Pattaya police detain the Israeli suspect in their vehicle after motorcycle taxi drivers captured him for allegedly taking temple donation envelopes from a massage parlor following a refund dispute, Oct. 17, 2025.
PATTAYA— An early morning theft attempt turned into a dramatic chase through Pattaya’s entertainment district when a 34-year-old Israeli man named Benallegedly attempted to steal temple donation envelopes from a massage parlor after being refused a refund.
The incident unfolded at 2:00 a.m. Friday when motorcycle taxi drivers near Soi 6 Pattaya Sai 2 responded to urgent calls for help, joining locals in pursuit of a suspect fleeing toward Soi 5 on Pattaya Beach Road. The chase ended with Ben being subdued and held until police arrived.
A search revealed temple donation envelopes from Wat Tham Pha Thong in Phetchabun Province concealed in the man’s trouser pocket, leaving both pursuers and authorities stunned that a foreigner was involved in stealing religious offerings.
Massage Refund Demand Turned Sour
The 49-year-old masseuse, identified only as “Noi,” told police the man had received a full one-hour traditional Thai massage before approaching the counter demanding his 300-baht ($9.2) fee back.
Motorcycle taxi drivers surround an Israeli tourist on Pattaya Beach Road after responding to a masseuse’s calls for help, alleging he had stolen temple donation envelopes, Oct. 17, 2025.
“I asked him, ‘How can I refund it when the massage was completed for a full hour?'” she recounted. Despite her refusal, the customer grew increasingly insistent, focused solely on getting his money back.
When she stood firm, he grabbed a stack of temple donation envelopes sitting on the counter — funds the shop had been collecting to send to the temple on October 20 — and walked out. Noi immediately gave chase, calling for help from neighbors and passersby. A group of motorcycle taxi drivers quickly responded, tracking down and restraining the suspect before turning him over to Pattaya Police.
Suspect Claims Ignorance, Police Skeptical
The detained man was identified as 34-year-old Bar (surname withheld), an Israeli national. During initial questioning, he claimed he didn’t realize money was inside the envelopes, saying he acted impulsively out of frustration over the refused refund.
Investigators remain unconvinced by his explanation. The suspect is being held for additional questioning before being formally charged and sent to prosecutors for legal proceedings.
The “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025,” is taking place from October 16 to 31 along Phahurat Road (Little India) and Ong Ang Canal in Bangkok. (Photo: BMA)
BANGKOK — Bangkok City Hall is hosting the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025” from October 16 to 31 along Phahurat Road (Little India) and Ong Ang Canal, marking a significant expansion of the traditional celebration into a global-scale festival.
Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon announced on October 17 that this year’s organizers are creating a lasting symbol of the Diwali Festival by inviting Thai artists to paint street art murals on walls and buildings throughout the Phahurat area. A curator is overseeing the project to ensure the artworks share a cohesive theme.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing festival activities, with Phahurat Road temporarily closed to accommodate large-scale celebrations. Sanon stated that the goal is to elevate Diwali into a global festival, rather than the small-scale community cultural event of previous years.
As part of Bangkok’s “Turn the City into an Art Gallery” campaign, colorful murals and street art transform building walls across the city. (Photo: BMA)
Safety and Environmental Focus
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is overseeing public order and safety, including waste management, with support from civil defense and traffic volunteers. The BMA is also using the event to promote waste separation and environmental awareness, encouraging sustainable habits among city residents.
Sanon emphasized that all major BMA events now include waste segregation initiatives to foster environmentally responsible behavior.
Public Art Protection
As part of the city’s “Turn the City into an Art Gallery” campaign, Bangkok continues to invite artists to create public artworks and building owners to offer their walls as canvases. However, Sanon warned against vandalism and graffiti, citing a previous incident in Charoen Krung Soi 30 (Bang Rak District).
As part of Bangkok’s “Turn the City into an Art Gallery” campaign, colorful murals and street art transform building walls across the city. (Photo: BMA)The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 features spectacular light decorations, street art displays, and art-themed walkways throughout Phahurat Road and Ong Ang Canal.
