Posts published in “Thailand”

In the hush of an ordinary midday in bustling Hat Yai, an unexpected twist of fate led to a dramatic scene unravelling at the Thai Udom 2 gold shop. Just as the morning sun reached its zenith, around 11:55 am, a man stealthily entered the store, his intent as unmistakable as the glint of the golden treasures displayed around him. This wasn’t merely a shopper captivated by the allure of gold, but rather a criminal orchestrating a brazen heist. Meet the protagonist of this notorious escapade—Yee Boon Long, aged 61, a Malaysian gentleman with a notable criminal repertoire. As the story unfolded, it became clear that Yee, unmasked and unflinching, instilled fear into the staff, claiming 138 baht-weight, which translates to an impressive 2.1 kilograms of gold jewellery, befitting a cinematic exit. With his plunder stashed in a deceptively ordinary shopping bag, he exited the scene with nonchalant audacity, disappearing…

In the haunting aftermath of the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, which plummeted to the ground during the intense March 28 earthquake centered in Myanmar, rescuers continue their relentless search for 72 missing souls. The disastrous incident has already claimed 22 lives, a number that has cast a shadow over the bustling spirit of Bangkok. On a fateful Wednesday, two weeks post-tragedy, the rescue mission was in full throttle, transforming the desolate construction site into a hub of determined activity. It was a day that saw the steady hum of heavy machinery merge with the hopeful yet somber determination of the rescuers. As the formidable machines worked tirelessly to clear the massive battlefield of concrete and steel, a semblance of hope lingered in the air. The operation was a colossal undertaking, with an impressive lineup of 21 machines onsite, including colossal backhoes and towering…

In the heart of bustling Bangkok, as the world gradually embraces a new day, the city finds itself in a peculiar conundrum—a series of shelters, standing strong and ready, yet echoing with a silence that betrays their purpose. First, meet the Din Daeng Service Centre for the Elderly. Nestled quietly amidst the city’s vibrant chaos, this haven is prepared to welcome up to 70 individuals. Today, it finds itself partially filled, with 57 inviting spots still waiting to be occupied by those in need. It’s a place where the elderly could find solace and security, offering a refuge where stories of the past mingle with hopes for tomorrow. A little way across the city, at Wat Samian Nari School in the Chatuchak district, lies another shelter. With the capacity to embrace 150 souls, it’s a space seemingly untouched by the city’s tumult, miraculously standing completely empty, ready to extend its…

Step into the real-life drama that would make even the best TV thriller pale in comparison. The glamorous land of high society, diamond-studded events, and political entanglements recently found itself rocked by an intriguing and scandalous deception. Front and center in this unfolding saga is the beloved and talented actress, Rinyarat “Kana” Watchararojsiri. Amidst flashing cameras and hushed whispers, she arrived at the bustling Crime Suppression Division Headquarters, evidence in hand, ready to reveal the tangled web spun by Thanyatep “Hi-so Hot” Sirithapsadechakul. Little did anyone know, this plot was packed with more twists and turns than could be found in a blockbuster film! Accompanied by her bubble of elegance, Kana stood alongside another silent warrior in this drama, known only as Palmy. Together, they handed over crucial evidence, revealing the manner in which they were hoodwinked by a suave conman masquerading as a wealthy socialite with strings to pull…

In a bid to ensure precision and clarity in the reporting of fatalities after the tragic building collapse, Deputy Governor Dr. Tavida has announced a significant update to the process. From here on out, the number of casualties will be meticulously verified by forensic pathologists before being officially reported. This initiative is designed to minimize any potential confusion and provide an accurate account of the human toll. As part of this revised approach, the official fatality figures will be updated twice each day, precisely at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Recognizing the complex nature of identifying victims, Dr. Tavida highlighted that the conditions of the bodies might evolve over time, necessitating a thorough and extended examination process. Concurrently, other vital evidence, including personal belongings and environmental clues from the scene, are being carefully collected to support these efforts. For those affected, the process of registering for assistance and compensation has…

