SURAT THANI — 30 January 2024, Two women have been arrested for selling illegal drugs to tourists during the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, provincial police said.
The arrests were made at the forward operations centre of the Surat Thani Provincial Police Investigation Division in Moo 6, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Koh Phangan district. The operation was ordered by Surat Thani provincial police chief Maj. Gen. Suwat Suksri, along with senior provincial and local police commanders.
Pol. Lt. Col. Charoenchai Boonkliang of the provincial investigation unit led a special operations team that arrested the two suspects and seized drugs as evidence.
Charoenchai said Maj. Gen. Suwat had stressed the importance of cracking down on narcotics on Koh Phangan, a major tourist destination, particularly during the Full Moon Party. Authorities aimed to prevent drug trafficking between Thai nationals and foreign tourists, as well as sales among foreigners and to local residents.
The first suspect, identified as Prakaiporn “If” Anupradit, 31, from Udon Thani province, was arrested outside a house in Ban Tai subdistrict. Police seized 0.05 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 16 methamphetamine tablets. She confessed to the offences and was handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan police station. She was charged with illegal possession of Category 1 narcotics, illegal drug use and driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
The second suspect, Wanvisak “Phueng” Pengcharoen, 28, a Koh Phangan resident, was arrested at an unnumbered hut in Moo 2 of the same subdistrict. Police seized 1.21 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 56 methamphetamine tablets. She also confessed and was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics for sale, drug trafficking causing the spread of narcotics among the public, illegal possession of crystal methamphetamine and illegal drug use.
Police said the operation was carried out in line with national police policy and directives from Region 8 Provincial Police, focusing on drug offences, illegal weapons, explosives, influential figures and all forms of crime.
PHUKET — 30 January 2026, A group of foreign tourists were seen engaging in dangerous behaviour on a moving tuk-tuk in Phuket, sparking safety concerns and calls for police action after a video circulated widely on social media.
The 19-second clip was posted by the Facebook page Newshawk Phuket, showing the incident in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, at about 01:00.
The video shows a yellow tuk-tuk carrying several tourists behaving recklessly: one person lies face down on the roof, another stands dancing on the left side of the vehicle, while two others lean out from the right side with their heads outside the cabin.
The group appeared unconcerned about their own safety or that of other road users, alarming witnesses who saw the vehicle travelling through the area.
Following the video’s release, many social media users voiced concern and urged authorities to investigate and take legal action to prevent a serious accident. Some questioned whether the driver was aware of, or responsible for, the behaviour, while others warned that such incidents could undermine public safety in busy tourist areas.
Patong police had not commented on the incident at the time of reporting. #Thailand#Phuket#Tuktuk#Tourists#Stunt#SafetyConcerns
SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday said his government’s fight against transnational scam gangs targeting Korean nationals is not “empty talk,” as police widen investigations into online fraud networks with links to Cambodia.
Posting on the social media platform X, Lee referred to a recent news report stating that Chinese criminal groups operating in Cambodia have stopped recruiting South Koreans, citing concerns over possible crackdowns by Korean authorities.
He wrote “If you dare touch Koreans, you will be utterly ruined… Do you think this is just empty talk? The Republic of Korea acts and sees things through to the end!” and “South Korean police have carried out sweeping crackdowns… even Chinese criminal organisations now refuse to take Koreans.”
The same message was also shared in the Cambodian language.
Lee has repeatedly called for tougher action against transnational crimes targeting South Koreans, particularly in Southeast Asia, and instructed authorities to trace and seize proceeds linked to such criminal activities.
PHUKET — 28 January 2026, authorities on Wednesday launched an operation to reclaim public land along Bang Tao Beach after receiving complaints that influential groups had unlawfully encroached on state-owned beachfront property and exploited it for private gain.
The operation centred on a formal land survey of public beachfront areas in Moo 2, Cherng Talay subdistrict, Thalang district. Officials from Provincial Police Region 8 joined district administrative officers, representatives from the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) and the village headman of Moo 2 in observing the survey, which was aimed at determining whether the land in question falls outside legally titled plots and remains public property.
Satellite image of the areas being surveyed in Thalang
Authorities said the move followed repeated complaints from the public alleging that a group of influential individuals had occupied sections of Bang Tao Beach — land classified as state property intended for shared public use — and asserted informal control over the area. According to the complaints, the group allegedly claimed rights to lease the land to third parties for commercial activities, effectively restricting access by the general public.
