Police examine the Australian man's room where he was found dead next to his bed, in the same condo building where a Swedish man died two hours prior on July 17, 2025.
PATTAYA — Police in Pattaya are investigating the mysterious deaths of Swedish and Australian tourists found dead in the same condominium building within two hours on July 17, raising concerns about a potential connection.
At 2:00 p.m., building caretaker Thanyachanok, 27, discovered the body of a Swedish man in a bathroom on the 5th floor of the 8-story condominium in South Pattaya, Moo 10, Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The water tap was still running, and blood was found on the floor, though no signs of struggle were evident.
Just two hours later at 4:00 p.m., the same caretaker found another body – this time Michael Shane, a 54-year-old Australian, face-down in a pool of blood on the 7th floor. A broken glass was found near his left elbow, and numerous medicine bottles were scattered throughout the room. No signs of struggle were found in his room either.
Police examine the Australian man’s room where he was found dead next to his bed, in the same condo building where a Swedish man died two hours prior on July 17, 2025.
Thanyachanok said friends of the Australian victim had asked her to check on him after being unable to contact him for two days. When she arrived, she found the room locked from inside with a foul odor emanating from within. She immediately sealed the area and contacted authorities.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Saichai Kamchula, investigator at Pattaya City Police Station, confirmed that both bodies have been sent to Pattumkhun Hospital pending family contact. While no direct connection has been established between the two deaths, authorities are not ruling out any possibilities given the unusual timing and location.
“We’re conducting a thorough investigation. Although the cases appear unrelated initially, the fact that both occurred in the same building within hours raises questions that need answers,” police stated.
Woman seen on security camera whom police are seeking in connection with the death of a Swedish man in his South Pattaya condo room on July 17, 2025.
PATTAYA — Police at Pattaya City Station are actively searching for a woman captured on security cameras at a condominium in South Pattaya, suspecting she may be connected to the mysterious death of a Swedish man discovered on July 17.
Authorities discovered the body of a foreign man with severe head wounds in his room at an 8-story condominium building in South Pattaya, Moo 10, Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Officers immediately sealed off the room for forensic examination and prohibited unauthorized access to the crime scene.
The investigation team revealed that the body was found on the 5th floor. The deceased has been identified as Mika, a 38-year-old Swedish national. The naked body was discovered lying on its side next to a bathtub that had been left running and was overflowing with water. Blood contaminated the water, though police observed no signs of forced entry or struggle.
Bathroom scene where the Swedish man was discovered, showing overflowing water from the bathtub that had been left running in the South Pattaya condo on July 17, 2025.
Tenant Scheduled to Move Out
Ms. Thanchanok, 27, the condominium manager, provided information that the deceased had been living alone in the unit since May and was scheduled to move out on July 18.
When she went to check on the Swedish man Thursday afternoon to prepare for cleaning, she found the door locked and received no response despite repeated calls. She noticed the air conditioning was running and water was flooding the floor.
After gaining entry and opening the bathroom door, she was shocked to discover the Swedish man’s body blocking the doorway and immediately notified authorities.
Key Evidence: Woman on Security Footage
The manager told investigators that during the victim’s stay, he frequently brought different women to his room. Crucially, security cameras captured footage of a short-haired woman wearing black clothing entering the deceased’s room for approximately 20 minutes the night before the discovery. The footage shows her leaving the room carrying a bag – currently the only evidence providing leads for investigators.
The woman’s appearance and departure with personal items has made her a person of interest in the case.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Saijai Kamjulla, investigating officer at Pattaya City Police Station, has coordinated with relevant authorities to join the investigation into this case.
The mysterious circumstances surrounding the death, combined with the surveillance footage of the unidentified woman, have prompted an intensive manhunt as police work to determine whether foul play was involved in the Swedish man’s death.
Customs officers arrest a 60-year-old American tourist at Phuket International Airport while attempting to smuggle 6.6 kilograms of heroin to France on July 16, 2025.
PHUKET — A 60-year-old American man was arrested at Phuket International Airport while attempting to smuggle 6.6 kilograms of heroin to France, following an international tip-off to Thai customs authorities.
The arrest resulted from an investigation by the Customs Department’s Investigation and Suppression Division, which received reports from foreign agencies regarding drug trafficking through airports involving an American national in Phuket. Customs officials coordinated with tourist police to conduct a joint investigation.
Investigation teams began surveillance on July 14, tracking the target identified as Mr. Tyler, 60, an American citizen who entered Thailand on July 8 via Tokyo to Suvarnabhumi Airport before traveling to Phuket.
