Category: The Bangkok Post

Authorities are preparing for the repatriation a 24-year-old Thai chef who died after falling ill on a roadside in Cambodia, amid reports he had been denied medical treatment at a local hospital there.

The deceased was identified as Methacharn ‘Mean’ Yorsang, 24, a native of Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

According to the Thai Overseas Assistance Coordination Centre, Methacharn was found lying sick and helpless on a roadside in Cambodia with no money or identification documents. He was reportedly turned away by a Cambodian hospital near the border, denied meical treatment, shortly before he died.

About 8am on Wednesdsay, the Thai-Cambodian Border Coordination Centre confirmed it had arranged with Cambodian authorities to repatriate his remains through the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province.

His relatives were travelling to the border and would decide on funeral and legal arrangements after receiving the body on Wednesday afternoon.

A representative of the Thai Overseas Assistance Centre said that when the case was first reported on Tuesday, Methacharn had still been conscious and responsive and complained of severe abdominal and chest pain.

He had reportedly attempted to walk to the Poipet border checkpoint in hope of returning to Thailand but was denied entry. He later died after seeking treatment at a Cambodian hospital and being rejected.

Further investigation by local reporters revealed that Methacharn was the subject of an active arrest warrant issued by Phaya Thai police in 2025 on charges of fraud and violating the Computer Crime Act.

Twenty victims, assisted by activist lawyer Ronnarong Kaewpetch, chairman of the Foundation for Justice in Society, have filed a lawsuit against a self-proclaimed “Naga medium” accused of swindling over 20 million baht.

Mr Ronnarong led the group to the Central Investigation Bureau on Tuesday to lodge complaints against a woman known online as the “Divine Consort of Indra”, “Phet Phatthara Naga”, or “Ajarn Min”.

The alleged victims say they were duped into purchasing talismans and participating in rituals that were claimed to improve fortune and prosperity but later proved ineffective. Some reportedly paid in instalments despite being in debt.

The lawyer said the acts may constitute public fraud and could violate the Computer Crime Act and the Consumer Protection Act. Evidence submitted included bank transfer slips, chat records, promotional clips, and advertising materials.

Investigators were urged to trace financial transactions across 18 related bank accounts, suspected of laundering large sums, said Mr Ronnarong.

One victim, a 46-year-old dentist identified only as “Khun Tee”, said she was persuaded by “Ajarn Min”, who claimed to channel a divine Naga spirit.

Min allegedly charged tens of thousands of baht for amulets she claimed to be “personally chosen by celestial beings”.

However, the items were later found to be cheaply made and resold at exorbitant prices. After the allegations surfaced, Min reportedly blocked communication and refused refunds, she said.

Another victim said she was deceived via a Buddhist teaching page and discovered that donation funds were misused and that celebrity photos were exploited without consent to promote credibility.

The death toll from floods in Thailand has risen to 22, authorities said on Tuesday, as they rushed to deliver relief to an estimated 370,000 people affected by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.

More than 369,000 people in 19 provinces, excluding Bangkok, were affected, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported, with Uttaradit and Ayutthaya among the worst-hit areas.

Authorities said emergency teams were distributing food and supplies and closely monitoring water levels as the monsoon season brings widespread rainfall.

Of the 19 provinces, six were in the North, namely Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan.

In the Central Plains, eight provinces saw flooding: Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom.

Four northeastern provinces – Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yasothon – also experienced flooding.

The only eastern province affected was Chachoengsao.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Tuesday that the city would not face severe flooding like in 2011, because of the current water flow of the Chao Phraya River.

Up to three more storm systems were expected to hit the region before the end of 2025.

When the opening scene of Tempest hits, viewers are immediately drawn into a world of political deceit, shadowy operatives and fragile trust — the kind of high-stakes storytelling that South Korean dramas have become renowned for.

But Tempest, premiering exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, raises the bar even higher. Helmed by Queen Of Tears (2024) director Kim Hee-won and Little Women (2022) screenwriter Jung Seok-kyung, the nine-episode series pairs two of South Korea’s biggest stars — Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won — in a story that fuses global espionage with an aching undercurrent of romance.

