Month: January 2018

  • NewsThailand’s Kane Shepherd setting the pace in the Formula Gulf Academy

    Thailand’s Kane Shepherd setting the pace in the Formula Gulf Academy

    Held at the billion dollar facility built on Yas Island specifically to host Abu Dhabi’s Formula One World Championship Grand Prix events, Rounds 3 & 4 were dominated by one of Thailand’s most promising young racing drivers, Kane Shepherd. Kane, who is also contesting the SEA F4 championship, was back in the UAE to gain valuable coaching from Formula Gulf…

    Read More »
  • FoodNaughty Nuri’s – Bringing a bit of Bali to Patong

    Naughty Nuri’s – Bringing a bit of Bali to Patong

    Sponsored Article Naughty Nuri’s, the renowned Balinese BBQ restaurant & bar, well known especially for its “probably the best ribs in the world” had their Grand Opening of the first outlet in Phuket on Saturday, January 20. This growing chain provided a memorable experience to more than 500 guests during the opening ceremony. The 500 seat outlet is set beautifully…

    Read More »
  • News3,466 new guns distributed to police in Phuket

    3,466 new guns distributed to police in Phuket

    The Police Region 8 Commander, Pol Lt Gen Sorasak Yenprem, hosted a ceremony to distribute a total of 3,466 guns today (January 23) following the approval from the cabinet for a budget of 990 million Baht to purchase 55,150 new 9 mm semi-automatic guns, magazines, bullets, sockets and belts, as well as handcuffs. “The weapons are distributed to the operational…

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeThailand Yacht Show – attracting Superyachts to the region

    Thailand Yacht Show – attracting Superyachts to the region

    PHOTO: Andy Treadwell, CEO and Founder, Thailand Yacht Show At a Press Conference in Bangkok last week Prakob Wongmaneerung, Vice Governor of Phuket, Nithee Seeprae, Executive Director of Product Promotion Department of TAT and Andy Treadwell, CEO and Founder of the Thailand Yacht Show, along with numerous officials and key business leaders, gathered to re-confirm their commitment to promoting Thailand…

    Read More »
  • NewsThailand’s opium cultivation “down by 40%”

    Thailand’s opium cultivation “down by 40%”

    The cultivation of opium is on the decline in Thailand, but the illegal practice persists in several northern districts, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board reported this week. Secretary-general Sirinya Sitdhichai cited remote rural highlands in Chiang Mai’s Om Koi, Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao districts and in Tak’s Umphang, Mae Ramat and Tha Song Yang districts as places…

    Read More »
  • NewsKrabi palm oil plant given warnings after releasing waste water

    Krabi palm oil plant given warnings after releasing waste water

    A privately owned palm oil mill in Krabi is being told to close its doors by the Krabi Office of Industry after releasing waste water into a natural canal twice in a month. On January 22, Benyathip Tanti-Ariyasap, and her team from the Krabi Office of Industry, visited the palm oil mill belonging to the Lap Pakdee Palm Company Limited,…

    Read More »
  • NewsTHAIGER TODAY Tuesday, January 23

    THAIGER TODAY Tuesday, January 23

    3 killed and many more injured in latest Yala bombing | Another bus with Chinese tourists ends up in a road ditch in Chiang Mai | Later on the Israeli mob hit on Samui | Central Pattana introduce cashless technology at 4,000 stores | Bullets flying in Hat Yai yesterday | Exports up 9.9% over past 12 months.

    Read More »
  • NewsUPDATE: “Gangland revenge.” Brutal murder of an Israeli man on Chaweng Beach

    UPDATE: “Gangland revenge.” Brutal murder of an Israeli man on Chaweng Beach

    By Supachai Petchathevee Revenge appears to be the motive in the brutal murder of an Israeli man by his two compatriots on Koh Samui Island on Sunday. 24 year old Dolev Zuarez and 26 year old Eval Bokal were arrested at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok about five hours after they allegedly killed 34 year old Maor Mallil and injured…

    Read More »
  • NewsTHAIGER TODAY Monday, January 22

    THAIGER TODAY Monday, January 22

    Israeli hit squad kills one in Koh Samui | ‘Taxi OK’ App and reforms launched this Thursday | Spot checks at Chalong Pier reveal shortcomings on some boats | Couple arrested at Don Mueang after alleged murder in Pichit | Total of four arrested over Phuket Airport baggage thefts.

