Year: 2018

  • Phuket NewsPolice raid Thalang houses, seize 207 kilograms of drugs

    Police raid Thalang houses, seize 207 kilograms of drugs

    Police raided four target areas in Thalang over the past week in a continuation of their crackdown on drugs. They seized 207 kilograms of kratom, crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine pills. A team of The Thalang Police arrested 19 year old Weerachai ‘Bub’ Jitjamnong from Phuket at a rented room in Thalang. Police seized a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine. He…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s beaches deserve world standard lifesaving

    Phuket’s beaches deserve world standard lifesaving

    By Daren Jenner, Marine Safety Officer, International Surf Lifesaving Association The Phuket governor’s plan to turn over what little funds are being provided for critical marine lifesaving services to the Or Bor Tors will only perpetuate the current deadly cycle of inexperienced, non-certified lifeguards, low salaries, fragmented service, and lapses in coverage. All of these factors will in turn contribute…

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  • Phuket NewsPattani man arrested in Phuket motorbike theft

    Pattani man arrested in Phuket motorbike theft

    Police have arrested a man from Pattani wanted over a stolen motorbike that was parked at a music school in Phuket Town yesterday (July 24). Phuket City Police have arrested 33 year old Tuanbudeeman ‘Tuan’ Tanamae from Pattani at a rental room in Phuket Town. Police also seized the stolen Honda motorbike. The man was taken to the Phuket City…

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  • Bangkok NewsMother threatens suicide over acquittal

    Mother threatens suicide over acquittal

    (4 minute read) The suicide of a father, who jumped out of the eighth floor of Bangkok’s Criminal Court after a verdict was read acquitting the suspect in his son’s murder back in 2016, has taken a sad turn of events. Now the wife of the man who killed himself, and the murdered son’s mother, is threatening to kill herself…

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  • World NewsHundreds dead, thousands displaced – Laos dam bust.

    Hundreds dead, thousands displaced – Laos dam bust.

    (5 minute read) The heavy rains in northern, north-eastern Thailand and southern Laos have caused a partially man-made disaster affecting hundreds of Loas homes with hundreds of people still missing. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes in Laos’ southern Attapeu province following the collapse of part of a hydroelectric dam under construction. The disaster came hours after…

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  • Phuket News‘Phoenix’ salvage ordered while investigation continues

    ‘Phoenix’ salvage ordered while investigation continues

    The director-general of the national marine department has ordered the salvage of ‘Phoenix’ – the tour boat that sank on July 6 resulting in the drowning of 47 Chinese passengers. The investigation into official negligence is also being conducted. Director general of the Marine Department Jirut Wisanjit says, “We issued an order for the ‘Phoenix’ boat owner on to organise…

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  • World NewsHundreds of houses flood as Laos dam breached

    Hundreds of houses flood as Laos dam breached

    PHOTOS: BCEL One Heart The Nation is reporting that hundreds of households in Laos were heavily flooded on Monday night after a large amount of water overflowed a saddle dam section of Xe Pian dam following heavy rainfall in the country’s southern province of Attapeu. The disaster has reportedly claimed several lives, left hundreds of people missing and more than…

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  • Phuket NewsBlue Tree Phuket appoints hospitality ace as GM

    Blue Tree Phuket appoints hospitality ace as GM

    Blue Tree Phuket has announced the appointment of Michael Ayling, a veteran of Phuket’s hospitality scene, as its general manager. Having worked in a consulting capacity on the project for the past 24 months, Mr Ayling now takes the reins to lead the development, beginning with its opening to the public in early 2019. The UK-born leisure industry professional brings…

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  • World News“Japan will definitely win the war” – new memos revealed

    “Japan will definitely win the war” – new memos revealed

    PHOTO: A memo by Michio Yuzawa, a former Japanese vice home minister Interesting historical footnote today according to memos recently discovered which reveal the mindset of the Japanese prime minister at the time, just one day before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. The Japan Times reports that wartime Prime Minister Hideki Tojo stated that Japan would “definitely win the…

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  • Phuket NewsBeachgoers banned from swimming at Phuket beaches until crocodile is caught

