Latest news with #Huns
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Thai authorities move to clip the wings of Cambodia's casino kingpin
BANGKOK: Many view Thailand's crackdown on online scam kingpins as a welcome move, but some argue it might never have happened if the Shinawatras and the Huns hadn't fallen out. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), from January 1 to July 9, 2025, Thailand recorded 175,477 online crime cases, averaging 919 cases per day. Of these, 31,107 were reported online and 15,407 were filed directly with authorities. The total financial damage is estimated at 14.87 billion baht (US$459,028,721), with only two per cent (approximately 295.8 million baht) successfully frozen in time. The most common scams were online purchase fraud (56 per cent), money transfer scams (26 per cent) and loan fraud (seven per cent). Authorities noted that more than 80 per cent of Thai victims were lured by networks based in Poipet, Cambodia, not from minority controlled areas of Myanmar as previously suspected. In response, the CCIB launched a nationwide crackdown, dubbed 'Operation Mule Account Takedown: Hunt for Cambodian Financiers,' raiding 19 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi in a coordinated effort to dismantle mule account operations and trace funding sources. Thai authorities raided a residence in a housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where an arrest warrant had been issued for Kok An (pic), the Cambodian casino mogul and owner of the Crown Casino Resort in Poipet. Kok An, who controls multiple high-rise casino towers—including a 25-storey and an 18-storey building in Poipet—has been accused of running a massive call centre scam operation targeting Thai citizens. He is now wanted for involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering. Thai police coordinated with the Criminal Court to secure the search warrant and are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice for Kok An and his network. Authorities are also preparing for a joint meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek the Attorney-General's approval for international prosecution. Kok An is widely known not only as a powerful figure in Cambodia's gambling sector but also for his close ties to Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. He is also reportedly connected to Ly Yong Phat. Both men are considered major revenue sources for the Cambodian regime. The raid in Bang Phli—believed to be one of Kok An's private residences—has raised suspicions about Ly Yong Phat's own involvement. Authorities are now monitoring his Bangkok property for possible links to the scam network. Originally from Hainan, China, Kok An was raised in Phnom Penh. He first made his fortune selling cigarettes, capitalising on the high demand among Cambodians. His success enabled him to expand into the lucrative casino business, establishing Crown Casino in Poipet—one of the closest gambling hubs to Thailand. The resort's strategic location near the Thai border made it especially popular among Thai patrons, many travelling directly from Bangkok. A significant portion of revenue from Kok An's operations is believed to have supported the Cambodian government until now. Ly Yong Phat is a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon with humble beginnings. He once earned a living ferrying boats to buy cigarettes and worked under Kok An before climbing the ranks. He later became a petrol station employee, then a business owner, eventually marrying Kok An's cousin, solidifying his connection to one of Cambodia's most powerful casino families. Ly Yong Phat's economic stronghold is Koh Kong, a province adjacent to Thailand's Trat border via the Hat Lek checkpoint. Koh Kong is home to his sprawling casino, hotel and resort empire. Although both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat amassed vast fortunes from gambling ventures, their operations have also incurred heavy losses. Still, gambling is only part of their financial empire—they hold monopolies in various sectors across Cambodia. Importantly, their influence stretches beyond Cambodia's elite. Both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat are known to maintain connections with prominent Thai figures, including politicians (past and present), business leaders, government officials and police officers. Currently, both men's operations are facing sharp declines due to tighter Thai border control measures. Thailand's restricted border opening hours, enhanced screening protocols and limits on cross-border tourism have significantly reduced foot traffic to Cambodian casinos. At the Or Samet checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey, opposite Thailand's Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province, one of Ly Yong Phat's other casino sites now sees barely any Thai visitors. The once-bustling area is now quiet. Behind the checkpoint, large-scale construction is nearly complete—multiple buildings designed for accommodation and office use now stand at over 90 per cent completion. The entire compound is surrounded by high metal fences and barbed wire, underlining the high-security nature of the site. The once-close relationship between former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen appears to have collapsed following the leaked audio clip of a conversation involving current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The call, which centred on reopening border checkpoints amid a tense Thai-Cambodian standoff, has exposed deeper geopolitical rifts—and potentially criminal entanglements—on both sides of the border. 