    Read More »
  • NewsDriver runs away after flipping Mercedes at Samkong

    Driver runs away after flipping Mercedes at Samkong

    What do you do when you flip your Mercedes E350 at 2am in the morning at the Samkong Underpass? You run away it seems. The driver flipped the car heading southbound into the Samkong Underpass. Some other drivers on the road at the time witnessed the crash and tried to use their own car extinguishers to control the blaze. By…

    Read More »
  • NewsTwo Israelis arrested over suspected mob hit in Samui

    Two Israelis arrested over suspected mob hit in Samui

    Two Israeli men were arrested at Don Muang International Airport on Sunday night for allegedly stabbing to death a fellow Israeli and seriously injuring his girlfriend on Koh Samui earlier in the day. Police said 24 year old Dolev Zuarez and 26 year old Eval Bokal were arrested soon after arriving at the airport at 9.30pm. They had flown to…

    Read More »
  • NewsUkrainian driver loses control of his car – two killed in Cherngtalay crash

    Ukrainian driver loses control of his car – two killed in Cherngtalay crash

    A car driven by a Ukrainian man, Artem Chidoko, was travelling, allegedly at high speed, from Cherngtalay towards Phuket International Airport when he lost control while taking a curve on the road. He crashed into a van driving on the other side of the road in the opposite direction about 2pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday). He was driving with two passengers,…

    Read More »
  • NewsUPDATE: One more airport worker arrested for stealing passengers’ valuables

    UPDATE: One more airport worker arrested for stealing passengers’ valuables

    After three Phuket airport staff were arrested for stealing passengers’ valuables on Saturday, police extended their investigation and arrested another staff member, 28 year old Kwanchai Butchai, from Sisaket province. The three men that were arrested earlier include 30 year old Manote Nakpojit and 29 year old Nirut Saksri who admitted the thefts, while another one, 23 year old Chakrit…

    Read More »
  • NewsPhuket and Krabi province officials meet for marine safety meeting

    Phuket and Krabi province officials meet for marine safety meeting

    Authorities from Phuket and Krabi provinces have met to discuss marine safety, boat management and the tourism situation on Koh Phi Phi. About 33 authorities plus media from Phuket led by Phuket Governor, Norapat Plodthong, left from Ao Po Pier on Saturday heading to Phi Phi to meet with Krabi authorities led by Krabi Governor, Second Lieutenant Apinan Puakpong and…

    Read More »
  • News12 infringements during random safety check at Chalong Pier

    12 infringements during random safety check at Chalong Pier

    The Tourist Police, Marine Police and Phuket Marine Office headed to Chalong Pier yesterday (January 20) to conduct random inspections and found 12 boat operators in error over various safety issues. Two people held expired licenses, another one didn’t bring his license onboard and another 6 operators were not running boats in accordance with the conditions specified in their license.…

    Read More »
  • NewsBaggage handlers arrested over thefts at Phuket airport

    Baggage handlers arrested over thefts at Phuket airport

    Police arrested two worker at the Phuket International Airport and their alleged accomplice over the theft of passengers’ belongings, said Sakhu Police Station superintendent Pol Colonel Jirasak Siamsak on Sunday. 29 year old Nirut Saksri and 30 year old Manock Nakphojit, plus alleged accomplice 23 year old Chakrit Chanprasert, were arrested and some 100 stolen items recovered, including computer notebooks,…

    Read More »
  • Thai Life“Limit visits to marine national parks to six million”

    “Limit visits to marine national parks to six million”

    A leading marine biologist has proposed to the government to limit visitors to marine national parks to 6 million a year to lessen impact on its ecological environment. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, deputy dean at the Fisheries Faculty of Kasetsart University, made his proposal at the meeting of the Marine and Coastal Resources Policy Management Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gen…

    Read More »
  • NewsNot all cryptocurrencies are the same

    Not all cryptocurrencies are the same

    By Asina Pornwasin Thai companies wanting to raise public funds via Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) using cryptocurrencies should be required to follow the strict rules and regulations on Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), currently applied to stocks and other financial instruments, said experts. The cryptocurrency hype in Thailand has stepped up following an announcement from listed Thai firm Jaymart’s J Venture…

