Thailand Intensifies Anti-Scam Fight as UNODC Warns of Evolving Threats

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23 April 2025, 08:44

cyber war2 — Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, participates in an expert panel on scam centers and cybercrime in the Mekong region organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok on April 21, 2025.

BANGKOK — As Thailand launches an aggressive crackdown on transnational scam networks through the newly established Task Force 88, United Nations officials warn that criminal organizations are rapidly evolving their tactics.

Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce, Anti-Human Trafficking Centre and the Director of Task Force 88, has launched a coordinated effort to combat technology crime syndicates, setting a three-month deadline for visible results.

The first meeting of Task Force 88, a special operations center focusing on technology crimes and human trafficking in border areas, brought together representatives from 32 agencies including all police units, at Royal Thai Police Headquarters on April 21.

cyber war1 — Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, chairs the first meeting of Task Force 88, a special operations center, at Royal Thai Police Headquarters on April 21, 2025.

“Demolishing the Criminal Bridge” Strategy

Pol. Gen. Thatchai clarified actions for addressing call center gangs by strictly implementing the “Demolishing the criminal bridge” strategy through three key measures:

Communications disruption: Removing illegal signal towers, cracking down on ghost SIMs, and tracking call centers through IP addresses
Financial chokepoints: Monitoring suspicious bank accounts, border ATM withdrawals, and cryptocurrency transactions
Border security: Preventing unauthorized border crossings that facilitate scam operations in neighboring countries

No Leniency for Thai Participants

Recent operations along the Cambodian border resulted in 175 Thai nationals being arrested and returned to Thailand. Officials emphasized that these individuals were not human trafficking victims but active participants in transnational scam operations, now facing prosecution on four major charges.

fraud — Cambodian authorities handed over 56 Thai people, including 35 men, 21 women, and two children, to Thai officials on March 28, 2025.

Cyber War – National Security Threat

“This problem poses a new type of national security threat – a Cyber War,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai, expressing confidence that integrated action across all agencies would yield effective results within three months.

The initiative follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Order No. 83/2025, establishing mechanisms to address security threats along Thailand’s borders with neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar and Cambodia.

International Cooperation Critical

Following the Task Force 88 meeting, Police General Thatchai participated in an expert panel on scam centers and cybercrime in the Mekong region organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.

cyber war3 — Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, participates in an expert panel on scam centers and cybercrime in the Mekong region organized by UNODC at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok on April 21, 2025.

He emphasized the necessity of coordinating with foreign governments and law enforcement agencies to dismantle transnational scammer networks and gather evidence. Thailand has played a key role in repatriating 7,177 foreign nationals from 33 countries involved in scam operations in neighboring Myawaddy.

“We’ve requested cooperation from source countries to interview suspects and share evidence related to call center gangs,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai, highlighting strong partnerships with China, Japan, and Cambodia that have led to numerous arrests of both leadership and members of operations based in neighboring countries.

Growing Criminal Sophistication

Benedict Hofmann, UNODC Regional Representative, revealed that these criminal organizations are rapidly expanding beyond Asia, causing increasing economic and psychological damage worldwide. More alarmingly, they’re diversifying into other serious crimes like drug production and trafficking.

BGF forces inspect hundreds of foreigners at a Shwe Kokko building as leader Maung Chit Thu pledges to return illegal workers to Thailand, February 14, 2025.

“We’ve identified people from 56 countries who have been tricked into working for scam centers, with a trend toward recruiting from English and French-speaking countries,” Hofmann noted, adding that a significant number of individuals are now voluntarily joining these operations.

More sophisticated scams

The criminals are increasingly employing artificial intelligence for more sophisticated scams, including deepfake technology, making detection more difficult. A January bust in Nigeria revealed connections to Chinese, Filipino, and Indonesian criminals formerly based in ASEAN countries.

John Vojcik, UNODC Regional Analyst, highlighted the emergence of specialized money laundering groups functioning as “illegal financial institutions” that now serve various criminal sectors including drug trafficking, hackers, child pornography distributors, and human traffickers globally.

laws — Thai immigration authorities inspected the equipment that six Chinese suspects used for operating a sophisticated scam network from multiple units in a luxury condominium on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on December 20, 2024.