The result is a show that’s as emotionally charged as it is politically explosive.

When a presidential candidate becomes the target of an assassination attempt, former diplomat Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun) finds herself caught in the eye of an international storm. As she unravels a conspiracy that spans rogue nations and intelligence agencies, her only protection comes from Paik San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mysterious mercenary with a shadowy past. But trust, in this world of lies and shifting alliances, may be the most dangerous gamble of all.

To understand how a story this intricate and emotionally layered came together, one must look at Disney’s growing investment in Korean storytelling. “Tempest is our tentpole original of the year,” said Carol Choi, executive vice-president of Original Content Strategy at The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

“It represents our creative ambition to produce a high-quality collection of premium, talent-driven originals from APAC for global audiences and solidify Disney+ Hotstar as the home to new worlds of entertainment for fans to discover and celebrate.”

That ambition is visible in every detail of Tempest. With its cinematic scope, globe-spanning espionage plot and richly textured performances, the series brings the polish of an international spy thriller to the deeply emotional terrain that South Korean dramas excel in. But at its heart lies a story about human connection — about what it means to trust, to sacrifice and to love in a world built on secrets.

Jun Ji-hyun’s casting as Seo Mun-ju is a coup for Disney+. Known for portraying strong, complex women, the actress brings gravitas and vulnerability to her role as a diplomat forced to question the very ideals she once defended.

Opposite her, Gang Dong-won’s portrayal of Paik San-ho adds magnetic ambiguity — a man who protects but also conceals, a mercenary whose motives blur the line between duty and affection. Their chemistry is electric, threading emotional depth through the series’ high-octane action.

“Tempest is centred on a gripping narrative as a high-stakes, cross-genre spy romance that masterfully blends action, political intrigue and romantic drama,” Choi explained. “Like our most successful global hits, it achieves rich cultural specificity while exploring universal tensions between power and ambition, truth and trust.”

It’s that balance — the Korean sensibility rooted in global relevance — that continues to propel the country’s content to the forefront of the international streaming scene. Disney’s role in this ecosystem has been steadily expanding, building a portfolio that includes Moving (2023), A Shop For Killers (2024) and this year’s Nine Puzzles, all of which topped charts across Asia-Pacific.

For Choi, Tempest is not just another addition, but a statement of intent.

“Korea plays a critical role in Disney’s streaming strategy as a key content development hub and a source for great stories that resonate with international audiences,” she said. “We know Tempest will continue this momentum and captivate audiences worldwide.”

Indeed, Tempest seems to embody that which makes Korean storytelling globally magnetic — its ability to weave deeply emotional character arcs into genre frameworks that feel both intimate and grand. From the sterile corridors of government power to the quiet, tender moments shared between two people who might be enemies or lovers, the show captures the full spectrum of human contradictions.

“The stories and projects we are seeing from Korea are world-class,” said Choi. “They have rich specificity in the storyline but are woven with universal values that speak to global audiences.

“Directors Kim Hee-won and Heo Myeong-haeng, and writer Jung Seok-kyung possess a keen sense of the cultural zeitgeist and craft characters and storylines that move the hearts and minds of audiences.”

That craftsmanship is unmistakable in Tempest. Kim Hee-won, whose previous work Queen Of Tears became a cultural phenomenon, brings her signature blend of emotional realism and visual sophistication.

Jung Seok-kyung, who co-wrote Little Women, once again crafts a narrative driven by moral ambiguity and female agency. Together, they create a series that feels both meticulously grounded and operatically intense — a hallmark of Korea’s best modern television.

Disney’s involvement, Choi emphasises, goes beyond simply acquiring titles. It’s about fostering collaboration and creative growth.

“We believe in the long-term potential of Korea’s storytelling and have been an integral part of the local creative community for the past three decades,” she said.

“Beyond our content investments, we have adopted a long-term collaborative approach with our creators. We connect APAC creators with top Hollywood filmmakers and executives and are always looking at ways to bridge and inspire creators from around the world.”