    Read More »
  • NewsBuggy crash at Ao Po Pier

    Buggy crash at Ao Po Pier

    A buggy with passengers crashed into Ao Po Long-tail Boat Club yesterday (January 19) resulting into 10 people being injured. All the injured are Chinese tourists who have already been sent to Thalang Hospital. The driver, 39 year old Pongthep Lawan, said that after he picked up his passengers from the boat returning from Naka Yai Island, the buggy stopped…

    Read More »
  • NewsMoto GP will generate 1 billion baht for Thailand

    Moto GP will generate 1 billion baht for Thailand

    Sports Authority of Thailand Governor Sakon Wannapong says more than 1 billion baht will be generated by the PTT Thailand motorcycling Grand Prix at the Buri Ram International Circuit this October. The SAT boss said a huge income would be generated during the competition between October 5-7 in the northeastern province. Thailand has a three-year-contract to host the MotoGP and must pay around 400…

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeWhere is the most expensive place to live in the world? And Asia?

    Where is the most expensive place to live in the world? And Asia?

    PHOTO: Thomas Tucker/Unsplash How expensive is it to live in Phuket? And Thailand? numbeo.com has crunched the numbers and listed the cost of living expenses of 540 cities around the world (Phuket gets listed as a ‘city’ on the list). The worlds most expensive city is Hamilton – Bermuda followed by Zurich – Switzerland, both almost three times the cost…

    Read More »
  • NewsThree foreigners, one Thai arrested for drug possession in Kamala

    Three foreigners, one Thai arrested for drug possession in Kamala

    Kamala police arrested 27 year old Viktor Dvinsky from Russia and 22 year old Berezina Vladystava with 14.44 grams of cocaine, 2 amphetamine pills, 17.66 grams of marijuana. Police also seized an iPhone and $2,400 and 11,000 Baht in cash. They were charged for possession and trading of illicit drugs. After the two were arrested, police extended the investigation and…

    Read More »
  • TravelUK to shift visa approvals from Bangkok to New Delhi

    UK to shift visa approvals from Bangkok to New Delhi

    United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will relocate its visa approval centre from Bangkok to New Delhi, starting in June this year. The move is part of UKVI’s longstanding global strategy to modernise its visa operations and consolidate visa decision-making in large regional hubs, said a press release issued by the British Embassy to Thailand on Friday. There will be…

    Read More »
  • NewsMachete road rage in Phuket

    Machete road rage in Phuket

    The video of a pickup driver pulling out a machete to threaten another driver after being ‘tooted’ has gone viral. The man has since been arrested. He is being investigated by Muang Phuket police, along with the evidence, his 77cm-long machete. The 2 minute video shows the bronze pick-up truck that was driving in the middle lane cutting in front…

    Read More »
  • NewsTHAIGER TODAY Friday, January 19

    THAIGER TODAY Friday, January 19

    Chinese swimmer drowns off Karon Beach | Police raid of BKK pub over late 4am closing time | Prawit promises free airing of World Cup games in Thailand | Workers get a new minimum wage | Enormous drug/assets haul from 59 locations. Plus the weekend’s forecast.

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeUPDATE: Smart Visa applications accepted after February 1

    UPDATE: Smart Visa applications accepted after February 1

    Starting February 1, eligible foreigners can apply for a new, four-year visa called the Smart Visa. The visa, itself, isn’t ‘smart’ or magically electronic but you’ll probably need to be smart to apply for it. Initially the digital nomads hoped it might help their lifestyle and allow them an easier way to remain in Thailand. The details don’t really support…

    Read More »
  • NewsAnother Chinese tourist drowns in Karon

    Another Chinese tourist drowns in Karon

    Pol. Lt. Gen. Suwisit Kirirak received a report that a Chinese tourist had drowned at Karon Beach around 1pm yesterday (Thursday) near the Tsunami Alert Tower. He headed to the scene where Kusoldham foundation volunteers had already arrived. They found the body of 30 year old Pan Xin, a Chinese citizen who was on holidays on the island with his…

    Read More »
  • NewsCops raid BKK pub, still open at 4am

    Cops raid BKK pub, still open at 4am

    Police raided a pub on Sukhumvit Soi 22 in Bangkok Thursday morning after it stayed open well past the mandated 2am closing time. Tally, on the ground floor of the Holiday Inn in Vadhana district, was still open at 4am when police arrived, about 200 patrons drinking and dancing. Twenty of them tested positive for illicit drugs and were taken…

    Read More »
  • NewsThat was 2017. This is 2018. Thai Economy

    That was 2017. This is 2018. Thai Economy

    by Patrick Cooke, Regional Editor for Asia. Rising overseas demand for goods and services pushed Thailand’s GDP towards five-year highs in 2017, with business-friendly fiscal policies and planned spending on infrastructure expected to support further expansion in 2018. The Thai economy improved over the course of 2017, recording year-on-year growth of 3.3% in the first quarter, 3.8% in the second…

    Read More »
  • NewsThe big three. 2018 elections for Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia.

