Year: 2019

  • Crime News15 year old Thai student dies following attack in SOTUS hazing tradition

    15 year old Thai student dies following attack in SOTUS hazing tradition

    PHOTO: Anti-hazing activist Panuwat Songsawatchai/Facebook Khaosod English is reporting that a high-school student, who was in a coma following ritual hazing at a Nakhon Pathom school, has died today. Pisit Kumniw, a 15 year old student at the Phra Pahtom Wittayalai School, in Nakhon Pathom north-east of Bangkok, allegedly died from injuries sustained from hazing by senior students in a class three…

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  • Phuket NewsSearch continues off Phuket’s Freedom Beach for two missing Filipinos

    Search continues off Phuket’s Freedom Beach for two missing Filipinos

    PHOTOS: Workpoint News Phuket rescue volunteers are continuing their search for 2 Filipinos washed off their feet in high waves at Freedom Beach, south of Patong Beach, in Phuket. The two people have been identified as 29 and 40 year old men. The went missing late yesterday afternoon. Kusoldham Phuket Rescue Foundation received a report concerning the two missing Filipino…

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  • Crime NewsBangkok drug gang nabbed for selling Pattaya tourists illicit drugs

    Bangkok drug gang nabbed for selling Pattaya tourists illicit drugs

    PHOTO: 77kaoded Three men have been arrested in Pattaya and 833 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and 6,700 methamphetamine pills seized. Police also seized a car and two motorcycles. Three Thai men – 23, 29 and 35 year old – were arrested and charged with possession of Category One drugs with intent to sell. Daily News reports that the three man gang was…

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  • Bangkok NewsBMW speeds away as policeman tries to hang on at Bangkok toll booth

    BMW speeds away as policeman tries to hang on at Bangkok toll booth

    SCREENSHOTS: Sanook A policeman has ended up in hospital after being dragged along by a white BMW after trying to stop the car. CCTV footage from the Thanyaburi Toll booth on a Bangkok ring road shows the BMW driving away from the booth, with the policeman clinging on to the roof. The car veered to the left suddenly to ‘shake off’…

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  • Business NewsResidential projects launched in June up, but sale 15% lower than May

    Residential projects launched in June up, but sale 15% lower than May

    As many as 47 new residential projects were launched in Bangkok and its suburbs last month (June), 16 more than in May. This from the Agency for Real-Estate Affairs. The projects combine 13,943 units worth a total of 57.25 billion baht, with per-unit prices averaging at 4.1 million baht, the survey added. The sale of new projects launched in June…

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  • World NewsFormer BRN negotiator slams Thailand as being insincere at peace talks

    Former BRN negotiator slams Thailand as being insincere at peace talks

    PHOTO: thailandchatter.com A similar number of people have been killed in the Southern Insurgency in Thailand as in the conflicts at the Gaza Strip and West Bank in Palestine over the past 15 years. But the religious and realestate conflict at the southern Thai border with Malaysia has had a lot less international media coverage. One of the Malay negotiators,…

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  • Crime NewsSecond hand car dealers arrested over 5 year old scam in Chiang Mai

    Second hand car dealers arrested over 5 year old scam in Chiang Mai

    PHOTO: Daily News Police in Chiang Mai say they have arrested a married couple involved in an alleged scam of 52 people in the northern Thailand city. The incidents were reported to police five years ago. 55 year old Anucha “Teng” Dorkmaingam and his 39 year old wife Warawee or Suthicha Suphan were arrested at a Chiang Mai restaurant. Daily…

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  • Transport NewsVan, baht bus and taxi drivers fight for passengers at Pattaya pier

    Van, baht bus and taxi drivers fight for passengers at Pattaya pier

    PHOTO & VIDEO: Ruk Siam News Pattaya taxi, van and baht bus drivers, authorised and unauthorised, are fighting over tourists at the Bali Hai pier. Ruk Siam News says that efforts by the Pattaya City Council to sort out the issue at the south Pattaya port have been ineffectual and that there are often more drivers than passengers vying for…

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  • Tourism NewsNumber of passengers and flights drop slightly at 28 secondary Thai airports

    Number of passengers and flights drop slightly at 28 secondary Thai airports

    28 airports under the Thai Airports Department have dropped traffic by 1% compared to the same time last year. The airports under the Airports Department don’t cover the largest airports at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai. Some 14.4 million passengers were recorded at the 28 airports under the department from October 2018 to June…

