Immigration authorities apprehend two Hong Kong nationals wanted for murder at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Jan. 23, 2025.
SUVARNABHUMI — Immigration authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport apprehended two Hong Kong nationals wanted for murder on January 22, 2025. The suspects, Mr. Yau Shu-ko Enoch and Mr. Shimeobi Chinedu Nelson, both 21, were arrested following an Interpol alert.
The pair allegedly committed the murder around 5:30 a.m. on January 22 in Hong Kong before attempting to flee to Thailand. Thai Immigration Police, acting on intelligence from international law enforcement, intercepted the suspects upon their arrival on Cathay Pacific flight CX701 at approximately 6:40 p.m.
Police Major General Choengron Rimpadi, Commander of Immigration Division 2, confirmed the suspects were detained at the airport gate. They were denied entry under Thailand’s Immigration Act and transferred to the airport’s detention facility.
CCTV footages show a violent attack in Yuen Long, near Hi Yip Factory Building on Wang Yip Street West, Hong Kong on Jan. 22, 2025.
Hong Kong Police escort the suspects back to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific flight CX618, departing at 1:05 p.m. on January 23.
The arrests are connected to a violent attack in Yuen Long earlier that day. According to the South China Morning Post, a group of seven to eight assailants attacked two men near Hi Yip Factory Building on Wang Yip Street West. The attackers fled in four vehicles toward Hi Yip Street after the assault.
One victim, age 24, sustained arm and leg injuries and was pronounced dead at 6:38 a.m. at Pok Oi Hospital. The second victim, age 28, suffered back injuries and was treated at Tuen Mun Hospital. He reported the incident to police.
Kwanporn Kongpetch, left, and Ploynaplus Chirasukon from the LGBTQ+ community show their marriage certificates after the Marriage Equality Act took effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
CHALIDA EKVITTHAYAVECHNUKU, BANGKOK — Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand are expected to make their wedded status legal Thursday, the first day a law took effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
Marriage registration is customarily done at district offices, but on Thursday, around 300 couples are expected to complete the formalities at a daylong gala celebration in an exhibition hall at a shopping mall in central Bangkok. Hundreds more are predicted to register in less fancy circumstances around the country.
The marriage equality bill, which sailed through both houses of parliament, amended the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners.” It is supposed to open up access to full legal, financial and medical rights for LGBTQ+ couples.
A couple from the LGBTQ+ community wait to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Partners will have equal rights and responsibilities in dealing with joint assets, tax obligations and deductions, inheritance rights and survivor benefits.
Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, and thousands of people from around the world attend the annual Bangkok Pride parade. But rights advocates have struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law in a largely conservative society where members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life, although they note that things have improved greatly in recent years.
Couples interviewed earlier this month by The Associated Press expressed happiness with the new law, even those already settled in contented long-term relationships.
“The enforcement of the marriage equality law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law,” said Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, a real estate owner whose partner is Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, a chef. “It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other’s human values and enabling everyone to live.”
A couple from the LGBTQ+ community shows their marriage certificate in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)Pisit Sirihirunchai, left, and Chanatip Sirihirunchai from the LGBTQ+ community show their marriage certificates after the Marriage Equality Act took effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Patherine Khunnares, 37, a web designer, said she and researcher Vivian Chullamon, 36, “have a supportive social circle, friends, and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage, it seems, isn’t everything that fulfills us emotionally..
“However, ultimately, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties. In the end, we aren’t asking for anything special — we just want a simple, happy family life.”
Bangkok’s city government has said that it organized workshops for staff of all its district offices who are in charge of handling marriage registration. They included lectures raising awareness about gender diversity and guidance on how to properly communicate with those who come for the service. The Interior Ministry has offered similar guidance.
“It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw,” Bangkok Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon said at one of the workshops earlier this month. “Society is ready. The law is getting ready. But the last piece of the jigsaw is the understanding from officials.”
