In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the twinkling lights and vibrant hustle of Asiatique the Riverfront, a scandal of deception and extortion unraveled. It all began at this lively tourist hotspot nestled in the Charoen Krung neighborhood, a haven for globetrotters and a melting pot of cultural exchanges. Yet, beneath the surface of this picturesque locale, a cunning masquerade was afoot—a Thai man had cloaked himself with an air of authority, masquerading as a police officer to extort hard-earned money from unsuspecting migrant workers and their employers. The routine business along this cultural carousel was abruptly interrupted by repeated inspections, these intrusive disturbances raised eyebrows among restaurant owners and local business proprietors. Queries soon reached the overheated switchboards of Wat Phraya Krai Police Station. Why were their establishments becoming the epicenter of such frequent and scrutinous operations? The answer, it turns out, was as sketched as the charred edge…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a gripping turn of events that seemed straight out of an action-packed crime drama, the police of Phuket executed an impressive operation to dismantle a perilous teenage gang. Armed to the teeth with guns and homemade explosives, this group posed a significant threat to the peace of this attractive island destination. But thanks to the valiant efforts of local law enforcement, a potential catastrophe was thwarted, maintaining safety in the city. On the evening of April 29, amid the soft hues of twilight around 6 PM, the scene was set for a decisive police intervention. Under the meticulous guidance of Police Colonel Rungrit Rattanaphakdi from Chalong Police Station, an elite squad was mobilized. Among its ranks were seasoned officers like Police Lieutenant Colonel Chakkraphong Phetcharat and his colleagues Pol. Lt. Col. Phirasit Nuphayan and Pol. Lt. Col. Siriphong Suriyan. Their mission? To put an end to the mischief of…
In a twist of fate that seems to defy logic, the saga of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok has become a tale as tumultuous as the recent earthquake that exposed its vulnerabilities. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Chatuchak district, this 30-storey behemoth was expected to be a hallmark of efficiency. Instead, it crumbled to the ground on March 28, sending shockwaves through both the earth and the corridors of power. Phisit Leelavachiropas, the former auditor-general whose term spanned from 2014 to 2017, finds himself unwittingly pulled back into the narrative of the building’s tragic demise. He adamantly maintains a comfortable distance from the design debacle, asserting that his pen only inked decisions on selecting the site. “The real coloring and crafting happened after my time,” he insists, likening his role to merely setting the stage for a performance directed by others, long after the curtain…
In a dynamic world where international relations shape the very fabric of global stability, Thailand strides forward with vigor and strategy. Recently, the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, sat with counterparts from powerhouse nations China and Russia, setting the stage for stronger collaborations at the Brics ministerial meeting. This juncture in diplomacy promises not just a handshake of camaraderie but tangible steps towards a future where economies multiply their prosperity. Amid swirling tides of geopolitical uncertainties, Minister Maris reiterated Thailand’s unwavering commitment to upholding international trade principles as enshrined by the World Trade Organization (WTO). His message was crystal clear during insightful discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Brics Foreign Ministers’ soiree in Brazil. The trio delved into the labyrinthine matters of global trade and the multilateral trading system—a complex yet crucial topic in today’s market dynamics.…
Recently, the quiet farmlands of Nakhon Phanom province witnessed a flurry of activity as Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat made a significant visit to a major lychee farm. The event wasn’t just a routine inspection; it was part of a broader initiative to uplift Thailand’s high-value agricultural sector. Accompanied by her secretary, Anongnat Jakaew, and an ensemble of officials, Narumon engaged directly with the local farmers to soak up the ground realities and challenges they face in this lush green part of the world. It’s not every day that government heads step out of their air-conditioned offices and into the fields, but when they do, it’s bound to be newsworthy. The centerpiece of this initiative? The Uthai Rasmilichit Nakhon Phanom 1 lychee variety. More than just a tasty fruit, this lychee is carving out a name for itself as