Tara Abhasakun

Tara Abhasakun

A Thai-American dual citizen, Tara has reported news and spoken on a number of human rights and cultural news issues in Thailand. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in history from The College of Wooster. She interned at Southeast Asia Globe, and has written for a number of outlets. Tara reports on a range of Thailand news issues.
  • Crime News

    Police catch another suspect in Pattaya teen violence case

    Bang Lamung Police caught another suspect from last week’s episode of teen violence that shook Pattaya. In the latest development, officers successfully apprehended an 18 year old man for his alleged involvement in an explosive attack on his rivals near the railway track road. The incident, which occurred at 4am on July 19, left two teens injured. The attack unfolded when…

  • Thailand News

    Rescuers keep up the search for missing young fisherman in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    In a concerning turn of events, rescuers are keeping up the search for a 19 year old fisherman who was reported missing at sea in Ao Prachuap, or Prachuap Bay, located in Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The young man, identified as Pokaphon Chomchaw from Bangsaphan district, was reported missing on Sunday. Pokaphon’s disappearance was brought to the authorities’ attention…

  • Crime News

    Pattaya cops cracking down on teen violence

    Pattaya cops are cracking down on teen violence after a series of late-night brawls. In the most recent incident on the city’s streets, two youngsters were shot while riding a motorbike on Wednesday night. Police have now caught several suspects from the incident, which occurred near the Sukhumvit Pattaya Karn Chang garage in the Naklua sub-district of Chon Buri’s Bang…

  • Thailand News

    Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth

    Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more. In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal,…

  • Pattaya News

    Young Kuwaiti man risks leg amputation after Pattaya motorbike accident (video)

    In a recent tragedy, a 19 year old Kuwaiti man is facing the risk of having his leg amputated after a motorbike accident in Pattaya early yesterday morning. The incident occurred when the motorbike he was riding as a pillion grazed against a concrete street barrier on South Pattaya Road. Sawang Boriboon rescuers received arrived on the scene near Bali…

  • Pattaya News

    Second Indian tourist in a month tragically drowns in Pattaya pool

    In a heartbreaking turn of events, an Indian tourist tragically met an untimely demise when he drowned at a hotel pool in Pattaya. The incident happened on Tuesday, July 11, less than a month after another Indian tourist also drowned in a Pattaya hotel pool. Local media reports indicate that the authorities have refrained from disclosing the victim’s identity to…

  • Phuket News

    Motorbike crash on Patong Hill leaves 2 wounded

    A motorbike crash on Patong Hill left two people wounded. The incident on Monday occurred on a shortcut road located behind the Tiger Shrine on Patong Hill. Rescuers and police rushed to the scene to find the two victims down a slope off the road. The victims were a 36 year old man named Wuttisak Puttisarn, from Chalong, and a…

  • World News

    Thai food stalls set Chinese night bazaar ablaze with flavours

    The enchanting Baishamen cultural and creative bazaar in Haikou, the bustling capital of China‘s southern island province of Hainan, comes alive as dusk descends. The unique flavours of Thai cuisine draw inquisitive visitors like moths to a flame. This sprawling bazaar, spanning 60,000 square metres, opened around just a month ago. Today, it boasts over 600 stalls showcasing an array…

  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya Police step up beach safety patrols

    In a new move to tackle issues of tourist congestion and rowdy behaviour, the vibrant city of Pattaya has taken decisive action to restore tranquillity to its renowned Pattaya and Jomtien beaches. Collaborating closely with relevant agencies, Pattaya City Police Station implemented a series of measures aimed at safeguarding the safety and well-being of tourists. Under the guidance of Deputy…

  • Crime News

    Thieves nab materials worth 2 million baht from Krabi pool villa, remain at large months later

    Culprits behind the alleged theft of materials worth over 2 million baht from a pool villa in Krabi remain at large months after the event. The owner reported the incident to the police five months ago, but the suspects still haven’t been caught. Khwansurat Beger, a 32 year old woman originally from Surat Thani, invested over 10 million baht in…

