At 21, Thai star ‘Fourth’ named Louis Vuitton Friend of House

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17 June 2026, 16:02

At 21, Thai star ‘Fourth’ named Louis Vuitton Friend of House

BANGKOK — 17 June 2026, “Fourth” Nattawat Jirochtikul, a Thai actor and artist under GMMTV, a leading Thai entertainment company for teen audiences and the younger generation, has been appointed the latest Friend of the House for Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury brand by sales.

Louis Vuitton announced Fourth’s appointment ahead of the upcoming Paris Men’s Fashion Week, where he is set to attend the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collection. Over the past several years, Fourth has built a relationship with the brand by attending major events in Bangkok and travelling to Paris twice in succession as a guest of the men’s fashion shows for the Spring/Summer 2026 and Fall/Winter 2026 collections.

The appointment marks another milestone for Thai talent on the global fashion stage.

The journey between Fourth and Louis Vuitton did not happen overnight. Rather, the relationship has gradually developed through continuous collaborations. Fourth fully stepped into the fashion world of Louis Vuitton last year before being invited to attend Paris Men’s Fashion Week twice in a row. This year’s trip to Paris will be his third journey with the brand and his first under the official title of Friend of the House.

The appointment also makes the 21-year-old the first actor and artist from GMMTV to receive the title of Friend of the House from Louis Vuitton, a brand known for its highly selective appointment process and limited number of representatives in each country. It reflects his growing presence on the international fashion stage and underscores the increasing influence of a new generation of Thai artists in the global luxury industry.

Previously, “Yaya” Urassaya Sperbund became the first Thai national to be named a Friend of the House for Louis Vuitton in 2018 before being elevated to the brand’s first Thai House Ambassador in August 2023. She was followed by “BamBam” Kunpimook Bhuwakul of K-pop group GOT7, who was appointed House Ambassador in February 2024, and “Lisa” Lalisa Manobal, who joined as a House Ambassador in July of the same year.

Fourth’s appointment makes him the latest Thai figure to be selected by Louis Vuitton. To date, only a handful of individuals from Thailand have held official roles with the French luxury house, further highlighting the increasingly prominent role of Thai talent in the global fashion industry.

Princess Sirivannavari thanks Chula Hospital staff for care of Queen Sirikit, Princess Bha

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17 June 2026, 15:56

BANGKOK — 17 June 2026, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana has sent a letter to the director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, thanking doctors, nurses, and all staff for their care of two senior royal family members who died after treatment at the facility.

In the letter, the princess wrote as a family member of patients, expressing gratitude to medical staff across all departments — both those seen by patients and those working behind the scenes — for their time, physical and emotional effort, patience, and understanding.

“The small hopes and the fighting spirit of every doctor and nurse at Chula Hospital — as a family member, I am deeply grateful,” she wrote. “Thank you sincerely from the heart.”

She acknowledged that the past three years had been difficult for medical staff and family alike, and thanked the hospital for caring for “Grandma” — a reference to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother — describing the care as the best possible under the circumstances.

The princess also thanked staff for their dedication to Princess Bajrakitiyabha, her elder sister.

She closed by wishing all staff good health and happiness, and urged them to continue serving the public with the same devotion.

“Love Chula Hospital very much. I know everyone is exhausted and hasn’t slept — thank you,” she wrote.

Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha had both received treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital before their deaths.

Ginger cat steals spotlight during ‘Romeo and Juliet’ ballet in Turkey

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17 June 2026, 14:53

Ginger cat steals spotlight during ‘Romeo and Juliet’ ballet in Turkey

IZMIR, Turkey — 17 June 2026, a ballet performance of Romeo and Juliet in the Turkish city of Izmir has gone viral after an unexpected four-legged guest, an orange tabby cat, wandered onto the stage mid-performance during a crucial scene, stealing the spotlight from the lead performers and becoming the true star of the night.

The incident occurred during a performance by the Imperial Russian Ballet troupe during the production’s climax, shortly after Romeo’s death, one of the most emotional and sorrowful moments of the play. Instead of focusing on the tragedy unfolding on stage, the eyes of the entire audience were drawn to the furry guest, which calmly strolled onto the set.

A video clip shared by ballet company member Tanya Borger showed the cat heading straight towards the actor portraying Romeo, who was lying still on stage. The cat then casually lay down beside him as though it were a seasoned co-star in the scene.

