Month: October 2019

  • Northern Thailand NewsJump in national park visitor numbers as ‘winter’ arrives in northern Thailand

    Jump in national park visitor numbers as ‘winter’ arrives in northern Thailand

    As northern Thailand moves into the ‘cold season’ (well, cold for Thailand) and temperatures drop, national park officials are reporting an increase in visitor numbers. Whilst the temperature is cooling down on the local northern mountain tops, the ground level temperatures are still around 30 (forecast below). But later in December the temperatures sometime reach as low as zero for places…

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  • Phuket NewsNow you see him, now you don’t… Patong Police hunt foreigner over k theft

    Now you see him, now you don’t… Patong Police hunt foreigner over $30k theft

    PHOTO: Patong Police Patong Police have yet to develop any tangible leads tracking down a foreigner who made off with US$30,000 in cash from a currency exchange booth in Kalim, north of Patong in Phuket, last Tuesday. The man is about 168 centimetres tall with grey hair and around 60 years old, Patong police told The Phuket News. “We have…

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  • Tourism NewsTwin TAT campaigns will boost domestic travel

    Twin TAT campaigns will boost domestic travel

    In November the Tourism Authority of Thailand plans two campaigns – “Visit Thailand with 100 Baht” and “Shocking Price Weekday Travel”, – aimed to generate 400 million baht in local tourism revenue before the end of the year. The TAT’s executive director of product promotion said “Shocking Price Weekday Travel” would encourage upper and middle-class Thai tourists to travel more…

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  • Economy NewsThailand resume free trade talks with EU, reducing reliance on China

    Thailand resume free trade talks with EU, reducing reliance on China

    The European Union has restarted talks with Thailand about a potential free trade agreement. The talks started just days after unfreezing a deadlock put in place by the previous military junta. The resumption of talks comes as Thailand seeks to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on China, which accounted for 14% of the its total foreign direct investment in 2018.…

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  • World NewsPowerful 6.4 earthquake kills five in the Philippines

    Powerful 6.4 earthquake kills five in the Philippines

    PHOTO: AFP A strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, killing five, including one child, destroying property and disrupting power supply. The death toll is expected to rise. The powerful quake was felt across the Mindanao region, even causing a 3-storey shopping mall to burst into flames. Residents were evacuated and a child was killed when a house…

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  • Politics News70 Future Forward Party MPs vote against ’emergency decree’

    70 Future Forward Party MPs vote against ’emergency decree’

    PHOTO: Deputy PM Wissanu Krea-ngam says the MPs voting against the decree was ‘nothing unusual’ – matichon.co.th 70 members of the Future Forward Party have voted against an ’emergency decree’ stating that personnel and operating funds for the Army’s Infantry Division will be put directly under His Majesty the King’s command to provide better security to the Royal Family, Royal…

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  • South Thailand NewsJudge Kanakorn Pianchana, another victim of the southern insurgency

    Judge Kanakorn Pianchana, another victim of the southern insurgency

    Five men were awaiting the judge to hand down his verdict. Charged with murder and facing either life imprisonment or a death penalty, or being acquitted. On October 4 Judge Kanakorn Pianchana, at the Yala Provincial Court, announced the five men were acquitted, in a 25 page document. What was to follow was both profound and tragic. The judge claimed, as…

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  • HealthTop 5 reasons why Aussies choose medical tourism in Thailand

    Top 5 reasons why Aussies choose medical tourism in Thailand

    “With more than 15,000 Aussies travelling to Thailand each year for medical tourism, the country is a burgeoning market for cosmetic procedures. There are numerous Thai doctors who already have more than a 90% Australian client base. The landscape is certainly changing when it comes to price, surgical quality, convenience and post-recuperation.” Darren Lyons from medical information site MyMediTravel has…

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  • Crime NewsMystery surrounds security guard found dead in his Phuket room

    Mystery surrounds security guard found dead in his Phuket room

    PHOTOS: Phuket Hot News The security guard of a hotel in Nai Yang, northern Phuket, 52 year old Yingyot Butsabong, from Maha Sarakham province, was found dead yesterday (October 16) in his room. Police remain mystified how the man came to grief. A woman named Supattra received a call from the hotel he worked at and was informed that he…

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  • Phuket NewsTour De France comes to Phang Nga – L’Etape Thailand on October 27