New Criminal Infrastructure

Vojcik cited HuiOne Guarantee, an online black market selling illegal products and comprehensive services for establishing call center scams, including personal data, software, and fraud systems. The organization has even developed its own digital currency, HuiOne Blockchain and USDH, to avoid asset seizures and legal restrictions.

Mobile Malware Threat

Jennifer Soh from cybersecurity firm Group-IB revealed details about “Android Malware Scams” that trick victims into installing fake applications, allowing cybercriminals remote control of their devices. These scams may include convincing victims to provide facial video recordings, which criminals then use to bypass facial recognition systems in banking applications through Camera Injection Tools.

“This threat demonstrates the advancement of cybercriminals in directly attacking mobile financial security systems,” Soh warned, urging users to exercise greater caution with mobile applications.

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Thai Religious Leaders and Government Join in Mourning Pope Francis

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 23:21

Pope Francis and Supreme Patriarch Ariyavongsagatanana together at Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok — FILE - Pope Francis and Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana meet at Wat Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok on November 21, 2019.

BANGKOK — Religious leaders across Thailand have joined in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The Thai government has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect.

The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana, issued a Dhamma Eulogy statement on April 22 from Wat Rajabopit Sathitmahasimaram expressing condolences and reflecting on Pope Francis’s visit to Thailand in 2019.

“His Holiness’s visit to me at Wat Rajabopit stood as a most auspicious act, one that has shortened the distance between us, dispelled misunderstanding, transformed unfamiliarity into kinship, and soothed suspicion into sincere solidarity,” the Supreme Patriarch stated.

pope patriarch — Pope Francis and Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana meet at Wat Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok on November 21, 2019.

The statement continued with a Buddhist blessing: “One who harms not a friend is honored in every place. One who harms not a friend transcends all enmity,” adding that the Pope’s legacy of compassion and goodwill “continues to inspire profound reverence among people of all nations and faiths.”

At the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangkok, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, led by Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, held a press conference to honor the late pontiff. Archbishop Vira praised Pope Francis as someone who proclaimed Christ’s love through a humble life filled with mercy.

“Even during his final days, despite frequent hospitalizations and illness, he remained concerned for the Church. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Church with faith and love for God, setting an example for all Christians,” Archbishop Vira remarked.

AP25112394090860 — Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, center, Pope Francis’ second cousin, speaks to the media as Bangkok Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, right, looks on during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)

Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, Pope Francis’ second cousin, said that she has known the Pope since childhood because they are relatives and their families were close. She felt saddened when she learned of his passing because he had just recently greeted Catholics at the Vatican Church, which made her think his health condition had improved. However, she hopes that everyone will respond to God’s love and Pope Francis’ desire for peace to make our world a more livable and better place.

The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, Aaron Boonchom, also sent condolences and appointed Associate Professor Dr. Pakorn Priyakorn, an advisor to the Chularajmontri, to deliver a message of sympathy to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Thailand.

thai muslim pope — Associate Professor Dr. Pakorn Priyakorn, an advisor to the Chularajmontri, delivers a message of sympathy to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Thailand, on April 22, 2025.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed all government offices and state enterprises to fly the national flag at half-mast from April 23-25. In a social media post on April 21, she wrote: “On behalf of the people of Thailand, I extend my profound sorrow and deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His unwavering compassion, moral courage, noble humility, and tireless pursuit of peace inspired millions of people across faiths and nations.”

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who met Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2013, also shared her condolences: “His Holiness was a great man of compassion and humility, and will be remembered for his tireless efforts towards the promotion of global peace, human rights, and assisting the weakest members of society.”

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who once had an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican City on September 12, 2013. (Image: Vatican Media)

Thailand’s Catholic community, though small, remains active throughout the country, with many prominent educational institutions run by Catholic priests and nuns. Pope Francis’s visit to Thailand in November 2019 was particularly significant as it marked the first papal visit to the kingdom in 35 years.

