In an unexpected twist of fate, a Thai man by the name of Samphan has become the talk of Bangkok, earning the title of the “Phra Khanong sensation.” All thanks to a viral video capturing him nonchalantly washing himself in the middle of a bustling road. At 43, Samphan, a local of Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area, offers a glimpse into a life that might seem unconventional but is deeply human. There was a time when Samphan’s days were filled with the scent of paint and the clattering sound of brushes against canvas. As a freelance artist in the scenic locale of Bang Saen, he commanded a respectable income, bagging around 1,000 to 5,000 baht a day. But life’s tide took a turn, and soon, his once-flourishing artistic career began to wilt, like a sunset slowly dimming into the night. Heartbreak, too, played its part, leaving Samphan not just financially strapped…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the constantly evolving digital world of 2025, the availability of online gambling has become a double-edged sword, especially for the younger generations. As highlighted in a seminar organized by the Thailand Youth Institute (TYI) and its affiliates, the surge in online gambling activity poses a significant threat, intertwining with crime, violence, and even suicide. Their 2024 report meticulously tracks the impact of online gambling, painting a vivid picture of its pervasive influence. The forum urged the government to take immediate and decisive actions to mitigate the adverse effects on young individuals drawn into this dark digital realm. The recommendations include a robust, united front from all societal sectors to dismantle illegal gambling websites, initiate rehabilitation centers for those ensnared by gambling addiction, and impose stricter punishments on habitual offenders. Surachate Phosaeng, deputy secretary-general at TYI, expressed grave concerns over the findings. “Young people are not just participating in online…
The halls of power and justice often echo with the footsteps of those embroiled in thrilling narratives of ambition, legal challenges, and, occasionally, a dash of controversy. Stepping into this vibrant arena is Suchart Trakulkasemsuk, the newly appointed president of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand. While his ascension to this pivotal role brims with promise, it does not come devoid of complications. Indeed, Suchart’s path is marked by a tempestuous cloud of legal disputes, adding an intriguing subplot to his profile. Amidst the hushed whispers of intrigue, the NACC has firmly vouched for Suchart’s suitability for the prestigious position. According to Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC’s steadfast secretary-general, the brouhaha swirling around Suchart is far from uncommon in the corridors of the commission. It’s a stage where accusations are not mere hurdles but, rather, rites of passage as long as no gavel slams down with a judgment against the…
In a gripping turn of events, law enforcement agencies are joining forces in a bold initiative to thwart notorious call centre scam gangs eyeing Cambodia as their new operational base. Following decisive moves by the Myanmar government to sever power and internet connections this past Wednesday, a lively discussion bubbled up among key stakeholders determined to shield their borders from these crafty criminals. At the heart of these actions stands Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the illustrious inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the astute director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre. Draped in the weight of his titles, yesterday he wielded words of promise as he mapped out their grand plan to dismantle crime syndicates threatening peace across both land and digital domains. With an intent to spark potent collaborations, the day after rallying his tactical compatriots, he brought together esteemed officials in the serene locales of Pong Nam…
In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, police made a significant breakthrough in halting a cunning call-centre operation that swindled countless victims through a particularly insidious scam. This sophisticated scheme, run by a notorious group, had a modus operandi that could only be described as “adding insult to injury.” At the heart of this fraudulent activity were two alleged masterminds—Chinese nationals, Yi Wanyou and Li Weijia, both in their late twenties. Operating under the guise of a legitimate operation, these individuals spun an elaborate web of deceit, persuading their unsuspecting targets that their finances had been compromised. The victims were then tricked into believing that by sharing sensitive financial information, their stolen funds could be miraculously retrieved. The ruse was detailed and comprehensive. The two suspects were apprehended in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, following warrants issued by the city’s Criminal Court. National police chief, Kittharath Punpetch, confirmed the arrests, noting that the…
In a world where international trade wars can ignite faster than a swipe left on a dating app, countries are constantly vying to shield their economies from potential tariffs and duties. Enter Mr. Napintorn Srisanpang, the ever-dedicated Deputy Commerce Minister of Thailand. Yesterday, in the hustle and bustle of government proceedings, he confidently laid out a plan to counteract the storm brewing from across the Pacific—the United States’ new trade tariff policies. Although measures to mitigate the possible ramifications are already in motion, the government isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. Oh no, they’re all set for diplomatic arm wrestling with Washington to ensure Thailand’s export boat doesn’t capsize. The question that loomed large in the House of Representatives came courtesy of Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, a member of the opposition People’s Party. With the intensity of a man who’s just realized he’s missing out on a killer sale, he inquired…
In response to the swirling winds of public discourse, the Ministry of Public Health is poised to adjust the sails on health insurance pricing for non-Thai workers. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced on Wednesday that a strategic proposal would soon be flagged for the cabinet’s discerning eye. The looming discussion centers around elevating the cost of health insurance packages for foreign workers, aligning them more closely with what the Thai government subsidizes for its own citizens. Currently, under the universal healthcare scheme, Thai citizens benefit from a governmental golden goose that lays about 3,800 baht per person per year. Minister Somsak proposes that health insurance packages for foreign nationals mirror this, delivering identical treatment standards and benefits within the same ballpark figure. This bold move emerges from recent hullabaloos about the alleged inequity of foreign healthcare pricing, which, at a mere 2,000 baht, dramatically undercuts the sum allotted for…
Imagine a world where tiny lungs are under siege, where every breath might be their last, and where the simple act of breathing is a hazardous venture. This distressing reality strikes home in East Asia and the Pacific, where childhood dreams often dissolve into nightmarish air pollution. In the heart of this environmental crisis, Unicef casts a harrowing spotlight on the plight of young ones suffering from what they term “the silent killer.” As the sun rises and sets, an insidious threat creeps into the lives of 500 million children, day in and day out. Across the sprawling landscapes of East Asia and the Pacific, toxic air is essentially a grim reaper, linked to the untimely demise of around 100 children under the age of five each day. This staggering figure, courtesy of Unicef’s recent data, underscores an emergency unfolding quietly yet impactfully. To contextualize the catastrophe, pollution here has…
In the intricate chessboard of international diplomacy, few pieces move as tirelessly and strategically as those in Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Just yesterday, they reiterated their unwavering promise to facilitate the safe return of the last remaining Thai hostage still in the clutches of Hamas. As the political tides ebb and flow, Majed Muhammad Hassan Abdullah al-Ansari, an adviser to Qatar’s Prime Minister, continues to stand as a steadfast symbol of this mission. As a spokesman for the nation’s foreign affairs, his voice resonated with determination in an interview with the Bangkok Post, underscoring the government’s focused commitment to reunite families torn apart by conflict. “We are committed to doing everything possible for that hostage to return to their family,” declared Dr. Ansari, echoing a sentiment that cuts through geopolitical complexity like a lighthouse in a stormy sea. This resolve has prevailed since the onset of hostilities, where Qatar…
Peering over the lush greenery of Khao Kradong from the pinnacle of the Khao Kradong Forest Park offers an uncanny serenity. However, beneath this verdant landscape in the Muang district of Buri Ram lies a contentious patch of land embroiled in a complex legal battle. The terrain, roughly 5,000 rai, forms the crux of a riveting land dispute between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Department of Lands (DoL), a saga slowly unraveling under the meticulous scrutiny of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This simmering feud has drawn the attention of Mr. Mongkol Srisawang, who helms the NACC’s investigative team for cases related to the environment and natural resources. As the narrative unfolds, Mr. Mongkol indicated that the probe is progressing at a measured pace. However, much like a gripping drama, it remains shrouded in mystery as to when the final act will be performed. Central to this…