Israeli key suspect and his wife deny wrongdoing after arrest on nominee networkLegacyAn Israeli property developer and his wife were arrested following an investigation into 20 Israeli nationals who allegedly used Thai nominees to conceal their ownership of land, property and restricted businesses on Koh Samui. The Samui Provincial Court reportedly issued 20 arrest warrants for Israeli nationals after investigators found that Thai people were named as shareholders to conceal foreign ownership and allow businesses restricted under Thai law to operate. Israeli nationals were reportedly the largest group of foreigners targeted in the operation, according to a report by Phuket Hotnews. Police from Bo Phut Police Station and Surat Thani Immigration arrested 45 year old Israeli property developer Gal Bieber and his wife, Roni Bieber, who were described as key suspects in the investigation. Photo by bloodua via Getty Images Investigators reportedly found that Bieber’s network used a complex corporate structure involving Thai nationals as shareholders. The companies were allegedly used to acquire, develop and rent luxury properties on Koh Samui, with many of the properties targeting Israeli customers. The investigation also alleges that the network operated businesses without the required permissions, including an international school and luxury pool villas. Police are continuing to investigate the group’s financial transactions and other people allegedly involved in the network. Officials are also working to seize and freeze assets connected to the investigation. Roni denied the accusations in an interview with The Jerusalem Post, saying that she and her husband operated their businesses based on guidance from local professionals. Photo by bloodua via Getty Images She said the couple intended to comply with Thai laws and requirements and maintained that all shareholders, including Thai nationals, participated in the business activities. Roni also accused a Thai lawyer and accountant of leading her and her husband into legal difficulties. “We respect Thai law and the authorities. All our actions were accompanied by a Thai lawyer and accountant who told us how to do everything and accompanied us when the companies were opened, and the businesses were established. “We placed our full trust in them and did as they instructed, but when the law changed, they disappeared and took no responsibility, and because they are Thai, they are free from law enforcement,” Roni said. The Jerusalem Post reported that Gal and Roni were released on bail while the investigation into the alleged nominee scheme continues. Photo by Sarah Lou via Flickr Related news

Israeli man held for illegal business, land ownership on Koh Pha Ngan 4 travel agencies on Koh Samui found operating through Thai nominees Israeli national arrested for nominee-run travel agency in Phuket

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The Sirivannavari brand has unveiled the official ceremonial uniforms for Thai athletes at the 20th Asian Games 2026, scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2026 in Nagoya, Japan. Under the concept "The Art of Unity," the designs highlight Thai identity through contemporary fashion while celebrating the traditional indigo-dyed cotton weaving craftsmanship of Don Koy village and textile heritage promoted by the Queen Sirikit Institute of Sericulture and Handicrafts. The uniforms represent over 900 Thai athletes and staff who will represent the country at the continental competition.

The launch event, held at the Fairmont Sukhumvit 20 hotel in Bangkok on August 21, featured Thai athletes including badminton player Peeraphan Korthong, taekwondo athlete Balanuk Thapthimdaeng, volleyball player Pimpichaya Korkram, and table tennis player Suthasinee Sawatrabut, alongside legendary taekwondo champion Panipak Wongpattanakit. The ceremonial uniforms were designed by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, creative director of the Sirivannavari brand, who sought to blend Thai craftsmanship values with modern design aesthetics.

Ratirote Julchat, executive vice president of Sirivannavari, stated that the uniforms represent an opportunity to showcase Thai fashion and identity to the world through the Thai athletic delegation on Asia's stage. The brand deliberately selected hand-woven indigo-dyed cotton from Don Koy village in Sakon Nakhon province and textiles from the Queen Sirikit Institute to underscore the dedication, refinement, and patience inherent in Thai handicrafts—qualities that mirror the discipline and determination required of competitive athletes.

In a historic first for over a century, the Po Tek Tung Foundation held its 2569 annual Tipping the Lanterns ceremony at the White Jade Thai Hong Shrine, a sacred Buddhist site on grounds dating back 120 years (Don Temple Cemetery), to distribute 3,000 packages of essentials to the poor across six Bangkok districts.

On August 21, 2569, the Po Tek Tung Foundation, led by Vice Chairman Wichit Chinvongwrrakul and Secretary Sirikul Obbhasvongse along with board members and assistants, held a ceremony to launch a convoy of 3,000 aid packages. The packages contained rice, instant noodles, canned fish, fish sauce, cooking oil, snacks, and donated clothing from the White Jade Thai Hong Shrine, commemorating the 72nd anniversary, in Sathorn District. These items were distributed to the poor in six Bangkok districts: Sathorn, Talad Noi, Thawi Watthana, Nong Chok, Minburi, and Rat Burana.

