‘Snow White’ Opens With a Sleepy $43 Million at Box Office

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24 March 2025, 00:38

NEW YORK (AP) — The Walt Disney Co.’s live-action, controversy-bedeviled “Snow White” opened in theaters with a sleepy $43 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

With a budget above $250 million, “Snow White” had set out with higher ambitions, particularly since it returns Disney to its very origins. The 1937 original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the company’s first animated feature, and paid for its Burbank studio lot.

But this “Snow White” struggled to find anything like a fairy tale ending. The runup to release was plagued by controversies over the film’s handling of the dwarfs, who are rendered in CGI, and backlashes over comments by its star, Rachel Zegler. The PR headaches prompted Disney to pull back on its premiere.

AP25076549808170 — Rachel Zegler arrives at the premiere of “Snow White” on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Also working against the film, directed by Marc Webb: poor reviews. Critics were largely not impressed with Disney’s latest live-action remake, with reviews coming in just 43% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes.

There’s been a wide variance between the box-office performance of other “live-action” Disney remakes, but “Snow White” might mark a new nadir. Jon Favreau’s photorealistic “The Lion King” (2019) didn’t have great reviews, either, but grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide. “Snow White” opened worse than “Dumbo” (a $46 million opening in 2019) and well shy of “Cinderella” territory ($67.9 million in 2015).

Overseas, “Snow White” added $44.3 million for a global launch of $87.3 million. But going into the weekend, “Snow White” had been eyeing a worldwide total closer to $100 million – and a few weeks back, expectations were significantly higher.

The result will surely add to questions over Disney’s long-term strategy of mining its vault for live-action remakes. In the pipeline are upcoming new versions of “Moana” and “Tangled.” A live-action “Lilo & Stitch” launches in May.

AP25076638573355 — This image released by Disney shows Gal Gadot in a scene from “Snow White.” (Disney via AP)

Efforts to modernize “Snow White,” though, quickly ran afoul. In 2022, actor Peter Dinklage criticized the remake plans as “backward.” Disney ultimately opted to drop “and the Seven Dwarfs” from the original’s title, and animate the dwarfs. Some right-wing commentators targeted “Snow White” and Zegler’s casting as an overly “woke” production. Delays and reshoots also ran up costs.

Disney, though, has recently steered a handful of films from modest starts to enviable final hauls. The Barry Jenkins-directed “Mufasa: The Lion King” opened with $35.4 million domestically, but ultimately surpassed $717 million worldwide. “Snow White” will face little direct competition in the coming weeks. Audiences gave it a “B+” CinemaScore.

The disappointment-filled weekend added to a rough 2025 so far for Hollywood. The box office is down 6.9% from last year, according to data firm Comscore, and 38.6% from 2019.

Movie Review: ‘Snow White’ is no poisoned apple but it doesn’t whistle

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer

Mirror mirror on the wall, what’s the fairest Disney live-action remake of them all?

Wait, mirror. Hold on a second. Maybe choosing from the likes of “Alice in Wonderland” (2010), “Mulan” (2020) and “The Lion King” (2019) isn’t such a good idea. Mirror, on second thought, what’s on Netflix?

Even the most devoted fans would have to acknowledge that these have not been the most illustrious illustrations of Disney magic. At their best (“Pete’s Dragon”? “Cinderella”?) they breathe life into old classics that could use a little updating. At their worst, well, blue Will Smith.

Given the rapacious rate of remakes in modern Hollywood, it’s remarkable that it’s taken nearly 90 years for Disney to return to “Snow White.” It means going back to the very foundation of the Mouse House. The 1937 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was Disney’s first animated feature; its grosses paid for the studio’s Burbank lot.

AP25076638635462 — This image released by Disney shows promotional art for the film “Snow White.” (Disney via AP)

That legacy of “Snow White,” by comparison, doesn’t do any favors to Marc Webb’s inevitably lesser, inert live-action retread. Good intentions, like swirling bluebirds, flutter through this “Snow White”: to give its singing protagonist ( Rachel Zegler ) more agency; to expand that notion of “fair” beyond skin tone; to reframe that problematic prince. But all that updating adds up to a mishmash of a fable, caught in between now and once upon a time.