  • Thailand News

    Prachuap Khiri Khan volunteers record incredible elephant encounter (video)

    Volunteers in Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province recorded an incredible encounter with an elephant. The volunteers from Jungle Aid, a charitable organisation, were treated to a breathtaking experience during their journey to deliver donations and supplies, as well as promote dental care, to local villagers. While travelling along the picturesque Pala-U Road, the volunteers had an unforgettable encounter with a…

  • Crime News

    Gunshots fired during altercation between foreigner and locals in Phuket

    A heated argument between a man from Myanmar and a group of Thais escalated into a Wild West shootout. Kathu Police were alerted to the incident at 6.30am this morning in front of a rental room complex on Soi Suea Lueang. Upon receiving the report, law enforcement personnel quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Evidence at the…

  • Thailand News

    Tourist police bust illegal Chinese tour guide in Phuket

    Phuket Tourist Police busted a Chinese man for allegedly working as a tour guide without the necessary permits and licenses. According to the Tourist Police, 43 year old Wang Kua Cheng was arrested this week in front of the Mongkol Nimit Temple on Dibuk Road in Phuket Old Town, The Phuket Express reported. Officers brought Wang to Phuket City Police…

  • Crime News

    Concern rises over potential human trafficking as 5 women vanish in South Thailand

    Concerns of potential human trafficking are rising in South Thailand‘s Nakhon Si Thammarat province after five women mysteriously disappeared from the province three months ago. A distressed relative reached out to an influential social media page for help, claiming that communications were lost after his younger sister’s boyfriend picked them up in a white van from their home. The man,…

  • Krabi News

    Body reportedly spotted off Krabi island, search hindered by waves

    A body was reportedly spotted floating off an island in Thailand’s southern Krabi province. Despite efforts by officials, the deceased has not yet been recovered due to strong waves hindering the search. A fishing boat captain near Koh Lanta island alerted the Royal Thai Navy Third Command of the body yesterday morning, The Phuket Express reported. In an attempt to retrieve…

  • South Thailand News

    Decapitated body missing hands found floating off Thai islands

    A man’s decapitated body, which was also missing its hands, was found floating off of Thailand‘s Koh Phi Phi islands. Krabi Marine Police were alerted to the grim discovery by the staff of Hat Nopparat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park on Saturday, according to Matichon. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, located approximately 500 metres west of…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Mysterious death in jungle hut prompts investigation in Lampang province

    In the early hours of yesterday morning, a tragic discovery was made in the district of Wang Nuea, Lampang province. A 48 year old man’s body was found lifeless in a hut in a dense jungle near the village. His death was mysterious, sparking an urgent response from local rescue workers, police from Wang Nuea station, and on-call physicians from Wang…

  • Thailand News

    Fatal handgun accident in Uthai Thani casts shadow over memorial preparations

    A shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of this morning when a playful test of a handgun amongst friends took a fatal turn. A gathering at a residence in the Uthai Thani district descended into panic as one individual was fatally shot. The tragedy occurred amidst preparations for a religious ceremony. Despite immediate hospitalisation, the 38 year old victim’s…

  • Thailand News

    Tham Luang Cave rescue hero Narongsak Osatanakorn dies at 58

    Narongsak Osatanakorn, the 58 year old governor of Pathum Thani Province, has died from cancer at Siriraj Hospital at 6pm yesterday (June 21), Sanook reported. He was famously known for his role in coordinating the rescue operation of 13 people trapped in Tham Luang Cave in 2018, earning him the nickname ‘Governor of the Wild Boars.’ Born on June 1…

  • Tourism News

    Divine destinations: Thailand’s tourism authority paves way for spiritual sojourns

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is gearing up to host an event that aims to promote 12 religious tourism routes across the country. This initiative seeks to stimulate tourism and boost revenue by catering to tourists who seek religious activities or follow a spiritual path. Yuthasak Supasorn, the Governor of TAT, shared data from the Ministry of Commerce revealing…