Bangkok Governor Associate Professor Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt presided over the ceremony, joined by dignitaries including Dr. Saowanee Tetchapaiboon, wife of the foundation's chairman, and foundation volunteers led by honorary volunteers Siriporn Obbhasvongse and Sirikul Obbhasvongse, specialist volunteer Narit Withayavrakorn, and artists Duangtaa Tungkamani and Chalermpon Tikhumporttheeravongse.

The previous day, August 20, 2569, the foundation board, including Chairman Wichien Tetchapaiboon, Vice Chairman Suthat Tetchaviboon, and Vice Chairman Sak Korsamrenrueng, along with other officials, held a candle-lighting ceremony to officially open the Tipping the Lanterns event. Chinese Buddhist monks from Bodhi Man Khunarama Temple conducted merit-making ceremonies, including rituals for the earth spirits, Tai Sifu deities, cemetery veneration, merit offerings to hungry spirits, and water dedication of merits.

The 2569 edition marked a historic year as devotees venerated one of Thailand's largest White Jade Thai Hong statues and participated in the Tipping the Lanterns tradition to dedicate merit to nameless spirits at the shrine, a 120-year-old public cemetery managed by the Po Tek Tung Foundation. The foundation resolved to increase the number of aid packages this year beyond previous years to meet rising demand and living costs, reducing household expenses for the poor and expanding distribution to both Bangkok and other provinces. On August 16, 2569, the foundation had already distributed essentials at its cemetery grounds.

Thanachart Insurance is helping flood-affected customers with free vehicle towing services and round-the-clock claims processing. Heavy monsoon rains and flash flooding have struck northern and northeastern Thailand, particularly Nan Province, affecting areas including Pua and Tha Wang Pha districts and low-lying areas in Mueang Nan. Thanachart Insurance extends its concern to affected customers and the public, and has prepared assistance measures to enable swift access to services and help minimize property damage.

The insurer has mobilized support covering both auto and home insurance. Customers can request assistance and advice around the clock through Contact Center at 1519 or via the Thanachart Insurance LINE Official Account (@thanachartinsure).

For voluntary auto insurance customers in at-risk areas, the company provides free vehicle towing to move cars to safe zones and coordinates with affiliated repair shops for appropriate care. The firm has also arranged temporary parking facilities through partner repair shops in Nan and nearby provinces, with capacity for over 400 vehicles across Nan and Phrae provinces. Capacity may change based on demand, so customers should contact repair shops beforehand to check availability and plan transport safely.

Auto insurance customers whose vehicles have already suffered flood damage can file claims directly through the Thanachart Insurance LINE account or by calling Contact Center at 1519.

For home and residential insurance customers affected by flooding, claims can be filed and damage photos submitted through the "Report Home Insurance Flood Claim" menu on the Thanachart Insurance LINE account, or by calling 1519. The company will arrange damage assessment once conditions are safe and suitable.

Thanachart Insurance recommends customers photograph or video damage to homes and belongings before moving items or cleaning, prepare a list of damaged property, and keep receipts or purchase evidence for claim consideration. Flood coverage depends on the policy type and protection terms chosen. Customers can inquire about their policy details through the contact channels above.

Vichini Rorpun, Chief Executive Officer of Thanachart Insurance Public Company Limited, stated that the most important priority at this time is the safety of customers and their families.

Police have revealed the circumstances behind a tragedy in Lom Sak district, Phetchabun province, where a man fatally shot his wife, a deputy tambon administrator, before taking his own life. The bodies of 44-year-old Sudjai, deputy chief of the tambon administration organization in Phetchabun province, and her 47-year-old husband Yongyut were discovered in the early morning hours of August 21 inside their residence in Lom Sak district. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

According to investigations disclosed on August 21, 2569, Pol. Lt. Col. Pasunt Sangtong, commander of Ban Klang Police Station in Lom Sak district, revealed that detailed examination showed Sudjai was shot in the face with a 9 mm firearm, while Yongyut suffered a single gunshot wound to the head. One firearm, nine bullet casings, and one bullet were found at the scene, believed to be the weapon Yongyut used to shoot Sudjai before using the same gun to end his own life.

Pol. Lt. Col. Pasunt stated that investigations showed the couple had argued before the incident due to jealousy. Chat messages found on both victims' phones revealed a pattern of suspicion and jealousy that had caused ongoing disputes between them. On the night of the incident, a severe quarrel apparently erupted over the same issue, causing Yongyut to lose control of his emotions. He then opened fire on Sudjai, killing her, and subsequently took his own life to escape responsibility. Family members remain unsatisfied with the official cause of death. Autopsies have been completed, and the bodies will be handed over to relatives for religious funeral rites.