It wouldn’t be an earthshattering observation to note that a 1930s cartoon, let alone a 19th century German folk tale, might not be entirely in line with contemporary culture. Most of these Disney live-action remakes have carried with them more than a few notes of correction and atonement for the past — a laudable goal that means a generation of kids might not need a brief history lesson to go along with an old classic.

But it’s a tricky thing reworking a fable that’s been around two centuries, and that’s doubly true when leaping from the two-dimensional fantasy realm of animation to the more complicated land of flesh and bone. Webb’s “Snow White” has been a veritable case study for the headaches that can arise when a window into the real world is cracked open.

AP25076638574282 — This image released by Disney shows Gal Gadot in a scene from “Snow White.” (Disney via AP)

Everything from Israel’s war in Gaza (Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the wicked stepmother, have differing opinions), the humanity of little people (there’s a reason “and the Seven Dwarfs” has been stripped from the title) and the alleged “woke”-ness of the production have been fuel for what we can gently refer to as online debate.

Despite some gloriously lush production design, “Snow White” — innocent of most of those backlashes though not all — can’t quite thread the needle. Even the new songs (by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) that are good (“Waiting on a Wish”) struggle to fit in alongside old standbys. Zegler does a spirited job remaking a classic Disney princess into a more modern woman; when she sings, the movie gets a lift. The last thing that’s wrong with this “Snow White” is Zegler’s casting.

But like scaffolding that’s been left up too long, the strain of renovation shows in Webb’s film, particularly in its awkward handling of Dopey, Sneezy and company. The seven dwarfs, like the fawns and squirrels, are rendered in CGI. You could argue that this acknowledges the artificiality of a dated and offensive trope. But it also gives “Snow White” an uncanny quality, with all human characters but the dwarfs being played by real people. As if to Band-Aid over this, one of the woodsmen is played by an actor of short stature (George Appleby) whose presence seems like yet another atonement, only one for this “Snow White,” not 1937’s.

AP25076638573889 — This image released by Disney shows Rachel Zegler in a scene from “Snow White.” (Disney via AP)

You might be thinking: But what about the movie? The problem with “Snow White” is that you never stop thinking about these much-strategized and sometimes superficial efforts to recontextualize the original movie. Erin Cressida Wilson’s screenplay remakes Snow White’s story as less a princess awaiting her Prince Charming (the song “Someday My Prince Will Come” has been jettisoned) than an heir to a throne who loses her gumption. Though taught as a child to be “fair” as a leader by her father king (Hadley Fraser), Snow White has lost any ambition by the time Gadot’s Evil Queen takes over the kingdom.

Gadot sinks her teeth into the Evil Queen, a spikey, slinky villain who moves with a metallic rustle (the costumes are by Sandy Powell). But she feels cut off from the movie, without the lines that would elevate her flamboyant performance into something memorable. The prince has been altogether scrubbed; instead Andrew Burnap plays the blandly cocksure bandit Jonathan who encourages Snow White not to wait for her father’s rescue.

Presumably one of the reasons to bring actors into remakes of animated classics would be to add a warm-blooded pulse to these characters. Zegler manages that, but everyone else in “Snow White” — mortal or CGI — is as stiff as could be. You’re left glumly scorekeeping the updates — one win here, a loss there — while pondering why, regardless of the final tally, recapturing the magic of long ago is so elusive.

“Snow White,” a Walt Disney Co. release is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for violence, some peril, thematic elements and brief rude humor. Running time: 109 minutes. Two stars out of four.

Thai Police Foil Illegal Chinese Border Crossings in 2 Provinces

By

Khaosod English

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23 March 2025, 22:55

NONG KHAI — Thai immigration police have intercepted two separate operations involving Thai nationals transporting Chinese citizens illegally across borders, according to reports from Nong Khai and Tak provinces.

