Police examine evidence and question a Dutch suspect in his condominium in Pattaya, Thailand on Sunday. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong) PATTAYA: In a gripping turn of events, local authorities detained a 63-year-old Dutch gentleman for his alleged involvement in the possession and potential production of crystal methamphetamine, colloquially known as “ice.” This incident, which unfolded like a scene from a crime novel, began innocuously enough before spiraling into a major bust. The sequence of events kicked off at approximately 5:36 PM on a sunny Sunday afternoon when police officers spotted the suspect, who was identified solely as Simon, exhibiting suspicious behavior on a well-trafficked local street. Their instincts proved correct as a cursory search revealed the presence of two plastic packets brimming with “ice.” The plot thickened, however, when law enforcement probed deeper, transitioning from the bustling street to Simon’s private condominium. Stepping into the premises, the officers were greeted by…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL), a stalwart member of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)—Japan’s preeminent financial ensemble and one of the most formidable financial institutions globally—has forged a game-changing partnership with MST Insurance Service Co., Ltd., a top-tier insurance agency in Japan. This dynamic collaboration is poised to revolutionize insurance brokerage services for Japanese corporations operating within the tapestry of Thailand. By harnessing the unparalleled network of MUFG, the alliance aims to deliver bespoke insurance solutions meticulously crafted to cater to the nuanced needs of Japanese businesses in the Land of Smiles. Mr. Kenichi Yamato, the visionary President and CEO of Krungsri, elucidated, “Through this groundbreaking partnership, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing our bancassurance repertoire. Leveraging MUFG’s sprawling network coupled with our synergistic relationship with MST Insurance Service, Krungsri is ready to elevate its service echelons in Thailand. We’ve instituted a specialized team dedicated to collaborating closely…
The water level in the Nakhon Nayok River showed no signs of abating in Muang district, Nakhon Nayok province, on Monday, as captured in an image from @Ruamduay’s X account. The municipality and nearby resort areas were caught off guard by a surge of flooding early that morning, leading to rising tensions among residents who pointed fingers at Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam, accusing it of discharging water without any prior notice. However, the Irrigation Department refuted these claims, insisting that the deluge was solely a result of heavy rainfall upstream. The province’s public relations office reported that several areas along the Nakhon Nayok River in Muang district were submerged. Meanwhile, media outlets broadcast images of flooded resorts beside the dam and along the riverbanks. Volunteers from Ruam Katanyu Foundation’s Nakhon Nayok branch relayed to Thai PBS and Thairath online that calls for help started pouring in around 2 a.m., reporting…
Thailand’s sweeping changes to visa and entry regulations have caused quite a stir, generating a mix of joy, excitement, confusion, and even some resentment among various groups. To clarify these new rules, the Bangkok Post’s Deeper Dive vodcast delved into readers’ questions with one of the chief architects of the new visa scheme, Naruchai Ninnad, deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can catch the full interview on Spotify or search for “Deeper Dive Thailand” wherever you get your podcasts. Destination Thailand Visa The new five-year “Destination Thailand” visa (DTV) has grabbed the headlines, allowing stays of up to 180 days, extendable for up to one year. But it’s not for everyone; prospective visa holders must fit into one of three specific categories. The first category includes those who receive their paychecks from outside Thailand, often referred to as digital nomads or…
The water level in the Nakhon Nayok River continued its relentless rise in Muang district of Nakhon Nayok province on Monday. The situation, captured vividly by @Ruamduay on their X account, unfolded dramatically and left many residents on edge. In the early hours of Monday morning, the picturesque municipality of Nakhon Nayok and its many tranquil resort areas were thrust into chaos. Imagine the shock when, without any prior notice, the mighty Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam began releasing water. It was a rude awakening for the locals and vacationers alike. What was once a serene landscape along the Nakhon Nayok River quickly transformed into a veritable water world. The provincial public relations office issued statements throughout the day, indicating that several areas in Muang district were severely inundated. Media reports painted a rather grim picture, showing resorts near the dam and along the riverbanks submerged. The Ruam Katanyu Foundation’s Nakhon…
