Year: 2022

  • Northern Thailand NewsRain flooding likely to dampen third quarter flood of tourism

    Rain flooding likely to dampen third quarter flood of tourism

    Thailand has been ecstatic to finally welcome back tourists – mostly – but now, after the pandemic, a new threat to tourism has emerged. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it expects a normally profitable third quarter to be muted by the flooding in 21 provinces across Thailand. The floods are expected to affect corporate travel especially. Much of…

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  • Crime NewsAlleged Thai ‘love scammer’ denied bail in Australia

    Alleged Thai ‘love scammer’ denied bail in Australia

    A Thai national detained in Sydney, Australia, for allegedly committing “romance fraud” was denied bail yesterday. Siriluck Fatima Chimmalee is accused of stealing from men she met online through a dating app. She is facing trial for over 100 charges of fraud. Police say 30 year old Siriluck allegedly pretended to be a registered remitter and charged customers steep inflation…

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  • Transport NewsStingy foreigner pays Thai taxi rider 20 cents for 450-baht ride

    Stingy foreigner pays Thai taxi rider 20 cents for 450-baht ride

    A motorcycle taxi rider in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok warned other riders to be aware of a tight-fisted foreigner who duped him, handing over a 20 cent euro coin, about 7 baht, for a 450 baht fare. The 63 year old motorcycle taxi rider, Subin Waitook, yesterday revealed to the media that a foreign passenger agreed with him to…

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  • World NewsThailand’s largest group of foreign tourists come from Malaysia

    Thailand’s largest group of foreign tourists come from Malaysia

    In July, Malaysians made up the largest portion of Thailand’s foreign arrivals, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Thailand welcomed 220,554 Malaysian tourists in July, most of them arriving via the land border crossing in Songkhla province. In a post-pandemic world, Malaysian travel to Thailand has never been easier, with the removal of Thailand Pass and insurance requirements. The…

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  • Tourism NewsThe return of the begpacker sparks online debate

    The return of the begpacker sparks online debate

    While the Covid-19 pandemic brought tourism to a screeching halt in Thailand much to the detriment of millions of people’s livelihood and the country’s economy, one thing that the majority of people did not seem to miss has now reared its ugly head again. Social media erupted over the return of the much-maligned begpacker trend as photos of one in…

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  • Environment NewsThai Interior Minister plays down flood warnings

    Thai Interior Minister plays down flood warnings

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today announced another day of heavy downpours, flooding, and traffic chaos throughout the country and told the kingdom to brace itself. The Interior Minister on the other hand played it down and said there was nothing to worry about. The TMD made known it is 70% likely that the nation will be hit by another…

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  • Thailand video newsNew Cannabis Bill goes to House for Urgent Consideration | GMT

    New Cannabis Bill goes to House for Urgent Consideration | GMT

    A new bill is set to be proposed for urgent consideration to bring some regulation to decriminalising cannabis in Thailand. Man complains after 23 taxi drivers in Bangkok refuse to serve him. The government spent a Four billion baht budget to tackle HIV & STDs in Thailand’s teens. King cobra slithers into the closet in southern Thailand. Discarded household items…

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  • Thailand NewsVIDEO: King cobra slithers into closet in southern Thailand

    VIDEO: King cobra slithers into closet in southern Thailand

    A terrified homeowner in Trang province, southern Thailand, woke up yesterday morning to find a 2.1 metre long king cobra taking a nap in his wardrobe. He locked the snake inside the closet and urgently called a rescue team for help. At 9am, a snake rescue foundation received a request for help from a villager in Palian district and deployed…

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  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Best lesser known travel destinations in Thailand

    Thailand News Today | Best lesser known travel destinations in Thailand

      Airbnb says more tourists in Thailand are opting for ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations, benefiting the environment and local economies. Thailand’s usual top tourist destinations are places with international airports – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Phuket. But, according to Airbnb, more tourists are venturing out of these hubs and into “lesser-known” destinations such as Koh Lanta, Trat, Pai, and Cha-Am.…

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  • World NewsKiwi PM admits her country will ditch British crown in her lifetime

