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Police

Police File Serious Charges Against Former Abbot and Chanting Master of Wat Bang Khlan for Embezzling 9 Million Baht

Police have charged the former abbot and chanting master of Wat Bang Khlan in Phetchaburi province with embezzling 9 million baht from amulet sales through shell accounts and concealed transactions. The investigation reveals a complex scheme involving falsified land purchases and the misuse of temple funds for lawyers handling disputes with villagers who questioned the temple's finances. Both suspects deny the charges, but authorities say they have clear financial evidence to support their case.

27 Apr Khaosod

Police have filed serious corruption charges against the former abbot and former chanting master of Wat Bang Khlan in Phetchaburi's Po Thale District for embezzling 9 million baht from amulet sales. The investigation, jointly conducted by the Buddhist Clergy Department and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, expanded the case after discovering that the suspects and others conspired to conceal money from amulet sales, failed to record it in the temple's accounts, and secretly transferred it to personal bank accounts.

On April 27, 2025, Deputy Police Commander Charoon Kiati Pankaew and Buddhist Clergy Police Chief Prasong Chaleimpan summoned the defendants to hear the charges. The accused are Phra Khru Pisuddhi Warakorn, the former abbot, and Phorn Pan Peng, 73, the former chanting master. Both face charges under Criminal Code Section 147 (embezzlement), Section 157 (misconduct in office), and violations of the Anti-Corruption Act.

Deputy Police Commander Charoon revealed that the case stems from internal temple conflicts lasting over 11 years, before complaints were filed regarding financial irregularities related to the production of "Luang Pho Ngern" amulets in late 2022, intended to fund construction of a Thai-style pavilion. The investigation uncovered several serious irregularities: over 9 million baht from amulet sales was not recorded in the temple's account books; shell accounts were used to receive amulet pre-order transfers instead of the temple's account; and when questioned, the defendants claimed the money was used to purchase land for the temple, but only 190,000 baht in actual land purchases was found, with the remaining funds unaccounted for.

Additionally, investigators found that temple funds totaling approximately 9 million baht were used to hire lawyers to pursue cases against villagers who investigated and opposed the abbot's administration. Investigators determined that these actions constitute organized corruption using official positions for personal gain and unlawfully misappropriating temple assets, with the "Luang Pho Ngern Foundation" within the temple allegedly serving as a mechanism to benefit the suspects' associates.

Both defendants initially denied all charges, but police assert they have clear financial evidence and transaction trails, and will pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law.

"A temple must be a place that strengthens people's spirits, not a source of profit for certain individuals," Deputy Police Commander Charoon emphasized.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Asian Beach Games Reach Halfway Point; Dr. Kong Sak Confident Athletes Will Meet 15 Gold Medal Target

Thailand's athletes are halfway through the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, with gold medals in beach sprinting and rowing, though officials acknowledge stronger Asian competition as they pursue a 15 gold medal target by month's end.

27 Apr Khaosod

The Asian Beach Games are halfway through, with Thailand's athletes showing mixed results. While some events have delivered impressive performances worth celebrating, others face tough competition as multiple nations continue to strengthen their positions. SAT Director Dr. Kong Sak Yodmani remains confident that Thai athletes will accelerate their efforts and achieve the 15 gold medal goal in the remaining competition.

Dr. Kong Sak Yodmani, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, revealed details about the Thai national team's performance at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. He commended Thailand's partial achievements, citing gold medals in beach track and field events including Phuripol Bunsorn in the men's 60-meter sprint, Jiraphatch Khananoptata in the women's 60-meter sprint, and the women's 4x60-meter relay. Thai rowers also impressively defeated the host Chinese team in the men's 200-meter 10-oar boat event, while securing multiple silver and bronze medals.

"We must congratulate our athletes for successfully winning medals, especially in track and field events that are highlights of the competition in sprinting and relay races," Dr. Kong Sak said. "However, we believe many other sports will perform well in the second half of the games. We need to encourage our athletes until the final day of competition."

The SAT director acknowledged that while the 15 gold medal target remains, it's regrettable that some sports fell short. He recognized that athletes from many Asian nations have developed significantly and become much stronger. The Asian Beach Games is no longer an easy competition, and the outcome won't be clear until the final day, as several sports still offer medal opportunities, including Takraw, where Thailand has world-champion level athletes.

