Bella Culley was living her best life, or so it seemed from her vibrant Instagram account. Flashing a toothy smile in sun-drenched photos from Thailand, the young British woman seemed to be reveling in her Southeast Asian escapades. But Bella’s carefree travel tales took a dark turn, landing her in a serious predicament thousands of miles away from her last known location. In a shocking twist, authorities in Georgia, a small yet storied nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, arrested Bella at the Tbilisi International Airport. Accused of smuggling an eye-popping 12 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of hashish, the former holidaymaker now faces the grim prospect of a minimum 20-year life sentence. Suddenly, the vivid snapshots from Thailand took on a foreboding hue. Bella, a Billingham native, hadn’t been heard from since May 10, when she unexpectedly vanished from her family’s radar. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In an exciting step towards enhancing suburban transportation in Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to introduce the classic charm of Japan’s diesel locomotives, the KiHa 40 and 48, on their routes. With final tests underway, these nostalgic yet robust machines are gearing up to provide a seamless commuter experience, expected to commence before the year wraps up. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala announced with enthusiasm that these vintage trains, gifted by Japan, have seamlessly adapted to fit the country’s narrow-gauge tracks, breathing new life into an old classic. Out of a fleet of 20 units being rejuvenated, a select few are poised to welcome passengers by year-end. As we speak, these engines are undergoing meticulous examinations at the SRT depot in Makkasan. The testing protocol adheres to internationally recognized standards, ensuring that every gear and brake is fine-tuned to perfection. Each component is subjected to yet…
In a remarkable turn of events, police in Thailand successfully intercepted a narcotics operation on a scale that seemed more suited to a cinematic thriller than real life. This gripping episode unfolded on an otherwise typical Thursday, when law enforcement arrested a 22-year-old newlywed accused of attempting to smuggle a staggering haul of over five million methamphetamine pills from the northeastern region of Thailand to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. Colorful photos courtesy of the Royal Thai Police capture moments of high drama and tension. The saga features a cunning play of cat and mouse as the Metropolitan Police received a crucial tip-off from a mole embedded within the drug operation. The mole revealed on Saturday that a notorious member of a major narcotics syndicate in northeastern Thailand was orchestrating the transport of this illicit cargo. The pills had been clandestinely picked up from Amnat Charoen, with plans to pass…
In a whirlwind of fortune, Lotto Plus has just revealed a quartet of lottery winners spread across four different provinces, all sharing a staggering total of 60 million baht in prize money from first-prize tickets. Among these lucky winners, one woman from the picturesque northern province of Phichit hit the jackpot by purchasing five tickets, each boasting the fabulous winning number, securing herself a whopping 30 million baht! On May 16, the Government Lottery Office (GLO) declared the sensational winning first-prize number to be 251309. But the excitement didn’t stop there; additional prizes were announced, including two sets of three-digit front numbers, 109 and 231, alongside two sets of three-digit back numbers, 965 and 631, and a two-digit back number, 87. These thrilling wins were immortalized in a live event as Lotto Plus dramatically unveiled the victorious tickets from their safe. The jubilant roster of winners featured Em from Rayong,…
In the heart of bustling Songkhla province, the rhythmic tranquility of Hat Yai is being shattered by a roar that can only be described as untamed automotive chaos. Amidst the typically serene nights, amplified engines and screeching tires have become the wake-up call no one asked for, courtesy of a group of car enthusiasts from across the border. Picture the scene: the usually peaceful Kanjanavanich Road becomes an impromptu race track as night falls. The quiet of the evening is interrupted by the high-octane fervor fueled by adrenaline and modified exhaust systems, as Malaysian cars take center stage in a spectacle of daredevilry and youthful recklessness. For the residents of Hat Yai, this nocturnal nuisance was first noticed on a fateful Friday night, echoing the thrilling yet nerve-wracking synonymous passion for speed. Witnesses recount the event with a mix of awe and annoyance—luxury sedans, dressed in vibrant colors and aerodynamic…
In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a thriller, the shimmy of scandal has danced over the serene halls of Wat Rai Khing, a prominent Buddhist temple in Nakhon Pathom. By the end of the week, the usually peaceful environment was punctuated by the tumultuous case of the erstwhile abbot Yaem Inkrungkao, famously known as Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat. Alongside him in this uproarious escapade was the spirited 28-year-old Aranyawan Wangthapan. Together, they are embroiled in an audacious embezzlement scandal accused of siphoning a staggering 300 million baht from temple coffers. It was a dramatic Saturday morning when the duo, displaying the weariness of their predicament, were ushered from police custody into a van bound for the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in the bustling heart of Bangkok. Ignoring the probing questions from journalists with the practiced stoicism of seasoned players, they remained tight-lipped as the…
Picture this: Under the glaring sun at Bangkok Port in Klong Toey, a diligent worker is knee-deep in a curious mess. Amidst the tangles of metal, he finds an intriguing treasure trove – fragments of electronic dreams past. You might wonder what these circuit boards are doing here. Well, it turns out, this fascinating heap is part of a clandestine cargo journeyed all the way from the United States. Earlier this week, Thai officials showcased their detective prowess by seizing a staggering 238 tonnes of electronic waste, discreetly cloaked as “mixed metal scrap.” This seized booty, snugly packed in ten hefty containers, is valued at a breathtaking 18 million baht. The Associated Press was on the story, quoting the eagle-eyed Theeraj Athanavanich, the vigilant director-general of the Customs Department, who shed light on the nefarious plot. But this isn’t just another smuggling tale. Oh no, it’s a complex web involving…
In the bustling halls of the Ministry of Justice, where towering stacks of paperwork meet electronic beeps of modern governance, the mood was rather electric on February 25th. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, emanating a sense of poised efficiency, took center stage at a pivotal meeting chaired at the Ministry, setting the scene for a new twist in the tale of Thailand’s political landscape. Beside him, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong maintained a watchful eye, acutely aware of the shifting sands of the political arena. It was a photograph worthy of the media’s attention, captured vividly by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. Now, fast forward to the eagerly awaited legislative session where Mr. Phumtham, in a remarkable display of readiness and grace under pressure, announced his willingness to step in as a temporary overseer of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). This decision, pending the blessing of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, comes hot on…
Sitting at the head of a polished mahogany table, with an air of resolute determination, Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai prepared to shoulder a new mantle of responsibility. All eyes were on him as he stepped forward to address a simmering situation, where the rule of law and governmental duties intermingled. With an unwavering commitment, he signaled his readiness to take the temporary reins of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), should the Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, anoint him for this critical role. The backdrop to this political drama unfolded like a thriller novel, with the Constitutional Court’s decision acting as a catalyst. The court’s ruling had resulted in the suspension of the sitting justice minister, Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, thus propelling Mr. Phumtham into the potential hot-seat. This legal maneuvering meant Mr. Phumtham, already serving as the chair of the Special Cases Committee, found himself in the spotlight, ready to…
Imagine a serene dawn at the Pha Nok Aen viewpoint, nestled within the breathtaking confines of Phu Kradueng National Park. As the sun peeks over the horizon, its golden rays bathe the landscape in a warm glow, captivating tourists with nature’s morning spectacle. Yet, behind this picturesque scene lies a simmering debate that might cast a shadow on the park’s future splendor. At the heart of this debate is the controversial cable car project proposed for Phu Kradueng National Park in the Loei province. Dreams of this mega project have danced around governmental chambers since its first proposal in 1982, promising to rewrite the rules of exploring this magnificent landscape. However, as with all grand visions, it has sparked a significant amount of controversy and public scrutiny. The resurrection of the cable car project made headlines again after the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) extended the…