Thailand Celebrates First Day of Marriage Equality with 1,832 Couple Registers

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January 24, 2025 12:48 am

BANGKOK — Thailand marked a historic milestone as 1,832 same-sex couples registered their marriages nationwide on January 23, 2025, the first day of the Marriage Equality Act implementation. According to Naruemit Pride Co., Ltd., organizers of Bangkok Pride, the registrations included 616 male couples, 1,216 female couples, and 960 male-female couples. Bangkok alone recorded 654 registrations across its districts.

At Siam Paragon’s Marriage Equality Day celebration, 185 couples registered their marriages. The event attracted LGBTQ+ couples, Thai celebrities, and diplomatic representatives, including officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, representing Taiwan, Asia’s first territory to legalize marriage equality.

marriage equal1 — A just-married couple from the LGBTQ+ community walks on rainbow carpet at Siam Paragon in Bangkok on Jan. 23, 2025, on the first day a law took effect granting them the same rights as male-female couples. (KHAOSOD Photo/Jadesarit Chayathadathanasakul)

Thailand has become the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan (2019) and Nepal (2023), and the first in Southeast Asia. The Marriage Equality Act took effect on January 23, 2025, allowing LGBTQ+ couples to register their marriages with full legal rights and protections.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, sent a video message celebrating this milestone. She thanked former PM Srettha Thavisin, parliament members from both government and opposition parties, senators, media, and LGBTQ+ activists for their contributions to passing the law.

Former PM Srettha Thavisin, speaking at the event, emphasized Thailand’s inclusivity, contrasting it with recent statements from another country’s leader who recognized only two genders. He noted that despite Thailand’s smaller economy, its “heart is bigger.” He also apologized to an elderly couple, aged 63 and 78, acknowledging the long wait for marriage equality, stating “Better late than never.”

marriage equal2 — Former PM Srettha Thavisin presides over same-sex marriage celebrations at Siam Paragon shopping mall on January 23, 2025, the first day of the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand – the first in Southeast Asia. (KHAOSOD Photo/Jadesarit Chayathadathanasakul)

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt pledged continued support for the law’s implementation and celebrated Thailand’s diversity. “The significance goes beyond marriage equality – it reflects the spirit of embracing everyone, including those of diverse genders, beliefs, and religions. This is Thailand’s strength – creating a safe space for all. Thank you to everyone who helped push this forward, making Bangkok a more livable city,” he said.

The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia welcomed the act, which ensures equal rights for all couples regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, including medical care, property, inheritance, taxation, and adoption rights.

marriage equal4 — 23 LGBTQ+ couples travel by SRT Royal Blossom train from Bangkok to Hua Hin for “Hua Hin Grand Inter Pride 2025” marriage registration ceremony on January 23, 2025.

The law also raises the legal marriage age to eighteen, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. While celebrating this progress, the UN encouraged Thailand to further advance equality through anti-discrimination and gender recognition legislation, noting that LGBTI+ individuals still face discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare.

Ploynapat Jirasukorn, 33, and Kwanporn Kongphet, 32, who became the first same-sex couple to register their marriage in Bangkok stated that they aim to advocate for expanded LGBTQ+ rights, including adoption and title prefix options that are not yet fully covered under current legislation.

Kwanporn Kongpetch, left, and Ploynaplus Chirasukon from the LGBTQ+ community show their marriage certificates after the Marriage Equality Act took effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

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Thailand Signs Historic FTA with European Free Trade Association

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Khaosod English

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January 23, 2025 10:19 pm

fta — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shakes hands with Liechtenstein's Foreign Affairs Minister Dominique Hasler during the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2025.

DAVOS — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the signing ceremony of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Davos, Switzerland.

The agreement, Thailand’s first FTA under the current government, was signed with EFTA member states Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Key signatories included Swiss Vice President and Minister of Economy Guy Parmelin, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth, Liechtenstein’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique Hasler, and Iceland’s Permanent Secretary of State Martin Eyjolfsson.

thai EFTA1 — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the signing ceremony of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 23, 2025.

thai EFTA2 — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra poses for a group photo with EFTA representatives after the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2025.

The FTA aims to strengthen economic ties and promote cooperation in advanced technology, human capital development, SME support, and sustainable development between Thailand and EFTA nations.

Commerce Minister Pichai called it a milestone marking Thailand’s return to global trade negotiations after a 10-year hiatus. The deal was concluded within three months under PM Paetongtarn’s government.

