The land of smiles is cracking down on a particular breed of subterfuge that has flown under the radar for much too long. The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is set to roll out fresh regulations—specifically targeting those sly characters acting as nominees—aimed at keeping foreigners from illicitly running businesses in the kingdom. It’s an intriguing move, spearheaded by Oramon Sapthaweetham, the astute Director-General of the Department of Business Development. Under the watchful eye of Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisanpang, the pivotal Subcommittee on Preventing and Suppressing Nominee Activities is preparing to turn the tide against this wrongdoing. Here’s the scoop: the Foreign Business Act of 1999 takes a firm stance prohibiting foreigners from dipping their toes into certain business ventures without due permission. Yet, crafty as they are, some have navigated these choppy legal waters by slyly using Thai nationals as their proxy puppets. Imagine that—a clandestine puppet show…
Posts published in “Thailand”
After a prolonged game of cat and mouse spanning over a decade and a half, justice has finally caught up with a former ferry conductor from the bustling waterways of Khlong Saen Saep. This story, reminiscent of a crime thriller, involves a saga of trust, betrayal, and a pursuit that lasted far too long, leading to the arrest of a man named Apichat. It was on a relatively normal day in 2010 when Apichat, then a ferry conductor, exploited the routine interactions with his passengers, particularly focusing on a young girl named B. As a regular commuter, B had grown somewhat accustomed to the conductor’s familiar face and affable conversations. Apichat’s demeanor was likened to that of a jovial neighbor, always there with a nod or smile, which cleverly disguised the sinister intent lurking beneath his friendly facade. On the fateful day, B, trusting this seemingly ordinary man’s word, agreed…
In a significant turn of events, three Uyghur individuals who once faced uncertain futures at the Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok have finally found a new home in Canada. This relocation marks the closure of a protracted diplomatic conundrum that has lingered for over a decade. Formerly detained since 2014, these Uyghurs’ journey to freedom was paved through a strategic agreement between Thai and Canadian authorities, bringing a sense of relief and justice to years of uncertainty. The path to Canada wasn’t an accidental one. Reports reveal that these individuals carried passports issued by Kyrgyzstan, a critical detail that spared them from the fate that befell others in their group — deportation to China. Sources familiar with the situation assure that their departure aligns with years of diplomatic negotiations that sought safe haven for those caught in geopolitical crossfires. Part of a larger group of nearly 300 Uyghurs,…
In a mesmerizing blend of spirituality and cultural tradition, a large multitude of devotees flocked to Wat Nam Dib for the grand Phutthaphisek consecration ceremony. This enchanting event, held yesterday, April 27, took place in the lush surroundings of the Boonphakdee Buddhist Hall at Wat Chetawanaram, nestled in the serene Nong Pling subdistrict of the Mueang district, Kamphaeng Phet province. The focus of the gathering was the unveiling of the celebrated Chokchai miracle coin, an amulet believed to carry extraordinary blessings, which had already captured the imagination and hearts of many. Pilgrims and temple-goers united under the guidance of Phra Khru Phalat “Chokchai” Chaiwuttho, whose charismatic presence and spiritual prowess cemented his status as a revered figure. The ceremony stretched over an epic three hours, an immersive experience marked by the rhythmic chanting of nine devoted monks from Wat Bo Sam Saen and Wat Nam Dib. In an atmosphere thick…
In a tragic turn of events, Lam Luk Ka Police apprehended a suspect after a chilling incident unfolded at a barbecue restaurant in Pathum Thani, a bustling province in central Thailand. On a seemingly ordinary April 20 evening, a 17-year-old girl identified as Wanwisa, fondly known by friends as Tangmo, tragically lost her life. The unsuspecting teenager was traveling with her boyfriend on a motorcycle when the unthinkable happened—a bullet struck her forehead, causing her to fall lifelessly onto the road in Lam Luk Ka district. The incident stemmed from an unintended exchange of glances while the youngsters dined with friends. This seemingly innocuous moment spiraled into a fatal encounter that has left an indelible mark on Tangmo’s loved ones. Her friends recounted how a 25-year-old man, named Spy, took notice of them during their meal, staring with intent. No words were exchanged in the restaurant, but the silent standoff…
