Authorities held intense discussions with escapees from a privately run drug rehabilitation center on Koh Siboya in Krabi, who claimed they endured severe physical abuse at the facility. Local residents of Koh Siboya were shaken on Friday when 100 individuals receiving treatment at a rehab center fled the facility, alleging abuse. Yongyuth Fangkwa, the headman of Moo 7 village, reported that these patients orchestrated their daring escape at around 4 PM. In response, about 30 police officers and administrative officials were swiftly deployed to the island to allay the fears of concerned residents. Surprisingly, instead of chaos, the authorities found the escapees gathered calmly near the island’s pier. As the officials tried to persuade the escapees to return, the group revealed their reasons for fleeing—they had endured physical abuse and harsh conditions at the rehab center. The facility in question, Pondok Koh Siboya Rehabilitation Centre, is reportedly operated by the…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Lu Xinlei, a 27-year-old woman from China, is at the center of a gripping and harrowing ordeal in Thailand. Her disappearance has triggered a wave of concern and urgency as she is reportedly being held for ransom after vanishing on Wednesday. The unsettling news came to light when Phra Kanong police in Bangkok were informed by a cycling association interpreter about Lu Xinlei’s alleged kidnapping. It was a picturesque cycling venture that turned nightmarish when Ms. Lu, who was enjoying the scenic trails of Thailand with a group of around ten other cyclists, mysteriously disappeared. Despite the collective vigilance, she slipped out of sight on Wednesday, sparking immediate worry among her companions. The following days unraveled a sequence of high-stakes drama. On Friday, the interpreter disclosed that a coach associated with the cycling group was contacted by Ms. Lu’s distraught father. In a chilling message, an unidentified man demanded 5…
A serene Thursday evening at Khon Kaen Hospital took a harrowing turn when a gunman infiltrated the male surgery ward, intent on ending a life. As shocking as it is tragic, the victim, a 29-year-old Myanmar national named Kyaw Swar Aong, was anticipating surgery when his life was abruptly cut short. The subsequent investigation revealed an unexpected twist: the assailant was none other than Pol Sgt Veeraphong Buayen, a local police officer. The somber event unraveled in the Muang district public hospital, casting a shadow over the otherwise peaceful community. Pol Sgt Veeraphong, aged 35, surrendered himself to Pol Col Pornsak Ngandee, heading the investigation at the Khon Kaen provincial police office, at precisely 9.30am on Saturday. Turning himself in took courage, and his confession gripped the community with disbelief. As he admitted to the crime, Veeraphong’s reasons for his horrifying actions remained shrouded in mystery. Around 1am on Friday,…
In an audacious scheme that could easily be a plotline straight out of a Hollywood thriller, a suspected scammer harnessing the allure of false promises has been unveiled. This intriguing story doesn’t play out on the silver screen but right in the heart of Bangkok, uncovering a blend of deception, desperation, and ultimately, justice. Meet 48-year-old Thanitpong—no surname revealed, as if keeping one last secret. Thanitpong was swept up by the long arm of the law this past Saturday at a posh condominium’s parking lot in Bangkok’s bustling Ramkhamhaeng district. His arrest signals a broader, nationwide crackdown spearheaded by Thai authorities against criminals allegedly funded by shadowy Chinese entities. With a warrant from the esteemed Phra Nakhon Tai Kwaeng Court issued on May 24, officers scored a key victory in their battle against international crime. Thanitpong had tantalized foreign residents with a fine-tuned pitch: forging Thai passports with an upfront…
As dawn broke over the bustling beach town of Pattaya in Chon Buri province, a chilling scene awaited police, forensic officials, and rescue workers. Clustered around the base of a towering 27-storey condominium, they inspected the lifeless body of a woman found in the early hours of Saturday. Captured in vivid detail by TV Channel 7, the grim discovery had residents and officials alike grasping for answers. The woman, whose nationality remains a mystery, plummeted to her death from her room on the 25th floor. Clad in a simple brown T-shirt and shorts, she lay in a pool of blood—a stark, tragic figure against the condo’s sleek façade. She was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, but beyond that, she was an enigma. A midnight specter whose fall was as swift as it was silent. The clock had just ticked past 3:36am when the security guard made…