    Beachgoers banned from swimming at Phuket beaches until crocodile is caught

    Swimmers have been banned on all beaches in Phuket while the crocodile hunting operation is still in operation. Phuket is preparing to announce urgent crocodile registration measures in order to keep track of all known crocodiles in the area in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. Governor Norraphat Plodthong says, “We are preparing to announce registration for all…

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  • Bangkok NewsDriver drops dead at petrol station in Nakhon Pathom

    Driver drops dead at petrol station in Nakhon Pathom

    The driver of a 22-wheel trailer truck fell dead from his truck after he stopped to get petrol this morning (Tuesday) in Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok. Police were alerted at 7am of the incident at the NGV station on Malai Road. The Nation reports that 46 year old Picket Jailuen was transporting construction sand from Tambon Prong Madua in…

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  • World NewsAustralia awards highest honours to Tham Luang cave rescuers

    Australia awards highest honours to Tham Luang cave rescuers

    PHOTOS: Tim Shaw, 2CC Australian members of the Tham Luang cave rescue team, including Dr Richard Harris and Craig Challen, have been congratulated by the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull after receiving the Order of Australia and the Star of Courage at a function at Government House in the Australian capital Canberra today. Cave diving medical specialists, Richard Harris and…

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  • Phuket NewsMarine talkfest to ensure better marine safety in Phuket

    Marine talkfest to ensure better marine safety in Phuket

    A meeting was held this morning (July 23) at the Chalong Pier. The meeting was led by Navy chief of staff Admiral Pichet Tannaset who was determined to follow through with measures that would ensure marine safety – better controlling tour boats in Phuket in order to prevent marine accidents. Admiral Pichet says, “We don’t have direct power to enforce…

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  • NewsShould Phuket’s beaches be closed until this crocodile captured.

    Should Phuket’s beaches be closed until this crocodile captured.

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  • Northern Thailand NewsThe Mu Pa 13, minus one, attend blessing ceremony before becoming novice monks

    The Mu Pa 13, minus one, attend blessing ceremony before becoming novice monks

    PHOTOS: The Nation Eleven of the Mu Pa football team rescued from the Chiang Rai cave in Mai Sai, along with their assistant coach, participated in a Buddhist ritual this morning (Tuesday) in more carefully stage managed media appearances in the aftermath of the rescue. The ceremony honours the cave’s resident Phra That Doi Wao spirit. This afternoon they will have…

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  • Krabi NewsTiger Cave Temple monkeys getting sterilised in Krabi

    Tiger Cave Temple monkeys getting sterilised in Krabi

    Monkeys living around the famous Tiger Cave Temple are being sterilised in the first step in monkey birth control in Krabi where more than 1,000 monkeys are getting into trouble with tourists and locals as their populations swell. Chief of the Krabi Office of Natural and Environment Resources Chalermpan Yinjaroen says, “These monkeys were caught on July 21-22 for sterilisation.…

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  • South Thailand NewsFather and mother found in Trang murder-suicide

    Father and mother found in Trang murder-suicide

    Two Trang parents dropped their children off with a relative and then drove away. Not long after police found the two dead in an apparent murder-suicide. TNA reports that two were allegedly arguing over extra-marital relationships and jealousies. They left the children with an older sister while they drove off to sort out their differences. Police from the Huay Yort station…

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  • Bangkok NewsKhao San road market make-over set for August 1

    Khao San road market make-over set for August 1

    “Khao San Road and its surrounding area is an accident waiting to happen.” This scary outlook from the deputy governor of Bangkok. He says that the area is so cluttered with vendors, pathway stores, market stalls and alcohol shops that emergency vehicles would find it difficult to gain access if any emergency were to occur. A meeting was held on Monday…

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  • Pattaya NewsPattaya taxis demanding 100 baht flag fall – three times more than Bangkok

    Pattaya taxis demanding 100 baht flag fall – three times more than Bangkok

    Pattaya taxi drivers are trying to make a deal with authorities. They’ll use their taxi meters IF authorities increase the flag fall for taxi trips to 100 baht. Pattaya taxi operators met yesterday (Monday) to decide that 100 baht is an appropriate flag fall for the first two kilometres of any journey. The cost after the first 2 kilometres would…

