In a gripping saga of corruption and mystery, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) is launching a full-scale investigation in the historic region of Lop Buri. The sleepy province is about to become the epicenter of a scandal that involves more than 100 suspected accomplices allegedly embroiled in a high-profile drug and medical supply corruption case centered at the Veterans General Hospital (VGH). Leading the charge is Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, the Deputy Commissioner of the CIB, who announced the impending probe with a firm resolve yesterday. The stakes are high after the War Veterans Organisation of Thailand (WVO), which oversees the hospital, lodged a formal complaint with the CIB’s Anti-Corruption Division earlier in the week. The complaint targets 20 government workers, spurring a meeting of the minds with WVO director-general Gen Detnitit Luangngamkum, VGH’s director Dr. Jittima Preecha, Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission Secretary-General Bhumivisan Kasemsook, and…
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The bustling city of Pattaya was alive with vibrant energy as throngs of enthusiastic tourists descended upon Jomtien Beach for the grand finale of the Pattaya Squid Fair 2025. The event, creatively themed “Pirates’ Treasure Under The Sea,” took place on the picturesque shores in front of The Now Hotel, transforming the coastal area into a veritable paradise for seafood lovers. On March 1st, seafood aficionados were treated to a mouthwatering extravaganza as over 50 seafood stalls lined the beach, all vying for the attention of eager visitors. These vendors outdid themselves, offering freshly sourced ocean delights at prices that made even the savviest shoppers loosen their purse strings. From sizzling grilled squid to succulent prawns, the seafood delicacies not only satisfied cravings but created a memorable Local Beach Food Experience against the backdrop of Pattaya’s stunning coastline. The atmosphere was electric and laid-back all at once, as international visitors…
In a bold call to action, the private sector is urging the Thai government to throw open the doors to trade discussions with the indomitable US President Donald Trump while integrating valuable insights from private sector stakeholders. Amidst an air of concern, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has raised red flags about the lagging pace of these negotiations, sounding an alarm that any further delays might spell trouble for the nation’s export scene. At the helm of this conversation, Chaichan Charoensuk, the astute TNSC chairman, cautions that Thailand is yet to make significant headway in bracing for potential US-driven strategies directed at balancing its trade books with Thailand. Chaichan’s concerns are grounded in the absence of a well-defined negotiation game plan and a unified trade policy, which, if not addressed, could leave the government scrambling to act promptly — a situation that could tarnish the shimmering exports to Uncle…
In the heart of Lopburi, a serene temple known as Wat Thaduea Uthumphon became the unlikely setting for an explosive discovery that would have detectives and bomb disposal experts racing against time. Picture this: the tranquil Mueang district, where the chatter of monks is usually accompanied by nothing more sinister than a gentle breeze rustling through the sacred foliage, was unwittingly thrust into chaos on a seemingly ordinary day, March 3, 2025. It all began when Sarawut, a diligent 42-year-old with a penchant for meticulous landscaping, stumbled upon a mysterious black bag. Now, it’s not every day you find something suspicious in a monk’s quarters, and Sarawut’s innate curiosity got the better of him. Peering inside the bag, his eyes widened in disbelief—there lay an ominous bomb. His heart thundering like never before, Sarawut dashed to alert the temple residents. Monks and temple workers hastily made their way out, abandoning…
Picture this: the sun was shining brightly over the exotic island of Phuket, where tourists usually come to relax by the turquoise waters. Yet amidst this paradise, an ominous operation was coming to an abrupt end. Two men, weaving a tangled web of deceit and desperation, found themselves at the center of a nationwide crackdown on illegal loan shark activities. The tale kicks off last Thursday, February 27, when Phuket’s Immigration officers, accompanied by the sharp-eyed agents of the Crime Suppression Division 8 and Immigration Bureau 6, decided to dive headlong into the murky underworld of illegal lending. Their target? Two young men by the names Narucha, aged 26, and Kriangsak, a mere 24. These men, like modern-day pirates, had been offering loans to local vendors and residents, not with swords and intimidating eye patches, but with interest rates so high they made climbers dizzy—an alarming 2% per day! Imagine…
