Nattapong Westwood
- Thailand News
Lottery market’s dirty secret exposed: Decades of bribery unveiled
Bribery in the lottery market in Thailand has been prevalent for about 20 years, according to the president of the Thai Lottery Traders Association, Sam-ang Sonklin. He claims the issue stems from high costs at the source, which forces sellers to increase their prices. The police also face pressure to address the problem, resulting in a vicious cycle that affects…
- Crime News
Woman attacks Thai shop owner with beer bottle over alleged grudge
A 52 year old woman attacked a 64 year old female shop owner in Thailand‘s central Samut Sakhon province with a beer bottle, leaving the latter injured on her face and head. The attacker later apologised to the victim’s family, revealing longstanding resentment as the reason behind the incident. In the recent incident, a woman was seen on video attacking…
- Thailand News
Opportunity knocks: 7,813 assistant teacher positions up for grabs, beware of scam traps
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is set to conduct recruitment examinations for 7,813 assistant teacher positions in 63 subject areas, warning candidates to study hard and not to fall for scam groups. The application period runs from today, May 31, and June 6, with 204 regional zones and one Special Education Administration Office participating in the process.…
- Thailand News
Exploding battery injures soldier and startles media at Defence Ministry event
A battery explosion at Thailand’s Ministry of Defence injured a soldier and startled reporters, taking place just before a scheduled military assembly. The explosion occurred today after two power outages in the morning, during which officials tried to repair the equipment. The battery was later found to be in a deteriorated condition. The incident took place just prior to a…
- Eastern Thailand News
Pregnant woman and unborn child die after receiving 4 injections at Rayong hospital
A distraught husband and his mother have appealed for justice after his seven-month pregnant wife and unborn child died following treatment at a hospital in Rayong province. The patient was given four injections administered over 48 hours before experiencing symptoms of pulmonary edema, leading to the tragic loss of both lives. The 42 year old husband recounted how his 37…
- Environment News
Chiang Rai tackles severe PM 2.5 with China-Thai collaboration on air pollution
In response to the severe PM 2.5 air pollution and forest fire smog issues affecting Chiang Rai, Thai and Chinese experts have collaborated to provide sustainable solutions. They are working to tackle this complex problem, which has been difficult to predict due to fluctuating weather conditions. Representatives from Chiang Rai’s Natural Resources and Environment Office collaborated with Gansheng Shi, an…
- Thailand News
Unusual tree brings luck seekers, sparks lottery frenzy in Thai village
An unusual Sisal tree bearing an uncanny resemblance to a mythical Naga snake has drawn crowds of people to the residence of an 89 year old woman in Non Malai village in Thailand’s northeast Buriram province. Villagers believe the tree brings fortune. They flocked to pay respects and seek lucky lottery numbers from the peculiar tree in front of the…
- Central Thailand News
Miracle cosmetics offering: Woman wins lottery after praying to legendary goddess
A significant number of tourists have been visiting Bosot Prawat Pho temple and the shrine of the goddess Monthatip in Thailand’s central Samut Songkhram province, to seek luck and prosperity in their lives and businesses. Among them, Wassana Baisamut, a 49 year old restaurant owner, attributes her fortunate lottery win and booming business to offerings made to Monthatip, drawing further…
- Crime News
Bullied Thai student fatally stabs 1 and injures 2 others at renowned school
A secondary school student fatally stabbed a fellow student after an argument at a reputable school in Sri Rattana district in Thailand‘s northeast Sisaket province. Two other 14 year olds sustained serious injuries, Khaosod reported this morning. The incident led the Sisaket Provincial Governor, Samruay Kasemsuk, to urgently visit and aid the deceased student’s family, providing financial assistance and moral…
- World News
Viral sensation: Vietnamese couple’s extravagant engagement ceremony leaves social media in awe
A Vietnamese couple’s lavish engagement ceremony, involving extravagant gifts of cash and gold necklaces, gained a lot of attention on social media. The bride received more than 50 gold necklaces and 7.3 million baht (US$201,000) in cash, causing online users to express amazement and envy. Local media reports state that the engagement ceremony took place on Saturday, May 27, involving…
