In a curious twist of events on a routine day, three orangutans embarked on an unexpected detour in Chumphon’s Mueang district, spiraling into a tale of intrigue and wildlife conservation. As the sun rose over January 22, a pickup truck diligently chugged along the roads en route to bustling Bangkok. Driven by Winai, a 63-year-old man of few words, and accompanied by Kalaya, his 45-year-old partner-in-crime—the duo appeared as ordinary as any Thai road trip enthusiast might envision. However, nestled snugly within large baskets in the vehicle’s bed sat three unusual passengers: orangutans, whose mere presence would soon captivate the attention of authorities and citizens alike. These gentle giants, endemic to the lush forests of Sumatra and Borneo, are classified under the endangered species umbrella of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Given their perilous plight, the sighting of these furry primates sparked a whirlwind of action.…
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In a dramatic turn of events that could very well be out of a detective novel, police in Buriram, Thailand, have successfully cracked down on a network of wholesalers and small retail shops dealing in illicit cigarettes. These nefarious enterprises, operating under the radar, have been peddling cigarettes flaunting counterfeit excise stamps, smuggled straight from China. The operation has resulted in a jaw-dropping financial loss of 42 million baht, or a cool US$1.2 million, to the already beleaguered state. The action-packed day unfolded on January 22, when officials from the Excise Department’s regional and local squads teamed up with the Central Investigation Bureau, sweeping through the bazaars of Pakham district and the bustling streets of Mueang Buriram district. Their mission? To vanquish the ominous threat of contraband cigarettes. And did they deliver! Their dogged determination led to the discovery of cigarettes smuggled clandestinely from foreign shores, deftly sidestepping excise duties,…
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) and the vibrant City of Yokohama in Japan are setting sail on an exhilarating journey as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of their partnership. Just recently, a letter of intent was formalized between these two port powerhouses, aimed at revolutionizing their port operations and bolstering their infrastructures with an eye towards the future. Echoes of excitement resonated throughout when Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit emphasized the momentous impact this agreement will have on enhancing the operations of the iconic Bangkok Port. Picture this: bustling ports transformed into havens of efficiency and sustainability, where cutting-edge technology marries sustainable practices, creating an eco-friendly beacon for the community. This is not a far-off dream but a tangible future as Yokohama lends its expertise to assess the Bangkok Port development. It’s a visionary move that aims to maximize the port’s space and amplify its economic prowess, making it…
In the picturesque province of Ayutthaya, a scene straight out of an action movie unfolded on the late afternoon of January 21st. Picture a white Isuzu MU-7 with the license plate 3869, blurring across the asphalt of Highway 32, known locally as Asia Road. Inside, Zaw Zaw Lin, a 39-year-old driver from Myanmar, and his 32-year-old companion, Nae Sein Ma, were allegedly engaged in a suspenseful game of cat and mouse with the vigilant Ayutthaya immigration and highway police. The authorities, piecing information from a well-timed tip-off about a daring immigrant smuggling operation, were hot in pursuit of this overburdened vehicle, which was suspected of ferrying undocumented Myanmar nationals towards Ayutthaya. As if it were an episode from a thrilling television drama, officers employed flashing red lights, a resounding siren, and commandeered the airwaves via a microphone command to bring the speeding SUV to a halt. Once the tire-squeal came…
In an unexpected twist of political drama that could rival a gripping legal thriller, Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Sawang Boonmee finds himself at the center of a storm, accused of a potential breach of duty. This month, lawyer Pattharapong Supaksorn amped up the tension by lodging a petition with the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases against Sawang. The charge? Failing to recommend the dissolution of the Bhumjaithai Party amidst swirling allegations of unlawful donations. Now, before you pull out the popcorn, let’s rewind to the intriguing plot that set the stage. Allegations surfaced that Bhumjaithai, a significant player in Thailand’s political theater, was the beneficiary of donations from illegal sources. The supposed culprits behind these shadowy donations? Burijarearn Construction, a company allegedly linked to Saksayam Chidchob—a former transport minister and the party’s ex-secretary-general. Adding a layer of intrigue, Saksayam was unceremoniously dismissed from his ministerial seat for…
