Bangkok, Thailand —Puttharaksa Aesthetic celebrates 20 years of helping people achieve healthier, clearer skin through care built on trust, consistency, and real results. Since 2005, it has become a trusted destination for those seeking professional facial treatment in Bangkok, gentle microdermabrasion, and effective acne treatment in Bangkok, all delivered with a personalized and thoughtful approach.
With two decades of experience, Puttharaksa has built lasting relationships with thousands of clients who value the center’s calm atmosphere, dedicated service, and visible improvements. Each treatment is designed with both care and results in mind, making it a reliable choice for those who want to feel more confident in their skin.
“Our 20-year journey is a reflection of the trust and satisfaction our clients have shown us,” said a representative from Puttharaksa Aesthetic. “Whether someone comes in for a basic facial or a comprehensive acne treatment, our goal has always been the same: to deliver care that truly works, and results that last.”
A standout treatment at Puttharaksa is Acne Clear Plus, a specialized program that targets mild to severe acne without the use of oral medication. The process includes deep cleansing, precise extraction, a calming mask, and phono therapy. Known for being both gentle and effective, this treatment has helped many clients regain clear skin and confidence—without unnecessary harshness or downtime.
Puttharaksa Aesthetic is recognized as one of the best providers of microdermabrasion in Bangkok, offering a gentle, non-invasive exfoliation treatment that refines skin texture, clears clogged pores, and boosts overall radiance. It’s a trusted choice for those seeking smoother, brighter skin with a natural glow.
Located conveniently at Gateway Ekamai, with direct access to BTS Ekamai Station, Puttharaksa offers accessible skincare for both local residents and international visitors. The focus on professionalism, comfort, and consistent results continues to set it apart as a reliable skincare provider in Bangkok.
As Puttharaksa Aesthetic enters its third decade, the commitment remains clear: to continue offering trusted care, effective treatments, and meaningful results for every client who walks through its doors.
PHUKET — In a tragic turn of events, two foreign nationals lost their lives in Thailand after falling from buildings during the early hours of Friday. The first incident occurred in Phuket, while the second took place in Bangkok.
Malaysian Tourist Dies in Phuket Fall
Police at Patong Police Station in Phuket received a report from Patong Hospital at 1:30 a.m. on May 9 regarding a foreign tourist who had fallen from a hotel building in Patong sub-district. The victim was rushed to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased, identified as a 25-year-old Malaysian national named Harris, had arrived in Thailand on May 8 as part of a 20-person tour group from Malaysia. He was staying at a hotel in the Patong area, sharing a room with two friends.
At the time of the incident, the victim reportedly exhibited erratic behavior, ran out of his room, and jumped from a rear balcony, suffering fatal injuries. Officials have notified the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand to follow proper procedures.
Asian Woman Falls from Bangkok Condo
In a separate incident that occurred around the same time in Bangkok, Thonglor Police Station received a report at 1:10 a.m. about a 41-year-old Asian woman who had fallen from the top floor of a 17-story condominium in the Sukhumvit area of Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei district. Her husband was found crying at the scene where her body was discovered.
A security guard on duty on the ground floor of the condominium heard a man calling for help from the 4th floor, which houses the swimming pool. The guard found the woman unconscious by the poolside and carried her to be transported to the hospital, but she was later pronounced dead.
BANGKOK — AIS advances its mission to prevent and combat cybercrime, elevating national cybersecurity by partnering with the Office of the National Security Council, Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and NBTC. Together, they announce a collaboration under the “Secure Network Alliance,” driving Thailand toward the “CYBER SECURITY YEAR.”
The initiative invites over 100 organizations from all sectors to unite and proactively disrupt cyber threats at their source, aligning with the government’s urgent policy to protect citizens from technological threats impacting the country’s economy and security, reinforcing a robust and secure digital environment across all dimensions.
Three Main Pillars to Combat Cyber Threats
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, stated that the government recognizes the importance of addressing cyber threats, particularly call-center scams that significantly harm the public. The National Security Council has proactively operated across three main pillars: formulating and improving legislation, fostering inter-agency cooperation and coordination, and elevating national security levels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
The NSC goal is to swiftly tackle drug trafficking, transnational crime, and eradicate call-center gangs through policy-making, operational initiatives, and international cooperation under the ‘Seal Stop Safe’ operation, including measures to seal border areas, disrupting call-center gangs at their source, amending laws to control mule bank accounts and nominee SIM cards, and integrating collaboration with agencies such as the NBTC, Bank of Thailand, AMLO, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, as well.
