In the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Watthana district, a saga unfolded that could easily serve as a plot for a thriller novel. A 30-year-old enigmatic figure known as Ngo Thi Theu, or more infamously as Madam Ngo, was finally nabbed by Thai authorities on May 23, 2025. The Crime Suppression Division swooped in, apprehending her alongside two guardians who served not merely as enforcers of her safety, but perhaps as ideal accomplices in her elaborate web of deception. Madam Ngo wasn’t just an ordinary woman living a life of luxury under the radar. She was high on Interpol’s most-wanted list, painted as the mastermind behind cryptocurrency and forex investment scams that swindled over 2,000 unsuspecting Vietnamese citizens out of a staggering US$300 million. Her audacious schemes, which promised glittering returns between 20 to 30%, were nothing more than a mirage, orchestrated to lure in victims like moths to a flame.…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
For those finding themselves under the vibrant and unpredictable Thai skies, the next couple of weeks are poised to deliver a thrilling meteorological spectacle. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a veritable deluge, thanks to enhanced monsoon winds. Set your calendars from May 25 to June 8 as this period is expected to bring a blend of heavy rain laden skies, potential for flash floods, and landslides throughout the country. Specifically, from May 25 to 27, the rain gods are expected to double-down on their efforts, showering Thailand with heavy clouds and wet weather that could turn roads into waterways. According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, rain intensity can be deciphered from a vibrant tapestry of colorful forecasts, where red hues warn of torrential downpours while gentle greens offer a sigh of relief signaling light showers. Residents should take heed and not be caught unprepared. As…
As the vibrant streets of Thailand buzz with anticipation, the nation’s political landscape is about to take center stage once again. The People’s Party (PP), an opposition force to be reckoned with, is ready to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of fiscal discourse as they prepare to scrutinize the budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year. With the clock ticking towards the pivotal first reading of the bill from May 29 to 31, the PP is mobilizing an impressive lineup of around 50 MPs to meticulously dissect fund allocations across all ministries. Their mission? To unveil any allocations that reek of political gains. Leading the charge is Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a passionate MP from bustling Bangkok, who has crafted a strategic blueprint for the forthcoming debate. The stakes are high, and Nattacha isn’t holding back when it comes to challenging the government’s budgetary framework. In his eyes, the nation’s fiscal approach…
In an effort to clamp down on unauthorized employment practices, the Thai government has intensified its oversight over non-degree courses offered by colleges, ensuring these programs are not misused as a backdoor for illegal work in the country. Deputy Government Spokesman, Karom Phonphonklang, revealed this strategic move on Sunday, noting that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has released a set of stringent regulations, which are already in effect as of May 14. As outlined by the spokesman, the new guidelines mandate that organizers of non-degree courses possess relevant expertise, ensuring the curriculum is enriched with appropriate content and delivered by qualified lecturers. Essential to this framework is the requirement for course organizers to explicitly demonstrate the expected learning outcomes, providing a clear educational purpose behind each program. The ministry has placed a cap on course duration, limiting it to a maximum of 180 days, with a…
In a captivating turn of events on the sun-soaked island of Koh Samui, Thailand, two British men have recently been apprehended on charges of robbery and fraud. This whirlwind story kicked off when these cunning men, having slipped through the fingers of justice in the UK, decided to weave their mischief on foreign shores. The drama unfolded as Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, the formidable head of Immigration Division 6, spearheaded a daring operation with the tenacious Crime Suppression Division and the astute Immigration Bureau by his side. Their mission: to nab one 38-year-old Kieren Daniel Farrer Thornton, whose misdeeds back home had earned him an international warrant for robbery on May 19. The chase came to a climax as Thornton was caught at a bustling pier in the picturesque Bo Phut subdistrict of Koh Samui. The timing of his capture couldn’t have been more cinematic, akin to a scene…