The complaints further alleged that the encroached area had been used to host private parties, facilitate gatherings involving drug use and operate entertainment venues. Such activities, if confirmed, could constitute criminal offences under Thai law. Officials said the alleged misuse of public land raised concerns not only about legality but also about public safety and the erosion of communal access to one of Phuket’s most popular beaches.
Investigators also reported that previous attempts by officials to inspect the area had been obstructed. According to authorities, members of the group allegedly surrounded officers and took photographs in an intimidating manner when inspections were attempted, which hindered enforcement.
As a result, the case was formally escalated through the Royal Thai Police. Provincial Police Region 8 accepted the complaint, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Lertchai Jampathong, commander of the Investigation Division, Region 8, convened discussions with relevant administrative authorities to respond.
Officials subsequently ordered a formal survey of beachfront land outside titled plots along Bang Tao Beach. Authorities said preliminary information suggested that several buildings had been constructed on land believed to be public, with portions of the beachfront allegedly being used for private benefit. In some areas, public access was reportedly restricted, preventing residents and tourists from freely using land intended for communal enjoyment.
At 10:00 on Wednesday, land officials carried out the on-site survey, accompanied by police officers, district administrative officials, the Moo 2 village headman and a representative from the Cherng Talay SAO. Police were deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of officials during the operation.
Officials consult documents while surveying the public area
In a statement, authorities reiterated that public land must remain accessible for shared use and cannot be lawfully occupied or exploited for personal or commercial benefit. The illegal possession, occupation or support of encroachment on public land constitutes a violation of the law, officials said, and offenders may face arrest and prosecution.
Officials also warned members of the public against being misled by individuals or groups falsely claiming land rights or presenting inaccurate or misleading information.
Prospective tenants or business operators were urged to verify land ownership and usage rights with responsible authorities before paying rent, entering agreements or investing in businesses operating on beachfront land.
Authorities encouraged the public to assist in protecting public land by reporting additional information or suspected encroachments. Tips can be submitted to Thalang district authorities, the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation or Provincial Police Region 8.
The operation forms part of broader efforts by authorities to safeguard public land, particularly in high-value coastal areas where disputes over access and land use have become increasingly contentious. Officials said further action will depend on the outcome of the survey and the legal review that follows.
BURIRAM — 30 January 2026, a 58-year-old taxi driver was found burned to death inside his car in a village in northeastern Thailand, with the cause of the fire still unknown, police said.
Forensic officers examined the burned-out Toyota taxi, after it was discovered on a concrete road in Ban Tha Ngam village, Phutthaisong district, Buriram province, shortly after midnight.
The vehicle was parked awkwardly on the right shoulder of the road and was completely destroyed by fire. A male body, burned almost entirely to skeletal remains, was found in the driver’s seat. Police later identified the victim as Kuson Suriwong, 58, a resident of the village.
No signs of struggle or suspicious objects were found around the scene.
Village headman Lamut Sribungngao, who is also the victim’s brother-in-law, said residents alerted him at about 01:00 after seeing a taxi engulfed in flames. By the time he and others arrived, the fire had already consumed most of the vehicle and the body inside.
He said it was unclear what caused the fire but questioned whether recent repair work on the vehicle had been completed properly.
The victim’s niece, Sunisa Onthaisong, 46, said her uncle worked as a taxi driver in Bangkok and had returned home only three days earlier to raise money to repay a loan from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.
She said Kuson told her his car had broken down in Prathai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, during the journey. A mechanic quoted 20,000 baht for repairs, which he could not afford. Instead, he asked the mechanic to reassemble the car, paying 5,000 baht in labour costs.
She added that her uncle often slept inside his car and suffered from a chronic leg condition. The family has no suspicions and is leaving the investigation to police.
Pol. Lt. Decha Butwiset, a deputy investigator at Phutthaisong police station, said the victim’s remains had been sent to the Police General Hospital’s forensic institute for further examination to determine the exact cause of death.
PHETCHABURI — 29 January 2026, Police have arrested one of two suspects in a deadly motorbike shooting on Phetkasem Road in Khao Yoi district, Phetchaburi province, with another suspect still on the run and expected to be caught soon.
Investigators from Khao Yoi police station arrested a 17-year-old suspect on the morning of 30 January 2026 in Moo 5 of Khao Yoi subdistrict. Police identified the suspect as “Ko”, a juvenile, who is accused of taking part in the killing of Thanarat Wonglai, 23.
Police said the suspect and an accomplice, identified as “Oh” or “Plem”, rode a dirt bike to follow the victim before opening fire. The victim, a resident of Sa Phang subdistrict in Khao Yoi district, was shot seven times and died at the scene along Phetkasem Road.
