Year: 2019
- Thailand News
Songkran extended to a five day holiday this year
You have five full days to get soaked this year as the Cabinet has approved an extended public holiday for Songkran 2019. Songkran enthusiasts, and everyone else, now have an additional public holiday on Friday April 12 (Songkran, the Thai New Year, is on April 13 every year). Government assistant spokesman Colonel Athisit Chainuwat said that state enterprises, financial institutions,…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Romance scammers now face extended jail time – Surachate
Commenting on the recent case of a ‘romance scam’ gang of Nigerians and Thais operating out of Malaysia, Immigration Chief Surachate Hakparn says those responsible would be charged with fraud committed against the Thai public, a charge that cannot be withdrawn by the payment of money. Read the story of their arrest HERE. Surachate told Thai media yesterday how a…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Valentine’s roses leap in price this year
Roses are red Violets are blue A red rose used to cost 15 baht Now it’s 52! The price of roses has spiked to almost double from that of the past two years. The popular Valentine’s gift was retailing for up to 70 baht each, a substantial increase from last year’s 50 baht average around Bangkok. In Bangkok, flower vendors…
Read More » - Environment News
“Close down the schools” – Chiang Mai University academic
PHOTO: Measuring the PM2.5 particles and pollution from public transport in Chiang Mai With Chiang Mai making the list for worst air pollution in the world (Number 3), calls are growing for schools and educational institutes in the northern province to close down temporarily. “The Chiang Mai University, in particular, should suspend its classes until the situation improves. Not only…
Read More » - Thailand News
Weather for February 14
Bangkok Generally clear. High 33ºC. Winds S at 10 to 15 km/h. Phuket Generally clear. High 32ºC. Winds E at 15 to 30 km/h. Chiang Mai Generally clear. High 36ºC. Winds SE and variable. Pattaya Generally clear. High 31ºC. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 km/h. Hua Hin Generally clear. High 32ºC. Winds SSE at 15 to 30 km/h.…
Read More » - Environment News
Air quality for Thailand – February 14
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 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…
Read More » - Krabi News
Krabi Tourist Police warn of shoplifting gangs in Ao Nang
The Krabi Tourist Police are warning of ‘tourist shoplifting gangs’ after they have received reports that several tourists and shops had items stolen around Ao Nang. Video clips of tourists stealing a bikini at a shop in Ao Nang went viral in social media this week. 34 year old Netdao Wiwatrassamee, who posted the video clip, says, “I have already…
Read More » - Environment News
New electric ferries to ply the ‘Venice of the East’ in Bangkok
by Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn A 1 billion baht project is under consideration to transform Bangkok into the “Venice of the East” (again?) and help ease the city’s air pollution problems. The project for electric-powered ferries to ply the Chao Phraya is backed by Energy Absolute, a Thai alternative energy technology provider, which yesterday said it will work with the Marine Department…
Read More » - Opinion
The day that shook Thai politics
OPINION It was just another Friday except that it was also the final day that political parties were able to nominate MPs for the March 24 elections. And their proposed candidates for the role of the a Prime Minister following the election. PM Prayuth Chan-ocha would announce his candidacy sometime during the morning, the worst kept secret in Thai politics.…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Co-working space – not just for start-ups
PHOTO: HUBBA-TO co-working space in Bangkok by Thanchanok Phobut | Senior Coordinator, CBRE Thailand CBRE, an international property consultancy company, reveals that co-working space seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days. There was a time when no-one knew what the term “serviced office” meant or why someone would want such an option. But today, you can’t…
Read More » - South Thailand News
One dead, one injured in Narathiwat garage shooting
A gunman has opened fire at a Malaysian garage owner in Narathiwat’s Sungai Golok district last night, killing him and severely injuring a Malaysian employee. 54 year old Sulaimi bin Mat Ali died at the Sungai Golok Hospital after the 8:30pm shooting at his car workshop on Soi Pracha Ruamjai off Pracha Uthit 2 Road in Ban Sarayor village in…
Read More » - Environment News
Chiang Mai and Bangkok blanketed under Wednesday air pollution and smog
Chiang Mai, and other north Thailand regions, are getting blanketed in dangerous smoke, haze and smog again today. For the capital, the poor air quality that ignited public response for January, has returned. The Pollution Control Department is urging people, including schoolchildren, to refrain from outdoor activities and to wear facemasks outside, while small children and the elderly, pregnant and…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Thai-Italian man dies after fall from apartment in Pathum Thani
A Thai-Italian man has fallen to his death from a room on the eighth floor of an apartment building in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok. Police suspect it might have been a suicide. The Klong Luang police reported the death of 22 year old Akinare Prancesco Polize. When police arrived at the apartment, his 23 year old roommate…
Read More » - Thailand Election News
Constitutional Court to have final say: EC votes to disband Thai Raksa Chart