  • Thailand News

    Young Thai man safely escorts mother-daughter duo on dangerous 10km night walk (video)

    An act of kindness recently circled on social media in Thailand. Two Thai women, a mother and her daughter, were walking along a dark and dangerous road at night, attempting to cover a 10-kilometre distance to their home when a kind-hearted young man offered assistance. The story, shared by TikTok user @jobji08, tells of the women walking with no lights…

  • Crime News

    Pattaya burglars break into woman’s room by finding hidden key (video)

    Two Pattaya burglars managed to break into a woman’s rental room by finding a key that the woman had concealed in front of her property. The burglars stole several valuable items. CCTV footage captured the moment when the two culprits arrived at the location, situated in the Nong Prue sub-district of Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, at 6pm on Tuesday.…

  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya tour bus driver accidentally backs into girlfriend, severely injuring her

    In an unfortunate incident, a Pattaya tour bus driver accidentally backed his bus into his girlfriend, severely injuring her. The accident occurred as she was attempting to guide the vehicle while it was being parked. The accident was reported to the Sawang Boriboon rescuers at 6pm yesterday. A rescue team promptly responded to the scene located on Chaiyapruek Road near…

  • Crime News

    CIB arrests Thai man who allegedly stole foreigner’s car in Phuket

    Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a Thai man who allegedly stole a foreigner’s car in Phuket. The suspect allegedly stole an SUV from an unidentified foreigner at a housing estate in Koh Kaew in Phuket’s main city district, The Phuket Express reported. The CIB reported announced this week that its officers arrested a Thai male suspect, whose name and age…

  • Crime News

    Thai woman trapped in Dubai seeking 100k ransom, desperate parents plead for help

    A Thai mother is pleading with authorities to help her 38 year old daughter, who is being held captive in Dubai and forced to work to repay a debt. The daughter had travelled to Dubai to work since mid-April, however, her captors now demand a ransom of 100,000 baht. The tearful parent, 59 year old Pranuan, informed police in Udon…

  • Phuket News

    Injured sea turtle rescued, rehabilitating at Phuket Marine Centre

    There’s been another sea turtle rescue in Thailand. An injured olive ridley sea turtle was recently found at Thai Mueang Beach in Phang Nga province and is now receiving care at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC). The young turtle had lost one of its flippers, likely due to entanglement in fishing nets, according to wildlife experts, The Phuket News…

  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya loan sharks turn themselves in to cops after threatening reporter (video)

    There’s been another incident involving loan sharks in Thailand. In Pattaya, two members of a loan shark gang turned themselves in to the cops after they threatened a freelance reporter earlier this week. The incident began when local Thai reporter, Buronsak Bunnodyom, asked the two men not to litter loan flyers in front of his residence on Soi 9, Central…

  • Bangkok News

    Bangkok considers Japanese central kitchen system for school lunches

    Is there a solution to improve the quality of Thai schools’ cafeteria food? The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is exploring the possibility of implementing a central kitchen system, similar to the one used in Japan, to enhance the quality of school lunches in Thailand. The central kitchen concept was introduced by Nobuko Tanaka, a former Japanese school lunch specialist, during…

  • Crime News

    Cops bust ladyboy thief on Pattaya Beach, suspect found to be a repeat offender

    A long-time issue has once again resurfaced in Pattaya. A ladyboy on Pattaya Beach with a reputation for being a ‘bad girl’ was apprehended for stealing money from tourists on the beach. The individual had been arrested previously. Tourist police busted her again on the beach last night. Lt. Col. Pitchaya revealed that the suspect, Bunyawin, nicknamed ‘Frame,’ was a…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Thai school conducts mass drug testing: Is it a violation of student rights?

    A Thai school recently conducted a mass urine drug testing initiative for its entire student body, causing online debate as netizens clashed over whether this practice constituted a violation of the students’ rights. The school, local authorities, and health officials collaborated on the project to ensure a drug-free environment. The school is located in the town of Tha Rong in…