Police arrest Russian and French men on Koh Phangan for alleged cocaine possession. (Tourist Police Division 3/Handout)
KOH PHANGAN — Police on Koh Phangan have arrested three foreign nationals in separate cases involving drug possession and immigration violations, authorities said Wednesday.
At midday on November 5, officers raided a rented house in Moo 1 after residents reported suspected drug activity. Police, disguised as joggers, conducted surveillance before moving in.
Inside, two men — identified only as Roman, 26, a Russian national, and Hugo, 28, from France — were found sitting at a table with white powder later confirmed to be cocaine. Both attempted to flee but were detained.
Police arrest Russian and French men on Koh Phangan for alleged cocaine possession. (Tourist Police Division 3/Handout)
Police seized 3.14 grams of cocaine and an ecstasy test kit. Roman was charged with possession of cocaine, while Hugo was charged with use of the drug. The men and evidence were taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.
In a separate incident, immigration police arrested Yegor, 34, a Ukrainian national, near Phantip Market in Ban Thong Sala for overstaying his visa by 326 days.
Immigration officers detain Ukrainian man on Koh Phangan for overstaying his visa on November 4, 2025. (Koh Phangan Immigration Police/Handout)
Officials said Yegor entered Thailand via Satun province in October 2024 and last extended his stay until December 13 that year. He admitted to remaining in the country illegally and faces prosecution under Thailand’s immigration law.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the drugs found in the first case.
A British woman teaches a tantra yoga class at a venue on Koh Phangan before her arrest for working without a proper permit, according to Thai authorities. (Photo courtesy of Tourist Police)
KOH PHAGNAN — A 40-year-old British woman has been arrested on Koh Phangan for allegedly teaching tantra yoga without a valid work permit, Thai authorities said Wednesday.
Tourist police identified the suspect only as Maria, who was detained at Ethos restaurant in Koh Phangan district on charges of working outside the scope of her authorized employment.
According to police, Maria held a work permit listing her as a customer relations manager for Genesis Commercial Co., Ltd., a property management firm. However, she was allegedly teaching tantra yoga classes at the restaurant, an activity not covered under her permit.
Authorities launched an investigation after receiving a Facebook complaint showing promotional posts under the name “Maria Sky” in the “Koh Phangan Conscious Community (For Real Edition)” group. The posts advertised tantra yoga sessions held every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for 400 baht per person.
Police said they found Maria leading a class with foreign participants, demonstrating postures and guiding meditation. Officers seized evidence including class tickets, flyers for “tantra massage for couples,” a notebook detailing lessons on sacred sexuality, and promotional posters featuring her image.
Maria reportedly admitted to teaching the classes and sharing proceeds with Ethos restaurant. Authorities said the activity violated Thailand’s Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment.
Investigators also reviewed promotional materials describing advanced “tantra yoga–sacred sexuality” courses that required male-female pairs and contained explicit content. Officials said the arrest was part of efforts to curb activities that could harm Thailand’s tourism image and social norms.
Maria was taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.
When the exhaustion of work and daily routines starts to wear you down, many people turn to travel as a way to heal the heart and recharge both body and mind. Traveling offers a chance to create new experiences and discover inspiration in unexpected places.
One such destination is Tha Pla, a hidden gem in Uttaradit Province, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rhythm of local life, explore distinctive community products, and take in breathtaking natural scenery that’s impossible to resist.
Today, Tha Pla is fully prepared to welcome travelers with a wide range of agritourism activities. At Ban Tha Rua Kao, also known as the Fishermen’s Village, visitors can experience authentic rural living through cozy lakeside homestays.
The village sits on the edge of a vast reservoir, complete with a pier used for fish transport. From here, you can embark on scenic raft cruises that glide across the Sirikit Dam Reservoir, offering panoramic views of the calm waters surrounded by forested mountains.
Be sure to stop by the lively local fish market, where villagers can sell fresh and dried fish from the lake. And don’t miss the Hat Kaitoi Community Enterprise, famous for its cashew nuts-considered the true “JEWEL” of Tha Pla. That Grown in the rocky highlands, cashews are small, firm, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, making them a delicious and healthy local delicacy.
Another must-see attraction is the Skywalk at Huai Nam Ri, a breathtaking landmark built over the reservoir under the Royal Initiative Project. The structure extends more than 700 meters into the valley, has allowed visitors to take in sweeping views of the reservoir and its surrounding mountains. It’s also one of the most beautiful spots to watch the morning sea of mist-a truly heartwarming experience.
