Law enforcement representatives from the United States, Thailand, and Laos participate in a trilateral information exchange coordinated by U.S. embassies in Bangkok and Vientiane on September 23-24, 2025, to strengthen cooperation against transnational crimes.
BANGKOK — Law enforcement officials from the United States, Thailand, and Laos met in Bangkok September 23-24 to strengthen cooperation against transnational criminal networks operating across the region’s borders.
The trilateral summit, coordinated by U.S. embassies in Bangkok and Vientiane, brought together 30 senior immigration police officials—15 each from Thailand and Laos—alongside American security representatives from multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection.
Officials focused on combating human trafficking, child exploitation, drug smuggling, weapons trafficking, and increasingly prevalent cyberscam operations that target victims across Southeast Asia. The meeting aimed to streamline communication channels and coordinate enforcement strategies against criminal organizations that exploit porous borders.
Law enforcement representatives from the United States, Thailand, and Laos participate in a trilateral information exchange coordinated by U.S. embassies in Bangkok and Vientiane on September 23-24, 2025, to strengthen cooperation against transnational crimes.
“Criminals don’t respect borders, so our response shouldn’t either,” participants emphasized, highlighting the need for enhanced regional cooperation.
The initiative supports broader U.S. State Department efforts to strengthen law enforcement partnerships throughout ASEAN. Cross-border crime cooperation will feature prominently at next month’s ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The exchange represents growing recognition that transnational crimes—from sophisticated online fraud operations to human trafficking networks—require coordinated international responses to protect communities and economies across the region.
Thai Immigration Police participate in a trilateral information exchange coordinated by U.S. embassies in Bangkok and Vientiane on September 23-24, 2025.
Tourist Police arrest a 30-year-old Russian man for operating an illegal motorcycle rental business on Koh Phangan island, Surat Thani Province, on September 24, 2025, and seize 10 motorcycles as evidence.
KOH PHANGAN — A 30-year-old Russian man has been arrested on Koh Phangan island, Surat Thani Province, for operating an illegal motorcycle rental business targeting foreign tourists, generating substantial monthly profits over a six-month period.
Tourist police on Koh Phangan launched an investigation following complaints from local residents about unauthorized foreign business activities in the area. Officers discovered the suspect, identified as Timofey, teaching a foreign woman to ride a motorcycle in Village 5, Koh Phangan sub-district.
During the arrest on September 24, police found Timofey in possession of 10 motorcycles used for his rental operation. Despite holding only a tourist visa, the Russian national had been illegally renting motorcycles to visitors, primarily targeting Israeli tourists.
Tourist Police discover the Russian suspect teaching a foreign woman how to ride a motorcycle in Village 5 on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, on September 24, 2025.
According to testimony from a foreign woman at the scene, customers contacted Timofey through WhatsApp, often through referrals from Israeli friends. The rental rates were set at 400 baht per day or 8,000 baht per month. To avoid detection by authorities, Timofey operated without requiring deposits or passport holds, instead parking motorcycles at various locations and sending GPS coordinates to customers.
Timofey confessed to running the illegal rental business for over six months, earning up to 150,000 baht ($4,670) monthly, totaling over 900,000 baht ($28,000). He had modified some motorcycles to have four wheels, making them easier for his predominantly female Israeli clientele to operate.
The suspect was taken into custody along with all seized motorcycles as evidence. He has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station investigators to face charges for operating a business without proper authorization as a foreigner (vehicle rental) and working without a valid work permit.
The Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Hat Lek Subdistrict, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, sits empty and deserted on September 24, 2025. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklaihong)
TRAT — For four months, an order from the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Protection Force has remained in effect, closing all border checkpoints and suspending trade, cargo transport, and cross-border tourism. This measure was implemented in retaliation against Cambodia following clashes on Thailand’s northeastern border.
The impact of this closure was starkly evident on September 24 at the permanent Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Hat Lek Subdistrict, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province. The area, once bustling with activity, now resembled a ghost town.
Silence prevailed, with no cars or people in sight. Hotels, shops, convenience stores, and cafés remained shuttered. Locals and vendors who historically relied on the Hat Lek market have been forced to seek alternative livelihoods, such as weaving fishing nets, to survive.
Cafe Amazon remains closed as the Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Hat Lek Subdistrict, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, sits quiet on September 24, 2025. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklaihong)
Personal accounts of economic hardship
Somboon Hoi-Sang, 60, a former motorcycle taxi driver, described the difficulties he has faced since the checkpoint closure. Once ferrying tourists and students across the border, he found it impossible to make a living and has since turned to fishing, setting nets at sea to catch fish for sale. He expressed little hope for the checkpoint’s reopening, stating that “the Khmers are difficult to negotiate with.”
