Thai Owner’s Sheffield Wednesday Enters Administration, Faces 12-Point Deduction

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25 October 2025, 00:29

Britain Soccer Sheffield Wednesday — A general view of Hillsborough, home of Sheffield Wednesday, after it was announced they were going into administration, in Sheffield, England, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Historic English soccer club Sheffield Wednesday’s future was thrown into doubt Friday after it was taken over by administrators amid financial troubles.

The English Football League confirmed that the club, which was founded in 1867, would be hit with a 12-point deduction as punishment.

Joint administrator Kris Wigfield said a new owner was being sought as quickly as possible.

The four-time English champion was an original member of the Premier League. It now plays in the second-tier Championship and is currently bottom of the 24-team league on minus 6 points after the deduction.

The latest move comes after a period of financial difficulty under the ownership of Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri, which prompted protests from fans and sanctions from the league.

“For the fans, staff and players of Sheffield Wednesday this is an extremely worrying situation,” said U.K. culture secretary Lisa Nandy. “Owners should be good custodians who act with their club’s best interests in mind and clearly, in this instance, that has not been the case.”

Wednesday was already subject to blocks on transfer fees for three windows. The club and Chansiri separately faced league charges over non-payment of player wages.

A chance to ‘secure future’

The league said Friday that the latest developments were an “opportunity to move matters toward a successful sale and secure future under new ownership.”

Fans reacted to the news with a mix of sadness and optimism.

“Today marks one of the most bittersweet days in our club’s proud 158-year history,” Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust said in a statement. “Entering administration was the inevitable outcome of years of financial mismanagement, a lack of accountability, and repeated failures to engage credible buyers.

“Administration is not something to be celebrated. It needn’t have ended this way. But we are overjoyed to have Dejphon Chansiri out of our club for good.”

AP25297440499612 — A general view of Hillsborough, home of Sheffield Wednesday, after it was announced they were going into administration, in Sheffield, England, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)

In a statement, the club said administrators had been appointed after “significant efforts to agree a sale to a credible future custodian” could not be completed. It said it had faced “rising pressure from creditors.”

League rules mean teams that fall into administration are automatically deducted 12 points. Wednesday is now likely to be relegated to the third tier of English soccer, having regularly been a top-flight club in the past with star players like Chris Waddle and Paolo Di Canio.

The three-time winner of the FA Cup was last in the Premier League in 2000 and has since spent time in the third tier as recently as 2023.

Wednesday said average attendances this season had fallen from 26,000 to 17,000 amid fan unrest. Further financial hits have come from the boycotting of the club’s concessions and retail outlets.

“Now, more than ever, we need fans back in the ground — buying tickets, merchandise, pies and pints,” Wigfield said. “Every penny spent will go directly to supporting the day-to-day running of this club, not to the former owner or professional costs.”

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Pattaya Mayor Pushes Forward Green Line Monorail Project

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Khaosod English

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24 October 2025, 20:34

monorail-pattaya — Pattaya's Green Line monorail project

PATTAYA — Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said the city will submit its proposed Green Line monorail project for environmental review by the end of October, part of efforts to modernize public transportation in the popular beach destination.

The light rail-style system would connect Pattaya Railway Station with major areas including Pattaya City, Thap Phraya and Bali Hai Pier. Environmental Impact Assessment officials have already surveyed potential station sites along the proposed route, which would serve as the city’s pilot mass transit line.

Poramase said the city has completed feasibility and design studies with consulting firms and plans to present the results to the National Environmental Board soon. If approved, the project will move on to the National Economic and Social Development Council for a cost-effectiveness review before being submitted to the Cabinet for consideration under a public–private partnership framework.

Pattaya’s public transport master plan calls for four main lines: the Green, Yellow, Purple and Red routes. The mayor said the Green Line would serve as a model for future development, helping to build an integrated transit network and support Pattaya’s vision of becoming a “smart, livable tourism city.”

If realized, the Pattaya Green Line would be among the first monorail projects planned outside the Greater Bangkok region, marking a key step in expanding Thailand’s urban rail network beyond the capital area.

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Thai Citizenship Revoked for Cambodian Senator in $2M Asset Seizure

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24 October 2025, 19:49

Ly Yong Phat11 — FILE - Cambodian tycoon, Ly Yong Phat, left, talks his staff member at the Cambodia-China Business and Investment Forum at the outskirt of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. (AKP via AP)

BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Friday revoking the Thai citizenship of Ly Yong Phat, a Cambodian Senator and owner of the LYP Group, over suspected involvement with scam operations.