In an ambitious move to bring lasting peace and harmony to Thailand’s complex and tumultuous deep south, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has recently wrapped up the initial phase of the government’s innovative peace initiative. The goal? To skillfully weave together the threads of security, economic growth, and lasting peace in a region often overshadowed by conflict. With a tireless dedication to understanding the real challenges faced by the southern provinces, Phumtham embarked on a whirlwind tour, meeting with senior defence and security officials. His mission? To get on the ground, shake hands, listen to the locals, and engage with the frontline heroes – from the diligent cops manning the police stations to the sharp-minded local business operators. Their collective insights are invaluable in unravelling the persistent unrest that has been a thorn in the region’s side. A seasoned entourage, including dignitaries like Deputy Defence Permanent Secretary…
In the bustling heart of Thailand, an economic whirlwind has taken center stage, stirring up intense conversations across dinner tables and Parliament alike. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, alongside Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, recently heralded the next chapter in their ambitious economic revival story—the rollout of Phase Two of the 10,000-baht handout programme. Captured in a snapshot by Chanat Katanyu, the moment set the tone for what could be a transformative year for many Thais. A fresh breeze of hope mixed with a dose of skepticism seems to be wafting through the air, as revealed by a recent NIDA Poll survey. Conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration on the 7th and 8th of May, this poll provides a vivid tableau of the public’s temperature regarding the economic climate. Polling 1,310 citizens scattered across the vast Thai tapestry—from vibrant cities to serene countrysides—the study paints a picture not just of…
In a pulsating city that never sleeps, Bangkok’s bustling thoroughfare, Khao San Road, is a kaleidoscope of energy, color, and chaos—made even more vibrant during the much-celebrated Songkran festival. Imagine, if you will, a swirl of water fights, music, and laughter—a quintessential representation of Thailand’s love for life. It’s the kind of scene where you’d expect the unexpected and where tourists and locals dance to the same rhythm, blissfully unaware of the subtle hum of technology working tirelessly to keep them safe. Enter the era of sophisticated surveillance seamlessly merged with the vivacity of tourism in Thailand. Unveiled by Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueakum, who stands at the helm of the Tourist Police Bureau, this avant-garde initiative is revolutionizing public safety across the nation. A synergy of AI-powered surveillance cameras, strategically placed in tourist epicenters, has engineered the arrest of nearly 200 individuals since its initiation in July 2024. Facilitating…
Deep in the heart of Chachoengsao’s Tha Takiab district, a thriller-worthy tale of mystery and intrigue unfolded with a touch of lumberjack lore. Picture an unassuming abandoned house, hidden away amid the rustling whispers of the forest. It was here, enveloped in an air of enigma, that law enforcement agents uncovered two tonnes of coveted Siamese rosewood stashed away. With the timber’s worth skirting the million baht mark, it wasn’t tree-hugging that brought these logs here — it was something far shadier. The dynamic duo at the center of this peculiar conspiracy were two individuals with age and innocence juxtaposed like a buddy cop movie gone askew. The wily 53-year-old Phromma and a bright-eyed 19-year-old sidekick found themselves under the gimlet eyes of the authorities. Their hand was reluctantly forced; a confession tumbled out like timber from a clandestine mill. The logs, they professed, were secreted away by the orders…
In an entertaining twist of political events, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party seem to be juggling a love-hate relationship like seasoned comedians. Their political camaraderie was on full display as they shared a laugh after a recent cabinet meeting, setting the stage for an unfolding drama in Thailand’s political theater. Behind the scenes, a delicate dance is taking place, where the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition counterpart Bhumjaithai are working hard to maintain a grip on power while the country holds its breath. The recent rumblings of discontent have everyone wondering just how long this alliance can hold. With Bhumjaithai facing tension over alleged vote-fixing in the 2024 Senate election, the coalition’s stability hangs in the balance. Moreover, the looming scrutiny over the 2026 fiscal year’s budget bill has tongues wagging—a rumor suggesting Bhumjaithai…