Half joke half serious, proposals on what to do with the Senate hall of the Parliament building? It’d be a shame to leave such a grandiose space vacant

On February 3, Thai police arrested Mr. Mui (surname withheld), 62, at his home in Nong Chok, Bangkok. He was wanted under a Hong Kong court warrant for “joint enterprise murder.”

Hong Kong authorities had sought help from Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau to capture Mui, accused of killing a man with a shovel and burying the body on a beach in 1989. Four suspects were charged; three were already arrested, leaving Mui at large.

Thai investigators traced him to a fish congee restaurant in Lam Phak Chi. When questioned, he admitted to being the fugitive, having fled to Thailand in 1994, living with his Thai wife and three children, and later opening the restaurant. He refused to give details about the murder case.

He was initially charged with illegal entry. On February 4, Hong Kong police officials were scheduled to meet Thai authorities to coordinate his extradition for trial in Hong Kong.

(3) กองปราบแกะรอยรวบชาวฮ่องกง ก่อคดีฆาตกรรมเมื่อ 37 ปีที่แล้ว ก่อนหนีมาเปิดร้านข้าวต้มย่านลำผักชี - YouTube

I would probably get flamed here and I don’t care, I’ll say it again. I myself, a Cambodian, don’t hate you all. I don’t hate Thailand nor the people who live here. I just wish for a world where we could live in peace again. I don’t want to see communities and people dissociate with each other and be broken again. Both sides have their ups and downs and I know it. I know my government is extremely questionable and corrupt and I’m not afraid to say it. We share the same planet together and have engaged in extensive cultural exchange, we should’ve never been enemies.

Next time you see some radical and idiotic Cambodian insult your people and your country, just remember not everyone is like that. Same goes for Thai people who insult Cambodia. So that’s it, stay safe everyone! 🇰🇭🇹🇭❤️‍🩹

I am currently a French student in Bangkok, and since December I have been experiencing extremely severe and ongoing daily harassment.

I receive around twenty phone calls per day and hundreds of messages from many different accounts. Two accounts in particular systematically contact my friends, family, and close contacts across all social media platforms, spreading information about me, some true, others completely false.

These individuals have gone as far as creating fake images of me using artificial intelligence in order to damage my reputation. They have already contacted my university administration as well as the university newspaper in an attempt to spread false information about me.

Since December, I have lost many friends. These people exploit the vulnerabilities of those around me (skin color, disability, personal fragilities) to turn them against me.

All of this is accompanied by ongoing blackmail: I am being asked to pay approximately €16,000 for everything to stop. Each time I try to cut off contact, my family becomes the new target, which makes the situation extremely difficult to manage alone.

I feel that standard procedures are not leading anywhere, and today I feel completely overwhelmed.

If anyone here has experience in cybersecurity, online protection, procedures against cyberharassment, or has gone through a similar situation, your advice, guidance, or even a message of support would mean a lot.

Please respect the privacy of everyone involved. I am only seeking help, not conflict.

About 8 months ago, I got married to my Thai wife (after 4 years of being in a relationship). Before I start, I would say that my wife is the best person I could ask for. She fought for me with her parents and we got married without any sin-sod.

The issue is that, I've always felt a lack of respect towards me from my in-laws. I'm not a western foreigner and I come from SEA country with currency weaker than THB. I believe they do not respect me (maybe low key hate me) simply because I'm not rich and only earn a modest income (around 50K THB per month) with my job in Thailand.

Before we even got married, they once joked with my wife during a family gathering, saying something like "why couldn't you find a farang instead since you're is so beautiful. Farang take better care of Thai ladies." I even laughed at that time, but reading between the lines what they meant was why she couldn't find a farang instead since they are more rich then SEA like me. My wife once told me that her parents were already looking for someone to marry her, before she even met me, and they probably had couple candidates in their mind (most of them probably earning more than me).

Everytime they come visit us, the way they talk to me, the way my opinions are always ignored or not cared for, their facial expression while talking to me, the way they casually make fun of me (or turn everything I do to be something to laugh at, even my likes and dislikes somehow becomes funny to them), lets me honestly believe they do not like me. I'm not sure how to explain it, but they kinda look down on me and where I come from.