'I used to consider Hun Sen a brother, but after what he did to my daughter, I was in shock,' Thaksin told an audience during a speech at the '55 Years of Nation: Breaking Thailand's Deadlock' forum on the evening of July 9, 2025. According to Thaksin, Paetongtarn had gone to meet Khliang Huot, a close aide to Hun Sen, at the Rosewood Hotel, where a call with Hun Sen was arranged. Present at the meeting were Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiamphongsa and Prime Minister's Secretary-General Dr Prommin Lertsuridej. 'She waited almost three hours. They claimed he was asleep. Eventually, she and the team left. But not long after, Hun Sen called her directly on her private line. I suspect he wasn't asleep at all—but had prepared to record the conversation, I believe he knew we had the defence and foreign ministers present, which makes it all the more frustrating that he could go through with something like this.' Thaksin said, questioning Hun Sen's motive. Thaksin also reignited scrutiny of Cambodian casinos allegedly being used as bases for Thai-targeted call centre scams. 'Do you remember? I said that the 25-storey tower was a call centre hub. Our police investigated and found evidence. Now it's clear that Cambodia's economy has profited by deceiving Thais,' he said. He also linked the network to Huione, a company blacklisted in the US for money laundering. According to Thaksin, a major shareholder is a Chinese national believed to be laundering money globally, with Hun Sen's nephew, Hun To, listed among the shareholders. Just days before, on July 4, Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) held an urgent meeting chaired by acting PM and Interior Minister Phumtham, alongside senior defence and intelligence officials. The talks focused on coordinating the reopening of all border checkpoints simultaneously and withdrawing heavy weaponry from border areas. Although Thailand had finalised its proposals and was ready to sign, Cambodia reportedly insisted that Thailand open its side five hours ahead of Cambodia—a condition attributed to orders from Hun Sen and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Only then, Cambodia said, would it match the withdrawal of troops and weapons. The growing dispute has placed the Shinawatra-Hun family relationship under the spotlight, revealing how a previously personal alliance is now at the centre of national sovereignty, political narrative and criminal investigations. Thai authorities have since launched a series of aggressive operations targeting online fraud, transnational crime, money laundering, and call centre gangs. These networks have cost Thai citizens billions of baht, and the trail is now visibly linked to Cambodian power figures. The sudden intensification of law enforcement raises a provocative question: Would these crackdowns on high-level crime have been possible if Thaksin and Hun Sen's alliance had remained intact? Ultimately, it has reignited a familiar phrase in Thai political circles: 'There is nothing Thai police don't know—only what they choose to act on.' While cross-border crime didn't start in 2025, Thais have endured its consequences for years. Now, with alliances broken and truths exposed, the question remains—will justice finally follow? - The Nation/ANN
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Thai authorities move to clip wings of Cambodia's casino kingpin
BANGKOK: Many view the crackdown on online scam kingpins as a welcome move, but some argue it might never have happened if the Shinawatras and the Huns hadn't fallen out. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), from Jan 1 to July 9, 2025, Thailand recorded 175,477 online crime cases, averaging 919 cases per day. Of these, 31,107 were reported online and 15,407 were filed directly with authorities. The total financial damage is estimated at 14.87 billion baht, with only 2% (approximately 295.8 million baht) successfully frozen in time. The most common scams were: Online purchase fraud (56%) Money transfer scams (26%) Loan fraud (7%) Other types of deception Authorities noted that more than 80% of Thai victims were lured by networks based in Poipet, Cambodia, not from minority-controlled areas of Myanmar as previously suspected. In response, the CCIB launched a nationwide crackdown, dubbed 'Operation Mule Account Takedown: Hunt for Cambodian Financiers,' raiding 19 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi in a coordinated effort to dismantle mule account operations and trace funding sources. Thai authorities raided a residence in a housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where an arrest warrant had been issued for Kok An, the Cambodian casino mogul and owner of the Crown Casino Resort in Poipet. Kok An, who controls multiple high-rise casino towers—including a 25-storey and an 18-storey building in Poipet—has been accused of running a massive call centre scam operation targeting Thai citizens. He is now wanted for involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering. Thai police coordinated with the Criminal Court to secure the search warrant and are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice for Kok An and his network. Authorities are also preparing for a joint meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek the Attorney-General's approval for international prosecution. Kok An is widely known not only as a powerful figure in Cambodia's gambling sector but also for his close ties to Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. He is also reportedly connected to Ly Yong Phat. Both men are considered major revenue sources for the Cambodian regime. The raid in Bang Phli—believed to be one of Kok An's private residences—has raised suspicions about Ly Yong Phat's own involvement. Authorities are now monitoring his Bangkok property for possible links to the scam network. Originally from Hainan, China, Kok An was raised in Phnom