One Bangkok, a new global lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok, ushers in the Year of the Snake with the spectacular ‘ONE DYNASTY Chinese New Year Celebration 2025.’ From now until 9 February 2025, experience an auspicious start to the Chinese New Year through a magnificent blend of rich Chinese culture and contemporary art. Marvel at the striking décor featuring modern interpretations of ancient Chinese art throughout One Bangkok, and enjoy exciting promotions. A spectacular show featuring five superstars and concerts by leading Thai stars will take place on 29 January 2025, at 7:00 PM at One Bangkok Park.
Palinee Kongchansiri, Chief Retail Officer of One Bangkok, said, “One Bangkok invites everyone to celebrate an auspicious Lunar New Year under the ’ONE DYNASTY’ theme, evoking the prosperity of ancient Chinese dynasties. From the gardens along Wireless and Rama IV Roads to the district’s retail zones, explore captivating art installations, including magnificent dragon and snake sculptures, a traditional bridge, vibrant lanterns, and the new 12-metre-tall ’Fountain Pavilion’ centerpiece at One Bangkok Park. This intricately decorated pavilion, designed in the style of an ancient Chinese water pavilion, is poised to be a new check-in spot in the heart of the city. As part of the ’Zodiac of Luck’ promotion, shoppers will receive an Ang Pao envelope set, bonus credit card points, and cash vouchers at One Bangkok Retail until 9 February 2025.”
One Bangkok is adorned with art installations, creating a festive Chinese New Year atmosphere. Highlights include:
One Dynasty Garden: Located in One Bangkok Park, this oasis evokes an earthly paradise in an Emperor’s garden, inspired by legendary Chinese landscapes. Visitors can take photos with the Flowery Dragon, a symbol of harmony, joy, and the celebration of life’s flourishing moments. This artwork represents the beauty of the cycles of life and the blossoming potential within us.
Boulevard Walking Street: One Bangkok Boulevard is a street of wishes, decorated with symbols of fortune and snakes in window displays, accompanied with illuminated lanterns representing hopes and dreams for the new year. The beautiful lighting arrangements aim to energise visitors at ONE DYNASTY with love, prosperity, and longevity.
The Treasure Box: At Wireless Park, this installation symbolises family bonds. Levitating bonsai, cloud paintings, and flying birds create a whimsical atmosphere over which families are able to and create new memories.
Dancing Snake Lights: At Parade Park, along Rama IV Road, the snake, central to this celebration, takes center stage in a stunning display of dance with profound meaning while symbolising power, prosperity, and unity.
The Twin Dragons: At The Storeys Square, encounter the twin dragons of the sky, gracefully dancing with the light of the morning sun and the night stars Their bodies intertwine to form the number “8,” a symbol of immortality and infinite wealth, echoing the tradition of walking under a dragon’s belly during dragon parades, believed to bring good fortune. This artistic piece invites everyone to step into a realm of boundless luck. Continuing to the Parade Square, witness a pair of dragons celebrating love, joyfully dancing amidst a vibrant garden of red camellias, which symbolise the knowledge of love. They bestow blessings upon visitors with magical fans, signifying the power to dispel unwanted things and draw in cherished wishes. The magnificent sculptures were designed by renowned artist, Yoon Phannapast Taychayathakool.
Don’t miss the highlight of the festivities: ’The Celebration of ONE DYNASTY,’ a unique performance inspired by the legend of the Four Celestial Animals (Sì Xiàng/四象) — the phoenix, white lion, black tortoise, and azure dragon—symbols of luck and prosperity in the Chinese culture. This spectacular show, taking place on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at 7:00 PM, features a large LED screen, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and over 150 performers, starring Baifern-Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul as Princess Luna, Offroad-Kantapon Jindataweephol as the Phoenix God, Daou- Pittaya Saechua as the White Lion God, Sky-Wongravee Nateetorn as the Black Tortoise God, and JJ-Kritsanapoom Pibulsonggram as the Azure Dragon, with costumes designed by renowned Thai designer Phakkaad-Prapakas Angsusingha. The grand finale includes mini-concerts by Daou-Pittaya and Offroad-Kantapon.