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  • Phuket NewsTourism operators suggest visa-fee waiver to counter cancelled bookings

    Tourism operators suggest visa-fee waiver to counter cancelled bookings

    As the cancellations of accommodation and tour bookings from Chinese tourists continue to rack up, local tourism operators are urging the Government to be pro-active in trying to restore confidence. Vichit Prakobkosol, the President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents is calling for the Thai government to waive visa fees in a bid to lure back the Chinese tourists.…

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  • Phuket NewsThree arrested with 12,000 methamphetamine pills at checkpoint

    Three arrested with 12,000 methamphetamine pills at checkpoint

    Tha Chatchai Police have been conducting their latest crackdown on drugs at the Phuket Checkpoint and scored another major haul, arresting two men and one woman with 12,000 methamphetamine pills yesterday (July 23). The police arrested 36 year old Pratueang ‘Bang Hed’ Kanuengkarn, a 39 year old woman Saitip ‘Mae’ Boonjan – both are from Phuket – and 27 year…

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  • Bangkok NewsCriminal Court spokesman explains why alleged knifeman was acquitted

    Criminal Court spokesman explains why alleged knifeman was acquitted

    Following yesterday’s sad epilogue to a court case, where the father of a murdered son jumped out of the window of the Criminal Court because the suspect was acquitted, a spokesperson has made a statement about the case. The court of justice tried has sought to clarify why the Criminal Court ordered the acquittal of the defendant in a murder…

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  • Phuket NewsCrocodile hunters move to Paradise and Patong beaches

    Crocodile hunters move to Paradise and Patong beaches

    Phuket’s elusive west-coast crocodile was last seen last night (July 23) at Tri Trang Beach. Today, crocodile hunters are focussing their attention around the waters of Paradise and Patong Beach where the crocodile is believed to be heading. Yesterday morning (July 23) the crocodile appeared off Tritrang Beach in Patong Bay. Locals say that they spotted the crocodile of Tritrang Beach…

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  • Thailand NewsJoint Thai/Chinese crime bust nets 34 suspects in call-centre and online gambling gangs

    Joint Thai/Chinese crime bust nets 34 suspects in call-centre and online gambling gangs

    The arrest of 34 suspects in major call centre scams and online gambling were announced yesterday. With cooperation from Chinese police, Thai officers checked 14 locations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chon Buri and Phuket on July 19 to make the arrests. The stings netted 34 suspects, including 26 Chinese nationals. The arrests were announced yesterday at a press conference at the Royal Thai…

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  • Thailand video newsShould Phuket’s beaches be closed until the crocodile is captured?

    Should Phuket’s beaches be closed until the crocodile is captured?

    The crocodile’s location, search and capture attempts appear to be completely random and uncoordinated. Daren Jenner from the International Surf Life Saving Association says Phuket’s west coast beaches should be closed until it’s captured. Tim Newton reports… https://www.facebook.com/thethaigernews/videos/1801892163221937/

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  • Phuket NewsA man was fished out of the Surin Beach surf today – whilst on-duty lifesavers watched

    A man was fished out of the Surin Beach surf today – whilst on-duty lifesavers watched

    PHOTOS: Pavida Anantarasmi Witnesses at Surin Beach today watched in bemused confusion when a man, who was in difficulty whilst swimming off Surin Beach today, was helped back to shore. But not by one of the lifeguards on duty at the beach who stood at the shore and watched the rescue take place. The incident happened around 11am when a…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsThai and foreign media warned off Mu Pa 13

    Thai and foreign media warned off Mu Pa 13

    “Stay away.” That’s the warning issued by the public relations office of Chiang Rai province after a correspondent of America’s ABC News conducted an interview with the youngest of the survivors from Tham Luang cave in defiance of advice of psychiatrists and child welfare officials. The film crew also visited the church for 14 year old Adul Sam-on where church…

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  • World NewsMalaysian Mahathir government to look at reducing voting age to 18 from 21

    Malaysian Mahathir government to look at reducing voting age to 18 from 21

    Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister and the youngest ever minister, says the Malaysian government is planning to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18 before the next elections in 2023. In an interview with Bloomberg in KL, the 25 year old Cabinet member said the government would ask the Attorney-General’s Office to look into…