After the shooting, both suspects fled on a dirt bike. Police said the accomplice remains at large. Investigators believe the two suspects and the victim had previously argued, though the exact motive has yet to be determined.
During initial questioning, the arrested suspect gave inconsistent statements, telling police that he had been riding on the motorcycle but claimed he was unaware that his friend intended to shoot the victim.
Police said they are continuing to investigate and expand the case to locate and arrest the remaining suspect, who they expect to apprehend soon.
SA KAEO — 29 January 2026, Police have arrested four suspected drug traffickers and seized more than 28,000 methamphetamine pills, crystal meth and assets worth over 2.6 million baht following raids in Khao Chakan district.
Provincial police said the arrests were made on 29 January during an operation targeting a local drug trafficking network. Officers detained four suspects and seized 28,021 methamphetamine tablets and 42.18 grams of crystal meth, along with vehicles and other property believed to be linked to the offences.
The operation was led by Sa Kaeo provincial police under Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaworn Dullayawit, provincial police chief, with Pol. Col. Jatuphat Singhathit, deputy chief, and Pol. Col. Damrong Iamphairoj, head of the investigation division. Officers from Khao Chakan police station and the Region 2 Investigation Division joined the raids.
Police said the initial arrest took place at a barbecue restaurant in Moo 3, Khao Chakan subdistrict, before investigators expanded the operation and seized additional drugs and assets. Results of the operation were reported on 30 January 2026.
The four suspects were identified as Boonchana 47; Rattanaporn, 47; Chompunuch, 33; and Santisuk, 20.
All four were charged with jointly possessing and selling a Category 1 narcotic — methamphetamine — with intent to distribute without authorisation, an offence deemed to be for commercial purposes and contributing to the spread of drugs among the public. They were also charged with illegal drug use.
Police and the accused take a photo near where the narcotics were found
Boonchana faces additional charges of possessing Category 1 narcotics, methamphetamine and crystal meth, for sale without authorisation.
Police seized evidence at the scene including the drugs, a white Toyota Hilux Revo pickup truck and a mobile phone. Officers also confiscated three additional vehicles under the 2021 Narcotics Code: a white Toyota Camry, a blue Toyota Vios and a white Honda CR-V. The total value of the seized assets was estimated at about 2.6 million baht.
All four suspects were handed over to investigators at Khao Chakan police station for further legal proceedings. Police said the investigation is continuing to trace and dismantle related drug trafficking networks.
An officer on scene swabs the seized narcotics for testing
PHETCHABURI — 29 January 2026, a 17-year-old boy riding a dirt bike shot dead a 23-year-old man on Phetkasem Road in Phetchaburi province on Wednesday night, police said.
At about 20:00, investigators at Khao Yoi police station were alerted to a fatal shooting on the inbound carriageway of Phetkasem Road, on the parallel lane in Moo 2, Sa Phang subdistrict, Khao Yoi district. Senior provincial officers, forensic police, an on-call doctor from Khao Yoi Hospital and rescue volunteers were sent to the scene.
Police found a grey-and-black Honda PCX 150 motorcycle, Phetchaburi registration 1กต-6801, lying on its side by the roadside. Nearby was the body of Thanarat Wonglai, 23, a local resident of Sa Phang. He had been shot with a 9mm handgun, suffering six wounds to the abdomen and one to the right elbow, with the bullet passing through the arm.
Investigators recovered an electronic cigarette, seven 9mm cartridge cases and two bullets at the scene. The suspect fled on a red dirt bike of unknown make and registration, riding against traffic towards Mueang Phetchaburi district. Police issued an alert to intercept the rider.
Witnesses told police that the victim had been riding alone when two teenage males on a red dirt bike followed him and signalled for him to stop to talk at the location. One of the pair then pulled out a handgun and opened fire, leaving the victim motionless on the road before fleeing. Bystanders called an ambulance and police, but the victim later died from his injuries.
Police said they have identified one suspect, a 17-year-old male. Investigators believe the motive stemmed from a previous dispute between the parties, though the cause of the earlier altercation remains under investigation.
The suspect’s mother has contacted police to arrange for her son to surrender on Thursday. Officers said the youth has a history of fights in the area. Police are continuing efforts to track down those still at large and proceed with legal action.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with the Prince Mahidol Award 2025 laureates at the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
Bangkok — Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Wednesday presided over the presentation of the Prince Mahidol Award 2025 on behalf of His Majesty the King at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the Grand Palace, Bangkok on 28 January 2026.
