Category: The Bangkok Post

Tech giant Google has joined forces with the FBI to dismantle a Chinese cybercrime syndicate known as “Outsider Enterprise” after the group allegedly used Google’s own Gemini artificial intelligence to create fraudulent websites and swindle users out of millions of dollars.

According to a report by The New York Times, Google has filed a lawsuit against the gang, accusing them of replicating official Google and YouTube interfaces to deceive unsuspecting users.

The scam revolved around a software package dubbed “phishing-for-dummies” developed by the syndicate. By leveraging the capabilities of Gemini AI, the fraudsters generated nearly 9,000 lookalike websites targeting Google platforms and various government agencies, with Google revealing it has uncovered over 1 million URLs linked to the group.

The cyber campaign also targeted Android users through a massive SMS phishing blitz. Over the past two weeks, approximately 2.5 million text messages containing links to these malicious sites were blasted to mobile devices, triggering a massive wave of spam reports from consumers.

The sheer scale of the operation forced major US telecommunications carriers including AT and T, T-Mobile and Verizon to coordinate with Google and request assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to take down the syndicate’s network infrastructure.

The case is being closely watched as one of the most significant cyber threats involving generative AI, raising concerns over how advanced AI tools can be exploited to accelerate phishing and online fraud on a massive scale.

The House committee on police affairs plans to summon People’s Party (PP) list MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu to explain allegations linking him to 28 million baht in transactions connected to an illegal forex trading network under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

Watcharapong Kuwijitsuwan, chair of the House committee on police affairs and Bhumjaithai Party MP, said on Saturday the panel would invite Mr Pawoot to provide clarification before the committee.

The move follows a DSI announcement on Friday that investigators had uncovered financial transactions worth 28 million baht linked to brokers involved in unauthorised foreign exchange trading. The agency is preparing to issue a summons to Mr Pawoot as part of its investigation.

Mr Watcharapong said the committee would determine next week when Mr Pawoot should appear and whether the DSI and other state agencies should also be invited to provide information.

The case has quickly become a political flashpoint, with the opposition PP accusing the DSI of unfairly targeting one of its MPs.

Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut questioned why Mr Pawoot was named during the DSI’s briefing despite not being among those formally charged or summoned at the time.

He said it was unusual that suspects had not been identified while a person who had not yet been called in for questioning was singled out.

Mr Natthaphong also raised concerns over the timing of the announcement, noting it came as parliamentary committees were scrutinising the TH-AI Passport project, a matter in which Mr Pawoot has played an active role.

He suggested the disclosure could be viewed as an attempt to undermine Mr Pawoot’s credibility and distract attention from the committee investigation.

He said the DSI briefing contained little new information and said Mr Pawoot had already explained that the transactions were related to legitimate gold trading activities and his payment gateway business.

The PP is consulting its legal team on possible action if it finds evidence that state officials acted improperly.

Mr Natthaphong also called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission to examine issues raised about the TH-AI Passport project.

Despite the allegations, Mr Natthaphong said Mr Pawoot was prepared to cooperate fully with investigators and would not seek to rely on parliamentary immunity.

The Heart Foundation of Thailand organised an amateur jump-rope competition in Bangkok on Saturday to promote heart health.

The event was held at Prachaniwet Sports Centre in Chatuchak district. The foundation invited young people aged 6 to 18 years, and adults, to take part in the competition to promote strong hearts and prevent heart disease.

Pol Maj Gen Dr Kasem Ratanasumawong, deputy director of Police General Hospital and director of the Heart Foundation of Thailand, said the competition was aimed at encouraging young people to make good use of their leisure time, to protect their hearts.

He said jump rope was well developed with a range of different techniques and rules, allowing both amateurs and professionals to participate in local and international events.