Police weigh packaged heroin seized during the arrest. Left: heroin found concealed in Coffee Mate creamer boxes. Right: heroin found in PAOKONG bags on July 16, 2025.
On July 16, officers followed Tyler from his accommodation to Phuket International Airport. During check-in procedures in the terminal lobby, X-ray screening of his luggage revealed suspicious items. The arrest team then identified themselves and conducted a search.
The search uncovered 6.6 kilograms of white powdered heroin concealed in two different methods:
Coffee Mate Containers: 6 packages of heroin wrapped in clear plastic and carbon paper, sealed with brown tape, and hidden inside fake Coffee Mate creamer foil bags within Coffee Mate boxes, weighing approximately 2,600 grams total.
PAOKONG Bags: 4 packages of heroin wrapped in clear plastic and carbon paper, sealed with brown tape, and concealed in PAOKONG brand bags, weighing approximately 4,000 grams total.
A 60-year-old American tourist is arrested at Phuket International Airport while attempting to smuggle 6.6 kilograms of heroin to France on July 16, 2025.
The suspect confessed that a French friend had contacted him to help transport the luggage back to France. Tyler’s planned itinerary included flying from Phuket via Qatar Airways to Doha, Qatar, then connecting to Brussels, Belgium, before continuing to France.
Tyler faces charges of attempting to export Category 1 narcotics (heroin) from the Kingdom of Thailand and possession of narcotics without authorization. He has been transferred to Sakhu Police Station investigators for legal proceedings.
Screenshot from video footage showing karaoke bar employees restraining a British tourist outside the establishment on Sri Donchai Road in Chiang Mai city center, with some individuals kicking him, on the morning of July 16. 2025.
CHIANG MAI — Police have filed charges against nine karaoke bar employees for assaulting a British tourist following a dispute over service fees, after a viral video of the incident circulated on social media.
The assault occurred on July 16 at approximately 6:00 AM at a karaoke establishment on Sri Donchai Road in Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Chiang Mai City Police Station investigators quickly identified all nine individuals shown in the viral video as employees of the unlicensed karaoke bar.
Eight of the suspects were brought to the station on July 16: Theerasak, 24; Siladon, 20; Narong, 28; Aphichat, 22; Adisorn, 22; Sakda, 22; Santi, 18; and Somsri, 28. The ninth suspect, Woraphot, 23, was in another province but surrendered himself on July 17.
Chiang Mai City Police Station officers questioning karaoke bar employees who appeared in the video assaulting the British male tourist on July 16, 2025.
Dispute Over 20,000 Baht Bill
According to Police Colonel Prachya Thisala, Chief of Chiang Mai City Police Station, the 27-year-old British tourist had been using the karaoke services throughout Tuesday night into the early morning hours. When the establishment presented him with a bill of approximately 20,000 baht ($615), the tourist became upset over the excessive charges, leading to an argument.
The British tourist then attempted to leave the premises to return to his accommodation. However, the nine employees believed he was trying to flee without paying and physically restrained him, demanding payment first. When he refused, the group assaulted him as captured in the viral video.
Unlicensed Operation Discovered
Police investigation revealed that the karaoke bar was operating without proper licensing and was serving alcohol beyond permitted hours. Authorities immediately ordered the establishment to close.
All nine employees have confessed to using force against the tourist. They face charges of jointly assaulting another person.
Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yisakorn, Commander of Police Region 5, has ordered all units under his jurisdiction to prevent unscrupulous businesses from damaging the province’s reputation and harming tourists. He has also mandated increased patrols and enhanced security measures to protect both residents and visitors.
A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo
BANGKOK — The 27th Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music showcases 14 stunning performances from around the world, with opera legend Plácido Domingo making his Thai debut alongside epic Indian drama, elegant Chinese ballet, and thrilling acrobatics.
Mark your calendars, culture lovers – Bangkok is about to become the epicenter of world-class entertainment. From September 6 to October 15, the Thailand Cultural Centre will transform into a global stage featuring performances that would typically require multiple international trips to experience.
The Headliner That Has Everyone Talking
The festival’s crown jewel? None other than Plácido Domingo making his Thai debut. Yes, that Plácido Domingo – the legendary tenor who redefined opera for generations. With 12 Grammy awards and over 4,000 performances under his belt, this isn’t just a concert; it’s a piece of musical history happening right in Bangkok.
“This is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says a festival insider. “Domingo rarely performs in Southeast Asia, making this appearance incredibly special for Thai audiences.”
