Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine if Bangkok, the vibrant, bustling heart of Thailand, were governed with the autonomy of a country rather than a city. A radical idea, indeed, but one that’s picking up steam among politicians who believe it could usher in a new era of efficiency and responsiveness. On the balmy morning of May 1st, as the sun cast its golden glow over the ancient Giant Swing, an auspicious gathering took place within the solemn halls of the Nopparat Room at Bangkok City Hall. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stood at the helm, welcoming Members of Parliament to dive into this revolutionary proposition. The discussion was no mere whimsy—it was a session teeming with Bangkok’s intellectual heavyweights and the diligent lawmakers of the House Subcommittee on Upgrading Bangkok’s Administration. This influential think tank is spearheaded by none other than Parit Wacharasindhu, the astute party-list MP from the People’s Party. With a persuasive eloquence, Parit…

Back in the midst of the swinging 1950s, an era brimming with dynamic change and innovation, the legend of Orient watches was born. Fast forward 75 years to 2025, and this illustrious Japanese watch company is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate its rich heritage of impeccable craftsmanship and inventive designs, showcasing exclusive collections that capture the essence of time—literally. It all started on an auspicious day, July 13, 1950, when Orient planted its roots firmly in the world of horology. Renowned for producing exceptional yet affordably priced mechanical watches, the brand quickly ascended to a revered status not only in Japan but across more than 70 countries. In a bold and strategic maneuver this year, Orient has pivoted its production prowess from its home turf of Japan to the vibrant shores of Thailand. This marks a new chapter without compromising the revered Japanese standards of quality, thus expanding…

Picture this: sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea glistening under the tropical sun while vibrant speedboats zip across the horizon, carrying eager tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. This picturesque scene isn’t just a vacation dream; it’s Phuket’s next move towards innovative transportation. That’s right—coming later this year, a revolutionary boat taxi service is set to connect the island’s stunning beaches to its bustling airport, promising a journey like no other. Word from the horizon is that within four months, Phuket might just sail into a new era of commuting. As revealed by Surachai Burapanonthachai from the Marine Department’s planning office, the maiden voyage of this aquatic taxi route will likely commence from the island’s western shores. Imagine hopping on at iconic spots like Patong, Kata, or Karon and cruising serenely toward the airport, all in a breezy sixty minutes. Who could resist trading in the traffic labyrinth of roads for…

In an era where the digital world is often a tangled web of trust and deceit, one man’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the cunning and sophistication that scammers bring to the table. Meet Mr. Siwat, a 32-year-old engineer with a PhD to his name, who found himself ensnared in a fraudulent scheme that led him to part with over 8 million baht. His tale, made public through the popular Sai Mai Tong Rod (Survive) Facebook page, has captured the attention of many, a testament to how pervasive such scams have become. It all began with a seemingly innocent phone call on April 5. The voice on the other end of the line introduced itself as an official from Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI). In a calm yet authoritative tone, the caller informed Mr. Siwat that he was under suspicion for opening accounts for a controversial…

In a whirlwind tale that sounds like a plot straight out of a crime thriller, a highly educated 32-year-old engineer, known as Mr. Siwat, found himself ensnared in an intricate scam that ended with him transferring over 8 million baht. The mastermind behind his salvation was none other than social media activist Ekkapop Luangprasert, the enterprising founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod (Survive) Facebook page. Together, they brought this gripping story to the public’s attention, and oh, how the tale went viral, like hotcakes on a Sunday morning! Sit tight as we unravel this conundrum: Mr. Siwat, filled to the brim with trust and naiveté, got a call on April 5 from a phony representative of Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The caller spun a fantastical yarn about Siwat’s alleged involvement with mule accounts linked to a notorious ex-politician freshly cuffed and stuffed into a cell. As if…

In what can only be described as a scene straight out of an action-packed thriller, a high-speed police chase in the northeastern corner of Thailand ended with an astounding triumph for law enforcement. The setting: Nong Khai province—a place now infamous not just for the stunning Mekong River views but also for one of the largest drug busts in recent memory. As the sun struggled to break through an overcast sky, officers geared up for a day that would shift from routine to extraordinary. Acting on months of intelligence and painstaking surveillance, law enforcement laid their trap for a known narcotics network operating within the shadows of the province. Their vigilance paid off when three suspicious vehicles approached a police checkpoint in the Tha Bo district. Little did the drivers know, their day was about to take an unexpected detour. The three men behind the wheel—Prasobsuk, Thongthawat, and Chalanthorn—ranging in…

Imagine the allure of a luxury hotel in Bangkok, with its opulent rooms, gourmet dining, and world-class service. Now, picture someone living the high life at these establishments without forking over a single baht. That’s precisely what transpired recently when a cunning Filipino university student managed to pull off this bold escapade, leaving several five-star hotels lighter in their wallets by hundreds of thousands of baht. The intriguing saga began when officers from Immigration Division 1 started receiving an outpour of complaints from hotel staff across Bangkok. The reports all followed a similar script: a Filipino national, charming and persuasive, had been managing to enjoy plush accommodations and sumptuous meals without settling the bill. As audacious as it sounds, Leonardo Hernandez, a 26-year-old university student from the Rangsit area, was behind this brazen operation. It’s a tale that almost reads like a Hollywood heist script. Hernandez cleverly booked his stays…

In an unexpected turn of events reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller, a peculiar drama unfolded on the sunny beaches of Phuket, Thailand—a tale involving a motorcycle, a misplaced key, a rogue Israeli adventurer, and some crafty detective work. This modern-day caper commenced on April 21 at the tranquil car park of Bangkok Hospital Siriroj, nestled along the bustling Chaloem Phrakiat Road in the Wichit sub-district. On that fateful day, a Thai gentleman found himself amidst a quandary. His cherished white Honda Click motorcycle had vanished into thin air, or so it seemed. In a moment of forgetfulness, he had left the keys dangling innocently from the ignition—a gesture that would soon give birth to a dramatic police escapade. Yet, our story’s protagonist didn’t scuttle directly to the law enforcement offices. It wasn’t until April 24 that he wended his way to the Wichit Police Station to report the heist, the…

The tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has once again captured headlines as the death toll has now surged to 68. The latest discovery of five more bodies brings a shadow over the metropolis, as reported by Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. These unsettling discoveries unfolded between 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, and 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 1. The tireless search for survivors presses on amidst heaps of rubble, with rescue teams working relentlessly through Zones B and C, driven by the grim mission to reach potential survivors still trapped in the ruins. Although the operation is meticulous, it’s not without its hurdles. With heavy machinery grinding continuously, efforts are at times derailed by technical snags or the urgent need for replacement parts. Reports confirm 68 fatalities solemnly, while anxiety mounts with 26 individuals still unaccounted…

Each year on May 1st, a stream of impassioned voices echoes through the bustling streets of Thailand, as labour groups gather to commemorate International Workers’ Day. This annual march – a vibrant tapestry of solidarity and advocacy – unfurls from the emblematic Democracy Monument to the formidable Government House, demanding action on pressing workers’ issues. On this poignant occasion, participants paused their march to honour the victims of a tragic disaster with a moment of silence, an act of respect as solemn as it was heartfelt. The disaster in question was the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, a calamity that cast a long shadow over the city. On the morning of that fateful Friday, rescuers sifted through the debris with resolve, retrieving 13 more bodies and bringing the somber death toll to 74, alongside nine injuries. Amidst the rubble, the fate of approximately…