Month: June 2022

  • Crime News‘Travellers’ caught smuggling cocaine worth millions of baht to Phuket and Bangkok

    ‘Travellers’ caught smuggling cocaine worth millions of baht to Phuket and Bangkok

    The big bad international criminals Thai police warned of earlier this month have made their way to Bangkok and Phuket. Four ‘travellers’ have been caught smuggling cocaine valued at millions of baht into Phuket and Bangkok in the past 2 weeks. A South African man allegedly smuggled in 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, valued at 4.5 million baht, to Phuket International…

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  • Tourism NewsThailand to lift 2 – 5pm alcohol sales ban in hotels from July

    Thailand to lift 2 – 5pm alcohol sales ban in hotels from July

    Thailand seems to be lifting gazillions of restrictions lately. In its latest move announced yesterday, Thailand’s CCSA plans to lift its notorious alcohol sales ban from 2 – 5pm, in hotels at least, starting July 1. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, restaurants and tourist attractions may also sell alcohol during this time, at provincial governors’ discretion. Phiphat…

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  • Environment NewsYoung whale spotted caught in rubbish in Phuket

    Young whale spotted caught in rubbish in Phuket

    Another damning video is exposing the danger of Thailand’s pollution towards its wildlife, this time in Phuket. On Thursday, a fisherman spotted a young sperm whale stuck in rubbish near Phuket’s Racha Island. The fisherman, Pongsakorn Naksaard, posted a photo and 2 videos of the poor creature on Facebook. One of the videos shows the pile of rubbish more clearly.…

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  • Thailand TravelThais looking forward to travelling again, survey says

    Thais looking forward to travelling again, survey says

    As Thailand slowly rises from the ashes of the Covid-19 pandemic, a survey has found that over half of Thai respondents plan to travel outside the country this year. The “2022 Holiday Barometer” conducted by Europ Assistance between April 26-May 16 found that about 56% of 1,000 Thai respondents planned to take outbound trips this summer. This is 7 percentage…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Thailand Pass CANCELLED. Let’s Party till 2AM!

    Thailand News Today | Thailand Pass CANCELLED. Let’s Party till 2AM!

      The CCSA just announced some BIG changes to Thailand’s Covid restrictions. The center met with Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Ministry of Public Health this afternoon to make decisions about the Thailand Pass, “zones,” closing times of entertainment venues, face masks and temperature checks, so here’s where we stand. Thailand Pass The CCSA announced the complete cancellation of the…

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  • Pattaya NewsMore drama with Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach vendors

    More drama with Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach vendors

    There’s been more drama between beach goers and vendors at Jomtien Beach in the south of Pattaya. A photo posted earlier this week on the Facbeook page ‘Footpath Thai Style’ raised alarm bells about the lack of walking space available on the beach. The photo shows the beach crowded due to street vendors, entrepreneurial locals and other beachgoers. In April,…

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  • Tourism NewsFare hike on ferries to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan from July 1

    Fare hike on ferries to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan from July 1

    Surat Thani province in the south of Thailand announced that fares of ferry services to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan would increase from July 1 onwards due to the rising diesel price. The report revealed that fares had not been raised in more than 14 years. Following the meeting between Surat Thani officials and representatives from ferry businesses on…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThailand drops outdoor face mask requirement

    Thailand drops outdoor face mask requirement

    Today, Thailand’s Covid-19 taskforce announced that face masks will no longer be required in airy, outdoor spaces in Thailand. The change is expected to come into effect on July 1. The CCSA also announced some other important changes today, such as the cancellation of the Thailand Pass. Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin said the public should decide for themselves when wearing a…

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  • Thailand NewsEuropean Union praises Thailand’s efforts in migrant workers’ rights

    European Union praises Thailand’s efforts in migrant workers’ rights

    While Thailand is renowned for its beaches, mountains, and smiles, the country doesn’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to labour rights. Earlier this week, Thailand raised its minimum daily wage to 650 baht per day. Anyone who lives here knows that even the new wage is absurdly low, and not enough to live comfortably. Meanwhile, Thailand is…

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  • Thailand NewsThai hackers target high-ranking official in 200,000 baht swindle