The cuteness did not end there. After lying down for a moment, the feline stood up, sniffed Romeo’s head and playfully patted the actor’s hair with its paw. The innocent behaviour prompted smiles and laughter from the audience.

However, when Juliet dragged Romeo’s body away as required by the script, the cat appeared to lose interest in the leading man and decided to gracefully walk off, as if its mission on stage had been completed.

It then relocated to a table on stage and calmly sat and watched the remainder of the performance, resembling a VIP spectator with the most exclusive, up-close seat in the house that night.

Although it was not listed among the cast members, the furry performer received laughter and applause from the audience throughout the show and even joined the company for the final bow at the curtain call. It remains unclear how the cat managed to slip into the theatre, but one thing is certain: it had completely stolen the hearts of the entire audience.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo offers fans chance to become Moo Deng’s keeper for a day

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17 June 2026, 14:38

710739743_1297011692609334_2256488865401573204_n — Moo Deng

CHON BURI — Fans of Moo Deng, the viral pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, can now experience life as her keeper through a new hands-on programme that allows participants to clean her enclosure, prepare food and learn about her daily care.

The announcement was made by the Facebook page “Kha Moo and the Gang”, which is run by Moo Deng’s caretakers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Under the “Zoo Keeper Insight” activity, visitors will take part in tasks normally performed by zoo staff, including washing the pool, cleaning the enclosure and preparing Moo Deng’s favourite foods.

Organisers said Moo Deng will remain in a separate section of the enclosure while participants carry out the cleaning activities. After the work is completed, visitors will have an opportunity to take a selfie with the popular pygmy hippopotamus.

The programme also includes educational sessions on Moo Deng’s behaviour and daily life, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at animal care at the zoo. Each participant will receive a souvenir.

The activity is open to groups of up to four people, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years. The participation fee is 6,000 baht per group.

Bookings are now open for visits from now until September 2026 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province.

For more information, visitors can contact the zoo at 038-318444 or visit the “Khao Kheow Open Zoo Promotions” Facebook page.

Two men called to help stop dispute end up opening fire

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17 June 2026, 13:43

Two men called to help stop dispute end up opening fire

CHANTHABURI — 17 June 2026, in a near-repeat of the border patrol officer shooting involving motorcycle taxi riders, a man and his companion responded to a female friend’s plea to help stop a dispute, but one of the two men allegedly opened fire after they were swarmed, their motorcycle was vandalized, and he was provoked.

Pol. Lt. Ploypan Arunrat, the duty officer at Tha Mai Police Station, received a report of a shooting with injuries at around 21:15 on Tuesday at a house in Takad Ngao subdistrict, Tha Mai district. She rushed to the scene alongside rescue volunteers from the Sawang Katanyu Chanthaburi Rescue Foundation.

At the scene, authorities found two men wounded in the shooting: a 64-year-old man, Samnao (surname withheld), who suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg, and a 37-year-old man, Suwan (surname withheld), who was shot in his left arm. Both were immediately taken to Tha Mai Hospital for treatment by rescue workers.

An inspection discovered bloodstains splattered across the floor of the house and 10 spent .22-calibre shell casings scattered on the road in front of the residence. Officers documented the scene by taking photographs and marking the locations where the evidence was discovered to compile the case file.

Reporters stated that the incident began when Somjit, identified as Samnao’s wife, called 25-year-old Phairat (surname withheld), asking him to help after a dispute with her husband. Phairat arrived at the house with a 20-year-old friend, Kraisorn, intending to act as mediators, as requested. However, they allegedly found Somjit with injuries from an assault, leading to a heated verbal argument.

The situation escalated when Samnao and Suwan allegedly used knives to damage Phairat’s motorcycle. Feeling threatened and surrounded, Phairat lost his temper, allegedly drew a .22-calibre King Cobra USA pistol and fired one warning shot into the air. However, Samnao then allegedly challenged him to shoot, prompting the suspect to fire twice at the victims.

The chase continued onto the road in front of the house, where Phairat allegedly fired additional shots to prevent the victims from pursuing him before tossing the gun away and fleeing.

