With excitement in the air as the lottery draw date edges closer, the usually serene Sawang Arom Temple in Nakhon Pathom transforms into a bustling hub of anticipation. A kaleidoscope of color and chatter envelops the temple grounds as locals and lottery enthusiasts gather, each with a shared mission: to uncover the mystical numbers that might just change their fortunes forever. The temple, nestled in the heart of Khun Kaeo in Nakhon Chai Si district, has become an iconic sanctuary for those who dare to dream of wealth, known for its uncanny knack in conjuring auspicious numbers from its sacred confines. The centerpiece of this vivid pursuit is the sacred water basin of Ta Thong Ngiew Rai, a miraculous site steeped in spiritual lore. Legends speak of this cheerful deity—a comfortably seated, silk-clad elder figure whose mere presence is believed to beckon prosperity. Accompanying him are revered entities such as…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a city known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, an unsettling scene unfolded in the early hours of January 14th, breaking the usual tranquility of Pattaya’s bustling condominiums. Security personnel navigating their routine rounds stumbled upon a sight that would spark a major police investigation. They found Masis Erkol, a 36-year-old Turkish tourist, bound with handcuffs and cable ties, his condominium unit ransacked and robbed of a laptop and a significant amount of cryptocurrency. Erkol’s ordeal had seemed ripped from the pages of a crime thriller. Three audacious thieves had managed to infiltrate his condo and leave with their haul under the cover of darkness. Although constrained by their cruel restraints, Erkol, demonstrating incredible grit and resilience, managed to summon help. Driven by sheer desperation and determination, he had shuffled out of his fifth-floor apartment, still lashed, to alert the building’s security staff. The authorities were swift to…
Acting as a vibrant lens that captures the bustling scenes of Thailand and its environs, Alex and Jay have adeptly rounded up today’s riveting news stories that span from the captivating shores of Racha Island to the pulsating avenues of Bangkok. Whether it’s a nail-biting rescue operation or a historic legal decision, the stories are as diverse as they are gripping, painting a colorful canvas of the remarkable narratives unfolding across this dynamic region. Our first story takes us out to the restless waves off Phuket on January 13th, where the dramatic rescue of 38 passengers from the sinking Emiray 888 catamaran unfolded near Racha Island. Thanks to the swift response of the Phuket Tourist Police and Marine Rescue teams, all aboard were brought safely ashore. Clad in life jackets, the passengers were safely shepherded from their precarious plight, while investigations into the possible causes of the incident are underway.…
In the heart of Udon Thani, a bustling province in the Isaan region of Thailand, a sweet tamarind vendor found himself in hot water, not because his tamarinds lacked tang, but due to his risqué marketing gambit. A local medic from Ban Phue Hospital couldn’t turn a blind eye to the explicit photographs displayed around his mobile shop and felt compelled to call in the cavalry in the form of Ban Phue’s finest to address what could only be described as an intriguing blend of sweet and scandalous. The vendor, who along with his spouse remains a mystery to the public, ran his business from a humble pickup truck. Yet, what the truck carried wasn’t just wholesome tamarinds; it sported rather bold images of scantily clad models with strategically placed tape covering their unmentionables. It was quite the display amidst a backdrop of the hospital setting, raising more than just…
In the tranquil night of January 13, the serene ambiance of Chon Buri’s Takhiantia-Khaomaikaew Road was abruptly transformed into a scene of tragedy. The starlit sky witnessed an unpleasant calamity as a head-on collision between two vehicles shattered the calmness of the evening, leaving one driver lifeless and both vehicles severely damaged. The catastrophe unfolded precisely at 10:06 pm, attracting immediate attention and swift response from local emergency services. Calls frantically buzzed through the lines at Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya, signaling a dire need for intervention. The reported scene—a Mitsubishi Pajero entangled with a Mitsubishi Attrage—waited near the entrance of Khaomaikaew 19 Alley for heroes in reflective vests and seasoned hands to untangle its woes. Police Lieutenant Ratchapol Seneewong na Ayutthaya, with his astute team of rescue volunteers, spearheaded the response efforts. Equipped with formidable tools for both rescue and recovery operations, they stormed the location, prepared…