If you ever find yourself in the tranquil yet bustling Ban Khai district of Rayong, you might stumble upon a tale that’s raising eyebrows among the locals. You see, there’s a mysterious construction project emerging like a plot twist nobody saw coming. In an unexpected turn of events, a Chinese language poster recently surfaced, heralding the construction of a factory. It’s not the poster’s foreign script that has the community buzzing—it’s the surprise element that has everyone talking. Imagine waking up one day to find tower cranes and construction vehicles stirring up dust without so much as a heads-up! Adul Akkaraphetpaisarn, the diligent assistant village head, raised the flag of concern. “Hold on a minute!” he probably thought. “When did we approve this?” According to Adul, the residents weren’t on the memo for any such development plans. Now, if you’re familiar with how things roll in an organized community, you’ll…
The Ministry of Culture is extending an exciting invitation to everyone across the nation to cast their vote for Thailand’s most delectable local dish. This mouth-watering contest is part of a larger endeavor to preserve and elevate the traditional cuisines that make Thailand’s culinary landscape so rich and diverse, while also boosting the economic potential of these unique menus. According to Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thailand’s culinary heritage is a critical cultural treasure that embodies the essence of Thai identity. Minister Sudawan announced on Sunday the launch of the “Thailand Best Local Food: The Lost Taste” initiative for the 2024 fiscal year, designed to align with the government’s policy of promoting the nation’s soft power. This delightful project aims to spotlight local delicacies from each of Thailand’s 77 provinces under the charming theme, “One Province, One Menu, Celebrating Local Recipes.” In the first phase of this savory journey, each province…
Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon made a notable entrance into the candidacy registration venue in Bangkok last April, sparking waves of conversation. The political landscape within the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) reveals a notable schism, suggesting a clear division within this pivotal government coalition partner, as observed by political analyst Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a seasoned political science lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration. The PPRP now appears to be split between two distinct factions. One is helmed by party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, a political figure who has kept a notably low profile since the last general election and holds no cabinet post. The other camp is led by party secretary-general Thamanat Prompow, currently serving as the agriculture minister in the coalition government and recognized for his close ties with the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Recent events have intensified the internal friction. PPRP member Samart…
Phloen Phromdaen, a luminary in the realm of Thai country music, has left an indelible mark in the hearts of his fans, even as he passed away at the age of 85. Phloen, who masterfully wove amusing narratives into his melodious tunes, breathed his last on a poignant Saturday morning at Siriraj Hospital. This final note came after he unexpectedly fainted, leading to his admission to the famed institution. The artist, known far and wide under his stage name, Phloen Phromdaen, was born Somsuan Promsawang on June 12, 1939. His birthplace, the quaint Aranyaprathet district, was then a part of Prachin Buri province. Born into a bustling household among eight siblings, his parents Pluem and Tun Promsawang undoubtedly had their hands full! Phloen’s musical journey hit its first high note when he was just 20. With a voice that could mesmerize and stories that could tickle one’s ribs, he won…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is facing a tense moment as he waits for a critical Constitutional Court ruling that could determine his political future. Despite this looming uncertainty, the government has been adamant that the much-publicized 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme will proceed as planned. This promise was solidified when it was officially declared in parliament, affirming that the initiative will move forward irrespective of Mr. Srettha’s fate. The prime minister’s potential dismissal has stemmed from a controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a PM’s Office Minister during the last cabinet reshuffle. A total of 40 senators submitted the motion for Mr. Srettha’s dismissal, arguing that appointing Pichit—an individual convicted of contempt of court for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in a 2008 land case involving former PM Thaksin Shinawatra—was a clear violation of the charter. Despite these clouds of contention, both Mr. Srettha and PM’s…