Ah, July in Pattaya! That magical time when the skies open up just a little longer and the hopes of tourism officials hinge precariously on the Half-Half travel scheme. This time around, the city’s cheerleaders are banking on the domestic tourists to flood in and paint the town red, as international flights cool off like a half-finished mojito on a sunny day. Yet, with more room in the hotels than a travel agent’s calendar in a leap year, not everyone’s buying the “holiday rush” story. One rather exasperated long-time visitor scoffed at the notion, dubbing it the “Joke of the Year.” “It’s emptier than my grandmother’s spice cabinet,” they mused, pointing out that there’s hardly any bustle to speak of, even during the high season. It’s a sentiment echoed across social platforms like an unwanted echo in a desolate canyon. Interestingly, the local chatter reveals a gripping tale of who’s…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the serene setting of Koh Lanta, Krabi province, a community was suddenly shaken by a tragic event that seemingly could have been plucked from a mystery novel. The peaceful coexistence of neighbors was shattered by a violent dispute, all sparked by a hill myna bird. What should have been a simple misunderstanding spiraled into a heart-wrenching tale of loss and heartbreak. On a typically sunny day, just past 11 in the morning on July 1, Police Lieutenant Pimon Phromcharoen of the Koh Lanta station was alerted to a crime that brought an eerie silence to the lush environs of Koh Lanta Noi subdistrict. The scene was as grim as it was unfathomable, with the lifeless body of 37-year-old Aphiwat, a beloved taxi driver, lying at the doorstep of his own home. His life was cut short in a tragic act of violence, a bullet piercing both his arm and…
Ah, the Musang King durian—a veritable kingpin of the fruity world, celebrated for its luxuriously rich, creamy texture and its intriguingly unique taste that dances jubilantly on the taste buds. It’s no wonder that this enigmatic fruit draws in throngs of durian aficionados from both Malaysia and Singapore, all yearning for a taste of this coveted treasure in none other than the bountiful lands of Betong, Yala. Imagine the scene: the durian season is in glorious full swing, and eager tourists—like bees to a particularly sumptuous, fragrant flower—swarm the renowned plantations nestled in Ban Bon Nam Ron, Tanae Marae subdistrict. Here, amidst the vibrant greenery, a tapestry of local fruits thrives, yet it’s the Musang King that truly wears the crown. Among the enthusiastic beneficiaries of this gastronomic pilgrimage is the Fa Sai shop, where tourists indulge in this seasonal delicacy with gusto. Their presence is a boon to local…
In a stirring tale of compassion and resilience, four Rottweilers found themselves at the heart of a rescue operation after being abandoned in the thriving jungles of Chiang Mai province, a picturesque region in Thailand. These majestic dogs, who were seemingly forsaken by their former owners, were discovered by innocent villagers seeking forest-borne sustenance in Mae Kam Pong Village—a spot renowned for its idyllic stares and serene atmosphere. The plight of these dogs, particularly heart-wrenching, didn’t go unnoticed. The pounding rains had left them drenched, their ribs showing signs of hunger as they lay beneath a canopy of trees, adding a somber note to the otherwise vibrant forest. The heart of this humanitarian effort was none other than Odd, the wise abbot of the Chedi Luang Temple, a man whose compassion matched his commitment to his spiritual duties. After receiving the villagers’ fervent pleas, Odd knew exactly where to turn…
In a gripping tale reminiscent of a caper movie, yet underscored by the harsh realities of life, ten Thai construction workers found themselves in a precarious situation today at the Thai-Cambodian border. Their saga began with promises of prosperity in Cambodia, but quickly unraveled into a grueling ordeal reminiscent of a Hollywood plot twist. It all started innocently enough—lured by enticing offers on social media, our unsuspecting heroes boarded their metaphorical wagons, chasing dreams of a hefty daily wage of 300 baht, about 9 U.S. dollars, thanks to a slick Facebook recruiter. These were no ordinary wanderers; these were industrious souls ready to brave the unknown for a shot at a better life in Phnom Penh. But alas, reality soon eclipsed their aspirations. After toiling without recompense for a month, their enigmatic employer pulled a vanishing act worthy of a magician, leaving them stranded in the border town of Poipet.…
