TOKYO – Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump launched a new chapter in bilateral ties Tuesday, promising at their first summit in Tokyo to bolster cooperation on defense and the economy.
Before having lunch together, Takaichi and Trump signed documents including one on cooperation to secure and supply critical minerals, including rare earths, in an effort to enhance economic security, apparently with China in mind.
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BANGKOK — Thailand’s opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of signing a controversial memorandum of understanding (MOU) on rare earth cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump without prior consultation with Parliament or the public, warning that the deal could harm the environment and place Thailand at a disadvantage.
The MOU, signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, aims to strengthen cooperation between Thailand and the United States on developing and diversifying global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths. The agreement was signed around the same time Washington concluded a similar deal with Malaysia.
Opposition Questions Secrecy and Oversight
Chanin Rungthanakiat, deputy spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, said the government must explain why such a significant agreement was signed without notifying the legislature.
“The MOU on rare earths might or might not be beneficial, but two questions remain,” Chanin said. “First, former deputy prime minister Pichai Chunhavajira has said there were never prior negotiations with the U.S. on this matter. So when did Anutin’s government begin these talks, and were they handled carefully? Second, if the prime minister knew this MOU would be signed during his meeting with President Trump, why was there no communication with Parliament or the public? An issue of this magnitude deserves public debate before signing.”
MP Warns of Environmental and Strategic Risks
Phattarapong Leelaphat, a People’s Party MP for Chiang Mai, also criticized the government, saying the MOU heavily favors the U.S. and lacks environmental safeguards.
He questioned why the deal was not recorded in the Cabinet’s October 21 meeting summary and accused the Department of Primary Industry and Mines of lacking expertise in rare earth extraction.
Phattarapong warned that the agreement could allow U.S. investors priority access to Thailand’s mineral resources and information, with no clear protection against water contamination from mining activities. He added that the deal effectively turns Thailand into “a pawn in the rare earth war between China and the U.S.”
He called on the caretaker government to halt any rare earth mining projects and strengthen the Mineral Act to ensure environmental protection and prevent foreign exploitation.
Government Defends the Deal
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said Anutin signed the MOU to attract technology and investment that could help Thailand develop its own rare earth sector responsibly.
“Rare earths are valuable minerals that can improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality,” Siripong quoted the prime minister as saying. “The United States wants to participate in developing these resources, but Thailand lacks sufficient know-how. We must therefore seek technology and expertise.”
He added that the MOU is non-binding and subject to Thai law and good governance principles. “If, in the future, the MOU is deemed unbeneficial, either side can terminate it at any time,” Siripong said.
Global Context
The South China Morning Post reported that Washington’s deal with Thailand is part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths, following a similar agreement with Malaysia. The moves come after Beijing tightened export controls on rare earth materials and related technologies earlier this month amid an ongoing trade war with the U.S.
Analysts say the U.S. sees Southeast Asia as a promising alternative source for critical minerals vital to its automotive, defense, and high-tech industries.
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PATTAYA — A 24-year-old French national died early Sunday morning after falling from the fifth floor of a hotel in South Pattaya, with police investigating whether personal stress led to the fatal incident.
Pol. Lt. Bavornsak Boonman, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, received reports of the incident at 5:00 a.m. at a hotel in Moo 10, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. He coordinated with Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan Pattaya Rescue Foundation volunteers and Pattaya City Hospital medical teams to respond.
Rescue workers found Mr. Max lying in the hotel parking lot with severe injuries. Medical personnel performed CPR at the scene before rushing him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Witnesses Report Erratic Behavior
A hotel security guard told police he saw the man climb onto the balcony railing of his fifth-floor room. Staff members attempted to intervene, and the man initially appeared to comply and began climbing down. However, he climbed back onto the railing moments later and jumped.
Police found no signs of struggle or disturbance in the hotel room, though cannabis was discovered on the premises.
Hotel staff reported that prior to the incident, the deceased was heard speaking loudly on the phone in what sounded like an argument before staff went to check on him.
Police are treating the case as a suspected suicide possibly triggered by personal problems, though the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death.
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PHUKET — Senior Israeli security officials met with Thai police commanders in Phuket on Sunday to address concerns over Chabad centers that bar entry to Thai authorities and growing reports of misconduct by Israeli tourists.
Mr. Avi Bitton, Senior Advisor to the Israeli National Security Council, led a delegation including Israeli security personnel stationed in Thailand, embassy representatives, and Chabad security chiefs to the Regional Police Bureau 8 headquarters for the hour-long meeting.