Penh. He first made his fortune selling cigarettes, capitalising on the high demand among Cambodians. His success enabled him to expand into the lucrative casino business, establishing Crown Casino in Poipet — one of the closest gambling hubs to Thailand. The resort's strategic location near the Thai border made it especially popular among Thai patrons, many travelling directly from Bangkok. A significant portion of revenue from Kok An's operations is believed to have supported the Cambodian government until now. Ly Yong Phat is a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon with humble beginnings. He once earned a living ferrying boats to buy cigarettes and worked under Kok An before climbing the ranks. He later became a petrol station employee, then a business owner, eventually marrying Kok An's cousin, solidifying his connection to one of Cambodia's most powerful casino families. Ly Yong Phat's economic stronghold is Koh Kong, a province adjacent to Thailand's Trat border via the Hat Lek checkpoint. Koh Kong is home to his sprawling casino, hotel, and resort empire. Although both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat amassed vast fortunes from gambling ventures, their operations have also incurred heavy losses. Still, gambling is only part of their financial empire—they hold monopolies in various sectors across Cambodia. Importantly, their influence stretches beyond Cambodia's elite. Both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat are known to maintain connections with prominent Thai figures, including politicians (past and present), business leaders, government officials, and police officers. Currently, both men's operations are facing sharp declines due to tighter Thai border control measures. Thailand's restricted border opening hours, enhanced screening protocols, and limits on cross-border tourism have significantly reduced foot traffic to Cambodian casinos. At the Or Samet checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey, opposite Thailand's Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province, one of Ly Yong Phat's other casino sites now sees barely any Thai visitors. The once-bustling area is now quiet. Behind the checkpoint, large-scale construction is nearly complete—multiple buildings designed for accommodation and office use now stand at over 90% completion. The entire compound is surrounded by high metal fences and barbed wire, underlining the high-security nature of the site. The once-close relationship between former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen appears to have collapsed following the leaked audio clip of a conversation involving current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The call, which centred on reopening border checkpoints amid a tense Thai-Cambodian standoff, has exposed deeper geopolitical rifts—and potentially criminal entanglements—on both sides of the border. 'I used to consider Hun Sen a brother, but after what he did to my daughter, I was in shock,' Thaksin told an audience during a speech at the '55 Years of Nation: Breaking Thailand's Deadlock' forum on the evening of July 9, 2025. According to Thaksin, Paetongtarn had gone to meet Khliang Huot at the Rosewood Hotel, where a call with Hun Sen was arranged. Present at the meeting were Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiamphongsa, and Prime Minister's Secretary-General Dr Prommin Lertsuridej. 'She waited almost three hours. They claimed he was asleep. Eventually, she and the team left. But not long after, Hun Sen called her directly on her private line. I suspect he wasn't asleep at all—but had prepared to record the conversation, I believe he knew we had the defence and foreign ministers present, which makes it all the more frustrating that he could go through with something like this.' Thaksin said, questioning Hun Sen's motive. Thaksin also reignited scrutiny of Cambodian casinos allegedly being used as bases for Thai-targeted call centre scams. 'Do you remember? I said that the 25-storey tower was a call centre hub. Our police investigated and found evidence. Now it's clear that Cambodia's economy has profited by deceiving Thais,' he said. He also linked the network to Huione, a company blacklisted in the US for money laundering. According to Thaksin, a major shareholder is a Chinese national believed to be laundering money globally, with Hun Sen's nephew, Hun To, listed among the shareholders. Just days before, on July 4, Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) held an urgent meeting chaired by acting PM and Interior Minister Phumtham, alongside senior defence and intelligence officials. The talks focused on coordinating the reopening of all border checkpoints simultaneously and withdrawing heavy weaponry from border areas. Although Thailand had finalised its proposals and was ready to sign, Cambodia reportedly insisted that Thailand open its side five hours ahead of Cambodia—a condition attributed to orders from Hun Sen and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Only then, Cambodia said, would it match the withdrawal of troops and weapons. The growing dispute has placed the Shinawatra-Hun family relationship under the spotlight, revealing how a previously personal alliance is now at the centre of national sovereignty, political narrative, and criminal investigations. Thai authorities have since launched a series of aggressive operations targeting online fraud, transnational crime, money laundering, and call centre gangs. These networks have cost Thai citizens billions of baht, and the trail is now visibly linked to Cambodian power figures. The sudden intensification of law enforcement raises a provocative question: Would these crackdowns on high-level crime have been possible if Thaksin and Hun Sen's alliance had remained intact? Ultimately, it has reignited a familiar phrase in Thai political circles: 'There is nothing Thai police don't know—only what they choose to act on.' While cross-border crime didn't start in 2025, Thais have endured its consequences for years. Now, with alliances broken and truths exposed, the question remains—will justice finally follow? - The Nation/ANN