That cross-cultural dialogue is visible in Tempest’s casting as well. Alongside Korean leads, the series features Korean-American actor John Cho, whose inclusion further amplifies the show’s international appeal. Cho’s presence reflects Disney’s commitment to telling stories that transcend borders, bringing together diverse perspectives within a cohesive, emotionally resonant narrative.

When it comes to greenlighting such projects, Choi insists that storytelling remains at the core.

“Ultimately, a key consideration is how compelling and unique the story is, as well as the calibre of the creative team,” she pointed out. “Our role is to support the creators’ artistic vision and create an environment for them to do their best work.”

That trust in creators seems to mirror the central theme of Tempest itself — trust between allies, between lovers, and between storyteller and audience. As the Korean entertainment industry continues to mature, Choi acknowledges that competition is fierce, but the appetite for innovation remains strong.

“The creative industry in Korea has evolved and matured with changes in the supply and demand of local content,” she explained. “There is a large volume of Korean content available, which means international success is never an easy path — but we are committed to uncovering the most unique and compelling stories that will resonate with audiences in Korea and beyond.”

For Disney+, Tempest represents more than just another global release. It’s a benchmark — a testament to how the company envisions the future of storytelling in Asia-Pacific.

“APAC is at the forefront of new, innovative trends that are inspiring global storytellers,” the Disney executive vice president concluded. “It’s exciting to see how audiences are embracing complex, serialised storytelling with intricate plots and emotionally rich characters. Tempest embodies all of that.”

Former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn on Tuesday petitioned the House committee on national strategy and reforms to investigate national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch for alleged misconduct and abuse of power.

The petition, accepted by committee chairman Rangsiman Rome, claimed that Pol Gen Kittharath acted unlawfully and in bad faith when he ordered a disciplinary probe in April this year to look into a Chulalongkorn University law exam scandal.

Pol Gen Surachate said that the investigation falsely named him as a suspect in a criminal case despite the police chief being fully aware that he was never charged in connection with the alleged theft of exam papers.

Even though this was later corrected, the damage was done to his reputation and he had already filed a defamation lawsuit with the Criminal Court, he said.

He claimed that the probe against him was an attempt to block his possible return to the police force. He added that he has now filed two criminal defamation lawsuits against Pol Gen Kittharath and plans to take the case to the corruption and misconduct court.

The controversy dates back to March this year, when cyber police arrested figures connected to the Betflik online gambling network, ultimately uncovering communications among officers about removing exam papers from Chulalongkorn’s evening law programme.

Kanittha Lertbanjerdwong, also known as Dr Nid, was identified as a key intermediary who claimed to be Pol Gen Surachate’s personal secretary.

According to the investigation team, evidence indicated she delivered stolen exam papers to Pol Gen Surachate’s legal team for completion before returning them to examination authorities.

Ms Kanittha was arrested in April while Pol Gen Surachate maintained he was never involved in any way.

Mr Rangsiman said the panel will examine the complaint and review all evidence to ensure transparency and fairness, adding that Pol Gen Kittharath might be summonsed to answer questions.

Port forward Teerasak Poeiphimai says he is ready to help the War Elephants in their upcoming home-and-away AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Taiwan.

Thailand’s men’s national football team held their first training session in Bangkok on Monday evening, kicking off preparations for their Group D qualifying games Thursday and on Oct 14.

Thursday’s clash will take place at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium at 7.30pm. The return fixture will be played at Taipei Municipal Stadium, and will start at 5.30pm (Thai time).

Teerasak said he is in a confident frame of mind following his recent performance for Port.

“Scoring in my recent club game has boosted my confidence. I just hope our fans will come and support the team,” said the striker.

“Being the lone striker brings some pressure, but I’ll do my best to help the team win and earn three points from each match.

“It’s a big advantage to be playing the first game at home. If we can score some goals on Thursday, it will ease the pressure before the away game in Taipei next week.”

Meanwhile, winger Anan Yod­- sangwal of Lamphun Warriors, who has replaced injured Buriram United forward Supachai Chaided in the national squad, said he is pleased to be recalled and will try to perform at his best.