The Israeli team met with Pol. Lt. Gen. Jarut Srutayaporn, Deputy Commander of Police Region 8, Pol. Lt. Gen. Suwat Suksri, Surat Thani Provincial Police Commissioner, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Provincial Police Commissioner.
Chabad Centers Block Thai Officials
The meeting focused on access restrictions at Thailand’s six Chabad centers, located in Pai (Mae Hong Son), Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (Surat Thani), and Kathu and Chalong districts (Phuket). The facilities currently prohibit entry to non-Israelis, including Thai law enforcement.
Chabad security officials cited safety concerns related to regional conflicts as the reason for the restrictions. Each center maintains its own security personnel who prevent outside contact with visitors and staff.
Israeli officials agreed to coordinate with Thai authorities to permit regular monitoring of the centers.
Zero Tolerance for Violations
The meeting also addressed recent incidents of illegal behavior by Israeli tourists, including law violations and unauthorized business operations.
“Beyond assuring safety and religious freedom for Israeli visitors, we discussed inappropriate behavior and legal violations frankly,” said Pol. Lt. Gen. Suwat. “Chabad security leadership will consult with rabbis to educate visitors about Thai laws and proper conduct.”
On enforcement, Pol. Lt. Gen. Suwat was clear: “The Israeli security team confirmed we should proceed with legal action immediately without exceptions for any violations.”
He expressed confidence the talks would significantly reduce problematic behavior by Israeli tourists in Thailand.
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EM DISTRICT (EMPORIUM, EMQUARTIER, EMSPHERE), the ultimate lifestyle and entertainment destination — proudly presents “EM DISTRICT HAUNTED HALLOWEEN 2025”, a spectacular Halloween celebration right in the heart of Sukhumvit. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of thrills and chills with world-class haunted attractions and a wide array of festive Halloween activities, happening now through November 2, 2025, across EMPORIUM, EMQUARTIER, and EMSPHERE.
This year’s highlight features the global sensation “UNDER THE CASTLE” —
an immersive fantasy haunted experience co-created by Jackson Wang and Henry Zhang, CEO
and co-founder of UNDER THE CASTLE bringing this world-renowned attraction to Thailand for the very first time. Tickets are available at on-site counters and online via Ticketmelon at www.ticketmelon.com/underthecastle/UTCBKK. Experience exhilarating fun with “Pumpkie
& Spookie’s Mischief Ride”, a thrilling bumper car adventure at EM WONDER, 5th Floor,
EMSPHERE, and explore the UTC Gift Shop, offering exclusive “Pumpkie & Spookie” merchandise from apparel and collectibles to limited-edition souvenirs.Indulge in a festive feast at the Street Market in front of Emsphere, featuring a curated selection of Thai street food and international cuisines.
Year-End Global Promotion Offers Bonus Points for Stays Worldwide, Including New Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors Platform
October 2025, Bethesda, MD – As the year draws to a close and travelers seek new horizons, Marriott Bonvoy invites its members to turn ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. With the launch of its latest Global Promotion, the award-winning travel platform helps guests explore the world’s most breathtaking destinations and earn more along the way.
From October 28, 2025, to January 10, 2026, registered Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 2,025 bonus points on up to three stays, plus an additional 2,000 bonus points on each stay with Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors.
Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors brings together 400+ hotels, 50,000+ Homes & Villas, Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities, and more, into a singular digital platform that enables travelers to discover and book their next travel destination based on seven distinct outdoor passions: ski, camp and hike, bike, paddle, fish, dive, and surf.
Whether you’re chasing winter’s first snowfall or embarking on a family hiking getaway, every eligible stay during this promotion is a step toward new memories and more points. Registration opens today here: https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/promotion.mi?promotion=CB25 and closes December 27, 2025.
KOH PHANGAN — A sweeping investigation into suspected foreign-controlled businesses on Koh Phangan has uncovered a complex web of nominee arrangements, with more than 100 companies registered at a single address on the world-famous tourist island in Surat Thani province.
The crackdown comes amid growing outcry from local residents and business owners who say foreign investors are using Thai nominees to illegally circumvent laws restricting land ownership and certain business activities to Thai nationals.
Khomon Inkhong, Vice President of the Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association, said local entrepreneurs have witnessed changing behavior among certain groups of foreign visitors. While most tourists are respectful, some have established businesses that operate outside the legal framework, causing disturbances and unfair competition for legitimate Thai operators.
“This has led to calls for authorities to strictly enforce the law,” Khomon said.
