The ongoing high-profile Srisuwan extortion case is set to take another twist, as the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Deputy Commissioner, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, announced on Monday that they are seeking an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect. This individual is considered less significant to the case compared to the four who have already been apprehended.

The quartet detained last week, including known petitioner Srisuwan Janya and his alleged accomplices – Yoswaris Chuklom, Phimnattha Chiraphutthiphak, and Eakluck Wareechol, are believed to have played a pivotal role in the extortion attempts. They were all later released on bail.

The allegations suggest that the group, spearheaded by Srisuwan, attempted to extort money from the Rice Department (RD) Director-General, Natthakit Khongthip, following his appointment as department chief. Srisuwan, Yoswaris, and Phimnattha are accused of demanding three million baht (US$83,817), a sum that was later negotiated down to 1.5 million baht (US$41,908). Srisuwan was detained at his residence in Pathum Thani when undercover police officers delivered 500,000 baht (US$13,969) of the bribe to his home. All three refute the extortion charges and have a two-week window to submit written defences.

“An arrest warrant for the fifth suspect could be issued on Wednesday or Thursday,” stated Jaroonkiat, following a meeting on Monday to discuss case progress and strategies to expand the investigation. To date, over 10 individuals, including RD officials, have been called in to provide statements. The case involves a significant amount of evidence that needs to be reviewed, he added.

Time pressure on anti-corruption police

The suspects had intended to deposit the extorted funds into bank accounts, opened by proxies who were aware of the crime. Jaroonkiat further revealed that Srisuwan’s wife has not yet been interviewed by the police, and it is possible that other individuals may have been targeted by the suspects. The police are prepared to open new cases should any more victims come forward.

The anti-corruption police are under pressure to conclude the investigation swiftly. Owing to limited staff and potential expansion of the case involving multiple witnesses and evidence collection, there are concerns about meeting the deadline for submitting the investigation summary to the prosecutors. However, Jaroonkiat remains confident, stating there is still ample time to solidify the case.

Investigators are optimistic about wrapping up the summary and presenting it to the prosecutors within the next two months, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the extortion racket linked to anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya has expanded, revealing a well-structured operation. Police make significant progress, implicating more individuals at higher levels.

The story Fifth suspect in Srisuwan extortion case sought by central investigation bureau as seen on Thaiger News.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his spouse, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony, are making their first official visit to Thailand on February 7, following an invitation from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The visit seeks to strengthen the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperative spirit between the two nations.

During this visit, a series of high-level engagements are planned, including a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. The men are expected to preside over the signing ceremony of several cooperation documents, which will be followed by a joint press conference and an official luncheon hosted by Srettha and his spouse.



The Cambodian Premier has been scheduled to meet with key Thai legislative leaders, including the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate. Another highlight of this visit will be the inauguration of the Thailand – Cambodia Business Forum in Bangkok.

Hun Manet’s visit is seen as an important opportunity for Thailand and Cambodia to further solidify their bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as economic development of border regions, trade and investment promotion, transportation connectivity, and tourism cooperation. The trip also aims to foster closer relationships between the peoples of the two nations, promoting mutual understanding and shared prosperity. (NNT)

The State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) has said it anticipates that Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) will make its return to the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2025. The prediction comes as THAI shows signs of financial health improvement, aligning with its rehabilitation plan.

Despite undergoing considerable challenges during the pandemic, which severely impacted the aviation sector, THAI has been making strides in its recovery. This includes operational streamlining efforts such as workforce reduction by half and fleet downsizing by about 40% through leasing strategies. The airline’s path to revival was bolstered by the Central Bankruptcy Court’s approval of its recovery plan in September 2020, which was necessary after the pandemic forced a near-total halt to air travel.



According to SEPO Director-General Tibordee Wattanakul, THAI’s resurgence is evident in its recent financial performance, reporting a profit of nearly 2.3 billion baht in the second quarter of 2023, marking a significant 171% increase from the previous year and the highest in two decades. This financial upturn suggests the airline is on track to exit its rehabilitation phase by the end of this year.



The revival of the tourism sector, with an expected 33.5 million foreign tourists, mainly from China and Malaysia, represents a 19.6% increase from 2023, playing a crucial role in the airline’s recovery. Tourism revenue for the year is also projected to rise by 23.6% to 1.48 trillion baht, further indicating a positive trend for the industry and THAI’s prospective relisting on the stock exchange. (NNT)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, during the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Brussels, Belgium, underscored the significance of the Indo-Pacific region in contemporary geopolitics and its escalating role in the global economy. Addressing a roundtable on “Geopolitical and Security Challenges,” Parnpree detailed the strategic importance of this region, highlighting how it is shaping the new world order.



Parnpree expressed Thailand’s confidence in a multipolar world system and emphasized the crucial role that ASEAN plays in maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. He aligned his views with the European Union’s strategy for cooperation in the region, advocating for mutual efforts to foster peace, security, and prosperity. The minister, who also serves as deputy PM, called for collaborative endeavors between the EU, Thailand, and ASEAN to address regional challenges effectively.