    Tour De France comes to Phang Nga – L’Etape Thailand on October 27

    PHOTO: L’Etape Thailand by Le Tour De France Thailand will be the first country in ASEAN to attract the world-class cycling event to Thailand for local and international cyclists to experience a challenging and scenic ride on a course comparable to the world’s most popular cycling event, The Tour De France. The event is being held around Khao Lak in…

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  • World NewsKey ally rejects PM Johnson’s Brexit plan – Sterling sags

    Key ally rejects PM Johnson’s Brexit plan – Sterling sags

    The British Pound tumbled again today after UK PM Boris Johnson’s key ally in parliament said it “could not support” his plans for a Brexit deal, throwing a spanner in the works – just as Britain and the EU were closing in on an agreement. The comment caused an immediate reaction from this morning’s Asia Pacific markets. After years of…

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  • Environment NewsFive days to move out – restaurant encroaches on Nakhon Si Thammarat creek

    Five days to move out – restaurant encroaches on Nakhon Si Thammarat creek

    PHOTO: Facebook/Strong Club – Sufficiency mind, anti-corruption A restaurant in Nakhon Si Thammarat has been exposed for illegally encroaching on the Baan Kiriwong creek and constructing permanent foundations and infrastructure. They’ve been ordered by authorities to move out. The Nation reports that a Facebook page titled “Strong Club – Sufficiency mind, anti-corruption” posted a photo with a caption on October…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsEarthquake rattles north-east Thailand

    Earthquake rattles north-east Thailand

    A 3.9 magnitude earthquake has shaken Loei province in north-east Thailand, near the Laos border, although there are no reports of any damage. But residents were certainly talking about it yesterday as it shook the region. The quake was felt at around 12.30pm yesterday, in the main business district of Loei and several of the surrounding sub-districts near the border.…

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  • Technology NewsThailand rated near bottom for privacy protection

    Thailand rated near bottom for privacy protection

    Thailand’s new cybersecurity law could be used ‘to silence critics’, according to a new survey of 47 countries. Thailand placed in the bottom five out of 47 countries ranked for privacy protection, according to a study by Comparitech, a website that researches and compares technology services. Thailand and Malaysia scored 2.6 out of 5, followed only by India (2.4), Russia (2.1)…

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  • Crime NewsDrug dealer on the run for 20 years arrested by Thai immigration

    Drug dealer on the run for 20 years arrested by Thai immigration

    PHOTO: The new biometrics working at Phuket international Airport – The Thaiger A female drug dealer who evaded capture for almost 20 years has been nabbed after a spate of recent arrests carried out by Thai immigration police. Thai Residents reports that the criminal court issued an arrest warrant for the woman, Chatamach, back in 2000, for possession of methamphetamine pills with…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsBodies of 8 dead elephants risk contaminating reservoir in Thai national park

    Bodies of 8 dead elephants risk contaminating reservoir in Thai national park

    PHOTO: Thai PBS Officials are concerned that the bodies of eight elephants who died after plunging down a waterfall in Khao Yai national park, central Thailand, now risk contaminating the park’s water flowing into a nearby reservoir. Thai PBS World reports that officials at the Khun Dan Prakan Chon reservoir plan to take a boat upstream to Khlong Ton Sai…

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  • Technology NewsTrue to introduce 5G with help from China Mobile

    True to introduce 5G with help from China Mobile

    Kittinut Tikawan, president of Thai communication giant True Corporation, says True Move H Universal Communication plans a soft launch of 5G wireless broadband in Thailand within 2-3 months, through close collaboration with China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile operator. 5G mobile communications will allow virtually ‘instant’ delivery of video and services with remarkable leaps in speeds, at least 10-fold. The…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsOver 100 million baht worth of assets seized from Thai drug dealers

    Over 100 million baht worth of assets seized from Thai drug dealers

    The homes of three alleged drug traffickers have been raided in a joint operation between Thai police and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Thai Residents reports that two of the alleged drug traffickers are women and the raids took place in Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi and Sukothai provinces. It’s understood that more than 100 million baht worth of assets has been…

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  • HealthNew Wellness venture in Thailand, Singapore multi-national teams up with Anantara Hotel Group

    New Wellness venture in Thailand, Singapore multi-national teams up with Anantara Hotel Group

