Picture this: the sun-kissed shores of Phuket, the pulsating beats of a Patong nightclub, and amid it all, a story unfolds that feels straight out of a high-stakes crime drama. Enter the central character, Achmal, a man with a past shadowed by sinister undertones and the subject of an international manhunt. With a story that could dazzle and intrigue at a dinner party, let’s dive into the life of this 36-year-old Belgian-Moroccan with a flair for drama and, apparently, a knack for spinning tracks as well as a web of mystery. Our tale begins in Belgium, back in the colder climate of January 19, 2014. It was on this fateful day that Achmal, fueled by the heat of road rage, brandished a firearm with the intent to kill. It’s the stuff of Hollywood – but for Achmal, this was no movie script. Fast forward, and the Belgian courts are none…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Amidst the bustling corridors of power, Wiroj stood firm on a Tuesday that seemed like any other, but with a twist of political intrigue. The weight of decision-making rested heavily on his shoulders — to accept or not to accept an invitation that could ripple through the waters of governance, blurring the lines between the legislative and executive branches. His voice carried a note of resolve as he addressed a gathering that hung on his every word. “My dear compatriots,” Wiroj began, his gaze sweeping over the attentive crowd, “we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the inviting hand of participation could very well unsettle the delicate dance of checks and balances we so cherish. To sit upon the committee as an overseer of the defense minister’s project may seem like a badge of honor, but I fear it is a siren call, luring us towards unintended complicity.” The room…
Imagine an audacious 35-tonne cache of contraband pork, no ordinary shipment, but one clandestinely navigated away from the prying eyes of the law. This isn’t the plot of an adrenaline-laced heist film, dear readers; this scandal unfurled in the very corridors of the Customs Department, captivating spectators as they unveiled the illicit booty in September 2022. A tableau straight from a crime thriller, replete with smugglers and deceit, and now, the saga continues to spin its complex web. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) The hallowed halls of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) are now abuzz with the sort of vigorous activity that precedes the unraveling of a grand mystery. We’re delving into a major probe, one that’s set to pitch the richness of drama against the shadowy world of meat smuggling. Acting director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, a man who seemingly lives for the thrill of the chase, announced on Tuesday…
Envisage a world where every lost soul wandering the streets finds a beacon of hope, receives necessary care, and embarks on a heartfelt journey back into the welcoming arms of family. This isn’t a utopian dream; it’s a mission set in motion on a recent Monday, marked by the union of various Thai organizations through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The Social Development and Welfare Department, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Mental Health Department, the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, alongside the altruistic efforts of the Mirror Foundation, have all joined forces with an ambitious aim. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill agreement; it’s a pioneering endeavor to intricately weave a safety net by synchronizing databases— a digital embrace to catch the homeless, hospital patients, and the missing. Dr. Sirisak Thitidilokrat, the Mental Health Department’s deputy director-general, sparked a light on the plight of mentally unstable homeless…
Get ready, drivers and commuters alike! The pendulum of fuel prices is swinging once again, bringing with it a sprinkling of suspense. As we peer into the crystal ball of the next fortnight, whispers of a modest uptick in fuel costs murmur through the air. Yet, breathe a sigh of relief! For the astute measures taken by our vigilant Pheu Thai-led government have crafted a shield against the wild storms of early November. A steadfast commitment stands firm to cushion the blow of living-cost burdens that loom ominously on the horizon. Let us embark on a nostalgic trip down the petrol-fragranced memory lane of November’s past. Gasohol 91 aficionados saw a gracious deduction of 2.50 baht per litre, while the gasohol 95 connoisseurs enjoyed a lighter burden by 1 baht per litre. The E20 and E85 petrol patrons were not left behind in this generous spree, with an 80 satang…
Greetings, conscious citizens and avid readers! Today, we’re diving deep into a revelatory document that’s been the talk of the town – none other than the annual Future of Growth Report 2024. So, rumor has it that the kingdom is trailing behind, taking baby steps when it should be leaping boundlessly in the realm of sustainability development. Intriguing, isn’t it? Let’s investigate where future-oriented minds are steering this ship! Imagine a scholarly quest that scrutinizes the growth quality in not just ten, not just fifty, but a whopping 107 countries over the twilight of yesteryear. With tenacity, the researchers behind this report delved into reams of data, crunched the numbers, and guess who emerged at the summit of mount excellence? Behold, Sweden! With a stellar score of 71.15, it basked in the glory of the gold medal position, leaving Switzerland (69.49) to capture silver and Finland (68.74) to bag bronze.…
In the ever-evolving carousel of business, grasping the reins of competition is akin to unlocking the secret to victory. It’s a thrilling chess game where discerning your adversary’s next move can crown you king of the industry. Strap in folks because we’re taking a rollercoaster ride through the marketing funhouse, deciphering crystal balls that predict the future of commerce. Thanks to the fortune-tellers at Digital Agency MI Group, we’ve got a sneak peek at the hip and happening trends of 2024. Let’s dive in and learn how to keep our business ship sailing smoothly towards the horizon of success. Sustainable Tourism Our first stop is the lush green valley of sustainable tourism. Forget the beaten path; this is about treading lightly and uplifting local communities. Like the grand symposiums at the World Travel Market in the UK, we’re gabbing about the next eco-friendly travel hit and how businesses can sprout…
Imagine you’re navigating the intricate dance of the Thai economy, a vibrant mix of spicy cultural depth and tropical resilience, where the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) weaves tales of ebbing finances amidst global tumult. The secrets spilled from a once-confidential document unveil the truth: Thailand is grappling with ripples from afar—the global supply chain convulsing in distress, the dark clouds of conflict over Ukraine, and the climbing cost of keeping one’s belly full and lights glowing. Amidst this economic tapestry, Chai, a figure bearing news of concern, illuminates the government’s response. Picture an unfolding plan—a promise of glittering infrastructure like arteries of progress coursing through the nation, a call to the muses of innovation, and a nurturing hand extended to the small and mighty enterprises that form the pulsing heart of Thailand’s economy. Now draw back the veil on a brewing storm of dissent: a debate as…
Welcome to the tantalizing world of high-stakes and blurred lines—a cocktail mixed with the lush backdrop of Phuket’s villas and an intriguing game of poker that turned the unexpected into the unforgettable. Just another manic Monday? Hardly. This tale unfolds as five Russian high-rollers found their game interrupted by an uninvited guest—the long arm of the law. In the Muang district, a villa—not just any villa, but the kind of luxury abode that whispers secrets of the elite—was the stage for this drama. The Rawai neighborhood, with its Soi Salika charm, had no idea that beneath its tranquil veneer, a poker game was reaching its zenith. That is until the police, armed with more than just a good bluff, stormed the scene with a court search warrant clutched in their hands, ready to call everyone’s bluff. It all started with the revving of a motorcycle engine. A man, unbeknownst to…
As the soft hum of twilight descends upon the tranquil town of Sa Kaeo, a new ordinance sweeps through the streets with the intent of ushering its youth into safety. At the behest of the vigilant Sa Kaeo police force, a curfew, delicate in its construct yet firm in its resolve, now cradles those under the tender age of 15, whispering a rule – they must not wander the night without the guiding hand of an adult. The decree, with the wisdom of prevention at its heart, comes alive through the dedicated officers who now weave through the town with a frequency that sings of their commitment to safety. Pol Col Chainarong Boonduang, the deputy chief of Sa Kaeo police, on a serene Monday, echoed the national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s orders with a gravity that belies the gentle nature of the town: to thwart the gathering of…