Instagram-Worthy Spectacles Await
Beyond the classical offerings, this year’s lineup reads like a cultural bucket list. The epic Indian production “Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era” promises to be as visually stunning as it is emotionally powerful, featuring over 50 performers in a cosmic battle between good and evil.
For those seeking elegance, the National Ballet of China’s “A Dream of Red
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Mansions” arrives with six full containers of elaborate sets and costumes from Beijing – a logistical feat that speaks to the production’s grandeur.
The Social Calendar Essential
With 14 performances from over 10 countries, this festival is shaping up to be the place to see and be seen. The diverse lineup ensures there’s something for every taste – from gravity-defying Chinese acrobatics celebrating 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations to cutting-edge French dance-tech fusion in “Pixel.”
The festival’s Platinum Package offers the ultimate VIP experience, with priority seating, exclusive souvenirs, and 10% discounts – perfect for those who want to make the most of their cultural investment.
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Why This Matters Now
In an era where authentic cultural experiences are increasingly rare, this festival represents something special. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about Bangkok cementing its position as a global cultural destination.
“The support from major sponsors like AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, and BMW Thailand shows how seriously the city is taking its cultural renaissance,” notes a cultural observer.
The Practical Details
Early bird tickets are available from June 14 to July 14, with Bangkok Bank cardholders scoring up to 20% off. Given the caliber of performers and the limited run, these tickets are expected to move quickly.
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This isn’t just another arts festival – it’s Bangkok’s moment to shine on the global cultural stage. Whether you’re a seasoned opera aficionado or simply looking for an extraordinary night out, this festival promises experiences that will be talked about long after the curtain falls.
Tourist police raid the Russian-Owned clinic on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, on July 16, 2025.
KOH PHANGAN — Tourist police raided the LASER ME clinic on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, on Wednesday following complaints that the foreign-owned business was performing unlicensed cosmetic procedures, primarily targeting Russian clients.
The case began when a Russian woman filed a complaint with Koh Phangan tourist police after suffering severe burns, scarring, and inflammation from laser skin treatment at the clinic. When she contacted the establishment seeking compensation, staff refused and threatened her before cutting off communication, prompting her to seek police assistance.
Further investigation revealed numerous other customers had suffered similar damage from the clinic’s services.
Raid Uncovers Unlicensed Operations
During the July 16 raid, police found 43-year-old Thai national Ms. Saitan working as the clinic manager. She admitted the business belonged to Ms. Olesia, a Russian investor who does not reside in Thailand.
Tourist police raid the Russian-Owned clinic on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, on July 16, 2025.
The clinic offered various services including laser hair removal, facial laser treatments, oil massage, Russian cupping therapy, and other laser-based beauty treatments—all without proper medical facility licensing.
Financial Details and Charges
Ms. Saitan, employed by Laser Me Co., Ltd., received 25% of monthly revenue as her salary. The clinic served an average of 3-4 customers daily, totaling approximately 600 clients over six months. Monthly revenue averaged 300,000 baht ($9,260), with most customers being foreigners, particularly Russians.
Police charged Ms. Saitan with operating an unlicensed medical facility and practicing medicine without authorization. She was transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station investigators for prosecution.
The case highlights ongoing issues with unlicensed medical tourism operations targeting foreign visitors in Thailand’s popular tourist destinations.
DSI officers gather evidence of the labor extortion and money laundering network operating through Cambodian officials, at the AA Advance Service office in K.C. Village, Ram Inthra 7 Road, Bangkok on July 3, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thai employers have submitted crucial evidence to authorities investigating a massive extortion operation that allegedly defrauded Cambodian migrant workers through a corrupt work permit renewal scheme.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is probing allegations that both Thai and Cambodian officials orchestrated the scheme, which targeted Cambodian workers attempting to renew their work permits through Thailand’s new online system.
The Extortion Scheme
The fraudulent operation began after Thailand’s Ministry of Labour announced on November 26, 2024, that work permit renewals would transition to an online system. This change was intended to help workers whose permits were set to expire on February 13, 2025.
However, Cambodian workers were allegedly told the online system wouldn’t function unless they paid an additional 2,500 baht ($77.2) per person. Those who refused to pay were denied essential documents needed for health checks, insurance, or visa extensions.
Thai employers provide evidence to the Department of Special Investigation on July 15, 2025, about an extortion scheme targeting Cambodian migrant workers.
Evidence Submitted
On July 15, Nilubon Pongpayom, founder of the Facebook page “Group of Employers Using Migrant Workers (White Employer Project),” met with DSI Director General Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam to provide additional evidence. The documents detailed money laundering operations involving Cambodian officials and documented exactly who received payments and the amounts involved.