Nearby, Sirikit Dam offers equally stunning views of sunrise and sunset, as well as the unique sight of the “two-colored river,” where two water currents meet. Visitors can also pay respects to the Phra Puttha Sirisattarat (Luangpho Chet Kasat) replica, then head to the Queen Sirikit Commemorative Bridge-a suspension bridge built across the Nan River to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s 72nd birthday.
The bridge, linking Uttaradit and Nan provinces, is especially enchanting at night when it’s illuminated with decorative lights, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a different, yet equally beautiful, view.
Today, Tha Pla have, full of warmth and vitality, is the result of decades of perseverance. In the past, the area faced long-standing issues related to incomplete land allocation under the Lam Nam Nan Settlement Project. Some areas overlapped with state-owned land, such as national forest reserves, Lam Nam Nan National Park, Huai Nam Li Forest Park, and agricultural reform zones.
The people of Tha Pla fought tirelessly for their land rights for more than 50 years. Eventually, the government assigned the Office of the Land Policy Board (ONLB), together with other relevant agencies, to step in and resolve the problem through the “One Map” initiative-a comprehensive, integrated mapping system at a 1:4000 scale designed to clarify land boundaries and provide lasting stability and security for local communities.
Securing official land rights has transformed the lives of Tha Pla residents. With legal ownership of their homes and farmland, people now enjoy a better quality of life, sustainable livelihoods, and increased income through agriculture and tourism.
If you’re looking for your next travel destination, Please come and experience the charm of agritourism in Tha Pla-a place of simplicity, warmth, and natural beauty. Which, you can recharge your energy, lift your spirits, and unwind with relaxing local experiences. On your next getaway, make Tha Pla, Uttaradit Province, your destination for a heartwarming escape.
Police arrest Chinese national Zehu, 23, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province on Nov. 5, 2025, for allegedly creating fake corporate accounts linked to the Huione Pay scam network.
BANGKOK— Thai police have arrested a Chinese man and a Thai accountant accused of helping a cross-border scam syndicate set up “mule companies” to launder money from online investment frauds that caused more than 20 million baht ($614,630) in losses.
After a three-month investigation, officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) apprehended 23-year-old Chinese national Zehu at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s arrival checkpoint in Samut Prakan province and Saipirun, 43, a Thai accountant, outside a business on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district.
Both were wanted under arrest warrants issued August 15 on charges including public fraud by impersonation, membership in a criminal organization, computer crimes involving false data input, and money laundering.
Police question Chinese national Zehu, 23, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province on Nov. 5, 2025, for allegedly creating fake corporate accounts linked to the Huione Pay scam network.
Police said the arrests are linked to the Huione Pay network, a transnational scam ring that duped victims into investing in fraudulent applications. The scheme came to light after victims filed complaints about investment scams that collectively caused more than 20 million baht in damages.
The CCIB earlier detained three Myanmar nationals tied to the same network in Tak province’s Mae Sot district in July, seizing 46 million baht (1.4 million) in cash.
Investigators later traced the money flow to two companies registered with falsified information. According to police, Saipirun allegedly handled the incorporation paperwork and admitted during questioning that she was hired by Zehu to use Chinese nationals’ personal details to register fake firms and open corporate bank accounts.
Thai accountant, 43, is taken into custody outside a company on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on Nov. 5, 2025, for her alleged role in registering “mule companies” for the same scam syndicate.
She then sent account credentials and SIM cards used for one-time password verifications to Zehu, reportedly receiving 5,000 baht ($153) for each company.
Both suspects denied the charges, but police said digital evidence — including chat records — showed Zehu had sent personal data to Saipirun for use in setting up companies and bank accounts. Investigators found more than 10 such firms registered under the scheme, with their accounts later transferred to other Chinese members of the syndicate operating in Bangkok.
Police said the pair have been turned over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited or CPF has been honored with two recognitions at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025, organized by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The company received the Best CEO Award in the Food and Beverage category and the Best Investor Relations (IR) Award, underscoring its commitment to sustainable business growth and contribution to strengthening Thailand’s capital market.
The Best CEO Award was presented to Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, by Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, together with Mr. Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, President of the Investment Analysts Association. Meanwhile, the Best IR Award was presented to Mrs. Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations Officer of CPF, at the Phayathai Grand Ballroom, Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai.