“Destroying or defacing others’ artwork is a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both,” he said, urging the public to respect and protect public art.
Festival Highlights
The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 features spectacular light decorations, street art displays, and art-themed walkways throughout Phahurat Road and Ong Ang Canal.
From October 18 to 20, Phahurat Road hosts cultural performances, shows by famous artists, craft demonstrations, and an Indian-style food and goods market. The Ong Ang Canal area offers riverside food stalls, Indian cuisine, and photo spots, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the event.
The festival runs through October 31, transforming Little India into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.
Thailand's Department of National Parks has enforced a ban on sunscreens containing four hazardous substances: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben.
BANGKOK — The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued a stern warning to tourists visiting marine national parks: using sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs could result in fines of up to 100,000 baht ($3,070).
The enforcement is part of the department’s broader efforts to protect the long-term health of Thailand’s marine ecosystems, which have been increasingly threatened by chemical pollutants.
Atthaphol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department, announced on October 16 that to ensure tourism coexists with environmental conservation, authorities have banned sunscreens containing four hazardous substances: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben.
Atthaphol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department
“These chemicals directly harm coral reefs by preventing coral larvae from developing properly, disrupting reproduction, and contributing to coral bleaching, which can ultimately lead to coral death,” Atthaphol explained.
Reef-Safe Alternatives Required
To safeguard these fragile natural resources, the department is urging tourists to use environmentally friendly sunscreens labeled “Reef Safe” or “Reef Friendly.”
The Director-General also reminded visitors to strictly follow additional regulations, including:
Avoid touching, stepping on, or handling corals
Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from coral reefs
Refrain from littering or disposing of any waste into the sea
Comply with all instructions given by park officials
Thailand’s Department of National Parks is urging tourists to use environmentally friendly sunscreens labeled “Reef Safe” or “Reef Friendly.”
Strict Enforcement Nationwide
Violators will face penalties under Section 20 in conjunction with Section 47 of the National Park Act 2019, which imposes fines of up to 100,000 baht ($3,070).
The department has instructed all marine national parks to strictly enforce the regulations and promote awareness among tourists about the importance of protecting Thailand’s marine environment for sustainable tourism.
The crackdown reflects growing concerns about the environmental impact of mass tourism on Thailand’s renowned coral reefs, which attract millions of visitors annually but face mounting pressure from climate change and human activity.
An interpreter translates for Sangkhla Buri Police Station officers questioning Lawrence (covering his face, center) on October 11. The 19-year-old British man's mother reported him missing from Pattaya on September 26 before he was discovered in the Kanchanaburi forest. (Photo: Surasee Force)
Mother reported son missing from Pattaya, fearing scam gang abduction
KANCHANABURI — A 19-year-old British national reported missing from Pattaya has been found alive after spending two weeks lost in jungle near the Thai-Myanmar border, surviving by eating ants and tree bark.
Lawrence was discovered on October 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Tham Kaew Sawan Bundan Temple in Moo 9, Phra Chedi Sam Ong village, Nong Lu subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri district. Local residents and the One Sky Foundation, a Thai organization supporting vulnerable children and families along the border, coordinated his rescue with military authorities.
Extensive Search Operation
The search began on September 27 when Thai-Myanmar border security forces received notification from Sangkhla Buri Police Station. His mother, Kulnara, had filed a missing person report at Pattaya City Police Station after her son disappeared on September 26, expressing fears he may have been lured to Myanmar by scammers.
Military personnel from the Lad Ya Task Force conducted extensive searches, posting missing person flyers at the Khiri Nakhorn checkpoint and other border crossings while coordinating with neighboring countries, including Myanmar military liaison units, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
On October 2, then-Kanchanaburi Governor Athisan Intara escalated the search efforts, ordering local officials, Sangkhla Buri police, and immigration officers to review CCTV footage from roads, hotels, and resorts throughout the district—both in town and along the border at Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong in Nong Lu subdistrict—after witnesses reported seeing someone matching Lawrence’s description in Tha Makham subdistrict.
