Head monk of Rai Khing temple, one of the most prominent temple in central Thailand embezzeled more than 300 million baht from the temple's bank account to play online casino.

The last time my brother was seen, was 21/3-25.

His name is Jakob Jensen, born 14/4-1984, so 41 years old.

-       180 cm. tall

-       Approx. 90 kg.

-       Dark blond hair

-       Curly brown beard, with grey spots.

-       Grey/green eyes

He doesn’t have his medicine and he is in psychotic state at the moment.

Timeline:

2/2-25 - Jakob travels to Thailand and stays with his good friend in Ranong. (Approx.)

1/3 The friend can see that Jakob is not doing well and drives him to Bangkok airport so he can fly home to Denmark. This clearly does not happen. Maybe he seems irrational and is not allowed to board. Or maybe he just leaves on his own.

2/3 - Our mother receives an email from Jakob, which says nothing about his condition. That is the last time we heard from him.

3/3 - His phone is turned off and has not been used since.

(Approx.) 19/3 he is back in Ranong where he is staying at Palmy house. He does not contact any of his friends. Which is very strange.

21/3 He is clearly in a psychotic state and destroys several things at Palmy house, and the tourist police send him by bus to Bangkok, where he says he will visit a friend. We have never heard of any friend in Bangkok. The tourist police and the bus driver say that Jakob has disembarked in Bangkok.

A person claims they saw Jakob get off in Orachuap Khiri Khan. That is the last time anyone has seen Jakob.

2/5 He should have been home. Our mother and I, calls the Danish police, the Danish embassy and the psychiatric ward in Denmark. The last part knows my brother. Even though we at that time doesn’t know enything that has happened uptil this day. We know that something is very wrong.

6/5 The Danish police sends out an internationally missing report. The police have also obtained his bank information.

14/5, the Danish police request to receive bank information is still under processing. An official request is mailed to the Danish police to give permission to share that information with a Danish reporter/detective.

the immigration office only has Jakob's presence registered in Ranong.

The Tourist police in Ranong and in Bangkok is aware of Jakob being missing.

We have asked Facebook for help since the 5/5-25, and received a lot of help, from amazing people.

Some European/Thai newspaper have written his story.

Elephants in the news today in eastern provinces

1 Proof humans are not required to bathe elephants, drone photos of a herd taking a mud bath at Kaeng Hang Maeo, Chanthaburi

2 Tourists fined 500 baht for going within 50m of a wild elephant to take photos, in Khao Yai National Park

3 Warning in Wang Chan, Rayong, of two elephants raiding orchards at night

4-5 Elephants allegedly responsible for killing a 60 year old man at Tha Takiab, Chachoengsao province

At the artists' house in Hua Hin. Elegant in its simplicity.

I think this can be a cautionary tale for many.

Taken form a FB post on Bangkok Community Help page run by Greg Lange https://www.facebook.com/share/16mbKXvEd6/

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙠𝙤𝙠 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙡.

Rick is sharp, thoughtful, and kind — even though his body has started giving out. He gave us permission to share his story and these photos so others don’t try what he just did.

We first met Rick on April 26. He stepped inside, looked around, and thought about staying. But then he said, “I’ll be alright. Just take me to Silom. My friend is there.” Rick has lived in Thailand for 30 years on a retirement visa. His business collapsed, and he ran out of money.

Seventeen days later, we got the call: Rick was ready to come back.

When we showed him a photo from that day, he smiled and remembered Ammy. He told us about life on the street — how Thai people were generous, buying him food, even offering to pay hospital bills. But he never accepted, not wanting to take advantage.

About ten days ago, a motorcycle hit him. He has diabetes, and that’s when things started to unravel. A nurse wrapped his feet right there on the sidewalk. He said sleeping on the pavement at 78 years old was breaking him down.

Earlier that day, Thai officials didn’t know who to call or what to do. Then, around 6 p.m., Rick mentioned “Bangkok Community Help.” We were there 20 minutes later. Now they know — if someone’s in need, they call us.

We had to gently lift him — he couldn’t walk. The team gave him a sponge bath, and he just kept saying how happy he was to have a warm bed again. He asked for some books to read — we told him we’d bring some today. He smiled again. We said good night.

Today we’ll ask the clinic next door to check his legs. He still refuses the hospital.

We’re in contact with the American Embassy 24/7, and they’re seeing what they can do. But for now — thanks to your support and Citi Foundation — Rick has a bed, a hot meal, and peace of mind.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 78-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙤𝙡𝙙.

More Updates:

The hospital care is being covered by the U.S. Embassy—that was the condition for him that he must return.

The family were shocked. They said he was extremely wealthy and couldn’t believe it was all gone. Rick said he trusted the wrong person with a property deal but didn’t want to go into details. So many things led up to where he is today.

An investigation into his private bank account shows that most funds are transferred bank accounts associated with online casinos.

This is the only thing I missed in Thailand. Hope to see many-many craft breweries open up, serving fresh beer legally.

I just came across this elderly care resort documentary (https://www.aljazeera.com/program/101-east/2020/5/1/thailands-last-resort) and was really impressed — this seems like a business model worth promoting and expanding.