Spectator
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Venice is a city of love and menace
Jeff Bezos has brought much tat into the world, along with the undoubted convenience of Amazon's services. But in at least one respect, he is a man of good taste. In choosing Venice to plight his troth with his lovely bride Lauren Sanchez at the weekend, Bezos picked the best possible location: La Serenissima is indeed a veritable miracle. It is a logic-defying wonder, and despite my frequent visits, I still don't understand the physics of its construction. How can a city of hundreds of heavy palaces and churches, resting on petrified wooden piles driven into mud, continue to exist centuries after the Venetian lagoon was first settled by terrified refugees? Those who founded the city were of course fleeing the fury of invading barbarian hordes of Huns and Visigoths laying waste to the rest of northern Italy. It was probably that same remoteness of the 100-plus islands that saved Venice for civilisation. Those refugees evolved from precarious fishermen into a magnificent maritime empire, based on a miraculous floating city that is still – I make no apologies for claiming, though it is hardly an original suggestion – the most gorgeous and romantic place in the world. How can anyone resist a city without cars, where water rules supreme and, instead of buses or Tube trains, you take a speedy vaporetto to your desired destination? Just to be afloat here soothes the most jangled of nerves. I first visited Venice aged five. The only memories I have of that trip are of a drunken British sailor from a visiting warship reeling around St Mark's Square yelling 'Fred!' and the coloured glass globules adorning the wrought-iron gateway into Peggy Guggenheim's gallery on the Grand Canal. Peggy, like Bezos, was just one of many super-rich celebrities lured to Venice by its glitz. Since its empire declined from the 16th century onwards, La Serenissima has depended on tourism and its reputation – appropriately for Casanova's home town – as the place to go with your lover. I have been to Venice perhaps 30 times since that first visit. I have my own favourite modest hotel tucked away near St Mark's and would stay there for good if I could. Yes, I know all the clichés: Venice is thick with touts and pickpockets; it stinks in summer; it's overpriced and overwhelmed with day-trippers from the giant cruise ships that are going to finally capsize the sinking city; Venice is dying with a shrinking population the size of Brighton and Hove. Despite all these half-truths, 'trotz alledem' as the Germans say, I would like to end my days there. Many have done precisely that, both in fact and fiction. Just as some places – like Rome and Paris – are cities of life, so others like Venice and Vienna are cities of death, shaded by gloom and giving off a faint air of dissolution. Wagner died here, in the superb palazzo Ca' Vendramin Calergi on the Grand Canal which now houses the Casino, and Browning passed in another, the Ca' Rezzonico, acquired by his son Pen thanks to his marriage to an American heiress. I never see the ATM in the corner of St Mark's Square without her jibe ringing in my ears: 'That will be 150 euros for services not rendered' In fiction, the writer Gustav Aschenbach found both lust and death in Venice, via the pen of Thomas Mann – a novella memorably realised on screen by Luchino Visconti in Dirk Bogarde's finest performance. My three favourite Venetian films are all about death, the other two being Don't Look Now, a macabre tale by Daphne du Maurier, which includes the most erotic encounter ever seen in a mainstream movie, and The Comfort of Strangers, based on an Ian McEwan novel which sees a sinister Christopher Walken murderously obsessed with Rupert Everett. All these films mingle Eros with death and for me that is part of Venice's draw. You don't expect a honeymoon here to be entirely happy, as Mr John Cross discovered when he took his 60-year-old bride George Eliot there. For reasons still unexplained, young Mr Cross leapt from his hotel room into the Grand Canal and was fished out by gondoliers rather than perform his conjugal duty with the eminent novelist. A similar fate befell the great critic John Ruskin, who introduced Venetian architecture to the Victorian public. Ruskin was so shocked by the sight of his bride Effie Grey's pubic hair that it completely unmanned him (his only previous sight of a naked woman having been on classical statues). The marriage was later annulled due to non-consummation. The one time that I went to Venice with seduction specifically on my mind, fate also failed to deliver the anticipated outcome for me. To add insult to injury, the lady concerned asked me to pay her airfare home to Berlin. I never see the ATM in the corner of St Mark's Square without her jibe ringing in my ears: 'That will be 150 euros for services not rendered.' So if not romance, what is it that makes me adore the place? It is the mystery of this maze, and a definite air of menace. In the evenings, when the tourists have gone back to their ships and the shadows lengthen, you can wander alone and lose yourself in the heart of the labyrinth. There is a thrill in not knowing who or what will be around the next corner. And if it turns out to be a hideous knife-wielding dwarf in a red mac, a beautiful boy in a sailor suit or indeed Jeff Bezos – why, that would be exciting too.