The agreement is expected to boost trade and investment between Thailand and EFTA nations, with particular focus on advanced technology, AI, and data centers. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $11.8 billion, representing 1.94% of Thailand’s global trade volume.

thai EFTA3 — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra watches as Commerce Minister Pichai Naripathaphun (left) signs Thailand’s first European free trade agreement with EFTA nations in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2025.

Key Thai exports to EFTA include gems, jewelry, watches, seafood products, and electrical components. Major imports comprise medical products, machinery, and scientific equipment.

The FTA requires parliamentary approval and regulatory adjustments, with implementation expected within one year. The commerce ministry will conduct public hearings before submitting the agreement to parliament.

Minister Pichai projected significant investment growth, citing over 1 trillion baht in foreign investment last year. He emphasized this agreement could pave the way for future FTAs with the EU and UAE.

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Saudi Crown Prince Says Kingdom Intends to Invest $600 Billion in US During Call with Trump

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Associated Press

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January 23, 2025 8:43 pm

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s crown prince said Thursday the kingdom wants to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years, comments that came after President Donald Trump earlier put a price tag on returning to the kingdom as his first foreign trip.

Trump’s 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia upended a tradition of U.S. presidents first heading to the United Kingdom as their first trip abroad. It also underscored his administration’s close ties to the rulers of the oil-rich Gulf states as his eponymous real estate company has pursued deals across the region as well.

The comments from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reported early Thursday by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, came in a phone call with Trump.

“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of $600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the report said.

The readout did not elaborate on where those investments and trade could be placed. The U.S. in recent years has increasingly pulled away from relying on Saudi oil exports, which once was the bedrock of their relationship for decades. Saudi sovereign wealth funds have taken large stakes in American businesses while also looking at sports as well.

Saudi Arabia does, however, rely predominantly on U.S.-made weapons and defense systems, which could be a part of the investment.

There was no immediate readout from the White House on the call. It also wasn’t immediately clear if Trump’s call with the crown prince was his first with a foreign leader since re-entering the White House. However, it was the first reported abroad.

The crown prince, the de facto ruler of the oil-rich kingdom, also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio early Thursday.

On Monday after his inauguration, Trump talked about possibly heading to the kingdom again as his first foreign trip, like he did in 2017.

“The first foreign trip typically has been with the U.K. but … I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our products,” Trump told journalists in the Oval Office. “If Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another $450 billion or $500 — we’ll up it for all the inflation — I think I’d probably go.”

The 2017 visit to the kingdom set in motion a yearslong boycott of Qatar by four Arab nations, including the kingdom.

Trump maintained close relations with Saudi Arabia, even after Prince Mohammed was implicated in the 2018 killing and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. The kingdom also had been talking for years with the Biden administration about a wider deal to diplomatically recognize Israel in exchange for U.S. defense protections and other support.

The $600 billion pledge, which dwarves the gross domestic product of many nations, also comes as the kingdom faces budgetary pressures of its own. Global oil prices remain depressed years after the height of the coronavirus pandemic, affecting the kingdom’s revenues.

Meanwhile, Prince Mohammed also wants to continue his $500 billion project at NEOM, a new city in Saudi Arabia’s western desert on the Red Sea. It also will need to build tens of billions of dollars’ worth of new stadiums and infrastructure ahead of it hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

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Used Car Dealer Arrested for Hiring Myanmar Workers to Run Live Sales

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Khaosod English

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January 23, 2025 3:29 pm

used car myanmar1 — Immigration and local police inspect a used car dealership in Wai Niao subdistrict, Tha Maka district, Kanchanaburi province on January 22, 2025.

KANCHANABURI — Immigration police in Kanchanaburi province arrested a used car dealership owner for illegally employing five Myanmar nationals to conduct Facebook Live sales sessions, offering them sales commissions to attract Myanmar customers.

The arrest occurred on January 22 after surveillance by Kanchanaburi Immigration officers revealed suspicious Facebook Live streaming activities at a dealership in Wai Niao subdistrict, Tha Maka district. Police Colonel Korn Somkhanae led the joint operation with local police.

used car myanmar2 — Five Myanmar workers arrested at a used car dealership in Wai Niao subdistrict, Tha Maka district, Kanchanaburi province on January 22, 2025 for working beyond their permitted rights.