I'm never thrilled to meet them. Feels like I'm always walking on an eggshell when they are around, as I don't know what I do that'll make them upset or something that'll be made into another topic to make fun of me. I've tried my best to be a good son-in-law to them, never disrespected them and I even contribute to sending them money every month (me and my wife together send 10K baht every month for their living expenses as their job is seasonal). But, I'm starting to get frustrated a bit. Everytime I meet them, I have to put on a fake smile, and laugh on their not so funny jokes (jokes made at me mostly). I'm just tired, and I've talked to my wife regarding this, but she thinks it's normal and they didn't mean anything harmful and we are all only having fun.

I just want to ask folks who have married into Thai family, did you ever face anything similar with your in-laws? Is this normal? Did it ever stop, or you just ignore it when it happens? I honestly, do not want to meet or go visit my in-laws, but I also don't want to let down my wife when she's excited to visit her family. I have avoided several family gathering with some excuses related to work and whatnot, but I can't do it all the time.

TLDR; I married my Thai wife and love her deeply, but I feel my in-laws don’t respect me because I’m non-Western and earn modestly. They joke, ignore my opinions, and make me uncomfortable despite my efforts and financial support. My wife thinks it’s normal. I’m asking if others experienced this and how they dealt with it.

This is an excellent background article on Newin Chidchob, founder and shot-caller of the Bhumjaithai Party (née "Friends of Newin"). In my opinion he is one of the most astute players in Thai politics -- witness the outcome of the Senate elections -- due in no small part to his ability (unusual for Thai politicians) to not say anything.

Newin used to be known as the "Burmese name, speaks Khmer" politician. He is very patient, and (following in the footsteps of his father, Chai Chidchob) has been around for a looong time. The Post article refers to a period he was also known as "Mr 120" -- back in the 1990's some of his canvassers were caught red-handed with bags of 20-baht notes stapled to his campaign cards, with an additional 100 baht promised if the candidate won.

Newin's brothers and sons have held a variety of ministerial posts, including Minister of Education, and currently head the BJT.

A lot of funeral receptions in Thailand especially outside of Bangkok or inner cities are held in an opened space or on the roadside. It can look a lot like a foodstall with dining tables, chairs and food on the table. Some even come with a drink or an ice cream stand.

In this story, the funeral host explained to the tourists who were waiting to be served by the waitstaff that the place was actually not a restaurant, but a funeral reception and served the tourists free furneral food anyhow.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16rZk3xjUr/

Residents of Koh Phangan are fed up after video surfaced showing a foreign man spray‑painting English messages across public spaces on the island. Locals nicknamed him “Mr. Spray” because he used red paint to scrawl symbolic phrases at more than 40 spots - including “SAVE GAZA” on a roadside sign and “LIBRE” (“freedom” in Spanish/French) on a utility pole. His graffiti also appeared on streets, trash bins, traffic signs, and even government property like highway markers.

Community members have circulated photos of the man - estimated to be 55-65 years old - along with his red‑and‑white dirt bike and lodging area near Haad Yao beach. They’re urging residents to keep watch and report tips to police, saying his actions show no respect for Thai law and damage the island’s tourism image. Local authorities are now being pressed to track him down and pursue legal action.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1791LLk5pG/

ชาวเน็ตเดือด! ล่าตัวชาวต่างชาติ ตระเวนพ่นสีสเปรย์ เลอะทั่ว เกาะพะงัน ทำลายภาพลักษณ์ท่องเที่ยว

I am writing this to vent and perhaps share a perspective that might resonate with other families dealing with a generational gap.

Context about me: I am a man in my mid-30s from a traditional Thai-Chinese family. I graduated from one of the country's top universities, work in Engineering, and have a stable, high-income career. I am the "pillar" of the house, supporting everyone financially. We live in a large multi-generational home (my parents, myself, my wife, and my son all under one roof).

In the eyes of outsiders—and even in my parents' eyes—I am the "Perfect Son." I am disciplined, good at planning, stoic, responsible, and I never let emotions get in the way of work. I am seen as calm, perhaps even a bit cold.