In Nong Khai province, immigration police arrested a 46-year-old Thai driver named Arthit while he was transporting a Chinese national, Mr. Chaoliang, 46, along the Mekong riverfront road. The arrest occurred at approximately 4:00 PM on March 23 near Muang Mee School, on a route headed toward the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge border crossing.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Apichat Klatha, an immigration officer in Nong Khai, stated that authorities had been monitoring suspicious activity by Thai drivers who frequently transport foreign nationals across natural border crossings. Intelligence revealed that the suspect had picked up the Chinese passenger from Bo Bae Market in Udon Thani province and planned to smuggle him out of Thailand via the Mekong River.

chinese nongkhai1 — Immigration police stop a car driven by a 46-year-old Thai driver transporting a Chinese suspect on a route headed toward the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge border crossing on March 23, 2025.

When officers stopped the vehicle, both occupants appeared startled but cooperated with the inspection. The Chinese passenger, who spoke limited Thai, admitted entering Thailand using a passport last recorded at Don Mueang Immigration on April 27, 2024. Further investigation revealed no subsequent legal entry permits and identified him as a wanted fugitive with an outstanding arrest warrant from the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court on charges of trademark counterfeiting.

Arthit confessed to authorities that a Laotian shuttle driver had contacted him to transport the Chinese man from Udon Thani to the Nong Khai border for 1,200 baht. Police have charged Arthit with harboring and assisting a foreign national to evade arrest.

12 Chinese Workers Intercepted in Tak

On the same day in Tak province, highway police intercepted two vehicles carrying 12 Chinese nationals on Highway 1 at kilometer marker 533 in Muang district. Officers became suspicious of a black Nissan and bronze Toyota traveling in tandem and signaled them to stop for inspection.

chinese tak2 — Highway police intercept two cars carrying 12 Chinese nationals on Highway 1 at kilometer marker 533 in Muang District, Tak Province on March 23, 2025.

Police discovered the vehicles packed with Chinese nationals, of whom only one possessed valid travel documents. The Thai drivers, 49-year-old Suchat and 48-year-old Wanmongkol, admitted to picking up the Chinese nationals near a Mae Sot intersection in Tak province and were transporting them to Chiang Mai province for 4,000 baht per trip. They claimed to have conducted similar operations four times previously.

Both Thai drivers have been charged with knowingly assisting illegal foreign nationals to evade arrest, while the 11 undocumented Chinese nationals face charges of entering the kingdom without permission. All suspects were transferred to Muang Tak Police Station for further processing, as investigators work to determine whether they are connected to international scammer networks.

chinese tak1 — Officials escort 11 Chinese men who illegally entered the country, found in vehicles driven by Thai nationals, to Tak Provincial Police Station for legal proceedings on March 23, 2025.

Pope Leaves Hospital After Surviving Life-threatening Bout of Pneumonia, Heads Home to Vatican

By

Associated Press

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23 March 2025, 18:53

ROME (AP) — A weak and frail Pope Francis has left the hospital and is heading home to the Vatican after surviving a five-week, life-threatening bout of pneumonia.

A motorcade carrying the 88-year-old pope wound its way through light Rome traffic Sunday morning. Before leaving Gemelli hospital, Francis gave a thumbs up and acknowledged the crowd after he was wheeled out onto the balcony overlooking the main entry. Hundreds of people had gathered on a brilliant Sunday morning to say goodbye.

The Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli on Feb. 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors later diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and soon thereafter, pneumonia in both lungs. His 38-day stay was the longest of his 12-year papacy and the second longest in recent papal history, and had raised the prospect of a papal resignation or funeral.

“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a tired and bloated looking Francis said. He gave a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside.

AP25082365710890 — People wait before Pope Francis will appear at a window of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025, where he has been treated for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia since Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco” erupted from the crowd, which included patients who had been wheeled outside just to catch his brief appearance.

His blessing came before he was due to be released and return home to the Vatican for a two-month period of rest and convalescence.

Doctors, who announced his planned release at a Saturday evening news conference, said he should refrain from meeting with big groups of people or exerting himself, but that eventually he should be able to resume all his normal activities.

His return home, after the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy and the second-longest in recent papal history, brought tangible relief to the Vatican and Catholic faithful who have been anxiously following 38 days of medical ups and downs and wondering if Francis would make it.

