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No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Five Arrested in BTS Concert Ticket Scam Costing 1.8M Baht

Police arrested five suspects in Bangkok and Surat Thani for running a BTS concert ticket scam that defrauded 105 fans of 1.8 million baht through fake social media booking pages. The ringleader confessed to pocketing 800,000 baht, which wa

Five Arrested in BTS Concert Ticket Scam Costing 1.8M Baht
2d ago Khaosod

Bangkok — 11 July 2026, Thai police have busted an alleged BTS concert ticket scam ring, arresting five suspects accused of defrauding 105 BTS fans of about 1.8 million baht through fake concert ticket sales. The alleged creator of the fake pages confessed to pocketing 800,000 baht, which was spent on luxury goods and overseas travel.

Authorities launched Operation "Smash the Scam: Busting the BTS Ticket Fraud Ring", arresting five suspects: • Temjai (surname withheld), 21 • Pimchanok (surname withheld), 19 • "A" (pseudonym), 18 • Pathanin (surname withheld), 20 • Cherlilinn (surname withheld), 27

All five suspects, aged between 18 and 27, were arrested under warrants No. J.1131–1135/2026 issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court on 10 July. They were apprehended in Bangkok and Surat Thani province.

They face charges including public fraud, jointly entering false information into a computer system in a manner likely to cause damage to the public, and opening or allowing others to use their bank accounts or electronic payment cards for criminal activities.

The case began after numerous fans reported falling victim to scammers following the announcement of the world-renowned Korean group BTS's concert tour in Thailand. With overwhelming demand for tickets, many fans turned to third-party booking agents to secure seats, where fraudsters allegedly created fake social media accounts claiming to offer ticket-booking services at attractive prices.

A total of 105 victims later filed complaints with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), each losing an average of around 17,700 baht, with total damages exceeding 1.8 million baht.

Following an investigation, authorities found that the scams were allegedly orchestrated by the same network. Investigators gathered sufficient evidence to obtain court warrants before launching the operation, which resulted in the arrests of all five suspects.

During questioning, some suspects claimed they had been recruited through online job-seeking groups to receive and transfer money via TrueMoney e-Gift vouchers. They said they believed they were processing payments for pre-order purchases and earned between 200 and 2,000 baht per transaction. They added that they only later realised the money originated from the alleged ticket scam.

Another suspect allegedly confessed to creating the fake social media pages and X accounts used to target victims. Police said the suspect admitted receiving around 800,000 baht from victims before spending all of it on personal expenses, including overseas travel and luxury goods such as designer handbags.

All five suspects have been handed over to investigators from the Consumer Protection Police Division for further legal proceedings.

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Police

Two Bangkok Police Officers Hospitalized After Fire Rescue

Two Bangkok police officers were hospitalized after inhaling toxic smoke and chemicals while rescuing victims from a major fire at a Ladprao beer bar, administering CPR before professional rescue teams arrived.

Two Bangkok Police Officers Hospitalized After Fire Rescue
2d ago Khaosod

Two patrol officers from Phaholyothin Police Station are being treated for smoke and chemical inhalation after bravely entering a major fire at a beer bar in Ladprao to rescue trapped victims and perform life-saving measures. The officers, identified as Sergeant Major Mangkorn Kotchachompoo and Sergeant Major Warichay Chaiyavong, rushed into the dense smoke and flames without regard for their own safety, administering CPR and cardiac assistance until rescue personnel arrived and took over.

After initially being checked at Police Hospital, both officers returned to the station but soon experienced severe respiratory distress, chest tightness, and persistent symptoms from inhaling toxic smoke and chemicals. Sergeant Major Mangkorn in particular suffered from severe coughing and breathing difficulties, along with lingering chemical odors. Fellow officers called emergency services, provided oxygen, and transported both men back to Police Hospital for intensive medical care.