In an engaging twist of humor, the Wang Noi Provincial Police Station has taken to their Facebook page to offer an unconventional Facebook post that’s as amusing as it is unexpected. The police station’s recent post features an entertaining snapshot of their prison cell amenities, delivered with a playful dose of humor. Two officers are captured in a cheeky embrace of the situation, presenting the cell like it’s the hottest property in town! Imagine a loft-style bare concrete room, sprawling over 31 square meters, flaunting a minimalist design that screams rustic chic. It’s complete with a bedroom and, wait for it, a built-in en-suite bathroom! And good news for breakfast enthusiasts—there’s a complimentary morning meal thrown into this delightfully dystopian package. The amusing post highlights optimal ventilation, 24-hour surveillance cameras, and around-the-clock staff, all for your peace of mind—or piece of your sentence, perhaps? They extend an exclusive offer for…
In the heart-stopping chaos of a sunlit Monday morning, the southern border province of Yala was rocked by a pair of harrowing assaults that left a chilling imprint on the local community. The unraveling of events began in the eerie silence of nighttime and stretched into the bustling hours of sunlight, painting a somber picture that would haunt the province for some time. As the midnight hour ebbed into the early morning, at approximately 12:40 AM, serenity was cruelly shattered outside a seemingly innocuous grocery store situated along the busy thoroughfare of Highway 410, known for connecting Yala to Bannang Sata. Defense volunteer Theerawut Phuttharat, just 34 years of age, found himself ensnared in the jaws of fate. Having just parked his car to procure some essentials from the nearby shop, Theerawut had scarcely begun his errand when the tranquility of the night ruptured with gunfire aimed ferociously at him.…
In a heart-wrenching incident near Ban Huai Khai Nao Road, a 35-year-old Thai man’s life came to a sudden end as he dashed into the path of oncoming traffic in Bang Lamung. This tragic event unfolded with a sense of urgency that could have been pulled from the pages of a gripping novel. While one vehicle managed to evade the man, fate had a cruel twist for the second car, which tragically could not halt its momentum in time. The initial call about a man leaping into the stream of traffic sent immediate ripples through Huai Yai Police Station. Police Lieutenant Monthathip Thongsai was first on scene with a mission to understand the chaos on Mueang subdistrict’s roads in Chon Buri. When police and rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation arrived, they found a scene steeped in somber reality. The man’s body lay still, clad in a red long-sleeved…
In a vibrant display of camaraderie and aspiration, the opening ceremony of the Amata City Chonburi Business Branch was graced by several distinguished guest appearances. Among them was Mr. Lee Yu-Chou, the esteemed Chairman of LH Bank, with an aura of refined leadership, standing as the fourth from the right. Accompanying him was Mr. Shih Jiing-Fuh, the CEO and President of LH Bank, effortlessly commanding respect as he stood sixth from the right. Shuffling to the second from right, we found the dynamic Mr. Waravoot Tocharoentanapol, the diligent President and Head of the Finance and Accounting Group of LHFG. Completing the line-up were pillars of innovation and expertise: Mr. Chen Ching-Ming, the Chief Institutional Banking Officer—a steadfast seventh from the right—and Mr. Peerapatana Ketboonchoo, who appeared first from right, bringing a fresh perspective as the Chief Retail Banking Officer. Adding to the prestigious gathering were Ms. Dendao Komolmas, a financial…
In a spectacle that has ignited the social media realm, Thai and international netizens have banded together to express their disapproval of a foreign Instagrammer’s daring escapade. This digital adventurer, known on Instagram as @ryan_rrobertson, together with his equally audacious friend, boldly trespassed and scaled the infamous Ghost Tower of Bangkok. The structure, an unfinished spectacle in the Sathorn district, looms over the city, offering unmissable vistas of the Chao Phraya River and the sprawling skyline. Renowned for its eerie aura, the edifice gained its grim repute after the haunting discovery of a Swedish man’s body back in 2014. Yet, despite its spooky stature and legal ownership, which makes such trespasses unlawful, Robertson and his mate brushed off the consequences with an air of defiance. In a brazen post, proudly captioned, “POV: You’re the first person to climb Bangkok’s Ghost Tower in 5+ years…,” they showcased their rooftop exploits. This…