“Today I feel a great joy,” said Dr. Rossella Russomando, a doctor from Salerno who didn’t treat Francis but was at Gemelli on Sunday. “It is the demonstration that all our prayers, all the rosary prayers from all over the world, brought this grace.”

AP25082403236794 — Pope Francis waves as he appears at a window of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025, where he has been treated for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia since Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope is happy to go home

At the Vatican Sunday, pilgrims flocked as they have all year to St. Peter’s Basilica to participate in the 2025 Holy Year. They swarmed St. Peter’s Square and progressed through the Holy Door in groups, while big TV screens in the square were turned on to broadcast Francis’ hospital greeting live.

No special arrangements have been made at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican hotel next to the basilica where Francis lives in a two-room suite on the second floor. Francis will have access to supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed, though his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, said he hoped Francis would progressively need less and less assistance breathing as his lungs recover.

While the pneumonia infection has been successfully treated, Francis will continue to take oral medication for quite some time to treat the fungal infection in his lungs and continue his respiratory and physical physiotherapy.

“For three or four days he’s been asking when he can go home, so he’s very happy,” Carbone said.

AP25082406132689 — Pope Francis appears at a window of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025, where he has been treated for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia since Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

Two life-threatening crises

The Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli on Feb. 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened.

Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and soon thereafter, pneumonia in both lungs. Blood tests showed signs of anemia, low blood platelets and the onset of kidney failure, all of which later resolved after two blood transfusions.

The most serious setbacks began on Feb. 28, when Francis experienced an acute coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring the use of a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask to help him breathe. He suffered two more respiratory crises a few days later, which required doctors to manually aspirate “copious” amounts of mucus from his lungs, at which point he began sleeping with the ventilation mask at night to help his lungs clear the accumulation of fluids.

He was never intubated and at no point lost consciousness. Doctors reported he always remained alert and cooperative, though they say he has probably lost a bit of weight given a natural loss of appetite.

“Unfortunately yes, there was a moment when many were saying that he might not make it. And it was painful for us,” said Mario Balsamo, the owner of coffee shop in front of Gemelli. “Instead, today with the discharge, we are very happy that he is well and we hope he will recover soon and will recover his strength.”

AP25082407119868 — Pope Francis appears at a window of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025, where he has been treated for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia since Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

‘I’m still alive!’

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the medical and surgical chief at Gemelli who coordinated Francis’ medical team, stressed that not all patients who develop such a severe case of double pneumonia survive, much less are released from the hospital. He said Francis’ life was at risk twice, during the two acute respiratory crises, and that the pope at the time understandably lost his typical good sense of humor.

“But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied, ‘I’m still alive,’ we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humor back,” he said.

Alfieri confirmed that Francis was still having trouble speaking due to the damage to his lungs and respiratory muscles. But he said such problems were normal, especially in older patients, and predicted his voice would eventually return to normal.

No confirmed appointments for now

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, declined to confirm any upcoming events, including a scheduled audience on April 8 with King Charles III or Francis’ participation in Easter services at the end of the month. But Carbone said he hoped Francis might be well enough to travel to Turkey at the end of May to participate in an important ecumenical anniversary.

Francis is also returning to the Vatican in the throes of a Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration scheduled to draw more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome this year. The pope has already missed several Jubilee audiences and will presumably miss several more, but Vatican officials say his absence hasn’t significantly impacted the numbers of expected pilgrims arriving.

Only St. John Paul II recorded a longer hospitalization in 1981, when he spent 55 days at Gemelli for minor surgery and treatment of an infection.

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Eco-Innovation Transform Waste in Nakhon Si Thammarat

By

MC Marketing

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23 March 2025, 18:32

Waste — The Srichon project transforms discarded firecracker tails from "Ai Khai" gratitude rituals at Wat Chedi into distinctive "blessing firecracker tail bags."

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Walailak University is spearheading two innovative environmental initiatives in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province that convert waste into valuable resources while supporting local communities.

Blessing Bags from Firecracker Remnants

An innovative eco-friendly project is turning the remnants of firecrackers used in gratitude rituals for “Ai Khai” at Wat Chedi into stylish “blessing firecracker tail bags.” This initiative, called Srichon, promotes environmental sustainability while boosting the local economy in Sichon District.