The coordinated effort finally yielded results when local residents located the missing British man and alerted authorities. Following his rescue, the Lad Ya Task Force worked with Kanchanaburi Immigration officers and Sangkhla Buri Police to take custody of Lawrence. He was brought to the One Sky Foundation for recovery while police conducted interviews.
Staff from the One Sky Foundation and soldiers from the Surasee Task Force bring Lawrence, a 19-year-old British man, for a medical examination at the hospital after local residents found him lost in the Kanchanaburi forest for two weeks on October 11, 2025. (Photo: Surasee Force)
Journey to the Border
Lawrence told investigators he traveled from Bangkok by private vehicle to Sangkhla Buri on September 27, intending to continue to Payathonzu, Karen State, on the Thai-Myanmar border after researching the area online.
Upon arriving at the Phra Chedi Sam Ong checkpoint, immigration officials informed him the crossing remained closed to travelers and escorted him to the van terminal at Phra Chedi Sam Ong village to arrange transport back to Bangkok. Unwilling to return to the capital, he decided to explore the natural surroundings on his own.
While walking along a roadside in the Moo 9 Phra Chedi Sam Ong area, he encountered three unidentified men who believed he was searching for accommodation. They took him to Century Hot Spring Resort, but he lacked sufficient funds to rent a room. After leaving the resort, he walked alone deeper into what turned out to be a rubber plantation.
CCTV footage shows Lawrence at Century Hotspring Resort in Sangkhla Buri on September 27, 2025, shortly before he disappeared.
Survival in the Wilderness
“It was already dark, so I got lost and couldn’t find my way out for 14 days. During that time, I survived by eating ants and tree bark,” Lawrence explained. He recounted how he wandered through the dense plantation forest, unable to find his way back to civilization for two weeks while subsisting on whatever he could forage.
On October 11, local residents finally found him and brought him to Tham Kaew Sawan Bundan Temple, where he rested and ate proper food before receiving further assistance from authorities.
His mother, Kulnara, gave a brief statement expressing immense relief that her son had been found and saying she would reunite with him as soon as possible.
Two Chinese suspects are apprehended by Don Mueang Police at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 16, 2025, as they attempted to flee Thailand.
BANGKOK — Police in the capital conducted simultaneous operations on October 16, apprehending several Chinese nationals across three separate criminal investigations involving unauthorized business activities, residential burglaries, and organized fraud.
Unlicensed Hostel Concealed Viagra Sales
A multi-agency task force raided two properties in Soi Intharam 49, Din Daeng District, following reports of illegal employment and unauthorized commercial activity. The team included officers from Sutthisan Police Station, the Department of Employment, Immigration Bureau, and Huai Khwang District Office.
Police detained Jinghua, who leased both properties, and Zhihao, identified as an employee. Investigators found one house stocked with unregistered food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and substantial quantities of unlicensed Viagra prepared for customer shipment. The adjacent property had been illegally converted into a hostel and livestreaming studio for selling Buddhist amulets online.
Police and officials from multiple agencies inspect unregistered pharmaceuticals and food products during a raid on an illegal operation in Din Daeng District on October 16, 2025.
Jinghua maintained the 15,000-baht monthly rentals were legitimate, claiming the accommodations served visiting foreign acquaintances rather than paying guests. Authorities have charged both individuals with unauthorized employment, while district officials will assess potential building code violations.
Serial Burglars Caught at Airport After Two-Day Spree
Don Mueang Police investigators intercepted Li, 38, and Xiaowu, 39, at Suvarnabhumi Airport as the pair prepared to depart Thailand. Officers recovered gold jewelry, Buddhist amulets, Buddha statues, cash, and commemorative banknotes linking them to two residential break-ins.
Both burglaries occurred on October 14 in the Soi Soranakorn area. The first victim discovered their home ransacked around 9:30 p.m., with CCTV showing intruders scaling the fence and forcing entry through the rear door. Hours earlier, at approximately 8:30 p.m., three suspects struck a nearby residence on Soi Soranakorn 9. Security footage captured two climbing the perimeter wall while a third stood watch. The 10-minute burglary netted 28 items worth over 310,000 baht ($9,545) from a safe.