According to their colleagues, the two officers responded immediately after hearing the fire alert, rushing by motorcycle to the scene in their patrol area. Upon arrival, they found an unconscious victim and immediately began rescue efforts, completely ignoring the thick smoke and chemical fumes pouring from the building. They continued their efforts until professional firefighters and rescue teams arrived to take over operations.

The selfless actions of the two Phaholyothin officers have earned widespread praise from the public and witnesses, who view them as exemplary protectors of the community willing to risk their lives to save others in moments of crisis.

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Police

Highway Police Probe Volunteer Soldier's Gun Charge

Highway Police arrested a Narathiwat volunteer soldier at a Trang-Phatthalung checkpoint on July 13 for carrying a loaded 9mm handgun without a required permit, prompting the Highway Police Bureau to review procedures and clarify legal guid

Highway Police Probe Volunteer Soldier's Gun Charge
2d ago Khaosod

The Highway Police Bureau is investigating a controversial case in which Trang-Phatthalung highway police arrested a Narathiwat volunteer soldier at a checkpoint in Khao Chai Son district on July 13, 2025. Officers discovered a 9mm handgun, three ammunition magazines, and 41 rounds concealed under the driver's seat while the man was traveling home to Nakhon Si Thammarat from duty in Narathiwat. The gun had a valid registration but lacked the required carry permit (Form 12), resulting in charges of illegally carrying a firearm in public. The suspect was detained and transferred to Khao Chai Son police station for prosecution. The Highway Police Bureau acknowledged the public concern and sensitivity surrounding the case, ordering Region 7 Highway Police to conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances. The bureau has directed field units to coordinate with relevant agencies to establish clear and consistent operational guidelines that align with the law and local conditions, aiming to clarify procedures for officers and restore public confidence while maintaining social order.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

ELLE Opens New Fashion Outlet at Siam Premium

ELLE fashion brand opened a new outlet at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok on July 13, offering women's apparel, lingerie, shoes, handbags, and menswear with discounts up to 70%.

ELLE Opens New Fashion Outlet at Siam Premium
2d ago Khaosod

ELLE, a premium fashion brand under ICC International Co., Ltd., has unveiled a new fashion destination at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok on July 13, 2025. The store offers a carefully curated collection catering to all lifestyles, including women's apparel, lingerie, handbags, shoes, and the ELLE Homme line for men, which combines refined elegance, modern style, and comfortable sophistication.

The appeal of this branch lies in its role as a one-stop fashion destination that brings together fashion items for every lifestyle in one comprehensive space. The store allows customers to browse and mix-and-match across all categories—women's fashion, lingerie, handbags, shoes, and ELLE Homme menswear—at accessible prices, with promotional discounts of up to 70% available across all product lines.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Pathum Thani Tech Institute Rolls Out Conflict-Reduction Program

Pathum Thani Tech Institute introduced a conflict-reduction program combining early semester closures with hybrid learning to boost enrollment and prevent violence during its anniversary period.

Pathum Thani Tech Institute Rolls Out Conflict-Reduction Program
2d ago Khaosod

Acting rector Satien Tanysrirat of the Pathum Thani Institute of Technology reported operational progress to Education Minister Yotchanan Wongswadi on July 13, 2025, focusing on strategies to prevent institutional conflicts that typically occur during the institute's anniversary period. The minister characterized the decision to close the semester early as a preventive security measure rather than conflict avoidance, designed to ensure student safety. To maintain academic continuity, the institute has adopted a hybrid learning model combining online instruction with real-world work experience, allowing students to earn while developing professional skills. This approach has proven highly successful, attracting nearly 900 additional students and raising total enrollment from 1,100 to 1,800. Minister Yotchayan introduced the "Pathum Thani Model," a long-term conflict-management strategy built on four pillars: prevention (advance safeguards), deterrence (monitoring risky behavior), suppression (strict law enforcement for external troublemakers), and development (improving youth quality of life and educational outcomes). Acting Rector Satien highlighted the institute's commitment to seamless education that removes barriers and connects learning systems, helping disadvantaged youth access quality vocational training without interruption.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Singer Hai Apapon Shaken by Nightclub Fire

