Ex-Miss Universe Owner Sentenced to 2 Years in Thai Fraud Case

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27 December 2025, 02:58

Ann Jakkaphong12 — FILE - Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the CEO of JKN Global Group

BANGKOK — A Thai court on Friday sentenced the former co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, to two years in prison without suspension after convicting her of fraud involving 30 million baht (about $930,000). She did not appear in court for the verdict, after reports previously said she had fled to Mexico, where she was known to have close ties with a business partner.

The Bangkok South District Court read the ruling on December 26 in a case filed against JKN Global Group Pcl and Jakkaphong, also known as a prominent transgender businesswoman and media executive. The court found both defendants guilty of joint fraud under Thailand’s Criminal Code.

The court fined JKN Global Group, the first defendant, 40,000 baht (about $1,290) and sentenced Jakkaphong, the second defendant, to two years in prison with no suspended sentence.

According to court documents, the case was filed by Dr. Raweewat Maschamadol, who accused the defendants of fraud through false representation and concealment of facts. Between July 24 and Aug. 8, 2023, the defendants persuaded the plaintiff to invest in corporate bonds despite allegedly knowing that the company’s financial condition made repayment impossible.

The court ruled that the defendants obtained 30 million baht from the plaintiff through deception.

Jakkaphong did not attend the verdict reading. A warrant for her arrest had previously been issued on Nov. 25, 2025, after she failed to appear for a scheduled ruling at the South Bangkok Criminal Court on Charoen Krung Road. The court said her absence indicated an intent to evade justice and ordered her arrest.

Jakkaphong rose to international prominence after acquiring the Miss Universe Organization but has faced mounting legal and financial troubles in recent years.

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Russian Scam Ring Leader Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport

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Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 02:23

russian scam2 — Thai cybercrime police arrest a 31-year-old Russian man, suspected of leading an online scam ring, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Dec. 26, 2025.

SUVARNABHUMI — Thai cybercrime police arrested a 31-year-old Russian man at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday evening, accusing him of leading an online investment scam that defrauded a Thai businessman two years ago, authorities said.

The suspect, identified by police as Gabriel, was detained as he arrived at the airport. Investigators said he had been living in Chonburi province on a student visa and had repeatedly entered and exited Thailand since 2023 while allegedly carrying out fraud operations targeting victims in the country.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a businessman from Nakhon Sawan province, who told police he was deceived in 2023 by scammers posing as an attractive woman who built a romantic relationship with him online. The scammer later persuaded him to invest in short-term gold trading through a fraudulent platform called “ATFX,” falsely claiming the investment offered fast and high returns with minimal capital.

Police said the victim initially received small withdrawals that appeared to be profits, prompting him to transfer increasingly larger sums of money. He later became unable to withdraw his funds and realized he had been defrauded, after which he filed a police report.

Investigators said the scam ring used a complex network of nominee bank accounts to move the stolen money. Funds were transferred through 10 accounts — eight belonging to Thai nationals and two held by the Russian suspect, whom police described as the ultimate beneficiary. Thai account holders allegedly withdrew cash from ATMs before converting the money into digital currency and transferring it to other members of the group.

Authorities said arrest warrants were issued by the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Court for 10 suspects. Seven have now been arrested, and about 2 million baht ($64,500) has been frozen in related bank accounts.

russian scam4 — Thai cybercrime police question a 31-year-old Russian man, suspected of leading an online scam ring, after his arrest at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Dec. 26, 2025.

Gabriel has denied the allegations, but police said financial records show extensive transactions consistent with money laundering through digital currency linked to the scam network.

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by impersonation and with opening or allowing others to use bank accounts while knowing or having reason to believe they would be used for technology-related crimes.

Police warned the public to remain vigilant against romance scams that lure victims into unrealistic investment schemes and advised people to invest only through credible and verifiable financial institutions.

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Dutch Man Taken Into Custody in Chiang Mai Disturbance Case

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Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 01:46

CHIANG MAI — Thai immigration and police officers arrested a 54-year-old Dutch man on Friday following a series of complaints accusing him of harassing customers and staff at convenience stores in Chiang Mai province, authorities said.

