Visitors walk beneath the “Supertrees” during a light and sound show at Gardens By The Bay in Singapore, Monday, July 17, 2023. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
BANGKOK — PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended her government’s controversial entertainment complex initiative during a recent NBT television broadcast, positioning it as a strategic “man-made destination” that would revolutionize Thailand’s tourism sector.
Speaking on the “Thailand Opportunity with Prime Minister Paetongtarn” program on the government’s NBT television station on May 4, the Prime Minister emphasized that the entertainment complex would not use government funds or taxpayer money. Instead, it would rely on private sector investment: “Foreign investment coming in and taxes collected from casino patrons will allow the government to collect additional tax revenue, and this money will circulate in the economy.”
Paetongtarn emphasized that the complex would follow Singapore’s successful model, stressing that it should be understood as more than just a casino development. The Prime Minister outlined plans for a comprehensive facility featuring event spaces, concert venues, and hotels alongside regulated gaming areas.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks on her program on the government’s NBT television station on May 4, 2025.
“We’ll implement responsible gambling with strict protocols and oversight,” she explained. “This isn’t about someone walking in hoping to win 30 million baht and walking out. The system will include thorough background checks, identity verification, criminal record screening, and financial assessment.”
The Prime Minister defended the project against critics: “Political opponents have mischaracterized this initiative, creating fears about rampant vice activities that simply aren’t accurate. Leading nations including Singapore, the United States, Japan, and the UAE have all recognized the necessity of developing man-made attractions. Thailand shouldn’t miss this opportunity and find itself lagging behind again.”
She mentioned that many Thais would likely attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which is being built on a new island. After the Expo concludes, the area will be converted into an entertainment complex—a man-made destination that will emerge in Japan by 2030.
“When we see these developments abroad and wonder when our country will have something similar, this is our opportunity—something we will create. This will generate employment for Thai people, and Thailand’s tourism industry will no longer have a ‘low season,'” the Prime Minister stated.
The Grand Ring is seen on Friday April 11, 2025 prior to the opening day of Osaka Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan. (Kyodo News via AP)
On May 2, Prime Minister Paetongtarn called a meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Sports and executives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to monitor the tourism situation, as numbers have fallen short of targets. There are concerns about declining foreign tourist arrivals, particularly from China.
The Prime Minister noted that external factors such as the global economy, internal factors including rumors affecting Chinese tourist numbers, and earthquake incidents all present challenges that the government must address with appropriate measures.
As the current quarter enters the low season, the government needs short-term measures to stimulate tourism, such as campaigns and promotions. For the long term, developing “man-made destinations” is essential, with the entertainment complex being a key policy initiative.
Thailand-based American scholar Paul Chambers (Associated Press)
It is highly likely that pressure both domestically and especially internationally was a significant factor leading to the Attorney General’s decision not to indict Thailand-based American scholar Paul Chambers under lese majeste law (and the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision to allow the removal of the EM anklet), this week. All in all, Chambers was detained for one night.
Over the past few weeks, there have been movements by foreign academics calling for the royal defamation charges against Chambers to be dropped. Opposition politicians warned that it would affect tariffs negotiations with the US if it wasn’t quickly stopped and asked who would be responsible if massive economic damage occurred as a result.
A Thailand-based Japanese academic Katsuyuki Takahashi held solo protests in front of the Thai Parliament and yesterday at the Immigration Office in Phitsanulok province. An American academic in Japan initiated an online petition. A famous French cartoonist in Thailand, Stephff, who had drawn for both The Nation and Bangkok Post newspapers, took notice and acted, the US Embassy was active behind the scenes, etc.
I can’t help but wonder, if Chambers wasn’t a US citizen and a relatively well-known academic, and Thailand not in the process of a crucial tariffs negotiation with the US, what would Chambers’ predicament be today?
Although, as far as I know, I can attest that Dr Paul Chambers is definitely not the type to boast his status around, the reality is that there are several specific factors that inherently create different classes of people facing the draconian lese majeste law.
Thai people facing this charge often encounter a much harsher fate. Some never even receive any attention from mainstream mass media, and those who do consistently are mostly prominent protest leaders such as Arnon Nampa.