    Thai hackers target high-ranking official in 200,000 baht swindle

    Cyber police yesterday swooped to arrest a Thai hacker group who targeted a high-ranking government official in a more than 200,000 baht swindle. The cyber punks managed to gain access to a Facebook account belonging to former government official, Suthee Pattanayongyot, who used to serve the Judiciary of Thailand. One of the hackers, Somchai Saenthilert, pretended to be Suthee, contacted…

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  • Pattaya NewsChon Buri passersby annoyed at slow police response to gold snatcher

    Chon Buri passersby annoyed at slow police response to gold snatcher

    Passersby in Sri Racha district of Chon Buri were reportedly annoyed at police’s slow response to a gold theft incident yesterday. The 35 year old thief currently known as ‘Ae’ nabbed a gold necklace from a gold store in a shopping mall. Ae reportedly pretended he was just trying on the necklace, and then fled the shop. The shop clerk…

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  • Thailand News2 Thai monks break habit of a lifetime to fight over offerings

    2 Thai monks break habit of a lifetime to fight over offerings

    The Buddhist vow of refraining from harmful actions was momentarily lost on one monk who beat up another for standing too close to him. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning in front of Bang Yai City Market when the pair got into a quarrel of which monk should stay and which monk should leave. Apparently, there is an unwritten agreement…

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  • World NewsSri Lankan officials say country has enough fuel for 5 more days

    Sri Lankan officials say country has enough fuel for 5 more days

    Sri Lanka’s crisis is going from bad to worse. The country’s energy minister announced yesterday that Sri Lanka’s fuel stocks will last for about 5 more days. Fuel shortages have already worsened this week with kilometres-long lines at some gas stations across the country. Some of the horrendously long lines have broken into protests as car owners wait, sometimes overnight,…

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  • Crime NewsInfluencers from controversial Lazada ad arrested on suspicion of lèse majesté

    Influencers from controversial Lazada ad arrested on suspicion of lèse majesté

    Yesterday, police arrested three Thai influencers on suspicion of lèse majesté – or insulting the monarchy – in relation to their role in a controversial Lazada advert which shocked the Thai nation last month. In Thailand, lèse majesté is a criminal offence punishable by 3 to 15 years for each count. Police arrested the 3 influencers who starred in the…

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  • Transport NewsCabinet to discuss cap on rising fuel costs

    Cabinet to discuss cap on rising fuel costs

    Energy Ministry permanent secretary Kulit Sombatsiri yesterday revealed the Energy Policy and Planning Office is going to support measures to buffer the rising cost of fuel resulting from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Kulit says the ministry will look for government help when the Cabinet reassembles for its weekly meeting on Tuesday. “The price of diesel oil will be maintained at…

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  • Bangkok NewsFamous porn star to fight model in Bangkok boxing match

    Famous porn star to fight model in Bangkok boxing match

    A famous Thai porn star and a model are planning to beat each other up in a Bangkok Muay Thai match on July 9. The 37 year old adult film star, Kesarin Chaichalermpol, better known as ‘Nong Natt’ has posted several steamy workout videos on instagram, although no posts actually show her doing Muay Thai training…   View this post…

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  • Thailand NewsBREAKING: CCSA cancels Thailand Pass & changes entertainment venue restrictions

    BREAKING: CCSA cancels Thailand Pass & changes entertainment venue restrictions

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration – or CCSA – announced major changes to Thailand’s Covid-19 restrictions this afternoon, including the cancellation of the Thailand Pass. The CCSA met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Ministry of Public Health today to make decisions about the Thailand Pass, “zones,” closing times of entertainment venues, face masks and temperature checks. …

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  • Thailand NewsThai female lawyers fight for right to wear trousers to court

    Thai female lawyers fight for right to wear trousers to court

    The Human Rights Lawyers Association today will submit another letter to the Office of the Thai Bar Under the Royal Patronage after Thai female lawyers failed to get a response to their right to wear trousers in court petition. The group of Thai female lawyers addressed a petition, for their right to wear trousers in court, to the Thai Bar…

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  • Thailand NewsThai family’s dream holiday turns into cockroach-infested nightmare