Following DSI raids on July 3, nearly 100,000 outstanding applications from Cambodian workers were suddenly approved without the 2,500 baht fee. However, workers who had already paid faced additional extortion of 300-500 baht for subsequent visa processes.
Investigation Progress
The DSI has interviewed 14 witnesses, including money mule account holders, government officials, and business representatives. Investigators have uncovered hundreds of millions of baht in suspicious transactions and identified money trails linked to Cambodian officials.
Thai labor ministry officials questioned so far have denied receiving extortion money, but the DSI continues verifying evidence including money transfers and victim testimonies. The investigation may classify the case as transnational organized crime due to the involvement of foreign state officials.
DSI officers gather evidence of the labor extortion and money laundering network operating through Cambodian officials, at the AA Advance Service office in K.C. Village, Ram Inthra 7 Road, Bangkok on July 3, 2025.
Systemic Problems
Employer representative Chitsanucha Charuphan reported being told to pay 5,000 baht ($154) per worker to have names added to permit lists when contacting agencies in Cambodia. She refused, citing lack of legal authorization, but noted the system functioned normally after the DSI crackdown.
“We urge relevant authorities to enforce clear laws and procedures,” Charuphan said. “The rules constantly change and lack standardization and transparency. Government hospitals are also refusing health checks because they disagree with Ministry of Labour announcements.”
The case highlights broader issues with Thailand’s migrant worker documentation system, including lack of transparency in fee structures and inadequate oversight of the permit renewal process.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s House of Representatives has approved new labor legislation that significantly expands parental leave benefits. The bill extends maternity leave for female workers from the current 98 days to 120 days, while also establishing paternity leave for fathers and spouses to assist with childcare responsibilities.
Under the new provisions, employers must provide full salary compensation for paternity leave, capped at 15 working days. This marks a major advancement in Thailand’s workplace policies supporting new parents.
The legislation also grants extended rights for female employees to take continuous leave for childcare in cases where the child has health issues, abnormalities, or disabilities. The law further allows employees to take leave to assist their spouse who has given birth and to help with child-rearing responsibilities.
House of Representatives meeting at the Parliament building, Bangkok, July 16, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yingyos Akmanachai)
The amendment increases the number of paid days for pregnant female employees taking maternity leave. Employers are required to provide continuous wage payments to female employees, paying wages equivalent to regular working day rates throughout the leave period at 50% of the daily wage rate.
The legislation received strong parliamentary backing during yesterday’s session, with an overwhelming 416 lawmakers voting in favor, no opposition votes, one abstention, and three members absent from the vote.
Having cleared the House of Representatives, the Labor Protection Act amendment will now advance to the Senate for final legislative review before potentially becoming law.
This policy change represents Thailand’s effort to modernize its labor standards and better support working families during the critical early months of parenthood, with special consideration for families facing additional challenges.
Thai and Cambodian tourists visit Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Ta Miang Sub-district, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, as usual on July 16, 2025, following yesterday's incident.
SURIN — Thai and Cambodian military officials have reached a three-point agreement to reorganize tourism management at Ta Muen Thom Temple following a confrontation between a Cambodian woman and Thai soldiers on July 15.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Area, ordered the Suranaree Task Force to implement new tourism protocols after the incident where a Cambodian woman verbally abused Thai soldiers within Thai territory.
Three-Point Agreement
Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung, Deputy Commander of the Suranaree Task Force, met with Cambodian Colonel Nea Vong, Commander of Battalion 42, at Ta Muen Thom Temple on July 16, reaching the following agreements:
Tourist Problem Resolution: If Thai tourists cause problems, Cambodian authorities will notify Thai officials to remove them from the area. Similarly, if Cambodian tourists cause issues, Thai authorities will inform Cambodian officials for removal.
Conflict Management: Area coordination teams of seven personnel will handle problems without calling additional forces, preventing confrontations between both sides.
Tourist Screening: Both sides will screen tourists before allowing access to Ta Muen Thom Temple.
Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung, Deputy Commander of the Suranaree Task Force, meets with Cambodian Colonel Nea Vong, Commander of Battalion 42, along with military personnel from both sides at Ta Muen Thom Temple on July 16, 2025.
No Combat Units Involvement
“Thai and Cambodian military forces have discussed reorganizing Ta Muen Thom Temple tourism with a joint agreement that regardless of incidents, combat support units will not enter the area,” Lieutenant General Boonsin stated. “Border coordination teams from both sides will handle operations exclusively.”
He emphasized that whichever side’s tourists cause problems should remove them to prevent chaos like yesterday’s incident involving both Thai and Cambodian combat units.
