Wreckage of the motorcycle involved in the collision on the Kata-Sai Yuan Road near the Sam Ao Viewpoint, Karon, Phuket, on Dec. 25, 2025.
PHUKET — A foreign tourist was killed and another injured after a motorcycle lost control and crashed into an oncoming car on a winding hillside road in Phuket, police said.
The crash occurred at about 5 p.m. on December 25, on the Kata–Sai Yuan road near the Sam Ao Viewpoint in Karon subdistrict. Police from Karon station were alerted by the local radio centre and sent officers to the scene.
Police said the car driver, identified as Sorachai Thaodaeng, 50, was driving a white Isuzu vehicle registered in Bangkok. He was not injured, though the front right side of his car was damaged.
Wreckage of the motorcycle involved in the collision on the Kata-Sai Yuan Road near the Sam Ao Viewpoint, Karon, Phuket, on Dec. 25, 2025.
Authorities discovered the body of a female rider, identified as Polina, alongside a Honda Click motorcycle bearing red temporary plates. An injured male passenger, Artem, was treated at the scene and evacuated for medical care. The nationalities of both individuals have not yet been established.
Preliminary investigations found that the motorcycle had been travelling along the Kata-Sai Yuan road towards the Sam Ao Viewpoint. The stretch of road is steep and winding, with two lanes separated by a solid yellow line.
Police said the motorcycle crossed into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with the car approaching from the opposite direction. Officers documented the scene and said further legal proceedings would follow.
PATTAYA, Thailand — Cambodian man who suffered severe burns to about 80% of his body travelled by intercity coach from Hua Hin to Pattaya to seek medical treatment, after sustaining injuries while working on a yacht, rescue officials said.
The incident was reported at about 1:40 p.m. on December 25, when Pattaya’s Marine Disaster Prevention Radio Centre received a call from crew members of a fishing boat named Aura. They reported that a Cambodian worker had been badly burned and was aboard a vessel anchored in the middle of Pattaya Bay, in Nong Prue subdistrict of Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.
Marine rescue personnel, together with medics from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation in Pattaya, rushed to the scene.
On board the vessel, rescuers found the injured man, identified as Lee Boonma, 46, from Koh Kong, Cambodia. He had sustained serious burns to his face, arms and both legs, with an estimated 80% of his skin affected. Rescue workers provided emergency first aid before transporting him ashore at Laem Bali Hai Pier, where he was taken to Pattaya City Hospital for further treatment.
The yatch, and the fishing boat “aura”.
Speaking to authorities, the man’s wife, Savitree Wong-ngern, 38, said her husband had delivered a yacht to a customer in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on Dec. 24. On the morning of the incident, he travelled by coach back to Pattaya to meet her on the vessel, which was anchored in Pattaya Bay.
She said she was shocked when she first saw his condition. According to her husband, the injury occurred while he was repairing a battery beneath the yacht’s hull, when a sudden spark flared up and struck his face and arms. After being burned, he was unsure what to do and decided to take a bus across provinces to Pattaya so his wife could take him to see a doctor, she said.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear. His wife said further details would be sought once his condition improves and he is able to explain what happened.
Responders assess three individuals trapped inside a transparent glass elevator: a Thai woman, a hotel security guard, and a foreign national on Dec.26, 2025.
PATTAYA — Three people were rescued early Friday after being trapped for more than an hour in a glass lift at a hotel in Pattaya, prompting emergency workers to smash the lift’s glass to free them, authorities said.
The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received a report at about 4:10 a.m. on December 26 that people were trapped inside a lift at a hotel on Soi Yen Sabai in South Pattaya, in Nong Prue subdistrict of Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Rescue workers rushed to the scene.
At the hotel’s ground floor, responders found a transparent glass lift with three people inside: a Thai woman, a hotel security guard and a foreigner. All appeared exhausted and were experiencing breathing difficulties after being stuck inside the lift for nearly an hour.
Rescue workers and police initially tried to force the lift doors open using tools, but after about 10 minutes the trapped occupants showed signs of increasing weakness and shortness of breath. The team then decided to break the glass using a fire extinguisher to create an opening. All three were brought out safely, drawing visible relief from those at the scene.
Rescue workers provided first aid before handing the victims over to hotel staff for close monitoring.
Responders assess three individuals trapped inside a transparent glass elevator: a Thai woman, a hotel security guard, and a foreign national on Dec.26, 2025.
According to the hotel’s security guard, the incident began when the foreign guest arrived at the hotel by taxi but did not have cash to pay the fare. The group entered the lift to go to a room to collect money. Four people were initially inside the lift: the foreign guest, the security guard, the taxi driver and the Thai woman.