"Thai athletes participating in this Asian Beach Games will gain invaluable experience, and the budget invested by the SAT in training preparations is worthwhile. Beyond elevating athletes' standards to compete at the Asian level, they witness firsthand the skills of their competitors—a tremendous benefit as they aim toward the Asian Games and Olympics," the SAT director said.

The 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya runs from April 22-30, 2025, featuring 14 sports: beach track and field, aquatic sports (marathon swimming and water polo), 3x3 basketball, beach handball, beach soccer, beach volleyball, dragon boat racing, sport climbing, beach wrestling, judo, kabaddi, sailing (windsurfing and kiteboarding), triathlon (aquathlon combining swimming and running), and takraw. Fans can support Thai athletes through live broadcasts on T Sports 7.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Company Employee Released on 80,000 Baht Bail After Making Prohibited Statements on Aircraft

A 45-year-old Chonburi man was released on 80,000 baht bail after making prohibited bomb-related remarks while boarding an AirAsia flight in Krabi, forcing the aircraft to halt and delay departure by four hours.

27 Apr Khaosod

On April 27, 2025, police from Muang Krabi station detained a 45-year-old male passenger from Chonburi province and interrogated him overnight following a disturbance aboard Air Asia flight FD 4401 from Krabi to Suvarnabhumi. The passenger made prohibited statements while boarding, causing the pilot to order a temporary halt to the flight at Krabi International Airport at 1:30 AM. Police released him on 80,000 baht bail, secured by his wife's bank account, before he returned to Chonburi.

The private airline's legal team is pursuing additional civil charges against the passenger for the damage caused and the resulting four-hour flight delay.

The passenger, an employee of a company in Chonburi, was traveling to Krabi with approximately 30 colleagues. While storing luggage in the overhead compartment during boarding, he made remarks in the nature of "move over carefully, watch out for bombs." Unaware that such statements constitute prohibited language on aircraft, airline staff immediately notified the pilot and coordinated with police to conduct a search and detain the passenger.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Loud Quarrel with Gunfire: Bang Rak Police Apprehend Two Suspects with Two Firearms in Surawong Area Apartment

Two 19-year-old suspects were arrested in a Bangkok apartment following a loud altercation involving gunfire that prompted citizen complaints. Police recovered two firearms hidden in the 33rd-floor room and charged both men with illegal weapons possession and unauthorized carrying of firearms in public areas. The suspects were cooperative with authorities and taken into custody for further legal action.

27 Apr Khaosod

Around 1:30 AM on April 27, acting on orders from senior police officials, Bang Rak Police Station officers arrested Kattiya, 19, and Thiraphad, 19, along with two firearms recovered from a Surawong area apartment in Bangkok's Bang Rak district.

Police responded after receiving reports from residents about a group of teenagers engaged in a loud altercation involving gunfire near a building on Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road. Officers immediately rushed to the scene, gathered descriptions from nearby residents, and learned that the suspects had fled into the building's parking area.

After surrounding the building exits, officers encountered a female suspect matching the description. She cooperated with police and identified herself, allowing them to conduct a search of her apartment.

Inside the 33rd-floor room, officers found both male suspects and discovered two firearms—one on the balcony and another hidden in the bathroom ceiling. The suspects admitted ownership of the weapons.

Both suspects were charged with illegal possession of firearms without a license and carrying firearms in public areas without authorization. They were taken into custody and transferred to Bang Rak Police Station for further legal proceedings.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Rotdam Updates Weight Two Days Before ONE Samurai 1 Showdown

Rotdam Jitmuangnon weighs in light two days before his ONE Samurai 1 title bout against Takeru Segawa in Tokyo on April 29, with the ONE interim kickboxing flyweight belt at stake.

27 Apr Khaosod

Rotdam Jitmuangnon, the former ONE Championship Muay Thai flyweight world champion (125-135 lbs), is set to face 34-year-old Japanese standout Takeru Segawa in the headline bout of ONE Samurai 1, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The ONE interim kickboxing flyweight belt will be on the line for this major showdown.

In the latest update, a Facebook page called Dara Thong Luk Sai Kong Din, managed by one of Rotdam's team members who traveled to Japan for the fight, posted an update on the fighter's current weight just two days before the bout. The post stated: "Morning run today felt light and breezy. Sipping coke leisurely."

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Who Could Resist Mike Angelo's Big Screen Debut? 'Nobody But You 2' Breaks 50 Million Box Office, Thai Star Absolutely Dominating Chinese Entertainment!

Thai star Mike Angelo's Chinese film debut 'Nobody But You 2' surpassed 50 million yuan at the box office within two days of release, solidifying his breakthrough in international cinema.