The Prince Mahidol Award Foundation said 47 candidates from 17 countries were nominated this year. Two laureates were selected: Dr. Terry Dean King of the United States for Medicine, and Professor Dr. Walter C. Willett of the United States for Public Health.
Dr. Terry Dean King
Dr. King, a paediatric cardiologist at Ochsner Children’s Hospital in Louisiana, was honoured for pioneering minimally invasive treatments for congenital heart disease. His work in the 1970s led to the development of the King–Mills Cardiac Umbrella, enabling atrial septal defect closure via catheter without open-heart surgery. The innovation significantly reduced surgical risks and recovery time, laying foundations for modern minimally invasive cardiac care and expanding access to life saving technology worldwide.
Professor Dr. Walter C. Willett
Professor Willett, a leading epidemiologist and nutrition scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was recognised for transformative research linking diet, lifestyle and chronic disease. His findings on the dangers of trans fats helped drive bans in many countries and informed global public health policy, while his work reshaped understanding of fat quality, sugar intake and disease risk. He later advanced the Planetary Health Diet, highlighting diet’s role in preventing chronic disease and promoting sustainability.
The Prince Mahidol Award honours individuals whose outstanding contributions in medicine and public health have delivered lasting benefits to humanity.
While it would be prudent to prevaricate when asked who will emerge as Thailand’s 33rd prime minister after the 8 February general election due to the fickle nature of many Thai voters and the fact that there’s still nearly 10 days to go before the election, several Thai political pundits and even Bangkok-based foreign observers whom I have spoken to over the past few days are gravitating towards a coalition between the Bhumjaithai Party and the Pheu Thai Party, with incumbent Anutin Charnvirakul returning as PM.
The Scenarios:
The Bhumjaithai Party has managed to attract some sixty political defectors over the past few months since Anutin unexpectedly became PM following the surprise vote of support from the main opposition People’s Party. The party has since emerged as the favourite and most pragmatic choice for conservative voters and the deep state, with Democrat Party leader and PM candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva the only distant rival from the conservative royalist camp.
Even if the Pheu Thai Party were to pull off a miracle and win more votes than the Bhumjaithai Party, it may still have to settle for Anutin as PM because its de facto leader, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, remains an inmate at Klong Prem Prison — effectively a hostage and bargaining chip for the deep state. A highly placed senior source within the Pheu Thai Party told me on Monday that the deep state is likely to compel the party to form a coalition with BJT, although he personally prefers a coalition with the People’s Party.
In the second scenario, the People’s Party (PP) wins big with over 200 seats and tries to form a PP-led coalition government. Under this scenario, the axe may fall on PM candidate and People’s Party leader Natthapong Ruengpanyawut, along with 43 other senior and mid-level party members and MPs who face potential lifetime bans from holding political office as a result of their involvement in a 2021 petition to amend the controversial lèse-majesté law, which prohibits defaming, insulting, or threatening the King, Queen, Heir-apparent, or Regent.
The case is currently with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which is reviewing allegations that these MPs committed “serious ethical violations” by attempting to amend the draconian and anachronistic law — an effort the Constitutional Court ruled amounted to an attempt to undermine the monarchy.
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, one of the party’s so-called “spiritual leaders”, once said, however, that the People’s Party seeks to bring about political change and that does not necessarily require holding government power.
Now, imagine the anger of PP supporters if the party wins the most seats and yet fails to form the government anew. Imagine the explosion of political angst and what it may mean for the future of Thai politics. It may very well be the change, or revolution, that Thanathorn has been waiting for.
The Junta-Sponsored 2017 Constitution and the Referendum:
On 8 February, voters will also decide the fate of the junta-sponsored constitution — whether to rewrite it or not, through a separate “yes or “no” on a separate ballot. This should be a no-brainer choice for those who support democracy. The junta-sponsored charter was passed under duress in a nationwide referendum where the threat was that if not approved, Prayut might remain in power indefinitely as a dictator. Some who campaigned against it were also arrested, including the current deputy leader of the People’s Party, Rangsiman Rome, who at the time was still a young activist.
This is thus a retroactive rejection of Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha as a coup maker and dictator. Voting in favour of drafting a new constitution is a slap in the face — a punishment for Prayut for daring to seize the people’s power in 2014.
Divide and Rule:
As the final week before the election approaches, some voters and politicians are attacking one another verbally and viciously. The bad blood between the Red versus the Orange camp is all too apparent. The split between the Red and the Orange camps — with no visible bridge left to mend — is a success, even a victory, for the conservative side.