The IAA Awards recognize outstanding executives and professionals from listed companies, based on votes from analysts and fund managers. The selection criteria emphasize visionary leadership and sustainable organizational growth, along with a strong focus on transparency and timely communication to consistently build trust among investors and analysts. The awards value the ability to clearly articulate business performance, strategic direction, risk management, and future outlook.
These honours also highlight the company’s openness to investor feedback and its continuous efforts to refine strategies that strengthen business resilience. The company’s proactive initiatives contribute to enhancing the efficiency and credibility of Thailand’s capital market, while reinforcing stakeholder confidence through transparent and responsible business practices.
Residents return to what remains of their homes after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastation in communities along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu province, central Philippines, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Hernandez)
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Typhoon Kalmaegi has left at least 66 people dead with 26 others missing in the central Philippines, many in widespread flooding that trapped people on their roofs and swept away cars in a hard-hit province still recovering from a deadly earthquake, officials said Wednesday.
Among the dead were six people who were killed when a Philippine air force helicopter crashed in the southern province of Agusan del Sur on Tuesday. The crew was on its way to provide humanitarian help to provinces battered by Kalmaegi, the military said. It did not give the cause of the crash.
Kalmaegi blew away from western Palawan province into the South China Sea before noon Wednesday with sustained winds of up to 130 kph (81 mph) and gusts of up to 180 kph (112 mph), according to forecasters.
Central province hit hardest by the storm
Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, and provincial officials said most of the deaths were reported in the central province of Cebu, which was pummeled by Kalmaegi on Tuesday, setting off flash floods and causing a river and other waterways to swell.
The resulting flooding engulfed residential communities, forcing startled residents to climb on their roofs, where they desperately pleaded to be rescued as the floodwaters rose, officials said.
The Philippine Red Cross received many calls from people needing rescue in Cebu from their roofs, its secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang said Tuesday.
Residents return to their damaged homes after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastation in communities along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu province, central Philippines, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Hernandez)
At least 49 drowned in floods and others died as a result of landslides and falling debris in Cebu, where 13 of the 26 missing were reported, the Office of Civil Defense said on Wednesday.
“We did everything we can for the typhoon but, you know, there are really some unexpected things like flash floods,” Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro told The Associated Press by telephone.
Caloy Ramirez, a volunteer rescuer, said the massive flooding set off by the typhoon turned an upscale riverside residential community in Cebu city on Tuesday into an unrecognizable scene of tumbled SUVs and houses in disarray.
Residents said floodwater engulfing the first floors of their houses in just a few minutes, sending them scrambling to upper floors or roofs in panic.
“We always expect the worst and what I saw yesterday was the worst,” Ramirez told The AP. She described how the faces of desperate residents would light up when they realized they were being rescued.
Concerns grow over flood control projects
The problems may have been made worse by years of quarrying that caused clogging of nearby rivers, which overflowed, and substandard flood control projects in Cebu province, Baricuatro said.
Cebu, a bustling province of more than 2.4 million people, declared a state of calamity to allow authorities to disburse emergency funds more rapidly.
Cebu was still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 30 that left at least 79 people dead and displaced thousands when houses collapsed or were severely damaged.
Thousands of northern Cebu residents who were displaced by the earthquake were moved to sturdier evacuation shelters from flimsy tents before the typhoon struck, Baricuatro said. Northern towns devastated by the earthquake were mostly not hit by floods generated by Kalmaegi, she added.
Men look at damaged homes after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastation in communities along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu province, central Philippines, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Hernandez)
Kalmaegi heads toward Vietnam and Thailand
Before Kalmaegi’s landfall, officials said more than 387,000 people had evacuated to safer ground in eastern and central Philippine provinces.
Ferries and fishing boats were prohibited from venturing out to increasingly rough seas, stranding more than 3,500 passengers and cargo truck drivers in nearly 100 seaports, the coast guard said. At least 186 domestic flights were canceled.
The Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year. The country also is often hit by earthquakes and has more than a dozen active volcanoes, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
Central Vietnam, still reeling from days of record rain that triggered flash floods and landslides, was bracing for more pounding rain as Kalmaegi nears.
Fishing boats returned to shore while local authorities readied evacuation plans, secured shelters and stockpiled food, state media reported.
