to pull back the curtain on the shadowy dance of power and politics in Thailand. On the dazzling stage of the Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel, under the ornate chandeliers of the “55 Years Nation Exclusive Talk: Breaking Through Thailand’s Crisis Chapter 1,” he dished out a spicy take on the relentless rivalries threatening to rattle the core of Thailand’s precarious political equilibrium. Thaksin’s vivacious narrative began with a bold declaration about the political gridlock gripping the nation, alongside the dramatic stage exit of the Bhumjaithai Party. With a flair for the dramatic, he donned the hat of a seasoned playwright, skillfully weaving tales of soaring ambitions and desperate measures of would-be leaders. When quizzed on whether Thailand is hopelessly stuck, Thaksin, with a seasoned glint in his eye, remarked, “There’s got to be someone…
In a surprising twist of events that mirrors a scene straight out of a crime drama, the idyllic beaches of Pattaya were the backdrop to a dramatic showdown involving fake police officers and a baffled Chinese tourist. It all unfolded on a rather uneventful evening when Lin, a 52-year-old Chinese national, found himself the target of a brazen scam that left him considerably lighter in the wallet. The perpetrators? Four Thai men with a knack for theatrics and an illegal taste for extortion. Lin, who had been enjoying the vibrant nightlife near an entertainment venue on Pattaya Sai Sam Road, couldn’t have imagined that his evening would take such an unexpected turn. As if on cue, the imposter quartet swooped in, accusing Lin outlandishly of being involved in a nefarious call centre scam—a claim as unfounded as it was absurd. Lin was coerced into an SUV, the vehicle itself almost…
In a dramatic turn of events just off the stunning Phuket coast, a group of five foreign tourists found themselves in need of urgent rescue after their diving excursion veered perilously into a maritime mishap. What was intended as a peaceful journey across the azure waters of southern Thailand rapidly mutated into a heart-pounding saga that unraveled beneath the suffusion of an afternoon sun. The picturesque backdrop was set as the Poseidon, a tour boat of storied reputation, embarked on a fateful return from the idyllic islands nestled between Koh Yao and Koh Khieo. However, at approximately 4:50 PM, calamity came calling. With mechanical doom clouding their horizon, the Poseidon’s exhaust pipe betrayed its duty, permitting water to flood in with an alarming lack of restraint. In that fleeting moment, the tranquil sea and smiling sun seemed to hold their breath. Credit must be showered upon the keen instincts of…
In a typically bustling Southeast Asian country that never seems to catch a break from the thrill of its natural mood swings, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has today unfurled a weather alert that will keep even the most stoic backpacker on their toes. Yes, wonderful Thailand, famous for its scenic beaches and chaotic traffic, is bracing itself for a mélange of heavy downpours across 41 of its provinces. While that might sound like a perfect romantic scene from a melodrama, for those trudging through city streets, the spellbinding showers won’t just wash away the day’s dust. They might also sweep you right off your feet — literally, as flash floods and swift water flow threaten to make headway, particularly in eight unlucky provinces that fate has decided to toy with. The list, which reads like a pit stop for weather woes tourism, includes Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Loei,…
If you thought stepping into traffic while glued to your phone was a disaster waiting to happen, you’d be just about right. This week in Pattaya, a pedestrian found himself learning this lesson the hard way—now fighting for his life. The scene of this near-tragic blunder unfolded along Chon Buri’s bustling Highway 331, not far from the Sattahip-Khao Hin Son junction. The chaos erupted at precisely 5:06 pm on July 10th, as Surapong Klomking, a Nakhon Ratchasima native, blissfully wandered mid-chat across the highway. Little did he know, a six-wheeled Isuzu FRR 210, loaded to its metaphorical gills with scaffolding, was barreling toward him like a colossus unwilling to halt its march. At the driver’s helm was Apirat Rattanapha, a 41-year-old soul with a mission to Si Racha. Despite Apirat’s valiant attempts—brakes screeching, horn blaring—Surapong stepped directly into the truck’s path after narrowly tangoing with an SUV. The sight would…