Chinese nationals Li, 38, and Xiaowu, 39, are apprehended by Don Mueang Police at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 16, 2025, with stolen items, as they attempted to flee Thailand.
Investigation revealed the suspects arrived October 13 and booked departure flights for October 15. Li rented a vehicle to conduct surveillance across Don Mueang, Sai Mai, Bang Khen, Huai Khwang, and areas near Pathum Thani.
“They operated in groups of three, splitting stolen goods immediately to minimize detection risk,” an investigator explained. “We’re pursuing the third member and suspect multiple additional crimes.”
Fraud Ring Supervisor Arrested Managing Money Mule Network
The Technology Crime Suppression Division apprehended Zeng, 40, on Ratchadaphisek Road while he supervised five Thai nationals withdrawing cash from Din Daeng area ATMs.
Technology Crime Suppression Division officers arrest a Chinese suspect on Ratchadaphisek Road in Din Daeng District on October 16, 2025.
The Chinese national had been wanted since September 5 on charges including organized crime participation, fraud, computer-related offenses, money laundering conspiracy, and illegal entry. Victims reported losing more than 640,000 baht to the network.
Zeng admitted orchestrating cash withdrawals through Thai accomplices before delivering proceeds to a Chinese gang leader operating in Huai Khwang. He confessed to illegally crossing into Thailand through the Golden Triangle region in Chiang Rai specifically to manage this operation.
Police are working to identify and arrest the network’s leadership and remaining members.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina, left, talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, during a meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AKP via AP)
PHNOM PENH — Cambodian and South Korean officials agreed Thursday to cooperate in combating online scams, after the death of a South Korean student who was reportedly forced to work in a scam center in Cambodia triggered public outrage in South Korea.
A South Korean delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina visited the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, for talks with officials, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
During the meeting, Kim urged Cambodia to take stronger action against online scam crimes as Hun Manet expressed regret over the student’s death and promised to make more efforts to promote the safety of South Korean nationals in Cambodia, according to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry.
Hun Manet said on Telegram the two countries “will continue to strengthen our collaboration to prevent, suppress, and combat online scams more effectively.”
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet talks with South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina, during a meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AKP via AP)
A vast transnational industry
Cambodia’s online scam industry uses trafficked workers from various countries to target victims around the world. South Korean officials estimate that about 200,000 people, including some 1,000 South Koreans, are working at online scam sites in Cambodia.
In August the body of 22-year-old student Park Min-ho was discovered in a pickup truck in Cambodia’s southern Kampot province. Authorities said he died following a cardiac arrest after being tortured and beaten. South Korean media reported that Park was lured to travel to Cambodia by a friend, who was later arrested in South Korea.
Kim told reporters that she asked for Cambodia to repatriate South Koreans nationals involved in online scams in the country and return Park’s remains at an early date. South Korean officials earlier said the body’s return was delayed due to disputes over South Korea’s request for an autopsy by pathologists from both countries.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina, listens to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, right, during a meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AKP via AP)
It wasn’t immediately clear how those 1,000 South Koreans have ended up working in online scam sites in Cambodia. South Korean officials believe many were lured with promises of high-paying jobs before being forced to work against their will, but some also went there voluntarily.
In the first eight months of this year alone, there were reports of 330 South Koreans detained in Cambodia, South Korean national security adviser Wi Sung-lac told a briefing Wednesday, citing reports from victims themselves and their relatives. Wi said that 80% of those cases have been resolved.
Wi said 60 South Koreans were recently arrested in Cambodia on suspicion of involvement in online scams. Once repatriated, they would face investigation and possible legal punishments, depending on the degree of their involvement, Wi said.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina, center left, talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, center right, during a meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AKP via AP)
South Korea imposes travel restrictions
On Thursday, a South Korean travel ban came into effect for parts of Cambodia including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, where Park Min-ho was found dead, as well as the towns of Bavet and Poipet, on Cambodia’s border with Vietnam and Thailand.
