The scam, which promised high returns through digital asset investments, used various platforms including social media, dating apps, phone calls and text messages to lure victims. The perpetrators gained the trust of individuals in the United States before encouraging them to invest in what they claimed were legitimate cryptocurrency ventures. However, rather than being invested, the funds were diverted through shell companies, crypto wallets and foreign accounts.

At least $36.9 million of the defrauded funds ended up in a Bahamian bank account under a company named Axis Digital Limited. A portion of these funds was converted into the stablecoin Tether (USDT) and routed to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by associates based in Cambodia. The funds eventually reached operators of scam centres located in areas including Sihanoukville.

Among those who pleaded guilty were Joseph Wong of California and Yicheng Zhang, a dual national of China and Turkey. Both admitted to conspiring to launder money, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. The remaining three—Jose Somarriba from Los Angeles, Shengsheng He of California, and Jingliang Su—pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money services business, which could result in a maximum five-year sentence.

Authorities say Wong coordinated a network in Los Angeles that helped establish false companies and bank accounts to facilitate the movement of funds, while Zhang opened additional accounts for similar purposes. Cambodian authorities had earlier raided suspected scam facilities in Sihanoukville in March, part of wider regional efforts to address cyber-fraud operations.

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According to the post, the customer became irate when presented with a 321 baht bill. The price included a 21 baht VAT on a 300 baht meal. The woman allegedly argued that the charge was excessive and demanded a revised bill, claiming the VAT should not apply in the same way it would at convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

The restaurant staff, consisting of two female employees, attempted to explain the breakdown of the bill, but the customer refused to acknowledge the tax. The situation escalated when the woman tried to leave the premises without paying. A PTT staff member stepped in, but the customer reportedly remained confrontational.

The situation was defused when the TikTok user and another customer intervened to prevent the woman from exiting the restaurant without settling the bill. Eventually, she agreed to pay, though she continued to argue throughout the process.

The incident sparked considerable reaction online, with many commenters voicing support for the restaurant employees and criticizing the customer’s behavior. Some users called for legal action against customers who harass service workers.

While VAT is a standard 7% charge on goods and services in Thailand, confusion and disputes over tax inclusion occasionally occur, especially in small businesses and restaurants. The video drew attention to the pressures faced by service staff in such situations.

No police involvement has been reported in connection with the incident.

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Bangkok, the country’s capital, emerged as a standout performer, climbing to 7th place globally among cities for international conventions—up from 15th in 2023. With 115 international conventions hosted, Bangkok ranked 3rd in Asia Pacific and 2nd in the ASEAN region, just behind Singapore. These figures highlight the city’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for global events.

The 2024 ICCA report also marked a milestone for Thailand with the inclusion of 13 Thai cities, the highest number ever recorded. Cities such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Rai, and Khon Kaen featured alongside others, illustrating the nationwide expansion of conference infrastructure and capabilities beyond the capital.

Supporting this trend, Bangkok also secured 2nd place in the Asia Pacific region in Cvent’s 2025 Top Meeting Destinations, based on global sourcing data valued at over USD 18 billion. This recognition underscores Bangkok’s sustained competitiveness in the international meetings and events industry.

Officials and industry stakeholders note that the growing presence of regional cities in global rankings reflects broader improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, and local stakeholder engagement. The upward trajectory is expected to continue, with Thailand poised to capture a larger share of the international convention market amid increasing global demand.

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Recent continuous rainfall across several regions of Thailand has contributed significantly to water inflows into the country’s reservoirs, particularly benefiting major and medium-sized storage facilities. As of 9 June, national reservoir storage had reached 43,246 million cubic meters, accounting for 57 percent of total capacity, according to the Royal Irrigation Department’s Smart Water Operations Center.

The data also showed that these reservoirs are still capable of receiving an additional 33,245 million cubic meters, or 43 percent of their full capacity. The four major dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin—Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan, and Pasak Jolasid—currently store a combined 13,158 million cubic meters, which represents 53 percent of their total capacity. These dams can still accommodate 11,713 million cubic meters of water.