    The big three. 2018 elections for Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia.

    In 2018 there will be three elections in our immediate region – the much-predicted (and confirmed by the Thai PM) Thai election, another in Cambodia and one in Malaysia. All have their very local versions of democracy which will shape the outcomes. All are vital tests for the region’s fragile democracies. Cambodia Cambodia’s national elections are scheduled for July 29.…

    Read More »
  • NewsUPDATE: Blaze near Surakul Stadium damages local shops

    UPDATE: Blaze near Surakul Stadium damages local shops

    The fire started in the electric cabling curled up on the electric pole in front of a motorcycle garage and damaged the shop, including many motorbikes. The total loss, according to police attending the scene, following discussions with the proprietors, is at least 300,000 Baht. (We counted more than 20 motorcycles and parts in the shops so the estimate appears…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsTHAIGER TODAY Thursday, January 18

    THAIGER TODAY Thursday, January 18

    Fire destroys two motorbike shops near Surakul Stadium | Two Russians robbed of their Bitcoin in condo raid | Governor urges better supervision of boat safety by marine office | DSI dismiss their raid on Bangkok brothel is politically motivated | Thailand’s sex trade valued at over 200 billion baht | Krabi council calls for limit on numbers at Maya…

    Read More »
  • NewsThomas Cook Airlines flight attendant dies in Phuket hotel room

    Thomas Cook Airlines flight attendant dies in Phuket hotel room

    PHOTO: The deceased was working as a flight attendant for Thomas Cook Airlines and was on a layover in Phuket Saku police received a report yesterday (January 17) that an airline staff member from Thomas Cook, a 28 year old Finnish woman, died in her hotel room. At the scene, police found her body wearing only a black bra without any trace…

    Read More »
  • NewsFire destroys two motorbike shops near the Darasamuth intersection

    Fire destroys two motorbike shops near the Darasamuth intersection

    There’s been a fire, on the opposite side of the road between the Darasamuth School at the Central Festival underpass (Darasamuth Intersection) and Surakul Stadium, around 9am this morning. Two adjacent motorbike shops caught fire – there was an electrical work truck working on the electrical pole in front of the shops at the time. Emergency responders attended the scene…

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeBoat Lagoon Yachting announces mega shipment of private yachts

    Boat Lagoon Yachting announces mega shipment of private yachts

    Boat Lagoon Yachting, Thailand’s largest importer and distributor of luxury yachts, has made history in the region’s yachting industry with the importation of the largest single shipment of luxury yachts, worth over 1,400 million baht. The shipment comprises nine luxury yachts manufactured in the UK by Princess Yachts, with sizes ranging from 19 metres to a superyacht of over 30…

    Read More »
  • NewsRussian gang drain a couple’s Bitcoin account in a Phuket condo

    Russian gang drain a couple’s Bitcoin account in a Phuket condo

    A Russian couple have spoken to Thai police claiming that fellow-Russians, posing as Interpol, had entered their condominium and forced them to give passwords before stealing nearly 4 million baht in Bitcoin. 23 year old Maxsim Latsoka and 28 year old Anna Nikurina were returning home on Monday night. When they entered their fourth floor condo in Muang district they…

    Read More »
  • News“Careless captain may be the cause of boat explosion,” Krabi Police

    “Careless captain may be the cause of boat explosion,” Krabi Police

    The Krabi Governor held a meeting yesterday to discuss about marine safety with the boat companies and tourism companies in the wake of Sunday’s boat explosion off Koh Phi Phi Ley. The meeting agreed on measures to cover pre-incident, during the incident and post-incident, to improve the rescue efficiency and to encourage trust among tourists. An information ‘central HQ’ that…

    Read More »