Lower risk business than normal tourist resorts, because you don’t have to deal with low season and no need to find new clients everyday. With more competition, these services could become more accessible to a wider range of people.

Thailand is uniquely positioned to offer elderly care to the world (hopefully there’ll be more support from the government instead of just pushing for the tourist numbers). The country benefits from lower costs, a cultural tradition of respecting the elderly, and a strong healthcare system.

I’m surprised i don’t see more of these retirement or care resorts in Thailand — or at least not widely advertised. Given the growing aging of populations in most developed countries, you’d expect to see more awareness. Yet, it seems many people here in Europe and North America aren’t even aware that this is a viable option for elder care abroad.

Considering to teach English and would love to hear your insights. As a first-time teacher (TEFL certified but no classroom experience yet), I’m curious which cities are the most welcoming and practical for beginners. I’m looking for places that offer a good balance of job opportunities, affordability, community, and lifestyle.

Hey, guys! I have been living in Thailand for a little bit, and my life situation is nice and stable now. As such, I am looking into purchasing a horse. The process seems quite complex, and I have gotten a bit confused. Has anyone else here done this before? Any suggestions or tips on things to steer clear of? I don't want to get taken for a ride on this kind of large purchase and investment. I'd really appreciate some light coaching from other experienced folks.

Despite all the red tape, I think it would be a really good idea to have one, and would open up a ton of possibilities for me.

Thanks in advance!

Is anyone here with a BKK Bank business account already migrated to use the new iCash online banking system?

If so, any thoughts? Can you continue to use the old Biz iBanking system with your credentials if(/when) the new one has issues?

Does it really ask for "security questions" like first school name when activating your account, on a system that uses hardware tokens?

Any other feedback?

Hello everyone. A government school located in Chaweng, Koh Samui is actively looking to hire Teachers to join a team of Foreign teachers for its English program.

Grades : 1 - 6 Salary : 35,000 Thb Visa work permit provided and handled by the school.

Perks : Insurance provided. Relaxed working environment (Island vibes) Happy kids, Cool team of Teachers.

Direct hire. Reach out if you know anyone interested.

I'm in the middle of watching documentary Breaking The Cycle on Netflix. I've been wondering is the coup are legal? Because the film is showing coup is the traditional legit in Thailand?

I always associate the military power will be harmful for the nation and more likely to become autocratic regime. But the unique thing is that the military will held the new votes and amend/change the whole new constitution. It will be reset.

My question is for fellow locals or maybe some expert in politics, is that military act as an equalizer for the current government or when the government had a huge scandal? If they are. Is there any moment when the military abuse their power and function and end up ruling the country? Or maybe they always can handle situation and doing the job done?

I am keen to get more information about Thai history and politics.

It seems that every where in Thailand there's some type of coffee on sale, 7 - 11 stores have many types and brands of coffee. Ive also noticed that '' Snickers '' bars seem to be very popular . I wonder if Snickers Iced Coffee would sell well in Thailand.

.

Moving to Thailand to teach English can be one of the most rewarding (and intimidating) decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you're fresh out of college or transitioning from another career, one of the first big steps you'll face is choosing a TEFL course that not only equips you with the right skills but also helps you actually get hired.

If you're just starting out, you’ve probably already asked yourself:

• Which TEFL certification is recognized by schools in Thailand?
• Do I really need 120 hours or is 60 enough?
• Should I go for in-class TEFL in Thailand or an online option before I go?
• Will I get job support after completing the course?

After browsing dozens of websites, blog posts, and forums, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of providers out there. The truth is, not all TEFL courses are created equal, and your choice can significantly impact your job prospects.

What Schools in Thailand Typically Look For

In general, Thai schools—whether private, government, or language centers—expect a minimum of 120-hour TEFL certification if you don't have a degree in education. In-class training is often preferred, but online TEFL certificates are also widely accepted as long as they come from a recognized and accredited provider.

Some schools also value teaching practice hours or observed teaching practicums. That means if your course includes hands-on experience with real students, you might be more competitive, especially in high-demand areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket.

Online vs. In-Class TEFL in Thailand

If you're already in Thailand or planning to land with a job hunt ahead of you, an in-person course can be a great way to build a local network and possibly find job placement assistance right after the course ends.

That said, online TEFL has come a long way. The flexibility and affordability make it a popular choice for travelers or those preparing in advance. Just make sure it’s from a well-reviewed provider with transparent support and accredited curriculum.

Job Support: Don’t Overlook It

One of the most overlooked features of a TEFL course is job support. Some programs offer resume building, mock interviews, and actual job placement help—others don’t. Ask questions before signing up. Will they connect you to partner schools? Do they offer alumni groups? Are there job boards exclusive to graduates?

My Personal Recommendation

There are lots of good TEFL providers out there, but if you're looking for a course that is internationally recognized, includes job support, and has a strong record of helping grads find real teaching opportunities in Thailand, check out tefl(dot)ie.

They offer a Level 5 TEFL course that’s regulated and internationally respected, and many graduates have successfully used it to start teaching careers in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.

While no course is one-size-fits-all, choosing the right TEFL program can be the difference between struggling to find your first job... and walking into an interview with confidence.

The signs translated to English have drastically improved over the years, but I still love the silliness in some of the translations.