The government remains committed to elevating cybersecurity policy to a national level, integrating efforts from governmental agencies, private sectors, and the public to jointly create a safe digital society, as it is a shared mission for everyone.
“I thank all of you for joining us today and sincerely hope that our collective efforts will transform this ‘CYBER SECURITY YEAR’ into a pivotal turning point, truly establishing a digitally secure Thailand,” said Phumtham.
Police Cyber Taskforce
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), added that today, Thai society is confronting escalating cybercrime threats orchestrated by criminals who continually develop sophisticated and aggressive techniques, causing significant losses in both personal data and financial assets.
From March 1, 2022, to April 30, 2025, online crime statistics recorded 887,315 cases, with total damages exceeding 89 billion baht— an average loss of approximately 77 million baht per day.
Victims face various forms of cybercrime, including fraudulent money transfers via fake applications, unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts, and misuse of personal data. Therefore, comprehensive measures must be elevated promptly to alleviate public suffering.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB)
The Royal Thai Police have proactively enhanced strategies for prevention, suppression, and organizational restructuring to combat modern cybercrime. We established the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) to systematically collect data, analyze patterns, and launch proactive operations.
Additionally, CCIB leverage AI technology and advanced transaction analysis systems to trace financial trails of criminal networks. Collaborative efforts have been strengthened with network partners, including telecommunications providers such as AIS, facilitating integrated operations and ongoing criminal apprehensions.
“We firmly believe that enhancing these collaborative efforts into the “CYBER SECURITY YEAR” will serve as a pivotal mechanism in sustainably protecting Thai society from cyber threats,” he said.
AIS’s Cyber Wellness for THAIs
Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS, stated “As a leading digital service provider, AIS plays a significant role in connecting users to the digital world. We remain committed to continuously building cyber immunity and digital literacy under our mission ‘Cyber Wellness for THAIs,’ fostering safer digital experiences.”
Our efforts include complying with government measures, managing mobile signal coverage in border areas, collaborating closely with police operations to combat scams and call-center frauds, and developing cybersecurity-focused digital technologies such as the 1185 AIS Spam Report Center and the *1185# Aunjai Report End of Scammer.
Additionally, we promote digital immunity and skills through initiatives like the Aunjai Cyber Course and establishing Thailand Cyber Wellness Index indicators.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS
Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of any single organization; it demands collective action. Our collaboration under the ‘CYBER SECURITY YEAR” mission unites stakeholders from all sectors through our three-pronged strategy:
Educate—developing awareness and prevention skills within the entire ecosystem to address issues proactively
Collaborate—strengthening partnerships across both public and private sectors to jointly communicate and drive societal change
Motivate—campaigning for all sectors to actively enforce regulations and effectively tackle these challenges, steering Thailand toward a secure and sustainable digital society.
“I sincerely thank everyone involved in this significant milestone. With shared knowledge, mutual understanding, and a unified vision, we can collectively establish a secure and high-quality digital society in every dimension. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey toward a safer digital future for all Thai citizens,” concluded Somchai.
In this picture (From left): Ms Suporntip Pongsachamnankit, Head of Card Business, Card Payment and Unsecured Products at UOB Thailand and Ms. Siriwipha Yuktadatta, Vice Executive Marketing Director – Mobility Business, The Shell Company of Thailand Limited
Bangkok, 9 May 2025 — UOB Thailand partners with Shell Thailand to provide exclusive rewards for UOB credit cardholders. Customers who refuel at participating Shell stations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces can enjoy cashback offers of up to 25 per cent, along with a complimentary pack of Chao Sua crispy rice snack.
Ms Suporntip Pongsachamnankit, Head of Card Business, card payment and unsecured products, UOB Thailand said “We understand that fueling up is part of their everyday journey, and we want to make that experience even more rewarding. Through this collaboration with Shell, we are offering not just financial benefits like cashback, but also thoughtful touches that recognise and celebrate our customers’ lifestyles. Whether they are commuting to work or setting out on a road trip, our cardholders can now enjoy greater value every time they visit Shell.”