Edinburgh Live
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire contestant loses biggest amount in show's history after blunder
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info In a dramatic turn on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, contestant Nicholas Bennett lost the largest sum ever on the show due to a costly blunder. The quiz show, now in its 30th series, witnessed Nicholas reach the £500k question without using any lifelines, much to the amazement of host Jeremy Clarkson. But disaster struck and Nicholas walked away with a staggering £375k less than he could have won. After successfully answering the £125,000 question, Clarkson remarked: "He's just roaring along." READ MORE - DVLA issues urgent driving licence warning to anyone who passed test before 2016 READ MORE - BBC 'error' leaves fans seething just minutes before Gary Lineker's farewell The £250,000 question then challenged Nicholas with: "Which of these groups never successfully invaded the city of Rome?" The choices were: "a) Visigoths, b) Huns, c) Vandals, d) Gauls". Nicholas, exuding confidence, declared: "I do like history, I know the Gauls invaded pretty early on. I'm pretty sure the Vandals destroyed the city - that's why we have vandalism. I don't think the Huns did, I don't think they made it that far into Europe, whereas I knew the Visigoths were around. As it's a free shot, I'm 70-80% sure..", reports the Mirror. Despite Clarkson reminding him of his unused lifelines and advising against guessing, Nicholas confidently replied: "I don't think this is a guess though. Maybe on the next question I'll need them, so I'm gonna say Huns - final answer." His gamble paid off, and the correct answer propelled him to the £500k question. Clarkson noted Nicholas's apparent calmness, prompting him to admit: "It's not relaxed inside my head." The £500k question posed was: "Which of these long-running US sitcoms had the most episodes? a) The Big Bang Theory b) Friends c) The Office or d) Seinfeld". Unsure of the answer, he turned to the audience who believed it was Friends - but only 37% agreed, while 30% thought it was Seinfeld. Still uncertain and not wanting to risk it, he opted for the 50/50 lifeline, which left The Big Bang Theory and The Office (proving the audience wrong). Nicolas admitted that he struggled to articulate his thoughts before finally settling on The Big Bang Theory as his final answer. His gamble paid off and he moved on to the ultimate question, the £1million query. Clarkson then asked: "Which of these words, each coined by a famous writer, was derived from the title of a fairytale about three princes? a)Pandemonium b) Serendipity c) Utopia d) Yahoo." Nicholas responded: "The one that's standing out to me is yahoo, but I don't know." He sought advice from host Jeremy, who confessed he couldn't recall a fairytale involving three princes and noted that all four words were indeed coined by authors. Nicholas then recalled a puppet show he attended recently in Spain, which he believes was about three princes. He confessed his Spanish wasn't fluent enough to understand the storyline. "But I think someone was yelling yahoo", he added. He rationalised that he'd still have £125k even if his answer was incorrect, to which Clarkson highlighted the potential £375k loss and reminded him of an available lifeline. Nicholas opted to use the lifeline, but his friend Meg was clueless about the question. "Normally, I'm really averse to any kind of gambling, but I do think I'm going to go for it," he declared, confidently stating "Yahoo, final answer." The correct answer turned out to be serendipity, a term created by Horace Walpole inspired by The Three Princes of Serendip. With a nonchalant attitude, Nicholas remarked: "I've still got £125k" while Jeremy confessed he'd be "sobbing on the floor" after such a hefty loss. Clarkson, clearly astonished, exclaimed post-event, "Oh my giddy aunt," questioning whether this was the most significant loss in 'Millionaire' history. He praised Nicholas, saying, "I don't think I've had a contestant I've enjoyed more than you. Well done, enjoy your winnings." Upon returning from the commercial break, Clarkson greeted the audience with, "We've just seen someone lose what we think is the biggest amount in Who Wants to be a Millionaire history".
