The Good Shepherd Foundation’s charity schools have been making headlines lately, as raids have unfolded against them in what appears to be a coordinated effort. This week, the BanYa Literacy Centre in Srisoonthorn found itself under scrutiny as officials from the Thalang District Office, led by none other than District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, descended upon the small establishment. With Deputy District Chief for Security Chaiporn Yangchin and village leaders in tow, they conducted a thorough inspection of the literacy centre nestled in Village 6. The visit, as outlined in a succinct report from the Thalang District Office, aimed to investigate the centre’s operations as a school for children of Myanmar migrants. However, in a twist that raises more questions than answers, no concrete explanation for the raid emerged, nor did the officials highlight any specific irregularities that demanded their attention. The Good Shepherd Foundation has been a remarkable presence in…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Koh Samui, the jewel in Surat Thani province’s crown, is shining brightly on the map for globe-trotters who crave opulence and a prime slice of island paradise. Thanks to the recent filming of the sensational American TV series “The White Lotus,” set amidst the verdant and aquamarine splendor of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, this Thai island is seeing a dazzling boom in luxury real estate, as reported by Colliers Thailand. The series, with scenes unfurling at the picture-perfect Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and splashes of intrigue elsewhere in Phang Nga and Bangkok, has propelled this exquisite enclave into the limelight. Phattarachai Taweewong, who steers research and communication at Colliers, unveils the secret sauce behind Koh Samui’s soaring status. He notes, “The White Lotus has cemented Koh Samui as the ultimate haven for high-end travelers from Europe, Australia, and even the heart of the Middle East. It’s like the…
Amid the eclectic blend of culture and chaos that defines Bangkok, there’s an unsettling trend that’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The bustling capital of Thailand, famed for its vibrant street life and rich traditions, now carries an unflattering distinction: the highest rate of overweight and obesity among adults and children in the country. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Public Health, this unwelcome status might be a lingering reminder of the modern lifestyle’s double-edged sword. Each year, on March 4, World Obesity Day invites a global reflection on this pressing health issue. Organized by the World Obesity Federation, the event aims to spur change in those wrestling with obesity, advocating for a shift in perspectives and habits. As sobering evidence mounts regarding the personal health risks and broader economic consequences associated with obesity, this day also serves as an urgent reminder. High public healthcare costs are…
In a disturbingly daring attack, two individuals masquerading as Muslim women unleashed chaos at a police checkpoint in the picturesque Pattani province. The incident, which occurred on the evening of March 19, left five unsuspecting residents nursing injuries and a family of five forever marked by the event. As the sun began its descent at 5:40 p.m., officers stationed at the Sai Buri District Police Station received an alarming alert about an explosion at the Wat Lieb checkpoint nestled within the serene Taluban subdistrict. The perpetrators, clad in the traditional garb of Muslim women, deftly approached the unsuspecting checkpoint on a motorcycle. The passenger, their face cleverly concealed, launched a pipe bomb into the crowded area. Although the officers stationed there were left untouched, the ripple effect of the explosion wounded five innocent bystanders—bruising the heart of the community. The victims, a close-knit family, had been traveling on a motorcycle…
A seemingly ordinary workday swiftly descended into a scene reminiscent of a thriller for three construction workers in Pattaya. They found themselves ensnared in a malfunctioning elevator, with the walls closing in and time dragging on interminably. Sweat dripped down their brows as panic rose in their throats, transforming their typically mundane commute into a nerve-wracking odyssey. When the rescue teams finally intervened after an agonizing hour, relief washed over them like a refreshing sea breeze. The harrowing experience unfolded after Pattaya City’s Disaster Prevention Centre received an urgent SOS at precisely 6:16 PM. The report was as distressing as it was succinct: three workers trapped in a lift on Soi Arunothai, located in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri. The unlucky trio was identified as Thanayaporn, 49, Samruay, 54, and Bunyasri, 55. These were no mere onlookers but seasoned painters, veterans of vertiginous heights, who had just wrapped…