Nevertheless, Anon has been imprisoned for over a year and has not yet been granted bail. Still, Arnon may have a better fate than others facing the wrath of the anachronistic lese majeste law, which is also known as Article 112 of the Criminal Code as the general public may not have even heard about majority of those charged and detained under the law.
To be fair to Anon, Anon or his representatives have used his popular Facebook page to demand the rights of both lesser known, or unknown figures, as well as prominent ones such as Chambers. Just a few days ago, Arnon FB page posted a plea for financial assistance to refill the near-empty donation box to by special food for lese majeste and political prisoners and to support for the families of those imprisoned facing financial hardship.
But the reality is that even among those accused of violating Article 112, charged under Article 112, prosecuted under Article 112, imprisoned under the lese majeste law, and fled into exile, there is an inherent class division based on various factors. These factors include the person’s reputation before the legal prosecution started, their nationality, their social and political connections, their level of education, etc.
And even in the case of Chambers, Naresuan University has this week announced the termination of Chambers’ employment contract, effective May 9, even though the prosecutor had decided not to indict him. Also, his passport has not yet been returned by the Immigration Bureau.
People dressed as characters of the movie ''Star Wars'' participate in the Star Wars Run event in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
It didn’t begin a long time ago or in a galaxy far far away, but every May 4 it feels like images, memes and promotional deals involving “Star Wars” have an inescapable gravity.
May 4 — or May the 4th, as fans say — has evolved over the years into Star Wars Day, an informal holiday celebrating the space epic and its surrounding franchise.
What is Star Wars Day?
Star Wars Day was created by fans as a sly nod to one of the films’ most popular catchphrases, “May the force be with you.” Get it? Good, now May the 4th be with you too.
It’s not an official holiday but has become so well-known that even former President Joe Biden marked it last year when “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill dropped by the White House a day beforehand.
A child wearing a Darth Vader mask attends an exhibition called “Expo Yoda” in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, May 3, 2025, on the eve of May 4th, known as Star Wars Day, when fans of the franchise get to greet others with “May the Fourth be with you” in a nod to the classic movie line, “May the force be with you. (AP Photo/Matias Basualdo)
“I think it’s a very clever way for fans to celebrate their passion and love for ‘Star Wars’ once a year,” said Steve Sansweet, founder and executive chairman of Rancho Obi-Wan, a nonprofit museum in California that has the world’s largest collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia.
How did it begin?
The phrase “May the 4th be with you” was used by fans in the years after the first film was released in 1977, and even appeared in a British political ad in 1979 celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s victory as prime minister on May 4 that year.
For some fans, the official Star Wars Day comes on May 25, the date of the first film’s release. The Los Angeles City Council even declared the date to be Star Wars Day in 2007, although the California Legislature voted in 2019 to designate May 4 as Star Wars Day.
People dressed as characters of the movie ”Star Wars” participate in the Star Wars Run event in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
How has it spread?
May the 4th caught on informally among fans through inside jokes shared on social media and viewings of the films to mark the occasion. Businesses eventually joined in on the fun, with brands ranging from Nissan to Jameson Whiskey running ads or posting on social media about it.
Disney, which acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, embraced the day as a way to further promote the franchise with merchandise, special screenings and other events surrounding the brand.
Not all “Star Wars” fans are enthused about how ubiquitous the once-underground joke has become. Chris Taylor, a senior editor at Mashable and author of “How Star Wars Conquered the Universe,” labels himself a “May the 4th grinch” in part because of its commercialization.
“I love a good dad joke as much as anyone, but my God you can take it too far,” Taylor said.
Pediatric patient Micah White-Powell waves at a “Star Wars” R2-D2 droid during a visit at Corewell Health Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
How is it being celebrated this year?
The day is being celebrated on a large and small scale this year. Disney+ is launching the new series “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld” on the date, and it comes as the second season gets underway for another franchise series, “Andor.”
It also follows the announcement that a new stand-alone “Star Wars” film installment starring Ryan Gosling will be released in 2027.
Disney marks the day with the launch of new “Star Wars” merchandise, ranging from lightsaber sets to jewelry.
A collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia is displayed at Rancho Obi-Wan, a nonprofit museum in Petaluma, Calif., on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
Most Major League Baseball teams have marked the day in recent years with special events incorporating “Star Wars” characters. For example, the San Francisco Giants sold special tickets for Saturday’s game that included a bobblehead portraying pitcher Logan Webb as “Obi-Webb Kenobi.”