The festive fun continues from 29 January to 2 February 2025, with parades, lion dances, gifts of oranges depicting good fortune, auspicious pattern screen printing, and fortune cookie gachapon machines. Parades will be held on Wednesday, 29 January at 2:00 PM, and from Thursday, 30 January to Sunday, 2 February, three times daily (1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM).
Enjoy the ‘Zodiac of Luck’ promotion from now until 9 February 2025, with special privileges:
Free Set of Auspicious Ang Pao Envelopes: With a minimum purchase of THB 1,000 per receipt (limited to 1 set/person – total 1,000 sets).
Bonus Points: American Express card members receive 10 additional points with a minimum dining spend of THB 1,200 or shopping spend of THB 3,000 per receipt.
Lucky Zodiac Rewards: Spend according to the terms and conditions to receive cash vouchers. Spend THB 5,000, receive a THB 300 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 1,000 rewards); spend THB 50,000, receive a THB 2,000 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 500 rewards); spend THB 150,000, receive a THB 8,000 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 100 rewards); dine for THB 1,500, receive a THB 100 voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 3,000 rewards); dine for THB 5,000, receive a THB 300 cash voucher (limited to 1 reward/member – total 1,000 rewards). Receipts must be issued on the same day as redemption. See more details on the One Bangkok Retail application or www.onebangkok.com.
One Bangkok Retail members enjoy additional perks: spend THB 888 on dining and receive free milk tea from NAIXUE or TP TEA (worth THB 120) plus 8 additional points (limited to 300 privileges); or shop for THB 88,888 and receive a THB 10,000 dining voucher plus 88 bonus points (limited to 100 privileges) from 20 January to 2 February 2025.
Many other special privileges are available from participating credit cards. For more details about activities and promotions, visit www.onebangkok.com.
Udon Thani Immigration Police arrest two South Korean men, online gambling website administrators managing backend systems and financial transactions, on Jan. 22, 2025.
UDON THANI — Thai Immigration Police have dismantled an illegal online gambling operation in Udon Thani, arresting two South Korean nationals who were using the northeastern Thai province as their base. The operation generated monthly revenues exceeding 4 billion Korean won (approximately $2.79 million).
Immigration officers in Udon Thani discovered the suspects were operating gambling websites named “Vinus Gaming” and “100d-1” from a rented house in Ban Luem district. Following surveillance and evidence gathering, authorities obtained a search warrant from the Udon Thani District Court and raided the property on January 22.
The Korean suspects admit to working illegally on tourist visas, receiving monthly salaries between 80,000-100,000 baht ($2,360-$2,950).
The raid uncovered two South Korean men working as website administrators, managing backend systems and financial transactions. The operation primarily targeted South Korean customers through Telegram, accepting wagers in Korean won.
Both suspects admitted to working illegally on tourist visas, receiving monthly salaries between 80,000-100,000 baht ($2,360-$2,950). Police seized computers, mobile phones, and hardware tokens as evidence.
The suspects face charges of working without proper permits and operating illegal gambling services. The case highlights Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat transnational cyber gambling operations using the country as an operational base.
Illegal gambling operations typically concentrate in Thailand’s tourist hubs like Pattaya, Chonburi, and Bangkok. Stricter enforcement has pushed these operations to less monitored areas like Udon Thani. The suspects were charged with illegal employment. Officials are working with the South Korean Embassy on the case.
BANGKOK — Lèse-majesté, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes defamation of the Thai royal family, has unexpectedly returned to public discourse in Thailand. Surprisingly, this is not due to political activism, but to a scandal involving a famous Thai singer, Apiwat “Stamp” Ueathawornsuk, who was accused of infidelity.
What began as a personal matter developed into a legal battle between the singer and a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair. The controversy escalated when the singer’s wife filed a lawsuit against the third party, “Jam”. The case was settled in court and Jam agreed to pay 1 million baht in damages to the singer’s wife.