Thai country singer Hai Apalon narrowly escaped a nightclub fire after a scheduled September performance fell through when the venue couldn't finalize her booking. She's now vowing to inspect fire exits and safety measures at every venue be

Thai Singer Hai Apapon Shaken by Nightclub Fire
2d ago Khaosod

Thai country singer Hai Apapon from Nakhon Sawan gave an interview after attending a blessing ceremony for the series "Mon Ruk Huk E-Lee" on July 13, 2025, at the rooftop of the sixth floor of the PHENIX Pratunam project. She responded to the shocking nightclub fire that occurred the previous night, revealing that the venue had previously contacted her to perform and was scheduled to transfer a deposit, but the tragedy occurred before the arrangement could be finalized. She emphasized that going forward, her team will survey fire exits and safety measures at every venue before she performs, and urged business owners to prioritize customer safety above everything else.

Meanwhile, Hai Apapon also shared a surprising story about being contacted by an unknown man who asked to buy undergarments from her for his collection, prompting her to block him immediately.

When asked about her level of concern as a performer who must work in such venues, she responded: "I'm really heartbroken. First, I want to express my condolences to the families of those who died, and send strength to the dozens of red and yellow case patients. I never wanted this to happen. When I saw the news, I thought about myself—I have so many nightclub gigs now. In the past, we may have overlooked checking where the fire exits are. When something happens, I think about it too. Sometimes there's a fifth floor, you go in and there's just a small opening, and people get crammed in like that. I ask myself: if a fire broke out, I definitely wouldn't survive. From now on, I need someone to check these things—if an incident like this happens, people can escape on their own, and they should tell me which way to go. We need people to survey beforehand so everyone can get out alive. I don't want this kind of thing to happen, but who could have predicted how last night went? And I heard it wasn't from a gas explosion—it was from a sound system exploding. Normally at every venue the sound system isn't great anyway, there's always that crackling noise. We have the feeling the sound equipment will fail. It's old."

When asked if this venue had indeed previously contacted her for a booking, she said: "Yes, they contacted me. They were going to transfer the deposit on July 16, and my slot was supposed to be September 24 if I remember correctly, but it didn't happen. I consider that lucky. Every nightclub I go to is actually quite dangerous in terms of exits—they're quite difficult to navigate because the owners are worried that customers will sneak out without paying, so they make the entrances small to cram people in. Only two people can fit through at a time, not three, because it's so narrow. If an incident like this happens, it becomes very hard to get out."

When asked her view on why some business owners still operate this way, noting that some have argued owners could simply charge upfront instead of collecting payment later, she replied: "That's true, but there are pre-orders and orders placed without immediate payment. Both happen. But actually, that's a really good idea. Once ordered, they could just hand it over right then and there or whatever, because then customers would be safe too. I'm concerned about both the business owners and the customers."

When asked if she had experienced anything like this in her life before, she said: "An incident like this? But I've always been worried about this because I never thought that at over 50 years old I'd end up working in nightclubs. Most of my career I've done outdoor concert tours, temple events, ordination ceremonies, wedding receptions, new house ceremonies, hair-shaving ceremonies, things like that. Nightclub work was quite rare. But after coming back, it turned out I had to go work with my band in nightclubs."

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Band Singer Recalls Five-Second Escape From Deadly Fire

A band singer narrowly escaped a deadly fire at a venue on July 13 by using a bathroom exit, surviving what would have been a fatal five-second delay, and later revealed the venue had blocked fire exits with vendor tables and had chronic el

Band Singer Recalls Five-Second Escape From Deadly Fire
2d ago Khaosod

On July 13, Nonchai Thongpraserit, male vocalist of the Thakaran band performing that night, recounted his escape from the fire that broke out in the upper right area behind the stage. The guitarist and keyboardist who died were the first to spot thick smoke billowing up and shouted warnings for everyone to flee. Another vocalist on stage then shouted for customers and staff to run for their lives as smoke thickened and flames spread rapidly.