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Millionaire contestant loses biggest amount in show's history after huge mistake
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host Jeremy Clarkson admitted he would be 'sobbing on the floor" after Contestant Nicholas Bennett lost the biggest amount in show history Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Contestant Nicholas Bennett lost the biggest amount of money in the show's history after making a huge mistake. The show, which has now been running for 30 seasons, saw Nicholas get all the way to 500k without using any of his lifelines, leaving host Jeremy Clarkson hugely impressed. However, things took a turn, and Nicholas ended up losing a whopping £375k. After the £125,000 question, Clarkson says: 'He's just roaring along.' Next up was the £250,000 question, which read: 'Which of these groups never successfully invaded the city of Rome?'. The options were: "a) Visigoths, b) Huns, c) Vandals, d) Gauls". Nicholas, looking quite confident, said: 'I do like history, I know the Gauls invaded pretty early on. I'm pretty sure the Vandals destroyed the city - that's why we have vandalism. I don't think the Huns did, I don't think they made it that far into Europe, whereas I knew the Visigoths were around. As it's a free shot, I'm 70-80% sure…' Clarkson proceeded to remind him that he's still got all four lifelines and that he doesn't need to guess, however, Nicholas responds: 'I don't think this is a guess though. Maybe on the next question I'll need them, so I'm gonna say Huns - final answer.' Lo and behold, the answer was correct, and Nicholas went on to the next question worth £500k. Host Jeremy Clarkson observed: 'You seem quite relaxed', to which Nicholas responds: 'It's not relaxed inside my head.' The £500k question read: 'Which of these long-running US sitcoms had the most episodes? a) The Big Bang Theory b) Friends c) The Office or d) Seinfeld'. Unsure on the answer, he asked the audience who thought it was Friends - but only 37% - while 30% thought Seinfeld. Still unsure and not wanting to take chances yet, he used 50/50, which left The Big Bang Theory and The Office (which meant the audience was wrong). Nicolas stated that it was difficult to get his words out before revealing The Big Bang Theory as his final answer. The answer was correct and then it was on to the final question, the £1million question. Clarkson asks: 'Which of these words, each coined by a famous writer, was derived from the title of a fairytale about three princes? a)Pandemonium b) Serendipity c) Utopia d) Yahoo.' Nicholas says: 'The one that's standing out to me is yahoo, but I don't know.' He asks host Jeremy, who says he can't think of a fairytale that's about three princes and points out that all four words have come from authors. Nicholas then remembers a puppet show he went to recently in Spain, which he thinks was about three princes. He said he doesn't speak Spanish well enough to know what the story was about. 'But I think someone was yelling yahoo', he said. He reasons that he's still got £125k if he gets it wrong, and Clarkson points out that he would lose £375k and that he has another lifeline. Nicholas then used his lifeline, but unfortunately, his friend Meg had no idea of the answer. 'Normally, I'm really averse to any kind of gambling, but I do think I'm going to go for it,' he says, 'Yahoo, final answer.' The computer then reveals the answer to be serendipity, coined by Horace Walpole from The Three Princes of Serendip. Nicholas shrugs and says: 'I've still got £125k' as Jeremy admits he would be 'sobbing on the floor' if he'd just lost that much money. 'Oh my giddy aunt,' Clarkson said afterwards. 'Is that the biggest loss in Millionaire history?' and he tells Nicholas: 'I don't think I've had a contestant I've enjoyed more than you. Well done, enjoy your winnings.' After the ad break he welcomed viewers back by saying: "We've just seen someone lose what we think is the biggest amount in Who Wants to be a Millionaire history".
