In a heart-wrenching tragedy that unfolded amidst the idyllic beauty of Thailand, a British backpacker’s journey ended in sorrow after a kayaking mishap. The tale of Shanghaman Gowribalan, a talented Swansea-raised engineer, serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen risks that can accompany the thrill of adventure travel. Gowribalan, at the tender age of 24, embarked on a journey that took him 6,000 miles from the comfort of Wales to the mesmerizing landscapes of Surat Thani Province. Nestled within the embrace of Khao Sok National Park lies the Rajjaprabha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam, a vast 185-square-kilometre artificial lake, renowned for its stunning vistas and serene waters. It was here that Gowribalan and his friend anticipated an unforgettable kayaking adventure. The fateful morning of February 11, 2024, began like any other day filled with the promise of exploration. After sharing breakfast, Gowribalan and his friend ventured…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a sobering turn of events at Phra Samut Chedi Police Station, a 32-year-old contractor met his untimely death in a holding cell, leaving behind a deep sense of tragedy and grief. This somber tale revolves around Donrathee, who found himself ensnared in allegations of theft, which spiraled into a distressing end. As the echoes of this incident still linger, his mother, Saravee, aged 51, was seen poignantly mourning the loss of her son at the somber scene. The incident occurred in the agonizing confines of the male detention area, where Donrathee was discovered lifeless, hanging from a ventilation duct. Clad in a black t-shirt and blue three-quarter jeans, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on those present. Swiftly, emergency services, including legal authorities and medical personnel from Phra Samut Chedi Swatayannond Hospital, were called into action to address this unexpected tragedy. At the heart of this heartbreaking narrative…
In a bold move stirring up the otherwise bustling Khlong San district, the Department of Employment, working under the Ministry of Labour, recently orchestrated a surprise inspection on seven karaoke venues. The operation, which took place on March 5, followed a hot tip about certain foreign workers operating without the necessary work permits. Upon entering the establishment with the element of surprise firmly on their side, investigators identified a total of 52 migrant workers. Alas, among them, 24 were legit, brandishing their valid paperwork like a badge of honor. However, 28 weren’t quite hitting the legal note, found working without the proper authorizations in place. The operation wasn’t just another day at the office; it was a robust effort to reinforce fair labor practices and ensure the playing field remains even for all. The investigation prompted legal proceedings against four employers, each facing the music for engaging illegal workers. Such…
In the sun-dappled, idyllic town of Prachuap Khiri Khan, known mostly for its serene beaches and mouth-watering local cuisine, an unsettling storm of scandal took center stage, shaking the peace and placing a spotlight on the unthinkable. A man celebrated for his contributions to education, donning the title of an ‘Outstanding Teacher,’ revealed a darker side more chilling than any plot twist in a suspense novel. Arrested, the 32-year-old English teacher, known only as Kritsana, shattered the tranquil façade of education by committing acts that are unfathomably sinister. Such a tale begins with the relentless pursuit of justice, sparked by a transnational network determined to protect the world’s youth. The alert bells rang from the distant shores of the United States when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children discovered the edges of a digital crime—a photograph of a young boy, cruelly immortalized in abuse, traced back to a…
Imagine yourself strolling through a bustling city, where every corner reveals a new story, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The best way to truly experience the heartbeat of any destination is on foot. When you walk through towns or cities, you can feel the rhythm of urban life, interact with the locals, and uncover those often-overlooked treasures. In support of this philosophy, the UNWTO’s Walking Tourism initiative has been propelled further by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). They’re inviting more visitors to explore Thailand’s most fascinating districts by foot. Joining in this initiative, Marriott Bonvoy® is thrilled to guide you on a rewarding walking tour of Thailand—the enchanting “Land of Smiles”. Bangkok: Ah, Bangkok—where the streets pulsate with color and chaos, capturing hearts worldwide. While many might opt for the zippy tuk-tuk or the efficient skytrain to navigate this vibrant city, there’s a lesser-taken path that promises…
