In a disconcerting turn of events, the pristine beauty of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai now masks an alarming environmental issue as unsafe levels of heavy metals have insidiously seeped into the Kok, Mekong, and Sai rivers. It’s like a whodunit mystery, but the potential culprit resides outside Thailand’s borders – environmental pollution whisking its way like an uninvited guest, leaving a toxic calling card. These findings surfaced after a dedicated team of environmental officials, led by Health Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Weerawut Imsamran, embarked on a mission to uncover what was lurking beneath the otherwise tranquil waters. It all unraveled on that fateful first two days of May, when the team dived into an aquatic inquiry, probing the waters with their sophisticated equipment. At every point they examined, arsenic and lead were hiding in plain sight, particularly rampant in spots spread across both the northern provinces. If you were…
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In a tale that seems straight out of a crime novel, a 45-year-old gentleman from Nakhon Pathom, known by the name Sombat or just “Toh” to his friends—or perhaps suspects—has been apprehended for his alleged involvement in a series of rather daring thefts across Samut Prakan. His cunning ruse? Disguising himself as an unsuspecting do-gooder, feeding stray cats while secretly pilfering prized possessions from unsuspecting residents. Intrigued? Oh, it gets better. The whole operation was orchestrated under the watchful eyes of Police Colonel Yodrak Kittilappanarath, the deputy superintendent at Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station. Under his leadership, a strategic arrest was made on the rather sticky morning of May 20th. Our protagonist—or antagonist, depending on where you stand—was nabbed right in the motorcycle parking area of Bon Kai Community Housing nestled in Pathum Wan district. There they found a Yamaha Grand Filano motorcycle, its identity obscured by the absence of…
After years that felt like an eternity of bureaucratic quagmire and anticipation, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is finally set to upgrade Bangkok’s Inland Container Depot in Lat Krabang—a project valued at a whopping 40 billion baht. The green light being given for this makeover is a sigh of relief that couldn’t have come sooner. On May 15, a significant turning point was reached when the SRT board gave a nod to an exhaustive study mapping the project’s future. The insights from this study had one resounding recommendation: a public-private partnership (PPP) built on a net cost model. Under this scheme, a private operator will take the helm of revenue collection, sharing the spoils with the state, all in a splendid effort to shake the project out of its slumber. SRT governor Veeris Ammarapala has confirmed a shimmer on the horizon—a contract is expected to be inked later this…
In the wee hours of the morning in Chon Buri’s Ban Bueng district, an electrifying high-speed chase that seemed straight out of an action movie sent shockwaves through the quiet streets. It involved a motorcyclist who appeared to be channeling a stuntman, tailing a Honda Jazz with relentless determination under the shroud of night. It was around 1:30 AM when gunfire echoed ominously through the Nong Sam Sak area, prompting the local police to converge on the scene after receiving frantic calls about the unfolding chaos. The police discovered remnants of the nocturnal drama—a bumper from a white Honda Jazz, a lonely black mobile phone, 17 spent bullet casings, and a bullet head adorned the asphalt, telling tales of danger and daring. The scenario painted a vivid picture of audacity and fear. A local TV repairman, who had unknowingly landed front-row seats to this adrenaline-fueled spectacle, recounted the events with…
Life in the picturesque southern province of Surat Thani has not been short of surprises lately, particularly due to a rather intriguing event involving a well-known durian vendor. Sujittra, fondly called Jay Kaew, a 43-year-old with an undying passion for the “king of fruits,” found herself at the center of a disappearance that kept her loved ones on edge until recently. On the evening of Saturday, May 17, after excelling at dispensing the thorny delight from her shop, Sujittra hopped on her trusty motorcycle for what was supposed to be a short two-kilometer journey home. But instead of arriving at her usual time, she vanished into the night. However, she startled everyone when she left behind not only her two mobile phones but also took with her approximately 100,000 baht in cash and over 1 million baht worth of shining gold accessories, which naturally set her family into a spin…
