Illegal Bar Raided in Downtown Chiang Mai, 12 Undocumented Migrant Workers Arrested

Tourist Police raided a Chiang Mai bar and arrested 12 Myanmar workers whose permits didn't match their registered employers, violating work authorization rules.

23 May Khaosod

On May 23, 2025, as part of a crackdown on foreign-linked criminal activities, the Tourist Police conducted a raid on a bar and karaoke establishment in downtown Chiang Mai. Under the direction of Police Major General Olarb Iamprapphas, commander of Tourist Police Region 2, and Police Colonel Pison Truamdi, the investigation team led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Avirut Sukhaem, along with Chiang Phueak Police Station officers, inspected the venue. Officers discovered 12 Myanmar nationals employed as musicians and staff. Although all possessed valid work permits, the permits did not match the employers listed in their documentation, violating regulations requiring workers to notify the registrar of their employer and workplace within 15 days of employment. The raid followed complaints about excessive noise from the establishment and reports that it served as a hub for Myanmar migrant worker networks. According to preliminary investigation, the bar has been operating since the Songkran festival period, primarily serving Myanmar clients and migrant laborers, with a Thai manager overseeing operations. All suspects have been handed over to Chiang Phueak Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are currently tracking financial flows, employers, business owners, and capital backers involved in the operation.

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Police

Major Fire Engulfs Used Car Lot in Samut Sakhon, Nine Vehicles Destroyed

A fire destroyed three vehicles and damaged six others at a used car lot in Samut Sakhon on May 23, with the blaze believed to have started from faulty wiring or an engine spark in one of the parked cars.

23 May Khaosod

A fire broke out at a used car and motorcycle dealership lot in Samut Sakhon at approximately 7:30 PM on May 23, 2025. The facility, located in Soi U Preecha connecting Rama II and Ekkachai roads in Nadi subdistrict, Muang district, Samut Sakhon, received rapid response from fire brigades dispatched from Nadi municipal authorities and surrounding areas.

The tent-style lot contained numerous vehicles awaiting sale. Fortunately, the lot manager and staff managed to evacuate nearly all vehicles, except for three cars that were completely engulfed in flames—those parked at the rear of the lot. Six additional vehicles sustained minor damage, bringing total damage to nine vehicles. Firefighters controlled the blaze in approximately 30 minutes.

Initial investigation revealed the lot typically maintains a single overnight watchman. However, at the time of the fire, no one was present—the owner had returned to his residence about 30 minutes prior, and the watchman had stepped out for a meal with the gate securely locked. A nearby resident discovered the smoke and flames and immediately contacted police. The vehicles are used models operating on gasoline fuel.

A neighboring witness reported viewing security camera footage showing smoke gradually emerging from the front area under the hood of the middle parked vehicle before flames erupted, subsequently spreading to two adjacent vehicles.

Police will coordinate with forensic specialists to investigate the cause, though preliminary assessment suggests the fire may have originated from engine compartment systems or faulty wiring in the middle vehicle, possibly from an electrical spark.

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Police

Police Uncover 32 Nominee Firms, Arrest 22 Foreigners in Koh Phangan Land Scam

Police arrested 22 foreigners and shut down 32 nominee companies used to illegally control land and businesses on Koh Phangan in a major crackdown involving over 300 officers.

23 May The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Koh Phangan, Surat Thani – Thai National Police have ordered a sweeping second-phase operation against foreign nationals using Thai nominees to conceal illegal land ownership and business activities on Koh Phangan. The raid mobilized more than 300 officers to dismantle nominee structures across the island. The operation, dubbed “Nominee Crackdown Koh Phangan – Phase 2”, […] Police Uncover 32 Nominee Firms, Arrest 22 Foreigners in Koh Phangan Land Scam -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Regional

Phuket Businesses Back End of 60-Day Free Visa, Accept Short-Term Dip in Tourism

Phuket business leaders support ending the 60-day visa-free policy for foreign tourists, accepting a temporary drop in visitor numbers as they revert to country-specific 30-day entry rules.

23 May The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket — Private sector leaders in Phuket have voiced support for the government’s recent decision to abolish the 60-day free visa policy for 93 countries, reverting instead to country-specific rules that generally allow stays of around 30 days. Our previous story: The Thai Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for […] Phuket Businesses Back End of 60-Day Free Visa, Accept Short-Term Dip in Tourism -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Regional

Forestry Department Orders Urgent Demolition of Illegal Structures at Nui Beach

The Royal Forestry Department has ordered the removal of 11 illegal structures from a protected forest zone at Nui Beach in Phuket, with a deadline of June 5th, 2026.