However, two further lawsuits brought by the singer against Jam and her boyfriend for intimidation, defamation and causing public nuisance were later withdrawn. The singer claimed he had been threatened by Jam’s father who is a retired military officer. The threats included the possibility of suing the singer under Section 112, citing some of the private chats exchanged between the singer and Jam via the LINE application. The singer expressed fears that this could lead to imprisonment under the lèse-majesté law.
iLaw page presents information to answer the question: Can screenshotting chats lead to prosecution under Section 112 cases?
The public debate on this issue has intensified after the legal organization iLaw published information suggesting that private chat messages can indeed be used as evidence in 112 cases. They cited four examples of such cases, all of which took place under the military government installed after the 2014 coup. One defendant was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, while two others, although eventually acquitted, served more than three and a half years in prison during the trial.
iLaw also reported that during Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha’s tenure, strict enforcement of “all laws and all regulations” against political protesters has resulted in Section 112 being used more than ever before in history. Since the rise of youth-led protests in 2020, there have been 309 cases under Section 112.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged that Section 112 has long been used as a tool, but there are also cases of actual law violations that must go through the legal process. He emphasized that the current coalition government has pledged to ensure that the law is not abused in a way that could harm the country’s key institutions.
Protesters hold up signs denouncing lese majeste law during a rally outside Siam Commercial Bank HQ in Bangkok on Nov. 25, 2020.
Parit Wacharasindhu, a list MP and spokesperson for the People’s Party, argued that the current law allows anyone to file a case under Section 112, increasing the risk of misuse for personal disputes. Even if the alleged actions are ultimately found not to be violations, defendants must endure lengthy court proceedings, which costs time and resources. He called for stricter filter mechanisms to prevent abuse of the law.
On January 22, Colonel Thitirat Sombatsiri, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, said they had contacted the retired general involved in the controversy. The general, who retired 5–6 years ago, clarified that it was a personal matter that he and his family had to resolve and emphasized that he did not want the matter to affect the army. He has instructed a lawyer to deal with the matter.
Col. Thitirat also pointed out that the singer, Stamp Apiwat, has not lodged any complaints with the army. Since the general in question is retired, the army is not involved in the matter.
Colonel Thitirat Sombatsiri, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army (center)
Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen, a lawyer from the Human Rights Lawyers Center, explained that while threatening legal action is not technically considered intimidation under the law, the psychological impact on those who receive such threats can vary significantly.
“The fact that these threats created enough fear to make Stamp refrain from exercising certain rights demonstrates how Thailand’s lèse-majesté law affects more than just political activists,” Poonsuk said. “It creates a chilling effect on the exercise of rights and freedoms, expanding the territory of fear into other areas, even when the root cause stems from personal conflicts.
Meanwhile, many people in the music and entertainment industry have posted comments saying that while Stamp Apiwat’s relationship case with another woman is one matter, no one should be threatened or framed with Section 112 cases, and no one should use this issue to silence others.
National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) is enhancing its international presence by actively participating in the Pacific Telecommunications Council 2025 (PTC’25). This prestigious global telecommunications conference brings together industry leaders and experts from across the globe. It is scheduled to take place in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, from January 19-22, 2025.
This year, NT’s delegation is led by Mr. Seksan Mitkasem, Senior Executive Vice President – Customer and Marketing; Mr. Apichart Sawankhonthorn, Executive Vice President – Transmission Group; and Ms. Ubonpun Chuenchom, Vice President, Carrier Business Service. The delegation’s participation aims to reinforce international partnerships, broaden business networks, and explore strategic alliances. Key areas of focus include advancing telecommunications infrastructure and developing data centers to meet the growing digital demands both regionally and globally, while strategically positioning for the realization of a fully integrated digital economy in the future.
The Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) is a nonprofit organization established to promote the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT), with a focus on the professional development of senior executives across the Asia-Pacific region. The annual PTC conference serves as a premier platform for bringing together ICT leaders from around the globe, particularly those holding influential roles in industries such as Global Service Providers, Subsea Cable Suppliers, Satellite Providers, Data Center Operators, and MNOs/MVNOs.