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  • Krabi NewsKrabi skinny-dippers fined 500 baht, claimed they were ‘bored’

    Krabi skinny-dippers fined 500 baht, claimed they were ‘bored’

    Police marched six naked tourists, aged between 17-20 years old, back on to the Ao Nang beach to get dressed after being caught on a midnight skinny-dip. A local, who didn’t appreciate their nudist antics, informed the local police late on Monday night about the groups’ late night seaside frolicking. metro.co.uk reports that the group included five women and one…

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  • Tourism NewsWeerasak paints a rosy tourism picture as he steps down from Ministry

    Weerasak paints a rosy tourism picture as he steps down from Ministry

    Weerasak Kowsurat, outgoing Tourism and Sports Minister In a final spin at the microphone as Sports and Tourism Minister, Weerasak Kowsurat made statements about Thailand’s tourism numbers and the Thai baht that differed from other published numbers and local anecdotal reports. Weerasak claimed, despite the appreciation of the baht, that Thailand has attracted as many as 21.08 million tourists in the…

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  • Phuket News“Probably the best pork spare ribs in the world” – Naughty Nuri’s Patong

    “Probably the best pork spare ribs in the world” – Naughty Nuri’s Patong

    Naughty Nuri’s Phuket, also known as Naughty Nuri’s In The Forest in Patong, was the first restaurant from the iconic Indonesian chain to open its doors in Thailand. The indoor/outdoor venue can easily accommodate more than 500 diners in an alfresco setting. Their signature dish is the BBQ Spare Ribs – “probably the best spare ribs in the world” –…

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  • World NewsSingapore’s exports crash in June, the biggest drop in 6 years

    Singapore’s exports crash in June, the biggest drop in 6 years

    Edited from The Straits Times – Asian News Network Singapore’s exports have crashed by double digits for the fourth straight month. June’s figures show shipments in the key electronics sector sinking by 32%. This is the biggest year-on-year drop since shipments sank 33.2 per cent in February 2013. It is also sharply below analysts’ expectations of a 9.6% plunge, according…

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  • South Thailand NewsRoadside bomb in Narathiwat critically injures three rangers

    Roadside bomb in Narathiwat critically injures three rangers

    PHOTO: Waedao Harai Three paramilitary rangers have been injured in Narathiwat following the explosion of a bomb in a roadside stall this morning just after 8am. Security officials say the bomb had been detonated remotely as the three rangers were patrolling past the stall. The stall was under construction at the time. The bomb was encased in a cooking gas…

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  • Bangkok NewsOne body recovered, search continues for another after collapse of pavilion in Samut Songkhram

    One body recovered, search continues for another after collapse of pavilion in Samut Songkhram

    PHOTOS: Thai PBS After more than 17 hours of searching, rescue workers have now recovered a female body from the collapsed pavilion that slid into the Mae Klong River in Thailand’s central province of Samut Songkram, west of Bangkok. The search continues for one other missing person believed to still be trapped under the submerged wreckage of the building. The…

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  • Opinion“Thailand shouldn’t have water problems” – a personal view

    “Thailand shouldn’t have water problems” – a personal view

    OPINION Post from a concerned Phuket resident who is worried about the future of the island’s most precious resource, fresh water. Despite being surrounded by water, potable water supplies are in peril for the forthcoming high season with lower-than-usual rainfall and the dams still at historically-low levels at the time of publishing this story. The person has asked to be anonymous……

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  • Politics NewsFuture Forward’s Thanathorn on European and US lecture tour – VIDEO

    Future Forward’s Thanathorn on European and US lecture tour – VIDEO

    The Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit spoke with American NBC’s Andrea Mitchell about his hopes and aspirations for Thailand’s future. He also addresses his own current situation in regards to charges he is facing over alleged media shareholdings. Thanathorn is currently suspended from participating in the new Thai parliament as an MP as he awaits the Constitutional Court to hear…

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  • Tourism NewsPhuket’s Banyan Tree celebrates 25 year anniversary with new Serenity Villas

    Phuket’s Banyan Tree celebrates 25 year anniversary with new Serenity Villas

    2019 is a year of celebration for Banyan Tree Phuket, with the resort offering two brand new villa categories, as part of its year-long 25th anniversary celebration. In September this year, the iconic Banyan Tree Phuket, the flagship property for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, will celebrate 25 years as Phuket’s premier holiday resort. The festivities will include the release…