Meanwhile, the case has drawn comparisons to a high-profile viral social media incident involving a member of the Border Patrol Police who shot a group of motorcycle taxi riders, sparking debate over self-defence when confronted by a group. In this current instance, officers under the command of Pol. Col. Phollaphat Thammasanong, Superintendent of Tha Mai Police Station, later successfully arrested Phairat and Kraisorn and also seized the firearm and ammunition hidden in roadside bushes.

The inquiry officer has charged the suspects with attempted murder, unauthorized possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in a city, village, or public pathway openly or without reasonable cause, and discharging a firearm using explosives without justifiable reason.

Nevertheless, investigators must gather witness evidence and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine whether the circumstances constituted excessive self-defence or attempted murder, in accordance with subsequent legal procedures.

Chinese Ponzi scheme suspect arrested in Chiang Mai

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17 June 2026, 12:57

Chinese Ponzi scheme suspect arrested in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI — Thai police have arrested a 50-year-old Chinese national wanted in China for allegedly operating a fraudulent investment platform that authorities say functioned as a Ponzi scheme.

The suspect, identified only as Hou, was detained at a housing estate in Nong Pa Khrang subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, on 17 June after Thai immigration authorities revoked his permission to stay in the kingdom.

According to the Crime Suppression Division, Hou is wanted by the Taihu County Public Security Bureau in Anhui Province, China. Investigators allege he and associates established a company that operated a fake online investment platform to defraud investors.

The scheme allegedly promised investment returns while encouraging members to recruit new participants and build downline networks in exchange for commissions, a structure resembling a Ponzi scheme.

Chinese authorities said the organization used a three-tier management structure to expand its network, resulting in substantial financial losses for numerous victims.

After Chinese authorities launched an investigation and issued an arrest warrant, Hou allegedly fled abroad and later entered Thailand. Thai and Chinese authorities coordinated efforts to track him down before his arrest in Chiang Mai.

He has been transferred to Chiang Mai Immigration for detention and legal proceedings pending deportation to China, where he will face prosecution.

Family discovers 1.84 million baht hidden after father’s death

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17 June 2026, 10:44

Family discovers 1.84 million baht hidden after father’s death

UDON THANI — 17 June 2026, The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.

The discovery came after the death of In Saendong, 78, from Nong Tum village in Udon Thani province. Relatives found the cash while searching through a metal storage container he had used to keep tools and personal belongings.

Photos and videos of the discovery were later shared online, drawing widespread attention and prompting many social media users to praise the deceased for his thrift and financial discipline.

Daeng, 74, In’s wife of nearly 60 years, said she had no idea her husband had accumulated such a large amount of money.

She said In had always lived modestly and frequently told family members he had little money. Over the years, he had quietly saved money from inherited assets and the sale of cattle and buffalo.

“I never imagined he had saved this much,” she said.

In spent most of his life farming and raising cattle and buffalo. Family members described him as hardworking, frugal and reluctant to discuss money.

He fell ill about 20 days before his death after collapsing while carrying out community duties in the village. He received treatment in hospital before returning home, where he died on 13 June.

Following his death, Daeng and their two sons decided to inspect the storage box because she vaguely remembered her husband keeping money there.

When they opened it, they found stacks of banknotes totalling 1.84 million baht, along with a one-baht-weight gold necklace.

Daeng said she was overwhelmed by the discovery and described her late husband as “a model father”.

“He worked with his own hands all his life, farming and raising animals,” she said. “I never thought he had managed to save this much.”

Navin, 54, the couple’s eldest son, said his father had always taught his children to spend carefully and save whenever possible.

“He always told us to work hard, save what we could and not spend beyond our means,” he said. “We are proud of what he did for the family.”

Panni Chaiphim, 70, a fellow village health volunteer who worked alongside In for many years, described him as a respected member of the community known for his modest lifestyle and careful saving habits.

Family members said the money has since been deposited in a bank and will form part of the inheritance for the couple’s three children, who intend to use it to help care for their mother in the future.

Thai BL animation ‘Greatest Memory’ revival signals industry’s growing ambition

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17 June 2026, 10:16

Thai BL animation ‘Greatest Memory’ revival signals industry’s growing ambition

BANGKOK — A Thai creator who works under the pseudonym “Beerkuya” has revived the boys’ love (BL) animation Greatest Memory, releasing its first episode on Tuesday and drawing praise from fans who have waited more than a decade for its return.