a heavyweight economic crop in the province. With around 2,969 rai dedicated…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, the Fire and Rescue Department has been tirelessly working since the harrowing events of late March, when an earthquake led to a catastrophic building collapse. As the city’s brave rescue teams fight against time, the director of the department, Suriyachai Rawiwan, is at the helm, providing crucial updates and shedding light on the ongoing recovery efforts. On Wednesday, Suriyachai delivered a stark update following the discovery of more tragedy within the wreckage. Rescuers have found additional bodies in Zone D2, a chilling confirmation that there are still many souls unaccounted for. Surprisingly, these bodies weren’t located near the stairwell as many expected but were discovered beneath a morbid stack of five concrete slabs, seemingly fallen in unison, creating an impenetrable coffin of stone and despair. Structural analyses have corroborated this finding, pointing out that these slabs had plunged into a basement that yawns a…
In a startling and poignant series of events, a young woman from Myanmar, just 20 years of age, finds herself embroiled in a deeply troubling situation. The story, unfolding in the quaint yet bustling province of Songkhla, Thailand, paints a picture that is both heart-wrenching and captivating in its humanity. It all came to light when the woman arrived at a hospital, appearing exhausted and suffering from vaginal bleeding and milk discharge—a clear indication that something serious had transpired. This immediately raised alarms among the medical staff, prompting them to delve into the cause of her condition. A thorough investigation was set into motion on April 29, when a diligent social worker from Hat Yai Hospital brought the matter to the attention of Police Colonel Veerasak Detpramuanpol at Thung Lung Police Station. After a series of questioning, the woman, albeit reluctantly at first, opened up about the unthinkable ordeal. She…
Arak Amornsupasiri, widely recognized by his stage name, Pae Arak, has seamlessly navigated the realms of music, film, and directing. His work is imbued with an unmistakable indie spirit, a signature style that has become synonymous with his creative journey. Most recently, Pae has charmed audiences with his delightful portrayal in 2025’s romantic comedy Will You Marry Monk? alongside Orm Kornnaphat. This role marked a lighthearted departure from his spine-chilling performance as a villain in 2024’s In Youth We Trust. Adding to his versatile repertoire, Pae’s directorial debut, the riveting crime thriller The Stone (2025), showcased talents like Jaonaay Jinjett, Jaii TaitosmitH, and Aheye from 4EVE, raking in over 60 million baht and firmly establishing his prowess behind the camera. Yet, before dominating the silver screen, Pae initially captured hearts on a different stage — that of music — emerging as an indie rock star. The Indie Rock Star Asked…
Ah, May—the jackpot month that comes bearing long holidays and the golden opportunity to bid adieu to work and embrace blissful relaxation. If you’re strategic, this month could be a windfall of lounging days, a perfect crescendo following April’s Songkran festivities. Indeed, May showers us with public holidays that are the gateway to extended retreats, unforgettable road trips, or rejuvenating staycations. Attention all government workers and civil servants: this is your moment to shine at the art of maximizing time off! You can savor the luxury of a holiday stretch without exhausting your leave balance, thanks to a lineup of public holidays: Sunday, May 4: Coronation Day Monday, May 5: Substituted holiday for Coronation Day Friday, May 9: Royal Ploughing Ceremony Sunday, May 11: Visakha Bucha Day Monday, May 12: Substituted holiday for Visakha Bucha Day Mark your calendars because this means an automatic: 3-day long weekend: Saturday, May 3…
In a tale that seems straight out of a crime novel, a notorious thief in Thailand, dubbed the “ninja thief,” recently found his stealthy antics finally catching up with him. This elusive crook, a 22-year-old named Korraphak, thought he could outwit the authorities yet again by hiding under a bed, but alas, his luck had run out in the Pathum Thani province. Yet, despite being on the most-wanted list of countless victims, who reached out to the social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help, the elusive Korraphak had shockingly managed to dodge the long arm of the law until now. Korraphak’s modus operandi was as crafty as it was unlawful. His targets were social media sellers dealing in second-hand goods. He’d pose as an interested buyer, set up a meeting, and then brazenly abscond with the goods on a getaway motorcycle—often sporting either no registration plate or a fake…