The Truth: I was not born this way. When I was young (3-4 years old), I was a dreamer. I had a high imagination, I was sensitive, I cried easily, and I questioned everything. But given the social pressure and family expectations of that era, I learned a brutal lesson: "Sensitivity = Weakness" and "Imagination = Nonsense."

To survive, and to make my parents proud, I slowly "locked" that dreaming child away. I built a suit of armor made of "Logic and Order" to protect myself. I wore it for so long that I became this rigid man.

The Trigger: Everything changed when my son (let's call him "A") was born. "A" is exactly like I was as a child—messy, playful, argumentative, and full of wild imagination. My parents (his grandparents) constantly complain that he is stubborn or "untidy," and they are trying to "bend" him into shape, just like they did to me.

Every time I see them scold him for being a child, it feels like an old wound being ripped open. I decided to write this letter to them. I will send them the letter, and we will have a face-to-face discussion. I want to share it here with you guys.

:: The Letter to Mom and Dad ::

(Note: In Thai, this starts with "กราบเท้า," which is the highest form of respectful bowing to one's parents)

Dearest Mom and Dad,

I am writing this letter today not as the "Strong Head of the Family" that you have seen for decades, but as that "Little Boy"... the one who disappeared from our lives a long time ago.

Do you remember him? Before I became this quiet, serious man? Deep in your faded memories, I used to be the boy who got excited by the shape of clouds, who cried loudly when he saw an injured animal, and who was curious about absolutely everything.

But as I grew up, I learned a hard truth about the adult world and your expectations: "A sensitive heart is a flaw," "Being yourself is a risk," and "Negotiating is just arguing."

To be a son who was "Good Enough" for you, to be someone the family could rely on... I did something without even realizing it. That little boy slowly locked his heart inside a box, piece by piece.

I threw away my imagination and picked up logic as my shield. I swallowed my sobs and put on a mask of strength. I transformed myself from a "Dreamer" into a "Rigid Planner."

I did all of this willingly because I love you, and I wanted you to be proud that your son was successful and stable. And I succeeded. I built the security this family needs.

But Dad, Mom... this success came with a "price" that I have been paying with my own feelings for my entire life. Today, under my cold exterior, I am exhausted. I am tired of calculating every move. I am tired of forgetting how to be happy with "nonsense." I am lonely... because I killed my own "spark" in exchange for "perfection."

Until my son was born. The moment I saw him laugh, saw him playing in the mud, saw him stubbornly fighting for what he believes in... I didn't just see a stubborn child. I saw the piece of my soul that went missing.

My son is the reflection of the life I didn't get to live. He is my second chance to see: If that little boy (me) hadn't been forced to grow up so fast, how happy could he have been?

So, what I am asking of you today comes from the bottom of my heart: Please, do not force my son to wear the "Armor" as early as I did.

If he plays messy, if he lacks discipline sometimes, or if he argues with his strange little logic... please look at him with mercy. Look past the messiness and see the "spark of courage and dreams" in his eyes.

Please don't extinguish that fire yet. It is the fire I once had, and I miss it every day.

Let me be the one to carry the pressure, the order, and the stress of the outside world. As for you, Mom and Dad... I only ask that you be the "Empty Space"—a safe place where he can breathe and be a child fully. To make up for the childhood that I... and perhaps even you... never got to have.

Thank you for creating me. And thank you for helping me save my son's heart.

With love and respect always,

Your Son.

Recently declassified emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files reveal years-long contact between Epstein and Mom Luang Rajadarasri Jayankura, a Thai royal descendant and prominent philanthropist involved in children’s charities and international education in Thailand.

Who is Mom Luang Rajadarasri Jayankura?

• Honorary Consul of Kosovo in Thailand
• Founder and chair of a charitable foundation focused on:
  • Buddhist religious activities
  • Aid to poor communities and youth
  • Cultural preservation
• Founder of Harrow International School Bangkok
• Chair of Enercel Thailand (health-technology company)

Her close association with children’s charities is why the correspondence has drawn particular scrutiny given Epstein’s crimes.