The order cites evidence that Ly Yong Phat, 67, who obtained Thai citizenship through naturalization, maintained Cambodian citizenship while having connections to fraud groups. He was sanctioned by the U.S. for involvement in human trafficking and cyber fraud, with his conduct deemed threatening to national security.

One day earlier, AMLO seized 70 million baht ($2 million) in assets from Ly Yong Phat after finding evidence that he held a Thai ID card and was involved with a scammer gang.

Police Reveal Stalled Cambodia Raid

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phewphan, Deputy Inspector General and TCSD Spokesperson, revealed significant progress in combating scam networks. The Royal Thai Police has upgraded its war room operations to work more closely with banks on freezing assets linked to call center networks, successfully blocking more than 40% of money from leaving the country since the center’s launch.

Trairong revealed that in August-September 2024, Thai Cyber Police coordinated with Cambodian police, traveling to Phnom Penh to discuss the Puri Casino case, which housed both a casino and a scammer network.

Ly Yong Phat33 — Cambodian tycoon, Ly Yong Phat, left, attends the welcome return of cultural treasures of artifact statues ceremony in Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 (AKP via AP)

Thai police expanded the investigation and issued more than 160 arrest warrants for Thai and Cambodian offenders, with clear locations of scammer operation bases. This information was coordinated with Cambodian authorities, who announced a joint operation.

When Cambodian authorities took Thai police to view the scammer operation buildings, they found fenced compounds with detention areas and operations rooms, similar to what South Korean police later encountered.

However, after a raid date was set, the appointment was continually postponed for over a month. Thai officials were asked to return home pending a new appointment, forcing Thai police to return empty-handed.

“I confirm that Thai police initiated this operation before South Korean police and did so seriously, as there were clear arrest warrants specifying offenders’ names. But the cooperation we received from Cambodian authorities was different from what South Korea received,” Trairong said.

o smach3 — “Aerial view shows expanding casino buildings and new construction suspected to be a future scammer hub in Cambodia’s O Samach.

$2 Million Asset Freeze

AMLO has made progress freezing assets of individuals in call center networks who hold dual citizenship. In the case of Ly Yong Phat, officials found he held a Thai ID card despite being a Cambodian national, and his name appeared in the O’Smach Casino Resort scammer network suspected of call center gang involvement. AMLO froze approximately 70 million baht ($2 million) in his Thai assets.

Regarding reports of scammers fleeing Cambodia, with some escaping into Thailand allegedly hiding South Korean workers, Trairong stated he is only aware of media reports. However, inspections have not yet confirmed that South Koreans have been smuggled into Thailand through any channels.

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Thai Poker Reclassification Sparks Criticism, Freezes Sport Activities

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24 October 2025, 17:31

WPT PRIME Thailand Exhibition — The 2025 WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition (July 30 - August 5) at EmSphere Bangkok attracted a world-record 2,337 entries, marking a new era for competitive poker in Thailand. (Photo: Facebook WPT Prime Thailand)

BANGKOK — Poker in Thailand has undergone a dramatic transformation in less than three months—from illegal gambling activity to officially recognized sport, and back to gambling again.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on October 22, 2025, reversing a July 30 announcement by former Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai that had granted poker sports status. The reversal aligns with the government’s parliamentary pledge to crack down on illegal gambling and oppose gambling operations disguised as sports.

The decision has forced the Poker Association of Thailand to suspend all operations. Association President Pol. Lt. Gen. Latsanya Piensampar said on October 24 that continuing activities could risk arrests and damage Thailand’s international reputation.

WPT Prime Thailand 1 — The seven-day 2025 WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition (July 30–August 5, 2025) attracted 2,337 entries, setting a world record and ushering in a new era for competitive poker.

“This order directly impacts us. We’ve had to halt everything—planned events, athlete development for Asian and world-level competitions, and opportunities to host international tournaments that could bring significant revenue to Thailand,” Latsanya said. The association’s board will meet October 27 to chart a new course.

“It’s disappointing to suspend everything. I hope people won’t see this as political revenge, but rather consider what poker could contribute to the nation,” he added.