Upon inspection, officers found one worker actively livestreaming vehicle sales. The owner, identified only as “Ni,” admitted to hiring the undocumented Myanmar workers aged 25-35 years old. She explained her business struggled to attract Thai customers, leading her to employ Myanmar nationals to target buyers from their community through social media.

The workers received regular salaries plus commission incentives of 2,000-3,000 baht per vehicle sold. They used personal mobile phones to conduct Facebook Live sessions in Burmese language, specifically targeting Myanmar viewers.

Ni faces legal charges under the Foreign Workers Management Emergency Decree for employing undocumented foreign workers. The five Myanmar nationals were charged with working beyond their permitted rights. The case is being processed at Tha Maka Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Two Hong Kong Murder Suspects Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport

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Khaosod English

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January 23, 2025 12:18 pm

hong kong suspects — Immigration authorities apprehend two Hong Kong nationals wanted for murder at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Jan. 23, 2025.

SUVARNABHUMI — Immigration authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport apprehended two Hong Kong nationals wanted for murder on January 22, 2025. The suspects, Mr. Yau Shu-ko Enoch and Mr. Shimeobi Chinedu Nelson, both 21, were arrested following an Interpol alert.

The pair allegedly committed the murder around 5:30 a.m. on January 22 in Hong Kong before attempting to flee to Thailand. Thai Immigration Police, acting on intelligence from international law enforcement, intercepted the suspects upon their arrival on Cathay Pacific flight CX701 at approximately 6:40 p.m.

Police Major General Choengron Rimpadi, Commander of Immigration Division 2, confirmed the suspects were detained at the airport gate. They were denied entry under Thailand’s Immigration Act and transferred to the airport’s detention facility.

hong kong suspects2 — CCTV footages show a violent attack in Yuen Long, near Hi Yip Factory Building on Wang Yip Street West, Hong Kong on Jan. 22, 2025.

Hong Kong Police escort the suspects back to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific flight CX618, departing at 1:05 p.m. on January 23.

The arrests are connected to a violent attack in Yuen Long earlier that day. According to the South China Morning Post, a group of seven to eight assailants attacked two men near Hi Yip Factory Building on Wang Yip Street West. The attackers fled in four vehicles toward Hi Yip Street after the assault.

One victim, age 24, sustained arm and leg injuries and was pronounced dead at 6:38 a.m. at Pok Oi Hospital. The second victim, age 28, suffered back injuries and was treated at Tuen Mun Hospital. He reported the incident to police.

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LGBTQ+ Couples in Thailand Register Their Marriages on the First Day of Law Giving Them Equal Status

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Associated Press

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January 23, 2025 10:09 am

CHALIDA EKVITTHAYAVECHNUKU, BANGKOK — Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand are expected to make their wedded status legal Thursday, the first day a law took effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples.

The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.

Marriage registration is customarily done at district offices, but on Thursday, around 300 couples are expected to complete the formalities at a daylong gala celebration in an exhibition hall at a shopping mall in central Bangkok. Hundreds more are predicted to register in less fancy circumstances around the country.

The marriage equality bill, which sailed through both houses of parliament, amended the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners.” It is supposed to open up access to full legal, financial and medical rights for LGBTQ+ couples.

AP25023071033153 — A couple from the LGBTQ+ community wait to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Partners will have equal rights and responsibilities in dealing with joint assets, tax obligations and deductions, inheritance rights and survivor benefits.

Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, and thousands of people from around the world attend the annual Bangkok Pride parade. But rights advocates have struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law in a largely conservative society where members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life, although they note that things have improved greatly in recent years.

Couples interviewed earlier this month by The Associated Press expressed happiness with the new law, even those already settled in contented long-term relationships.

“The enforcement of the marriage equality law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law,” said Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, a real estate owner whose partner is Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, a chef. “It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other’s human values and enabling everyone to live.”

AP25023067273037 — A couple from the LGBTQ+ community shows their marriage certificate in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

AP25023069930728 — Pisit Sirihirunchai, left, and Chanatip Sirihirunchai from the LGBTQ+ community show their marriage certificates after the Marriage Equality Act took effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Patherine Khunnares, 37, a web designer, said she and researcher Vivian Chullamon, 36, “have a supportive social circle, friends, and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage, it seems, isn’t everything that fulfills us emotionally..

“However, ultimately, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties. In the end, we aren’t asking for anything special — we just want a simple, happy family life.”