Nonchai survived because he happened to be in the bathroom near the fire exit. Had he spent just five more seconds inside, he would certainly have died. The fire exit near the bathroom was blocked by tables and chairs belonging to a vendor, creating a bottleneck. Only three to four people had escaped before him when an elderly vendor in front of him collapsed, blocking the way. He had to kick the vendor and the fallen chair aside to escape. As he fled through the door, thick black smoke surged out after him, and no one else could follow. Only four to five more people crawled on their knees to escape.

Nonchai also revealed that multiple explosions occurred near the kitchen after he escaped, sending flames bursting through every back door. The blast force hit the sound engineer's back as he was the last person trying to escape through the rear door—a fire exit that only the singers and waitstaff knew about.

Regarding the venue's safety issues, Nonchai noted that when the band first started performing, musicians used the bathroom back door as a shortcut to dress without walking through the kitchen. But later the venue strictly prohibited this access and allowed the vendor to set up tables and chairs blocking the way. He also identified electrical system problems, as the venue typically scheduled his band on Fridays when it was crowded and air conditioning ran at full capacity, causing regular power outages during performances.

Nonchai acknowledged feeling responsible for the tragedy, saying he told another female singer Brees that she was no longer breathing. He tried to help perform CPR and resuscitate victims alongside rescue workers, and at first the victim's pulse seemed to return with movement toward the front, but ultimately doctors and rescuers could not save her. When he saw the victim's body covered with white cloth before his eyes, he was devastated.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Launches Franchise Program With 50% State Investment

Thailand's government is subsidizing 50% of franchise startup costs under a new program aimed at helping small entrepreneurs launch businesses with lower investment and immediate access to retail locations and financing.

Thailand Launches Franchise Program With 50% State Investment
2d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthummaphand unveiled the 'Thai Helping Thai Franchise Plus' program, which aims to reduce living costs while boosting household incomes through franchising opportunities. The initiative combines support from the Commerce Ministry, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), financial institutions, and the private sector to lower startup investment costs and give small entrepreneurs immediate access to capital, retail locations, and customer bases.

The program offers four key measures: the state covers 50% of franchise package fees (capped at 10,000 baht for franchises valued up to 100,000 baht); credit support from SME D Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and Government Savings Bank with CMSB guarantees at an average interest rate of approximately 3%; access to over 2,000 retail spaces in Lotus and Makro branches nationwide plus over 100 Thai fresh market locations, with six months of rent waived; and enrollment in the 'Thai Helping Thai Plus 60/40' scheme to boost sales from day one.

OSMEP has allocated 100 million baht to support the program, aiming to assist approximately 10,000 franchise buyers or families. The government has curated over 100 standard franchise brands with investment values not exceeding 100,000 baht. Interested applicants can explore franchise packages and apply through the website thaihelpthaifranchisor.dbd.go.th or the Line OA @franchisedbdplus.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Court Rejects Arrest Warrant for Politician Phawut in Forex Case

A Bangkok court rejected arrest warrants for 22 people in a major forex fraud case, including list-MP Phawut of Pheu Thai, citing insufficient evidence and concern about political misuse.

Court Rejects Arrest Warrant for Politician Phawut in Forex Case
2d ago Khaosod

On July 13, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, DSI investigators submitted evidence and arrest warrant requests for 24 people involved in a Forex fraud case, including list-MP Phawut Phongwittayapanu of the Pheu Thai Party (ประชาชน). However, the court carefully reviewed the evidence and approved arrest warrants for only 2 defendants who had clear victims and supporting evidence, while dismissing requests for the other 22 on grounds that summonses were more appropriate. The two individuals arrested were not Phawut. The court emphasized that it had thoroughly examined the evidence to prevent the process from becoming a tool for political manipulation.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Musicians Escape Fire at Bangkok Venue; Emergency Doors Locked

A fire at a Bangkok music venue on July 13 killed multiple people including 11 band members, with survivors reporting the emergency doors were locked and the venue had known electrical problems. Bass musician Anon Prasert escaped after seei

Musicians Escape Fire at Bangkok Venue; Emergency Doors Locked
2d ago Khaosod

Bass musician Anon Prasert, 37, arrived at the fire scene on July 13, 2025, to collect his bass effect equipment, which was partially destroyed. He reported that during the performance, he suddenly smelled burning and saw sparks falling to the floor, prompting him to call friends and immediately run from the venue. As he exited the front, he heard one loud explosion followed by a strong gas smell.