The suspect was taken into custody on December 26 at a residence in San Klang subdistrict of San Kamphaeng district under a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court. The arrest was carried out by Chiang Mai immigration police, local police from Doi Saket district and tourist police.

The investigation began after a convenience store employee in Doi Saket district reported that the foreign man caused a disturbance inside the shop at about 7 p.m. on December 23. The employee told reporters that the man confronted her and forcibly grabbed her collar, leaving her frightened.

dutch convenience2 — Convenience store employees reported to police that they were harassed by a Dutch man inside a shop in Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai province, on Dec. 26, 2025.

After the incident was reported publicly, several other residents came forward to police, saying they had been harassed or threatened by the same man. One complainant said the suspect assaulted him while he was stopped at a red traffic light.

Authorities said the growing number of complaints raised concerns that the suspect could pose an ongoing threat, prompting police to accelerate efforts to locate and arrest him.

The suspect was taken to Doi Saket police station for questioning and was initially charged with nighttime theft. Police said investigators will interview all victims and witnesses and determine whether additional charges should be filed.

Under Thai law, nighttime theft carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a fine ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht (approximately $645 to $3,220).

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True Corp Donates 2.5M Baht to Restore Flood-Hit Hat Yai Hospital

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Contributor

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26 December 2025, 18:42

Following the severe flooding that has significantly impacted people’s livelihoods and essential public services, including public healthcare systems in Songkhla Province, True Corporation continues its mission to support the recovery of Hat Yai. Most recently, the company donated THB 2.5 million to Hat Yai Hospital to help restore and strengthen medical service capacity in the aftermath of the disaster.

This contribution aims to support the hospital during a critical recovery period, as it works to swiftly reinstate full medical services and ensure uninterrupted care for the community.

The donation was presented by Khun Oliver Kittipong Veerataecha, Chief Brand and Media Officer of True Corporation, to Dr. Chaisit Thepchattri, Director of Hat Yai Hospital. The funds will be used to rehabilitate essential medical service systems, covering emergency care, inpatient services, and other vital public health operations that must resume without delay.

True Corporation believes that true recovery goes beyond repairing physical infrastructure. It is about enabling communities to move forward with confidence and resilience. Hospitals play a frontline role in safeguarding public health and restoring trust and safety for the people they serve.

Throughout the crisis, True Corporation has undertaken a comprehensive “Mission of the Heart” to support flood-affected communities in Hat Yai across multiple dimensions. In education, the company helped restore learning opportunities for Thai children by supporting Ban Bang Fab School and 18 partner schools through the donation of laptops, digital learning tools, and building rehabilitation, ensuring that teaching and learning could resume promptly.

In technology and innovation, True leveraged its AI capabilities and Mobility Data to support government agencies in rescue coordination and evacuation planning. The company also deployed 20 intelligent drones to deliver medicines and food to hard-to-reach areas, while maintaining 24/7 network stability. Rapid-deployment mobile base stations (Cells on Wheels – COWs) were installed to reinforce connectivity in flooded zones.

For customer care, True waived service fees for mobile, TrueOnline, and TrueVisions customers, extended service validity and payment deadlines, and provided free True–dtac SIM cards and WiFi at evacuation centers and field hospitals. Nationwide TrueOnline technicians were mobilized for the proactive “Fix Every Alley” mission, replacing modem equipment for 100% of affected households without waiting for customer requests.

In addition, the company provided financial donations and relief kits, as well as special smartphone discounts and service packages for medical personnel and public health workers, empowering them as a vital force in Hat Yai’s recovery.

This support for Hat Yai Hospital marks another meaningful step in reinforcing True Corporation’s role in standing alongside Thai society in every circumstance. Under the commitment #TrueForThais, the initiative reaffirms the belief that “in every crisis, Thais stand together.”

British Man Arrested in Thailand After Fleeing Domestic Abuse Case

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Khaosod English

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26 December 2025, 18:06

British sisaket — Thai police from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division escort a 26-year-old British man accused of violently assaulting his wife in the United Kingdom after his arrest in Sri Saket province, northeastern Thailand, on Dec. 26, 2025.

SISAKET — Thai police have arrested a 26-year-old British man accused of violently assaulting his wife in the United Kingdom before fleeing to Thailand, authorities said Friday.