    Verita Healthcare Group, a Singapore-based multinational company, just announced their collaboration with Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. The two groups team up to provide a global network of coordinated and property-based wellness centers. As a result of modern lifestyle habits, the levels of chronic disease is increasing and the population is aging. This leads to a rapidly growing demand for…

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  • Thai LifeThais go bananas over freak plants in pursuit of lottery numbers

    Thais go bananas over freak plants in pursuit of lottery numbers

    PHOTOS: Daily News The answers are in the banana leaves. Thai people LOVE playing the lottery (and gambling generally). In fact they’re BANANAS about the twice-monthly lottery (it was drawn again today). Daily News has reported about two unusual banana trees growing in front of a shop in Klong 4 Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok. The trees did not have blossom…

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  • Crime NewsClean Up to the Countdown – Crackdown on illegal software

    Clean Up to the Countdown – Crackdown on illegal software

    PHOTO: Pantip Plaza, Bangkok The Clean Up to the Countdown campaign aims to encourage top executives to legalise their corporate software before midnight on December 31, 2019.” BSA The Software Alliance is partnering with Thai police and chief executives on a campaign to crackdown illegal software in the workplace by the end of 2019. Many companies still use illegal, pirated or copied…

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  • Tourism NewsThai Airways must modify rehabilitation plan to survive: Airline President

    Thai Airways must modify rehabilitation plan to survive: Airline President

    PHOTO: gta5-mods.com “Thai Airways will have to modify its rehabilitation plans to survive in the face of tight competition.” This frank admission by the airline’s president Sumet Damrongchaith. The national carrier is now carrying a total debt of over 2.45 billion baht and losses of more than 20 billion, despite being able to reduce its debts by 48 billion baht…

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  • World NewsEU and UK zone in on possible breakthrough

    EU and UK zone in on possible breakthrough

    “Even if a text is prepared for the leaders this week, any deal would have to be approved by a skeptical British parliament, which holds a special session on Saturday.” by Dave Clark British and European negotiators headed back into intense negotiations on a draft Brexit deal after late-night talks brought them closer but so far fails to confirm an…

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  • Crime NewsKaraoke premises raided in central Thailand, 3 underage sex workers rescued

    Karaoke premises raided in central Thailand, 3 underage sex workers rescued

    The Nation reports that 3 underage sex workers have been rescued after raids on a karaoke restaurant and a karaoke massage parlour in Ang Thong, central Thailand. The raids were confirmed at a press conference held by Ronnarong Thipsiri, Head of the Department of Provincial Administration’s investigation and suppression division, along with Sakda Bandasak, sheriff of Ang Thong’s Muang district.…

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  • World NewsBurmese surfing team head to SEAsia Games, a first for Myanmar

    Burmese surfing team head to SEAsia Games, a first for Myanmar

    PHOTO: Burmese surfer Thwe Thwe Soe practicing off the coast of Ngwe Saung – Myanmore Paddling hard and smiling, Thwe Thwe Soe flung herself up on the board just as a wave was breaking, spreading her arms out for balance before getting knocked off. “I can’t live without surfing. I did not expect to be chosen for the national team but…

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  • Chiang Mai NewsHostage drama in Chiang Mai – Man holds seven 7-Eleven employees hostage.

    Hostage drama in Chiang Mai – Man holds seven 7-Eleven employees hostage.

    PHOTO: Chiang Mai City Life A former Thai soldier has killed himself following a stand-off with police in Chiang Mai where he had taken seven 7-Eleven employees hostage. Eyewitnesses told Chiang Mai Citylife that a man with a gun arrived at the 7-Eleven in Mae Rim district on Chotana Road at around 5am yesterday and took one of the employees hostage.…

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  • World NewsThe K-pop Olympics: performers battle in the K-pop festival

    The K-pop Olympics: performers battle in the K-pop festival

    by Claire Lee On the streets, in parks and garages, seven Cuban youngsters spent seven months practising K-pop moves to secure a spot on their dream stage: an appearance in South Korea to imitate their idols. 13 final teams from 80 countries are competing in the 2019 event. At the grandly titled and government-funded Changwon K-pop World Festival contestants from…

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  • FoodSingha grabs a 90% stake in Thailand’s Santa Fe restaurant chain