The private cargo port of S. Kritwan in Khlong Yai District mirrored this inactivity. More than ten cargo trucks and five freighters have remained idle since cross-border maritime shipments were banned. Two other private ports in the district face the same restrictions.
Somboon Hoi-Sang, 60, sets nets for catching fish after being unable to make a living as a motorcycle taxi driver. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklaihong)
Unequal Trade Restrictions
The Royal Thai Navy’s ban on shipments to Cambodia has severely impacted local cargo ports and businesses in Trat and Chanthaburi provinces, according to a local source in Khlong Yai. However, this ban does not extend beyond these two provinces. Notably, Thai vessels continue to export consumer and industrial goods to Cambodia without interruption from Laem Chabang Port in Rayong, prompting Khlong Yai operators to question this exemption.
In an attempt to maintain their Koh Kong clientele, some Khlong Yai traders tried rerouting goods through Laem Chabang for onward shipment to Koh Kong’s Mong Sit Thi Port. This workaround proved unsustainable after only two trips, as the additional logistics costs exceeded 100,000 baht—a price their Cambodian customers were unwilling to bear.
More than ten cargo trucks and five freighters have remained idle at the private cargo port of S. Kritwan in Khlong Yai District, Trat Province on September 24, 2025. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklaihong)
Economic Ripple Effects
Nawiyada Suang, manager of Talayphu Resort in Khlong Yai, highlighted the severe economic repercussions of the extended closure. Export-dependent factories face reduced workdays and potential temporary shutdowns. Trat’s tourism sector, especially the islands that rely heavily on foreign visitors (70-80%), has also suffered significant losses.
Nawiyada Suang, manager of Talayphu Resort in Khlong Yai
“What border residents currently fear is not solely economic hardship, but the potential impact of war. However, as fighting has not yet begun, we are grappling with the pressure of an economic blockade. Businesses lack any clear outlook for the future. This is the most stifling period we have experienced to date,” Nawiyada stated.
She said she wanted the new government to revive the economy and restore confidence as quickly as possible, emphasizing the importance of positive messaging. The most crucial step, she noted, is rebuilding domestic confidence so that Thai people return to visit.
Travel Thailand Campaign Support
She called for collaboration between the government and media to promote Trat province as a safe and open travel destination, thereby supporting the “Travel Thailand” campaign. She also recommended that authorities consider lifting martial law, especially in island areas like Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak. This action, she argued, would send a positive signal to international tour agencies and facilitate business recovery in time for the high season.
At the same time, she called for clear stimulus and recovery measures, saying the government must lay out concrete plans to compensate and boost the economies of the seven border provinces affected. Business operators and local residents, she added, must also unite in communicating that Trat is safe in order to restore its original positive image.
Celebrating Thai Culture and Soft Power on the Global Stage While Highlighting the Success of Korea’s Clean Energy Transformation
B.Grimm Power, a leading global energy producer, proudly announced its successful role as the main sponsor of the “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025,” a vibrant celebration of Thai culture held in Seoul, South Korea. The festival highlighted Thailand’s culture and soft power through food, crafts, tourism, health, and innovation, offering Korean audiences an authentic experience of Thainess. At the same time, the event underscored B.Grimm Power’s position as one of the Thai private companies investing in clean energy in South Korea.
The “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025,” now in its 10th edition, was organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul in collaboration with public and private partners from both Thailand and South Korea. Held on September 6–7, 2025, at Cheonggyecheon Plaza in the heart of Seoul, the festival carried the theme “Discover Thailand” and marked the largest Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival to date. Featuring more than 80 booths showcasing Thai cuisine, crafts, tourism, health, and innovation, the festival also offered dynamic cultural highlights, including traditional Thai dance performances, a Muay Thai demonstration by world-renowned boxer Buakaw Banchamek, and a 593-meter parade celebrating the Thai community in Korea.
EM District is set to create a groundbreaking phenomenon, placing Bangkok firmly on the global festival map with EM DISTRICT HAUNTED HALLOWEEN 2025, taking place from October 1 to November 2, 2025. This spectacular Halloween celebration brings together global icon Jackson Wang to co-create a historic Halloween experience with the debut of UNDER THE CASTLE, Thailand’s first immersive fantasy haunted house. The event reinforces EM District’s image as a Global Entertainment Hub, elevating Bangkok as a world-class entertainment destination and attracting both domestic and international tourists. It is expected to stimulate the economy and drive spending during the high season, benefiting Thailand’s retail, hospitality, and tourism industries.
Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group and EM District, stated that Halloween has become one of the most celebrated festivals worldwide, following New Year and Christmas. Many countries now host Halloween events to attract tourists, generating substantial revenue. Halloween is no longer just a fun celebration—it is a powerful economic driver, especially for retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors. EM District sees this as a prime opportunity for Thailand to host a Halloween festival of unprecedented scale, drawing visitors from around the world and energizing the economy in the final quarter of the year.
Exclusive members-only 10% discount now available until December 26, 2025!
Bangkok, Thailand: September 2025 – Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, is excited to announce the extension of its popular “Members First” promotion, giving its valued members even more opportunities to enjoy highly rewarding escapes in Thailand.
First launched earlier this year, “Members First” treats all Marriott Bonvoy members to an exclusive 10% discount when they stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels and resorts in the “Land of Smiles” – and also earn Marriott Bonvoy points on every booking. Now, due to strong demand, this enticing offer has been extended until December 26, 2025!
This means that local and international travelers can now get busy planning their well-deserved end-of-year getaway in Thailand. Whether guests want to go Christmas shopping in Bangkok, sip sundowners in Phuket or Khao Lak, feel the vibrant buzz of Pattaya, discover the cultural treasures and natural beauty of Chiang Rai, go island-hopping in Krabi – or enjoy any other kind of Thai adventure – Marriott Bonvoy is giving its cherished members even longer to create magical memories.
With more than 60 hotels and resorts in Thailand, Marriott Bonvoy is your perfect travel partner in this captivating country. Simply pick your perfect property and book & stay before December 26, 2025!
For more information about Marriott Bonvoy and to book your Thai vacation, please visit https://www.marriott.com/offers/member-first-save-10-off-163058
Dubai, September 23, 2025 – Soneva Group, a leader in ultra luxury hospitality, has announced the appointment of three senior executives to its leadership team. Joanna Flint has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Whitehouse as Chief Financial Officer and Abhishek Sharma has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer effective September 2025.
Joanna Flint brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury hospitality and technology sectors, including notable tenures at Mandarin Oriental, Google and Singapore Airlines. Her expertise in global commercial strategy will enhance Soneva’s presence in existing and new markets by accelerating its sales, data, digital and go-to-market capabilities, whilst further elevating the brand and customer experience.
Chris Whitehouse joins as Chief Financial Officer with deep experience in financial strategy, risk, corporate financing, and asset management, gained from The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC; renowned names in luxury real estate development and large-scale student accommodation. He will be pivotal in strengthening Soneva’s financial foundations and supporting its sustainable expansion.
Further strengthening its leadership team, Soneva is delighted to announce the promotion of Abhishek Sharma to the position of Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Maldives, India, Egypt, and 2 Mauritius, Abhishek brings a wealth of global expertise to the position. In his role as Group General Manager, he has successfully overseen all three Soneva resorts, consistently championing service excellence and crafting extraordinary guest experiences defined by attention to detail.
These appointments accompany the landmark opening of Soneva’s global headquarters in Dubai. Located at the crossroads of East and West, Dubai will enable Soneva to deepen relationships with industry partners, attract world-class talent, and connect with feeder markets.
“We are delighted to welcome Joanna and Chris to the Soneva family and to announce Abhishek’s promotion,” said Neil Gallagher, CEO of Soneva Group. “Their extensive global experience will be invaluable as we unlock the potential for the Group while maintaining our unwavering commitment to Soneva’s brand values, sustainability and culture. The launch of our new global headquarters in Dubai is another significant milestone, placing us at the crossroads of global markets and allowing us to expand our reach and drive sustained, long-term value for the Group.”
Amid the environmental crisis, India launched Vantara, a massive sanctuary pioneering compassion and science. Founded by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, it seeks to ‘heal the planet.’ As he said: “I see God in animals.”
Opened on 26 February 2024, on 3,500 acres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, it was praised by PM Narendra Modi as “a vibrant reflection of India’s ethos.”
From Allegations… to Vindication by Facts: At first, Vantara faced accusations of illegal wildlife imports, cruelty, and financial opacity. A Special Investigation Team reviewed the case, and the Supreme Court of India dismissed all charges. The Court confirmed Vantara follows the law, holds all licences, and provides world-class animal care. This ruling proved it is not a vanity project but a transparent, accountable conservation model.