Apology Demands
Regarding Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha’s demand for an apology over a former Thai ranger punching a Cambodian soldier, Lieutenant General Boonsin said Thailand has already prosecuted the perpetrator, who acknowledged the charges.
“Cambodian leaders should also apologize and reprimand the Cambodian female tourist who created chaos and pointed fingers at Thai soldiers in Thai territory, including action against the Cambodian soldier who pushed a Thai soldier,” he added.
Royal Thai Army Statement
The Royal Thai Army issued a statement on July 16 clarifying that the July 15 incident at Ta Muen Thom Temple resulted from a misunderstanding by a Cambodian tourist who accused Thai soldiers of violating Cambodian sovereignty while they were counting tourists at the temple entrance.
The army clarified that Ta Muen Thom Temple is located within Thai sovereign territory and that Thailand had not violated Cambodian sovereignty. Both sides reached mutual understanding through negotiations, and the situation was resolved amicably.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Area
Tourist Flashpoint
Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an 11th-century temple in Surin Province’s Phanom Dong Rak District, is the largest of three stone castles in the Ta Moan Historical Park. Built on a hill over sacred Shiva lingam rock formations, it served as a religious ceremonial site.
Since the Thai-Cambodian border dispute began and the Cambodian government submitted a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule that the area of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and three other sites belong to Cambodia, there has been an increase in tourists from both Thailand and Cambodia visiting this location. This has led to problems and friction between civilians and soldiers from both sides.
No Border Fence Plans
Deputy Defense Minister General Nattaphol Nakpanit denied rumors that the confrontation would lead to Thailand building a border fence, stating no such consideration exists. He attributed the incident to information warfare, noting that politicians and the public are currently under full-scale information warfare both internationally and domestically.
Diplomatic Efforts
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa announced that Thailand will send an invitation for a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in September to address border issues.
The incident has caused significant distress among residents in seven border provinces, with the government working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
Learning about cannabis products on the Alex Haze Facebook page, who will conduct the basic medical cannabis training course on July 17, 2025, at the Hilton Bangkok Grande Asoke Hotel.
BANGKOK – Thailand is witnessing the emergence of a new healthcare profession: the “budtender” – specialized cannabis counselors who provide medical guidance to patients seeking cannabis treatments, according to a leading cannabis medicine expert.
Dr. Somyot Kittimankong, a specialist lecturer in cannabis medicine at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, explained on July 15 that the budtender profession, already well-established in the United States, combines “bud” (cannabis flower) and “bartender” to describe experts who counsel patients on cannabis use.
Professional Medical Role
“A budtender is not someone who only knows how to smoke. That’s not what this role is about,” Dr. Somyot emphasized. “Those who enter this profession have a high level of expertise. Abroad, the income is substantial – it can become a full-fledged career.”
In Thailand, budtenders must navigate complex cannabis regulations, verify certificates of analysis (COAs), understand thousands of cannabis strains, and communicate effectively with doctors using Por Thor 33 prescription forms. They serve as medical counselors in dispensaries that function similarly to clinics.
A staff prepares flower bud of marijuana for a customer at a cannabis shop after Thailand started banning the sale of cannabis to those without a prescription in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Training and Certification
The Cannabis Business Association will conduct Thailand’s first official budtender training program on July 17, with registration filling up within two hours. The intensive one-day course targets individuals with basic cannabis knowledge seeking deeper expertise in regulations and patient counseling.
Dr. Somyot noted that legitimate budtenders must understand various consumption methods beyond smoking, including decoctions and topical applications, while being able to match specific strains to medical conditions such as blood sugar management.
The profession represents a significant shift toward professionalizing Thailand’s cannabis industry, moving away from perceptions of casual users toward trained medical specialists capable of providing proper patient care.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine launches its first practical workshop on medical cannabis use at Ministry of Public Health on July 16, 2025.
Government Medical Training Initiative
Meanwhile, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, launched its first practical workshop on medical cannabis use on July 16th. The training targets seven professional groups: medical practitioners, traditional Thai medicine practitioners, applied traditional Thai medicine practitioners, folk healers, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, pharmacists, and dentists. A total of 4,420 people applied for the training program.
Dr. Thawan Thaneerat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, who presided over the event, said the training provides knowledge about cannabis laws and global cannabis developments, which has received tremendous response.
“We haven’t restricted any medical professionals interested in the training, as there are approximately 9,000 doctors who previously completed medical cannabis training when cannabis was still classified as a narcotic, and some of them have joined this additional training session.”