In a case that has triggered a nationwide uproar, a notorious Thai motorist known as “Pete Red Mazda” faces multiple legal actions due to his hazardous driving habits. Pete, renowned for his flashy red Mazda hatchback, has become infamous for his aggressive behavior on the roads, particularly towards motorbike riders. The escalating tension reached a boiling point when Pete’s high-speed antics were caught on camera, showing him colliding with a motorcycle in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. This incident, documented by Pete himself, was shared widely on Facebook, where he frequently aired grievances about other road users. In typical fashion, Pete tried to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist, going so far as to make light of the situation with jest about car insurance and life insurance, using the words, “ask the motorcyclist in the video.” Such callous commentary did not sit well with the public. Criticism erupted online as many…
Phuket is buzzing with anticipation as the enchanting island gets ready to host the Heroines Festival 2025, an event set to be nothing short of legendary. This year, the festival promises an electrifying spectacle, with renowned Thai actresses Anyarin “Tubtim” Terathananpat and Kessarin “Nui” Ektawatkul taking center stage in a grand re-enactment of one of Phuket’s most storied battles. The festival kicked off its exciting announcements on March 2nd at a lively press conference held at the Chartered Bank intersection in the heart of Phuket Town. This thrilling event was graced by none other than Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, alongside other esteemed officials who expressed their enthusiasm for the celebration. The spotlight was undoubtedly on Tubtim, a youthful 34-year-old celebrated for her exceptional performance in the 2024 film “Mae Nak Talu Miti.” Tubtim is all set to step into the shoes of Ya Mook, while the charismatic Nui, a…
Imagine this: the harmonious sound of music filling the air, symbolizing a half-century of camaraderie, as Thailand and China harmonize their future. In an exquisite event held on March 2 at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok, laughter and melody intertwined to honor 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. Phinij Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council, heralded this strengthening of ties as a promising chapter for both nations. Picture this vivid scene: the Symphony Choir of China gracing the stage with a performance that resonated with the audience’s hearts. An artistic tribute to the enduring friendship between Thailand and China, attended by luminaries such as Professor Wang Huan, spouse of the Chinese ambassador to Thailand; Chang Yumeng, Minister Counsellor for Culture at the Chinese Embassy; and Associate Professor Dr. Cholawit Jiarajit, esteemed acting president of Srinakharinwirot University. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and…
The tropical paradise of Thailand, always a magnetic appeal for tourists, finds itself in choppy waters as concerns rise over the impact on its famed Songkran festival. The picturesque nation, celebrated for its rich culture and welcoming spirit, is now under the critical eye of the international community due to its decision to repatriate Uyghurs to China—a situation causing diplomatic ripples that might wash up on Thailand’s shores more aggressively than expected. At the heart of this brewing storm is the Thai Hotels Association, steered expertly by its president, Tianprasit Chaiphattaranan. With each tick of the clock bringing April closer—the month when Thailand bursts into jubilant life during the Songkran festival—concern is mounting that tourist numbers could dwindle, impacted by the global response to Thailand’s governmental decisions. Indeed, echoes of the harrowing 2015 bombing near the Erawan Shrine reverberate, a grim reminder that international perception has tangible weight on tourism…
In a night that began with a mere motorcycle mishap, the tranquil town of Wichit was jolted by a rapid escalation into a deadly knife fight, which left shockwaves echoing through the community. On the fateful evening of March 3rd, the Wichit Police were thrust into the chaotic aftermath of a tragic altercation, arriving at a scene that spoke of aggression gone awry. Outside a residence nestled in Soi 3, Irrawaddy 1, they found a 37-year-old man, Pornpot U-chi, battling for his life with a grievous neck wound. Three others bore injuries from the fracas—a sign of the chaos that unfolded as tempers flared. What set the wheels of this fatal confrontation in motion? It all began innocuously enough at around 8 PM. Kritsana Boonthanachot, cruising the streets with his passenger Anuson Sukkhao, found their ride rudely interrupted by Pornpot, sending their tempers boiling over the edge. Words were exchanged,…