At the Ban Khao Sai Environmental Lovers Community Enterprise in Plian Sub-district, Walailak University researchers presented their project on managing cultural capital rooted in local beliefs surrounding the ancient sand ridge. Working alongside local government bodies, Wat Chedi (also known as Wat Ai Khai), and community members, the initiative addresses the environmental challenge of firecracker tail waste—transforming what was once discarded as trash into beautiful, sustainable bags imbued with the symbolism of success.

eco bag1 — With support from local leaders, Wat Chedi, and Walailak University, the idea of transforming the remnants into valuable handcrafted products became a reality.

Supanna Kaewtheuan, President of the Ban Khao Sai Environmental Lovers Community Enterprise, revealed that villagers were initially hesitant to collect firecracker remnants from the temple, fearing that Ai Khai’s spirit might guard them. However, with support from local leaders, Wat Chedi, and Walailak University, the idea of transforming these remnants into valuable handcrafted products became a reality.

“Each bag requires 999 firecracker tails, and every piece represents a fulfilled wish. If the wish had not come true, no one would have offered firecrackers in gratitude,” Supanna explained. “If we consider each firecracker tail a symbol of success, its value could amount to millions. With 999 pieces, the symbolic worth could exceed billions or even tens of billions. These bags now embody that success, offering inspiration and encouragement to those who own them.”

eco bag3 — A blessing firecracker tail bag

Associate Professor Prachya Kritsanaphan from Walailak University’s School of Architecture and Design noted that the project is supported by the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU A) to create economic opportunities through local culture and beliefs. What was once considered waste has now become a valuable product, reflecting both environmental awareness and innovative craftsmanship.

“The first step was to bring this vision to life. On its own, a firecracker tail has little to no value—after use, it might be worth only 10 baht per kilogram. However, when combined with its original meaning as a symbol of success, hundreds of pieces come together to form a single bag, amplifying their symbolic worth. The final product, meticulously handcrafted by local artisans, is now available for just a few thousand baht,” the research team explained.

Revolutionizing Municipal Waste Management

Simultaneously, Walailak University has implemented a comprehensive waste management system for Pak Poon Municipality that has achieved remarkable results:

Reduced daily waste from 18 tons to just 1.8 tons
Lowered annual disposal costs by 2.3 million baht
Implemented successful community waste segregation
Created value from waste through multiple channels, including animal feed, refuse-derived fuel, compost, biogas, and construction materials

“Pak Poon Municipality has implemented a Community Waste Segregation policy, encouraging public participation from the source,” notes Associate Professor Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee, project head.

Both initiatives demonstrate how innovative approaches can transform environmental challenges into opportunities, honoring local traditions while implementing sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local economies.

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Phuket Police Hunt Foreigner Who Drilled Wall for Cannabis Theft

By

Khaosod English

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23 March 2025, 13:37

PHUKET — Various Phuket news pages are warning cannabis shops and other businesses to be cautious of tourists who have turned to crime. This comes after an incident where a foreign man drilled through the wall of a cannabis shop in Patong to steal items. Police are currently searching for the suspect.

Security camera footage from Saensuk Smokewit shop in Soi Na Nai 8, Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province, showed a foreign man entering the premises at 3:45 a.m. on March 22. He quickly covered the security camera with cloth to conceal his activities while he ransacked the store and stole dried cannabis valued at 30,000 baht.

cannabis theft phuket2 — The shop’s security camera captured brief footage of the foreign man breaking in on March 22, 2025.

Ms. Jomkwan, 24, the shop owner, filed a report with Patong Police Station. She explained that she had closed her cannabis shop, located in Soi Na Nai 8, Patong Subdistrict, before noon on Saturday and returned to her residence elsewhere. On March 22, around 10:00 a.m., she discovered that the gypsum wall at the back of the shop had been breached, creating a large hole.

Upon checking her inventory, she found that dried cannabis packed in plastic bags, weighing approximately 150 grams and worth about 30,000 baht, which had been stored on a shelf in the shop, was missing. Additionally, a large speaker and approximately 2,000 baht in cash from the drawer were also stolen. The shop’s security camera captured brief footage of the foreign man breaking in.