He added that he feels less pressure than during his first national call-up, and that his recent league goals and assists have made him mentally stronger.

Anan described Taiwan as a quality side with strong support and said the Thai team will study their opponents and adapt accordingly.

Both matches will be broadcast live on Thai Rath TV (Channel 32), BG Sports Channel on YouTube, and True Visions NOW.

There was a time when travellers chased only sunsets and souvenirs. Today, travel behaviour is evolving, with pop culture emerging as a powerful force behind tourism trends.

According to the digital travel platform Agoda, live music events and festivals are contributing to a rise in both international and domestic travel interest in Thailand.

Major international events are proving to be strong travel motivators and the upcoming Blackpink concerts, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from Oct 24-26, have already sparked an increase in global travel interest.

Accommodation searches for Bangkok from international travellers for one day before the Blackpink concerts were 18% higher than searches for rooms two weeks prior to the event. Countries showing the highest rise in interest include Vietnam (266%), Malaysia (107%) and Taiwan (19%).

The heightened demand may be partly attributed to Blackpink not performing in Malaysia or Vietnam during their 2025 tour, as well as the group’s strong and dedicated fanbase in Taiwan, making Thailand a key destination for regional fans eager to attend.

This cross-border enthusiasm underscores the global reach of Blackpink’s fandom and highlights the rising influence of major international events as travel drivers. Within Thailand, demand is equally strong. The concert led to a 130% increase in domestic searches for accommodation in Bangkok on Agoda, fuelled in part by the popularity of Thai-born member Lisa, whose international fanbase continues to energise local interest in global entertainment.

And the show doesn’t stop there. Rolling Loud Thailand, the hip-hop festival set to return to Legend Siam in Pattaya from Nov 14-16, is also proving to be a strong travel magnet. The event is globally recognised as one of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop culture.

Despite uncertainty surrounding this year’s headliner announcements, Agoda data shows that accommodation searches for stays around the event dates have increased by 36% from domestic and international travellers alike, with the most interest coming from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

Thailand’s local festival scene also continues to attract global travellers. Wonderfruit Festival, scheduled to take place in Pattaya from Dec 11-15, has seen a 10% increase in international searches for accommodation in Pattaya and the Chon Buri area, led by interest from South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore.

Wonderfruit is a multi-sensory experience that blends art, nature, wellness and sustainability in a vibrant open-air setting. Held in the fields of Pattaya, the event features everything from sunrise soundscapes and farm-to-table dining to architectural pavilions and cultural workshops.

“As Thailand continues to host world-class events and festivals, event tourism is proving to be a dynamic force in strengthening the country’s position as a global travel destination,” said Akaporn Rodkong, Agoda’s country director for Thailand.

“Agoda remains committed to supporting travellers in discovering these experiences while making travel more accessible and affordable.”

Football Association of Thailand president Nualphan Lamsam, known as Madam Pang, has been appointed chair of the International Federation of Football Associations (Fifa) Development Committee, the first woman to hold the position.

The announcement was made by Fifa on Oct 7, the Football Association of Thailand said in a post on its FA Thailand Facebook page on Wednesday.

Ms Nualphan confirmed her appointment via her Facebook account on Wednesday. Her term runs from 2025 to 2029.

The Development Committee is one of Fifa’s key standing committees, reporting directly to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and the Fifa Council. The committee plays a pivotal role in overseeing the global development initiatives of the organisation across all 211 member associations.

The committee is tasked with formulating and proposing strategic development plans, conducting regular reviews of these strategies and analysing the support provided to member associations, confederations, and regional bodies worldwide.

In another notable appointment, Lertsak Pattanachaikul, executive committee member of the Football Association of Thailand, was made a membr of Fifa’s Member Associations Committee.

Chartthaipattana Party (CTP) director Nikorn Chamnong yesterday suggested an extraordinary parliamentary session be held in mid-November to accelerate the deliberation of charter amendment bills to guarantee that a charter rewrite referendum can take place alongside the next general election.