PTC’25 is anticipated to attract over 5,000 participants from around the world. The conference will focus on key topics including the development of sustainable digital infrastructure, the expansion of business opportunities through cutting-edge technologies, and the enhancement of global communications networks. These critical discussions aim to equip the industry with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the emerging challenges in the digital age.
A Thai woman charges at a Russian tourist despite her companions' attempts to intervene during an altercation in front of Pattaya City Police Station on January 22, 2025.
PATTAYA — A Russian tourist was assaulted in Pattaya after a woman mistakenly believed he was filming her during his livestream. The incident, which occurred in front of the Pattaya City Police Station in the early hours of January 22, has led to assault charges being filed.
Mr. Evgenii, 45, reported to Pattaya City Police Station at around 4:30 a.m. after being attacked by a woman who had been standing near a coconut tree along Pattaya Beach. The incident unfolded when Evgenii was conducting a social media livestream in the area
Despite attempts by her companions to calm her down, the woman, believing she was being recorded, became confrontational and charged across the street, pulling the tourist off balance. The assault resulted in minor injuries to Evgenii’s knee.
Mr. Evgenii, a 45-year-old Russian tourist, files a complaint at Pattaya City Police Station after being assaulted by a woman in front of the station on January 22, 2025.
During the police investigation, Evgenii presented video evidence from his livestream demonstrating that he had not intentionally filmed or violated the privacy of the woman in question. Based on this evidence, authorities have pressed charges against the woman for assault causing bodily harm, an offense that carries penalties of up to three years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 60,000 baht, or both.
The incident highlights ongoing issues in Pattaya’s beach areas, where women known locally as “coconut tree ghosts” frequently solicit foreign tourists. Recent changes in law enforcement procedures, stemming from an October 2023 Ministry of Social Development and Human Security decree, have shifted the handling of prostitution-related cases from police to civil authorities.
Sex workers, locally known as ‘coconut tree ghosts,’ engage in a fight under coconut trees along Beach Road in front of Pattaya City Police Station on December 16, 2024.
Under the new regulations, police officers are no longer required to bring suspected sex workers to the station. Instead, they document evidence and forward cases to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for fact-finding and legal proceedings.
Individuals charged under these regulations can contest fines or opt for community service as an alternative penalty.
Police typically focus on maintaining public order and handling disturbances in these areas, often resolving conflicts through fines and warnings about behavior that could damage the city’s tourism image.
GENEVA — The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Thailand to immediately stop the planned deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China, citing serious risks of torture and inhumane treatment.
UN experts emphasized that returning the group to China would violate international laws against refoulement, given the well-documented treatment of the Uyghur minority there. The group requires urgent medical attention, with 23 individuals reportedly suffering from serious health conditions including diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease.
The Uyghurs are part of approximately 350 people arrested in Thailand in 2014 after irregularly crossing the border seeking protection. They have allegedly been held in de facto incommunicado detention for over a decade without access to lawyers, family members, or UN representatives.
This photo shows an immigration detention center where Uyghur detainees are held in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. The detainees say they are facing deportation back to China, where they fear persecution. (AP Photo/Haruka Nuga)
Five Uyghur detainees, including two children, have died in Thai detention over the past 11 years. UN experts are calling for an investigation into the circumstances of their arrest and continued detention, stressing that all detained persons must be treated humanely and with dignity.
The experts have urged Thai authorities to provide the group with access to asylum procedures, humanitarian assistance, and proper medical care instead of deportation. They also called for access to legal representation and relevant UN agencies, stating they will continue monitoring the situation.
Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the National Security Council meeting on January 17 discussed the UN High Commissioner’s position and related legal considerations. The focus was on finding legally compliant solutions that would avoid creating problems for Thailand and the international community. While previous governments had conducted deportations, he indicated there are no immediate plans for such action.
Reinforcing its position as the number one celebration destination and leader in global destination development, ONESIAM has transformed its spectacular landmarks in celebration of the Chinese New Year to attract both Thai and international tourists and stimulate the Thai economy and tourism.
