Year: 2019

  • Thailand NewsSongkran extended to a five day holiday this year

    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,…

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  • Bangkok NewsRomance scammers now face extended jail time – Surachate

    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Hakparn says those responsible would be charged with fraud committed against the Thai public, a charge that cannot be withdrawn by the payment of money.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…

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  • Bangkok NewsValentine’s roses leap in price this year

    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…

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  • Environment News“Close down the schools” – Chiang Mai University academic

    “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…

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  • Thailand NewsWeather for February 14

    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.…

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  • Environment NewsAir quality for Thailand – February 14

    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…

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  • Krabi NewsKrabi Tourist Police warn of shoplifting gangs in Ao Nang

    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…

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  • Environment NewsNew electric ferries to ply the ‘Venice of the East’ in Bangkok

    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…

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  • OpinionThe day that shook Thai politics

    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.…

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  • Bangkok NewsCo-working space – not just for start-ups

    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…

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  • South Thailand NewsOne dead, one injured in Narathiwat garage shooting

    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…

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  • Environment NewsChiang Mai and Bangkok blanketed under Wednesday air pollution and smog

    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…

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  • Bangkok NewsThai-Italian man dies after fall from apartment in Pathum Thani

    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…

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  • Thailand Election NewsConstitutional Court to have final say: EC votes to disband Thai Raksa Chart

    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…

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  • Krabi NewsKrabi tour operators call for crackdown on foreigners touting tour packages

    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…

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  • Koh Samui NewsKoh Samui: “Awash with drugs”, ONB 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…

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  • Phuket NewsLaguna Phuket selected to host inaugural Thai Fight Phuket Asia’s premier

    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…

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  • Chiang Mai News72 year old jumps for her life from the second floor during home inferno

    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…

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  • Pattaya NewsForeigner arrested for kicking in the door to Pattaya police station

    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…

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  • Thailand NewsSlow phase out of ‘Paraquat’ meets resistance

    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…

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  • Thailand NewsSwedish duo caught in Thailand for laundering 250 million baht

    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…

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  • Environment NewsChiang Mai: Third worst air-pollution in the world

    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…

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  • Phuket NewsTwo injured Chinese tourists head home

    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…

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  • Phuket NewsPatong Police warn tourists to be aware of their belongings

    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…

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  • Thailand NewsWeather for February 13

    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…

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  • Environment NewsAir quality for Thailand – February 13

    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.

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  • Thailand NewsHakeem al-Araibi’s release from Thai detention follows a meeting between Thai FM and Bahraini Crown Prince

    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…

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  • TravelAir Asia booking system down for 24 hours this weekend

    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…

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  • Bangkok NewsRussian tourist leaps from fourth floor at Suvarnabhumi

    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…

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  • South Thailand NewsSentences handed down for militants linked to truck theft and murder in Songkhla

    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…

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  • Phuket NewsUPDATE: Speedboat captain charged, two Chinese tourists remain in hospital

    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…

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  • PropertyStunning new Lux Neo villas at Chaweng, Koh Samui

    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…

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  • Krabi NewsBritish man arrested for overstays, investigations into his selling of tours continues

    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…

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  • TravelBoom boom on the border – Thailand’s unlikely red-light district

    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…

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  • Business NewsThailand’s property market surges with Chinese confidence remaining high

    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…

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  • Phuket NewsThree die in Phuket crashes in two separate incidents

    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…

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  • Phuket NewsToto, the sea-going stray, is now at Soi Dog and ready for adoption

    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…

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