The Election Commission has voted unanimously to ask the Constitutional Court to consider disbanding the Thai Raksa Chart party. The decision leaves the pro-Thaksin Thai Raksa Chart in tatters with the national poll only six weeks away. The EC statement says that the commission reached the resolution to recommend the party’s dissolution to the Constitutional Court last night after finding the…
Read More » - Krabi News
Krabi tour operators call for crackdown on foreigners touting tour packages
Tour operators in Krabi are pushing for related government officials to solve the problem of foreigners illegally selling tour packages on Koh Phi Phi. The meeting was held on the island yesterday. Joining the meeting were members of the Krabi tour operators association and related officials. Tour operators mentioned about 38 years old Christopher Dali, a British national who had been…
Read More » - Koh Samui News
Koh Samui: “Awash with drugs”, ONB News
ONB News is reporting that Koh Samui is “awash with drugs” and that the local prison was crammed full of prisoners convicted on drugs charges. They were making the assessment following the latest arrest of a Thai woman and her Thai husband on drugs charges on the popular holiday island. ‘Ice’ or crystal methamphetamine was found at her home in…
Read More » - Phuket News
Laguna Phuket selected to host inaugural Thai Fight Phuket Asia’s premier
Thai Fight and the Sports Association of Phuket are jointly hosting the inaugural ‘Thai Fight Phuket’, a televised international sport entertainment event showcasing Muay Thai boxing and promoting Phuket tourism. The event will be on Saturday, February 23 at Laguna Phuket. Thai Fight Phuket will feature King’s Cup Champions; Saenchai, Saensatarn, Payak-Samui and Thai Fight’s Fighter led by Tengnung and…
Read More » - Chiang Mai News
72 year old jumps for her life from the second floor during home inferno
An elderly woman has suffered head injuries whilst escaping a blaze that burned down her home in Chiang Mai. The fire broke out at a two-storey teak house on Ban Pae road in Tambon Tha Sala of Chiang Mai’s Muang district. Five fire engines took an hour to get the blaze under control after it swept through the entire timber…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Foreigner arrested for kicking in the door to Pattaya police station
PHOTOS/VIDEO: Ruk Siam News A drunk foreign man, dressed only in shorts, has kicked in a window at a police station in Pattaya. His name or nationality have not been revealed by police. Ruk Siam News reports that he then made his way to the beer garden at the Central shopping centre where security tracked his movements and alerted police. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Slow phase out of ‘Paraquat’ meets resistance
Activists are voicing their objections to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Grisada Boonrach’s proposal to ban the use of paraquat in three years instead of one. The Hazardous Substance Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow to reconsider the banning of three controversial agricultural chemicals – paraquat, glyphosate, and chlorpyrifos. But the BioThai Foundation has disclosed the minister’s text…
Read More » - Thailand News
Swedish duo caught in Thailand for laundering 250 million baht
PHOTO: INN Thai police have announced the arrest of 51 year old Jan Olof Norlander for alleged money laundering following the arrest of his accomplice last November. The two men are wanted by Swedish authorities for laundering 248 million baht (68,000,000 Swedish kronor) between January 2016 and April 2018. In November, the accomplice, 38 year old Bo Karl Robin Lundholm was…
Read More » - Environment News
Chiang Mai: Third worst air-pollution in the world
Chiang Mai scored an unwanted podium position yesterday when it was ranked third on the global list of cities with the worst air pollution. Chiang Mai’s AQI (Air Quality Index) score stood at 194 a level considered “unhealthy” yesterday. Any figure beyond 200 is ‘very unhealthy’. On Saturday, Khon Kaen reached 210 on the AQI scale. Chiang Mai’s severe air…
Read More » - Phuket News
Two injured Chinese tourists head home
The Tourist Police have escorted two Chinese tourists, who sustained injuries from last Saturday’s speedboat accident, back to the airport for their return to China. The speedboat captain has now been charged over a “reckless act causing injury” but continues to deny the charge. Read more about the latest charges and investigation into Saturday’s incident HERE. Last night Col Tongchai Wilaiprom…
Read More » - Phuket News
Patong Police warn tourists to be aware of their belongings
FILE PHOTO Patong Police are warning tourists to be aware of their belonging before going to the beach after a suspect stole the belongings of a French tourist near Patong Beach. The Patong Police reported the news about a suspect that snatched the foreigner’s belongings at Patong Beach on Sunday night. The news was popular in local social media. After…
Read More » - Thailand News
Weather for February 13
Bangkok Generally clear. High 35ºC. Winds E at 10 to 15 km/h. . Phuket Generally clear. High 33ºC. Winds E at 15 to 30 km/h. Chiang Mai Morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. High 35ºC. Winds SE and variable. Pattaya Morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. High 31ºC. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 km/h. Hua Hin Partly…
Read More » - Environment News
Air quality for Thailand – February 13
Central Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Northern Thailand Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Southern Thailand It is a great day to be active outside.