Kim said Hun Manet asked South Korea to ease the travel restrictions, citing worries about the possible negative effect on investments and tourism in Cambodia. Kim said she described the restrictions as “inevitable” but South Korea will ease them if the situation improves.
Wi said earlier Thursday there would be a limit in South Korea to dealing solely with a transnational online scam industry based in a foreign country. But he said South Korea will mobilize “all available methods” to protect the safety and properties of South Koreans and promote coordination with Cambodia, neighboring countries and international organizations.
Hun Manet said “Cambodia does not need any neighboring country to carry out such work on its behalf” to address online scam issues and that the two countries can resolve the matter bilaterally without the need for any third-party involvement.
FILE – A boy plays near a building, where some people trafficked under false pretenses are being forced to work in online scams targeting people all over the world, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File)
The United Nations and other agencies have estimated that cyberscams, most of them originating from Southeast Asia, earn international criminal gangs billions of dollars annually. The cybercriminals pretend friendship or tout phony investment opportunities to cheat their targets around the world.
Jeremy Douglas, former regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, now current chief of staff for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said that Southeast Asia — particularly the Mekong Region’s border areas between Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand — is “arguably the most significant global hub for scams and illegal online gaming. And the reason is pretty straightforward – criminals like the conditions, the freedom they have, the ability to make and hide money with little resistance.”
“It is unclear how governments will respond, but the main thing now is pulling together on a regional solution. The situation can’t simply be ignored,” Douglas said.
Metropolitan Police arrest seven foreign nationals and one Thai woman after uncovering a drug-dealing operation hidden behind a barbershop in Bangkok’s Nana area on October 15, 2025.
BANGKOK — Police arrested seven foreign nationals and one Thai woman after uncovering a drug-dealing operation hidden behind a barbershop in Bangkok’s Nana area late Wednesday night.
The operation followed an order from National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet to intensify inspections in tourist hotspots. Metropolitan Police officers posing as tourists conducted undercover patrols in Sukhumvit Soi 3, where they encountered a group of foreign men offering drugs under the slogan “One puff to the top of the pyramid” along with access to a “secret room” for customers to use drugs.
Two tall foreign men approached the undercover officers, offering to sell drugs and escorting them into a five-story commercial building. On the top floor, officers found an Arab-run barbershop serving as a front, with a hidden room behind it.
The suspects presented methamphetamine tablets for sale at 2,000 baht apiece, prompting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom to order an immediate raid around 11 p.m. on October 15.
Barbershop Front for Hidden Drug Den
Police arrested eight suspects in total. Two men were charged with major drug offenses: Mr. Khalil, 41, an Egyptian national, and Mr. Maw, 22, from Myanmar, for possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) with intent to sell, as well as possession of Category 5 drugs.
Other suspects faced various charges:
Mr. Ahmad, 30, from Pakistan, was charged with working without a permit and engaging in a prohibited occupation (barbering).
Mr. Khadimi, 21, from Afghanistan; Mr. Salwa, 25, from Iraq; and Miss Ohn Htee, 40, from Myanmar, were charged with illegal entry into the Kingdom.
Mr. Yasir, 30, from Pakistan, was charged with concealing and trading in prohibited goods.
The lone Thai suspect, Mrs. Chalongkwan, 50, was charged with distributing and possessing narcotics, employing illegal foreign workers, and selling untaxed imported goods including excise items.
Metropolitan Police find drug evidence in a barbershop in Bangkok’s Nana, which has a hidden room for customers seeking to use drugs, on October 15, 2025.
Array of Drugs and Contraband Seized
Police seized 11 categories of evidence: four ecstasy pills, four bags of crystal meth weighing 3.3 grams, two bags of cocaine weighing 1.7 grams, two meth pills, seven bags of magic mushrooms, 23 hookah sets, 55 boxes of snuff, 125 packs of untaxed cigarettes, three bank books, 125,000 baht in cash, and 4,000 baht used in the sting.