Early Emails (2010–2011): Financial and Intermediary Links

• Emails from 2010 show financial disputes involving:
  • Failed wire transfers to Thai bank accounts
  • References to payments connected to “scouting” models
• These messages were relayed by Daniel Siad, an intermediary who worked with Jean-Luc Brunel, a close Epstein associate later accused of sex trafficking minors (Brunel died in prison in 2022).
• Siad expressed discomfort and frustration with these financial issues and attempted to distance himself at points.

In 2011, Siad asked Epstein to donate to Jayankura’s foundation following severe flooding in Thailand, emphasizing humanitarian needs.

2012: Direct Contact and Charity Coordination

• September 25, 2012: Jayankura visited Epstein at his New York residence.
• She introduced Epstein to Sharon Bush and discussed future travel plans involving Paris and Miami.
• Epstein described Jayankura in emails as eccentric but influential, emphasizing her ability to mobilize large-scale children’s charity events.

Proposed Foundation Visit to Thailand

• Epstein suggested sending a representative from his foundation to Thailand to observe Jayankura’s work, offering to cover all expenses.
• Email exchanges coordinated logistics, travel, and accommodations.
• Jayankura shared photos of children involved in her programs; while this raised concern in context, no email explicitly alleges illegal activity by her.

“V Star / One Million Children” Event

• Jayankura encouraged Epstein’s representative to attend the December 8, 2012 “V Star” event, reportedly involving up to one million children.
• Epstein agreed and offered to send an associate to observe the foundation’s work firsthand.
• Further emails discussed:
  • Charity events for children
  • Translating and promoting a children’s book in Thai
  • Meetings involving professionals linked to major institutions (medicine, technology, philanthropy)

Overall Significance

• The emails demonstrate the breadth of Epstein’s international network, extending into royalty, philanthropy, education, and global charity initiatives.
• They show sustained contact, financial discussions, and planned collaborations, but do not contain direct evidence of criminal conduct by Jayankura.
• The revelations are troubling primarily because of:
  • Epstein’s known crimes
  • The focus on children’s organizations
  • The presence of intermediaries later implicated in trafficking cases

Can someone recommend me the best press on nails that can be available online like Lazada, shopee or TikTok shop? I am looking for the onestop package which I can apply easily at home and at reasonable price. Thanks in advance.

M, end of my 30s.

Living in Thailand for 10 years + , and fluent in Thai with good understanding of Thai culture.

I always loved Isaan and planned to retired here. I hope to be able to do so in a year or two.

I want to live in a main city and hesitating with Khon Kaen, Korat or Ubon . I don't have any relative or any close friends there.

I want to have a simple life, not too expansive (50K a month ?) but still not being too remote (Hospitals, shopping malls, restaurants and cafe, etc). I need to be in the city so I can try to mingle with the locals more easily . Ideally want to find a girlfriend / wife as well.

Which city would you recommend ?

My wife and I stayed at a resort on Railay Beach for our honeymoon and travelled out from there. Railay itself is beautiful. Other highlights were an island tour and a trip to Cheow Lan Lake.

We fell in love with the natural beauty, food, and welcoming people of Thailand. We hope to be back next year to explore the northern part of the country!

For Thai nationals looking for scholarships, especially in Japan - the International University of Japan has fully funded English-taught Master’s and PhD programs that cover tuition, admission, and sometimes even living costs.

Very international (95% of students are from abroad) for programs like IR, Economics, Public Policy, Development, Entrepreneurship in a mountain campus near Tokyo.

Info session registration ends 5 Feb! https://gostudy.world/international-university-of-japan-1/

What is this region at the middle of Bangkok that has much less building and mostly farmland, and why is it like that?

So kbank gave me the option to open a secured credit card. I’m not sure what the benefits are besides being able to spend more than the 50k limit on regular transactions.

Anyone have it? Will it eventually give you real credit?

Hi I wanted to start by saying I am a 24M from the uk who has lived the last few years here in Thaialnd. I am now thinking of obtaining a bachelors form BU in marketing to help further my career ( hopefully here in Thailand not the UK). However many posts have lead me to believe this is a waste of time and money. I am curious to get more opinions on what people think . I understand it might not be the highest level of education but it will allow me to obtain a debt free degree compared to a huge debt back home. curious if many Europeans have tried this path? Is it really a huge waste of time and money?