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  • Hua Hin NewsGary Stevens takes up head coaching at Black Mountain Hua Hin football academy

    Gary Stevens takes up head coaching at Black Mountain Hua Hin football academy

    (contact details below) A former England, Totttenham and Brighton football player, Gary Stevens, will start coaching at the Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy this September. Gary is a 1984 UEFA Cup winner and 1986 World Cup veteran. He made 204 appearances for Tottenham between 1983 and 1990 but is excited to pursue a challenge outside of the professional game. He managed…

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  • Pattaya NewsThai man electrocuted whilst laying on his bed in Pattaya

    Thai man electrocuted whilst laying on his bed in Pattaya

    PHOTO: Thai Rath A man has died in Nong Prue, the suburbs behind Pattaya city, as a result of being electrocuted whilst his phone was charging next to his bed. Relatives believe the incident happened early sometime on Sunday. Police were called to an address in Soi 15, Thing Klom – Tan Man, Nong Prue on Sunday evening. 21 year old…

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  • ExpatsThailand keeping track of foreigners – the TM30 reporting form

    Thailand keeping track of foreigners – the TM30 reporting form

    The TM30 reporting procedure is a Thai immigration requirement. The form is designed to assist keeping track of foreigners – tourists and expats – whilst in Thailand. It must be completed by the owner or landlord to report the stay of guests within 24 hours of their arrival. As with many things in Thailand the enforcement will not be uniformly applied…

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  • World NewsPTT’s expansion plans in Myanmar

    PTT’s expansion plans in Myanmar

    PTT Oil and Retail Business (PTTOR) is poised to invest in the Burmese retail market and the construction of a tank depot for oil and liquefied petroleum gas as well as related facilities in Myanmar. The Thai petro-chemical company’s chairman Attapol Rerkpiboon says the first gas station will open in Q4 this year. It recently signed agreements with the subsidiaries…

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  • Bangkok NewsOld food pavilion collapses dumping over 20 people into Samut Songkram river

    Old food pavilion collapses dumping over 20 people into Samut Songkram river

      PHOTO: Public Relations Department – Samut Songkhram Rescue workers are scouring the Mae Klong River in Samut Songkram, west of Bangkok, for four missing people after an old ferryboat shelter on a river bank collapsed yesterday, plunging more than two dozen people into the water. One person has died and at least 19 others injured when the riverside food pavilion…

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  • Politics NewsKing urges new cabinet to solve problems for Thailand’s happiness and security

    King urges new cabinet to solve problems for Thailand’s happiness and security

    PHOTO: Thai PBS “In the process of doing a job, there will be problems, and that it was normal that they must be solved at the core so the administration of the country can proceed smoothly.” – HM The King His Majesty has offered moral support to PM Prayut and the newly sworn-in cabinet ministers, urging them to perform their…

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  • Transport NewsThai Airways close to sale of used planes to US company

    Thai Airways close to sale of used planes to US company

    PHOTO: Thai Airways Airbus A340, Airplane Pictures Thai Airways International President Sumeth Damrongchaitham reports that the national airline expects to sign an agreement this month with a US logistics firm on the sale of eight used A340 aircraft worth between 4-4.5 billion baht. The company is in the process of examining the contract before closing the sale deal of Thai Airways…

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  • Politics NewsHM The King swears in new Prayut Cabinet

    HM The King swears in new Prayut Cabinet

    The new Palang Pracharat government, led by Prayut Chan-o-cha has been sworn in tonight by His Majesty The King. The ceremony heralding the return of civilian rule in Thailand after five years of military government. The ceremony took place at 6pm in the Amphorn Satharn Throne Hall with all 36 ministers were present. The historic occasion marked the first time…

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  • Crime NewsOver a million methamphetamine pills seized in Lampang sting

    Over a million methamphetamine pills seized in Lampang sting

    Original story by Pratheep Nanthaparp And man has been arrested and 1,104,000 methamphetamine pills confiscated following a sting Lampang’s main city area in northern Thailand last Saturday (July 13). Provincial Police Region 5 met with the media yesterday morning (Monday) to explain how undercover police purchased a small quantity of pills from 34 year old Sarayuth Rattanadilok. It was agreed…

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  • World NewsDengue alert declared in The Philippines

    Dengue alert declared in The Philippines

    PHOTO: Philippine Star Dengue cases have doubled in Thailand this year. And in The Philippines a similar situation is unfolding. Health authorities in The Philippines are declaring a national dengue alert after a spike in cases leaving more than 450 people dead since the start of 2019. Around 100,000 dengue cases were reported across The Philippines in the first six…