Ms Siriwipha Yuktadatta, Vice Executive Marketing Director – Mobility Business, The Shell Company of Thailand Limited “Whether it’s a short trip or a long-distance journey, Shell understands that every drive holds a special moment. Shell, in partnership with our trusted partner UOB Thailand, is thrilled to launch an exciting campaign for UOB cardholders. Filling up with our premium Shell V-Power fuel, is engineered to deliver outstanding engine performance. With 100% cleaning of fuel injectors and intake valves, it helps restore engines to like-new condition – powerful, clean, and ready for the road. As a special treat, receive a complimentary pack of Chao Sua crispy rice snack. Together, we’re committed to providing the best experience for our customers with exclusive promotions designed to recharge travelers and make every trip even more delightful.”
From now until 30 June 2025, UOB credit cardholders who refuel with Shell V-Power at participating Shell stations in Bangkok and surrounding areas will receive a complimentary pack of Chao Sua crispy rice snack (worth Baht 20) for Baht 1,000 or more per receipt. The promotion is limited to one pack per customer per day and is available while supplies last.
Additionally, UOB credit cardholders can enjoy up to 25 per cent cashback for qualifying transactions:
Get up to 10 per cent cashback when spending every Baht 800 per transaction.
Redeem an additional up to 15 per cent cashback by using every 800 reward points.
Tourist police officers escort international sex workers to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings late on May 8, 2025.
PATTAYA — Thai Authorities from several agencies in Pattaya, more than 50 officers led by the Tourist Police, conducted a sweep to arrest groups of foreigners who were soliciting tourists for prostitution.
During this operation on May 8, officials held a planning meeting before deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers to monitor the behavior of these foreigners.
The suspects were typically standing at the base of coconut trees along Pattaya Beach, approaching tourists to get acquainted, soliciting and offering prices to tourists, which risked leading to prostitution. During the search, officers also found lubricating gel and condoms of various sizes, raising suspicions.
One of the suspects is typically standing at the base of coconut trees along Pattaya Beach, approaching tourists on Thursday night, May 8, 2025.
Subsequently, officials detained these women offering services for background checks and processing, totaling 13 individuals: 7 Uzbekistan nationals and 6 Uganda nationals. Some were still using student visas, while two had overstayed their visas.
Initially, all 13 were detained under violations of Section 5 for soliciting, suggesting, introducing, following, or pestering along streets or in public places for prostitution. Two individuals were also charged with being foreigners staying in the Kingdom after their permission had expired. They were sent to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings, visa revocation, and eventual deportation.
Tourist police officers take international sex workers to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings late on May 8, 2025.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Torlap Tinamat, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 4, Sub-Division 2, Tourist Police Division 1, stated that this operation was conducted under the policy of Police General Kittirat Panphet, the National Police Chief, which focuses on building confidence in safety in tourist areas and preventing crimes that affect the country’s image.
It also follows the directives of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, who has instructed all units to implement proactive measures in major tourist areas nationwide. If citizens witness suspicious behavior, they can report tips to the Tourist Police hotline 1155, available 24 hours.
Bangkok, May 8, 2025 – Huawei announced a new milestone in expanding HUAWEI eKit branded products into the online marketplace by launching its first e-commerce store outside China on Shopee platform, in collaboration with AIOT, a key partner in HUAWEI eKit marketing in Thailand. This strategic partnership leverages both companies’ strengths to explore the enterprise market and provide more efficient and convenient digital products and solutions for several million small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand. The initiative aims to help an increasing number of SMEs utilize digital technologies to improve business efficiency and drive innovation.
Mr.Punapak Jeammana, General Manager of AIOT Corporate Co.,Ltd (left) and Mr. William Zhang, President of Enterprise Business, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. participated in the live launch of e-commerce shopping for HUAWEI eKit. It became the first outside the Chinese market.
HUAWEI eKit is a sub-brand developed for customers and partners in the distribution market under Huawei’s main brand. It has multiple product lines, covering datacom, storage, small full-optical, and intelligent collaboration. With the grand opening of HUAWEI eKit e-commerce store on shopee in Thailand, It will bring a series of cutting-edge products and solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises. From switches, WLANs, to routers, HUAWEI eKit always provides high-speed, stable, and secure connection experience.