- Thailand News
Songkhla Lake bridge project raises concerns for Thailand’s last Irrawaddy dolphins
Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of a proposed bridge across Songkhla Lake in Thailand on the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population. Environmentalist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted the importance of conservation efforts to protect the last 14 remaining Thai dolphins. Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, an expert in marine science and environmental issues, took to social media to express concerns…
- Thailand News
150 year old durian trees draw crowds to Trang, selling out daily
Residents and tourists are dashing to a 150-year-old durian orchard in Trang Province for its delicious, 50-baht-per-kilogram fruits. Demand has outpaced supply, with customers flocking to buy the durian varieties from this unique orchard of indigenous species. Sathit Rammana, a 52 year old orchard owner from Trang Province, tends to a 1,000 year old tree orchard called Ta Chan. Sathit’s…
- World News
Mysterious drone attack damages Moscow buildings, raises security concerns
Numerous buildings in Moscow sustained damage following an unidentified drone attack, although no serious injuries or fatalities were reported. Russian security services continue to investigate the incident, with no confirmation of the origin of the drones. Sergey Sobyanin, Moscow Mayor, assured that no one sustained serious injuries from the attack and emergency responders reached all affected areas. Social media footage…
- Crime News
Abusive teacher faces arrest for tormenting 280 kids
A Thai nursery teacher faces arrest for allegedly abusing over 280 children at a childcare centre. On May 30, 2023, Wichit Boonchinwuttikun, the Saraburi Province’s police chief, disclosed the progress in the case; the suspect admitted their guilt and remorse. The investigation into the childcare centre abuse began when nine children were interviewed by a multidisciplinary team of prosecutors, police,…
- Thailand News
11 year old girl left distraught after hair raising buzz cut drama
An 11 year old girl was left distressed after a hairdresser mistakenly cut her hair into a short buzz style meant for boys in Pangmakha, Kamphaengphet province. Despite her grandmother’s explicit request for a “student’s haircut,” the stylist ignored their objections and continued cutting her hair. The girl’s mother turned to a Facebook group, “Free Legal Advice Forum” to seek…
- World News
Mexican woman jailed for killing rapist sparks nationwide protests
Outcry in Mexico as woman jailed for self-defence killing – Protests are erupting across Mexico after 21 year old Roxana Santiago was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for killing a man who had raped her. People are rallying for justice, believing the young woman acted in self-defence during a horrific attack. “Defending my life is not…
- Thailand News
Three students flee school, report older pupil abuse, spark local police search
Three primary school students in Udon Thani province fled their school premises after being physically abused by older students. They were found on the outskirts of a nearby village and later returned to the school, accompanied by their guardians and teachers. Yesterday, Veeraphol Raksameuwong, admin of the page “Ban Dung Update,” reported that officers from the Fao Rai Patrol Police…
- World News
China aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station
China announced plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2023 while also expanding its space station. Today, a live broadcast will cover the launch of a spacecraft at 8.31am Thai time, carrying three Chinese astronauts. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in various spheres, among them the competitive nature of their respective space industries. The US…
- Thailand News
Unemployed man found dead in vehicle amid struggle with depression
A 42 year old unemployed man was found dead in his pickup truck near Rama III Road, Soi 41, Yan Nawa district, Bangkok, reportedly suffering from depression. The initial investigation reveals he has been unemployed for almost a year and had a history of depression. At around 10pm yesterday, local authorities in the Bang Phongpang, Yannawa district received reports of…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok deluge: Heavy rain floods city, prepares for monsoon season
Bangkok yesterday was hit by heavy rainfall, with Bang Khun Thian district receiving the most with 124 millimetres, causing flooding in seven locations. As the rainy season is imminent in Thailand, officials revealed they are prepared to support residents affected by the flooding. In the past 24 hours, several areas in Bangkok experienced moderate to heavy rain, with the Bang…