It’s hard to find a place where May the 4th celebrations aren’t occurring, from bakeries serving cookies with a “Star Wars” theme to concerts featuring the memorable scores of the films.
It’s a town-wide celebration in New Hope, Pennsylvania, which shares its name with the subtitle of the first “Star Wars” film. The town of about 2,600 people, located 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Philadelphia, plans to have costumed characters throughout town with restaurants serving themed items like a “YodaRita.”
“I would always joke around and wish people ‘May the 4th’ — but taking it to this level, I’ve definitely upped my ‘Star Wars’ nerdiness,” said Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce.
The umpire crew walks between people dressed as Star Wars stormtrooper characters before a baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies in San Francisco, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
BANGKOK — Researchers at Chulalongkorn University have developed methods to help coral adapt to global warming through artificial fertilization and raising coral in high-temperature environments.
Led by Professor Dr. Suchana Chavanich from the Department of Marine Science at Chulalongkorn University, the team has created more resilient “heat-resistant coral” and is exploring coral reproductive cell freezing technology.
With over 90% of the world’s coral at risk of extinction within 30 years due to rising sea temperatures and human activities, researchers at the Marine Science Research Station on Sichang Island discovered that coral raised in higher temperatures (34°C) from birth develop better resilience to global warming.
Professor Dr. Suchana Chavanich
“This finding led to the breeding and cultivation of heat-resistant coral,” said Prof. Dr. Suchana.
The process involves collecting reproductive cells during full moon nights, fertilizing them in tanks, and raising the larvae in nurseries for two years before returning them to the sea. These specially-raised coral have demonstrated greater resistance to bleaching events, with the first successful reproduction of these heat-resistant coral observed in 2023.
Coral nursery at Samaesan Island, Chonburi ProvinceCoral conservation using freezing technology
Though costly at US$100 per coral larva (compared to US$1 for fragment propagation), the investment produces genetically diverse coral better equipped to survive warming oceans. The team has also successfully frozen coral sperm and is experimenting with egg preservation, hoping to conserve diverse species for future restoration when marine conditions improve.
Prof. Dr. Suchana has collaborated with a Taiwanese research team led by Dr. Chiahsin Lin to experiment with freezing technology for coral reproductive cells collected from the sea to conserve coral for the future.
“All coral species are important to marine ecosystems. Therefore, good coral conservation means helping all coral species have opportunities to reproduce and grow well. Collecting coral reproductive cells today necessitates gathering as many diverse species as possible for future use when environmental conditions become suitable for coral to live again,” she explained.
Professor Suchana emphasizes that effective coral conservation requires collaborative efforts across multiple sectors, including pollution reduction, greenhouse gas mitigation, and sustained funding from both government and private sources. These will be key to protecting and restoring coral for future existence.
After the two-year period, the research team returns these surviving coral larvae to the sea.
Pattaya landlord reveals an image of garbage scattered throughout the property after the British tenant fled, leaving dirt and damage throughout the house.
PATTAYA — A Thai landlord has revealed the shocking condition of her Pattaya rental property after a British tenant abandoned the premises, leaving behind extensive damage, garbage, and a strong marijuana odor throughout the home. The tenant also left air conditioning units and lights running despite having fled the property.
Mrs. Chudanat Penampipinyo, 52, a property owner in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, shared videos and photos on social media documenting the deplorable state of her once-beautiful home. The images show dirty and damaged belongings strewn throughout both the interior and exterior of the property.
Beyond sharing her experience as a cautionary tale for other landlords, Mrs. Penampipinyo and her daughter have filed a formal complaint with Nongprue Police Station, seeking assistance in locating the foreign tenant to hold him responsible for the damages.
According to Mrs. Penampipinyo, she rented her newly renovated and beautifully decorated single house to Alexander William, a British national, and his Thai wife in December 2024 with a one-year lease agreement. The tenants were introduced through a rental agent.
Problems arose when the tenant failed to pay rent on time and accumulated three months of unpaid electricity and internet bills, resulting in service disconnection. This prompted the landlord to terminate the contract at the end of March.