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Miss Universe Strips Thai Runner-Up After Miss World Appearance

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 20:19

opal miss world2 — Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of Tero, presents the Miss World Thailand crown to Suchata "Opal" Chuangsri during the Road To Miss World 2025 press conference at Channel 7 Studio, Bangkok, on April 22, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Narin Niempradit)

BANGKOK — Miss Universe has announced the immediate removal of Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri from her position as third runner-up after she appeared at the Miss World Thailand event, violating her contract by participating in another pageant.

Thailand’s beauty pageant industry was thrown into turmoil once again when Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, Miss Universe Thailand 2024, followed her former pageant manager to attend a business partnership announcement between Tero Entertainment and TPN Global at Studio 8 in the Channel 7HD building on April 22. The event was to announce Thailand’s representative for the Miss World pageant.

opal miss world3 — Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri receives flowers from Tharina Botes – Miss Thailand World 2023/24, as the Miss World Thailand 2025 who will represent Thailand at the Miss World pageant in India this year. (KHAOSOD Photo/Narin Niempradit)

At the “New World New Chapter, Road To Miss World 2025” press conference, led by Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of Tero, and Piyaporn Sankosik, Executive Chairman of TPN Global, Opal was officially crowned and presented with a sash confirming her as Thailand’s representative for the 72nd Miss World 2025 competition. This year’s finals will be held in Hyderabad, India, on May 31.

TPN Global previously managed the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) competition for six consecutive years before losing the license to Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI), owned by Nawat Itsaragrisil, in February this year.

MGI secured a 5-year license agreement worth 180 million baht ($5.35 million) paid to JKN Global Content Pte. Ltd., owned by Anne Jakrajutatip, a prominent Thai transgender businesswoman.

The recent business competition and reputation issues among global beauty pageants have led Miss Universe to issue a statement dismissing Opal Suchata, stating that they have revoked the title of third runner-up from her.

“Due to the breach of her contractual obligations by participating in an external pageant, this decision underscores our expectation that all winners fulfill their duties throughout their entire reign,” it stated.

The Miss Universe Organization also emphasized that winners must fulfill their responsibilities throughout their entire 12-month reign, and starting May 1, 2025, they will enforce stricter regulations for all National Directors regarding this matter. The organization reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and maintaining the integrity of the Miss Universe brand.

AP24322240385512 1 — Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig, left, Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri, center, and Miss Venezuela Ileana Márquez compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Meanwhile, Opal stated that she respects the decision of the Miss Universe Organization, which surely has its reasons, but she does not have any contractual obligations and has already begun a new adventure. The positions of third runner-up in Miss Universe and Miss Universe Thailand will remain in her heart and everyone else’s forever.

When reporters asked if being dismissed from Miss Universe would affect her participation in Miss World, Opal replied, “I don’t think so. What matters most is dedication, determination, and my performance there. Especially since Julia Morley, the owner of the pageant, focuses on participating in various activities and our values. I believe there are many factors that will lead us there beyond this issue.”

Meanwhile, Piyaporn also stated that although this dismissal makes history as the first time a Miss Universe runner-up has been removed, it will not affect Opal’s participation in Miss World because Opal wants to address the concerns in young women’s hearts. She expressed her desire to visit children throughout Thailand and cancer patients worldwide.

opal miss world4 — Piyaporn Sankosik, Executive Chairman of TPN Global, places the Miss World Thailand sash on Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri during the Road To Miss World 2025 press conference at Channel 7 Studio, Bangkok, on April 22, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Narin Niempradit)

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PM Orders Urgent Investigation into State Audit Office Building Collapse

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 19:29

Thailand Southeast Asia Earthquake — Heavy machinery are employed to clear the huge pile of concrete at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK — Three weeks after the collapse of the State Audit Office building under construction in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, the investigation into the cause of this building collapse – the only one of its kind in Bangkok – still faces obstacles from the debris removal operations to search for bodies trapped under the rubble. The Thai Prime Minister has therefore ordered relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to advance the investigation further.

Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that during the cabinet meeting on April 22, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued instructions to the authorities to urgently investigate the collapse of the State Audit Office building and to take legal action against those responsible. The instructions are as follows:

All relevant agencies must cooperate with the police by providing necessary documents and information to facilitate a swift investigation into the cause.
The State Audit Office (SAO) is requested to submit all related documents, including reports from an internal investigation which found that the contractor had breached the contract without termination as of January 2025.
The Meteorological Department and the Department of Mineral Resources must urgently submit reports on the impact of the earthquake in the Bangkok area to the Royal Thai Police.
The Comptroller General’s Department, which oversees procurement standards and construction material quality, is to participate in the investigation, especially regarding procurement law compliance and authority to terminate contracts with non-compliant companies.
The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, under the Ministry of Interior, which took part in inspecting the building’s design and acceptance, must fully cooperate with police. Officials involved in certifying the SAO building should be separated from the investigation process.
The Ministry of Industry is to work with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on cases involving substandard steel and cement, unlawful foreign business operations, and collusion in bidding.

china railway1 — DSI Director-General Police Major Yutthana Praedam explains a chart showing the names of three Thai nationals suspected of being nominees for China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd. on April 4, 2025.

Review Compensation for Those Affected

In terms of compensation for those affected, the Prime Minister has acknowledged complaints that the Comptroller General’s Department’s existing regulations do not reflect actual damages.

She has instructed the relevant authorities, including the CGD, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Public Works and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to consider possible changes to make the compensation process more flexible and reflect actual damages.

This compensation must not overlap with any insurance payments the building has received for repairs.

quake 2nd day2 — Rescuers continue searching for people trapped under the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, Bangkok on March 29, 2025.

Probing Two Possible Causes of the Collapse

Meanwhile, Pongnara Yenying, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, has reported to the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister that there are two main possible causes for the collapse of the SAO building: Design faults or construction faults. Both possibilities are currently being investigated.

He said that a complex mathematical model is being developed to assess whether construction errors led to the collapse. The department has requested 90 days to do this, as four academic institutions independently create simulations that are then compared.

“The modeling process takes time because it has to incorporate the actual building plans into a computer system and simulate the force of the recent earthquake to determine if the collapse is related to the design,” he said.

Once the results are known, they will be reported to the Home Secretary and then the Prime Minister. The next step will be for the police and DSI to take further legal action if necessary.

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PM Orders Visa Exemption Review, Shorter Stays Considered

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 18:59

paetong visa exempt — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks at a press conference following the cabinet meeting at Government House on April 22, 2025.

BANGKOK — After reports that some foreigners have exploited the visa exemption to commit illegal acts, including the major case of the State Audit Office building collapse, Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered a review of this program to shorten the permitted length of stay from 60 or 90 days.

Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that during the cabinet meeting on April 22, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to jointly study and evaluate the impact of the visa waiver for various countries.

The focus is on assessing the appropriateness of the length of stay with the aim of maximizing the national benefit and aligning it with the original purpose of promoting tourism.

Foreign tourists explore Pai at night. The town is famous for its natural beauty and peaceful community.

Currently, the visa exemption scheme is available to nationals of 93 countries and territories for the purpose of tourism or urgent work, for up to a 60-day period of stay and can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.

It has been found that the visa waiver policy has been exploited by certain individuals who enter Thailand to work illegally or exceed the permitted length of stay. Therefore, the Prime Minister has asked the relevant authorities to strictly enforce the law against lawbreakers.

At the same time, she called on all ministries to help restore the confidence of foreign investors and tourists. She assured them that the government is fully prepared to ensure safety and support economic stimulation in the second half of the year through various support measures.

The visa exemption measures began during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration to boost tourism, starting with Chinese and Kazakh tourists on September 25, 2023. The government announced an increase in the number of countries whose citizens are allowed to stay in the Kingdom for up to 60 days from July 15, 2024 onwards.

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Thailand Announces 60-Day Visa Exemption for 90 Countries

Taiwan Launches NT$1 Million Short Film Contest

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 17:06

taiwan film contest5 — #FindingTAIWAN International Short Film Contest 2025

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has officially launched the #FindingTAIWAN International Short Film Contest, inviting filmmakers worldwide to showcase their personal connections to Taiwan through 1-minute videos.