23 May The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket- The Director-General of Thailand’s Royal Forestry Department has issued an urgent order mandating the removal of 11 unauthorized structures within the protected forest zone at Nui Beach, Phuket, by June 5th, 2026. Our previous story: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, led an inspection at Nui Beach in Karon, Phuket, following complaints […] Forestry Department Orders Urgent Demolition of Illegal Structures at Nui Beach -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Tragedy as 13-Year-Old Boy Drowns While Attempting to Rescue Struggling Friend

A 13-year-old boy drowned while attempting to rescue his 14-year-old friend who was struggling in strong currents at Tharuean Pier in Bangkok; both bodies were recovered after more than two hours of searching.

23 May Khaosod

A 13-year-old boy jumped into the water to rescue his 14-year-old female friend who was drowning, but was pulled under by her and both disappeared beneath the surface. Relatives lit incense at a shrine before the bodies were recovered.

At 5:00 PM on May 23, 2569, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiresak Srivauray, head of Tharuean Police Station, received a report of two children drowning near Tharuean Pier on Soi Kasetrat, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. He proceeded to investigate with divers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. At the private pier, a 15-year-old friend named Chatchai gave a statement that he, his friend Pho (13 years old, a first-year student at Nonthaburi Wittaya School), and friend Waep (14 years old) had come to swim at the pier. He and Pho could swim, but Waep could not.

Before the incident, he swam about 20 meters from the dock toward the shore, then Waep attempted to follow him. However, due to the strong current, Waep began to drown and called for help. When Pho saw this, he jumped in to rescue her, but Waep grabbed and pulled him under as well.

After learning of the incident, two teams of Ruamkatanyu Foundation divers took turns searching. Relatives of the children lit incense at a shrine asking to find them. After more than two hours, rescuers found both bodies locked in an embrace approximately 50 meters from the dock. The bodies were handed over to the foundation and sent to Siriraj Hospital's forensic medicine department for detailed examination.

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National

Dr. Joh Promotes Bangkok Studio Policy to Develop Vocational Schools and Create Jobs and Income for Bangkok Residents

Bangkok governor candidate Chaiyawat Sathawarwijit unveiled a "Bangkok Studio" plan to transform vocational schools into job-matching hubs that connect trainees with employers and boost resident income.

23 May Khaosod

On May 23, 2025, Chaiyawat Sathawarwijit, Bangkok governor candidate from the Prachathai Party, along with Ploy Telane, candidate for Bangkok Metropolitan Council in the Khlong Toei district, and Ratchanok Srinok, Prachathai party-list candidate, held an event titled "Bangkok Made Simple: Starting Fresh, It Should Be Easier" to discuss with residents how to make it easier for Bangkok people to access new skills, new jobs, and new work opportunities.

Chaiyawat stated that Bangkok should be a city that creates opportunities for people to grow and progress. While the city already has good vocational schools, he wants to improve them further by creating a system that connects people with new professions, jobs, opportunities, and increased income. His policy aims to upgrade Bangkok's vocational training centers into Bangkok Studio—something more than just a school. It will be a space where people can walk in, learn new skills, and find job opportunities. The system will connect employers seeking workers with specific skills to Bangkok Studio, where those skills can be developed.

Chaiyawat further explained that vocational centers must go beyond being training schools; they need to ensure that after graduation, graduates have increased income and can find employment. Opportunity is crucial for this city, which has not created enough opportunities for its people in the past. This is the foundation of the Prachathai Party's policy to provide more opportunities for residents.

Ratchanok stated that the Prachathai Party believes Bangkok can create jobs, careers, and increase income for its people. Grassroots residents frequently ask party representatives and council candidates how to increase their income. She added that the Prachathai Party previously implemented policies on public transportation, early childhood development centers, and educational system improvements to help reduce living costs for Bangkok residents. The policy to create 200,000 new jobs within four years, along with the Bangkok Studio initiative, will elevate Bangkok's vocational training centers to new heights, making life simpler and easier for Bangkok residents under a Prachathai-backed governor.

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Police

Two Students Granted Bail of 50,000 Baht Each in High-Speed Crash Case Against Traffic Police

Two university students were released on 50,000-baht bail each after a vehicle struck a traffic police officer at a checkpoint in Bangkok on May 22, seriously injuring him during a reckless driving incident.

23 May Khaosod

Phra Khanong Criminal Court has approved temporary release for two 20-year-old university students on bail of 50,000 baht each in connection with a reckless driving incident at a police checkpoint. The incident occurred early morning on May 22, when a vehicle struck Deputy Traffic Sergeant Tharn of Bang Na Police Station, seriously injuring him while on duty. The first suspect, Thanabat Yotwut, 20, faces charges of jointly possessing firearms and ammunition without authorization, unlawfully transporting weapons through residential and public areas without justification, and negligence causing serious bodily injury to another person. The second suspect, Akkarawin Duangphet, 20, faces charges of jointly possessing firearms and ammunition without authorization and unlawfully transporting weapons through residential and public areas without justification. Following the bail hearing, the families of both suspects filed release requests with Phra Khanong Criminal Court. The court approved temporary release for both suspects through the investigation and examination phases, setting bail at 50,000 baht each with a signed bond agreement and a penalty of 50,000 baht for breach. The suspects must report to court on July 10 as scheduled, with the families providing cash as collateral and executing the bail bond.