Bangkok’s city government has said that it organized workshops for staff of all its district offices who are in charge of handling marriage registration. They included lectures raising awareness about gender diversity and guidance on how to properly communicate with those who come for the service. The Interior Ministry has offered similar guidance.

“It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw,” Bangkok Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon said at one of the workshops earlier this month. “Society is ready. The law is getting ready. But the last piece of the jigsaw is the understanding from officials.”

ONE DYNASTY: Stars Light Up One Bangkok’s First Chinese New Year Show”

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MC Marketing

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January 23, 2025 9:33 am

One Bangkok, a new global lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok, ushers in the Year of the Snake with the spectacular ‘ONE DYNASTY Chinese New Year Celebration 2025.’ From now until 9 February 2025, experience an auspicious start to the Chinese New Year through a magnificent blend of rich Chinese culture and contemporary art. Marvel at the striking décor featuring modern interpretations of ancient Chinese art throughout One Bangkok, and enjoy exciting promotions. A spectacular show featuring five superstars and concerts by leading Thai stars will take place on 29 January 2025, at 7:00 PM at One Bangkok Park.

Palinee Kongchansiri, Chief Retail Officer of One Bangkok, said, “One Bangkok invites everyone to celebrate an auspicious Lunar New Year under the ’ONE DYNASTY’ theme, evoking the prosperity of ancient Chinese dynasties. From the gardens along Wireless and Rama IV Roads to the district’s retail zones, explore captivating art installations, including magnificent dragon and snake sculptures, a traditional bridge, vibrant lanterns, and the new 12-metre-tall ’Fountain Pavilion’ centerpiece at One Bangkok Park. This intricately decorated pavilion, designed in the style of an ancient Chinese water pavilion, is poised to be a new check-in spot in the heart of the city. As part of the ’Zodiac of Luck’ promotion, shoppers will receive an Ang Pao envelope set, bonus credit card points, and cash vouchers at One Bangkok Retail until 9 February 2025.”

One Bangkok is adorned with art installations, creating a festive Chinese New Year atmosphere. Highlights include:

One Dynasty Garden: Located in One Bangkok Park, this oasis evokes an earthly paradise in an Emperor’s garden, inspired by legendary Chinese landscapes. Visitors can take photos with the Flowery Dragon, a symbol of harmony, joy, and the celebration of life’s flourishing moments. This artwork represents the beauty of the cycles of life and the blossoming potential within us.
Boulevard Walking Street: One Bangkok Boulevard is a street of wishes, decorated with symbols of fortune and snakes in window displays, accompanied with illuminated lanterns representing hopes and dreams for the new year. The beautiful lighting arrangements aim to energise visitors at ONE DYNASTY with love, prosperity, and longevity.
The Treasure Box: At Wireless Park, this installation symbolises family bonds. Levitating bonsai, cloud paintings, and flying birds create a whimsical atmosphere over which families are able to and create new memories.
Dancing Snake Lights: At Parade Park, along Rama IV Road, the snake, central to this celebration, takes center stage in a stunning display of dance with profound meaning while symbolising power, prosperity, and unity.
The Twin Dragons: At The Storeys Square, encounter the twin dragons of the sky, gracefully dancing with the light of the morning sun and the night stars Their bodies intertwine to form the number “8,” a symbol of immortality and infinite wealth, echoing the tradition of walking under a dragon’s belly during dragon parades, believed to bring good fortune. This artistic piece invites everyone to step into a realm of boundless luck. Continuing to the Parade Square, witness a pair of dragons celebrating love, joyfully dancing amidst a vibrant garden of red camellias, which symbolise the knowledge of love. They bestow blessings upon visitors with magical fans, signifying the power to dispel unwanted things and draw in cherished wishes. The magnificent sculptures were designed by renowned artist, Yoon Phannapast Taychayathakool.

Don’t miss the highlight of the festivities: ’The Celebration of ONE DYNASTY,’ a unique performance inspired by the legend of the Four Celestial Animals (Sì Xiàng/四象) — the phoenix, white lion, black tortoise, and azure dragon—symbols of luck and prosperity in the Chinese culture. This spectacular show, taking place on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at 7:00 PM, features a large LED screen, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and over 150 performers, starring Baifern-Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul as Princess Luna, Offroad-Kantapon Jindataweephol as the Phoenix God, Daou- Pittaya Saechua as the White Lion God, Sky-Wongravee Nateetorn as the Black Tortoise God, and JJ-Kritsanapoom Pibulsonggram as the Azure Dragon, with costumes designed by renowned Thai designer Phakkaad-Prapakas Angsusingha. The grand finale includes mini-concerts by Daou-Pittaya and Offroad-Kantapon.