The Heart Foundation of Thailand was seriously promoting jump rope as a general, healthful activity because it had low cost, required minimal equipment, effectively strengthened blood circulation and respiration and reduced the risk of heart disease, Pol Maj Gen Dr Kasem said.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat has moved a step closer to becoming Thailand’s ninth World Heritage Site after Unesco’s advisory body recommended its inscription.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said the nomination will be considered at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, from July 19-29, with deliberations on the site scheduled for July 24-26.

The advisory body recognises the temple’s outstanding value as a site reflecting more than 1,500 years of religious and cultural traditions and its role as a major centre for the spread of religious influence, art and culture across maritime Southeast Asia, he said.

The nomination follows more than a decade of work by government agencies, local authorities and conservation experts. If approved, the temple will become Thailand’s ninth World Heritage Site, its sixth cultural listing and the first cultural World Heritage Site in southern Thailand.

Fine Arts Department director-general Phnombootra Chandrajoti said preparations are under way to ensure long-term protection of the site.

Authorities may impose stricter controls on new construction, improve land-use management, regulate vendors and prepare for increased numbers of domestic and foreign visitors.

Documents submitted to Unesco say Wat Phra Mahathat became the principal temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat, capital of the Tambralinga state, between the early 13th and mid-14th centuries.

Its main structure, the bell-shaped stupa, was built in the early 13th century and is believed to house the Buddha’s relics. This has made the temple one of the most important centres of Theravada Buddhism.

The temple remained a major religious centre after the area came under Ayutthaya rule and continues to be a sacred site for millions of Buddhists. Phra Borommathat Chedi is regarded as the oldest bell-shaped stupa in Thailand to enshrine the Buddha’s relics.

Australian biosecurity officers have warned travellers to declare all plant-based products after a popular Thai-brand herbal inhaler carried by a passenger arriving at Cairns Airport was found to contain six plant species of biosecurity concern.

In a Facebook post, Australian Biosecurity shared a photograph of a Hong Thai inhaler and highlighted the case as a reminder that even traditional remedies can pose risks to the country’s strict biosecurity system.

The agency said the traveller avoided a substantial penalty by complying with declaration requirements. The agency did not disclose the identities of the six plant species. Under Australian law, travellers must declare certain food, plant material and animal products upon arrival.

Declared goods are assessed by biosecurity officers and may be inspected before entry is permitted.

Travellers may also voluntarily dispose of prohibited items in designated airport bins.

More than 300 cryptocurrency mining machines were seized during raids on illegal Bitcoin mining operations across five northeastern provinces, with total losses estimated at over 40 million baht.

The Ministry of Interior, the Provincial Electricity Authority, police and provincial administration officers inspected 14 locations in Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et and Maha Sarakham on Saturday.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 315 digital currency mining machines after investigators uncovered electricity metre tampering and illegal power connections used to run the equipment. Damage was estimated at 40.38 million baht, including 5.38 million baht in penalties for electricity violations and about 35 million baht in unpaid electricity charges.

Officials have collected evidence and filed complaints against those involved.

Phangnga is transforming itself from a seasonal beach destination into a fast-growing premium tourism market, supported by strong visitor spending, niche attractions and growing investor confidence.

“The structure of the Green Season market has shifted, with Thai travellers helping fill rooms alongside arrivals from Australia, Europe, Britain and Italy,” said Uthit Limsakul, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phangnga Office.

The changing visitor profile is helping fuel growth across the province, which was recently named the world’s most welcoming destination in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2026.

The award reflects not only service standards but also the reputation for hospitality that has become one of Phangnga’s strongest tourism assets, he said.

Tourism revenue reached 20.3 billion baht between January and April this year, doubling from the same period last year, while visitor numbers topped 1.5 million, including 927,091 foreign arrivals and 582,898 domestic travellers, according to the provincial Tourism and Sports Office. The figures build on momentum from 2025, when tourism generated more than 50 billion baht for the local economy.

Green Season growth

June to September has traditionally been the quietest period of the year for tourism in Phangnga.

Yet many businesses now see the Green Season as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Occupancy rates currently stand at around 40-50% across the province’s estimated 15,000 hotel rooms, concentrated largely in Khao Lak, Na Tai and Koh Yao.