The competition encourages participants to capture their unique perspectives on Taiwan, whether through favorite foods, places, or any aspect of Taiwanese culture that resonates with them. The contest welcomes films depicting Taiwan itself or Taiwanese influences found globally.

With a substantial prize pool totaling NT$1 million, contestants will compete for the grand prize of NT$200,000.

taiwan film contest — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (center) addresses participants at the press conference kicking off the #FindingTaiwan International Short Film Contest April 9 in Taipei City. (MOFA)

At a press conference in Taipei City on April 9, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung highlighted Taiwan’s global impact while announcing the film contest. He emphasized Taiwan’s technological achievements and semiconductor industry leadership, alongside recent sporting success in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 championship.

Minister Lin also noted Taiwan’s upcoming participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, encouraging global citizens to embrace their role as informal diplomats. He specifically mentioned opportunities to discover Taiwan through the World Expo and National Palace Museum exhibitions in Czechia and France.

The minister concluded with an invitation for people worldwide to participate in the #FindingTAIWAN competition, reinforcing the contest’s aim to gather diverse international perspectives on Taiwan’s cultural significance and global presence.

At the launch event, MOFA featured inspirational example videos from Korean influencer couple @pony.min.9465 (Facebook) and @ponie_min (Instagram), previous winners of the Trending Taiwan Short Film Competition. The event also showcased work from Lin Pang-soong, recipient of the 2025 Asia Design Prize Judge’s Choice award.

The contest aims to collect diverse international perspectives on Taiwan’s cultural impact and global presence through the accessible medium of short-form video content.

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Pattaya Police Swiftly Arrest Suspect in Robbery of Russian Woman

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 15:57

Russian woman — A Russian female tourist and her Thai friend file a police report at Pattaya City Police Station after being robbed by a thief disguised as a motorcycle taxi driver on April 20, 2025.

PATTAYA — A Thai suspect, who wore a bright orange motorcycle taxi vest and helmet during the crimes, was captured shortly after he allegedly robbed a Russian woman at gunpoint before 9 p.m. on Sunday.

On April 22, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjumnong, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, announced the arrest of a suspect involved in a string of armed robberies in Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

According to the Commissioner, officers from Pattaya City Police Station immediately launched an investigation upon receiving reports from both a Thai and a Russian female victim who stated that a man on a motorcycle approached them, brandished a firearm, and demanded their belongings.

theft russian pattaya1 — Pattaya police arrest a 30-year-old Thai male suspect for robbing a Russian woman, shortly after they obtained an arrest warrant on April 22, 2025.

Miss Lilita, who was with her friend and three-year-old daughter, was robbed in Soi Phra Tamnak 5. Fearing for her child’s safety, she handed over 3,100 baht to the thief, who then quickly accelerated and fled the scene.

Pattaya police reviewed CCTV footage from across the city, leading to the identification of the perpetrator. A warrant for his arrest was quickly issued by the court, and police successfully apprehended the suspect.

The 30-year-old Thai male has a criminal record and was already wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos confirmed that the man is considered a danger to society due to his repeated involvement in serious criminal offenses. He was taken into custody for interrogation and is now facing prosecution.

“This suspect has a history of committing similar offenses and has shown no remorse despite being arrested multiple times. His actions—particularly targeting women and tourists—severely damage Thailand’s image,” said the Commissioner. “I have ordered this case to be handled with the utmost seriousness.”

The Commissioner also emphasized the critical role of the city’s extensive CCTV system, which enables swift response and tracking of criminal activity. He has instructed Pattaya police to intensify patrols, expedite the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants, and crack down on illegal firearms and contraband.

“Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of both residents and visitors. The Pattaya police are fully committed to protecting the public. Should any incident occur, we are prepared to investigate and arrest suspects without delay,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjumnong stated. “We urge the public and all tourists to place their trust in the Royal Thai Police—we are here to safeguard everyone.”