27 Apr Khaosod

Hold onto your seats, folks—2026's biggest dark horse has arrived! Thai superstar Mike Angelo is unleashing "domination mode" with his Chinese film debut 'Nobody But You 2,' which rocketed to 50 million yuan at the box office just two days after release. That's some serious momentum!

This powerhouse performance deserves top marks: Taking the presales champion spot before even hitting theaters, Mike Angelo overshadowed numerous competing blockbusters. His on-screen presence carries real substance—he's truly born to captivate on the big screen.

Fifty million is just the beginning: Though modestly downplaying the numbers himself, his popularity and critical acclaim speak volumes. The director can't stop smiling, and our international star has genuinely brought honor to Thai cinema!

The "shy guy" behind closed doors: Here's the hilarious part—he's an international heartthrob, yet when he's back in Bangkok and spots Aum Patchrapa, his heart apparently skips a beat? This charming contrast is absolutely irresistible.

Career expansion in full swing: From singer to idol dramas to leading roles in major film productions, Mike Angelo has executed every career move with precision.

Interaction highlight: Have you caught 'Nobody But You 2' at the cinema yet? Which Mike moment stole your heart? Share your ticket photos in the comments and let's help propel Mike's box office to 100 million!

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Mother Demands Justice After Prominent Lawyer Allegedly Defrauds Her of 500,000 Baht, Then Disappears While Son Remains Imprisoned

A mother in Sai Yai district is seeking justice after a lawyer allegedly defrauded her of 500,000 baht intended for her son's bail and legal proceedings, then disappeared while her son remains imprisoned.

27 Apr Khaosod

At 10:00 AM on April 27, 2025, at the Sai Yai Must Survive Facebook page in Sai Yai district, 46-year-old Nang Jirawun came forward seeking help after being allegedly defrauded by a prominent lawyer who extracted over 500,000 baht, claiming the money would be used for bail and case settlement for her son. Ultimately, no action was taken and her son was imprisoned without receiving the promised help.

Nang Jirawun revealed that her 22-year-old son was arrested on December 28, 2024, on charges related to an illegal loan scheme after finding work through social media. Before even starting the job, he was prosecuted, forcing the family to urgently seek assistance. They contacted a lawyer, agreeing to pay 30,000 baht in legal fees and 7,000 baht for travel expenses.

The lawyer later claimed he could keep the son out of prison but needed 350,000 baht to negotiate with the opposing party at the police station, refusing to allow the victim to participate in discussions. Desperate, Nang Jirawun mortgaged her land and provided the money. After the court sentenced her son to 1 year and 3 months in prison, she contacted the lawyer again for help with an appeal, only to be told another 200,000 baht was needed. She borrowed from relatives to pay.

On March 21, 2025, after transferring the 200,000 baht, the lawyer became unreachable. When Nang Jirawun contacted the court herself, she learned that no bail proceedings or actions had been filed as claimed. The lawyer's team later returned, asked if she had contacted the court, and after she admitted doing so, they offered to refund the 200,000 baht, which she eventually received.

However, regarding the initial 350,000 baht, the lawyer could not explain how it was used and only stated there was no guarantee her son would avoid prison. This left Nang Jirawun devastated, as she had been assured of help beforehand. She now carries a debt burden exceeding 400,000 baht from mortgaging her land, with monthly interest payments reaching thousands of baht. For two months, she has been unable to eat or sleep while struggling to find money for her son's bail appeal as he remains detained.

Ekaphop Luangprasert, founder of the Sai Yai Must Survive page, stated that the lawyer must clarify how the 350,000 baht was used and identify the specific police officers involved in the alleged settlement. If no clear explanation is provided, the victim should file a fraud complaint. If unsatisfactory clarification is not forthcoming, he will accompany the victim to file charges so relevant authorities can investigate the financial trail and call for the Thai Bar Association to seriously examine the lawyer's conduct, as this represents the misuse of legal knowledge to exploit suffering citizens.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Great Value for the Whole Family! Nong Nooch Pattaya Offers 'Buy One Get One Free' Throughout May to Help Families Save

Nong Nooch Pattaya is offering a 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' promotion throughout May to help families enjoy the popular attraction during school holidays. The world-class natural and cultural destination, spanning 1,700 acres with over 60 gardens and 18,000 plant species, also provides free admission for children, people with disabilities, and seniors. The park recently unveiled the spectacular 'Ancient Egypt City' landmark with pyramid monuments and statue displays.