The six- to seven-episode animated series follows Boyd, an ordinary office worker whose life changes after he meets Ohm, a man who comes to his aid on Bangkok’s Skytrain. Their encounter blossoms into a sweet romance set against familiar Thai backdrops, including local food, scenery and everyday locations that have delighted viewers.

Beerkuya, who said the project is a personal endeavour produced entirely alone, described the remake as being inspired by real-life events. The story is about someone who made Boyd’s heart swell and the whole world seem to stop turning.

The new version has been completely redrawn while retaining the original storyline from 11 years ago. It also introduces new characters and additional plot elements, while some characters from the earlier version have been removed. The remake promises modernised settings, replacing outdated references such as MSN with the messaging app LINE, and will include some romantic and mildly risqué scenes.

The remake had been in development for about five to six years since it was first announced. The animator acknowledged having considered abandoning the project because of the amount of time, energy and money involved in producing it.

For the remake, Beerkuya commissioned original music, hired voice actors and took part in promotional events, all while questioning whether the project would attract an audience.

Despite those doubts, the animator said completing Greatest Memory remained a long-held dream and a way to finally bring closure to a story that had remained unfinished for years. Beerkuya ultimately decided that the project would be worthwhile even if it were watched by only one person.

He also acknowledged the lengthy production process, particularly the time required to draw detailed backgrounds.

“If every scene had to be perfectly beautiful and packed with details, everyone might have to wait another 10 years,” he joked.

Fans have responded enthusiastically to the revival. One supporter said the animation had been a significant part of growing up.

“I feel like I grew up with it. I first watched it when I was only 17 and it inspired me to express myself. It may not be the best work for everyone, but for me it is special and feels like proof of my own growth,” the fan wrote in a reply.

He also thanked fans for continuing to support the project despite its long absence, saying that every comment and like, however few, had provided the encouragement needed to keep working until the animation was completed.

The project’s long gestation and largely one-person production effort also underscore the challenges facing independent animators in Thailand, where creators often rely on personal resources to develop original works.

Updates on Greatest Memory are shared through the project’s official Facebook page, Greatest Memory Official, as well as Beerkuya’s YouTube channel and the project’s X account, @GreatestMemory_.

Two soldiers killed after motorcycle hits army truck near Ta Muean Tod temple

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16 June 2026, 18:23

SURIN — 16 June 2026, Two Thai soldiers died on Tuesday after a motorcycle lost control on a curve and struck a military truck near Ta Mueang Tod temple ruins in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, according to the Suranari Task Force.

The accident occurred at around 10:50 on a bend close to the ancient temple, which sits near the Thai-Cambodian border.

The first soldier, Pte. Sittichai Wiangthum, a radio telephone operator stationed at a local military base, lost consciousness at the scene. He was rushed to Phanom Dong Rak Chalermphrakiat 80 Phansa Hospital, where doctors performed CPR, but he did not respond and was pronounced dead at 12:41.

The second soldier, Pte. Thattep Sidamat, a machine gunner at Sam Yaek base, was conscious when taken to hospital with abrasions and a swollen head. He was placed under observation in the emergency room, but his pulse weakened at around 13:30. Doctors performed CPR but were unable to save him. He died at 14:05.

Their unit has notified both families and arranged transport to the hospital and the accident site.

Military authorities are processing funeral arrangements and ensuring the families of both soldiers receive full entitlements, including welfare benefits and life insurance payouts, in accordance with official regulations.

Review: The Evil Lawyer – When justice isn’t black and white, and the courtroom isn’t reserved for good people

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16 June 2026, 16:48

Review: The Evil Lawyer – When justice isn’t black and white, and the courtroom isn’t reserved for good people

The Evil Lawyer, a new Thai legal drama series released on 11 June, is directed by Thai filmmaker Nottapon Boonprakob, known for screenwriting on SuckSeed and May Who?, co-directing and writing on One for the Road, and directing the Netflix series Mad Unicorn.

This time, he turns his attention to Thailand’s legal world through the story of Mek, an idealistic young lawyer who suddenly finds himself accused of murdering the son of a police officer. To clear his name, he is forced to team up with Jittri, a notoriously cunning attorney known for exploiting loopholes in the law. Together, they navigate a justice system where the answers are rarely black and white.

What stands out most is the series’ willingness to explore the grey areas of Thailand’s justice system. Through the eyes of legal professionals, it raises uncomfortable questions about morality, power, and justice, three forces that do not always move in the same direction.