The 24th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting also took place, bringing together foreign ministers from ASEAN and the European Union to discuss mutual interests and cooperation. This biennial event is pivotal in facilitating discussions and overseeing the development of relations between ASEAN and the EU, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in international relations.

The last ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, held virtually on December 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, led to strategic adjustments in the ASEAN-EU relationship. (NNT)

The government has launched a campaign to eradicate the invasive blackchin tilapia from the Tha Chin River and its connected water bodies in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, and Phetchaburi. The operation, spearheaded by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, seeks to restore the ecological balance by removing this non-native species, which poses a significant threat to local fish populations and the broader aquatic ecosystem.



To achieve this, fishermen in the affected regions will employ specially designed push nets, approved by Agriculture Minister Captain Thammanat Prompow, for use in 23 designated areas for a year to disrupt the breeding cycle of the blackchin tilapia. Provincial fishery offices have also been tasked with monitoring the species’ numbers to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness and decide on further actions.



In addition to the removal efforts, the ministry plans to release 60,000 latidae, a type of native perch-like fish, to help replenish the natural fish population in these waters.

Captain Thammanat is scheduled to discuss potential markets for the captured blackchin tilapia and a plan to turn the catch into a source for fertilizer with the Fishmeal Producers Association of Thailand in the coming weeks. (NNT)

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) election is scheduled for this Thursday (Feb 8) at the association’s headquarters in Bangkok, with Nualphan positioned as a frontrunner for the presidency. Her resignation marks a critical moment in her football career, spanning over 16 years, during which she has been a key figure in Thai football.

Reflecting on her tenure that began on August 23, 2021, Nualphan shared her journey and the significant impact managing the national and U23 teams has had on her. Known affectionately as “Madam Pang” among Thais, she recounted the memorable 890 days in the role, discussing the national team’s deep connection to the Thai people and her personal growth through the experience.

As Nualphan steps into the electoral race, she faces competition from four other candidates, namely Komkrit Napalai, Warong Thiuthas, Pauline Ngarmpring, and Tanasak Suraprasert. (NNT)

King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, sparking a flood of support from around the world.

Charles, who became king upon the death of his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022, has generally enjoyed good health, barring injuries from polo and skiing.

But the palace said that during his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement “a separate issue of concern was noted”.

“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement, adding that he had begun treatment, but without elaborating on the type of cancer found or how advanced it was.

The palace said the king “remains wholly positive” and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.

He had been advised by doctors to postpone public duties although he would continue to “undertake state business and official paperwork as usual”, the palace added.

The shock announcement sparked messages of support, with Charles’s estranged son Prince Harry saying he had spoken with his father and would visit him soon.

Harry, the younger of Charles’s two sons with the late Princess Diana, who now lives in California with his wife Meghan, said he would travel to see the king in the UK over the coming days, a source close to Harry said.

– Shock announcement –

Charles won plaudits last month for being open about his benign prostate condition, with doctors saying many more members of the public had come forward with symptoms.

He was discharged from a London hospital after a three night stay for corrective surgery a week ago.

The palace added that the king had chosen to share his cancer diagnosis “to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer”.

Messages wishing Charles a swift recovery flooded in following the shock announcement.

“Wishing his majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well,” wrote Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on X, formerly Twitter.

US President Joe Biden said he had “just heard” the news and was “concerned” about King Charles while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he and the nation were “thinking of his majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer”.

Former US president Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee in November elections, meanwhile wrote on his Truth Social network that the king was “a wonderful man” and that “we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery!”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters that “all Australians will be sending their best wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery”.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz sent “prayers and wishes for the full and fast recovery of the friend of the Jewish people, King Charles”.

Londoners expressed shock and sympathy at the news.

“It’s not nice to hear anyone’s been diagnosed with cancer. I feel kind of bad for him, he waited all these years to be king,” said Sarah Firisen, 55, a software sales worker.

– Keep calm, carry on –

The diagnosis will prolong a frontline shortage of royals created by Charles’s prostate procedure and the almost simultaneous hospitalisation of Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Catherine, 42, who is the wife of Charles’s son and heir to the throne Prince William, underwent abdominal surgery at the same hospital where Charles was treated.

She left last Monday on the same day as Charles following a stay of around two weeks and may not return to public duties until late March.

Her husband William, 41, also stepped back temporarily from planned engagements to help care for their three children, although he is expected to return to royal duties this week.

At the time of Catherine’s operation, Kensington Palace stressed that her condition was not linked to cancer, without elaborating.

The pair’s absence left Queen Camilla, Charles’s 76-year-old second wife, as the most visible face of the royal family.

Royal expert Joe Little of Majesty Magazine said Camilla would be a “massive support” to her husband.

“Camilla has shown for a long time, and we’re very aware now, that she is famed as the power behind the throne,” he said.

Little added that the royal family took a “business as usual” approach when it came to personal health matters.

“I think they are keeping calm and carrying on, as they would be expected to,” he said.