As the calendar flips to April, the vibrant island of Phuket is abuzz with anticipation for the much-loved Songkran festival. This year, the island is adding a unique twist to its traditional festivities with the return of the Songkran No Alcohol Festival. Now in its 11th year, this annual event promises a blend of cultural charm, live music, and wholesome fun, sans any alcoholic chaos, putting an emphasis on safety and tradition. Phuket officials, in partnership with the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the Phuket Tourism Business Association, and Limelight Phuket Shopping Mall, are rolling out the welcome mat for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration. Leading the charge, Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, alongside PPAO President Rewat Areerob, Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakit, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Director Siriwan Siharat, unveiled the event details at a lively press conference on March 19. Their goal? To…
In the tranquil yet lively setting of Lampang, a tale has been unfolding that’s more riveting than your average crime thriller. It’s about a mysterious escapist known affectionately, or rather infamously, as Robert, and his knack for dodging bills all over the province. Our story chiefly concerns Ann, the unnervingly courteous owner of Kanthika massage shop, who recently crossed paths with this master of excuses. Ann’s encounter with Robert was anything but ordinary. It was yet another normal day at Kanthika, with its serene aromas and the gentle hum of relaxation music. But things soon took an unexpected turn when in limped Robert—a foreign chameleon of mystery with a noticeable imperfection in his step and an olfactory presence that spoke louder than words. He was around fifty, sported short black hair, and wore a blue T-shirt with somewhat formidable black trousers. All of this, along with his self-given moniker, Robert,…
On a bright March 20, amidst a flurry of media attention and political intrigue, two prominent figures from Thailand found themselves in the culturally rich and historically significant Xinjiang region of China. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong were on a mission—one that involved more heart than diplomacy, despite the usual trappings of a high-stakes international visit. In a setting where ancient traditions meet modern dilemmas, Phumtham and Tawee were welcomed into the vibrant tapestry of Uyghur life with open arms—and, occasionally, teary eyes. The purpose? To check in on the Uyghur families who had been deported from Thailand the previous month. The importance of this visit can’t be overstated; it was more than just a check-box on a long list of diplomatic duties. Allegations had been swirling that the encounter was little more than an orchestrated photo-op, staged for international consumption like a well-directed play.…
In the serene and verdant landscape of Kanchanaburi, nestled within its historical realms, an intriguing and rather unsettling scene unfolded last week. A local resident, whose identity remains cloaked in mystery, found himself entrapped in a situation that most would imagine only in their wildest dreams—or perhaps, nightmares. As the saying goes, nature waits for no man, and our protagonist found himself at nature’s mercy when he needed an urgent bathroom break. Little did he know that his bladder’s imperious demands would lead to a discovery that could churn the stoutest of stomachs. On his hurried quest for relief, he stumbled upon an abandoned house in the Thong Pha Phum district, a place turned relic amidst lush surroundings. Hoping to find a discreet corner, his plans were soured by an inexplicably foul odor. The smell was so potent that his initial intentions were pushed aside, replaced by urgent curiosity—or perhaps,…
As the digital age continues to unravel its myriad complexities, the tragic tale of Nathan Odinson has reignited a fierce debate surrounding the domain of online content. In a haunting incident, Odinson, a 33-year-old base-jumper with a penchant for the adventurous, met his untimely demise after his parachute malfunctioned during a daring leap from a 29-storey tower in the bustling city of Pattaya. What makes this tragedy even more profound, however, is the aftermath that unfolded—not on the ground, but on the unfathomable expanses of the internet. The heart-wrenching moment was captured by a friend in a video that quickly transcended the realm of local social media to land on a notorious website infamous for housing gruesome content. This platform, known widely for its graphic presentations of real-life deaths and violence, is now under heightened scrutiny, with growing calls for its permanent shutdown. Ed Harrison, Nathan’s grieving brother, is at…