    Singha grabs a 90% stake in Thailand’s Santa Fe restaurant chain

    (…or is that a 90% ‘steak’?) PHOTOS: Wongnai DealStreetAsia, an investor news site reporting on Asian business, confirms that Singha Corporation has purchased a majority stake in the Thai restaurant chain, Santa Fe. It’s understood that Singha purchased the shares held by Lakeshore Capital for approximately US$50 million or 1.53 billion baht, giving it a 90% stake in the chain seen…

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  • Economy NewsTAT says ‘all go’ for tourism discount campaign

    TAT says ‘all go’ for tourism discount campaign

    PHOTO: Thailand Shopping and Dining Paradise The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s governor says that the TAT will introduce two domestic tourism promotional measures – a 100 baht nationwide tourism campaign, and “shocking-price weekday” discounts. The 100 baht campaign will offer some 40,000 products and services at only 100 baht each. Registration is required and will be open on November 11-12…

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  • World NewsBangkok and Nonthaburi to get 2 extra holidays during ASEAN summit

    Bangkok and Nonthaburi to get 2 extra holidays during ASEAN summit

    November 4 and 5 have been approved as official holidays for Bangkok and Nonthaburi as a result of the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits being held at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok. Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul confirmed yesterday that the measure was being taken in an effort to alleviate traffic problems in both areas during the…

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  • Pattaya NewsTorrential rains again wash away parts of Pattaya Beach, more on the way

    Torrential rains again wash away parts of Pattaya Beach, more on the way

    PHOTOS: The Pattaya News Heavy rains have caused flooding and beach erosion on Pattaya’s recently reclaimed beach yesterday afternoon. The torrential rain continued for many hours around Central Pattaya. Heavy rains are also expected again today (forecast below). Many areas ended up flooded causing local traffic hazards and delays. Water flooded down storm drains and onto Pattaya’s beaches and into…

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  • Bangkok NewsColourful European ecstasy tablets targeting Thai youth

    Colourful European ecstasy tablets targeting Thai youth

    PHOTO: CTN News The Narcotics Control Board are warning about cartoon-character labelled ecstasy pills that are being smuggled from Europe and heading for Thailand and a growing market of younger users. Some of the colourful pills had been cast as characters from Minions movies and The Simpsons. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board deputy secretary-general Niyom Termsrisook told reporters…

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  • Krabi NewsFour metre, 15 kilogram king cobra found in a Krabi village

    Four metre, 15 kilogram king cobra found in a Krabi village

    PHOTOS: Kapook.com On October 13, Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation, a local volunteer rescue team, received a report requiring (probably screaming) for help from a house project security guard to help catch a ‘big snake’ that lived inside the drain of the village. Kapook reports that the rescue team arrived at the village where the security guard guided them to the…

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  • Thai Life‘Always Smile Journey’ raises fund to provide free English classes for underprivileged people

    ‘Always Smile Journey’ raises fund to provide free English classes for underprivileged people

    On October 18, the ‘Always Smile Journey’ group and its partners will host an exhibition with plenty of fun activities at the Yak Yai Market, near Chalong Circle, in Phuket. This event was designed to raise funds to provide free English classes for underprivileged people on the island of Phuket on Saturdays and Sundays. The group does not accept donations…

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  • Transport NewsThai High Speed Railway linking airports now to be signed off on October 25

    Thai High Speed Railway linking airports now to be signed off on October 25

    The State Railway of Thailand and the Charoen Pokphand Group-led consortium are putting pen to paper and signing the contract for the high-speed train project on October 25. The much-discussed high speed railway will link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao international airports. The new SRT board was approved by the Thai cabinet today. Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul says he is…

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  • Road deathsThailand road toll: 554 dead this month, 11,462 this year

    Thailand road toll: 554 dead this month, 11,462 this year

    PHOTO: U-Turn crash in Bangkok – Daily News Daily news reports fatalities at the scene of accidents yesterday claimed the lives of 21 people. Yesterday was a busy day on Thailand’s roads at the end of a long weekend. They say the numbers reported are only those that die at the scene. In reality, when hospital deaths and all regions…

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  • Tourism NewsThe world’s fastest growing tourist destinations

    The world’s fastest growing tourist destinations

    PHOTO: Hello Phuket – destined for huge tourist growth in the next six years – fodors.com In 2018, international tourist arrival traffic grew by 6% to reach a total of 1.4 billion world tourists, according to research by UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. And there’s a lot more to come with international travel predicted to increase by a massive 35% over the…

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