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SRT and ROCTEC Ink Deal for Telecommunications Network Installation

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MC Marketing

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22 April 2025, 15:35

Bangkok, 21 April 2025 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and ROCTEC Global Public Company Limited (ROCTEC) have signed a contract for the Telecommunications Network System Installation Project, together with consortium partners SKY ICT Public Company Limited and United Telecom Sales and Services Company Limited. Under this initiative, ROCTEC, an ICT solutions provider with over 30 years of experience in telecommunications infrastructure and a proven track record of delivering railway ICT systems in Hong Kong, will collaborate with its consortium partners on the design and implementation of a high-speed fibre optic network across SRT’s railway system. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of railway safety, operations, management, and passenger services, while laying the foundation for long-term collaboration on future developments.

Mr. Weng Sam Lam, Chief Executive Officer of ROCTEC, stated that the project represents a critical step in modernising and upgrading SRT’s telecommunications infrastructure to improve communication, enhance train control, and reduce operational costs. “We are honoured to support Thailand’s digital rail transformation. This new infrastructure will help SRT operate more efficiently, support network expansion, and integrate seamlessly with future high-speed rail connectivity. The project aligns with national infrastructure development goals and will contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth,” he said. Implementation is targeted for completion within two years.

The Telecommunications Network System Installation Project integrates ICT systems with intelligent rail infrastructure in two key areas. The first involves the construction of the telecommunications backbone, including signal transmission equipment such as Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), IP/MPLS networks, IP-Backbone systems, IP telephony systems, train control telephony systems, and fibre optic cabling. The second area focuses on the deployment of advanced technology solutions. This includes approximately 3,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables installed along SRT’s main routes, buildings, and offices, as well as DWDM systems to expand bandwidth and enhance communication performance. The project scope also includes IP Backbone and Wi-Fi systems to support train control telephony and CCTV, VoIP and IP telephony systems to improve communication effectiveness, and a robust cybersecurity framework to safeguard data and mitigate cyber threats. A Network Operations Centre will also be established to enable centralised monitoring and efficient system management.

Phuket–Pattaya Holiday Home Market Booms Despite Real Estate Slump

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2025, 15:11

BANGKOK — Despite the global uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariff announcement and the earthquake in Myanmar that shook Bangkok and led to the collapse of a government audit office building under construction, Phuket and Pattaya are emerging as real estate investment hotspots for both Thai and foreign buyers.

Phattarachai Thaweewong, director of research and communications at Colliers Thailand, told Prachachat Business that over 50 new projects for vacation homes and condominiums were launched in Phuket and Pattaya in Q1/2025 with a total value of over 61.5 billion baht ($1.85 billion).

Some large listed developers filled their 49% quota for foreign buyers within just 3 hours, with over 2,000 names on the waiting list.

Several developers have reportedly sold more than 20 villas within a month, while others have reached 50–70% of total project sales in less than a month, a sign of strong demand from both local and foreign investors.

Phuket Condominiums Hot Through 2026

Phuket’s real estate market experienced a peak in Q1 2025, supported by the recovery in tourism. Tourists and investors sought long-term stays and short-term rentals, especially in the form of vacation villas.

3,167 new condominiums were launched from 11 projects worth 25.8 billion baht. The four main locations were Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Kata and the center of Phuket.

“The Phuket vacation home market has its peak season from November to March, followed by a low season. Another 3,000 new condominiums are expected to enter the market, mainly from major developers.”

Laguna 728x485 1 — Condominium in Phuket

For 2025, the Phuket market remains strong, although new supply could easily decline to 8,000–10,000 units. In 2023–2024, over 20,000 new units will enter the market. The most popular locations include Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Rawai, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town.

Well-known Bangkok-based developers are showing growing interest in Phuket’s condominium sector for 2025–2026, driven by condo sales to Thai buyers and condo sales to foreigners, especially wealthy Russian buyers post-COVID.

Holiday Homes THB 30–50 Million Selling Fast

The market for high-end vacation homes in Phuket is the hottest in Thailand. By Q1/2025, 660 new units from 35 projects worth 23.3 billion baht have been launched, representing an average price of 35 million baht ($1.05 million) per unit. More than 55% of the villas are located in Cherng Talay, which is very popular with both Thai and foreign buyers, especially Russians.