    Thai family’s dream holiday turns into cockroach-infested nightmare

    An extravagant vacation home infested with worms, rats and cockroaches, turned one family’s dream holiday in Pattaya into a nightmare. A Thai woman paid 47,000 baht for 2 nights’ accommodation at an 8-bedroom luxury villa in the Palm Spring Housing area of Pattaya but the stay turned into a disaster from the moment the family crossed the threshold. Primnapaphas Aite…

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  • World NewsLaotian tourists are flocking to Thailand

    Laotian tourists are flocking to Thailand

    Crowds of eager Laotian tourists are flocking to Thailand now that Thailand and Laos have eased travel restrictions this month. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday that the checkpoint in Nong Khai, which borders Laos in Northeastern Thailand, is now the fourth most popular entry point into Thailand. The top 3 most popular entry points are Suvarnabhumi and Phuket…

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  • Crime NewsUPDATE #3: Thai couple murdered in Taiwan

    UPDATE #3: Thai couple murdered in Taiwan

    UPDATE #3: The man suspected of murdering a Thai couple in Taiwan last week – the woman pregnant with twins – handed himself in to the Royal Thai Police at 8am this morning. Police arrested 35 year old “Santi” at the Border Police Division 335 in Chiang Dao district in the northern province of Chiang Mai after he made contact…

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  • Destination GuideRetiring in Koh Samui in 2022? Here is what you need to know

    Retiring in Koh Samui in 2022? Here is what you need to know

    The tropical island of Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations for both travellers and retirees. There is something for everyone on Koh Samui. The cost of living in Koh Samui will suit many people who are looking to retire on the beautiful majestic island. Looking for a luxurious lifestyle? There are places to fulfil your needs. Prefer…

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  • Tourism NewsRetire to Thailand? Think again, unless you’ve got the dosh!

    Retire to Thailand? Think again, unless you’ve got the dosh!

    Retiring to Thailand is the dream of many foreigners. And why not? The Land of Smiles has it all: sun, sea, sand, sexy senoritas, and a cheap way of living so, let’s do it! But what about the red tape? Is there any? How does Johnny Foreigner retire to Thailand? Well, Thailand’s Board of Investment is set to make an…

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  • Things To DoBest spot for surfing holiday at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket

    Best spot for surfing holiday at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket

    Press Release This green season is the perfect time to catch your wave and enjoy surfing in Phuket. Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is a stunning beachfront resort situated in the North of Patong beach. Only a few steps from its crescent-shaped bay of white sand, one of the best spots for surfing. Ideal beach activity for…

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  • Cannabis NewsCannabis flowers to become a “controlled herb” in Thailand

    Cannabis flowers to become a “controlled herb” in Thailand

    In response to public concern about recreational abuse of cannabis since its decriminalisation last week, Thailand’s Health Minister has signed a ministerial regulation to make cannabis flowers – the part of the plant with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol – a “controlled herb.” The legislation specifies who is and isn’t allowed to access the THC-rich flowers. The legislation will come into…

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  • Economy NewsIn midst of price inflation, Thailand to freeze prices on dozens of products

    In midst of price inflation, Thailand to freeze prices on dozens of products

    In the midst of the world’s overwhelming price inflation, Thailand plans to freeze the prices of 46 items. The items are grouped into 9 categories, which are: paper and paper products, transport-related products, farm-related products, petroleum products, medicines, construction materials, “important” farm products, consumer products and food. The items include bicycle and car tires, motorcycles and trucks, water pumps, fertiliser,…

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  • Pattaya NewsFree massages in Pattaya until end of June

    Free massages in Pattaya until end of June

    Feeling stressed? A project training aspiring massage therapists is providing free massages at Pattaya City Hall from Monday to Friday from 9am-3pm, on the fourth floor. The project began this week, and will last until June 30. If you’re dying for relief from your hectic daily life, 20 massage trainees are happy to help. Massages are free for both Thais,…

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  • Thailand video newsBIG Covid decisions today, C-Word laws clarified | GMT

