Month: February 2019

  • Thailand Election News

    HM The King says sister’s candidacy ‘inappropriate’ and ‘unconstitutional’

    Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn says his elder sister’s candidacy for prime minister in the March 24 election is “inappropriate” and “unconstitutional”. A strongly worded statement was issued around 11pm last night. It was the second time in less than 24 hours when the Palace had stepped into the murky realm of Thai politics. Earlier yesterday it was announced by the…

    Read More »
  • Thailand Election News

    “Princess cannot run for office” – King of Thailand

    After a dramatic day in Thai politics yesterday, where the Thai Raksa Chart Party dropped a bombshell into the election campaign by nominating Princess Ubolratana, the King’s eldest sister, as a prime ministerial candidate, the drama continued last night with a statement from HM The King. The Thai monarch issued a strongly-worded statement around 11pm, prohibiting his older sister Princess Ubolratana…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok News

    14 arrested in money-lending network raid

    Fourteen suspects are now in custody over racketeering charges after police raided 30 locations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces. The crackdown was targeting the “Yai Jeab” illegal money-lending network. Immigration Police chief Pol Lt-General Surachate Hakparn says they were chasing 28 wanted persons and aiming to collect incriminating documents and seize assets. The simultaneous searches led to the arrest of…

    Read More »
  • Phuket News

    Cement truck brings down four power poles in Chalong, motorbike driver injured

    A foreigner has sustained an injury after a cement truck became entangled with cables and brought down four power poles in Chalong . The incident was in Soi Anusorn at the intersection with Patak Road in Chalong at 12.25pm today. Police and rescue workers arrived to find the cement truck sitting in the middle of the road. Cables were found…

    Read More »
  • Thailand Election News

    Election 2019: A challenge to the Princess’ nomination

    PHOTO: The announcement this morning by the Thai Raksa Chart Party threw a political bombshell into the campaign – The Nation A leader of the People’s Reform Party has put in an urgent request for the Election Commission to rule whether the nomination of His Majesty the King’s eldest sister as a candidate for prime minister in the forthcoming election…

    Read More »
  • Phuket News

    A vacation experience like no other with Club Unique, Phuket

    Club Unique offers endless possibilities and limitless luxuries. A true vacation experience like no other. A membership at Club Unique affords direct access to an ever-growing portfolio of resorts and destinations with over 3000 fantastic locations worldwide. Headquartered in the company’s flagship resort, Patong Bay Hill Resort & Spa, Club Unique serves as a private members club for its guests…

    Read More »
  • Northern Thailand News

    Warning: Massage can be dangerous for pregnant women – Health ministry

    Massage can be dangerous for women at different stages of their pregnancy. The warning was issued by the Public Health Ministry after a woman suffered a miscarriage and went into a coma after getting a foot massage in the Chiang Mai province. “Women who are less than three months into their pregnancy should avoid massage because it may lead to…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Thai tourists abandoned at Suvarnabhumi after buying dodgy tour to South Korea

    PHOTOS: The Tourist Police Bureau A Thai man has been arrested over the operation of an non-existent tour. He has abandoned five Thai tourists who had bought a tour to South Korea at Suvarnabhumi Airport this week. The Tourist Police report that 32 year old Thai man Puwanart Prakam was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport. He has failed to present a…

    Read More »
  • Thailand Election News

    “Compassion for the people” Thai Raksa Chart of Princess Ubolratana

    The sister of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn is now seen as a leading prime ministerial candidate for a political party loyal to fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in the March 24 elections. The Thai Raksa Chart party dropped the political bombshell this morning. 67 year old Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Varnavadi broke a long-standing tradition of Thai royalty staying out of…

    Read More »
  • Krabi News

    American tourist dies after being found floating face down at Krabi beach

    A 46 year old American tourist has died after falling unconscious while in the water at a beach in Ao Nang yesterday. The Ao Nang Police were notified about the incident at the beach between Koh Kai (Chicken Island) and Koh Yawasam by the Krabi Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC). The male tourist was identified as a 46 year old American…

    Read More »
  • Thailand Election News

    Prayut puts himself up as PM candidate in the March 24 Thai election

    Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has formally accepted an invitation to stand as prime minister candidate for the Palang Pracharath Party. The announcement has been expected for weeks. Gen Prayut, head of the NCPO, and PM since the 2014 coup announced his decision in a message to the Thai this morning. He made a plea for the ‘status quo’ saying that…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya News

    Two Uzbek women arrested in Pattaya over theft and overstaying visa

    PHOTOS: The Tourist Police Bureau The Pattaya Tourist Police have arrested two Uzbek women in Pattaya, Chon Buri after stealing items from a Pakistani man. The Tourist Police Bureau reported that a 29 year old woman, Akhmadiva Nargiza, was charged with theft. Her compatriot, 43 year old Sidikova Nasiba, was also charged with theft and overstaying her visa. Police have…