The suspect, identified by police as Nicholas, was detained on December 26 along a roadside in Kantharalak district of Sisaket province, according to the Central Investigation Bureau.

Investigators said the man is wanted in Britain for a series of alleged offenses, including unlawful detention and physical assault of his wife.

Police said he allegedly beat her with a BB gun or imitation firearm and with a glass, and forced her to swallow more than 100 tablets of various medications before escaping the country.

The UK’s National Crime Agency later tracked the suspect to Thailand, where he had been hiding since 2022, and requested assistance from Thai authorities. Police said the Central Investigation Bureau launched an operation that led to his arrest.

Thai authorities said the suspect is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on Dec. 3, 2025, on charges including coercive or controlling behavior against an intimate partner, intentional administration of poisonous or dangerous substances, causing bodily harm, assault and property damage.

During questioning, the suspect denied the allegations. Police said he has been handed over to prosecutors as authorities proceed with extradition to the United Kingdom.

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Thailand, Cambodia Eye Dec 27 Ceasefire After Border Talks Draft New Agreement

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Khaosod English

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26 December 2025, 16:13

meeting GBC — Delegates attend the 3rd Special Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting at the immigration office in Ban Phakkad Permanent Border Crossing in Chanthaburi on Dec. 26, 2025.

CHANTHABURI — Thai and Cambodian officials are expecting a ceasefire to take effect on Dec 27 after three days of border talks produced a revised draft agreement that is now awaiting approval from Thailand’s National Security Council, officials said Thursday.

The Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting concluded around 1 p.m. on December 26 at an immigration office in Pong Nam Ron district in Chanthaburi province, near the Cambodian border. The atmosphere of the talks was described as tense.

The Thai side was led by Lt. Gen. Natthapong Phraokaeo, deputy chief of staff of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and head of the Thai GBC secretariat. The Cambodian delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Nyam Boraden, head of Cambodia’s GBC secretariat.

Cambodia submitted a revised draft agreement — the sixth version — to the Thai side before returning home. Thai officials said the draft will be forwarded to Thailand’s National Security Council for consideration. The contents of the draft have not been disclosed.

The National Security Council meeting is chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Officials have begun preparing a venue for a possible signing ceremony on Dec 27 between Thai Defence Minister Gen. Natthapol Nakpanich and Cambodian Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha.

The joint press center on the Thai-Cambodian border situation will also move its briefings to Chanthaburi, the same location as the talks.

Reporters were told a ceasefire is expected to take effect on Dec 27 and will be monitored for 72 hours.

Thai Immigration Denies Harassment Claims

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Khaosod English

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26 December 2025, 16:09

Immigration police — Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, deputy commissioner and spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau (right), joins inspection at Suvarnabhumi Airport

BANGKOK — Thailand’s immigration bureau on Friday strongly denied reports that its officers harassed foreign tourists transiting through Thai airports to Cambodia, calling the claims “fake news.”

Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, deputy commissioner and spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, said the allegations — which appeared in international media and were cited by Cambodian embassies abroad — are impossible because transit passengers never enter Thailand.

“Foreign passengers who transit through Thai airports, particularly Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, to connect onward flights to Cambodia do not enter the Kingdom of Thailand and therefore are not subject to immigration inspection,” Choengron said. Transit passengers remain in airport airside areas and proceed directly to connecting flights.

immigration airport1 — Passengers queue at Suvarnabhumi Airport immigration on Dec. 14, 2025 as Thailand increases security checks amid Cambodia border tensions.

He characterized the reports as an attempt to spread misinformation and damage Thailand’s tourism industry. The country currently receives 75,000 to 80,000 foreign visitors daily.

Immigration Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyaluck has ordered checkpoints nationwide to deploy adequate staff during the New Year holiday and peak tourism season, according to the bureau.

The agency said it remains committed to maintaining security while providing professional service in line with international standards.