The festive fun continues from 29 January to 2 February 2025, with parades, lion dances, gifts of oranges depicting good fortune, auspicious pattern screen printing, and fortune cookie gachapon machines. Parades will be held on Wednesday, 29 January at 2:00 PM, and from Thursday, 30 January to Sunday, 2 February, three times daily (1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM).

Enjoy the ‘Zodiac of Luck’ promotion from now until 9 February 2025, with special privileges:

Free Set of Auspicious Ang Pao Envelopes: With a minimum purchase of THB 1,000 per receipt (limited to 1 set/person – total 1,000 sets).

Bonus Points: American Express card members receive 10 additional points with a minimum dining spend of THB 1,200 or shopping spend of THB 3,000 per receipt.
Lucky Zodiac Rewards: Spend according to the terms and conditions to receive cash vouchers. Spend THB 5,000, receive a THB 300 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 1,000 rewards); spend THB 50,000, receive a THB 2,000 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 500 rewards); spend THB 150,000, receive a THB 8,000 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 100 rewards); dine for THB 1,500, receive a THB 100 voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 3,000 rewards); dine for THB 5,000, receive a THB 300 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 1,000 rewards). Receipts must be issued on the same day as redemption. See more details on the One Bangkok Retail application or www.onebangkok.com.

One Bangkok Retail members enjoy additional perks: spend THB 888 on dining and receive free milk tea from NAIXUE or TP TEA (worth THB 120) plus 8 additional points (limited to 300 privileges); or shop for THB 88,888 and receive a THB 10,000 dining voucher plus 88 bonus points (limited to 100 privileges) from 20 January to 2 February 2025.

Many other special privileges are available from participating credit cards. For more details about activities and promotions, visit www.onebangkok.com.

Two Korean Admins of Online Gambling Websites Arrested in Udon Thani

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Khaosod English

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January 22, 2025 11:39 pm

UDON THANI — Thai Immigration Police have dismantled an illegal online gambling operation in Udon Thani, arresting two South Korean nationals who were using the northeastern Thai province as their base. The operation generated monthly revenues exceeding 4 billion Korean won (approximately $2.79 million).

Immigration officers in Udon Thani discovered the suspects were operating gambling websites named “Vinus Gaming” and “100d-1” from a rented house in Ban Luem district. Following surveillance and evidence gathering, authorities obtained a search warrant from the Udon Thani District Court and raided the property on January 22.

korean bet udon2 — The Korean suspects admit to working illegally on tourist visas, receiving monthly salaries between 80,000-100,000 baht ($2,360-$2,950).

The raid uncovered two South Korean men working as website administrators, managing backend systems and financial transactions. The operation primarily targeted South Korean customers through Telegram, accepting wagers in Korean won.

Both suspects admitted to working illegally on tourist visas, receiving monthly salaries between 80,000-100,000 baht ($2,360-$2,950). Police seized computers, mobile phones, and hardware tokens as evidence.

The suspects face charges of working without proper permits and operating illegal gambling services. The case highlights Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat transnational cyber gambling operations using the country as an operational base.

Illegal gambling operations typically concentrate in Thailand’s tourist hubs like Pattaya, Chonburi, and Bangkok. Stricter enforcement has pushed these operations to less monitored areas like Udon Thani. The suspects were charged with illegal employment. Officials are working with the South Korean Embassy on the case.

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Thai Singer’s Scandal Case Sparks Fresh Debate on Thailand’s 112 Law

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Khaosod English

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January 22, 2025 8:19 pm

BANGKOK — Lèse-majesté, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes defamation of the Thai royal family, has unexpectedly returned to public discourse in Thailand. Surprisingly, this is not due to political activism, but to a scandal involving a famous Thai singer, Apiwat “Stamp” Ueathawornsuk, who was accused of infidelity.

What began as a personal matter developed into a legal battle between the singer and a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair. The controversy escalated when the singer’s wife filed a lawsuit against the third party, “Jam”. The case was settled in court and Jam agreed to pay 1 million baht in damages to the singer’s wife.