    Read More »
  • Phuket News

    Phuket Governor confirms there is enough water in Phuket

    PHOTO: Bang Wad Dam, Kathu The Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has confirmed that Phuket has enough water supplies for residential use without restrictions. The PWA announced start dates for odd/even day water restrictions to start in some areas of the island from today (Friday). But a day after the announcement, the PWA followed up by cancelling the restrictions. Read more…

    Read More »
  • Thailand Election News

    Princess Ubolratana running for the March 24 Thai election

    The Thai Raksa Chart Party has thrown Thai politics into chaos after it nominated Princess Ubolratana Mahidol as its candidate as prime minister. The princess is His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s elder sister. Thai Raksa Chart Party nominated Princess Ubolratana as its candidate to be prime minister this morning. Today is the final day for political parties to announce candidates and…

    Read More »
  • Thailand Election News

    Princess Ubolratana Mahidol runs as Prime Ministerial candidate in election

    PHOTOS: Instagram In a stunning political move, Princess Ubolratana Mahidol, the eldest child of the late King Bhumibol, Rama 9, has been nominated by the Thai Raksa Chart party. Her nomination as a Prime Ministerial candidate immediately places the plans of current PM and the Junta-leaning Palang Pracharat party into disarray. To paint this as an ‘upset’ move in the last day of…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Weather for February 8

    Bangkok Generally clear. High 34ºC. Winds S at 10 to 15 km/h. Phuket Thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. High 31ºC. E winds shifting to S at 15 to 25 km/h. Chance of rain 60%. Chiang Mai Generally clear. High 35ºC. Winds ENE and variable. Pattaya Generally clear. High 31ºC. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 km/h. Hua Hin Generally clear.…

    Read More »
  • Krabi News

    Motorbike driver “flew five metres” in Krabi road incident

    A male motorist has sustained serious injuries after a car collided with his motorbike in Krabi. The Krabi City Police were notified of an accident on Krabi – Ao Nang Road in Kabi City yesterday afternoon. Police and rescue workers arrived to find a damaged white Mazda sedan on the road. Nearby found a damaged motorbike. On the side of…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Air quality for Thailand – February 8

    Central Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.   Northern Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Southern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Hakeem al-Araibi UPDATE: “Australia never issued a red notice”

    The Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi is going to file another bail request next week. His lawyer said yesterday that they will continue to seek bail while he awaits his extradition trial in April. Meanwhile, the Australian government, which is pressing for his release and return, yesterday dismissed reports that it had put out the red notice that resulted in the…

    Read More »
  • Business News

    Americans are flocking to Asia. Why?

    Asia is sexy. From K-Pop sensation BTS topping the Billboard charts to “Crazy Rich Asians” owning the summer box office in the US, Americans can’t get enough of Asian film, music, and of course, noodles. “It’s all a sign of the Asianisation of the world”, reports CNN. “Asia has the world’s lowest taxes. Despite having some of the world’s largest…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya News

    23 Chinese tourists rescued off sinking boat at Koh Samet

    In the latest of a spate of speedboat incidents, another speedboat has capsized off KohSamet in Rayong. 23 Chinese tourists were on the vessel but all were recovered safely and without incident. Initial reports say the boat hit rocks causing holes in the boat and water leaks that the crew were unable to control. It’s been reported that all the…

    Read More »
  • Koh Samui News

    Foundation worker, who admits to killing famous singer’s son, taken on reenactment

    PHOTO: Sanook Thai police continue to investigate the murder of the son of a well known Koh Samui artist that took place last Monday. Sanook reports that the victim, 26 year old Nappaphorn, son of singer “Maew Bai Jaak Thai” was shot 5 times by a local foundation rescue worker, 20 year old Natdanai, following a long-standing dispute between the two. Natdani has now…

    Read More »
  • Chiang Mai News

    Chiang Mai hotel staffer admits to faking gang attack story

    PHOTO: Thairath A story about a gang of three armed men attacking an employee and stealing money from a Chang Mai Hotel appears to have been a false report. The employee has eventually confessed to making the story up. The original story alleges that the men had held up the Airport Resident Hotel on Mahidol Road at 5:45 am in the…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok News

    Fire extinguisher explodes at BKK airport link station, killing one

    PHOTO: The Nation The Airport Rail Link has issued an announcement confirming that one person has died while another has sustained serious injuries and another three sustaining minor injuries in a chemical tank accident this afternoon. A fire extinguisher exploded in a service zone inside Suvarnabhumi Airport this afternoon, killing one person and injuring four others. The Airport Rail Link statement…