“On the day we were supposed to inspect the property and reclaim the house, he stubbornly refused to leave, promising to vacate by April 30th,” Mrs. Penampipinyo stated. “He wouldn’t allow us entry even when we arrived with police officers. The police didn’t force entry but attempted to negotiate payment of outstanding bills, which we thought he would settle. In the end, he simply fled.”
Before and after comparison photos of a house in Pattaya rented by a British man, which the homeowner has already reported to Nongprue Police Station.
Upon entering the abandoned house, Mrs. Penampipinyo was stunned by what she discovered. A strong marijuana smell pervaded the property. More than ten bags of garbage had been left behind. Artificial plants and decorative items were destroyed. Nearly all household items were damaged. Security cameras around the property had their lenses covered with stickers to prevent surveillance.
After posting about the incident on social media, other victims came forward in the comments section, claiming to have experienced similar situations with the same foreigner but had not pursued legal action. This prompted Mrs. Penampipinyo to file a formal complaint, urging police to locate the foreign national and hold him accountable.
Chudanat Penampipinyo, 52, a property owner in Pattaya, and her daughter show images of her rental house to reporters after filing a complaint with Nongprue Police Station to track down the British tenant for compensation for damages, on May 3, 2025.Before and after comparison photos of a house in Pattaya rented by a British man, which the homeowner has already reported to Nongprue Police Station.
“I want to warn other homeowners that before renting out properties, they should thoroughly check tenants’ backgrounds, especially in the case of foreigners, to prevent such incidents from recurring,” the disheartened landlord concluded.
On May 3rd, officers at Nongprue Police Station asked Mrs. Penampipinyo to compile evidence, including video clips, CCTV footage, photographs, contracts, and bills, to support the investigation.
A similar case occurred recently in Wichit sub-district, Phuket province, where a Ukrainian female tenant vandalized and trashed a condominium rental, apparently dissatisfied with the landlord regarding an unreturned security deposit. The damage in that case was reported to be approximately 350,000 baht ($10,490).
The Consumer Protection Police Division of CIB officers conduct an operation to dismantle a network importing counterfeit goods in Bangkok on May 3, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) police have intensified their crackdown on illegal Chinese businesses, raiding five warehouses in Bangkok and seizing more than 30,000 counterfeit luxury brand perfume products intended for the Thai market, with a total value exceeding 4 million baht ($131,600).
On May 3, officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division conducted an operation to dismantle a network importing counterfeit goods from abroad. The raids targeted five locations in Ratburana and Bukkhalo areas of Bangkok, where authorities seized 34,806 pieces of counterfeit brand-name perfumes with a total value of 4,361,200 baht.
This operation was an extension of a recent investigation in which authorities searched and seized illegal cosmetic and perfume products from a Thai seller. Further investigation revealed that the products had been purchased from a Chinese investor who had been smuggling goods from China.
Police seize counterfeit luxury brand perfume products intended for the Thai market on May 3, 2025.
The smugglers employed a strategy of renting multiple storage locations to conceal their operations and evade detection by authorities. Investigators conducted surveillance until they identified the product storage sites before gathering evidence and obtaining court orders to search and seize the illegal goods.
Police Major General Pattanasak Buppasuwan, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, stated that further investigation revealed the Chinese investor behind the operation used Cambodian nominee bank accounts to receive payments from illegal sales.
The seized counterfeit perfumes featured packaging that closely mimicked genuine products, though the contents were of poor quality. The operation focused on wholesale distribution to Thai merchants who would then resell the products through various channels, including online platforms and retail shops, affecting consumers on a large scale.
According to investigators, this operation has been running for approximately three years. Authorities are now working to apprehend the Chinese investor on charges of jointly selling unregistered cosmetics, selling cosmetics without Thai-language labels without permission, and selling cosmetics without Thai-language labels.
All seized evidence has been transferred to investigating officers at the Consumer Protection Police Division.
The Consumer Protection Police Division of CIB officers conduct an operation to dismantle a network importing counterfeit goods in Bangkok on May 3, 2025.
Police Major General Pattanasak warned consumers against purchasing cosmetics or perfumes simply because they appear inexpensive, advising them to buy from reliable sources as counterfeit products can cause physical harm including respiratory irritation, nasal mucosa inflammation, allergic rashes, and in some cases severe allergic reactions that may lead to high blood pressure, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea.