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Was the Thai Gov’t’s Visit to Xinjiang Staged?

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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23 March 2025, 13:03

This week’s Thai government’s trip to Xinjiang, China, to check on the well-being of the 40 Uyghurs deported back to China was meant to reassure the public, and the West, that all is well with the “returnees”. Instead, the Thai government had to repeatedly reassure the public that the two-day trip wasn’t a “staged event”.

The Thai government, from Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham to the government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab, insist that the trip to visit the Uyghurs was not staged.

In reality, it’s not necessary for anyone to act out a lie. Simply selecting Uyghurs who are more cooperative, filter media reporting, and it’s done. The Thai government wants to shake off the accusations from the US, UN, and EU that they are putting the 40 Uyghur lives at risk, and thus more than ready to believe, or portray themselves as believing, in whatever they see in China.

A Thai journalist following this story told me that the Chinese authorities “requested” to review the photos and videos taken by Thai journalists in Xinjiang prior to the publication, blurring faces, and the Thai public ended up getting the same information because all questions and answers had to go through two rounds of translation.

He then asked me, “So why bring so many news outlets to Xinjiang?” (I thought to myself: the answer is to make it look realistic, neutral, and grand.)

I try to look at it in the most positive light: probably most of the 40 Uyghurs in the group were used as a PR tool for the Chinese government and were treated fairly well, thus helping to cover up the overall Uyghur human rights issue. (Or they didn’t dare speak their true feelings to the Thai delegation because they were being watched by the Chinese government, and answers had to go through two rounds of translation.)

And the Thai government was also used as a PR tool for China in this matter.

In this sense, it can be understoofd that many parties were willing participants, and not forced to stage anything.

It’s most unlikely that China sent a script for the Thai government to follow because China already anticipated that this wasn’t a genuine fact-finding mission but a friendly PR visit, as the Thai government doesn’t dare to oppose China and sees no benefit in expressing differing views from China. And because the Thai side wants to clear its name, it’s important that the two sides cooperate for mutual benefits.

Intentionally or not, one might consider the deportation of Uyghurs and the defence of the Chinese government a major gift to China on this year’s 50th anniversary of Sino-Thai relations.

What has become clear from the Thai government’s repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China is that Thailand has been caught in a predicament, finding itself on the same boat as China, and has inadvertently become a country that helps defend and justify China’s actions regarding the Uyghurs. Because if the Thai government were to acknowledge that human rights violations have indeed occurred, it would be tantamount to the Thai government being complicit in colluding with China’s human rights abuses. In fact, this week saw a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson defending the Thai government’s decision.

As such, the trip to China, led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham, cannot be regarded as a fact-finding mission.

China, of course, will fully engage in PR or stage events, which is not surprising. Because even when the Thai Prime Minister herself visits the three southern provinces, Thai officials arrange things to show the Prime Minister only positive aspects in the deep south, without allowing her to meet or speak with those who desire an independent Pattani.

This visit to Xinjiang undoubtedly made the Chinese government happy, as the Thai government is now on the same boat and vouching for Beijing and promoting China’s narrative on the Uyghur issue, willingly or not. On the other hand, Thailand is moving further into the geopolitical orbit, or China’s sphere of influence, and closer to becoming a client state of China even though the Thai government likely wouldn’t dare to vouch for the conducts of Russia or Israel on human rights issue, the Thai government is now finding herself defending China.

As for why the Chinese government wouldn’t allow the 40 Uyghurs to seek asylum in a third country, the answer likely lies in China’s desire to demonstrate to Uyghurs in Xinjiang that no matter where and how hard you try to flee, there is virtually nowhere in the world, or at least in Chinese sphere of influence, where you can seek refuge.

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Illegal Poker Game in Thonglor Ends with 7 Koreans and 2 Thais Arrested

By

Khaosod English

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22 March 2025, 23:42

BANGKOK — Thonglor police arrested seven South Korean nationals and two Thai citizens during a raid on an illegal poker game in the upscale Thonglor district of Bangkok late Friday night.