While the Fifa World Cup has affected some overseas travel demand, domestic travellers are stepping in to help fill rooms.

Mr Uthit said Australia remains the leading overseas market during the rainy season, followed by visitors from Europe, particularly the UK and Italy.

Many are long-stay travellers who remain in the province for 10 nights to two weeks and spend an average of around 13,000 baht per trip.

To attract visitors during the quieter months, many hotels have reduced room rates by more than 10%, creating a more affordable alternative to peak-season prices while preserving the area’s premium appeal.

Mr Uthit said the changing visitor mix had helped reduce the impact of seasonality and broaden the province’s tourism base.

Premium markets

Tourism operators are now looking beyond traditional leisure travel and targeting high-value visitor segments.

Mr Uthit said Khao Lak continues to enjoy a strong reputation among affluent Indian travellers after being named Best Wedding Destination, International Category by Travel + Leisure India, an award voted on by the magazine’s readership.

Tourism businesses and the Phangnga Hotel Association will hold roadshows in Mumbai and New Delhi from June 23 to 25.

The events are designed to secure bookings ahead of the high season, running from November to February, when occupancy rates are expected to climb to around 90% if international travel conditions remain favourable.

He said tourism agencies are also preparing a campaign targeting expatriates living in Phuket, a nearby market viewed as having strong purchasing power and potential for weekend travel.

If the Green Season has become an opportunity for Phangnga, nowhere is that transformation more visible than in Khao Lak’s growing surfing scene.

At Memories Beach in Takua Pa district, rough monsoon seas that once deterred tourists are now attracting surfers from across Thailand and overseas.

The beach has become the centrepiece of efforts to establish Khao Lak as the country’s leading surf town.

“Khao Lak has developed into a genuine surf village, with restaurants, bars, surf schools and facilities for visitors throughout the season,” said Chatchai Somporn, president of the Phangnga Surfing Club.

Surfboard rentals start at 200 baht for a 90-minute session, with additional hours costing 100 baht.

Beginner lessons for visitors are available from 1,800 baht, reduced from the standard 2,200 baht rate, while family packages are also offered.

The destination attracts surfers from Scandinavia, Russia and the Philippines.

Mr Chatchai said many are first-time students, among them an 80-year-old man, reflecting the sport’s growing appeal across age groups.

Supporting the sector is The Board Factory, a Khao Lak-based manufacturer producing handcrafted Sunova surfboards for international markets.

“Opening the factory to visitors allows tourists to connect directly with the surf culture and manufacturing heritage of Khao Lak,” said Eknarin Yotiphai, manager of the company.

Away from the beaches, tourism growth is increasingly reaching farming communities.

Alongside bamboo rafting, white-water rafting at Song Phraek and boat tours through the mangrove forests of Khlong Sangne, fruit orchards are another popular attraction.

At the centre of the trend is Salika durian, a geographical indication (GI) fruit unique to Kapong district.

The variety is renowned for its creamy texture, rich flavour and distinctive characteristics.

Phangnga expects to produce about 4,285 tonnes of durian this year from 8,919 rai of productive orchards.

Salika durian accounts for around 400 tonnes and generates more than 100 million baht for the provincial economy each season.

“Although farm-gate prices have softened slightly from last year, demand for Salika durian remains strong because of its distinctive creamy texture and flavour,” said Ronnapol Khwanseng, owner of Suan Keng orchard.

Tourism authorities have organised fruit tourism festivals for three consecutive years, with 34 orchards participating this year.

One recent promotion saw Ford Phuket organise a caravan of 65 vehicles carrying more than 200 visitors to Kapong district orchards, allowing tourists to purchase fruit directly from growers.

Following the Salika harvest, mangosteen, rambutan and jackfruit will draw visitors until August, extending the tourism season deeper into rural areas.