Since its launch in the Thai market at the end of 2023, HUAWEI eKit has gained strong support from its partners and has gained wide recognition from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as schools, clinics, hotel chains, and commercial real estate. HUAWEI eKit joined hands with AIOT, a Thai partner, to launch the first authorized e-commerce store outside China in Shopee, providing a more convenient procurement experience for small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, it provides more intimate services such as “product quality assurance”, “return and exchange without reason in 7 days”, “Onsite delivery and installation, “24/7 online customer service consultation”, “service outlets cover five regions”, and “offline exhibition hall product test and solution explanation”. Up to now, HUAWEI eKit AP361, AP362E, AP162E and other small- and medium-sized enterprise network products have been launched in stores. You can enjoy the “four gifts of value” in the opening month. More hot selling products will be launched in the future.
In the future, HUAWEI eKit will continue to adhere to the concept of innovation and cooperation, work with partners to explore the future development trend of communications technologies and provide strong support for SMEs through innovative products and scenario-based solutions to accelerate their digital transformation.
Promotion 5.5 Celebrate the launch of the official shop on Shopee
Police arrested the woman with evidence including 11,000 baht in marked bills used for the transaction at a resort in Moo 4, Ban Tai sub-district, Koh Phangan on May 8, 2025.
KOH PHANGAN — Tourist Police in Koh Phangan have arrested a Russian national following an undercover operation targeting foreign prostitution on the popular tourist island.
Acting on intelligence reports about a foreign woman advertising sexual services online, authorities conducted a coordinated sting operation late on May 8. The operation involved Tourist Police, Koh Phangan Police Station officers, Immigration officials, and local authorities.
An undercover agent contacted the suspect, identified as Ms. Alina, 34, a Russian national, arranging to meet at a resort in Moo 4, Ban Tai sub-district, Koh Phangan. Police arrested the woman with evidence including 11,000 baht in marked bills used for the transaction, a condom, and a brown shoulder bag.
The Russian woman is arrested with evidence including 11,000 baht in marked bills used for the transaction on Koh Phangan on May 8, 2025.
During questioning, Ms. Alina admitted to choosing prostitution for its high income potential. She revealed that her busiest hours were between 1:00-5:00 AM, earning her several hundred thousand baht monthly. The suspect had been advertising her services under the name “Sofia” on the website “escortnews,” specifically targeting the Koh Phangan area and charging 11,000 baht for a one-hour session.
Authorities have charged the suspect with gathering in a place of prostitution for the benefit of prostitution of oneself or others” and “advertising or accepting advertisements, persuading, or introducing by documents, printed materials, or spreading by any means to the public in a manner suggesting solicitation or contact for prostitution of oneself or others.
Thai master of the plowing ceremony, Prayoon Inskul, bottom left, prays for Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, center left, and Queen Suthida before the start of a royal plowing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 9, 2025. (Sunti Teapia/Pool Photo via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn presided Friday over an elaborate annual ceremony that marks the start of the rice-planting season and honors the nation’s farmers.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is held to read auguries that predict the farming conditions for the year ahead. As is usually the case, good times were predicted, even though Thailand’s economy is sluggish.
The King and Queen Suthida were sheltered from the bright sun by ornate umbrellas at the ceremony’s traditional venue, Sanam Luang, or “Royal Ground,” a large field near the Grand Palace in the capital Bangkok.
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn with Queen Suthida, addresses the audience at a royal plowing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 9, 2025. (Sunti Teapia/Pool Photo via AP)Thai master of the plowing ceremony Prayoon Inskul, center right, throws rice seeds to the field during a royal plowing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 9, 2025. (Sunti Teapia/Pool Photo via AP)
According to Thai historians, the ritual goes back some 700 years. Then, as now, the cultivation of rice was central to the country’s culture and economy, and the ceremony is meant to give encouragement to farmers as the new planting season begins.
The ceremony was led by the highest-ranking civil servant in the Agriculture Ministry, serving as the Lord of the Ploughing Ceremony. In a colorful traditional costume, he chose from a selection of cloths, and the one he picked was interpreted to signify satisfactory rainfall and an abundant harvest.
Oxen are presented with a tray of various choices of food by Thai officials during a royal plowing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 9, 2025. (Sunti Teapia/Pool Photo via AP)
In the ceremony’s second stage, he anointed the heads of two “sacred” oxen, who then pulled a plough around a section of the field several times, as he scattered seeds at the front of a small procession with more traditionally garbed participants.