    Kiwi PM admits her country will ditch British crown in her lifetime

    New Zealand will become a republic Kiwi Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted today, but not any time soon. The 42 year old New Zealand PM believes the southwestern Pacific Ocean Island country will ditch the UK monarchy in her lifetime but added she wasn’t going to rush into it at the moment. “There’s been a debate, probably for a number…

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  • Crime NewsActivist sentenced to 2 years in prison for wearing Thai dress that ‘mocks’ H.M. Queen

    Activist sentenced to 2 years in prison for wearing Thai dress that ‘mocks’ H.M. Queen

    A 23 year old Thai activist has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for royal defamation, under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, for attending a protest in traditional Thai attire. Her catwalk show was interpreted by royalists as “mocking” H.M. Queen Sirikit, the queen mother of Thailand. Bangkok South Criminal Court read the verdict of Jatuporn “New” Saeoueng’s sentence…

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  • Bangkok NewsMan complains after 23 taxi drivers in Bangkok refuse to serve him

    Man complains after 23 taxi drivers in Bangkok refuse to serve him

    An angry Thai man slammed Bangkok taxis on his TikTok account for favouring foreigners after 23 cab drivers refused to take him on a journey that was less than 15 minutes. The man said that taxi drivers in the Asoke area only wanted to serve foreign passengers because they can rip them off with expensive fares. The Thai TikToker, @iceprapadang,…

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  • Travel5 secret beaches in Phuket for those who want peace and quiet

    5 secret beaches in Phuket for those who want peace and quiet

    It can be said that visiting Phuket offers a multitude of tropical scenery and beaches. From taking a long-tail boat ride to remote islands to lounging seaside at one of the secret beaches – a trip here is definitely worthwhile. For those who are looking for a unique photo op or secret beach experience, Phuket doesn’t fall short of travellers’…

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  • Thailand News4 billion baht budget to tackle HIV & STDs in Thailand’s teens

    4 billion baht budget to tackle HIV & STDs in Thailand’s teens

    Thai teenagers are more at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV infection than adults says the Thai government and that is why it has approved a budget of nearly four million baht to tackle the issue. The Deputy Spokeswoman of the PM Office, Ratchada Thanadirek, revealed that people aged between 15 to 24 years old are more likely…

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  • Thailand NewsKayaking tourists swept out to sea in eastern Thailand, 1 dies and 1 survives

    Kayaking tourists swept out to sea in eastern Thailand, 1 dies and 1 survives

    Two tourists were swept out to sea while kayaking in Rayong province, eastern Thailand, yesterday afternoon. One of the men drowned and the other clung to his friend’s body all night in the open sea until he was rescued by a passing fishing boat this morning. Three tourists, all of mixed Thai and Taiwanese nationality, travelled on holiday to Koh…

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  • World NewsQueen Elizabeth II’s favourite son to look after her dear dogs

    Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite son to look after her dear dogs

    A Buckingham Palace spokesperson announced that Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson are to look after Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis. The corgis, Muick and Sandy, were given to the Queen by the Duke of York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, last year. The 62 year old prince wanted to cheer up his mother while her…

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  • Thailand NewsVIDEO: Elephant kills monk in eastern Thailand

    VIDEO: Elephant kills monk in eastern Thailand

    A 66 year old Buddhist monk was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Chanthanaburi province in eastern Thailand on Saturday. The terrifying moment was captured by CCTV. At 5am yesterday, a monk came out of his hut and discovered the body of Phra Prachon Suksingh outside on the temple grounds. It was clear that he had been trampled…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Mai hosts Thai style Halloween to make merit for ghosts

    Chiang Mai hosts Thai style Halloween to make merit for ghosts

    Thai people in the Mae Jo Town Municipality of the San Sai district in Chiang Mai province joined the northern Thai-style Halloween event and parade on Saturday to make merit for ghosts and souls from hell. People in the northern part of Thailand believe that ghosts and souls rise from hell to visit their relatives and ask for merits on…

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  • Thailand NewsHelicopter crash in Malaysia reported pilot alive, then dead

    Helicopter crash in Malaysia reported pilot alive, then dead

    Yesterday above the skies of Malaysia, a helicopter mysteriously disappeared as air traffic control lost all contact. This morning the helicopter’s pilot was reportedly found alive in the wreckage only to be declared dead later on. At 11.37am yesterday, the helicopter took off from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, also known as Subang Airport – a secondary airport of the…