He also issued a warning to those smuggling and selling illegal products to cease such activities immediately, stating that police officers will continue to expand their investigation and enforcement efforts. Anyone found in violation will face full legal consequences.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Consumer Protection Police Division hotline at 1135 or via their Facebook page “Consumer Protection Police Division Consumer Alert.
Pet owners in Bangkok must provide safe, species-appropriate housing with sufficient space, light, food, water, ventilation, and waste disposal.
BANGKOK — Residents in Bangkok will not be forced to give up their animals despite new limits on the number of pets per household due to the upcoming Animal Control Ordinance, effective January 10, 2026, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reassured.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej announced preparations for enforcement of the new BMA Ordinance on Animal Control (2024) during a press conference at City Hall on May 2, 2025.
The press conference included key stakeholders: Sitthaphon Iamsusut, Director of the Veterinary Public Health Department; Chanya Phasupong from the Animal Welfare Association under Royal Patronage; and Roger Lohanan, Secretary General of the Thai Animal Protection Association.
Published in the Royal Gazette on January 15, 2025, the ordinance will take effect on January 10, 2026, after a 360-day grace period. It designates Bangkok as a regulated area for keeping or releasing mammals, birds, aquatic animals, amphibians, reptiles, and dangerous or poisonous animals.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej announces preparations for enforcement of the new Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Ordinance on Animal Control (2024) at a press conference on May 2, 2025.
Existing Pet Owners Protected
“Many people are worried about the ordinance specifying that households or condominium units can keep 2 or 3 pets, with a maximum of 6 depending on area size. I want to clarify that this law isn’t retroactive—if you’re already keeping pets when it takes effect on January 10, 2026, you won’t be affected. There’s no need to worry or abandon your pets—continue caring for them until they naturally pass away,” Deputy Governor Tavida stated.
She explained the ordinance stems from the Bangkok Governor’s animal welfare policies, specifically:
P137: Lifetime pet registration to prevent abandonment
P138: Systematic management of stray animals to control population growth, prevent rabies, and promote rehoming to reduce new pet acquisitions
Animal Limits Based on Property Size
The regulations establish clear limits for keeping animals on private property in Bangkok:
Large mammals (cows, buffaloes, horses, deer): Maximum 1 animal per 200 square meters
Small mammals (goats, sheep, pigs, ponies): Maximum 3 animals per 200 square meters
Poultry (chickens, ducks, geese): Maximum 1 per 4 square meters
Large birds (e.g., ostriches): Maximum 1 per 50 square meters
Small birds: Maximum 5 per 1 square meter
Different regulations apply to businesses keeping animals in numbers exceeding these limits, with additional public health protections in place.
Public Area Exceptions
Deputy Governor Tavida explained that the ban on keeping or releasing animals in public areas of Bangkok is subject to exceptions. These include:
For the treatment or immunization of animals against disease
For certain activities in designated public areas where the BMA has officially permitted the presence of animals for a certain period
For relocation purposes involving the animal owner
For government-related animal activities and for the release of animals for charitable or traditional ceremonial purposes
Pet Owner Responsibilities
Pet owners must:
Provide safe, species-appropriate housing with sufficient space, light, food, water, ventilation, and waste disposal
Keep facilities clean to avoid foul odors or unsanitary conditions
Vaccinate animals, segregate those suspected of illness, and notify relevant veterinary authorities
Keep animals under control (dangerous species must be kept in cages with clear warnings)
Allow animals to display natural behavior
Prevent animals from injuring or disturbing others
Dispose of dead animals properly to avoid pollution or health risks
Follow instructions from health departments and municipal regulations
Dog Park in Bangkok
Dog and Cat Ownership Limits
The number of dogs and cats allowed depends on property size:
Condominiums/rental units (20-80 square meters): Maximum 1 pet
Condominiums/rental units (over 80 square meters): Maximum 2 pets
Land up to 20 square wah (approximately 80 square meters): Maximum 2 pets
Land between 20-50 square wah: Maximum 3 pets
Land between 50-100 square wah: Maximum 4 pets
Land over 100 square wah: Maximum 6 pets
If owners exceed these limits before the ordinance takes effect on January 10, 2026, they must notify their district office by April 9, 2026. Failure to report may result in inspection and enforcement.
