In today’s fast-paced digital world, our elders often find themselves vulnerable to the shadier corners of the internet. The heart-wrenching tale of a nearly 80-year-old woman being scammed out of 760,000 baht recently surfaced, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online. This tale of deceit began innocently enough with friendly exchanges on social media but swiftly spiraled into a financial nightmare. The perpetrator of this cruel scam masqueraded as “Harry,” a supposed Vietnamese businessman residing in the UK. He spun a web of lies, portraying himself as a man caught in business woes and shipping snafus. Through carefully crafted conversations, he deceived his victim, inspiring trust and extracting money by tugging at her heartstrings. Over just four to five days, this charlatan manipulated her into transferring funds through internet banking and even visiting the bank to move money, amassing 760,000 baht (US$22,860) through a series of convoluted mule accounts.…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Celebrating a milestone of three transformative years at the helm, Bangkok Governor Chadchart unveiled his visionary “9 Aspects, 9 Improvements” policy. Amid the dynamic backdrop of Bangkok City Hall, a spirited gathering witnessed Governor Chadchart and his team of dedicated Deputy Governors outline a strategic course for a brighter tomorrow. The central theme? Harnessing technology and fostering a spirit of collaboration to catapult Bangkok into an era of prosperity and inclusivity. Governor Chadchart, with eloquence and energy, championed the principles of knowledge, technology, transparency, and empathy as the foundation of his administration. “Our mission is to foster mutual trust between the government, private sectors, and the public,” he asserted with conviction. “This trust is built on pillars of knowledge and technology, transparency and accountability, and above all, empathy. As we charge into the 4th Year, our vision is to transform Bangkok into a beacon of opportunity and hope, where no…
In a riveting twist of legal drama, former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the charismatic and controversial figure of Thai politics, is set to grace the Supreme Court with his presence on June 13. His attendance is fueled by the brewing debate over whether his prison sentence was fully enforced, a notion emphasized by his own daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who confirmed the news following their meeting this past Monday. Yet, this appearance promises its own share of courtroom theatrics, given it contradicts earlier statements by Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, who had claimed that Thaksin would submit a written defense rather than appear in person. Turning heads across the nation, the situation has been further intensified by the Medical Council of Thailand’s recent decision to take disciplinary action against three doctors involved in Thaksin’s treatment at the iconic Police General Hospital. This action has cast a spotlight on whether Thaksin’s medical…
In a recent statement meant to put a hush to swirling whispers, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confidently assured the public that the coalition government is more solid than ever, fervently squashing any rumors about dissolving the House. With the crucial first reading of the 2026 fiscal year budget bill slated for May 28-30, anxiety buzzed around reports suggesting the Bhumjaithai Party, a vital government coalition member, might thumb their noses at the bill. Yet, with a calm demeanor, Ms. Paetongtarn seemed almost caught off-guard by such speculation. With a bemused smile, she questioned aloud, “Why should I dissolve the House? No House dissolution here!” The ever-curious media pressed on, suggesting the Bhumjaithai’s ire might stem from an ongoing investigation into an alleged vote-rigging scandal surrounding the Senate election the previous year. Observant insiders have noted a steady shift in the Upper House, now said to be swayed by a swarm…
In an unexpected twist of events, Thailand’s government has uncorked a fresh policy, setting the stage to expand the venues where clinking glasses and merry toasts with alcoholic beverages can take place on a daily basis. This novel law, which has already made a splash in the tourism sector, invites five exciting categories of venues to join the elixir-selling brigade. Fresh off the press, it was unveiled in the Royal Gazette last Friday and took effect with the enthusiasm of a New Year’s Eve countdown last Saturday. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong radiated optimism as he discussed the breath of life given to this initiative. As the sun set on Friday, the age-old prohibition that reigned over the fervent Buddhist festivals such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asanha Bucha began to take a new shape. Yet, this wave of new freedom is seasoned with respect, as the beginning…
In an exciting development for the bustling residents of Nonthaburi and the surrounding areas, the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has pulled back the curtain on a remarkable new infrastructure project. With the flourish of a commuter’s dream come true, the inbound lane of the Maha Sawat Canal Bridge on Ratchaphruek Road has officially swung open its gates. This unveiling comes at a perfect time, coinciding with the onset of a bustling new school term and bringing a sigh of relief to the daily grind of traffic-worn residents. Mark your calendars for June 20, when the outbound lane is set to spring to life, promising a fully operational bridge that hopes to crush the plague of congestion that has long been the bane of this locale’s existence. It’s a significant milestone for Ratchaphruek Road—transforming the drive from nightmare to delight and giving a much-needed facelift to the everyday commuting experience.…
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is taking a thoughtful approach to its ambitious project of constructing a high-speed rail station in the ancient city of Ayutthaya. After consultations with international heritage specialists, SRT is embracing a meticulous blend of modernization and preservation to honor the city’s storied past. Leading the charge, SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala announced the receipt of an insightful report from world-renowned organizations such as the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). These organizations, serving as the guiding stars for the World Heritage Committee, embarked on an informative visit to Ayutthaya from January 19th to 22nd. This visit wasn’t just a routine check; it was an immersive dive into the city’s rich tapestry of culture. The experts engaged in firsthand site inspections and meticulously evaluated the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)…
Under the golden sun of Nonthaburi, where mango trees sway under the weight of their juicy fruit and the locals bask in the late June warmth, a political drama unfolds that reads like a high-stakes thriller. Not far from the serene temples and bustling markets, a different kind of bustle gripped this province last year, one hinting at murky deeds and shadowy backroom dealings. It was here, amidst whispers and undercurrents, that candidates for the Senate faced off in what should have been the final showdown of democratic spirit. Little did they know, the electorate might not have been the only ones swayed – some envelopes, it seems, were heavier than votes. Fast forward almost a year, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of Thailand finds itself on the trail of a labyrinthine money-laundering operation that stinks of vote-rigging deception. Spearheading these investigations with unyielding determination is the articulate…
Liam Gibson, a spirited 21-year-old British soldier, is currently embroiled in a valiant battle to reclaim normalcy following a harrowing fall from the Na Mueang 2 Waterfall in Koh Samui, Surat Thani. This heart-wrenching incident has sparked a maelstrom of media attention, especially since it was featured in the UK’s Daily Mirror on May 3. As his arduous recovery commences, his devoted girlfriend, Lucy Burnett, has embarked on a monumental quest to raise a staggering £100,000—or 4.4 million baht—through a crowdfunding campaign to finance Liam’s soaring medical expenses and ultimately bring him home to the UK for crucial medical intervention. As a soldier committed to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Liam faced life-altering injuries on April 12. He slipped from the picturesque yet perilous edges of the waterfall, lured by the promise of an idyllic photo opportunity—a moment that would prove disastrously deceptive. “It seemed like a dreamy…
In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Phuket’s luxury real estate sector, concerns about China’s economic slowdown felt like a distant cloud easily swept away by fresh gusts of global wealth. While one might think that fewer Chinese tourists could put a damper on Thailand’s tropical sparkle, the island of Phuket continues to attract high-caliber visitors, seamlessly maintaining its status as a prime destination for opulence and leisure. The driving force behind this continued prosperity is none other than Allan Zeman, the visionary behind Lan Kwai Fong Group. Not only has he orchestrated a splendid revival of Phuket’s property scene, but he has also passionately downplayed concerns about the temporary dip in Chinese arrivals. According to Zeman, these changes in tourist demographics owe more to transient factors, such as scare stories about call-center scams in nearby Myanmar and recent seismic activities, rather than long-term economic trends. With China’s vast population…