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  • Bangkok NewsOld man held hostage & duped out of 100 million baht by fake doctors

    Old man held hostage & duped out of 100 million baht by fake doctors

    An 81 year old man was held hostage in a Bangkok hotel by two fake doctors and then duped him into giving away over 100 million baht in assets and priceless amulets so they could treat his Parkinson’s disease. Police eventually rescued Chawarit Chankana after his family filed a complaint saying the old man handed over a luxury car and…

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  • Thailand NewsUPDATE: Kanchana Buri skywalk opens and closes on River Kwai

    UPDATE: Kanchana Buri skywalk opens and closes on River Kwai

    [UPDATE: After just one day of opening, the skywalk over the River Kwai has been closed already. It seems that having a glass bottom allows for spectacular views but also requires special shoes not to damage the bridge, and they were in short supply. All visitors are required to purchase these special shoes and wear them when walking across the…

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  • Bangkok NewsFloods leave cars underwater at Bangkok condo

    Floods leave cars underwater at Bangkok condo

    In the relentless flash flooding ravaging Thailand, the water level at a car park at a condominium in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok reached new heights on Saturday night. In eerie photos posted by the Facebook page ‘Survive – Sai Mai must Survive,’ the roofs of cars in the basement car park on the Theparak – Phahon Yothin Road…

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  • Thailand NewsTwo oarsmen drown in race practise on the Mekong River

    Two oarsmen drown in race practise on the Mekong River

    Two oarsmen tragically drowned on Friday while practising for the Thailand-Laos-Vietnam Long Boat Race last weekend. Their bodies were found yesterday washed ashore on a Mekong River bank in the Isaan province of Bueng Kan. More than ten boat racers were practising on the Mekong River on Friday morning in preparation for the race from Friday, September 9 to Sunday,…

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  • World NewsJapan may eliminate Covid visa requirements for tourists

    Japan may eliminate Covid visa requirements for tourists

    As countries around Asia and worldwide have dropped Covid-19 restrictions, Japan is finally set to follow suit. The country has maintained strict border controls, with special Covid visas required for visitors to enter, even from countries that had previously never required any sort of visa. It is reported that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is considering easing those restrictions as soon…

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  • Tourism NewsMore tourists are venturing into rural Thailand, says Airbnb

    More tourists are venturing into rural Thailand, says Airbnb

    Airbnb says more tourists in Thailand are opting for ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations, benefiting the environment and local economies. Thailand’s usual top tourist destinations are places with international airports – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket. According to Airbnb, more tourists are venturing out of these hubs and into “lesser-known” destinations such as Koh Lanta, Trat, Pai and Cha-Am. Koh Lanta…

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  • Cannabis NewsCannabis bill goes to House today for urgent consideration

    Cannabis bill goes to House today for urgent consideration

    A new bill is set to be proposed to the House of Representatives today for urgent consideration to bring some regulation to the decriminalising of cannabis in Thailand. The bill took its lead from the best parts of several related laws and will propose restrictions on the growth and usage of the plant in the kingdom. Under the rules proposed…

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  • Thailand NewsUnfinished MRT Pink Line causes a road to collapse in Bangkok

    Unfinished MRT Pink Line causes a road to collapse in Bangkok

    Commuters, pedestrians, and drivers had a lucky escape yesterday morning when torrential rain and floods caused part of the Chaeng Wattana Road in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok to collapse. The finger of blame was pointed toward the unfinished MRT Pink Line for the second time in a week. A part of the Chaeng Wattana Road, near Central Chang Wattana, dropped…

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  • Technology NewsKidney for an iPhone meme condemned by doctors, commenters

    Kidney for an iPhone meme condemned by doctors, commenters

    A Facebook post from Laos has gone viral and upset many people for its unsafe message about the expensive new iPhone. The post was captioned “Agreed for iPhone 14” and showed three people holding up their new Apple phones and lifting their shirts, revealing bandages on their abdomens, implying that they each sold their kidney to afford the price of…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThai health service stops Covid vaccine reaction pay outs