Forecasters estimate the storm will reach Vietnam’s coast Friday morning.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s weather agency issued an advisory for the northern, eastern and central parts of the country, warning that Kalmaegi would bring heavy rain Friday and into the weekend that could cause flash floods, landslides and river overflows.
From left: MUO President Raul Rocha Cantu, host committee chair Nawat Itsaragrisil, and Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch amid the ongoing controversy.
BANGKOK — The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said the 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok will proceed as planned following a walkout and escalating tensions between contestants and Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee and CEO of the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI).
In a statement issued hours after Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch and several contestants left the Sashing Ceremony on Nov. 4, MUO reaffirmed its commitment to “work closely with the host community, MGI, and all local partners” to ensure the show continues.
President of Miss Universe Organization Raul Rocha Cantu delivers a statement on November 5, 2025, saying that Nawat Itsaragrisil’s role and participation in overseeing the competition will be “restricted” or “eliminated” entirely.
“All scheduled events and activities will continue in full cooperation with the host country and MGI,” MUO said, pledging to uphold its values of “diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.” The organization added that a high-level delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Mario Búcaro is traveling to Thailand to strengthen coordination with local organizers and authorities.
By Tuesday evening, tensions appeared to have eased. No contestants had withdrawn, and all joined a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Nawat later announced a new “let everyone do as they please” policy, giving contestants freedom to choose their participation in sponsor-related activities to avoid further conflict.
Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch takes a photo with Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Thelvåg at the Official Sash Ceremony of The 74th Miss Universe on November 4, 2025.
MUO Restricts Nawat’s Role
Tensions reignited Wednesday when MUO President Raul Rocha Cantu released a video statement announcing that Nawat’s role in overseeing the pageant would be “restricted or eliminated entirely.”
“The decision came after he became the center of attention instead of the contestants, humiliating and insulting a defenseless woman,” Rocha said. “No one has the right to harm or intimidate a woman, much less one representing her nation on our stage.”
Rocha said the organization had taken legal and corporate measures in response to Nawat’s “malicious acts” and reiterated that MUO would not tolerate behavior undermining respect and dignity toward women.
The Mexican Embassy in Thailand also confirmed it is in contact with Bosch and her family and will continue to monitor the situation.
The moment Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee, argues with Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch in front of 122 international contestants at Chatrium Hotel & Residence Riverside Bangkok. (Photo: Facebook/auttaross)
Nawat Dismisses MUO’s “Impossible” Move
In a local media interview, Nawat dismissed Rocha’s comments as impractical, saying MUO has no authority to limit his work. “We are the license holder. Everything must run according to business operations,” he said. “He posts first and asks questions later — that causes confusion among contestants.”
He suggested Thailand’s strong showing as host may have caused “jealousy” and insisted he would continue performing his duties. “Sometimes I lose control,” he said. “If I made mistakes, I apologize to Miss Mexico. I may have been too angry, but I had no intention to diminish her.”
Tense Exchange Sparks Walkout
Footage circulating online showed Nawat arguing with Bosch in front of contestants before she walked out, followed by Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Thelvåg and others. Bosch later posted that Nawat had called her “dumb,” writing, “If something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away.”
The Miss Universe Mexico organization condemned the incident as “unacceptable,” saying “no woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated.”
The 74th Miss Universe competition runs from Nov. 2–21 across Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, with the final coronation scheduled for Nov. 21 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
The moment Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee, argues with Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch in front of 122 international contestants at Chatrium Hotel & Residence Riverside Bangkok. (Photo: Facebook/auttaross)
A Proposal to Khun Nawat Itsaragrisil, organiser of Miss Universe 2025 Competition in light of the disrespectful remark to Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch and other issues
Given the severity of the issuing, it is best that Mr Nawat hold a formal press conference to sincerely apologize for using inappropriate language and methods with Miss Universe Mexico 2025 Fatima Bosch, especially for using the English word “dumb” and for threatening the contestants by ordering your subordinates to close the meeting room door and threatening that anyone who walked out of the room would be considered as no longer competing in the pageant.
Evaluate his own role and decide whether to continue or step down, because even though Mr Nawat has made immense contributions to promoting Thai tourism and culture (in addition to the pageant business), this incident has inevitably led to a significant loss of reputation for Thailand.