Pack your bags and breathe easy, globetrotters! If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of unexplained flight delays or abrupt cancellations while gallivanting in Thailand, you’re in luck. As of May 20, new regulations have taken flight, and they’re designed to shield airline passengers from the myriad of travel mishaps that can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has introduced these rules to ensure each jet-setter gets the royal treatment, even in the most turbulent times. “Notification No. 101 is a major step towards elevating passenger protection standards in Thai aviation,” the CAAT proclaimed with zeal. Indeed, this announcement is the talk of the tarmac. No more will travelers be left high and dry, rummaging through their backpacks for the last granola bar. Instead, whether you’re delayed or denied boarding, you’re entitled to a smorgasbord of comforts – think complimentary snacks, full reimbursements,…
In a case that’s left the city of Bangkok in shock, an incident involving a prominent police officer and a popular singer has unfolded, sparking widespread interest and concern across social media and traditional news channels. The saga began at a bustling restaurant on Bang Bon 3 Road, where the well-loved performer, Suchart Makmanee, suffered horrific injuries in an attack that has gripped the nation. The event transpired on May 3rd and quickly gained notoriety. Makmanee, celebrated for his charismatic stage presence and soulful voice, found himself in an altercation that resulted in severe medical conditions—a brain haemorrhage, a fractured eye socket, and various other critical injuries. The news of his plight spread like wildfire, capturing the attention and empathies of music lovers and citizens alike. At the heart of the controversy lies Pol Lt Jakrapan Yuyuen, more famously dubbed “Captain Pom,” a deputy inspector with the Bang Bon police…
In a dramatic and final turn of events, rock sensation Seksan Sookpimay, widely adored as “Sek Loso”, found himself facing the harsh reality of judicial finality. The Supreme Court handed down a sentence that put the iconic rock star behind bars for 2 years, 12 months, and 20 days without the possibility of suspension. This conclusive verdict, delivered with the gravitas that only the highest court can muster, marked the end of a tumultuous legal saga that captivated the nation. Seksan’s offenses read like a rock-and-roll cautionary tale: obstructing officers in the line of duty, drug use, and illegal possession of a firearm. These charges seemed ripped from the plot of a gritty biopic, except there was no Hollywood spin here – only the cold truth of the legal record. On May 20, with the gavel’s resonance still echoing, Sek Loso was whisked away to Min Buri Remand Prison, the…
In a riveting twist of events straight out of a hallmark detective film, a Croatian entrepreneur found himself on the wrong side of the law in the vibrant northern province of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Hailed for its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes, Chiang Mai has long been a beacon for global travelers. However, the local tourism sector received an unexpected jolt as provincial police embarked on a vigorous crackdown on illegal tourism operations, aiming to rejuvenate and protect the area’s unparalleled appeal. The protagonist of this real-world drama, a Croatian national named Andre, found his freelanced endeavor intersecting with Thai authorities’ determined efforts. Allegedly, Andre had stealthily established a travel agency, meticulously crafting alluring travel packages aimed at exploring Chiang Mai’s wonders. But his secret lay in his luxurious rented condominium in the upscale neighborhood of Changklan – a seemingly unsuspecting front for more clandestine operations. On a fateful…
Golden sands and swaying palm trees paint a picturesque backdrop at Koh Samet, a tropical paradise nestled within Rayong province. The island’s stunning beauty now finds itself juxtaposed against a tale of mystery and tragedy that has gripped the public’s imagination. It was beneath this tranquil façade that a dark drama unfolded, involving three Indian nationals whose lives intertwined in a case that has since spurred an international search for justice. At the heart of this gripping narrative stands Khammam, a 49-year-old programmer hailing from Andhra Pradesh, known well beyond India’s borders for his contributions to design and tech. With a life seemingly steeped in creativity and innovation, his untimely demise has sent ripples far beyond the serene shores of Koh Samet. Our story begins on May 12, when Khammam, accompanied only by his thoughts and ambitions, checked into a resort on this idyllic island. Just days later, on May…