    Thai health service stops Covid vaccine reaction pay outs

    Only gold card scheme members and universal healthcare members can claim reimbursement for any reaction to coronavirus jabs, says the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Deputy Secretary General Atthaporn Limpanyalert announced the NHSO has reviewed the situation regarding Covid-19 and concluded that because the problem is easing it will no longer compensate those suffering from side effects of the vaccine…

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  • Special FeaturesServiced Apartments in Central Bangkok providing home-away-from-home experience

    Serviced Apartments in Central Bangkok providing home-away-from-home experience

    Serviced apartments are fast becoming a popular choice for leisure and business for people visiting Bangkok. Whether you’re looking for a luxury place to call home for 4 nights or 4 months, a serviced apartment in Bangkok can be an ideal option. Unlike your average hotel room, serviced apartments are a lot more than just a place to sleep. It…

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  • EventsPHIST, Southeast Asia’s biggest and best sustainable tourism forum is back as a live, in-person event!

    PHIST, Southeast Asia’s biggest and best sustainable tourism forum is back as a live, in-person event!

    PRESS RELEASE PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism), Southeast Asia’s biggest and best sustainable tourism forum is back as a live, in-person event! Over 1,000 participants, including senior executives and keynote speakers, will gather in Phuket on Monday 26th September 2022 to tackle the most important sustainability issues impacting the industry today. Approximately 30 green exhibitors are also expected…

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  • Thailand video newsTime to decide whether Bangkok will Sink or Swim | GMT

    Time to decide whether Bangkok will Sink or Swim | GMT

      Time to decide whether Bangkok will Sink or Swim. New draft act to make one joint ticket for all Bangkok transport. A new ferry cruise between Pattaya and Samui completes the test run. POLL: Northern Thais favor Sudarat for Prime Minister. —all this and more on today’s Good Morning Thailand.

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  • Thailand NewsThe Funny Man Behind Improv Comedy in Thailand | Thaiger Podcast Ep. 6

    The Funny Man Behind Improv Comedy in Thailand | Thaiger Podcast Ep. 6

    Drew McCreadie, Canadian based actor, playwright and award winning improvisor. Drew is the creative director and co-founder of Thailand’s only dedicated English language comedy venue, the Comedy Club Bangkok. He has won numerous comedy awards, such as Best Male Improvisor in Canada and his play The Cat Who Ate Her Husband won five Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards including for best…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsPOLL: Northeastern Thais favour Sudarat for Prime Minister

    POLL: Northeastern Thais favour Sudarat for Prime Minister

    A recent poll in the northeast of Thailand showed Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan leading the polls so far after announcing her candidacy for Prime Minister this week. She lead with 23.4% of the votes by those polled, followed by the daughter of a former prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The survey was conducted by E-Saan Centre for Business and Economic Research of…

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  • Thailand Election News2 female Thai party leaders emerge as strong PM candidates

    2 female Thai party leaders emerge as strong PM candidates

    While King Charles III effortlessly ascended to the throne upon the death of England’s Queen Elizabeth II this week, the path to the prime ministership in Thailand will be a bit more protracted and messy. Two women have emerged as top candidates for Prime Minister, with Thai Sang Thai Party’s Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan so far polling above Pheu Thai Party…

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  • World NewsHong Kong speech therapists jailed over children’s books

    Hong Kong speech therapists jailed over children’s books

    Five speech therapists in Hong Kong have been accused of brainwashing children after they wrote children’s books involving sheep and wolves. The five therapists, who are all between 25-28 years old, have been sentenced to 19 months each in prison. The books tell stories about a village of sheep trying to stop a pack of wolves from invading their home.…

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  • Phuket NewsPatong: 100m profits with 4am curfew for venues, Chiang Mai residents oppose it

    Patong: 100m profits with 4am curfew for venues, Chiang Mai residents oppose it

    The pressure has been mounting for the government to raise the curfew to help entertainment venues boost earnings as tourism returns to Thailand. But some residents disturbed by noise living near bars in Chiang Mai are calling for the opposite. The Patong Entertainment Business Association estimates that extending closing hours from 2am to 4am for nightlife entertainment venues could raise…

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