However, two further lawsuits brought by the singer against Jam and her boyfriend for intimidation, defamation and causing public nuisance were later withdrawn. The singer claimed he had been threatened by Jam’s father who is a retired military officer. The threats included the possibility of suing the singer under Section 112, citing some of the private chats exchanged between the singer and Jam via the LINE application. The singer expressed fears that this could lead to imprisonment under the lèse-majesté law.

112 ilaw2 — iLaw page presents information to answer the question: Can screenshotting chats lead to prosecution under Section 112 cases?

The public debate on this issue has intensified after the legal organization iLaw published information suggesting that private chat messages can indeed be used as evidence in 112 cases. They cited four examples of such cases, all of which took place under the military government installed after the 2014 coup. One defendant was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, while two others, although eventually acquitted, served more than three and a half years in prison during the trial.

iLaw also reported that during Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha’s tenure, strict enforcement of “all laws and all regulations” against political protesters has resulted in Section 112 being used more than ever before in history. Since the rise of youth-led protests in 2020, there have been 309 cases under Section 112.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged that Section 112 has long been used as a tool, but there are also cases of actual law violations that must go through the legal process. He emphasized that the current coalition government has pledged to ensure that the law is not abused in a way that could harm the country’s key institutions.

nolesemajeste26nov — Protesters hold up signs denouncing lese majeste law during a rally outside Siam Commercial Bank HQ in Bangkok on Nov. 25, 2020.

Parit Wacharasindhu, a list MP and spokesperson for the People’s Party, argued that the current law allows anyone to file a case under Section 112, increasing the risk of misuse for personal disputes. Even if the alleged actions are ultimately found not to be violations, defendants must endure lengthy court proceedings, which costs time and resources. He called for stricter filter mechanisms to prevent abuse of the law.

On January 22, Colonel Thitirat Sombatsiri, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, said they had contacted the retired general involved in the controversy. The general, who retired 5–6 years ago, clarified that it was a personal matter that he and his family had to resolve and emphasized that he did not want the matter to affect the army. He has instructed a lawyer to deal with the matter.

Col. Thitirat also pointed out that the singer, Stamp Apiwat, has not lodged any complaints with the army. Since the general in question is retired, the army is not involved in the matter.

army presenter — Colonel Thitirat Sombatsiri, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army (center)

Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen, a lawyer from the Human Rights Lawyers Center, explained that while threatening legal action is not technically considered intimidation under the law, the psychological impact on those who receive such threats can vary significantly.

“The fact that these threats created enough fear to make Stamp refrain from exercising certain rights demonstrates how Thailand’s lèse-majesté law affects more than just political activists,” Poonsuk said. “It creates a chilling effect on the exercise of rights and freedoms, expanding the territory of fear into other areas, even when the root cause stems from personal conflicts.

Meanwhile, many people in the music and entertainment industry have posted comments saying that while Stamp Apiwat’s relationship case with another woman is one matter, no one should be threatened or framed with Section 112 cases, and no one should use this issue to silence others.

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NT Joins PTC’25 to Boost Thai Digital Economy

By

MC Marketing

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January 22, 2025 5:22 pm

National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) is enhancing its international presence by actively participating in the Pacific Telecommunications Council 2025 (PTC’25). This prestigious global telecommunications conference brings together industry leaders and experts from across the globe. It is scheduled to take place in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, from January 19-22, 2025.

This year, NT’s delegation is led by Mr. Seksan Mitkasem, Senior Executive Vice President – Customer and Marketing; Mr. Apichart Sawankhonthorn, Executive Vice President – Transmission Group; and Ms. Ubonpun Chuenchom, Vice President, Carrier Business Service. The delegation’s participation aims to reinforce international partnerships, broaden business networks, and explore strategic alliances. Key areas of focus include advancing telecommunications infrastructure and developing data centers to meet the growing digital demands both regionally and globally, while strategically positioning for the realization of a fully integrated digital economy in the future.

The Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) is a nonprofit organization established to promote the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT), with a focus on the professional development of senior executives across the Asia-Pacific region. The annual PTC conference serves as a premier platform for bringing together ICT leaders from around the globe, particularly those holding influential roles in industries such as Global Service Providers, Subsea Cable Suppliers, Satellite Providers, Data Center Operators, and MNOs/MVNOs.

PTC’25 is anticipated to attract over 5,000 participants from around the world. The conference will focus on key topics including the development of sustainable digital infrastructure, the expansion of business opportunities through cutting-edge technologies, and the enhancement of global communications networks. These critical discussions aim to equip the industry with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the emerging challenges in the digital age.

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