Read More » - Thailand News
Hakeem al-Araibi’s release from Thai detention follows a meeting between Thai FM and Bahraini Crown Prince
The decision to drop an extradition request against Australia-based former Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi stems from a visit by the Thai foreign minister to Bahrain. The Bahraini withdrawal of extradition demands, that enabled al-Araibi to walk free on Monday, was made after a meeting in Bahrain earlier that day between the Bahraini Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa and Thai Foreign Minister…
Read More » - Travel
Air Asia booking system down for 24 hours this weekend
Air Asia will be upgrading it Navitaire New Skies reservation system over the weekend causing a 24 hour blackout for all booking systems across all channels. Flight booking for Air Asia will be unavailable on Saturday, February 16 from 2pm (GMT +8) until Sunday, February 17 at 3pm. This will include AirAsia.com, AirAsia sales counter, AirAsia mobile app, all offices…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Russian tourist leaps from fourth floor at Suvarnabhumi
A Russian tourist was fatally injured after clambering over a glass wall on the fourth floor of the passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and jumped. Royal Thai Police deputy spokesman Pol Col Kritsana Patanacharoen says 44 year old Mikhail Sinitsyn, anded on the second floor after intentionally jumping at 1am yesterday morning. The man was rushed to Samitivej Srinakarin…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Sentences handed down for militants linked to truck theft and murder in Songkhla
One militant has been sentenced to death and another three handed down life sentences. The sentences were handed down by the presiding judge at the Na Thawee provincial court yesterday in the southern province of Songkhla after being found guilty of murder, robbery and illegal detention. A fifth defendant was sentenced to two years and eight months prison for being an accessory…
Read More » - Phuket News
UPDATE: Speedboat captain charged, two Chinese tourists remain in hospital
A speedboat captain has now been charged over a “reckless act causing injury” but the captain is denying the charge. Two Chinese tourists remain in hospital following Saturday’s collision between the tour boat and a moored small oil tanker just off the east coast of Phuket. A number of Chinese tourists and boat crew were injured as a result of…
Read More » - Property
Stunning new Lux Neo villas at Chaweng, Koh Samui
Sun, sea, new, views, pool villa, Samui. All the words you want to hear. Lux Neo is now available, combining stunning sea views and outstanding modern design. Lux Neo is the newest award winning project by the “Neo” team with critiqued unique villa design and award winning styling. Click HERE to read more about the Neo design team and some…
Read More » - Krabi News
British man arrested for overstays, investigations into his selling of tours continues
Krabi Immigration officers have arrested a British man for overstaying his visa by 262 days. The man has also been accused of allegedly illegally selling tour packages on Koh Phi Phi. Krabi immigration Officers arrested 38 years old Christopher Dali, a British national, yesterday. He is already facing charges for overstaying his visa by 262 days, including being black-listed from…
Read More » - Travel
Boom boom on the border – Thailand’s unlikely red-light district
PHOTO: The attractions of Thailand’s southern border town usually become apparent after sunset On one side of the Thai/Malaysian border is Sungai Golok, on the Malaysian side it’s the town of Rantau Panjang. The two towns are separated by the Golok River as well as decades of furious fighting between Muslim separatists who want to reclaim some of the southern…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand’s property market surges with Chinese confidence remaining high
Chinese investors are still spending big in Thailand’s property market. The country’s ‘teflon’ tourist reputation and uncertain national election outcomes are doing little subdue investor enthusiasm. Two coups in a decade have done little to cool enthusiasm in Thai property. Tourists from Asia’s top economy continue to recognise Thailand as a top spot for holidays, and investment. According to data Chinese real…
Read More » - Phuket News
Three die in Phuket crashes in two separate incidents
Three motorbike riders have died in two separate incidents in Phuket, last night and early this morning. The first accident happened at 7.40pm last night. The Phuket City Police were notified of the accident in front of the Thep Buri housing estate in Rassada. Two motorbikes had collided with each other. Two people died in that incident. Another crash happened…
Read More » - Phuket News
Toto, the sea-going stray, is now at Soi Dog and ready for adoption
After many a long walk on Phuket’s tough roads, through the heat and rain, Toto, the dog who never gave up looking for his owner, eventually found in himself in Rawai, a long way from where his journey began. Saranyoo Hassanai, who works at Chalong Bay, spoke to Newshawk Phuket about the stray dog that had been hanging around Ao Chalong Pier…
Read More »