In cases where animals exceed the limit for health hazard establishments such as farms, pet shops, pet cafes, pet grooming salons, or pet hotels, owners must comply with the relevant health hazard regulations.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej announces preparations for enforcement of the new Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Ordinance on Animal Control (2024) at a press conference on May 2, 2025.
Mandatory Pet Registration
All dog and cat owners in Bangkok are required to register their animals, obtain a pet passport, and have them microchipped within 120 days of birth or within 30 days of bringing the animal to Bangkok. This process can be completed by either the owner or an authorized representative.
The BMA emphasized that microchip identification is essential as it stores important data, not only for recovering lost pets but also for monitoring vaccinations, particularly rabies vaccinations, which are vital for public safety.
Additionally, pet ID cards will promote animal welfare by enabling access to health screenings, participation in public activities, and free vaccinations, all improving animals’ quality of life.
Registration must be submitted to relevant officials at authorized registration offices such as the Veterinary Department, Health Department, or District Offices.
Required documents include:
Owner’s national ID card
House registration document for the pet’s residence
Relevant supporting documents
Letter of consent from the landlord (if renting)
Rabies vaccination certificate (if available)
Sterilization certificate from a veterinarian (if applicable)
Power of attorney letter (if applicable)
If someone raises 10-20 animals responsibly without disturbing others, they have nothing to fear.
Support from Animal Welfare Groups
Chanya Phasupong explained that the Animal Welfare Association had been proposing pet registration to the BMA since 2022, and the initiative has now been implemented in 2025. However, the association hopes the BMA will also extend the system to animal shelters and breeding farms.
Roger Lohanan pointed out that Bangkok currently has many stray dogs and cats, mainly because people abandon animals without identification. Microchipping could help solve this problem by linking animals to their registered owners.
“A good law doesn’t have to please everyone; that’s impossible. What matters is effective enforcement,” Lohanan added. “This law doesn’t hurt responsible owners. If someone raises 10-20 animals responsibly without disturbing others, they have nothing to fear. But even a single, poorly cared for pet can cause problems.”
Prince Harry waves as he leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry said that he wants to reconcile with his family after losing a court battle Friday over his publicly funded security that he said led his father, King Charles III, to stop talking to him.
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry told the BBC. “I don’t know how much longer my father has.”
But Harry took aim at Buckingham Palace officials after the court of appeal rejected a bid to restore his police protection detail that was stripped by a government committee when he stepped away from his royal duties and moved to the U.S.
The Duke of Sussex said that he was devastated to lose the case that was a source of friction with his 76-year-old father, who is being treated for an undisclosed cancer. Harry has met with him once briefly since his diagnosis early last year.
“He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” Harry said in the interview that aired three hours after the ruling.
Harry, who is estranged from his family since departing the U.K. and writing a tell-all memoir with embarrassing details about the House of Windsor, said Friday’s court verdict meant it would be impossible to safely bring his family back to the U.K.
FILE – Britain’s Prince Harry leaves after attending an Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, on May 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
Harry blames Buckingham Palace officials
Despite those comments, there was little indication of reconciliation in the near future as the palace signaled its support for the court’s ruling.
Harry said repeatedly that the decision to withdraw his security had been made at the direction of palace officials in an effort to control him and his wife, even though it put their safety at risk.
“What I’m struggling to forgive, and what I will probably always struggle to forgive, is the decision that was made in 2020 that affects my every single day, and that is knowingly putting me and my family in harm’s way,” Harry said.
A government committee decided in 2020 that Harry’s security arrangements should be decided on a case-by-case basis whenever he visits the U.K.
Harry said that committee includes two representatives of Buckingham Palace who have blocked his security in the U.K. The king could resolve the security issue by stepping out of the way and letting experts make the decision, Harry added.
The prince called on U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to order a review of the process.
“Whether you’re the government, whether you’re the royal household, whether you’re my dad, my family, despite all of our differences, do you not want to just ensure our safety?”
In response to the court ruling, Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying that issue had been meticulously examined by the courts “with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.”
FILE – From left, Prince William, the Duke of Gloucester, King Charles III, Prince Harry, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, London on Sept. 14, 2022. (Jeff Mitchell/Pool via AP, File)
Loss of security an ‘unintended consequence’ of move
Harry said that he loves his country and would love to show his young children his homeland, but now he only returns for funerals and court cases.