It seems that Thailand is making headlines once again, but this time for a techno-legal conundrum that’s sure to give some corporate directors sleepless nights. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Office of the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) have wielded their regulatory gavels, ordering a halt on mobile phone sales by tech giants OPPO and realme. The reason? The stealthy installation of loan applications on users’ devices without a whisper of consent. And boy, did this not sit well with authorities. As the drama unfolds, both companies have been given a red alert, with a deadline to present their defense by January 16. If they fail to appease the stern gatekeepers of personal data, they’ll face fines that could reach up to a whopping 3 million baht, roughly translating to US$86,530. That’s a lot of zeroes right there! Yesterday, January 13, the echelons of OpPO and…
In a bold leap towards environmental salvation, Thailand has grabbed headlines worldwide by declaring an end to plastic waste imports. Starting from January 1st, the country, once overwhelmed by a torrent of global refuse, is now scripting a new chapter in its narrative—one that steers away from being a mere dumping ground to becoming a vanguard in the ecological fight. With this groundbreaking decision, Thailand, long subjected to the whims of affluent nations like the United States and Japan, has resolutely barred its gates against future waves of plastic waste. For years, the Kingdom of Thailand has played host to the castoffs of developed nations, absorbing more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste between 2018 and 2021. In a striking reflection of this inequitable toss-up, Japan alone dispatched a staggering 50,000 tonnes to Thailand’s shores during 2023. But those waste-ridden tides have receded. Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and…
In the ever-turbulent world of tech and privacy, TrueMoney has recently found itself navigating choppy waters. The company, which has become synonymous with digital financial solutions among its Thai audience, was caught in the swirl of discussions around the pre-installation of financial apps on mobile devices. There seemed to be whispers of discontent buzzing across the tech landscape — were certain mobile brands pulling a fast one by embedding financial apps into their smartphones without permission? TrueMoney was quick to set the record straight and made it clear that their hands are clean in this pre-installation debacle. TrueMoney, operated by Ascend Money, clarified their stance with a level of transparency that’s as refreshing as a chilled coconut water on a sweltering Bangkok afternoon. They assured everyone that their app plays by the rules, flaunting a badge of honor in the form of an electronic payment service license from the Bank…
In a tale that sounds straight out of an international thriller, two young Chinese women, Wu Jia Xi and her friend Liu Luying, found themselves embroiled in a dangerous web spun by a call centre scam gang in Myanmar. Luckily, their story ends on a positive note thanks to the relentless efforts of Thai authorities and the ever-persistent love of a father. The saga unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day in early January 2025, when the two women touched down at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Fresh from the airplane, they were eager to explore a new country. They initially checked into a hotel in the Lat Krabang district—an area close to the airport buzzing with travelers. But then, as if scripted by the mysterious hands of fate, they checked out soon after and disappeared from their families’ radar. This abrupt vanishing act sent ripples of panic through Wu Jia…
In the bustling streets of Pattaya, a scene unfolded that was as heart-wrenching as it was unexpected. An elderly gentleman, known fondly as 75-year-old Thongrai Phatprom, was discovered unconscious by the roadside along Soi Khao Talo. His unfortunate passing soon after jolted the community, and many couldn’t help but wonder if the rare chilly weather had played a part in his demise. Responding swiftly to the situation were the commendable teams from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre. As they arrived at the site, a crowd had already gathered, their faces marked with concern and curiosity. Amidst them was Thongrai’s 55-year-old daughter, Mam, who rushed to the scene after learning of her father’s condition from a neighbor. Although he was known for his robust health—despite his fondness for a tipple—Thongrai’s daily walks were never a cause for worry until that fateful day. As the rescue volunteers administered urgent first aid, Mam…