Another standout aspect is the attention to detail in depicting courtroom proceedings and cross-examinations. It is clear that the creators have done extensive research, resulting in scenes that feel remarkably authentic without unnecessary dramatisation.

More importantly, the series reminds viewers that courtrooms are not bright, orderly or reassuring spaces, as they are sometimes portrayed in television dramas. Instead, they are spaces filled with tension, pressure, and fierce competition, where everyone fights for their own interests.

The performances are equally impressive. Not only do the lead actors deliver compelling performances, but supporting actors and even minor characters add to the sense of realism. Many of them genuinely resemble people one might encounter in Thailand’s legal profession.

The casting choices also deserve praise for going beyond the conventional standards of attractiveness often seen in Thai series. The character Seya, for example, presents a migrant worker in a way that feels natural and believable.

Visually, the series employs muted colours and subdued lighting, creating an atmosphere of discomfort and moral ambiguity that neatly complements its themes.

One of the series’ most striking achievements is its incorporation of cases reminiscent of real-life incidents that have shaken Thai society. These include the mysterious death of a young woman on a boat surrounded by influential figures, recalling the highly publicised case of actress Tangmo Nida, as well as references to abandoned infant remains in hospitals and devastating industrial fires. Such elements make the series feel as though it is addressing truths that reality itself often hesitates to confront directly.

The series is not without flaws. At times, the pacing moves too quickly, leaving viewers wondering whether they have missed something important. The ending also leaves several questions unresolved, walking a fine line between setting up a second season and intentionally allowing audiences to draw their own conclusions.

Rather than being entertaining in the conventional sense, The Evil Lawyer is emotionally unsettling. It leaves viewers feeling uncomfortable, disturbed, and even disgusted by certain aspects of reality. Episode five, in particular, featuring the cross-examination of a doctor accused of sexually assaulting a patient, is among the most distressing scenes in the series.

Credit must be given to actress Ying Rhatha Phongam, who portrays Jittri and reportedly contributed to the design of this sequence by avoiding rehearsals with the actress playing the victim beforehand. The result is a painfully raw and realistic scene, capturing the desperation of someone cornered into revealing the truth before the court.

The series also questions the failures of Thailand’s justice system by satirising sensationalist news talk shows that invite the public to judge social issues. It reflects a painful reality: many people no longer place enough trust in formal legal mechanisms and instead seek justice through public opinion, allowing society itself to become judge and jury.

A lawyer’s duty is to fight for the best interests of their client within the framework of the law, not to determine who deserves legal representation. In that regard, the series may help dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding the legal profession.

For viewers who enjoy heavy dramas, thrillers, and stories that challenge social norms, The Evil Lawyer is not to be missed. However, audiences should be prepared for numerous sensitive themes, including sexual violence, imbalances of power, and cases that society often chooses to ignore.

Another major strength is the space the series gives to female lawyers. While women make up a significant part of the legal profession in reality, patriarchal attitudes often cause them to be overlooked. This series demonstrates that certain issues become even more powerful when told through women’s perspectives and voices.

Its biggest drawback may also be one of its strengths: the series is packed with symbolism and subtext. Viewers who dislike interpretation and analysis may find it demanding and occasionally overwhelming. But for those who enjoy unpacking hidden meanings, The Evil Lawyer is filled with Easter eggs and narrative layers that make it worth revisiting to catch details that may have gone unnoticed the first time around.

However, it is also difficult not to feel a sense of missed opportunity. While Thailand’s media and film industry have begun pushing boundaries by producing series willing to confront moral grey areas and structural problems that are plainly visible in Thai society, these stories still rarely go all the way. Certain issues could have been explored more deeply and interrogated more forcefully, yet they seem to stop short for reasons that remain unclear.

That is not to say that The Evil Lawyer lacks impact. On the contrary, it is powerful enough to leave viewers uncomfortable, angry, and questioning the nature of justice in Thai society. At the same time, it raises another question: had this series not been released on a streaming platform, would it have retained the same level of quality and boldness in its storytelling? Or would much of its sharper commentary have been diluted, leaving behind little more than another conventional legal drama?

More than a legal thriller, The Evil Lawyer is an uncomfortable reflection of a society that is still struggling to define what justice truly means. By the end, it leaves behind a disturbing question: when the system fails, who gets to decide what justice looks like?

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