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  • Bangkok NewsBangkok father jumps to his death after acquittal of suspect in his son’s murder

    Bangkok father jumps to his death after acquittal of suspect in his son’s murder

    A tragic story from the Bangkok Criminal Court today where it’s emerged that a man has jumped to his death after witnessing the acquittal of the suspect in his son’s murder. The man jumped from the sixth floor of the court building at 10am. Supachai Kanlahasunthorn came to the court at 9am to hear the verdict in the trial of…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand’s Rabies death toll up to 14 this year

    Thailand’s Rabies death toll up to 14 this year

    The death of a 19 year old in Buri Ram, to the east of Bangkok on the Cambodian border, and a 55 year old in Rayong, east of Pattaya, has raised the death toll in Thailand as a result of Rabies this year to 14. Both deaths occurred over the past two weeks. Dr Suwannachai Watanayingcharoen, director general of the Disease…

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  • Bangkok News74 year old British man dies after alleged row with ‘toy boy’ lover

    74 year old British man dies after alleged row with ‘toy boy’ lover

    PHOTO: Silom City Resort “Naked Brit businessman dead in his apartment in a pool of blood after ‘row’ with his Thai toy boy lover.” A headline that leaves little else to report. This one a sad story as reported by Murdoch’s ‘The Sun’ in the UK. A naked British businessman has been found dead in a pool of blood after a…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsSeven arrested over a 300 kilogram ‘ice’ shipment in Chiang Rai

    Seven arrested over a 300 kilogram ‘ice’ shipment in Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai is in the news for a different reason this morning after six adults and a 15 year old have been arrested over a drug bust in Chiang Rai early today (Monday). The Nation reports that most of the group were riding in a suspected “spotter” car ahead of a a truck full of crystal methamphetamine, aka ‘ice’. Fourteen…

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  • Hua Hin News‘Italian chef’ arrested for arson in Hua Hin

    ‘Italian chef’ arrested for arson in Hua Hin

    A Facebook post reports of an arrest of a local Italian chef who is wanted for arson in Hua Hin. Local Police issued the warrant on Sunday according to local journalist Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn who said the alleged crime took place five days ago in the seaside town in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Kulsawek claims on his Facebook page that the unnamed chef…

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  • Pattaya News36 suspected drug users nabbed in Pattaya club raid

    36 suspected drug users nabbed in Pattaya club raid

    Police and Pattaya officials have raided a Pattaya club early this morning (Monday) and identified 36 customers who allegedly tested positive to illicit drug use. The assistant Bang Lamung district chief led the raid on JT Club Karaoke in Tambon Nong Plue, Pattaya, at 3.30am. Officials are reported to have found 150 customers dancing, even though the legal closing time is…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsSoldiers water down protest plans ahead of PMs north-eastern visit

    Soldiers water down protest plans ahead of PMs north-eastern visit

    Police visited the home of an Ubon Ratchathani academic over the weekend to ask that he and university students refrain from engaging in protests when PM Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha visits the north-eastern province over the next few days. Khaosod English reports that police officers went to the university lecturer Teerapon Anmai’s home and asked him not to make any political…

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  • Phuket NewsFour Dubai tourists pulled out of the Nai Harn surf

    Four Dubai tourists pulled out of the Nai Harn surf

    Four male tourists were dragged from the surf off Nai Harn beach after getting into difficulty in waves last night (July 22). Nai Harn lifeguards rescued four Dubai male tourists at 7pm last night (Sunday). The head of Nai Harn Lifeguards, Jula Nontree, says, “The incident happened at 7pm (just after sunset) after we had finished our official working hours…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s crocodile arrives at Patong bay

    Phuket’s crocodile arrives at Patong bay

    Our latest crocodile update reports that it was last seen his morning (July 23) off Tritrang Beach in Patong Bay. Locals say that they have spotted the crocodile of Tritrang Beach at 9.15am. Karon Deputy Mayor says, “Last night we didn’t see the crocodile. It was last seen in the waters off Karon Beach near the Karon roundabout at 5.30pm yesterday…

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