Future confidence

Despite concerns over weaker global consumer spending and uncertainty stemming from conflicts in the Middle East, business leaders remain optimistic about Phangnga’s future.

A major source of confidence is the proposed Phangnga airport.

“The airport plan has created enormous positive sentiment among investors, leading to investment in accommodation, hotels and tourism-related businesses,” Mr Uthit said.

For many tourism operators, the province’s success no longer rests solely on its beaches or marine attractions.

Instead, it increasingly depends on the ability to combine world-class hospitality with distinctive local experiences, whether through surf culture in Khao Lak, destination weddings, fruit tourism or community-based travel.

That diversification is helping Phangnga turn the traditional low season into a period of opportunity.

Police arrested a Frenchman aged 38 in Phetchaburi province on Saturday for alleged involvement in a Ponzi investment scheme and defrauding his European victims of about 7.5 billion baht.

Pol Maj Gen Songprote Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3, said on Sunday that a “Mr Dogan” was apprehended at a pool villa in Cha-am district on Saturday. He was named in an Interpol red notice with arrest warrants issued by France and Turkey.

The Frenchman was also suspected of being a key member of a Ponzi scheme run by a gang based in the United Arab Emirates.

The gang of five set up a ‘digital finance firm’ in 2022 and claimed to have close connections with large-scale finance companies in Dubai. They lured victims, especially Turks who resided in France, Belgium, Switzerland and New Zealand into investing 20,000-300,000 euros each. The gang promised high returns of 15% a month, five-fold annual profit and a 10% bonus for recruiting new investors.

There were about 900 victims whose losses were estimated at 200 million euros (about 7.5 billion baht) in total.

The suspect faces extradition proceedings.

Bangkok governor candidate Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk pledged to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle traffic congestion and flooding, while rival Anucha Burapachaisri of the Democrat Party vowed to overhaul Bangkok’s waste-collection system as campaigning intensified in the final week before the June 28 election.

In Lak Si district on Saturday, Ms Mallika, candidate number 14, visited Rim Bueng market, a busy commercial area. She was welcomed by supporters who raised problems they want the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address.

Ms Mallika said the visit was part of her final campaign push, with only seven days remaining before the election, to seek support and promote her 14 strategies for Bangkok, which she said could be implemented immediately.

“At present, the poll puts me in second place but not by as much as academic polls suggest. Right now, I have a very high chance of winning — the gap is so close I’m breathing down the leader’s neck,” she said, in reference to former governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who is running for a second term.

She said residents in Lak Si were mainly concerned about household finances, trade and the rising cost of living. She pledged measures to stimulate the grassroots economy and support small traders, community markets and small businesses.

She also highlighted chronic problems including congestion on Chaeng Watthana Road, recurring flooding, inadequate lighting, public safety concerns and poor use of public spaces.

Her proposed solutions include an AI Traffic Real-Time system, an AI Flood Radar system, expanded smart lighting and CCTV coverage, and upgraded public services.

Meanwhile, Mr Anucha, candidate number 5, campaigned with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and senior party executives in Sathon, Yan Nawa and Bang Khae districts, visiting several communities and markets.

Mr Anucha said residents had responded well to the Democrat Party’s five policy areas and identified waste management and flooding as urgent concerns in Sathon. He pledged to revamp waste collection after residents complained that separated rubbish is often mixed during collection.

He urged Bangkok residents to exercise their voting rights on June 28, saying Democrat candidates in all 50 districts would work alongside a governor backed by a strong party team.

Italy has offered to employ 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year to remedy labour shortages in three sectors, deputy government spokeswoman Patdarat Thongsaluaykorn said on Sunday.

She said Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat was advised of the offer by the Italian ambassador.

Italy was interested in employing 20,000-30,000 Thai workers a year in the farming, health and service sectors.

According to Ms Patdarat, Italy was looking to import about 500,000 workers from countries outside the European Union.

The labour minister proposed Thailand and Italy sign a memorandum of understanding to confirm the demand for labour, she said.