    BIG Covid decisions today, C-Word laws clarified | GMT

      Today is a big day for winding back some of Thailand’s remaining Covid restrictions. Face masks, closing times for nightlife, the Thailand Pass, Covid insurance and the immigration TM6 form. What will happen? And what is the reality of Thailand’s botched attempt at decriminalising c**nabis? We have a lawyer on the program to discuss this today. Also is the…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThailand Pass, Bars, Masks: The Thaiger’s predictions for tomorrow’s CCSA meeting

    Thailand Pass, Bars, Masks: The Thaiger’s predictions for tomorrow’s CCSA meeting

    Tomorrow, Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, will meet to discuss the fate of Thailand Pass, “zones,” closing times of entertainment venues, mask-wearing and temperature checks. Keep a close eye on the Thaiger tomorrow to see if our predictions are correct… Thailand Pass Currently, non-Thai travellers entering Thailand are required to obtain a Thailand Pass QR code prior…

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  • Crime NewsPolice arrest suspects in illegal lending network across Thailand

    Police arrest suspects in illegal lending network across Thailand

    Police across Thailand have arrested 29 alleged members of an online illegal lending network. Police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division said small-business operators filed a complaint that they had borrowed money from the website, and were charged unusually high interest rates. When the business operators couldn’t make the payments, the websites’ operators sent men to intimidate them, according to…

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  • International EducationTop 5 International schools in Pattaya 2022

    Top 5 International schools in Pattaya 2022

    Pattaya is a city located on Thailand’s eastern Gulf. It is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and is only a 2-hour drive from Bangkok. The Thai Ministry of Education has certified all of Pattaya’s international schools and approved all of the schools’ curriculum. While Pattaya may not have a large number of international schools, compared to…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Thai Parliament passes Marriage Equality Bill

    Thailand News Today | Thai Parliament passes Marriage Equality Bill

      Thailand’s Parliament passed the Marriage Equality Bill in the first reading with 210 votes in favour, 180 votes in opposition and 4 abstentions. The bill – previously rejected by Cabinet in March – was pushed by Thailand’s Move Forward Party. A parliamentary committee has been set up to scrutinise the bill over the next 15 days before it is…

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  • Thailand TravelThailand’s cabinet approves budget to help Andaman tourism and development

    Thailand’s cabinet approves budget to help Andaman tourism and development

    Thailand’s cabinet is making it a priority to support development in the country’s Andaman provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The budget of 338.8 million baht will go towards 6 projects in environmental and tourism development. A budget of 80.8 million baht will go to health services and environmental systems projects at Lipe Island in Satun. A…

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  • Thailand NewsThai national football coach apologises for inappropriate touching

    Thai national football coach apologises for inappropriate touching

    Thailand national football team assistant manager, Vitoon Chomchaypol, has apologised after a video emerged of him on social media touching his players inappropriately and using sexual language. The incident happened at a party on June 14 held in honour of the team after they failed to qualify from the group stage at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. The…

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  • World NewsPakistani government tells people “drink less tea” amidst economic crisis

    Pakistani government tells people “drink less tea” amidst economic crisis

    Pakistan is the latest of several countries hit by an economic crisis. In the midst of the crisis, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning and Development has some interesting instructions for citizens: drink less tea. Pakistan is the world’s largest importer of tea, buying more than US$640 million worth in 2020, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. The minister, Ahsan…

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  • Thailand NewsMuslim groups discuss legislation contrary to their religious beliefs

    Muslim groups discuss legislation contrary to their religious beliefs

    Twenty-five Muslim organisations met yesterday to discuss the government’s new cannabis law and other legislation contrary to their religious beliefs. The religious groups met at Baan Nuer Mosque Hall in the southern province of Songkla, to set up an Unethical Laws and Regulations Opposition Association, in opposition to the new law to decriminalise cannabis on June 9, same-sex marriage proposals,…

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  • Crime NewsUPDATE #2: Thai couple murdered in Taiwan

    UPDATE #2: Thai couple murdered in Taiwan

    UPDATE #2: The Thai man who went on the run after murdering a Thai couple in Taiwan last week asked a middleman to contact the Royal Thai Police on his behalf to inform them that he wants to hand himself in. Apparently, he feels guilty and wants to surrender to police. The police have not spoken to the suspect directly so…

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