During interrogation, Mr. Khadimi denied all charges, claiming he worked for Mrs. Chalongkwan and an Arab man named “Yasim,” described as resembling “Mini-Me” from the Austin Powers films. He insisted he only acted as a tout to bring customers to use drugs.
Mrs. Chalongkwan also denied involvement in the drug trade, saying she merely operated a barbershop and sold cannabis legally, claiming all illegal items found belonged to others.
Police dog named Gigi detects drugs in a barbershop in Bangkok’s Nana during a raid by the Metropolitan Police, arresting seven foreign suspects and one Thai national on October 15, 2025.
Gang Operated as Organized Network
Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thammasuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the group operated as an organized network with members assigned to different roles. He added that some suspects also engaged in other criminal activities and exerted influence that intimidated tourists and residents, damaging Thailand’s tourism reputation.
Police said the operation underscores ongoing efforts to clean up Bangkok’s nightlife areas and restore public confidence, particularly in districts popular among foreign visitors.
Singapore, 16 October 2025: 14 talented mixologists representing the best of Marriott International bars from across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) put their skills to the test in Bangkok to create modern concoctions centered around forgotten ingredients from their local communities.
The annual competition saw Jakkrit Promchaisit from W Bangkok’s award-winning Bar Sathorn crowned Marriott International APEC’s Rising Star 2025. His cocktail, Sathorn Garden, wowed judges with its innovative use of ingredients to create a unique blend of Thai-inspired flavors. Mint grown from W Bangkok’s on-property garden and grasshopper was paired with Japanese cucumber, coconut and Codigo Tequila in a cold infusion, and clarified in coconut cream.
Jun Gyu, a mixologist from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore took second place, with Caramboleh, an inspired fusion of Monkey 47 Gin, starfruit, sour plum, and a unique syrup crafted from recycled coffee grounds. JW Marriott, New Delhi Aerocity’s Akshay Kumar came in third with his bold reinvention of the classic dirty Martini. The Imperfect Martini features Monkey 47 Gin, olive brine, jalapeño brine and orange juice, shaken not stirred.
The Grand Final held at W Bangkok was the culmination of a months-long competition series which saw 240 bartenders from across APEC
Immigration and police officers conduct an investigation at Laplage Resort on Koh Phangan, October 15, 2025.
KOH PHANGAN — Thai Authorities have arrested at least eight foreign nationals for illegally operating hotels and restaurants on Koh Phangan, targeting suspected nominee arrangements where foreigners use Thai proxies to control businesses.
The October 15 crackdown, led by Immigration Police alongside Koh Phangan Police, Surat Thani Provincial Police, and Tourist Police, followed complaints from locals about foreign-controlled establishments on the island.
Three Hotels and Restaurants Raided
The operation resulted in arrests of French, German, Israeli, and Myanmar nationals across three locations. At Laplage Resort, French national Jody, 40, faces charges for operating an unlicensed hotel and employing a Myanmar worker illegally.
At Art of Nature Resort & Spa, Israeli national Avi, 60, was found operating under an outdated hotel license listing the property as “Viewpoint” rather than its current name. He faces charges for employing two Myanmar workers beyond permitted rights.
Officers from Immigration Police, Koh Phangan Police Station, and Tourist Police conduct an investigation at Art of Nature Resort & Spa during raids on October 15, 2025.
The third raid at Shogun Ramen restaurant revealed German nationals Richard, 35, and Arthur, 38, operating the establishment with one Myanmar employee—notably with no Thai staff whatsoever. Richard faces multiple charges including failure to notify authorities about foreign worker employment, while all three face charges related to illegal work arrangements.
Tourist Police arrest five unlicensed tour guides—three Thai and two Myanmar nationals—leading ATV tours along the Thong Nai Pan nature trail on Koh Phangan.