Former Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, now Acting Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, sharply criticized the decision as running counter to global trends and tourism-driven economic development. He questioned whether it serves political interests over national benefit.

Sorawong pointed out that the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) recognized poker as a “Mind Sport” in 2024, acknowledging its requirements for analytical thinking, strategy, and mental discipline. Thailand’s Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) officially recognized poker and flag football as sports in July 2025, with clear regulations prohibiting gambling at competition tables.

sorawong poker — Former Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong

Internationally, poker federations span over 50 countries with more than 450,000 registered athletes and over 100 million players worldwide. Sorawong argued Thailand could capitalize on this by hosting an annual “Poker Tour Festival.”

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) estimated that tournament participants spend an average of 20,000 baht daily during 7-14 day stays. A single event attracting 10,000 participants could generate over 1.4 billion baht ($42.7 million).

“Poker isn’t gambling—it’s a strategic sport that many countries use to boost tourism and attract high-spending visitors. This decision shows politics trumping economics rather than national development. The government rushes to brand poker as gambling over public concerns, yet ignores negative consequences of its free cannabis policy,” Sorawong said.

“Why allow an unregulated narcotic business without safety standards while blocking a sports tourism activity that could generate massive revenue? Thailand risks losing hundreds of millions of baht per event and falling behind neighboring countries competing for affluent tourists,” he concluded.

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Siam Paragon Wins Prestigious Tatler Asia Brand Award

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MC Marketing

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24 October 2025, 17:04

Siam Paragon, a world-class landmark, won the prestigious ICONIC THAI BRAND AWARD at the Tatler Best Awards 2025, hosted by Tatler Asia, the region’s leading luxury fashion and lifestyle media. In addition, Blue by Alain Ducasse, the Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant at ICONSIAM, has once again been named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in Asia-Pacific, marking its second consecutive year on the list.

These accolades reflect the success of Siam Piwat Group, the owner and operator of world-class destinations, with Siam Paragon standing as a symbol of prosperity at the heart of Bangkok. As a long-standing leader in Thailand’s retail industry, Siam Paragon has consistently delivered extraordinary experiences and world-class lifestyle offerings, ultimately elevating Thailand’s tourism standards to be on par with those of leading global cities. In 2024, ICONSIAM also won the prestigious ICONIC THAI BRAND AWARD.

Furthermore, Blue by Alain Ducasse at ICONSIAM, a luxurious fine-dining restaurant awarded one Michelin star for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025, has achieved yet another success. Its recognition as one of Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Restaurants for the second year in a row underscores the commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences and reinforces ICONSIAM’s position as a leading destination for world-class cuisine.

The Tatler Best Awards 2025 brought together top chefs, restaurateurs, hotel executives, and bar experts from across the region to celebrate excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts. This year, the awards were presented to more than 300 leading hospitality establishments across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand for the first time. The awards have also expanded to the Middle East, reinforcing their significance as the most influential platform in the region for food, beverages, and tourism.

Xin Ke Yuan Steel Seizure Lifted Following Bangkok Building Collapse Probe

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Khaosod English

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24 October 2025, 16:02

sin ke yuan2 — Steel rebars at Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited in Ban Khai District, Rayong Province, were seized during quality inspection following the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building caused by tremors from an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025.

BANGKOK — The Thai Industrial Standards Office (TISI) has lifted the seizure on over 41,000 steel rebars belonging to Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited after testing by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand confirmed the products met industry standards.

TISI confirmed that inspection results on a portion of Xin Ke Yuan’s steel rebars showed compliance with standards, leading to the decision to return tens of thousands of rebars to the manufacturer. The seizure was initially imposed following the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building under construction in Bangkok during an earthquake in late March.

The incident prompted then-Industry Minister Ekkanat Promphan to launch an investigation, which initially indicated that steel rebars from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company used in the construction project were substandard. TISI subsequently seized the batch for testing.

israel rescue4 — FILE – Members of the Israeli Search and Rescue mission scan the rubble at the site of an under-construction State Audit building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, on April 2, 2025.

On October 23, Matichon reported that TISI issued documents lifting the seizure on 116 items totaling 41,635 rebars and 62 items totaling 24,685 rebars that were confiscated on April 2, 2025, and September 15, 2025, respectively. The products of 41,635 rebars were returned to Xin Ke Yuan Steel after testing samples showed compliance with standards. Testing was conducted by both the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand and TISI.