ONESIAM is joining in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese relations with grand and spectacular cultural performances, eye-popping promotions, and luck-boosting activities for all shoppers for the Chinese New Year.
To usher in a prosperous new year, ONESIAM is launching a world-class Chinese New Year mega-celebration, uniting the strengths of six global destinations in the heart of Bangkok – Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, the iconic landmark along the Chao Phraya River, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok,Thailand’s only world-class luxury outlet mall – as well as the ONESIAM SuperApp. Themed “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025,” the grand celebration will run from now to February 2 and will feature not only various luck-boosting and auspicious events and activities but also a full array of experiences, from spiritual to shopping and leisure.
This year marks an exceptional milestone as Thailand commemorates the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. As such, visitors from across the globe will get to experience a dazzling array of festive activities, join ONESIAM in honoring cherished Chinese New Year traditions, as well as enjoy prestigious cultural performances showcasing the enduring bonds between both nations along with exclusive shopping promotions and diverse entertainment offerings. The grand-scaleChinese New Year festivities not only promise to draw more international visitors and create memorable experiences but will also boost tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economic growth from the first quarter of the year.
Highlights of the Chinese New Year Celebration Across 6 Destinations
Siam Paragon presents an immersive cultural experience inspired by the world heritage site in Dunhuang, the historic Silk Road oasis city with a legacy spanning over two millennia, from January 28 to February 2, 2025, at Parc Paragon.
Enjoy Thailand’s debut performance of “Ancient Sound of Dunhuang” by the Gansu Performing Arts Group from China, traveling directly from Dunhuang specifically for this exclusive performance that masterfully blends traditional dance with classical Chinese instruments.
Experience the magnificence of the UNESCO World Heritage Mogao Caves through cutting-edge digital art, showcasing precious Buddhist sculptures and murals from various periods, complemented by a stunning recreation of the iconic Crescent Moon Lake, an oasis in the Gobi Desert.
Witness the “Pearl of the Moon” spectacle – an exclusive Chinese New Year production combining the Celestial Dragon, Fire Phoenix, and Divine Lion performances by the Sam Phran Mungkorn Yok Lion Dance Troupe, a legend with 80 years of legacy, along with the Yingge Boonyawittayakarn Troupe’s distinctive Yingge martial arts choreography in ancient Chinese warrior costumes.
Check your fortune for Chinese New Year at the charitable fortune-telling event “Siri Wattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled,” featuring 38 renowned fortune-tellers and divination experts, from January 28 to February 3, 2025, at the Living Hall, 3rd floor, Siam Paragon
Siam Center is launching an innovative and inspiring Chinese New Year celebration with “SIAM CENTER: The Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025,” from January 15 to February 2, 2025.
Marking the first-time ever in Southeast Asia, TOYZEROPLUS World presents beloved characters in Chinese costumes in celebration of Chinese New Year, along with exclusive and limited-edition merchandise as well as exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with character mascots and live performances featuring various artists and idols.
Create your own unique one-of-a-kind 3D action figure at SIAM CENTER x MEMORI STUDIO
Explore the curated Chinese New Year pop-up space featuring products from premier brands, including the Atong and Friends Chinese New Year Pop-up, which showcases an extensive collection of art toys and characters from numerous renowned brands, alongside Chinese New Year collections from the mall’s leading brands.
Siam Discovery welcomes Chinese New Year with the grand-scale campaign “THE PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025 – CELEBRATING THE LOVE OF DISCOVERY,” from January 9 to February 2, 2025.
Celebrate a new beginning with hot items and distinctive gifts for your loved ones from a wide array of leading brands.
Avail yourself of the Love of Discovery promotion, where ONESIAM members can redeem 25 COINS on the ONESIAM SuperApp for up to 25% discount on items from participating luxury beauty brands for just 25 COINS.
ICONSIAM, the iconic landmark by the Chao Phraya, is transforming its space into a spectacular showcase of Thai-Chinese cultural heritage for ICONSIAM ETERNAL PROSPERITY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025, from January 24 to February 2, 2025.