The saga of the highly-anticipated Thai-Chinese high-speed railway continues, drawing in delays akin to a dramatic, long-running soap opera. Enthusiasts eagerly checking their calendars might have reason to circle, erase, and recircle the date as a new 350-day extension was just approved. The completion deadline is now boldly inked for March 10, 2026. And what, pray tell, has caused this time-traveling adjustment? Enter the humble rental buildings, the unexpected villains of our story, spotlighted by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board. An ooze of bureaucratic ink later, SRT chief Veerith Amrapal emerged from an intense board meeting to break the news. This extension impacts the vital contract sections 3 to 5 of phase 1, critical to the storied stretch linking bustling Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima of the Bangkok-Nong Khai railway. The freshly minted operational timeline is set to embark on its journey from March 26, aiming to heroically wrap…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the city’s vibrant energy and constant motion, a drama unfolded on March 4, 2025, that could rival a Hollywood thriller. The backdrop? A sleek condominium on Navamin-Ram Intra Road in the lively Kannayao district. The protagonists? Two Nigerian nationals who found themselves at the center of a narcotics crackdown that had roots spreading as far as Japan. The plot thickened when a Thai woman in Japan was caught in what can only be described as a breath-holding gambit to smuggle in cocaine by swallowing 59 packets of the illicit substance. However, her daring actions landed her in the custody of Japanese officials, turning her into an unexpected linchpin in a far-reaching investigation. The value of her cargo, should she have succeeded, was pegged at a staggering 2.1 million baht, or a cool 62,460 U.S. dollars, according to Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart. Faced…
In a harrowing tale that unfolded in a small Thai community, the life of an innocent 11-year-old girl and her family was irrevocably changed by betrayal from an unexpected source. The girl’s mother, known as Noi, took a proactive step to ensure her daughter’s safety, which led to the revelation of a disturbing truth. This brave maternal effort resulted in exposing the appalling actions of a trusted family friend, resulting in legal action and social upheaval. Noi, a 30-year-old mother, installed a security camera in her daughter’s bedroom after concerns arose from conversations with her daughter’s teacher. The teacher had reached out, sharing that the young girl seemed to be connected with a boyfriend, which prompted Noi to talk to her daughter for clarity. To her relief, the daughter refuted any involvement in illicit activities with this alleged boyfriend. Yet, driven by instinct and concern, Noi decided on surveillance for…
In a city full of vibrancy and chaos, it was a routine morning when the bustling streets of Bangkok once again became the stage for the unexpected. Yesterday, along the busy inbound lanes of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in the Chatuchak district, law enforcement officers were vigilantly upholding traffic regulations. One such operation led to the arrest of a 28-year-old man named Theerasak, whose peculiar behavior at a traffic stop would unravel a tale the city wouldn’t soon forget. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Traffic Control Centre as Police Sub-Lieutenant Raksa observed the traffic. Among the sea of vehicles, a lone motorcycle stood out. It wasn’t the sleek design or the noisy engine that caught the officer’s eye—it was the absence of a license plate and the rider’s erratic behavior. With a nod, Sub-Lieutenant Raksa directed Lance Corporal Tawee to intercept the motorcycle, and what followed was…
Picture this: The sleek silhouette of a Fuxing Hao CR300 train, the epitome of cutting-edge rail innovation engineered by CRRC Corp—China’s railroad colossus—slating to grace the tracks of Thailand’s ambitious Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed line. A marvel in metal and speed, promising a future where cities feel almost next-door. Yet, as is often the case with dream projects, the journey to completion is peppered with more than just tracks. And so we find ourselves amid yet another delay on what has become a chronicle of extended deadlines. Recently, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) decided to tack on another 350 days to their construction timeline after catching sight of the Khok Kruat–Nakhon Ratchasima section’s lethargic progress. Originally penned for a curtain call on March 25, this year, the new act is now slated for a March 10, 2026 debut. According to SRT’s own scriptwriter, Governor Weeris Amrapal, it’s a scene they’ve…