Police Deploy Four-Point Strategy at Tourist Hotspots
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet has been closely monitoring the situation and outlined comprehensive measures to combat illegal business activities and crimes committed by foreigners, not only on Koh Phangan but also in other major tourist destinations.
The measures include enhanced screening at entry points to prevent blacklisted or banned individuals from entering Thailand. Police will implement four proactive strategies: inspect foreign residences; verify visa extensions before and after approval, especially for high-risk nationalities; arrest overstayers and penalize landlords who provide accommodation unlawfully; and compile local intelligence to conduct coordinated raids with other agencies when suspicious activity is detected.
Authorities will also share information with Interpol to support international crime suppression efforts.
Surat Thani Ranks Second-Highest for Nominee Business Risk
Department of Business Development (DBD) Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn said the agency is prioritizing enforcement against Thai nationals acting as nominees for foreign investors, as this practice distorts the economic structure and disadvantages legitimate Thai businesses. The DBD is coordinating with the Tourist Police, Immigration Bureau, Revenue Department, Land Offices, and local authorities.
Surat Thani has been identified as Thailand’s second-highest risk area for nominee businesses. Investigators discovered that among 7,096 targeted legal entities nationwide, five Thai shareholders—one corporate entity and four individuals—were listed as shareholders in 256 companies based in Koh Phangan. More than 100 of these companies share the same registered office address, raising red flags about the legitimacy of these business structures.
Luxury Villa Project Linked to Israeli Investors Under Scrutiny
During a field inspection on October 21, officials identified two business groups suspected of nominee activity:
First Consultants 47 Co., Ltd., an accounting firm whose owner is listed as a shareholder in 66 different companies—a pattern consistent with nominee arrangements.
Sithaya Beachfront Villa, a luxury development featuring eight villas renting for 13,000 baht ($398) per night, operating without a required hotel license.
Authorities summoned the project manager and six foreign guests for questioning. Preliminary findings indicate suspicious land ownership valued at more than 152 million baht ($4.65 million), held by two Thai-registered companies in which Israeli nationals own 49% of the shares—the maximum foreign ownership allowed under Thai law.
Investigators discovered that another Israeli firm later purchased additional shares, creating a structure possibly designed to evade taxes and conceal true ownership while maintaining effective control beyond legal limits.
The DBD is gathering evidence to submit to prosecutors for legal action and expanding inquiries into related companies to close legal loopholes that allow foreigners to unlawfully control Thai businesses.
Foreign Workers Face Deportation for Restricted Occupations
Department of Employment Director-General Pichet Thongphand said nationwide inspections are underway in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Pattaya to ensure all foreign workers are legally employed.
He emphasized that all foreigners must possess valid identification and work permits and must not engage in any of the 40 occupations reserved exclusively for Thai nationals—including professions such as tour guiding, massage therapy, and certain retail activities.
Violators face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht ($153–1,530), deportation, and a two-year ban from obtaining new work permits.
Employers who hire unlicensed foreign workers or allow them to work outside their permitted scope face even stiffer penalties: fines of 10,000 to 100,000 baht ($306–3,060) per worker, imprisonment of up to one year for repeat offenses, and a three-year ban on employing foreigners.
“We are taking every complaint seriously,” Pichet said. “There have been numerous reports of foreigners illegally competing with Thai workers across several regions, and we will ensure the law is enforced fairly and decisively.”
The crackdown reflects growing tension in Thailand’s tourism-dependent regions, where local communities are increasingly concerned about foreign dominance in property markets and service industries, while authorities seek to balance welcoming international investment with protecting Thai economic interests.
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Day one of the two-day celebration at Paragon Hall, recognising excellence in hospitality with influential tastemakers and cultural icons, live performances and Tatler Best’s signature “shining sea of hexagons” group shot
October 2025, Bangkok, Thailand: The Tatler Best Awards returns for its second regional edition, expanding from Asia to the Asia-Pacific and welcoming new destinations such as Australia and New Zealand. The unveiling of the Tatler Best 100 Hotels, Restaurants and Bars took place at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, bringing together 500+ industry leaders, influential tastemakers and Tatler community members from 20+ destinations. The full winners list is available at media.tatlerasia.com/list/best.
Presented in partnership with Mastercard and Priceless, Siam Paragon, SJM Resorts, S.A. and Amazing Thailand, the ceremony opened the two-day programme that recognises establishments setting new standards of creativity, craftsmanship and guest experience across Asia-Pacific.