    Read More »
  • Chiang Mai News

    Armed gang steals 30,000 baht in early morning Chiang Mai hotel attack

    UPDATE of this story HERE….. An armed gang has robbed the Airport Resident Hotel in downtown Chiang Mai early this morning. Daily News reports that the deputy provincial police chief is asking police to locate the criminals in what he said was a “brazen attack that could damage tourist confidence”. A 30 year old staff member of the hotel, Yossakorn…

    Read More »
  • Pattaya News

    British man dies after falling from Pattaya condo

    A British man has died after falling from a condo in Pattaya. The Sawang Boriboon Foundation responded to a call from the condo security guard last night after he heard the sound of the body hitting the ground. Ruk Siam News reports that the rescue services arrived to find 60 year old Brian Dobing with multiple fractures by the entrance to building…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok News

    Pro-active street vendor uses spray paint to create parking spot

    Picture: Sakhon Online A picture posted to the online Samut Sakhon community has been making the rounds as it shows a local street vendor taking matters into his own hands. Frustrated by the lack of parking (which many Thailand food stall owners complain about), the unidentified man is pictured using a spray paint can to change the colour of the red…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok News

    Six Chinese arrested for begging in Bangkok, Thailand

    PHOTOS: Tourist Police | Immigration Bureau Six Chinese, in wheelchairs, have been arrested for begging in Bangkok. The Tourist Police Bureau reported yesterday that the arrests came after Tourist Police and the Immigration Officers found the Chinese disabled begging gang who were staying at a hotel on Soi Intharama. They headed out for begging at tourism spots around Bangkok in…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Helicopter crashes in Nakhon Sawan

    A helicopter from the Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department has crash-landed while on a training flight in Nakhon Sawan, north of Bangkok, yesterday. The pilot, a co-pilot and a mechanic escaped with only minor injuries after the chopper crashed into an empty field and caught fire. Rescuers managed to extinguish the fire. Department officials said that the helicopter developed…

    Read More »
  • Northern Thailand News

    Air pollution problems move to Khon Kaen

    Pollution continues to choke the north-east province of Khon Kaen with the Air Quality Index reaching 187 yesterday, well beyond the “moderate” safety limit of 100. This morning it’s reading at 174. Associate Professor Dr Kittichai Triratanasirichai, a former president of Khon Kaen University, says the pollution in Khon Kaen had worsened mainly due to the burning of sugarcane and…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok News

    Five taken to hospital following Bangkok condo fire

    PHOTO: JS100Radio Five people have suffered smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at a condo in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district last night (Wednesday). The fire apparently started in the Lumpini Condo Ram Indra-Navamin around 9.30pm in a room on the second floor of the 24 storey Building D. All residents were evacuated before firefighters arrived. Police say the room was…

    Read More »
  • Bangkok News

    PM, Bangkok Governor and environment board summoned to court over air pollution

    The Thai PM, Bangkok’s governor Aswin Kwanmuang and the National Environment Board were summoned to the Central Administrative Court today over the PM2.5 air pollution crisis that has affected Greater Bangkok for nearly two months. The court will question Prayut, Aswin and members of the board in response to a complaint filed by the Stop Global Warming Association (SGWA) and…

    Read More »
  • Krabi News

    Russian tourist rescued from sea off Krabi

    A 27 year old Russian tourist was pulled out of the water at Koh Lanta in Krabi early last night. Navy officers were notified by Koh Lanta Police that the 27 year old female Russian tourist Mariia Novikova had been rescued after being recovered from the waters off a beach in Koh Lanta. Five navy officers rushed into the water…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Weather for February 7

    Bangkok Partly cloudy. High 33ºC. Winds S at 10 to 15 km/h. Phuket Generally clear. High 32ºC. Winds SE at 10 to 15 km/h. Chiang Mai Generally clear. High 35ºC. Winds ESE and variable. Pattaya Partly cloudy. High 30ºC. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 km/h. Hua Hin Generally clear. High 32ºC. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 km/h. Ko…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Air quality for Thailand – February 7

    Central Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.   Northern Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.   Southern Thailand Air quality is acceptable; however, for…

    Read More »
  • Phuket News

    Water Authority cancels water restrictions in Phuket

    PHOTO: Bang Wad dam in Kathu The Phuket Waterworks Authority (PWA) has announced a cancellation for water restrictions that were set to hit some some areas around Phuket from tomorrow. The PWA announced start dates for water restrictions to start in some areas of the island on Monday. The restrictions were set on an odd/even rotation and are usually a…

    Read More »
  • Thailand News

    Australian PM writes a second letter to Thai PM over al-Araibi case

    The Australian Government is pouring on the pressure with Bangkok to immediately release Hakeem al-Araibi, with the Australian PM writing a second letter to his Thai counterpart saying he was disturbed to see Hakeem al-Araibi in shackles at the Criminal Court on Monday. “I’ve written to him again, because I was very disturbed at the appearance of Hakeem at the…

    Read More »