After escaping, Prasert filmed video on his phone, shocked by what had happened—his first brush with death during a live performance. He expressed deep sadness, having just been on stage talking with the band when everything erupted in chaos. He grieved for a bandmate who died.

Regarding bandmate Din, Prasert received word from friends that he is now reachable and still undergoing hospital treatment, contradicting earlier reports of his death. He plans to visit Din in the hospital.

Prasert said he felt devastated by the incident, which killed multiple people including 11 band members who had come to perform. He requested a break from live performances due to emotional distress.

Prasert also revealed that the owner or partner confirmed being in the venue during the fire and removed his shirt and pants to help extinguish flames for customers. The owner then ran outside in pain. As of Prasert's statement, no one had contacted him about damages or medical costs, as he had left around 5 a.m. and was questioned by Phaholyothin police station later that evening.

Prasert noted that bandmate Kwang, a keyboard player and air force officer, was planning to quit music at month's end, but the fire has left him without the will to perform, saying his mental state is not strong enough.

Guitar player Maitri from the band disclosed that he had performed at the venue for years and noted recurring electrical problems—lights flickering and cutting out frequently. However, he deferred questions about maintenance to the owner. He described the owner as a kind-hearted, well-intentioned person who cared for staff and was strict about security, prohibiting weapons and requiring smoking to occur outside the venue.

On the night of the fire, with approximately 100 customers in the venue, Maitri detected a burning smell during the set. Soon after, smoke appeared from above, the electrical system short-circuited, and people screamed. He quickly exited before the major fire erupted, shocked that band members suffered injuries and death. He acknowledged the inherent risk in his profession, noting that performers never know the safety conditions of each venue they work.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

LPP Appoints BOOK UP to Manage Vimana Sukhumvit-Bearing Luxury Homes

LPP Property Management's BOOK UP division has been appointed to manage sales and marketing for Vimana Sukhumvit-Bearing, a luxury residential project near Sri Bearing MRT Station with units starting at 13.9 million baht.

LPP Appoints BOOK UP to Manage Vimana Sukhumvit-Bearing Luxury Homes
2d ago Khaosod

LPP Property Management has expanded its real estate sales operations after BOOK UP, its sales and marketing division, signed a cooperation agreement with Welti Property to manage sales and comprehensive marketing strategy for the Vimana Sukhumvit-Bearing project, a luxury low-rise residential development with prices starting at 13.9 million baht.

On July 13, Somsri Techakaisiree, managing director of LPP Property Management, announced that BOOK UP has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Welti Property, the developer of the Vimana Sukhumvit-Bearing project, to oversee all sales management and comprehensive marketing strategy. The project is strategically located in the Sukhumvit-Bearing area, just 640 meters from Sri Bearing MRT Station, featuring 33 luxury low-rise residential units including twin houses and townhomes with usable areas ranging from 220 to 385 square meters. Designed under a private design concept emphasizing privacy and quality family living, units are ready for immediate occupancy.

Somsri stated that Welti Property's trust in BOOK UP confirms the division's expertise across all dimensions of real estate marketing and sales, including project analysis, sales planning, and comprehensive multi-channel marketing communications. She noted this reflects confidence in LPP's professional team and over 30 years of accumulated expertise.

Welti Property president Kritika Chaiwilai expressed confidence in BOOK UP's capabilities in sales management, market analysis, and strategic marketing planning, which will drive the efficient delivery of Vimana Sukhumvit-Bearing to the target customer base.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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