A Regional Platform for Excellence
The Tatler Best Awards serve as Tatler Asia’s flagship regional platform, distinct from the Tatler Best lists in individual markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Throughout the year, Tatler celebrates national achievements across its local editions, culminating in this regional gathering that unites the most exceptional establishments from across Asia-Pacific.
Two-night “Discover Seaside Escape” features immersive activities to bring parents & kids closer together
Pattaya, Thailand: October, 2025 – Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, the stylish new seafront oasis just steps from Jomtien Beach, is a family paradise with an amazing array of experiences for all ages. Now, this inspiring new resort has revealed details of its inaugural Marriott Bonvoy Moments package – a highly immersive three-day/two-night escape that will let loved ones relax, reconnect, and create lifelong memories.
Marriott Bonvoy Moments are curated to connect members to the people, places and passions they love. At Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, the upbeat spirit of this fun-filled family resort is brought to life with the “Discover Seaside Escapes” package, which is filled with immersive activities, cultural workshops, and culinary journeys to bring parents and kids closer together.
This package starts traveling from 20 – 22 November 2025. Only five “Discover Seaside Escapes” are available. To secure this exciting Marriott Bonvoy Moments package, please visit https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/20286 and place your bid from now until November 10, 2025. Bids start from just 90,000 points!
BANGKOK — In a Hollywood-style operation dubbed “Take Down Black-Shadow Nana,” Bangkok Metropolitan Police and 40 anti-narcotics officers disguised as construction workers and night revelers conducted a dramatic pre-dawn raid on Sunday, arresting eight foreign nationals and one Thai citizen for drug trafficking in the heart of the capital’s tourist district.
The operation was launched following reports on the tourist community page ThailandTourism warning that groups of African men in the Nana-Asoke area of Bangkok were selling drugs, engaging in fraud, and pickpocketing tourists.
Metropolitan Police, working with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Lumpini Police Station, launched surveillance operations and identified a group of men selling drugs to passing tourists while deliberately avoiding contact with Thais to prevent undercover police detection.
Sophisticated Technique Discovered
CCTV footage analysis revealed the suspects’ sophisticated operation: they would flee immediately upon spotting Thais or anyone resembling police. Their special technique involved concealing drugs in their mouths—when customers approached, they would spit the drugs out discreetly to complete transactions. If authorities appeared, they would swallow the drugs to destroy evidence.
Police meticulously planned the crackdown operation for the early morning of October 26. The 40-strong team included 20 officers dressed as construction workers who arrived in pickup trucks, parking near a construction site on Sukhumvit Soi 11 in Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana District—close to where the suspects congregated.
Dramatic Arrest Unfolds Like Action Movie Scene
The breakthrough came when two foreign nationals passed by and the drug dealers approached them. As suspects began spitting out drugs and exchanging items in plain sight, the undercover construction workers casually surrounded the group. When the team leader gave the order—”Take them”—officers swooped in. While some suspects attempted to flee and others swallowed the evidence, police successfully apprehended all nine individuals along with drug evidence.
The arrested include eight Nigerian nationals: Mr. Onyekama Frankline, 29; Mr. Onuoha Desmond, 34; Mr. Nnawuke Lucky, 29; Mr. Alahieobi Favour, 35; Mr. Ubammadu Chibuzor, 32; Mr. Amajioyi Chinaemeze, 23; Mr. Udemgba Innocent, 28; and Mr. Nwachukwu Chisom, 41. The ninth suspect is Thai national Phanuwat Thanawet, 36, from Udon Thani province. Evidence seized included 3,000 baht ($92) in cash and 3.8 grams of cocaine.
Police Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau overseeing narcotics operations and head of the arrest team, explained that these Nigerian groups typically smuggle drugs into Thailand by swallowing them.
“They wrap drugs tightly in plastic, swallow large quantities before boarding flights to Thailand, then excrete them upon arrival for sale at tourist locations. Cocaine is the most common drug involved,” he said.
Suspects Given Milk to Recover Swallowed Evidence
“Once the drugs enter Thailand via air travel, they wrap them in tape and conceal them in their mouths. When arrested, they immediately swallow the drugs so officers find no evidence. In this case, we used undercover tactics to reach the suspects quickly, but several still managed to swallow the drugs in time. Our investigation team gave the suspects milk and monitored their bowel movements to recover evidence,” Maj. Gen. Theeradet added.
He noted that during the Nana operation, many foreign tourists expressed strong appreciation for the police action. “This drug-dealing group has caused significant distress to numerous tourists and severely damaged Thailand’s tourism image,” he said.
Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, has ordered continued crackdowns on such transnational crime throughout the metropolitan area.
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