RAYONG — 21 May 2026, Immigration authorities have raided a Chinese-operated health spa in Rayong province after undercover officers exposed an illicit prostitution services targeting foreign nationals behind the facade of a traditional massage business.

On Thursday, Pol. Col. Parinya Klinkesorn, Spokesperson of Immigration Division 3, revealed that following directives from national police chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet to prevent and suppress transnational crime, illegal immigration, and the use of Thailand as a hub or transit point for illicit activities. The operation also targeted unauthorized foreign workers and nominee businesses operating unlawfully across the country.

Under the coordination of Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, and his deputy Pol. Col. Chinawut Tangwonglert, a specialized task force led by Pol. Col. Suriya Phuangsombat raided the health spa in Moo 4, Mab Yang Phon Sub-district, Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province.

Following confidential informant tips that the establishment was offering illicit prostitution services exclusively to Chinese clients, undercover officers coordinated by Pol. Lt. Col. Pitipat Srithana-aphinan and Pol. Lt. Col. Jaturachok Phetkong conducted a sting operation. Upon entry, spa staff offered a body-to-body massage package including sexual services priced at 4,500 Baht for 50 minutes.

After an undercover officer was escorted to an upper service room where two Vietnamese women were preparing to provide the service, backup teams stormed the premises. The two-booth commercial building contained more than 10 individual service rooms on the second and third floors equipped with beds and service equipment. Officers seized condoms and lubricants as evidence.

Authorities arrested eight foreign suspects: two Chinese, four Myanmar, and two Vietnamese, facing charges under the Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act and the Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens. All female staff members were processed through the National Referral Mechanism to assess potential trafficking victims, though final assessments confirmed none met the criteria for human trafficking classification.

3 Thai men arrested in Ecuador with 12 rare Galápagos iguanasLegacyThree Thai nationals were arrested at an airport in Ecuador for wildlife smuggling after 12 rare marine iguanas were discovered hidden in their luggage. Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy said the animals were found during baggage inspections at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil on Tuesday, May 19. Officials said specially trained K9 dogs used for wildlife smuggling detection alerted officers to the bags. The luggage belonged to three Thai nationals who were preparing to board a flight to another country in Asia. Authorities did not disclose the intended destination. Police reported that 12 marine iguanas were found concealed inside the bags. One of the reptiles had already died, while the remaining 11 were exhausted and injured after their legs were tightly bound during the transport. Photo via Facebook/ Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Ecuador The animals were identified as Galápagos marine iguanas, a protected species native only to the Galápagos Islands. The reptiles are the only iguana species in the world capable of diving underwater to search for food. They can remain underwater for up to an hour. Authorities did not release the identities of the Thai suspects. Ecuadorian officials confirmed the three remain in custody pending court proceedings. The suspects were charged with offences related to trafficking protected and endangered wildlife, which carry penalties of up to three years in prison under Ecuadorian law. Photo via Facebook/ Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Ecuador Officials are continuing investigations into the smuggling network, including how the reptiles were transported from the Galápagos Islands and how the suspects allegedly bypassed security measures before reaching the airport. In a similar case reported in February, a Thai national was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after smuggling a live Bengal monitor lizard and an opossum into Thailand from Manila in the Philippines. The animals were later transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Office for care. Authorities did not disclose whether the animals had been injured. In the same month, an Indian national was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after he attempted to smuggle 15 living animals out of the country, including a langur, a gibbon, and 13 turtles. Photo via Facebook/ Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Ecuador The story 3 Thai men arrested in Ecuador with 12 rare Galápagos iguanas as seen on Thaiger News.

A six-wheel truck lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles at a highway police checkpoint, destroying four cars in succession and resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The incident is suspected to have been caused by a burst tire and brake failure.

At 1:30 p.m. on May 21, 2025, Deputy Sergeant Major Kriangchai Chumkaew, deputy investigator of Sui Police Station, along with Chumphon Highway Police officers, rescue personnel from the Chumphon Charitable Foundation, and provincial disaster prevention officials, investigated the multi-vehicle collision on Highway 41 southbound before the turn-around point near the scout camp school in Village 8, Wisai Tai Subdistrict, Sui District, Chumphon Province.

At the scene, multiple severely damaged vehicles were scattered across the road, including a gray Ford pickup belonging to the Wisai Tai Subdistrict Administrative Office, a Toyota pickup, a black Mercedes sedan, and a Honda Wave motorcycle with sidecar overturned. Vehicle parts and crates of yogurt were strewn across the pavement.

Rescue teams assisted four injured victims—one male and three female—including a yogurt company employee who sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Sui Hospital. Meanwhile, rescue workers used a towing vehicle to move an injured bull that had jumped from the truck in panic before the collision.

Inside the six-wheel truck, the driver was crushed against the steering wheel. Emergency crews used cutting equipment to extract the body from the wreckage. The driver was identified as Komkrit Ritthisorn, 46, from Ranong Province, who died at the scene.

According to witness statements and victims, a highway police checkpoint was operating in the area, causing vehicles to back up. At that moment, a loud sound resembling a tire burst was heard, followed by brake failure, before the six-wheel truck collided violently with the stationary vehicles ahead, triggering the multi-vehicle pileup.