The lift issued an overload warning, prompting the taxi driver to step out. After the doors closed, the lift malfunctioned and could not be reopened. Hotel staff attempted to resolve the problem but were unsuccessful and alerted police and rescue services for assistance.
BANGKOK — A Cambodian court has shuttered its investigation into the 2020 disappearance of Thai political activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit, according to his family and legal representatives, ending a five-year inquiry that human rights groups say failed to yield a single suspect.
The Cross Cultural Foundation (CrCF) announced Wednesday that Wanchalearm’s sister, Sitthanan Satsaksit, received notice from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court stating that the investigation into charges of unlawful detention and illegal weapons possession has been terminated. The order, signed by an investigating judge on Dec. 17, marks the first formal update in the case since late 2020.
Wanchalearm, a vocal critic of the Thai government and a refugee living in exile, was snatched from the street in broad daylight on June 4, 2020. Witnesses and CCTV footage showed armed men forcing him into a black van outside his condominium in central Phnom Penh. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Banners showing disappeared government and monarchy critic Wanchalearm Satsaksit are displayed at a pro-democracy protest on Sept. 4, 2020, in Ubon Ratchathani.
“The case might be closed, but he will not be forgotten,” Sitthanan said in a statement, calling the court’s decision an “insult” to the family. “Receiving a document stating that the investigation has ended without identifying a single suspect is not only a failure of the law; it is an insult to the disappeared person and to the family still waiting.”
The closure of the case has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates who argue that Cambodia has ignored its international obligations. Cambodia has been a party to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance since 2013.
Prakaidao Pruksakasemsuk, deputy director of CrCF, said the decision demonstrates a “justice system that enables impunity,” particularly regarding “transnational repression”—a term used to describe governments targeting dissidents beyond their own borders.
Sitthanan Satsaksit, left, speaks about her brother Wanchalearm Satsaksit during an event organized by Amnesty International on Oct. 5, 2020.
Earlier this year, the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances urged Cambodia to intensify its search for Wanchalearm and conduct an impartial investigation. Despite these calls, the CrCF says Cambodian authorities failed to utilize available CCTV evidence or provide a transparent account of the procedural steps taken over the last five years.
The Cambodian government has long denied involvement in the abduction, and the court’s latest order effectively halts any domestic legal pursuit of the truth.
Rights groups warn that the termination of the probe sends a chilling message to political exiles in Southeast Asia, suggesting that host countries may not provide the protection required under international law.
Thai police arrest a Swiss man, a suspect in a transnational romance scam network, at a residence at an undisclosed location and time, police said.
BANGKOK — Thai police said Thursday they are seeking two foreign suspects after dismantling a transnational romance scam network that allegedly swindled a Thai single mother out of nearly $705,000 over more than two years.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said it has arrested 13 suspects on charges including fraud by impersonation, document forgery, inputting false data into computer systems and money laundering. Two additional suspects — a Canadian man and a Cambodian man — remain at large, police said.
Police said the case came to light after the victim filed a complaint through the Thai police’s online reporting system with the Anti-Online Scam Center. Investigators said the woman was groomed into a romantic relationship beginning in 2023 after meeting a man on the ThaiCupid dating website. The suspect later moved the conversation to the LINE app.
Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chawnasit speaks during a news conference announcing the arrest of suspects linked to a romance scam network at the CIB headquarters in Bangkok on Dec. 25, 2025.
According to police, the scammer claimed to be a Jordanian single father whose overseas business had failed. He later persuaded the woman to invest with him abroad, promising that if the venture succeeded he would move to Thailand to live with her.
Between January 2024 and July 2025, the woman transferred money 42 times, losing a total of 21.9 million baht, or about $704,900, police said. She reported the case after contact with the man diminished and she suspected she was being deceived.
Police said warrants were issued for 17 suspects — 14 Thais and three foreigners, including one Canadian, one Cambodian and one Swiss national. Thirteen suspects were arrested across nine provinces, while two were found already in prison on other cases. The two foreign suspects, identified by police as Mr. Yat, a Canadian national, and Mr. Kim, a Cambodian national, are still being sought.
Thai police arrest a Thai woman, a suspect in a transnational romance scam network, at a residence at an undisclosed location and time, police said.
All of the arrested suspects denied the charges, police said. Some claimed they were involved only in buying and selling digital currency, while others said they had been paid by unknown individuals to open bank accounts and install mobile banking applications.
Investigators said accounts used in the network were linked to at least 19 other call-center scam cases, causing additional losses of more than 36 million baht, or about $1.16 million. Combined with the latest case, total damages exceeded 50 million baht, or roughly $1.6 million, police said.