The two oxen, called “Por” and “Piang” — which together mean “sufficiency” — then chose from a selection of food offered by Brahmin priests. The foods chosen were water, grass and liquor, which symbolize adequate water supplies, abundance of food supplies and what was interpreted as good international trade, respectively.
After the departure of the king and queen, onlookers sprinted onto the field to collect the scattered seeds as souvenirs or to add to their own rice stores at home for a meritorious mix.
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What Makes the Kate Spade Outlet a Must-Visit for Shoppers?
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Newly elected Pope Leone XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
Prevost, a 69 member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV. He appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Square wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Pope Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013.
In his first words, Pope Leo XIV, history’s first American pope Robert Prevost, said “Peace be with you.”
From the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, he recalled that he was an Augustinian priest, but a Christian above all, and a bishop, “so we can all walk together.”
He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.
Cardinal Robert Prevost appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Prevost had been a leading candidate except for his nationality. There had long been a taboo against a U.S. pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere. But Prevost, a Chicago native, was seemingly eligible also because he’s a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.
Francis clearly had his eye on Prevost and in many ways saw him as his heir apparent. He brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. As a result, Prevost had a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals have.
The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted “Viva il papa!” after the white smoke wafted into the late afternoon sky at 6:07 p.m. Waving flags from around the world, tens of thousands of people waited to learn who had won.
Eyes on the chimney
Earlier Thursday, large school groups joined the mix of humanity awaiting the outcome in St. Peter’s Square. They blended in with people participating in preplanned Holy Year pilgrimages and journalists from around the world who have descended on Rome to document the election.
“The wait is marvelous!” said Priscilla Parlante, a Roman.
Pedro Deget, 22, a finance student from Argentina, said he and his family visited Rome during the Argentine pope’s pontificate and were hoping for a new pope in Francis’ image.
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel where 133 cardinals are gathering on the second day of the conclave to elect a successor to late Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025 (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
“Francis did well in opening the church to the outside world, but on other fronts maybe he didn’t do enough. We’ll see if the next one will be able to do more,” Deget said from the piazza.
The Rev. Jan Dominik Bogataj, a Slovene Franciscan friar, was more critical of Francis. He said if he were in the Sistine Chapel, he’d be voting for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem who is on many papal contender lists.
“He has clear ideas, not much ideology. He’s a direct, intelligent and respectful man,” Bogataj said from the square. “Most of all, he’s agile.”
Some of the cardinals had said they expected a short conclave.
For much of the past century, the conclave has needed between three and 14 ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days in 1978 — was elected on the fourth ballot. His successor, John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.
Conjecture on contenders
The cardinals opened the secretive, centuries-old ritual Wednesday afternoon, participating in a rite more theatrical than even Hollywood could create. Bright red cassocks, Swiss Guards standing at attention, ancient Latin chants and oaths preceded the slamming shut of the Sistine Chapel doors to seal the cardinals off from the outside world.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 70-year-old secretary of state under Francis and a leading contender to succeed him as pope, assumed leadership of the proceedings as the most senior cardinal under age 80 eligible to participate.
Cardinals attend the first day of the conclave to elect the successor of late Pope Francis inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP)
Parolin seemed to have received the blessings from none other than Re, the respected elder among the cardinals. During the traditional exchange of peace during the pre-conclave Mass on Wednesday, Re was caught on a hot mic telling Parolin “auguri doppio” or “double best wishes.” Italians debated whether it was just a customary gesture acknowledging Parolin’s role running conclave, or if it might have been an informal endorsement or even a premature congratulations.
The voting process
The voting followed a strict choreography, dictated by church law.
Each cardinal writes his choice on a piece of paper inscribed with the words “Eligo in summen pontificem” — “I elect as supreme pontiff.” They approach the altar one by one and say: “I call as my witness, Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who, before God, I think should be elected.”
The folded ballot is placed on a round plate and tipped into a silver and gold urn. Once cast, the ballots are opened one by one by three different “scrutineers,” cardinals selected at random who write down the names and read them aloud.
The scrutineers, whose work is checked by other cardinals called revisers, then add up the results of each round of balloting and write them on a separate sheet of paper, which is preserved in the papal archives.
As the scrutineer reads out each name, he pierces each ballot with a needle through the word “Eligo.” All the ballots are then bound together with thread, and the bundle is put aside and burned in the chapel stove along with a chemical to produce the smoke.