Initial investigation suggests the truck driver was navigating a curve when they encountered sudden traffic congestion. The driver attempted to brake but a tire burst, causing loss of control. Despite attempting evasive maneuvers, the truck collided with multiple vehicles, resulting in this tragedy.

Sui Police Station is currently collecting evidence, examining vehicle conditions, and interviewing all involved parties to proceed with legal proceedings. Local residents have expressed concern about the need for serious traffic safety measures at the checkpoint on this major route.

On May 21, 2025, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Deputy Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairuang Phiw-pan, serving as police spokesperson, revealed developments in the case involving the arrest of four police officers and one civilian. These individuals were arrested after immigration police, working with other units, rescued five Chinese nationals being held at a residence in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Somboon district, Sarabury province on May 17. According to the latest report from Regional Police Bureau 2, an additional police officer (identified as "Prayoon") has been charged this morning in connection with the case.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairuang stated that given the serious nature of the case involving multiple police units, it has been escalated to national police headquarters. The national police commander has made clear that officers performing their duties properly will be commended, but those found to have violated the law will receive no protection whatsoever, regardless of rank. "If evidence is found of criminal violations, disciplinary breaches, or administrative misconduct, maximum action will be taken," he stated.

The first four arrested officers have already been suspended from duty to ensure transparent investigation and prevent evidence tampering. Regional Police Bureau 2 is conducting expanded investigations, and charges will be pursued against any individuals found complicit—whether police, civilians, or persons of influence—without exception.

According to Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Thitawat Suriyachai of Region 2, preliminary investigation suggests the newly charged officer was involved in accessing the location where the five Chinese nationals were detained, though his specific role—whether as an organizer, participant, or other capacity—remains under investigation.

When asked whether the case qualifies as a violation of the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairuang explained that this requires examination of facts and intent—whether the detention was lawful or motivated by extortion. If the conduct fits the legal definition, additional charges will be filed immediately.

Investigators have identified the operation as a network with possible links to neighboring countries, involving coordinated communication and staged procedures. Officers are currently examining financial trails, phone records, communications, and individual benefits to identify all network members.

Investigators are also determining whether the suspects have committed similar crimes previously and checking vehicles and locations potentially used in their operations, suggesting this may be an ongoing organized criminal enterprise rather than an isolated incident.

Regarding rumors that some suspects may be connected to local powerful figures, no further details were provided.

Four police officers have been suspended from duty following their arrest in connection with the abduction and extortion of five Chinese nationals held captive in Wang Sombun District, Saraburi Province. The officers were accused of using coercive measures to confine the victims and threatening them to extort ransom money in exchange for their release. On May 21, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Napawat Ariyangkul signed National Police Office Order No. 221/2569 suspending four officers: Detective Lieutenant Wuttikorn Wongthum, a team leader in crime prevention at Khlong Hat Police Station, Saraburi; Detective Lieutenant Somchai Yukhong, a team leader in crime prevention at Khlong Hat Police Station; Detective Lieutenant Pichetsathit Sengsoon, a team leader in crime prevention at Ban Plaeng Police Station, Chachoengsao; and Detective Lieutenant Pabhawin Prachueatngern, a team leader at Highway Police Station 3 Division 3 of the Highway Police Bureau.

The officers face serious disciplinary charges and are accused of jointly confining others unlawfully, abusing their authority as officials, extortion, and misconduct in office. All four suspects have confessed to the charges and have been in custody since May 16. The case has drawn significant public attention and raised serious concerns about institutional credibility. The order states that allowing the officers to continue their duties could cause further damage, justifying their suspension pending the outcome of the disciplinary investigation.

Detective Lieutenant Pabhawin was previously suspended under a separate order dated May 18, 2025, by the Highway Police Bureau. Separately, the National Police Office has also appointed an investigation committee under Order No. 220/2569, chaired by Police Colonel Ekasit Toaditetep, Director of Investigation and Inspection Division 1 under the National Police Office's Inspection Bureau, along with five other committee members to expedite fact-finding across all dimensions of the case.

The Police Commissioner has instructed the investigation proceed with full transparency and speed. Authorities have been directed to immediately report any additional police officers or individuals found to be involved so that criminal proceedings can be expanded without any omissions.

This article surveys several highly sought-after amulets from famous Buddhist monks. A first-edition coin of Phra Kru Amornvisutti was created on February 18, 1970, at Wat Sri Tammaram in Yasothon province, with 2,000 bronze coins cast for an ordination celebration. The oval-shaped copper coin features the monk's half-portrait on the front and a three-pointed yantra on the back. Another significant amulet comes from Luang Por Sri To Silawanno of Wat Ban Bodhi in Maha Sarakham province, who created only 450 coins in 1962 in various metals for temple construction funds. Luang Por Poom Jantachoto of Wat Bang Kholaung in Bangkok produced approximately 1,000 first-edition coins in 1934 for his 77th birthday merit-making ceremony, now highly prized by collectors. The article also features a rare coin created in 1956 by Phra Kru Sunthon Kanyaanphot of Wat O Kart in Nakhon Phanom, depicting the sacred Buddha images Phra Tiu and Phra Thiam.