In a twist of events that could warm anyone’s heart, a delightful yet tragic tale unfolds along the Prachin Buri River in Thailand. Imagine standing along the riverbanks, the sun reflecting off the water like scattered jewels, as you catch sight of an unexpected visitor—a magnificent Irrawaddy dolphin. Known for its genial smile and friendly demeanor, this dolphin graced the river, likely in search of its fishy feast during a peculiar surge of salinity in the water. From January 19 to 21, the dolphin was seen frolicking near the serene environs of three temples in the Baan Sang district of Prachin Buri province. But this wasn’t just a random dolphin day out. No, sir. The presence of this aquatic visitor quickly became the river’s headline act, the star attraction watched and talked about by the locals with wide-eyed fascination. However, as often happens with a journey into unfamiliar territory, the…
In the tranquil town of Pathum Thani, under a hazy midnight sky, a domestic dispute erupted in an unexpected dance of tragedy, unveiling a story of a husband’s jealousy and a wife’s desperate act of self-defense. As the clock hands aligned at a fateful 1 am on January 23, an argument in a modest apartment on the fourth floor of a quaint five-storey building turned grim. This scene, captured in the heart of the Mueang district, offers a chilling reflection of domestic turmoil, leaving a family forever altered. It was Police Lieutenant Suwat Phoree and his seasoned team from the Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station who first set foot on the scene, greeted by a somber orchestra of scattered belongings echoing the chaos that had unfolded. The body of 32-year-old Manat lay still, a fatal knife wound beneath his left ribcage telling a sorrowful tale. The remnants of a struggle…
In a remarkable twist of fate, a laborer hailing from Udon Thani, Thailand, has struck gold by winning nearly 100 million baht in a South Korean lottery. The joyous news is even more significant as this massive fortune is being shared with a friend. The unexpected win is credited by his family, particularly his mother, to the positive karma accrued through his admirable conduct towards his parents. After necessary tax deductions and splitting the prize down the middle, each will take home a handsome sum of around 30 million baht. Talk about life-changing wealth! The heartwarming story unfolded when a team of curious reporters made their way to the quaint home of 64-year-old retired teacher, Tassanee, nestled in Ban Dong Wai, Mueang subdistrict, Ban Phue district, Udon Thani province. Tassanee proudly introduced herself as the mother of 42-year-old Sumetsak, affectionately nicknamed Nui, a dedicated worker based in South Korea. When…
In an electrifying celebration that will be etched in the annals of history, Bangkok recently witnessed a heartwarming moment as Thailand commemorated its inaugural day of equal marriage. Skillfully organized by Narumit Pride in collaboration with various government and civil society organizations, this event signified the commencement of marriage registrations for LGBTQ+ couples across the nation, fulfilling a long-cherished dream and turning it into a beautiful reality. The dawn was yet to break when at exactly 6:15 AM, with their hearts intertwined and hands clasped, Ploynapas Jirasukon, 33, and Kwanporn Kongphet, 32, made history as Bangkok’s beloved duo. Having been together since their carefree high school days—a commendable span of 17 years—the two exuded sheer joy and enchantment as they became the first LGBTQ+ couple to officially exchange vows under the bright Thai sun. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and brimming with anticipation as couples, circled by a symphony…
In recent times, Thailand has become something of a grim hotspot for dangerously high PM 2.5 levels, with IQAir’s latest reports painting an alarming picture of the air quality. As of the wee hours of January 23, the global watchdog revealed real-time data, chartering the ten most polluted districts and cities across the country. Topping this list of troubled areas is the Mueang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality, boasting a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of a staggering 199. Close behind are Khlong Luang and Lam Luk Ka Districts in Pathum Thani, recording US AQIs of 187 and 186, respectively, followed by Nakhon Chai Si District in Nakhon Pathom and Rayong Province, sharing a US AQI of 185. Moving further down the list, Pattaya in Chon Buri clocks a US AQI of 182, as reported by KhaoSod. Adding to the mix of areas grappling with substantial pollution are Khon Kaen…