Top beachfront locations include Thalang (Bang Tao, Surin, Layan, Cherng Talay), Phuket Town (Chalong Bay, Rawai) and Kathu (Kamala, Patong).

tales story one bang — Pool villa in Phuket

Competition for houses in the 30-50 million baht ($900K – 1.5 million) price segment is becoming increasingly fierce. As land on the beach is becoming increasingly scarce, development is shifting inland, where land prices are lower and privacy is greater.

“The Phuket market is visibly vibrant. The data confirms even greater potential for growth, with many large developers looking to expand either on their own or through local partnerships.”

Luxury Market Soars in Pattaya

In Q1/2025, the luxury condominium market in Pattaya recorded surprisingly fast sales. New openings were concentrated in three main locations: Jomtien, Wong Amat and the center of Pattaya. A total of 7 projects with 2,386 units worth 12.37 billion baht ($372 million) were brought to the market.

The city experienced a resurgence with major brands from Bangkok and renowned local developers such as Origin Property, Riviera Group, Sansiri and AssetWise.

Following the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar, Sansiri’s newly launched PTY Residence Sai 1 sold out within 3 hours, bringing in 3.3 billion baht to Thai and foreign buyers. Over 2,000 names were on the waiting list.

“PTY succeeded thanks to the synergy of the Sansiri brand and its rare location in the center of Pattaya on the beach, where no new luxury condominiums had been offered for over 15 years. The pent-up demand was huge.”

High-End Condos Return to Pattaya

There are currently 50,186 condominiums on the market in Pattaya, of which 74.54% (37,410 units) have been sold and 25.45% (12,776 units) remain. Central Pattaya has the highest sales rate (87.28%), followed by Jomtien (79.49%) and Na Jomtien (74.12%).

Beachfront condominiums are still in short supply and strong demand is leading to rapid sell-outs.

“Growth in Pattaya is showing a marked improvement. Supply is steadily increasing and sales are efficient. Jomtien, Na Jomtien and Wong Amat are now major centers for luxury and branded apartments. The long-term value growth for Pattaya real estate looks promising,” Phattarachai concluded.

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Thai Ex-Prosecutors Jailed for Red Bull Heir Crash Cover-up

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Associated Press

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22 April 2025, 13:24

Former Thai prosecutors sentenced to prison for alleged cover-up of Red Bull heir’s deadly crash

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court convicted and sentenced on Tuesday two former prosecutors in connection with an alleged cover-up of a 2012 Ferrari crash involving an heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune that killed a police officer.

Former Deputy Attorney General Nate Naksuk and former prosecutor Chainarong Sangthongaram were sentenced to three and two years, respectively, for abuse of power to help an individual avoid prosecution, said the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Bangkok.

They were among eight people charged with conspiring to alter the recorded speed of the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya to help him evade a speeding charge. The rest, including former Police Chief Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung, were acquitted due to a lack of evidence linking them to the cover-up, the court said on Tuesday.

However, the court ordered all eight to be detained pending an appeal, according to the court statement, which didn’t provide further details. They were later released on bail, local media reported.

Vorayuth escaped justice by fleeing abroad in a case widely viewed as an example of how the rich and well-connected enjoy impunity in Thailand.

He is the grandson of the late Chaleo Yoovidhya, one of the creators of the globally famous Red Bull brand. Forbes magazine last year listed the Yoovidhya family as Thailand’s richest with an estimated net worth of $36 billion.

Former prosecutor Chainarong Sangthongaram arrives to hear the verdict at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Bangkok on April 22, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Jadesarit Chayathadathanasakul)

Police have said Vorayuth smashed his Ferrari into the back of a police officer’s motorbike around dawn on a major Bangkok road in September 2012. The officer was flung from the bike and died at the scene. Vorayuth drove home and was later arrested. Medical tests showed traces of alcohol and cocaine in his bloodstream, according to police.

Vorayuth avoided further legal action by consistently failing to meet with prosecutors, while continuing for years to live a jet-set life. By the time prosecutors finally issued an arrest warrant in April 2017, Vorayuth had fled abroad.

His case has been marked by numerous delays in the investigative and judicial processes, running down the clock on most of the charges involving the hit-and-run death of the officer. There is a single charge left of reckless driving causing death, which expires under the statute of limitations in 2027.

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