Unlicensed ATV Tour Guides Also Arrested
In a separate operation, Tourist Police arrested five unlicensed tour guides—three Thai and two Myanmar nationals—leading ATV tours along the Thong Nai Pan nature trail. Officers seized 11 ATVs and dune buggies worth millions of baht. The suspects worked for a tourism company registered under a Thai woman whose Israeli husband allegedly runs the operation, which primarily targets Israeli customers through Hebrew signage and mobile applications.
Nominee Investigation Expands
Authorities are expanding investigations into potential nominee structures at these businesses and pursuing charges against employers for hiring foreigners illegally, aligning with the Tourist Police Commissioner’s directive to crack down on illegal foreign business activity in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Lisa Named Thailand Tourism Ambassador, Expected to Draw 5-10 Million Visitors
BANGKOK — Lisa Manobal, the Thai-born K-pop superstar from BLACKPINK, has officially accepted the role of Thailand’s tourism ambassador under the “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” initiative, according to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Governor Thapanee announced on October 15 that partnering with Lisa represents a pivotal moment for Thai tourism, offering an opportunity to showcase the country’s charm, diversity, and attractions through a fresh lens that will resonate with both domestic and international audiences.
Ambitious Revenue Targets
The TAT projects this collaboration will attract between 5 to 10 million additional foreign tourists, generating revenue of 250 to 500 billion baht ($8.06 to $16.13 billion USD). Officials anticipate that 2026 tourism revenue could surpass 2019 figures—Thailand’s best tourism year on record, which brought in approximately 3 trillion baht ($96.77 billion USD).
“We chose Lisa because she is a global icon with proven, sustained success and an enormous fan base,” Thapanee explained. “Her involvement will significantly increase visibility through our joint campaigns and help position Thailand as a premium quality destination, driving growth across multiple sectors.”
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Reinforcing Thailand’s Premium Image
In her new role, Lisa will represent Thailand as a leading quality travel destination. The TAT remains committed to positioning the country as both high-quality and safe, welcoming visitors with authentic Thai warmth and hospitality.
This partnership reinforces Thailand’s image as a “Quality Leisure Destination” while strengthening confidence in “Trusted Thailand”—a place where every journey creates meaningful and lasting memories.
Campaign Details and Timeline
Governor Thapanee revealed that TAT has signed a contract with Lisa and her company, LLOUD Co., covering the period from September 29, 2025, to September 29, 2026.
The campaign includes a 60-second advertisement featuring Lisa, which TAT will edit into 30-second and 15-second clips, plus an additional 30-second promotional teaser. The content is scheduled to launch in January 2026, with Lisa participating in an exclusive special event.
Amazing Thailand X Lisa
Leveraging Social Media Power
The campaign will also include 12 promotional photographs. With Lisa’s Instagram following exceeding 100 million users, the reach potential is substantial. The agreement includes one post on Lisa’s personal Instagram account and one on LLOUD Co.’s channels. Additionally, TAT and its overseas offices can share this content across Amazing Thailand platforms for various marketing purposes.
Based on Lisa’s previous brand partnerships, such as with Celine—which generated an estimated media value (EMV) of over $29 million USD—a single post from Lisa can dramatically expand audience reach. TAT estimates this collaboration could attract at least 1 billion online views.
Lisa’s collaboration with the luxury fashion house has generated $29 million in media value—proof of her global influence.
Converting Engagement to Tourism
If just 5-10% of this online engagement converts into actual visits or “fan tourism,” Thailand could see more than 5-10 million additional tourists by 2026. Fan tourists represent a lucrative market segment, typically spending approximately 50,000 baht ($1,613 USD) per trip, aligning perfectly with Thailand’s strategy to attract high-value travelers.
“Our hope is that with Lisa helping present Thailand in its best light, we can achieve 2026 revenue figures that match or exceed 2019 levels,” Governor Thapanee stated.
A Collective Effort Required
However, she emphasized that TAT cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. Success will require cooperation from all sectors, including security agencies and local communities.
“A positive image depends on everyone in the country,” Thapanee concluded, stressing that maintaining Thailand’s reputation as a world-class destination is a shared responsibility.