Acting on a tip from an informant, officers from Thonglor Police Station raided a room on the third floor of the Pentacle 2 Building in Soi Saeng Ngern (Thonglor 25), where they discovered the suspects engaged in an illegal poker game.

During the operation before midnight on March 21, police first detained 34-year-old Weerawat, who was serving as a doorman for the gambling operation. Looking through the door, officers observed foreign and Thai nationals actively participating in a poker game before announcing themselves and conducting the arrests.

Authorities seized substantial evidence from the scene, including two decks of cards, 160 blue poker chips valued at approximately 160,000 baht, 130 orange poker chips worth around 130,000 baht, an “all-in” coin, a ledger recording chip exchanges, multiple mobile phones, and 50,000 baht in cash.

skorea poker2 — Thonglor Police raid a room on the third floor of the Pentacle 2 Building in Soi Thonglor 25 on March 21, 2025. They arrest nine suspects engaged in an illegal poker game.

According to police, Weerawat confessed to working as a doorman under the direction of 33-year-old South Korean national Mr. Yongsung, who allegedly organized the gambling operation and handled chip exchanges. A 30-year-old South Korean woman, Ms. Hyuna, reportedly served as the dealer, while the remaining suspects were identified as players.

Mr. Yongsung told investigators that he had secured the location for the illegal poker game and was responsible for exchanging chips for money through PromptPay transfers to Ms. Hyuna’s Bangkok Bank account. He claimed that this was the operation’s first day, with approximately 200,000 baht in circulation.

The two primary suspects, Mr. Yongsung and Ms. Hyuna, have been charged with organizing an illegal gambling operation, while the remaining suspects face charges of participating in illegal gambling. All suspects and evidence have been transferred to Thonglor Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Richard Mille Watch Returned in Thai Celebrity Pawning Drama

By

Khaosod English

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22 March 2025, 21:37

BANGKOK — Actress Arisara “Dew” Thongborisut’s lawyer delivered a luxury Richard Mille watch to celebrity businesswoman Wassana “May” Inthasang’s attorney on March 22 at Bangkok’s Thonglor Police Station, continuing the return of valuable items in a scandal that has captivated Thai social media.

The watch is the latest in a series of high-value assets being returned after May publicly announced she was searching for items she discovered had been secretly pawned and sold by Dew, who had received them as collateral. The total value of the items in question is approximately 62 million baht ($1.83 million).

May’s lawyer revealed that the returned watch, which May had purchased for 13 million baht ($385,300), will undergo authentication by experts first, as it has unique characteristics unlike other models.

may dew watch2 — Nitisak Meekhuat, lawyer for actress Arisara “Dew” Thongborisut, returns a RICHARD MILLE watch to businesswoman Wassana “May” Inthasang through her attorney Kriangkrai Intachan at Thonglor Police Station, Bangkok, on March 22, 2025.

According to Dew’s lawyer, the watch had been pawned for just 3 million baht ($89,000). The pawnbroker reportedly did not charge interest due to understanding Dew’s financial situation and her willingness to take responsibility through the legal process. Monthly installment payments have been arranged.

Among May’s high-profile possessions in this case is a Lotus Arts De Vivre Zambian Emerald & Diamond collection necklace valued at 26,440,000 baht ($784,000), which reportedly ended up with a minister whose name begins with “P.” This necklace was returned to May through the “Hone Krasae” television program on Channel 3 on March 20, before the identity of the minister could be confirmed.

may dew watch3 — Thai actress Arisara “Dew” Thongborisut (left) returns a RICHARD MILLE watch to businesswoman Wassana “May” Inthasang through their attorneys at Thonglor Police Station, Bangkok, on March 22, 2025.

Dew’s lawyer stated that three items remain to be returned: two bags and a Bvlgari necklace. The coordination process is underway, with preliminary discussions and contracts already exchanged. The lawyer emphasized that Dew intends to return all items while taking responsibility for her debts, insisting his client never meant to embezzle the property but made a “lifestyle mistake.”

On March 21, Dew posted a message on social media taking full responsibility and promising to resolve everything. She also requested fairness regarding untrue allegations and asked media outlets not to involve her Taiwanese husband or their two children in the controversy.

