Foreigners Can Legally Play and Win Big in the Thai Lottery

[Video News]

In Thailand, a British teen’s brush with a life-threatening illness and a shocking wildlife station attack highlight the importance of traveler awareness and environmental enforcement. Meanwhile, scandals involving senior monks, a viral pedestrian accident, and the Thai lottery’s accessibility to foreigners capture public attention. Beyond Thailand, we look at North Korea’s growing military support for Russia, Indonesia’s potential extradition agreement with Moscow, Ho Chi Minh City’s metro expansion, and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte. Finally, Thai officials have denied a British teen’s claims of being forced into drug trafficking, adding another layer to this complex international case.

 

Win Big in Thailand: Foreigners Welcome to Try Their Luck in the Lottery

Foreigners are legally allowed to buy Thai Government Lottery tickets—sold every 1st and 16th of the month for 80 baht each—with 14,168 prizes totaling 48 million baht, including a 6 million baht first prize and various consolation prizes. Winners can claim prizes within two years (using passport or ID), though major prizes require visiting the Government Lottery Office in Bangkok, and winnings are subject to a small withholding tax and stamp duty

 

Thai Immigration Refutes British Woman's Forced Drug Trafficking Claims

Thai immigration authorities have vehemently denied claims by 19-year-old British national Bella May Culley, who said she was tortured and coerced into trafficking drugs from Thailand, presenting surveillance footage that shows her walking calmly through passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport on May 10, 2025. Immigration Commissioner Lt. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee stated there is “no factual basis” for her allegations, and no evidence that any officials forced or threatened her to smuggle drugs

 

North Korea to Reinforce Moscow With 30,000 Troops, Officials Say

North Korea is reportedly preparing to send an additional 25,000–30,000 troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine—tripling its forces beyond the approximately 11,000 it deployed since late 2024, of which roughly 4,000 have been killed. Ukrainian intelligence, citing CNN, revealed that many North Korean soldiers possessed fake Russian IDs and are expected to integrate into Russian-led operations, although frontline coordination reportedly occurs mainly at higher command levels. 

 

British mother warns of deadly scrub typhus after Thailand trip

British mother from North Yorkshire raised alarm after her 17‑year‑old daughter fell severely ill with swollen lymph nodes, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes upon returning from Thailand, symptoms later diagnosed as scrub typhus from chigger mite bites in the Chiang Mai region. The family’s ordeal highlights the often-overlooked but potentially fatal risk of scrub typhus for travellers in northern Thailand and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment.

 

Attack on Mae Tuen wildlife sanctuary sparks urgent police hunt

Two armed suspects on a motorcycle attacked the Pha Lado Forest Protection Unit office inside Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province around 12:24 am on July 2, firing two rounds before fleeing after rangers returned warning shots; police later recovered shotgun shells, bullet damage and a toppled motorcycle at the scene. The attack, believed to be linked to illegal rosewood loggers, prompted Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri‑on to order an urgent police hunt and issue arrest warrants. 

 

Thai woman allegedly engages in romantic relationships with 3 senior monks

A wealthy Thai woman known only as “K” allegedly had romantic relationships with four senior monks—including Bangkok’s respected abbot Arch of Tri Thotsathep Temple—then attempted to extort 7.8 million baht by faking a pregnancy when one monk tried to end the relationship. Following her alleged blackmail and the release of private photos and messages, CIB police have launched an investigation into both the extortion attempts and potential misuse of temple funds. 

 

Student survives bus collision at Bangkok pedestrian crossing

A university student using a zebra crossing at Vachiraphayaban intersection on Sukhothai Road in Bangkok was struck and hurled several meters by a speeding bus traveling in the outside lane on June 26, captured in viral CCTV footage. Despite the terrifying impact, she survived and is now recovering in hospital—sparking public outrage over reckless driving and calls for improved pedestrian safety. 

 

Parliament to follow up on RI-Russia extradition bill

Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) will proceed with reviewing the presidential letter received on June 5, 2025, from President Prabowo Subianto proposing ratification of an extradition treaty with Russia. During the July 1 plenary session, Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir confirmed follow‑up action under parliamentary procedures, as part of ongoing legislative priorities also including construction material MRA and budget accountability bills. 

 

HCM City's first metro line increases daily trips to meet travel demand

Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1 has increased its daily trips from 200 to 226—adding 26 extra services—from July 1 until August 15 to cope with rising commuter demand following the administrative expansion merger with neighboring provinces. The metro now operates every 7–12 minutes on weekdays (8–12 minutes on weekends) between 5 am and 10 pm, while launching smart IC card ticketing to streamline fare collection. 

 

Prosec to ask Senate: Go with pre-trial in Sara Duterte impeach case

The House prosecution team asked the Philippine Senate impeachment court to move forward with pre-trial procedures in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, asserting that the formal presentation of the impeachment articles and the Senate’s issuance of a summons already give it jurisdiction. This request comes after the Senate in June returned the complaint to the House for certification of its constitutionality and to reconstitute the prosecution panel, delaying the actual trial's start until those requirements are met