From 1 May to 9 June, large reservoirs nationwide recorded over 3,800 million cubic meters of runoff. River water levels in northern Thailand’s major tributaries remain within normal ranges. In Nakhon Sawan province, the Ping River near Banphot Phisai District is about 4 meters below the riverbank, and the Nan River in Chum Saeng District is 6 meters below. These rivers converge to form the Chao Phraya River at Pak Nam Pho, where water flow at station C.2 in Mueang Nakhon Sawan District measured 710 cubic meters per second—still approximately 7 meters below the riverbank.

The water retention strategy follows the 2025 rainy season management plan, which takes into account rainfall levels, watershed areas, and each reservoir’s capacity. The goal is to control runoff, reduce flood risk downstream, and ensure adequate water supply for the following dry season.

Officials emphasized that the current measures are part of coordinated monitoring and management efforts during the rainy season. The irrigation department and related agencies are actively tracking weather conditions and maximizing the use of irrigation systems while continuing public communication on water conditions in line with government policy.

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As of the end of May, the ministry had spent 93 billion baht from its allocated 212.21 billion baht budget for the fiscal year, according to Suriya. He noted that 86 of 326 newly approved procurement contracts—worth a combined 1.31 billion baht out of a total of 24.18 billion—had been signed. All remaining contracts are expected to be finalized by August.

The Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed rail is a flagship component of the country’s infrastructure agenda. Phase 1 of the project, stretching from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, has reached 43.79% completion in civil engineering work. However, progress on system installations, procurement of rolling stock, and staff training lags behind, with only 0.95% completion reported.

Preparations for Phase 2—covering the 357.12-kilometre segment from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai—are progressing. The ministry is finalizing bidding documents for eight separate contracts, including seven civil works packages and one related to rail systems. The total estimated budget for this phase is 341.35 billion baht.

In parallel, the government is moving forward with other large-scale transport projects. These include the first phase of the Phuket Expressway (Kathu to Patong), a 3.98-kilometre stretch valued at 16.76 billion baht, and a 15.36-billion-baht initiative to lease 1,520 electric buses aimed at modernizing public transport services.

The ministry is also proposing the merger of two electric rail extensions into a single procurement package. This involves the Red Line extension from Taling Chan to Salaya, with three new stations, and the Light Red Line extension from Taling Chan to Siriraj.

Final approval for these projects is pending Cabinet consideration.

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A female physician affiliated with the Police General Hospital in Bangkok has been taken into custody after authorities uncovered a drug trafficking scheme involving the illegal distribution of sedatives, including the controlled substance alprazolam. The operation was brought to light through a joint raid on a police flat in the Phaya Thai district early on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

The raid, led by officials from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, was prompted by suspicious prescription orders placed under the doctor’s name. Investigators later determined that she used the identities of 11 clinics across Bangkok to order large quantities of the sedative drugs from the FDA over a three-year period, from 2022 to 2025.

Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine commonly known for its potential misuse as a “date-rape drug,” is classified as a Category 4 controlled substance in Thailand and is subject to strict regulation.

Authorities seized more than 10 boxes of sedative drugs during the operation, which were found stored in large cartons inside the police residential facility. A second suspect, a Thai man who managed the room where the drugs were kept, was also arrested.

Assistant to the Public Health Minister, Thanakrit Chitareerat, who oversaw the raid, stated that the drugs were primarily sold to young people outside of licensed medical settings, in violation of pharmaceutical laws. The drug orders were valued at 15 million baht, with financial records indicating that up to 80 million baht passed through the network during its operation.

The FDA confirmed that the seized substances fell under Categories 2 and 4 of Thailand’s controlled drugs classification, which require medical prescriptions and approved distribution channels.

Deputy Secretary General of the FDA, Withid Sariddeechaikool, stressed that non-regulated access to these medications poses a serious risk to public health and safety.

Authorities are preparing to raid the 11 Bangkok-based clinics involved in the procurement network on June 11. They are also investigating whether other medical personnel were complicit in the operation.

DNA evidence and transaction records gathered during the initial raid are being used to support multiple charges against the doctor, including money laundering, illegal drug possession, and unauthorized distribution of controlled substances.

Officials have stated that they will petition the Medical Council of Thailand to revoke the doctor’s license, pending further disciplinary review.

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The number of people seeking treatment for Covid-19 in Thailand in 2025 has exceeded 400,000, with fatalities now three times higher than those caused by influenza, according to health data released by Chulalongkorn University.