27 Apr Khaosod

Nong Nooch Pattaya, under the leadership of President Kampol Tansatja, is welcoming the school break season with an exceptional promotion: 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' throughout May 2026 for Thai walk-in visitors. Guests can instantly claim their special benefit by purchasing one Package 3 ticket (admission with show) and receive a second ticket free of charge. This offer is ideal for families planning trips during the final stretch of the school holidays.

The park also provides social benefits ensuring everyone can access quality attractions: - Children up to 140 centimeters tall: Free daily (when accompanied by family) - People with disabilities: Free daily - Seniors 60 and above: Free every Friday - Seniors 80 and above: Free daily year-round

Spanning over 1,700 acres, Nong Nooch Pattaya stands as one of the world's premier natural and cultural destinations. It features more than 60 stunning gardens and collections of over 18,000 plant species from every corner of the globe. Major highlights include the Dinosaur Zone with more than 1,800 dinosaur figures and the spectacular new 'Ancient Egypt City' landmark, featuring pyramids and Ennead statues—mythical deities from ancient Egypt—with 12 of the planned 23 statues completed, each standing over 5 meters tall. These unique attractions offer rare educational and photo opportunities in Thailand.

Visitors can also enjoy high-quality cultural performances at the Scala Theater and watch the remarkable elephant show, with four daily performances catering to audiences of all ages. Nong Nooch Pattaya is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information, visit www.nongnoochpattaya.com.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Weerisa from Pheu Thai Questions Live Durian Sale at 100 Baht Per Fruit When Farm Gate Prices are 120 Baht Per Kilogram

A Pheu Thai politician questions a government plan to sell durians at 100 baht each when current farm prices average 120 baht per kilogram, warning the initiative could crash the entire market rather than help growers.

27 Apr Khaosod

On April 27, 2025, Weerisa Meechon, head of Pheu Thai's agricultural policy team and former party-list parliamentary candidate, posted a critical question about the government's planned durian sales initiative. Commerce Minister Sophajee and influencer Pimrapai announced plans to sell durians live on April 28 at 100 baht per fruit, causing concern among durian growers.

Currently, Eastern Thailand's durian exports remain strong with no market oversupply driving prices down. Grade ABC durians are trading at an average of 120 baht per kilogram at farm gates. If premium quality durians (2-6 kg per fruit, perfect appearance, full flesh) are sold at 100 baht each, their normal price exceeds 240 baht—essentially destroying the market price mechanism.

Weerisa analyzes possible scenarios: selling defective fruit graded at 60 baht per kilogram would still cost over 120 baht per fruit given their size; selling smaller "pop-pak" durians under 2 kilograms priced at 70+ baht per kilogram would also exceed 100 baht per fruit at cost; selling damaged fruit affected by worms or insects would be poor quality; or orchards voluntarily accepting losses. She emphasizes that true farmer assistance means fair prices, not artificially cheap products. Weerisa supports live streaming and online sales as genuine channels to reduce middlemen, but questions whether this policy actually helps farmers or damages the entire durian price structure. She urges the Commerce Ministry to consult farmers before implementing programs, as farmers—not ministers or influencers—bear the real burden if farm-gate prices subsequently collapse.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Maimind and Benz Open Up About Their Special Relationship, But Stop Short of Calling Each Other Boyfriend and Girlfriend

Actress Maimind and longtime friend Benz have confirmed they are in a relationship, though they're avoiding traditional labels and describing themselves as "partners." The pair reconnected after Maimind's high-profile breakup and property s

27 Apr Khaosod

Maimind and Benz have confirmed they are each other's special person, though they're avoiding the traditional "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" labels. They view this new relationship as a safe space. Maimind revealed she moved on quickly because Benz feels like the perfect puzzle piece. After her life was turned upside down by relationship drama—her ex cheated and they had to divide assets before parting ways, which became a major scandal—the two are finally happy. Maimind, a well-known actress, has completely moved forward and crossed the friend zone with Benz, a friend she's known for 10 years. Undeterred by criticism about the timing of their move, she says this love is a safe haven.

How is life now? Maimind: "I'm very happy. These days when I play golf, I only focus on the golf club. I even met a gorgeous golf pro (laughing). Honestly, we've been like siblings for ten years. Back then I had a boyfriend, and Benz came courting, but okay, we were siblings—true siblings 100 percent. We'd play golf and come back to meet up sometimes, go out to eat as a group."