Mr Nikorn, a former secretary to the House committee on the referendum bill, said the three charter amendments are set for the first reading on Oct 14-15, but time constraints could make it impossible to hold a charter referendum along with the general election as planned by the government.

If parliament passes the charter amendment bills in its first reading on Oct 15, a House committee would likely spend until Dec 12 reviewing the bills, with the second reading possible on Dec 17. A 15-day gap is required before the third reading, likely placing final approval toward the end of December.

The election of MPs law requires that a general election be held within 45 to 60 days after a House dissolution. If the House is dissolved on Jan 31 next year, the snap poll would fall around March 29.

Under the existing referendum law, a referendum must be announced at least 90 days before it is held, making it impossible to hold a charter referendum and a general election on the same day.

Although the amended version reduces that window to 60 days and allows concurrent voting, the bill has yet to come into force.

Mr Nikorn suggested that an extraordinary parliamentary session be held in mid-November to accelerate the second reading, while the third could take place once the next session begins. This would allow sufficient time for a referendum to coincide with the general election in March 2026, he said.

He also warned that the charter amendment bill proposed by the People’s Party (PP) could face legal obstacles as it calls for a 100-member constitution drafting assembly (CDA) elected directly by the public.

According to Mr Nikorn, the direct election of charter drafters is deemed to contradict the Constitutional Court’s latest ruling that charter drafters cannot be directly elected.

Asked whether the timeline might require delaying the planned House dissolution, Mr Nikorn said if those factors are not addressed, the House dissolution timeline may be affected.

Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul has welcomed several prominent politicians from Nakhon Ratchasima’s influential “Baan Yai” (Big House) political clan, as well as some former Pheu Thai Party MPs, who have officially joined the BJT ahead of the next general election.

Those switching sides included Kosol Patama, incumbent Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima; Phongsakorn Annopphon, former Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen; Thawirat Rattanaset, former Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima; and Tattirat Rattanaset, son of veteran politician Wirat Rattanaset. The group submitted their membership applications to join the BJT in preparation for the upcoming polls.

Mr Anutin said the move underscored that the government was on track to dissolve the House within four months, reaffirming that all political parties must now prepare for elections expected early next year.

“We’re all one family,” he said. “I’ve known Mr Phongsakorn for over 30 years — we once belonged to the same party, and I’ve always respected him as an elder brother. Mr Thawirat and Mr Tattirat are like my own nephews. We’ve known each other for a long time.”

When asked if the new recruits signalled an effort to strengthen the BJT’s presence in Nakhon Ratchasima, Mr Anutin said the party aimed to combine a new generation of leaders with seasoned politicians who understand local needs.

“Our party’s strength lies in its accessibility,” he said. “We listen to MPs and deliver what people need. That’s how we earn and keep the public’s trust.”

On whether more MPs from other parties would join, Mr Anutin said the BJT remained open to anyone committed to serving the nation.

“We don’t discriminate or set restrictions,” he said. “Anyone dedicated to public service, free from personal gain or ethical problems, is welcome.”

Asked if the BJT aimed to emerge from the next poll as the biggest political party, Mr Anutin said the focus was on connecting policies with the people through local candidates.

“Many MPs have told me in parliament they like our policies and want to join next time. If someone has the trust of the people and integrity, we’ll gladly welcome them,” he said.

Mr Anutin added that the current wave of political movement was a healthy sign of competition.

“Pheu Thai has just launched its team of MPs — that’s good. Other parties like the People’s Party, Kla-Tham, and the Democrats are also regrouping. This benefits democracy. Every party must keep improving its policies and strategies for the people’s benefit,” he said.

Mr Kosol told reporters he was unsure whether more Pheu Thai MPs would follow suit, but said that former Pheu Thai MP Noppadon Patama, his relative, had also been invited but had not made a decision yet due to family commitments. He said he decided to join the BJT because of the mutual respect and open working style within the party.

“I feel comfortable here. Mr Anutin showed me respect and invited me to work together in the future,” Mr Kosol said, adding that while he remains a sitting Pheu Thai MP for now, he was expressing his intention to contest the next election under BJT’s banner.