If he does not resign, Mr Nawat must adjust his language, especially his English, as it is understood that his English proficiency and vocabulary are limited. For example, instead of using the word “dumb,” what Nawat should have said was to indicate that “It would be unwise if you would only listen to the Mexican National Director,” and so on.
However, what is harder to adjust than the use of English language—because if Nawat wants to fix the English language deficiency, he could simply hire a skilled interpreter to stand beside him for important speeches—is adjusting Khun Nawat’s bossy attitude, which some people view as dictatorial and disrespectful, or even toxic, toward those who hold different opinions.
Officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Chiang Mai Province welcome passengers arriving on Etihad Airways Flight EY426 from Abu Dhabi at Chiang Mai International Airport on Nov. 4, 2025.
CHIANG MAI — Etihad Airways has launched direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Chiang Mai, marking the first-ever route between the northern Thai city and the United Arab Emirates. The move is part of Thailand’s effort to draw more high-spending tourists from the Middle East under the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Airline Focus strategy.
The inaugural flight, EY426, departed Abu Dhabi at 9:30 p.m. on November 3 and landed at Chiang Mai International Airport at 6:05 a.m. on November 4. The service uses an Airbus A321LR aircraft with a capacity of 160 passengers.
Etihad Airways flight EY426 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, arrives at Chiang Mai International Airport on November 4, 2025.
Veerapong Rittharod, deputy governor of Chiang Mai province, joined executives from TAT and Chiang Mai International Airport in welcoming passengers arriving on the maiden flight.
Etihad will operate four flights per week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai route spans 4,612 kilometers, making it the longest direct service to Chiang Mai Airport. It surpasses the previous record held by VietJet’s Chiang Mai–Kansai route, which covers about 3,979 kilometers.
The new connection follows Etihad’s successful launch of its Abu Dhabi–Krabi route in October. Together, the two routes give Middle Eastern travelers greater access to Thailand’s major tourist destinations and enable convenient multi-city itineraries such as Krabi–Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai–Phuket–Dubai.
Officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Chiang Mai Province welcome passengers arriving on Etihad Airways Flight EY426 from Abu Dhabi at Chiang Mai International Airport on Nov. 4, 2025
TAT said the new service also strengthens access for long-haul travelers from Europe and the Americas, who can now reach northern Thailand more easily during the peak tourism season.
The initiative aligns with TAT’s strategy to attract “quality over quantity” visitors by extending their length of stay and boosting average spending, especially during the year-end travel period.
Chiang Mai International Airport hosts a welcoming event for passengers celebrating the northern Yi Peng festival on November 4, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand received 26.89 million international visitors during the first 10 months of 2025 (January 1 – November 2), generating approximately 1.24 trillion baht ($38 billion) in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Malaysia led source markets with 3.88 million visitors, followed by China (3.80 million), India (2.00 million), Russia (1.43 million), and South Korea (1.28 million).
Current trends suggest Thailand will exceed 30 million foreign arrivals by year-end, though falling short of the former government’s ambitious 40 million target set earlier this year.
Tourists in traditional Thai dress pose for a photograph at Wat Arun or the “Temple of Dawn” in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Chinese Market Slump Derails Targets
The Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration had aimed to surpass pre-pandemic 2019 levels of 39.91 million visitors. However, a February incident involving Chinese actress Wang Xing—allegedly lured to Thailand before being trafficked to Myanmar for scam operations—severely damaged confidence among Chinese travelers, causing arrivals from China to plummet.
By comparison, 2024 saw 35.54 million tourists generate 1.67 trillion baht ($51.3 billion), representing 26.27% growth from 2023.
Long-Haul Markets Surge in High Season
Nattariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, reported encouraging signs during October 27 – November 2, with long-haul arrivals surging over 25% as high season began.
American tourists jumped 33.20%, propelling the U.S. from seventh to fifth place among source markets. Indian arrivals topped 2 million and have held third position for ten consecutive weeks.
Tourists kayaking to enjoy nature at Koh Kood, Trat Province.
During the week ending November 2, Thailand welcomed 644,179 foreign tourists—up 8.78% from the previous week, averaging 92,026 daily arrivals.
Weekly growth varied by market: U.S. visitors rose 33.20% and Russian arrivals increased 11.63%, while Malaysian visitors declined 15.15%, Chinese tourists dropped 2.62%, and Indian arrivals fell 0.73%.
Officials expect continued growth driven by high season travel, government visa exemption policies, and airline capacity expansion initiatives.