"Then there was a moment we golfed together, and we bumped into each other again when I was single. When I had problems, I never consulted Benz about them. He wasn't involved at all. The person I consulted the most was Sod. I don't know if it was good advice, but I always believed Chee because she'd been through it before. I didn't even go back and talk to Benz about it."

How did things go with your ex? Maimind: "It's all settled now. There's no lingering resentment. We're good friends to each other. It was like we both acted on emotions back then. When the time came to really think about it, I felt like, why would we say mean things about each other? Okay, so we held hands and ended things. We both apologized and moved on to grow separately."

Did he take it hard when you said he went to play around? Maimind: "He didn't mind—he said it was true (laughing). That's one of his good qualities. When I mess up, he holds me accountable. Then we move on. We've both apologized to each other and parted ways. Now the property settlement is all finalized and clean. There's nothing left hanging. We sold the house, the van I took I paid him the difference on, the Porsche we split 50-50 because it was already damaged in an accident. I'm sticking to my original position of 50-50 split, and he has no hard feelings about it."

So what are you two now? Benz: "Partners now, to be honest. I'm the one who pursued him (What do you like about Maimind?). I like hardworking people. She has charm. She takes care of herself and does things a certain way—she's exactly my type. Plus I like tall people. She's very tall. I've never dated anyone tall before. She's the first person I got to pursue who's exactly my type."

Did you know she was emotionally bruised? Benz: "I knew she was hurt by love, but I don't talk about the past at all. I just focus on the present. I don't comfort her or anything. I think she could clear it up on her own. Otherwise, she wouldn't have opened her heart to me."

Why did you open your heart to him? Maimind: "Benz has become the best part of my life. He supports me both at work and emotionally. Since we were already siblings, we can talk about everything. It feels like Benz is my safe space. And right now, he's very special to me."

Did you worry people would misunderstand that you got together so quickly after your last relationship ended, having known each other so long? Maimind: "Not at all. I see it as a matter of timing. It's like with work—I was doing things the old way and nothing was happening. Then I switched to a new approach and in just a couple of days, wow, the timing aligned and things happened. Right when I was hurting, Benz happened to be free. We bumped into each other by chance. Once we opened up and talked to each other, trying this new dynamic felt good. I felt relieved. I honestly never thought I'd get to this point."

What do you want to say to people who say you moved on too fast? Maimind: "It wasn't fast at all. It was hard and exhausting to get here."

[Article appears to be cut off at this point]

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Vietjet Thailand Launches Fly2Ferry Service Connecting Flights and Ferry Travel

Vietjet Thailand launched Fly2Ferry, a unified booking service combining flights and ferry travel to southern islands including Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. The service offers 30% discounts on ferry fares through May 31.

27 Apr Khaosod

Vietjet Thailand launched its new 'Fly2Ferry' supplementary service on April 27, 2025, connecting air and sea travel through a unified booking system to streamline journeys to Thailand's southern islands. The service operates on three routes: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan, providing convenient, fast, and efficient travel options. Passengers can now reserve tickets and travel via Fly2Ferry starting immediately.

Pinnayos Piboolsongkram, Deputy Executive Vice President for Commercial Affairs and Customer Relations at Vietjet Thailand, stated: "Fly2Ferry represents a significant step in elevating air-to-sea travel connections, enabling passengers to book both flights and ferry tickets in a single transaction with seamless access to popular island destinations. Southern Thailand's islands continue to attract travelers worldwide—from Koh Samui's renowned beaches and natural beauty to Koh Phangan's world-class entertainment venues and Koh Tao's status as a premier diving destination. The Fly2Ferry service makes accessing these prime tourism destinations even more convenient through comprehensive service offerings while supporting our airline's network expansion strategy and laying groundwork for future island routes."

The Fly2Ferry service operates through Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat airports, connecting to Thailand's popular islands. Upon arrival, passengers can use shuttle services to Don Sak Pier (Lomprayah) to board high-speed ferries operated by Lomprayah Hispeed Ferries Co., Ltd., with stops at Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan as the final destination for both outbound and return journeys.

Passengers can book tickets with the Fly2Ferry service through www.vietjetair.com, the Vietjet Thailand mobile application, or Vietjet Thailand customer service centers.

Promotional Offer: To celebrate the service launch, Vietjet Thailand is offering a 30% discount on ferry fares, with introductory rates starting at just 1,100 baht for adults and 550 baht for children. Bookings are available from today through May 31, 2025, with travel dates from April 22 to September 30, 2025.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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