Opinion: 'Thailand's bizarre shadow power, the 'influential figures'
In Thailand, power often appears to extend beyond official titles and ranks. As the new government of Srettha Thavisin battles mafias and influential figures, the country is confronted with the dark side of its political and social structure. From local leaders to the military, the influence of these figures is deeply woven into Thai society.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin promises to tackle criminal organizations in Thailand after the murder of a police officer
The murder of a traffic police officer in Nakhon Pathom has drawn national attention to power dynamics in Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul not only recognizes the growing concerns about criminal organizations, but also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach.
On April 6, I spoke with two young Dutch people in their early twenties. Clearly to hear that the jet ski mafia is active again on Pattaya Klang - Beachroad - opposite Central Festival.
What doesn't know...... because silence is golden
Chris de Boer thought about the what and why in Thailand, following recent criminal events. A number of questions spontaneously occurred to him. In his conversations with Thais his questions, Chris hears that he wants to know too much and that it is therefore dangerous.
Government opens attack on mafia in Thailand
The Thai government launched a campaign on Thursday to hunt down mafia-like gangs across the country.
Police and army looking for mafia boss Phuket
Police and army yesterday raided the home and offices of Pian Kisin, former mayor of Patong, and his son. Both are suspected of illegal shipments, extortion, crowding out competitors and tax evasion. Hotels and holiday parks acted as cover.
Motorcycle taxis: Junta cleans up
To put an end to abuses with motorcycle taxis, the junta introduces a new license and makes it a requirement that the motorcycle belongs to the driver.
Pattaya police let mafia boss walk in 2012
Pattaya police could have arrested Russian mafia boss Alexander Matusov, who was arrested on Monday, in December 2012 when he reported the robbery by a transgender prostitute. She failed to consult Interpol's most-wanted list, which Matusov had been on since 2009.
News from Thailand – June 28, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Black clouds of smoke and high flames in a warehouse fire
• State lock costs 80 or 90 baht, but no more is allowed
• Prayuth warns action leader Suthep: Shut up
Police open the hunt for foreign gangs in tourist towns
The arrest of Russian mafia boss Alexander Matusov on Monday in Sattahip seems to have shaken up the police. She is preparing a massive attack on mafia gangs and foreign criminals hiding in tourist towns.
News from Thailand – June 13, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Anti-coup activist Sombat chooses eggs for his money
• Tackling extortion in the transport sector
• Ambassadors: Abroad understands coup
Big clean-up taxi mafia on Phuket: 73 arrests
The authorities now seem serious about tackling the taxi mafia on Phuket. Today 73 taxi drivers were arrested. A total of 108 arrest warrants have been issued. The charges are: conspiracy, extortion, gang formation, threat and deprivation of liberty.
No mafia in Pattaya
Anyone who regularly reads my stories on this blog knows that I love Pattaya. A bustling city with many options for a pleasant stay, whether you are here on holiday or have moved to Pattaya. But I am not naive, I also know that the crime rate in Pattaya is considerable.
It seems that pressure from Western ambassadors on the Thai authorities is starting to bear fruit. The government intends to actually intervene hard to undo the mafia's influence on Phuket for years.
Russian mafia tries to gain a foothold in Hua Hin
They are impossible to get out of Pattaya, they have dug themselves so deep. And in Phuket, the Russian mafia also knows its stuff. The quiet Hua Hin (with the summer residence of the royal family) was spared until recently, but the gentlemen are now also trying to get a foot in the door there.
Attack on Thai government official on video
This bizarre video shows how the Thai official Paiboon Pansanit survives an attack in Chonburi province thanks to bulletproof glass in his car windows.
Thais on Phuket scam Dutch tourists
Dutch tourists in Thailand are victims of fraud on a large scale. The Dutch ambassador Joan Boer is in talks with the Thai government to take measures.
British problems in tourist Thailand
by Khun Peter Yesterday evening the 'old' documentary 'Big Trouble in Tourist Thailand' could be admired on RTL 5. RTL had brought out this sensational documentary to entertain the viewers. I had seen the series before on the internet. It's about British people going to Thailand and getting into trouble. The problems are related to drug use, drunkenness, fights, scams and more. It was filmed in Pattaya and Phuket, among others. Also see…