- Thailand News
Prominent Chiang Mai abbot’s shocking crash leaves trail of carnage
A revered Chiang Mai temple abbot crashed into eight vehicles, including six cars and two motorcycles, causing carnage and prompting netizens to question why he was wearing shorts. The abbot, known as Kru Ba, was travelling to visit his younger brother but ended up in a multi-vehicle pile-up. A witness at the scene, Sakul, reported that the accident occurred around…
- World News
Venice’s Grand Canal turns fluorescent green, sparking health fears and mystery
Venice’s renowned Grand Canal turned bright green recently, generating concerns for residents and tourists alike. Local authorities are investigating the cause, while environmental experts conduct water testing to determine the potential harm to public health. This is not the first time the canal’s waters have changed colour, with similar incidents occurring in the past. A photograph shared by Luca Zaia,…
- Thailand News
Man fatally stabs himself in chest after row with girlfriend
A distressed 25 year old man fatally stabbed himself in the chest after a row with his girlfriend in Chon Buri, Thailand. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but the man’s injuries were too severe and he later died at Sattahip Naval Base Hospital. The incident took place at around 9pm yesterday in a residence located in Soi Bon Kai 16,…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya bar owner faces loan shark threats forcing staff to undress for debt money
A bar owner in Pattaya reported a violent debt-collecting gang to the local police after facing harassment and threats from 14 different loan providers. The 31 year old woman was forced to borrow money from various lenders for financial troubles, accumulating around 800,000 baht (US$23,100) in debt, with a daily interest payment of 30,000 baht (US$870). The bar owner, Daranee…
- Thailand News
Pineapple plant leaves locals pining for lottery jackpot luck
Residents marvelled at an unusual pineapple plant, featuring more than 10 two-tiered pineapple shoots, leading them to make offerings and seek lucky numbers ahead of the lottery draw on Thursday, June 1. The unusual pineapple, found in Ban Tam, Phayao province, Thailand, has drawn many residents to witness the phenomenon and seek good fortune. This unusual pineapple plant stands out…
- Thailand News
Thai couple credits 24m baht lottery win to mythical figure and daily prayers
Udom Kanmuang, a restaurant owner, and his wife Noi celebrated their recent lottery win of 24 million baht with a grand ceremony honouring ‘Por Pu Sian Anan Nakarat’, a respected figure in Thai folklore. The couple believes their good fortune resulted from their daily prayers to this mythical figure before the lottery draw on May 29, 2023. Following their successful…
- Crime News
Teen released after failing to charge for throwing baby in river
A Nakhon Pathom Juvenile and Family Court released the mother of an 8 month old baby boy accused of throwing the baby into the Tha Chin River after the prosecutor failed to file charges within the 90-day deadline. The court is still investigating further, asking for clarification on five new points by July 25. Upon arriving for her court appointment,…
- World News
Elderly Malaysian couple robbed thrice in 20 days, live in fear
An elderly Malaysian couple was burgled three times in the span of nearly three weeks, with perpetrators getting away with valuables worth around 26,000 Malaysian ringgit (£4,800). The retired pair, 71 year old Chan Liew Chan and her 80 year old husband, Thow Kum Hin, are pleading for police intervention to prevent repeat incidents. Chan Liew Chan spoke about the…
- Thailand News
Raw meat review trend raises risk of Streptococcus suis infection in Thailand
A recent online trend involving the consumption of raw meat dishes, combined with cultural practices, has increased the risk of Streptococcus suis infections in Thailand. Health officials have expressed concern, as eight fatalities and a total of 163 cases of meningitis have been reported since January 1. The popularity of raw food and alcohol consumption has spiked due to social…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain benefits Thai farmers, boosts rice planting in Nakhon Ratchasima area
Heavy rains in Nakhon Ratchasima province have resulted in flooded fields, signalling good news for farmers who are now preparing the land for rice cultivation in the Phimai district. A forecast from the Lower Northeastern Meteorology Centre predicts continued downpours and strong gusts of wind in the region. Alongside this weather forecast, a low-pressure area spanning across Cambodia and the…