In a grand gesture of compassion and solidarity, a royal endowment has been bestowed to invigorate and buoy the spirits of those gallant souls committed to unearthing the victims of the unfortunate State Audit Office (STO) edifice’s collapse—an unsettling aftermath of the recent seismic upheaval. Amidst an ambiance of solemn responsibility, the event was graced by the presence of Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the esteemed Governor of Bangkok. Alongside him stood Dr. Wantanee Wattana, the diligent Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, who, with thoughtful concern, brought forth the influential presence of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s leading executives. Also lending their esteemed participation were figureheads from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, united with vigor, as well as the tireless K9 USAR Thailand team, renowned for their valorous endeavors. The Foundation for Environment and Society also bore witness to this significant occasion, alongside a diverse assembly of other invested parties. All gathered…

Recently, an important announcement came from Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, the spokesperson for the BMA, outlining the eligibility criteria and support options available for those affected by recent seismic activity. To qualify for financial assistance, it’s essential to demonstrate that your primary residence sustained damage in the earthquake’s aftermath. The support isn’t limited solely to homeowners with registered addresses; it extends to tenants in affected rental properties and individuals residing in non-registered dwellings that they consider their main home. However, the crucial step for all applicants is obtaining a disaster victim certification from their local district office as a proof of their unfortunate situation. The relief package, meticulously managed by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation alongside the BMA’s disaster response unit, is packed with benefits, like a well-stocked survivor’s kit during trying times: Home Repair Costs: For homeowners, actual repair material costs can be claimed, reaching a cap of…

The Deputy Governor of Bangkok, the ever-diligent Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, recently shared some thrilling news at a bustling press conference at the CentralWorld Office in the vibrant Pathumwan District. With confidence in his stride, he announced a plan that aims to rally everyone around the city’s post-pandemic resurgence. Now that Bangkok is back on its feet, full of life and energy, it’s time to invite the world to rediscover its allure through the much-celebrated Songkran festival. He underscored the festival’s potential to mend and enhance trust among both local wanderers and globetrotting visitors. This iconic festivity promises not only a splashy celebration but also an excellent platform to parade Bangkok’s unwavering hospitality. The globally beloved festival, which runs from April 10th to 20th, 2025, is set to be a mosaic of tradition and modern-day charisma, marking its place on the world stage. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has earmarked 12…

In a heartfelt outpouring of appreciation, he extended his gratitude to the tireless officials dedicated to the task of locating the missing victims. Day and night, these brave souls, along with their loyal K9 companions, have been diligently scouring the landscape for any signs of life. The rhythmic patter of paws on the ground echoes alongside the determined footfalls of the search teams, weaving a symphony of persistence and hope. To bolster their efforts, an array of equipment and machinery has been marshaled to the scene. Like an army preparing for battle, these mechanical giants lumber forward, clearing away debris and carving new pathways through the chaos. Each new avenue of entry is a beacon of hope, a promise of potential rescue, as the teams stand vigilant and ready. At a moment’s notice, they stand poised to spring into action, their focus undeterred, awaiting the signal that will send them…

In a series of developments that have sent ripples across international academic circles, American scholar Paul Chambers finds himself entangled in a legal quagmire in Thailand. Chambers, a revered figure in the realm of political science, particularly for his insightful observations about civil-military relations and democracy in the Asian region, has found himself at the heart of a controversy surrounding allegations of royal defamation. The saga began when Thai immigration authorities took the unusual step of revoking Paul Chambers’ visa amidst serious allegations. The academic stands accused of violating Thailand’s stringent lese-majeste laws, combined with alleged breaches of the Computer Crime Act. This double-edged legal sword has often been wielded in Thailand against critics and commentators whose discourse intersects with sensitive royal topics. In a bid to restore normalcy to Chambers’ academic endeavors and personal freedom, his diligent legal team, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), is swiftly moving…