He made a rare appearance for the two-day Court of Appeal hearing last month, where his lawyer argued that his life was in danger and the Royal and VIP Executive Committee had singled him out for inferior treatment.
Three judges on the appellate court ruled unanimously Friday that the committee’s decision to strip him of his publicly funded security wasn’t unreasonable.
Justice Geoffrey Vos acknowledged in a 21-page judgment that the Duke of Sussex felt badly treated and his lawyer had made powerful and moving arguments on his behalf. But he said that Harry’s grievance wasn’t legal grounds to challenge the decision to deny him regular security.
“From the Duke of Sussex’s point of view, something may indeed have gone wrong, in that an unintended consequence of his decision to step back from royal duties and spend the majority of his time abroad has been that he has been provided with a more bespoke, and generally lesser, level of protection than when he was in the U.K.,” Vos said. “But that does not, of itself, give rise to a legal complaint.”
The ruling is likely to leave the Duke of Sussex with a large bill to pay the U.K. government’s legal fees — in addition to his own lawyers’ costs.
The judgment upheld a High Court judge’s decision last year that found that a “bespoke” plan for the Duke of Sussex’s security wasn’t unlawful, irrational or unjustified.
A lawyer for the government said that Harry’s argument repeated his misconceived approach that failed in the lower court.
“It involves a continued failure to see the wood for the trees, advancing propositions available only by reading small parts of the evidence, and now the judgment, out of context and ignoring the totality of the picture,” attorney James Eadie said.
This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry, left, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking about expecting their second child during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. “Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special” airs March 7 as a two-hour exclusive primetime special on the CBS Television Network. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP)
Harry says family is endangered
Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, had stepped back from their official roles in the family in 2020, because they didn’t feel they were “being protected by the institution,” his lawyer said.
After doing so, a Home Office committee ruled that there was “no basis for publicly funded security support for the duke and duchess within Great Britain.”
Harry claimed that he and his family are endangered when visiting his homeland because of hostility aimed at him and Meghan on social media and through relentless hounding by news media.
Since he lost his government-sponsored protection, Harry faced at least two serious security threats, his lawyer said in court papers. Al-Qaida had published a document that said Harry’s assassination would please Muslims. And nearly two years ago, he and his wife were involved in a dangerous pursuit by paparazzi in New York.
Harry, 40, the younger son of Charles and the late Princess Diana, has bucked royal family convention by taking the government and tabloid press to court, where he has a mixed record.
He lost a related court case in which he sought permission to privately pay for a police detail when in the U.K. A judge denied that offer after a government lawyer argued officers shouldn’t be used as “private bodyguards for the wealthy.”
But he won a significant victory at trial in 2023 against the publisher of the Daily Mirror when a judge found that phone hacking at the tabloid was “widespread and habitual.” He claimed a “monumental” victory in January when Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloids made an unprecedented apology for intruding in his life for years, and agreed to pay substantial damages to settle his privacy invasion lawsuit.
He has a similar case pending against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
CCTV footage from one of Kaithong's branch at Central Embassy reveals a foreign male customer using his mobile phone to photograph the restaurant's menu, while a female customer takes the restaurant's menu book into her bag, on April 29, 2025.
BANGKOK — A famous Thai restaurant ‘Kaithong Original‘ posted a message on its Facebook page in both Thai and English on May 2 stating that it has filed a police report to prosecute two foreigners who exhibited behavior of stealing the restaurant’s menu.
Kaithong Original stated that on April 29, the restaurant’s headquarters received a report from one of their branches. According to the report, around the afternoon of that day, two foreign customers (a man and a woman) came to have lunch.
“During their time at the restaurant, the male customer used his mobile phone to take detailed photographs of every page of both the food and dessert menus.”
Following this, the female customer placed both menus, which are large-format copies designated strictly for in-house use, into her personal bag and carried them out of the restaurant. The male customer remained at the table during the entire incident and appeared fully aware of her actions.”
CCTV footage from Kaithong’s branch at Central Embassy reveals a foreign male customer using his mobile phone to photograph the restaurant’s menu, on April 29, 2025.
After receiving the report, Kaithong Original’s head office conducted further investigation and reviewed the CCTV footage. Verification of the name appearing on the payment receipt revealed that the male customer is the owner of several Thai restaurants based in Indonesia, operating under multiple brand names.