Police warned the public against transferring money to people met online or agreeing to investment solicitations without verifying identities. Authorities also cautioned that buying or selling bank accounts or registered SIM cards is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 baht ($16,100).
“This case shows that the length of online contact is not a reliable measure of trust,” a senior police official said. “Even relationships that last more than a year without meeting in person can hide serious dangers.
Pattaya police officers interview a 57-year-old German industrial engineer at the Pattaya City Police Station on Dec. 25, 2025. The man filed a formal complaint after being scammed out of more than $700 for "miracle" hair growth supplements.
PATTAYA — A German industrial engineer has filed a police report after being scammed out of hundreds of dollars for what was promised to be a “miraculous” herbal hair growth treatment, local authorities said Thursday.
The victim, identified as 57-year-old Mr. Yilmaz, approached investigators at the Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi province. He reported that he was deceived into purchasing two jars of herbal supplements for over 22,000 baht (approximately $708).
According to investigators, Yilmaz was walking near Pattaya Beach Road Soi 13/2 on the night of December 24 when he was approached by a foreign man. The suspect allegedly struck up a conversation and made extravagant claims about a specialized hair tonic capable of regenerating hair on a bald scalp.
A 57-year-old German tourist displays a photo on his smartphone of the herbal supplements he was allegedly tricked into buying. The victim claims the products were sold under the false promise of miraculous hair regeneration.
Yilmaz admitted to police that he was convinced by the sales pitch and followed the man to a nearby herbal shop. Upon returning home and inspecting the product, he realized it lacked any of the promised properties and was grossly overpriced.
The incident follows a string of similar scams in the seaside resort city. Local authorities have previously warned of organized groups, often identified as Pakistani nationals, who target foreign tourists in major entertainment districts.
The “bait-and-switch” tactic typically involves befriending a tourist, offering “miracle” supplements, and leading them into specific shops to finalize high-priced transactions.
Pattaya police officers interview a 57-year-old German industrial engineer at the Pattaya City Police Station on Dec. 25, 2025. The man filed a formal complaint after being scammed out of more than $700 for “miracle” hair growth supplements.
Law enforcement officials noted that while many tourists report such crimes, legal proceedings often stall because the victims must return to their home countries. In cases where the victim remains in Thailand, police have successfully raided suspect shops and forced owners to issue refunds, though many shops reportedly resume the predatory practices shortly after.
The engineering professional is not the first victim of the scheme this year. On November 12, another German tourist, 52-year-old Mr. Nadir, filed a complaint after being tricked into paying €4,000 ($4,400) for “miraculous” herbal coconut oil under similar circumstances.
Community leaders and local businesses are now calling for stricter enforcement and more rigorous inspections of herbal outlets to protect the city’s tourism reputation and prevent further visitors from falling prey to the scam.
BioActive+, a premium dietary supplement brand from New Zealand, has partnered with KÉRASTASE, the luxury French haircare brand under the L’Oréal Group, to launch the “2 Doses a Day for Stronger Hair” campaign in Thailand, introducing a holistic Dual-Care Approach to modern haircare.
The collaboration combines BioActive+ Concentrated Liquid KERA™, an edible keratin supplement developed with advanced nutritional science, with KÉRASTASE Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Serum, a clinically proven luxury treatment that reduces hair fall and breakage by up to 84% in six weeks, delivering inside-out hair care results.
Dr. Wasana Intasang, Founder of BioActive Thailand, said the partnership reflects the brand’s belief that true hair health starts from within, while Aun Zaidi, General Manager Thailand Professional Product Division, L’Oréal Thailand, noted that the collaboration extends KÉRASTASE’s expertise beyond external care to meet evolving consumer needs.
Launch activities run until 15 December 2025, including a TikTok Live Duo featuring Dr. Wasana Intasang and celebrity hairstylist Gong – Krit Jirakiatwattana, and the KÉRASTASE x BioActive+ Hair Care Day @ Hive Salon, offering professional hair analysis and personalized treatments.
The official launch is attended by BioActive+ executives led by Dr. Wasana Intasang, Suvaphat Itthiphaholphat, Vice President, and Supanut Klanruangsaeng, Brand Director; alongside KÉRASTASE executives Aun Zeidi, General Manager Thailand Professional Product Division, L’Oréal Thailand, Ingchanok Li, General Manager, and Anchisa Yongchaicarn, Keratase Brand Manager.