The recent rise in cases is being linked to several contributing factors. Among these are the spread of the highly transmissible Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1), decreasing immunity among the population, and a reduction in adherence to basic preventive practices.

Medical experts have expressed concern over the public perception of Covid-19, cautioning against viewing it as equivalent to a common cold or seasonal flu. Health professionals emphasize that such attitudes could increase the risk of further spread and serious illness, particularly among older and vulnerable groups.

Current trends indicate rising infections across both urban and rural communities. This could pose significant risks in environments with high transmission potential such as schools, workplaces, and elder care facilities.

The public is being urged to adopt preventive actions, seek medical care when necessary, and avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.

Medical authorities warn that individuals testing positive should isolate and not attend public settings, including schools and workplaces, in order to help control transmission.

As the situation evolves, Thai health experts stress the importance of maintaining vigilance and community-level cooperation.

The warning was issued by Dr Thira Woratanarat of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. His appeal follows recent developments and data reviewed from both the Bangkok Post and ASEAN Now.

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The meeting, which took place prior to the weekly Cabinet session, offered a platform for sugarcane growers to express their views and present policy suggestions aimed at improving both environmental and economic outcomes. Representatives from the Confederation of Thai Sugarcane Farmers emphasized their support for fresh-cut harvesting techniques, which help curb air pollution and improve public health.

Among the key proposals brought forward was a request for direct compensation of 120 baht per ton for high-quality fresh-cut cane, a method that avoids burning. In addition, the farmers called for broader government assistance, including subsidies for harvesting machinery and official purchases of sugarcane leaves—a byproduct often discarded or burned. They urged the government to confirm these measures before the start of the next production cycle, allowing sufficient time for growers to prepare.

The farmers also advocated for structural reforms to the Cane and Sugar Fund, suggesting alternative financing strategies. These included adjustments to the domestic sugar pricing system and promotion of value-added initiatives such as biomass power generation from sugarcane residue. Such projects, they argued, would support long-term industry sustainability and align with national energy goals.

In attendance at the meeting were senior government officials and leaders from the Confederation of Thai Sugarcane Farmers, whose collaboration with authorities was noted as essential to implementing the proposed changes.

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During a site visit on June 10 by local reporters, it was noted that the smart infrastructure—spanning from the northern to southern ends of the beach—was unlit and inactive. The display screens, which had been used to promote tourism and public messaging, were not functioning.

A local resident, Mr. Surat, told reporters that the system had previously operated without issues, with the screens active daily. He noted the screens have remained dark for about a month, and said he was unaware of the cause. He expressed hope that authorities would address the issue promptly to restore the systems to working order.

The smart poles were part of a broader initiative under the 5G Pattaya Smart City project. National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) had entered into a memorandum of understanding with Pattaya City to deploy 5G technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) applications aimed at enhancing urban services and quality of life for both residents and tourists.

The initiative is designed to support city management through improved connectivity and data-driven services. The poles, installed as part of this collaboration, are intended to be a key feature of the city’s digital infrastructure.

Officials and project partners involved in the development and oversight of the Smart City initiative have not yet issued a public statement on the reported technical issues.

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Thailand is restarting its flagship Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway after a five-year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, designed to link Bangkok’s key airports with a 250km/h train network, is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time and stimulate regional growth.

Set to cover 220 kilometres, the line will reduce airport transfer times to under one hour. The project is being developed through a public-private partnership involving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by the Charoen Pokphand Group. It will also integrate with the existing Airport Rail Link, forming a more cohesive national transport infrastructure.

Construction will span five provinces—Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong—and will include 191 kilometres of new track. These will include elevated, underground, and surface-level segments, combining new and existing rail infrastructure. Operational segments that will be incorporated include the lines from Phaya Thai to Suvarnabhumi, Hua Mak to Chachoengsao, Don Mueang to Yommarat, and Laem Chabang to Map Ta Phut.

Transport planners view the project as a key driver of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with expectations that it will enhance connectivity, support tourism, and strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional transport hub.

In parallel, the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail initiative has also experienced fresh delays. Earlier this year, the SRT board approved a 350-day extension due to logistical obstructions, including buildings impeding construction. This portion of the line, part of the Bangkok to Nong Khai corridor, now targets completion by 10 March 2026.

SRT Governor Veerith Amrapal confirmed the adjusted timeline, which affects contract sections three to five of the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima stretch.

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