“The actions of both individuals demonstrate a clear lack of respect for the property of others and represent a serious breach of professional ethics, particularly between businesses operating within the same industry.”
CCTV footage from Kaithong’s branch at Central Embassy reveals a female customer taking the restaurant’s menu book into her bag, on April 29, 2025.
Kaithong Original added that they have filed an official police report with the local authorities. Both civil and criminal proceedings have been initiated in accordance with Thai law. The restaurant also emphasized to state the following:
The intentional removal of the restaurant’s property without permission constitutes a criminal offense.
We urge the individuals involved to take full responsibility for their actions and return the property immediately.
The restaurant will take all appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized use, imitation, or recurrence of such behavior in the future.
They thank their valued customers for their continued support and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and the integrity behind everything they do.
“We hope this incident serves as a reminder to the wider food and hospitality community that mutual respect is the foundation of professionalism and must never be overlooked.”
Kaithong Original Facebook page
Kaithong Original opened in 1998 as a 6-seater eatery, cooking “on demand.” The original restaurant was called ‘Gum Gai Kaithong,’ where “Gum Gai” is Cantonese language used in Hong Kong meaning “Golden Chicken.”
The first branch was in Muang Thong Thani, with Chinese-style decoration, before changing its name to ‘Kaithong Original’ during the era of Saeng-arun Montreewat, the second-generation heir who renovated the restaurant and modernized the brand. It has expanded to 4 branches: Muang Thong Thani, Central Festival EastVille, Central Phuket Floresta, and Central Embassy.
According to Michelin Guide, the family-run establishment, is renowed for its traditional recipes, serving fresh meat and seafood flavours in simple yet refined and lightly seasoned dishes. Catering to different tastes, the stir-fried liver with garlic is made with either pork or chicken liver.
‘Acme Worawat’ has made history with the recognition of the “Most Influential Person in Blockchain and Crypto 2025” accolade at the globally renowned Middle East Blockchain Awards 2025, staged at the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The ceremony, which occurred on 29 April 2025, attracted attendance from influential figures across various sectors shaping the future of Web3, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
Acme Worawat has become the first and only Thai national to receive this prestigious international accolade, following deliberation by a distinguished panel at MEBA 2025. The selection committee comprised notable figures such as:
Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Founder & CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Centre, and recipient of the Special Recognition Award
Gareth Van Zyl – Editor, Gulf Business
Scott Melker – Host of The Wolf of All Streets and #CryptoTownHall
Saqr Ereiqat – Secretary General, Digital Assets Association of Dubai
Megan Plisky, also known as “Crypto Megan”, a leading advocate for the advancement of the cryptocurrency, NFT, and Web3 ecosystems
The inclusion of invited judges from the blockchain, fintech, and AI sectors further emphasised the region’s strategic significance in the progression of emerging technologies.
Acme Worawat stated, “It is a tremendous honour to receive the ‘Most Influential Person in Blockchain and Crypto 2025’ award. This recognition constitutes a collective achievement by all $ACT(ACET) holders. ACT started with zero initial supply and was propelled by individuals who invested their own assets to create and sustain its value. ACT exists because of the people and will remain the people’s asset forever—ACT is The People.”
Acme Worawat, also known as Worawat Narknawdee, is a self-made Thai entrepreneur and investor widely recognised as one of the pioneers of the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector in Asia. His engagement with the industry commenced in 2012 through Bitcoin mining, culminating in his current ownership of over 11,000 BTC. He founded ACT(ACET), a globally recognised blockchain-powered digital asset that has attracted more than 159,368 holders and recorded a trading volume exceeding $470 million or approximately THB 15.98 billion. His investment activities in the United Arab Emirates exceed $300 million, encompassing the fintech, luxurious real estate, and premium hospitality sectors. In addition, he established Traderist, an organisation committed to financial literacy advancement and personal life skill development. For over 13 years, he has contributed to empowering individuals worldwide at no cost, promoting success, and encouraging the capacity to support others.
The Middle East Blockchain Awards—an event which marks the convergence of investors, developers, and thought leaders in the future of technology—continues to reinforce the United Arab Emirates’ status as “a global centre for digital asset innovation.”