Enjoy the exclusive “Lancang to ChaoPraya” sculpture exhibition, featuring sculptural works by two distinguished national artists: acclaimed Chinese sculptor Mr. Xu Hong Fei, known for his masterpiece “Chubby Woman with Dragon & Naga,” and Professor Emeritus Preecha Thaothong, Thailand’s National Artist of 2009.
The event will mark the first-ever appearance in Thailand of the statues of the goddess Doumu and 60 Tai Sui deities from the thousand-year-old Renwei Temple in Guangzhou, China, where devotees can pay respects to the deity corresponding to their birth year. The event will also feature the statues of the revered goddesses Shui Wei Sheng Niang and Tian Hou Deng from Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine in Uthai Thani, offering blessings for the Year of the Snake.
Join the auspicious ceremony honoring Cai Shen (God of Wealth), Xi Shen (God of Joy), and Gui Shen (God of Nobility) at the Dragon’s Curve, the most auspicious bend of the Chao Phraya River, officiated by Master Khatha Chinbanchorn on January 28, 2025, beginning at the auspicious time of 23:19 hrs. at ICONSIAM River Park
Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular “Dragons of Two Lands” performance featuring a naga and a dragon in celebration of the bilateral relations between China and Thailand as well as the award-winning classical performance from Changsha, China.
Immerse yourself in “Little China,” a riverside walking street along the most magnificent bend of the Chao Phraya River known as the Dragon’s Curve, featuring 35 legendary Michelin-recommended eateries for a complete dining, shopping, and entertainment experience throughout the 10-day festival.
Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok welcomes Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake with up to 70% discounts from premier brands and lucky red envelope discount coupons from participating stores, while weekend visitors from Friday through Sunday will stand a chance to receive thermal tumblers and limited-edition mini tote bags as well as an opportunity to participate in a DIY keychain crafting workshop. The promotions run from January 16 through February 28, 2025.
In addition, the ONESIAM SuperApp extends exclusive privileges to ONESIAM members. Upon meeting the purchase requirements, ONESIAM members can earn up to 2,500 ONESIAM COINS at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM.
ONESIAM welcomes all to be part of this landmark Chinese New Year celebration “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025,” where they can experience exciting shopping promotions, impressive cultural performances, and diverse entertainment offerings, fromnow to February 2, 2025. For further details and updates on the activities, please follow the official Facebook pages: ONESIAM, SIAM PARAGON, SIAM CENTER, SIAM DISCOVERY, and ICONSIAM.
Russian woman holds kitchen knife, threatening both officers and bystanders near Saku Police Station on Jan. 21, 2025.
PHUKET — Police officers successfully detained a Russian tourist who was wielding a knife at a local restaurant near Saku Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, marking a tense situation that ended without casualties.
The incident began around 4 p.m. when Saku Police received reports of a Russian woman, allegedly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, attempting to enter a private residence in Soi Nai Yang 16/1. When officers arrived and attempted to escort her to the police station to calm down, she diverted to a nearby restaurant called Luktan, where she grabbed a kitchen knife and began threatening both officers and bystanders.
Police attempted to defuse the situation by bringing in a Thai-speaking Russian tourist to help with negotiations. However, the situation escalated when the tourist, identified as 56-year-old Mrs. Marina, turned the knife on herself, attempting self-harm. Officers were forced to employ tactical measures, using rubber bullets to disarm her by targeting her hand, successfully preventing any injury.
Police officers question a Russian woman who caused alarm by grabbing a knife from a restaurant and threatening locals and police near Saku Police Station on January 21, 2025.
Police Colonel Salan Santisasakul, Superintendent of Saku Police Station, reported that Mrs. Marina was in Thailand to attend the EDC Thailand 2025 music festival. She had been staying at a hotel near the airport and was scheduled to return home on January 27.
Following the incident, local emergency services provided first aid before transferring her to Thalang Hospital for further treatment. The incident, which was recorded and shared on the “Hod Jung Phuket” Facebook page, drew widespread praise from netizens for the officers’ professional handling of the situation.