Transparency Recognised by the World: Beyond court victory, Vantara discloses operations openly — from breeding endangered species to global research. It partners with IUCN, WWF, and networks in 50+ countries to raise global rescue standards.
A Distinction the World Must Watch: Vantara cares for 25,000 animals from 2,000 species with 22 hospitals and 17 clinics, including the world’s largest leopard (300) and elephant (250) centres. It breeds 120+ endangered species, releasing chital in Gujarat and Spix’s Macaws in Brazil. With 11 labs analysing 2,000+ samples daily and the ANTZ app linking 50+ countries, Vantara drives innovation in rescue and care. It also trains veterinarians and MBA students from 45 universities.
A Legacy for the Future: In less than a year, Vantara has turned controversy into global inspiration. As Anant Ambani said: “We are not just saving animals; we are restoring balance for future generations.”
Thai police hand over two South Korean suspects to South Korean police for extradition at Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 23, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand has extradited the final two South Korean nationals involved in an international call center scam operation, completing the repatriation of all 19 suspects arrested last month in Chonburi Province.
Inspector General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr has facilitated the extradition of two South Korean nationals back to South Korea to face charges on September 23. These were the final two suspects from a group of 19 arrested by tourist police, following the dismantling of a South Korean call center scam operation in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on September 20.
Kim Doo-song, South Korean police consul in Thailand, along with officials from the Foreign Affairs Division’s Region 2 unit, coordinated the handover. South Korean police officers arrived to escort the suspects back for prosecution. The remaining 17 South Korean suspects had already been extradited earlier.
Police interrogate Mr. Hyun, a 31-year-old Korean national, at Tourist Police Station 1 on August 7, after rescuing him and discovering his connection to a scammer network in Chonburi Province that was recently busted in June.
The investigation began on August 5 at 2:00 a.m. when Lee Young-gun, police consul at the South Korean Embassy in Thailand, requested assistance for a 31-year-old South Korean man. The victim’s father in South Korea reported that his son was being forced to work and physically abused, with plans to move him to an unknown location.
Tourist police responded by investigating the Seaside Community area in Na Jomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, successfully rescuing the victim safely from a house.
Following up on August 6 at 10:00 a.m., police discovered approximately 20 South Korean and Chinese nationals living in a village in Bang Lamung District, operating an illegal call center. Working with the South Korean Embassy, officers raided the house and arrested eight suspects: six South Korean men, one South Korean woman, and one Chinese man. All confessed to running a call center scam targeting South Korean victims.
Police discover seven Korean nationals and one Chinese man working as scammers in a commercial building in Huay Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, on August 7, 2025.
The raid on their workplace—a commercial building in Moo 1, Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District—revealed a sealed office operation spanning two floors converted into work spaces. Police seized numerous electronic devices including 14 laptops, 4 desktop computers, and 15 mobile phones.
Tourist police detained the suspects and reported to Chonburi Immigration to revoke their visas. Evidence was transferred to investigators at Huay Yai Police Station for prosecution.
Founders and executives from leading global watch brands unite at this premier event, reinforcing Bangkok’s position as a rising hub for luxury watches, running through September 28 at Siam Paragon.
Siam Paragon has partnered with more than 30 world-renowned watch brands to present a landmark event in the world of luxury timepieces. The grand opening of Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week 2025 was marked by the presence of founders and top executives from leading international watch maisons, who will share their visions and philosophies behind their iconic timepieces during The Symposium. Throughout the event, watch connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike are invited to immerse themselves in an array of exclusive experiences — from special exhibitions and world-class workshops led by Swiss watchmakers to the unveiling of the latest collections and rare, exceptional timepieces from globally celebrated brands.
The grand opening of Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week 2025 was held on September 23, 2025, bringing together an extraordinary gathering of global luxury watch executives, industry leaders, distinguished celebrities, and passionate watch enthusiasts. The ceremony was presided over by Ms. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Group.
The event commenced with the Opening Symposium titled “Moments That Last: Thailand as a Luxury Destination for Watch Culture, Storytelling, and Legacy.” The session featured insightful perspectives from Ms. Caroline Murphy President – Strategic Project Development Siam Piwat Co.,Ltd. , Mr. Narun Thammavaranukupt, Managing Director of PMT The Hour Glass; and Mr. Mai-Pakpoom Romsaithong, “Friend of the House” for Bulgari Thailand, with Mr. Nakarin Wanakijpaibul serving as moderator.