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  • Transport NewsDocument agent nabbed in Pattaya for helping foreigners get driving licences

    Document agent nabbed in Pattaya for helping foreigners get driving licences

    PHOTO: Naew Na A Thai female has been arrested for helping foreigners obtain Thai driving licences illegally and register their vehicles with fake stamps and documentation. Naew Na report that 44 year old Wikanda “Vicki” Munghangern was arrested in a sting outside her office which is, conveniently, located near the Bang Lamung Department of Land Transport. Polcie allege the woman…

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  • Transport NewsThai couple walk away from dramatic road crash

    Thai couple walk away from dramatic road crash

    PHOTOS: Sanook A blue sedan has split in two in a dramatic incident on a road leading to the Ngam Wong Wan Road in Bangkok’s northern suburbs. Sanook reports that a Thai couple have escaped totally unscathed after the man admitted to police that he lost control after hitting a rock and slammed into roadside barriers. The 29 year old…

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  • Business NewsMore currencies in Asia strengthen – Indonesian rupiah crosses major threshold

    More currencies in Asia strengthen – Indonesian rupiah crosses major threshold

    The Thai baht isn’t the only Asian currency performing well against some of the western currencies. The Indonesian rupiah has strengthened 0.54% to 13,932 to the US dollar yesterday (Monday) from 14,008 on Friday. It became the best performing currency in Asia, though other currencies in the region have also also strengthened: Yesterday there was improvement of 0.19% for the…

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  • Environment NewsKoh Phi Phi dugong died from a gastrointestinal infection

    Koh Phi Phi dugong died from a gastrointestinal infection

    PHOTO: Department of National Parks, Wildlife & Plant Conservation Another dead dugong was discovered over the weekend off Koh Phi Phi in Krabi province. Department of Marine and Coastal Resources veterinarians have determined the death was caused by stomach infection and chronic inflammation of the intestines. Another was found off the coast of Trang on the weekend as well. The…

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  • Phuket NewsWeather warning for southern and eastern Thailand

    Weather warning for southern and eastern Thailand

    Five day forecasts for Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui below The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning to alert people to approaching heavy rains and strong winds in the South. The TMD predicts more rain from from today up to July 21 in the Southern and Eastern regions due to a tropical depression approaching westward from the Pacific,…

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  • EventsPhantom V wins Multihull Solutions Regatta in Phuket

    Phantom V wins Multihull Solutions Regatta in Phuket

    PHOTOS: Phuket Yacht Club The 2019 Multihull Solutions Regatta has been run and won after the final day of excellent racing conditions off southern Phuket. The Stealth catamaran Phantom V with its boat builders Alan Carwardine and Roger Diggleman on board, as well as owner Andrew Hurford, won the Racing Multihull Division of the 2019 Multihull Solutions Regatta. Its four…

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  • Politics NewsMilitary relinquish power as the new Thai cabinet prepares to be sworn in today

    Military relinquish power as the new Thai cabinet prepares to be sworn in today

    “Thailand is now fully a democratic country with a constitutional monarchy, with a parliament whose members are elected.” Thai PM Prayuth Chan-o-cha has formally stepped down as the head of the NCPO military junta saying Thailand will now function as a normal democracy after five years of army rule. Prayut’s “normal democracy” includes a loaded upper house of Senators all appointed…

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  • Northern Thailand News‘Irishman’ nabbed after 11 year overstay in north-east Thailand

    ‘Irishman’ nabbed after 11 year overstay in north-east Thailand

    PHOTO: Naew Na Nakhon Ratchasima Immigration, along with local tourist police, have arrested an Irishman,Samuel Caleb Birch, who has been on an overstay of 4,192 days. That’s nearly 11 years and six months! According to Naew Na, the man was arrested at a restaurant in Soi Moo Ban Yamo 5, Ban Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, north-east Thailand. According to his visa, he arrived…

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  • Crime NewsThai politician sought after quartet arrested with large drugs haul

    Thai politician sought after quartet arrested with large drugs haul

    by Jessada Chantharak A Narathiwat politician is on the run following the issuing of an arrest warrant after being implicated in a major local drug bust. A politician at the Narathiwat OrBorTor has been implicated by four drug suspects as the person who hired them to move 459 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, a very large quantity of ‘ice’. Three men, aged…

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