Representatives of gender equality networks took a moment to strike a pose at a landmark event in Phuket last Friday, setting the stage for the birth of the groundbreaking Asian Pride Alliance (APA). This initiative aims to elevate gender equality and safeguard LGBTQIA2S+ rights across the region. (Photo credit: Achadthaya Chuenniran) The APA isn’t just about forming an alliance; it’s about creating a sanctuary for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, where their rights are not just acknowledged but celebrated. “Asian Pride Alliance will serve as a safe place for the LGBTQIA2S+ community across the region, fostering equality and gaining respect for everyone’s rights in all dimensions,” said Michelle Meow, who identifies as male. He is not just a producer and advisory council member of the APA but also a founding member of InterPride, bringing invaluable expertise to this initiative. Michelle emphasized that Phuket’s role as the host has sewn the seeds of…
Early signs of coalition disunity are emerging, which could culminate in the demise of the much-touted digital wallet handout scheme. Some critics are beginning to suspect the populist programme may not see the light of day and that the ruling Pheu Thai Party, ironically, may not be all that upset if the axe falls on it. The critics feel the scheme hinges on the strength of ties between the coalition partners. But by the looks of it, the rising concerns about the government’s costly handout policy are not unwarranted. Pheu Thai has touched a raw nerve with the major rightist coalition partners, Bhumjaithai and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, despite government figures repeatedly dismissing the notion of an internal rift between them and the ruling party. Although this government has entered its eighth month in office, some observers reckon it has managed to do surprisingly well to preserve coalition…
An ad hoc House committee delving into the Land Bridge megaproject has made a compelling recommendation: the government should establish a dedicated agency to oversee the venture and conduct additional public hearings before officially breaking ground. Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, a deputy government spokeswoman, announced yesterday that the committee laid out these recommendations to the cabinet the previous day. The extensive study spanned various aspects of the Land Bridge project, touching on definitions, formats, investment models, development guidelines, and projected benefits. In their thorough analysis, the committee stressed the importance of clearly defined objectives and a structured format before advancing further. On the topic of environmental impact and land expropriation, the committee underscored the necessity of ensuring community involvement and providing transparent information to foster public comprehension and support. They also highlighted the urgency of establishing new agencies to supervise and seamlessly integrate the bridge with the existing infrastructure. Moreover, the…
The Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 has taken a significant step forward by partnering with local authorities to investigate the controversial issue of land encroachment on Koh Samui in Surat Thani. The primary focus is on the 600 villas that have been constructed on the island’s scenic hilltops. Maj Gen Anusorn Ourai, the deputy commander of the Fourth Army Region, recently presided over a pivotal meeting to discuss what has been dubbed the “Samui Model” operation. This initiative is geared towards combating environmental destruction, illegal land ownership, steep hilltop property constructions, and illicit business enterprises by foreign investors who exploit Thai nominees in the Koh Samui district. Col Dusit Kaysornkaew, head of the Fourth Army Region’s land investigative unit, revealed that a task force comprising eight different agencies would be formed. Their mission? To meticulously inspect the 600 properties across six specific areas of Koh Samui suspected of…
The Asian Pride Alliance (APA) initiative has recently emerged in Phuket, setting its sights on championing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights throughout the region. “Asian Pride Alliance will serve as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community across Asia, promoting equality and fostering respect for everyone’s rights in every dimension,” proclaimed Michelle Meow, a producer and member of the APA advisory council, who identifies as male. This groundbreaking initiative and its supportive events mark a pioneering effort, being the first of its kind to operate on a regional level in Asia. Mr. Meow, also a founding member of InterPride, expressed that Phuket’s hosting and support have fostered collaboration within the LGBTQ+ community, both regionally and globally. Mr. Meow emphasized that the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is deeply rooted in the fight against discrimination and human rights violations. The foundation of the alliance is a crucial mechanism for fortifying regional…