Suntory Beverage & Food Thailand Co., Ltd., a leader in health enrichment products under the BRAND’s trademark in Thailand and Indochina, together with Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, reaffirmed their commitment to growing their business while creating sustainable and positive impact on society and the environment. In line with the corporate values of “Growing for Good” and “Giving Back to Society,” the companies continued the “One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2025” for the second consecutive year to foster awareness and provide Thai youth with knowledge on water conservation. The program offered learning experiences to 34 students and teachers from the winning Mizuiku Water Model Schools, Ban Nong Samsak School in Chonburi Province and Wat Khao Noi School in Rayong Province, through an educational trip to Japan, aiming to broaden participants’ horizons and empower them to further develop water conservation initiatives in their schools and communities.
Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Thailand and Indochina, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said “over the past two years, the program has delivered both theoretical and practical learning under the concept of “No Water – No Life,” enabling students to apply their knowledge through the Mizuiku Water Hero Camp, the Mizuiku Water Model School contest, and the establishment of Mizuiku Clubs to sustainably drive water conservation projects within schools.”
Ms. Wipawan Tasanapreechachai, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said “the educational trip to Japan served as both recognition for the students’ dedication as “water heroes” and an opportunity to learn about the origins, philosophy, and sustainability practices of the Mizuiku program, inspiring them to further develop their schools and communities.”
A Japanese man bows to monks at Wat Ban Lao, Udon Thani, weeping and saying he came to cleanse his sins, Dec. 25, 2025.
UDON THANI — A Japanese man was detained by police in northeastern Thailand after he was found crying inside a Buddhist temple, claiming he had come to atone for his sins while awaiting trial in a theft case, police said on Thursday.
At about 2:40 p.m. on December 25, Udon Thani police received a report of a suspicious foreign man sitting and crying inside Wat Srikunmuang, also known as Wat Ban Lao, in a residential area of Udon Thani municipality. Tourist police and local officers were dispatched to investigate.
At the temple, officers were directed by a 71-year-old resident monk to the man, who was wearing a black suit with insignia resembling military symbols. A search of his shoulder bag revealed documents identifying him as Yamaguchi, 37, a Japanese man.
Police also found a court appointment notice from Udon Thani Provincial Court dated January 30, 2025, related to a night-time theft case, along with a small bag of dried cannabis and smoking paraphernalia.
During questioning, Yamaguchi told officers he had come to the temple to cleanse himself of wrongdoing because he had a criminal case pending. He knelt on the floor, paid respect to the monk and appeared remorseful for an extended period.
Police detain Japanese man Mr. Yamaguchi, reportedly intoxicated from cannabis, after he entered Wat Ban Lao temple in tears claiming he came to cleanse his sins, Udon Thani, Dec. 25, 2025.
Through an interpreter, the monk advised him not to commit further offences and to take responsibility for his actions. He also encouraged Yamaguchi to explain his circumstances to the court at his upcoming hearing.
The monk later told police that the man had visited the temple on three consecutive days, often sitting beneath a large sacred tree, sometimes kneeling or crying, and occasionally following monks around the grounds. Initially, the behaviour was not considered alarming, but concerns grew as the man appeared distressed and refused to leave, prompting a call to police.
Police said Yamaguchi had previously been arrested on December 11, 2025 for allegedly stealing 100 baht in cash and a JBL Bluetooth speaker worth more than 5,000 baht from a dormitory in Udon Thani during the early morning hours.
He was taken to immigration authorities for further questioning to verify his passport and length of stay in Thailand, which was found to be within the permitted period. The cannabis and related items were seized, and he was later transferred to Udon Thani police station for further legal proceedings. Police also warned him against causing further disturbances in public places.
Thai police question two German tourists at Phuping Ratchanivet Police Station in Chiang Mai on Dec. 25, 2025, after they were accused of damaging hotel property.
CHIANG MAI — Thai police have arrested two German tourists accused of vandalizing a hotel room in Chiang Mai and fleeing without paying, causing damage estimated at more than 200,000 baht ($6,250).
Police said the suspects, a 21-year-old woman identified as Linda and a 38-year-old man identified as Nikita, checked into Room 509 of a condominium on Nimmanhaemin Road on December 18 for a three-night stay through December 21.
Damage is seen inside a hotel room in Chiang Mai after two German tourists allegedly vandalized the accommodation, causing losses estimated at $6,250, police said.Thai police arrest two German tourists in Chiang Mai on Dec. 25, 2025, in connection with the vandalism of a hotel room that caused an estimated 200,000 baht ($6,250) in damage.
After becoming dissatisfied with the hotel’s services, they argued with staff and damaged property inside the room before leaving the premises, authorities said.
The hotel later filed a complaint with Phuping Ratchanivet Police Station. Arrest warrants were issued by the Chiang Mai Kwaeng Court, and investigators tracked the suspects to another hotel in Wat Ket subdistrict, where they were arrested, police said.
Both suspects face charges of property damage and were transferred to Phuping Ratchanivet Police Station for further legal proceedings, according to police.