Picture this: a sunny day off the dazzling coast of Koh Samui is brought to a sudden, dramatic halt as hopes of a leisurely voyage turn into a heart-thumping rescue mission. In an incident that sounds straight from an action-packed movie but, thankfully, with a feel-good ending, a Spanish family of four found themselves caught in the middle of a nautical nightmare when their tourist boat capsize. It was just a regular Thursday, as the clock ticked toward 11:30 am on July 1st, when the caper began. A long-tailed boat, charmingly christened the Phet Daorung 7, embarked on an adventure with four eager tourists and an experienced Thai boat driver steering the ship. Little did they know, the vast azure sea had a surprise in store for them. The passengers, an energetic Spanish family accompanied by 45-year-old Ursula Diaz Perez, 42-year-old Pandit Garcia Hurtado, 14-year-old Naomi Karak Diaz, and 11-year-old…
In an electrifying twist at Thailand’s illustrious Weed Boxing Championship, Russian MMA combatant Ivan Parshikov not only scored an unforgettable victory but also managed to light up the crowd in an unexpected way. Known for its unique rule allowing fighters to indulge in some pre-bout cannabis relaxation, the championship witnessed a truly hair-raising incident when Parshikov, a past contender in the revered ONE Lumpinee, decided to celebrate his triumph in a way nobody saw coming. After defeating his opponent under the vibrant lights of the Thai ring, Parshikov ascended the ropes, waving triumphantly to an enthusiastic audience. Intent on savoring the moment, he reached for a nearby spotlight as if seeking to draw its power into his victory dance. But instead of basking in the warm glow of victory, Parshikov was met with a startling jolt, leaving him frozen for a brief, surreal second. The videographer capturing this moment hit…
It seems the usually tranquil northern regions of Thailand have been abuzz with law enforcement action, starring none other than our relentless narcotics task forces. These brave officers recently humiliated illicit smuggling operations with two massive drug busts that could easily star in a blockbuster action film. Picture this: 10 million methamphetamine pills tucked away like illicit Easter eggs inside seemingly innocent speaker boxes, and an additional 600,000 pills lounging in parcels at an express delivery service, as casual as can be. The backdrop for these events? The charming provinces of Phrae and Chiang Rai, places one might normally associate with serene landscapes rather than nerve-wracking drug battles. On July 1st, Police Region 5 showcased their victory, and one could almost hear the applause echoing through the forests. In the heart-thumping scene in Phrae, officers were casually sipping their Thai iced coffee at a checkpoint in tambon Huai Rai, Den…
Once upon a time in Thailand’s bustling confluence of politics, business, and legal drama, a story emerged akin to a gripping thriller. The protagonist? A tenacious Thai woman named Punim, whose determined quest for justice illuminated the dark intricacies of power playing in the shadows of society. Picture this: It was a sunny June 26 as Punim, filled with righteous fervor and perhaps a bit of trepidation, took to Facebook, the digital stage of our era. There, she penned a post that rapidly flickered through screens nationwide, one that described a saga of betrayal that had cost her 9 million baht—and the trust she once held in certain influential figures. With a question more rhetorical than not, she implored her audience with, “Should I reveal their names?” Her predicament was dire, having been not only swindled out of her wealth but also imprisoned despite a hefty payout meant to avoid…
In a gripping turn of events, the serene and picturesque backdrop of Hang Dong district in Chiang Mai was suddenly abuzz with activity, as local authorities swooped in on a group of 15 Chinese nationals. These individuals, ensconced in a luxurious abode in tambon Ban Waen, stood accused of orchestrating an elaborate call center scam. The scene was straight out of a Hollywood thriller as the Provincial Region 5 police descended upon this opulent haven, all thanks to a well-placed tip-off. The velvet curtains of mystery were drawn back by Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yeesakhon, head honcho of Region 5. On July 1st, he unveiled a story that had as many twists and turns as a rollercoaster. The house, it seems, was more than just bricks and mortar; it was the nerve center of a web of online deception, cunningly aimed at unsuspecting Chinese citizens. This opulent mansion was acquired…