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Previous report:

Luxury Necklace at Center of Thai Celebrity Scandal Reappeared

Two-Name Chinese Fugitive for $310M Fraud Arrested in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

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22 March 2025, 19:15

BANGKOK — Thai immigration police have apprehended a Chinese national wanted for a massive embezzlement case involving 2.4 billion yuan (approximately $310 million) who had been hiding in central Bangkok under a false identity.

Police Major General Prachya Prasansuk, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, revealed details of the arrest on March 22. Acting on intelligence reports about a Chinese national named Zhang Wei (alias) who had potentially violated immigration laws, officers utilized biometric database verification to investigate.

The biometric system flagged significant facial similarities between Zhang Wei and another individual identified as Du Nan, who held Vanuatu citizenship—a small island nation in Oceania. Investigators concluded they were the same person and began monitoring both accommodation registrations and visa extension applications.

chinese criminal22 25 2 — Thai immigration police arrest a Chinese man with two names, who is wanted for a massive embezzlement case involving $310 million, in Bangkok on March 21, 2025.

On March 12, when Du Nan’s authorized stay expired without any extension request, authorities detected movement at a luxury hotel in the Ratchaprasong area. Officers staked out the hotel lobby and elevator area, but the suspect avoided detection by ordering room service rather than coming downstairs.

The breakthrough came on Friday, March 21, around 2:30 PM when Du Nan finally appeared in the lobby. When approached by officers who requested to see his passport, he denied being Chinese and claimed his passport was lost, showing only a photo of a Vanuatu passport with an expired 60-day tourist visa. He was initially detained for overstaying his visa.

Further investigation in coordination with international law enforcement agencies confirmed that Du Nan, operating under the name Zhang Wei, was involved in embezzling funds from a prominent construction company in Shandong Province in northeastern China, with damages totaling 2.4 billion yuan (approximately 11 billion baht). The case has been forwarded to relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.

Police Major General Prachya emphasized that the biometric system was instrumental in the successful arrest, along with crucial tips received through mandatory foreign resident registration regulations. He reminded the public about the importance of reporting foreign residents to immigration authorities as required by law.

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Flying BMW Wreaks Havoc at Phuket Shop, German Driver Faces Charges

By

Khaosod English

-

22 March 2025, 13:26

bmw — The wreckage of the BMW still lodged on top of a pickup truck, with its front end stuck against the Siam Chai shop in Rawai, Chalong District, Phuket on March 22, 2025.

PHUKET — At 4:00 AM today, Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasit Rahob, Deputy Superintendent of Chalong Police Station in Phuket, received a report of a BMW car accident with property damage in front of Siam Chai shop, opposite Suk San 1 alley on Wiset Road in Rawai.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a BMW KI7600 sDive Limousine PHD with Phuket license plates. The driver was identified as Mr. Moritz, a 24-year-old German national, accompanied by his passenger, Mr. Anton, also 24 and German. Both sustained minor injuries and were transported to Chalong Hospital by rescue personnel.

BMW phuket3 — Two German men climb out of a BMW (left) after the car crashed into the front of Siam Chai shop and pickup trucks parked in front of the store, before police ordered a tow truck to take the vehicle to Chalong Police Station, Phuket on March 22, 2025.

At the accident site, two damaged Isuzu D-MAX pickup trucks belonging to Siam Chai company were found. Additional property damage included a large directional sign and various shop signs belonging to Siam Chai.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the German driver was traveling at high speed from Suk San 1 alley, a shortcut from Kata-Karon Beach. The driver lost control of the blue BMW, launching over the road median, clearing roadside barriers, and striking a streetlight pole before crashing into the front of Siam Chai shop and hitting the two parked pickup trucks. Fortunately, there was no oncoming traffic at the time of the accident.

Chalong police officers took the German driver to the police station for alcohol testing. He will face charges of reckless driving and will be required to compensate Siam Chai for damages.

BMW phuket2 — Two pickup trucks belonging to Siam Chai furniture store, severely damaged after being hit by a BMW in the early morning of March 22, 2025.

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