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SOURI Redefines Premium Dessert Experience as a Landmark of Taste and Lifestyle

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Mc Marketing

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26 December 2025, 15:39

The brand marks a major milestone with the opening of its first stand-alone branch on Banthat Thong Road

SOURI, a contemporary French patisserie brand that seamlessly blends taste with lifestyle, continues to expand its premium dessert footprint with the opening of its first stand-alone branch on Banthat Thong Road. Introducing a distinctive “Night Café Culture” concept, the new location is envisioned as a vibrant nighttime dessert ‘check-in’ destination. Celebrating Thai identity through distinctive design elements and exclusive, one-of-a-kind flavors, the branch reflects SOURI’s continued growth and brand strength and marks the beginning of a new chapter as it elevates the dessert experience into a lifestyle destination designed to meet the diverse preferences of today’s consumers.

Win-Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, CEO and co-founder of the brand, revealed, “For SOURI, selecting a location goes beyond choosing a high-traffic area. We look for destinations that truly reflect our customers’ lifestyles and where the brand’s character resonates naturally with its surroundings. Today, Banthat Thong is undeniably one of Bangkok’s key destinations. It draws travelers seeking its signature menus in a neighborhood known for its vibrant and diverse food culture. We view this area not merely as a street food hub, but as a lifestyle destination for the younger generation—particularly food enthusiasts and travelers from around the world who continue to visit throughout the year.

Discover Your Perfect Culinary Check-In with ONYX Hospitality

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Mc Marketing

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26 December 2025, 15:37

Few moments are as meaningful as time spent with loved ones – whether shared with close friends or family. From relaxed escapes to joyful celebrations, these occasions create lasting memories. ONYX Hospitality Group invites guests to savour destinations that combine restorative stays with outstanding culinary experiences. More than simply dining, each venue offers exceptional flavours, attentive service and distinctive settings that turn every meal into a moment worth sharing.

ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading regional player and prominent hospitality management company in Southeast Asia specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, presents a selection of its signature restaurants and cafés – each a must-visit for discerning diners.

Amari Bangkok

The group’s flagship hotel in the heart of Bangkok is home to an acclaimed collection of restaurants showcasing Thai, International, Italian and Indian cuisine.

Amari Phuket

Set along the tranquil shores of Patong Bay and framed by sweeping Andaman Sea views, dining here is elevated by breathtaking surroundings.

Amari Pattaya

Perfect for relaxed family dining beside the lively northern curve of Pattaya Beach.

Amari Vogue Krabi

Set within one of Krabi’s most peaceful and picturesque locations, ideal for memorable dining in a pristine natural environment.

Malaysian School Holidays Boost Tourism in Betong

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Khaosod English

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26 December 2025, 13:30

Malaysian School Holidays Boost Tourism in Betong

YALA, Thailand — Tourism in the southern Thai border town of Betong has surged during the Malaysian school holidays and the year-end festive period, with spending estimated at more than 20 million baht ($570,000).

On December 26, crowds of Malaysian tourists were seen crossing into Thailand at the Betong border checkpoint in Yala province, many travelling with their children during the mid-term school break in Malaysia and the run-up to the New Year. The influx has brought a lively atmosphere to the town, with hotels, restaurants and shops reporting brisk business.

Visitors have been travelling with their families to Betong’s tourist attractions, shopping at local stores and street food stalls, and buying Thai dishes and traditional snacks. Local vendors said Malaysian tourists continue to return for the distinctive flavours of southern Thai cuisine.

Many visitors also travel to Aiyerweng to experience the cool weather and view the sea of mist and sunrise in the early morning, before heading on to take boat trips through the Hala–Bala forest area. The trips offer views of rivers, mountains and wildlife along the Hala–Bala waterways. Tourists also take the opportunity to visit temples and perform religious rites as part of New Year traditions.

Naratep “Seng” Weeramutikrai, 64, owner of Seng Dim Sum restaurant, said the Malaysian school holidays and the year-end festive season have drawn large numbers of families to Betong.

“The town is very lively. Parents bring their children to travel, eat and shop here, which has increased income for local traders,” he said.

He added that tourists from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have been visiting Betong in large numbers during the year-end period, with many hotels and accommodation fully booked through to February next year.

Local businesses said visitors have been spending on food, souvenirs and travel to nearby attractions, helping to steadily improve the local economy. Authorities estimate that spending in Betong during this period has exceeded 20 million baht.

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