That same day, Attawit Suwanpakdee, Chairman of the Industry Minister’s Advisory Board, posted a message questioning the timing of the seizure lift, noting: “Once the government changed, I moved my belongings out of the Ministry on Friday. By Monday, September 15, the seizure lift document was immediately signed. Importantly, these are large size-32 rebars used for high-rise construction, meaning SKY brand steel is about to return to market!”

xin ke yuan1 1 — FILE – Lawyers from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited held a press conference regarding the company’s steel product standards for the media at Leelawadee Room, Rama Gardens Hotel, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, on April 21, 2025.

The post drew widespread criticism, prompting TISI Secretary-General Ekaniti Romyanon to clarify that the agency did lift the seizure and return steel from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company in accordance with government regulations. He added that substandard steel would continue to be processed according to legal procedures.

“It’s important to understand that when TISI seizes evidence—in this case, steel potentially connected to the OAG building collapse that could harm the public if allowed to circulate in the market—we must test it. If it meets standards, we return the evidence according to regulations. If it doesn’t meet standards, we proceed with prosecution,” Ekaniti said.

Previously, Industry Ministry officials inspected Xin Ke Yuan’s manufacturing facility after the Board of Investment temporarily revoked the company’s investment privileges in April 2025. The ministry also announced legal action on other significant matters beyond the steel quality, including , including illegal storage of 60,000 tons of red dust—a hazardous material—within the factory premises, and illegal transportation.

Evidence has been compiled for 1,016 charges against Xin Ke Yuan and related companies to be submitted to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

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Iranian Couple Arrested for Stealing $1,600 from Indian Tourist in Bangkok

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24 October 2025, 13:17

BANGKOK — A case of foreigners scamming foreign tourists in Bangkok has resurfaced after a long hiatus, following the arrest of an Iranian couple who allegedly stole money from an Indian tourist at a shopping mall in Pathumwan District.

Police patrol officers from Pathumwan Police Station apprehended the suspects on October 23, 2025, at 7:40 p.m., recovering evidence including sixteen $100 bills totaling $1,600.

According to the investigation, Mr. Mostafa, 41, and Miss Marzieh, 36, approached a 46-year-old Indian tourist inside the shopping mall and struck up a conversation, asking to see his U.S. dollars. After examining the money, the Iranian pair returned the cash to the Indian man and quickly walked away. However, the victim soon discovered that 16 bills—$1,600—were missing and immediately pursued the couple.

The Indian tourist caught up with the suspects near the H&M store on the first floor of the shopping center, demanding they stop and return his money. The Iranian man retrieved money from his black shoulder bag but attempted to flee. The victim called for security guards to detain them, and security subsequently contacted police.

When questioned through an interpreter about whether they committed the theft as alleged, both suspects denied the accusations. However, based on clear evidence, police charged them with joint theft by snatching before transferring them to Pathumwan Police Station investigators for legal proceedings.

Under Thai law, the penalty for theft by snatching is imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,050). For foreign nationals, the offense will be recorded on their criminal record and they will be deported from the country.

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What Makes ‘Bangkok Matching’ Different from Others in Thailand

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MC Marketing

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24 October 2025, 10:21

we make that journey smarter, safer, and more successful. Established in 2006, Bangkok Matching is Thailand’s leading high-end matchmaking agency and most trusted by accomplished singles both in Thailand and around the world. Our mission is simple yet profound: to help intelligent, successful individuals meet genuine partners who truly align with their values, lifestyles, and long-term goals.

With nearly two decades of expertise and over ten thousand of success stories, we have built a reputation for professionalism, confidentiality, and results. Here’s what sets Bangkok Matching apart from every other matchmaking company in Thailand.

What Makes Bangkok Matching Different from Other Matchmaking Companies in Thailand

We are Bangkok Matching. We are more than just a matchmaking company.

If you’re looking for quality matches tailored 100% to your preferences, Bangkok Matching is the only choice.

Vision and First-Hand Experience of the Founder
Our Founder and CEO — Khun Bee Kulchulee Subsinudom Nylander — has a deep passion for helping singles find true love with sincerity and dedication. Before founding Bangkok Matching, she personally explored over 300 dates through various methods — from business networking events, chambers of commerce, investment and knowledge courses, and even scuba diving lessons, to dating websites and apps, both with Thai and international men.