By AFP

The post UK’s King Charles III diagnosed with cancer first appeared on Thai PBS World : The latest Thai news in English, News Headlines, World News and News Broadcasts in both Thai and English. We bring Thailand to the world.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The form of cancer has not been disclosed; it is not prostate cancer and was identified during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King began “regular treatments” on Monday and would postpone public obligations while undergoing treatment, according […]

A revered temporary rice husk pagoda at Wat Nakathewi in Udon Thani province was engulfed in flames last night, leaving behind a charred metal framework. At 9pm yesterday (February 5), local disaster prevention and mitigation officials were alerted to the fire,

which rapidly consumed the structure despite the efforts of firefighters, temple committee members, and residents. Notably, the temple’s cherished ‘Luang Por Nak’ Buddha was saved from the blaze, unlike other statues that were blackened by the fire.

The fire broke out at the temporary rice husk pagoda, situated beside the main temple hall at Wat Nakathewi, engulfing the revered structure adorned with dried rice sheaves and decorative lights. Initial attempts to quell the flames with water proved futile as the dry rice husks fueled the fire, which destroyed the pagoda but, fortunately, did not spread to other areas. Prior to the incident, the local municipality had organized an event to venerate the pagoda from January 6 to 14, keeping the structure illuminated at night for tourists to admire its beauty, as it is located in the famous ‘Nakha Fabric Market,’ a popular attraction in Udon Thani. Amidst the ruins, the temple’s devotees successfully rescued the venerated ‘Luang Por Nak’ Buddha, which remained unscathed, contrasting with other statues that were scorched.

Yosakorn Samjai, a temple 16 year old disciple, was at the scene when he noticed an electrical fire at the base of the pagoda. Despite swift efforts to extinguish the fire with cloths and water hoses, the flames quickly consumed the entire structure. The damage is estimated to be around 160,000 baht (US$4,469), believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, possibly due to heavy rainfall the previous day. The temple’s abbot, Archimandrite Natthapol Tapasil, dismissed any notion of a curse, attributing the cause to an electrical fault. Discussions with the temple committee about rebuilding the pagoda for the following year are underway, with a commitment to enhanced precautions to prevent a recurrence of such a disaster, reported KhaoSod.

In related news, a fire at Wat Latthiwanaram in Chalong, Phuket, caused significant damage to a building used for funeral proceedings. Authorities swiftly responded, no injuries reported. Investigation underway to determine the cause.

The story Udon Thani temple’s rice husk pagoda destroyed by fire, Buddha saved as seen on Thaiger News.

A tragic incident unfolded today at 1.30am when a three year old girl, Fasai, drowned in a canal opposite the Chumphon Nikayaram Rajaworawihan Temple in the district of Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya province. The 48 year old child’s distraught parents, Kasem, and 28 year old Matana were inconsolable upon the discovery of their daughter’s body, crying out her name in a heart-wrenching scene.

After receiving the report of the missing child, Police Captain Mala Yaemchom, an investigative officer from Bang Pa-in Police Station, along with a team of divers from the Ayutthaya Ruamjai Association, rushed to the site. Upon arrival, they found a pair of sandals floating in the water, but no sign of little Fasai. Her parents, who were in a state of shock and constantly weeping, were seen praying to the local guardian spirits and the Goddess Kongka for their daughter’s safe return.

The search effort within the canal was challenging as the water level was receding, creating a strong undercurrent. After about an hour of searching approximately 50 metres from the dock, rescue workers finally found Fasai’s body. Lifting her from the water, both Kasem and Matana were overwhelmed with grief, embracing their daughter’s lifeless form and pleading for her to awaken.

Sequence of events

Kasem explained that he had brought Fasai to visit his 29 year old son, from a previous marriage, who was staying at the waterfront pavilion. He had briefly left his daughter in her half-brother’s care to relieve himself nearby. When Kasem returned after about five minutes, he found his son asleep and Fasai missing. Kasem’s immediate search at the dock revealed only his daughter’s sandals and splashes on the water surface. In desperation, he jumped into the canal to look for her but to no avail. He then sought help from the locals and called his wife, who was at work in a factory, to come and assist in the search.

Kasem further stated that his son disappeared after the incident, possibly fearing retribution from his ex-wife’s relatives for his negligence. The son had previously lost his job at a factory, leading to a temporary stay with Kasem, but had conflicts with Kasem’s current wife, which resulted in him living at the pavilion.

Matana conveyed her shock when her husband called her during her break at the factory to inform her of their daughter’s accident. She immediately returned and called for rescue services to aid in the search. She learned from her husband that he had left Fasai with his son, and when he came back, she was gone. Matana expressed her deep distress, noting that she never allowed her daughter to go anywhere without her. She also mentioned her strained relationship with her stepson, who is only a year older than her.

The police preliminarily found no signs of struggle or assault on Fasai’s body. They have taken Kasem in for further questioning and are seeking his son for investigation, being the last person seen with Fasai before her tragic death. Fasai’s body has been sent to the Forensic Science Institute for a detailed autopsy to determine the cause of death, and legal proceedings will follow accordingly.

In related news, a tragedy struck as a nine year old boy drowned while saving his sister. Rescue teams located his body after a 20-minute search. Family left devastated.

The story Three-year-old girl drowns in Ayutthaya canal near temple as seen on Thaiger News.