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Police

Indian Man Arrested on Koh Phangan for Posting Gun-Toting Videos on Social Media, Found Dealing Drugs at Parties

Indian national arrested on Koh Phangan after posting armed videos on social media while dealing drugs at parties; police seized methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine and a firearm from his residence.

23 May Khaosod

Region 8 Police conducted a raid and arrested an audacious Indian national on Koh Phangan who had been posting gun-wielding videos on social media while allegedly dealing drugs at parties. The case originated from videos showing a foreigner displaying and firing both long and short weapons with evidence of target practice. On May 23, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma authorized the operation, with Pol. Col. Naphsil Poolsawadi and Pol. Col. Sitthichai Logkampal mobilizing officers led by Pol. Maj. Prawit Engchuean to arrest Mr. Shabeelkunnon Valappil, a 33-year-old Indian national, at his residence in Moo 1, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani province.

Valappil was charged with overstaying his visa. Police seized crystal methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and a firearm, along with a second suspect and additional drug paraphernalia. The investigation began on May 13 when police launched an operation targeting foreign networks using Thai nominees as front companies in Koh Phangan. Local residents provided information about a foreigner with reckless behavior who dealt drugs in the durian orchard area of Moo 2, Ban Tai subdistrict, and frequently fired weapons at his residence.

When officers arrived at the location on May 23, they found three houses. The homeowner reported Valappil was outside and returning shortly. When Valappil arrived on a motorcycle, police revealed their identities. He attempted to flee but officers subdued him. A search of Valappil's person uncovered nine bags of drugs and an aluminum tube in his left pants pocket, plus a drug-measuring spoon hidden in a pink bag. Investigators discovered his affinity for firearms through photos with both short and long weapons, evidence of shooting practice including shell casings and target marks, and involvement in drug distribution on Koh Samui. An examination of his mobile phone revealed images of various drugs with clearly marked prices. The suspect was transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.

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National

PM Assures Thai Expats in Paris: Border Gates Will Not Open, Warns UNESCO to Inspect Thai Territory if Cambodia Requests World Heritage Survey

Thai PM Anutin vowed during a Paris visit that Thailand will never surrender territory to Cambodia, warning UNESCO to inspect Thai border areas if the neighboring country requests surveys of damaged heritage sites.

23 May Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over Buddhist merit-making ceremonies at the International Buddhist Temple in Paris on May 23, 2025, to honor the late Queen Ramphai Barni. During informal talks with Thai expatriates, the PM responded to questions about border tensions by pledging that Thailand would never allow anyone to encroach, threaten, or take advantage of Thai territory.

Anutin revealed that he had discussed the matter with UNESCO's director-general the previous day, stating that should Cambodia request inspections of world heritage temples damaged by Thai-Cambodian border clashes, UNESCO must also inspect the Thai border area to ensure complete and accurate information.

The PM described the Paris visit as part of efforts to strengthen Thai-French diplomatic relations on the occasion of 170 years of bilateral ties. This marks the first time four deputy prime ministers have accompanied the PM on a single official visit to France: Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anucha Nakasai, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supachaya Sutthammaphan, and Deputy PM and Science Minister Yothin Wongsawat.

Anutin invited Thai expatriates to visit Thailand, which he said has improved significantly with better quality of life. He also called on Thais abroad to serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Thai identity and building Thailand's positive international image.

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Regional

Pattani Advances to Thai League After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Nongbua

Pattani FC secured their first-ever promotion to Thailand's top division after defeating Nongbua Pitchaya on penalties in a League 2 playoff final, winning 5-4 in the shootout after the aggregate score remained 3-3.

23 May Khaosod

In the BYD SEAL 5 League 2 2025-26 season playoff finals second leg, Pattani FC hosted Nongbua Pitchaya FC at Pattani Provincial Organization Stadium (Rainbow Stadium) to battle for the final promotion spot to Thai League. In the first leg on May 16, Nongbua secured a 2-1 home victory, giving them the advantage. Pattani needed to win by at least two goals in this match to claim their first-ever promotion to the top division. In the end, Pattani FC defeated Nongbua Pitchaya FC 2-1 in regulation time, with goals from Marlon da Silva in the 24th minute for the hosts and Chakrawut Songma in the 45+5th minute for visitors. The two-leg aggregate remained tied 3-3, forcing 30 minutes of extra time with no additional scoring. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Pattani converted five penalties to Nongbua's four, securing the final promotion ticket to Thai League for the 2026-27 season in a historic moment for the club.

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