These experiences gave her profound insights into dating techniques, attraction psychology, and cultural differences in how men around the world think and express themselves about relationships.

Expertise in Psychology and Business Management
With academic backgrounds in Counseling Psychology and Business Administration, Khun Bee deeply understands human behavior and individuality. This knowledge allows her to provide personalized dating advice and coaching for both Thai and international members, ensuring each client maximizes their chance of finding a meaningful relationship.
Personal Involvement by the CEO
Khun Bee personally oversees every matchmaking process and regularly monitors members’ progress. Before a membership begins, she talks with each client (per clients request) to offer direct advice — identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for successful dating. Her goal is simple: to help every Bangkok Matching member find the right partner and build lasting love.
Cross-Cultural Understanding and High-Society Experience
As a Thai-Chinese who has been married for over 17 years to Mr. Håkan Nylander, a Swedish former Trade Commissioner stationed in several Asian countries before moving to Bangkok, Khun Bee possesses deep understanding of both Thai and international cultures.

Her experience in international and high-society circles enables her to truly understand the mindset and relationship expectations of high-caliber, successful singles.

Global Exposure and Cultural Insight
Having traveled to over 60 countries, often residing in some for months, Khun Bee has gained a broad and empathetic understanding of diverse lifestyles, values, and relationship dynamics across cultures — knowledge that shapes how Bangkok Matching connects people globally.
The Highest Screening Standards
Bangkok Matching maintains the strictest screening policy. We do not accept individuals with active mental health conditions, unless they are fully recovered and can present a certified medical clearance. This ensures a safe, respectful, and emotionally healthy environment for all members.
For Serious Relationships Only
We accept only members who genuinely seek meaningful and long-term relationships. Even if someone has substantial financial means, if their intention is not sincere, Bangkok Matching will politely decline service. Our mission is to help clients find life partners — not temporary companions.
Verified and Authentic Member Profiles
Every profile is carefully verified — including occupation, education, income, marital status, photos, and video introductions — ensuring all member information is accurate and trustworthy.
Professionally Trained Matchmakers
All Bangkok Matching matchmakers are also personally trained by Khun Bee in the areas of psychology, matchmaking, and client care. This guarantees a high level of professionalism, empathy, and family-like service in every client interaction.
Continued Care After Successful Match
Our commitment doesn’t end once members find their match. Bangkok Matching continues to follow up and support each couple until we’re confident their relationship is progressing well. Only then do we step back to give them the privacy and space to grow their love independently.

We’ve already helped over 10,000 couples find love, 800 married and have children and still counting.

Now it’s your turn. Ready to meet someone truly special?

Apply for Bangkok Matching’s professional matchmaking and dating services today at www.BangkokMatching.com.

Read inspiring love stories and heartfelt reviews from our happy clients at:

Success Stories: https://www.bangkokmatching.com/th/blog-success-stories/
Client Reviews: https://www.bangkokmatching.com/th/customer-reviews/

Over 1,000 Flee to Thailand as Myanmar Raids Scam Compound

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24 October 2025, 09:36

kk park 24-10-2025 — Foreign nationals fleeing the KK Park crackdown in Karen State, Myanmar, queue for screening by Thai authorities at the Special Operations Center at Mae Sot Permanent Border Checkpoint No. 2, Tak Province, on October 24, 2025.

MAE SOT, TAK — The Thai-Myanmar border has become a focal point following Myanmar military operations against scammers at the notorious “KK Park” compound in Myawaddy township, Karen State, located opposite Ban Mae Ku Tha Sung, Village No. 9, Mae Ku Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The crackdown has forced hundreds of foreign nationals to flee across the border into Thailand.

On October 24, more than a thousand foreigners suspected of working as scammers fled across the border into Mae Sot District, with numbers continuing to rise hourly.

Among those fleeing, Indian nationals make up the largest group with 399 people, followed by 147 Chinese nationals. The evacuees also include Vietnamese, Filipinos, Ethiopians, Pakistanis, Indonesians, Nepalis, and citizens from various other countries around the world, including 31 Thai nationals.

Police Lieutenant General Choengron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, revealed that immigration authorities in Tak are working in coordination with security forces to conduct thorough screenings of all individuals to verify identities, travel information, and criminal records using mobile biometric identification systems and patrol vehicles equipped with biometric scanners. He emphasized that legal proceedings will be strictly enforced.

Initial screening revealed that most detainees are Chinese nationals aged 20-45 without passports. Fingerprint and biometric comparisons found that some individuals have criminal records flagged in the system. Authorities are currently cross-checking international arrest warrants.

Other nationalities include Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pakistani, and Filipino nationals, all of whom remain in custody while evidence is gathered for legal proceedings.

kk park4 — Foreign nationals fleeing the KK Park crackdown in Karen State, Myanmar, queue for screening by Thai authorities at Rim Moei Market, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, on October 23, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Ratchamanu Task Force, in coordination with Mae Sot district administration, multiple police units, and village defense volunteers in Mae Sot, have established checkpoints and screening stations along the Moei River road bordering Thailand-Myanmar. Personnel have been deployed to natural crossing points to manage the 24-hour influx of foreign nationals fleeing across the border.

Authorities are providing humanitarian assistance, including food, drinking water, and medical supplies to all evacuees crossing into Tak Province. Officials are conducting intensive screening operations to identify individuals with criminal records and to separate victims who were deceived and forced into working as scammers.

kk park2 — Immigration officers record information from foreign nationals who fled the KK Park crackdown in Karen State, Myanmar, at a screening point in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, on October 23, 2025.

Myanmar’s military has shut down KK Park, detaining more than 2,000 people and seizing dozens of Starlink satellite internet terminals, state media The Myanmar Military True News Information Team reported Monday.

These centers are notorious for recruiting workers from other countries under false pretenses, promising legitimate employment before holding them captive and forcing them into criminal activities.

Scam operations gained international attention last week when the United States and Britain imposed sanctions on organizers of a major Cambodian cyberscam gang, while its alleged ringleader was indicted by a federal court in New York.

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Thailand Moves Closer to Extraditing Chinese Fugitive She Zhijiang

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24 October 2025, 01:22

she zhijiang2 — FILE – She Zhijiang (center) donates 20 million pesos to the University of the Manila in Philippines in January 2018.

BANGKOK – Thai authorities are preparing to extradite She Zhijiang, a 43-year-old Chinese-Cambodian national wanted for operating illegal casinos in China, following the Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling that the extradition law does not violate the constitution.

The verdict clears the path for prosecutors to expedite the handover of She Zhijiang (佘智江), who faces charges under China’s Criminal Code for casino operations. He is currently detained at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok awaiting transfer to Chinese authorities.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawut Wongsinin, Director-General of the Department of Corrections, revealed that administrative procedures for the extradition involve coordination between Chinese authorities, prosecutors, and representatives from the Royal Thai Police. “Once all preparations are complete, coordination will extend to the Department of Corrections,” he said.

“We have been in continuous contact with the Foreign Affairs Department and the Office of the Attorney General. We understand this case will be expedited given the significance of the suspect,” Prawut stated. However, he declined to disclose specific dates or times for security reasons, citing concerns about potential rescue attempts or unforeseen incidents.

The Department of Corrections has executed similar procedures before, most recently on July 18, 2025, when Zhou Jinghua (also known as Zhou Chanling), a Chinese national detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution, was extradited to China.

“The standard procedure involves a police transport van with representatives from the Royal Thai Police collecting the suspect from the prison. Alternatively, if requested, the Department of Corrections can escort the suspect. The primary principle is ensuring full security throughout the process,” Prawut explained.

prawut — Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawut Wongsinin, Director-General of the Department of Corrections

International Notoriety

She Zhijiang, convicted in China and a fugitive until his arrest by Thai police in August 2022, has been linked to human trafficking, extortion, and cyber scam operations. Known as Tang Kriang Kai, the Chinese-Cambodian tycoon was sanctioned for developing Shwe Kokko’s Yatai New City in partnership with Saw Chit Thu, chief of the KNA (formerly Karen Border Guard Force).

According to the U.S. Treasury, the pair transformed a small village into a resort city infamous for gambling, prostitution, drug trafficking, and international scam operations targeting victims worldwide, including U.S. citizens.

The case gained international attention in January 2025 when She Zhijiang alleged inhumane treatment in Thai prison—claims firmly denied by then-Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong.

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A chance to ‘secure future’

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