- Hot News
High-speed rail project linking Bangkok to Chiang Mai expected to begin
Thailand and Japan’s collaborative high-speed rail project, linking Bangkok to Chiang Mai, is expected to begin soon after years of planning. The first phase of the project would see the railway run from Bangkok to Phitsanulok for over 380 kilometres, then continue to Chiang Mai for another 288 kilometres. As officials from both countries met, Japanese agencies say the first…
- Hot News
UN says viral video of Russian troops executing Ukrainian soldier may be authentic
The United Nations believes a viral video of Russian troops executing a Ukrainian soldier may be authentic. The disturbing video appears to show a detained Ukrainian combatant standing in a trench smoking a cigarette. What happens next, is described by viewers as horrifying. The Ukrainian soldier is shown saying, “Glory to Ukraine,” moments before he is shot to death by…
- Northern Thailand News
Thai police find large lot of drugs in Chiang Rai, Lampang provinces
Thai police have reportedly found a large lot of drugs in the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Lampang. The police say they confiscated nine million methamphetamine tablets, 20 kilogrammes of ketamine, and 297 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) in three separate seizures. The first seizure saw police finding 12 plastic boxes with two million methamphetamine pills, 297 kilogrammes of…
- Early Years
Concerned Thai teacher visits absent student’s home and is shocked by living conditions
A concerned Thai teacher says she is shocked by her absent student’s living conditions after visiting him at home. The Mukdahan Province teacher, named Namwan, went to the student’s house since he didn’t show up for school since the new year began. According to Thai Residents, he normally skips school but his long absence concerned the teacher. Worrying that he…
- Hot News
American teacher charged with reckless homicide over 8 year old’s drowning in Chumphon
An American teacher has been charged with reckless homicide after the drowning of an eight year old boy in Chumphon province. The boy’s family, however, says they don’t blame the teacher for his death. According to Khaosod English, the 45 year old teacher was an employee of a local church in Map Ammarit Sub-District, Pathio District. He was on holiday…
- World News
Southern Philippines jolted by two strong earthquakes
The Philippines is recovering after two strong earthquakes hit the southern part of the country. Yesterday, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck at around 2pm, just a few kilometres from Maragusan municipality in the gold-mining province of Davao de Oro on Mindanao island. The US Geological Survey says a shallower second quake, measuring 5.6 magnitudes, hit just three hours later in…
- Hot News
Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation
A Thai seller of a rubber ducky calendar has been found guilty of royal defamation. The 26 year old man, “Tonmai,” was arrested on December 31, 2020, and charged with royal defamation. Now, he will serve two years in prison after being found guilty. The Taling Chan Criminal Court ruled that the depiction of the rubber duck was a mockery…
- Hot News
Russia’s national gymnastics team coach banned from next Olympics after criticising judges
Russia’s national gymnastics team coach has been reportedly banned from the next Olympics after she criticised judges at the Tokyo games. Irina Viner, the head coach of the Russian national team and president of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation criticised the Tokyo Olympic judges who ended Russia’s winning streak in rhythmic gymnastics. The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation barred Viner from coaching…
- Hot News
Another member of Chinese theft gang arrested after three years on the run in Chiang Mai
Police officers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, say they have arrested another member of a Chinese-led theft gang after he spent three years on the run. Namnua, alias Jongchiang Sae Lor was arrested in front of a house in the Chai Prakarn district of Chiang Mai. Jonchiang, who holds Thai nationality, has been wanted on an arrest warrant by the Pattaya…
- Events
Sydney sees 50,000 march for international LGBTQI+ at WorldPride festival
Sydney saw an impressive 50,000 people march for international LGBTQI+ at the WorldPride festival’s closing. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was chosen for the march, which made headlines worldwide. The bridge was closed for several hours for the Pride March, marking the seventh and final day of the festival, which was held in Sydney for the first time. The event didn’t…
- Hot News
Family of deceased Thai teen saved in cave rescue receive his ashes from England
The family of the deceased Thai teen, Duangpetch Promthep, or “Dom,” received his ashes from England in Bangkok. Dom was the captain of the Wild Boars football team who was saved in a dramatic cave rescue back in 2018. According to the Straits Times, Dom went on to play in England at Brooke House College Football Academy after receiving a…
- Northern Thailand News
Thai man buys gold with 30,000 baht in coins
A Thai man has used nothing but coins to buy 30,000 baht of gold at a shop in the northeast province of Maha Sarakham. Tangmo Konrakkwai, the shop owner, said the customer called and asked if the store accepted coins as payment for gold. She told the customer yes but didn’t think the payment would only consist of coins. According…
- Health
Thai health authorities push to administer childhood vaccines after Covid-19 delays
Thailand’s health authorities are pushing to administer childhood vaccines after they were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Bangkok Post, the national committee on vaccines says it is concerned about the three-year delay as over one million young girls have missed out on being inoculated against cervical cancer. Now, the committee is asking state-owned hospitals, university hospitals, local administrative…
- China News
China responds to Thailand’s crackdown on grey businesses by reaffirming support
China is responding to Thailand’s crackdown on grey businesses by reaffirming its support. The two countries say they have been cooperating closely in suppressing transnational crimes. The Chinese Embassy pledged to help bring such businesses to justice on its Facebook page today. Online gambling and call centre scams are among the Chinese businesses that were found to be illegally operating…
- Tourism News
Thailand strengthens tourism ties with China in high-profile meeting
Thailand is strengthening its tourism ties with China after the two countries inked a letter of intent in a high-profile meeting. Chinese Culture and Tourism Minister, Hu Heping, and Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, signed the Letter of Intent between the TAT and China Tourism Group Travel Services. As 2023 marks 48 years of diplomacy between the two…
- Things To Do
Key differences between northern and southern Thai cuisines
Thailand’s landscapes are often the first thing that visitors notice and likely won’t forget. Besides its fascinating nature and an array of fun activities, the food is what makes this South East Asian country stand out from the rest. Each region of the country includes its very own fusion of tastes that are influenced by neighbouring cultures. In many Thai…
- Hot News
Phuket immigration launches ‘red card’ system for wayward foreigners
Phuket immigration is launching a ‘red card’ system for wayward foreigners which will see them deported after two offences. Praphansak Prasansuk, Commander of the Immigration Region 6 office, announced the system yesterday. “Under the system, a foreigner will be designated a ‘yellow card’ for a first offence. The foreigner will be issued a formal warning and the relevant embassy will…
- Hot News
Over 7,000 Russians in Phuket apply for visa extensions
Over 7,000 Russians in Phuket are applying for visa extensions in a bid to stay in Thailand. Local immigration chief, Thanet Sukchai, says the great weather is one factor in their attempts to stay. “Phuket is a nice place to visit with delicious food and good weather. As word has spread about the island, Russian tourists keep coming to the…
- Hot News
Greta Thunberg detained twice during demonstration over Indigenous rights
Greta Thunberg has been detained twice during a recent demonstration over indigenous rights. The environmental campaigner was participating in the demonstration in Oslo, Norway, when police removed her and other activists. According to the Japan Times, Thunberg joined protesters on Monday in demanding the removal of 151 wind turbines from reindeer pastures used by Sami herders in central Norway. The…
- South Thailand News
Thailand extends emergency decree in Deep South
Thailand is extending the emergency decree in the Deep South for another three months. The decree applies to the border provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat and will run from March 20 to June 19. According to the Bangkok Post, the newest extension of the decree marks the 71st time it has been issued. The Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwon…
- Hot News
Thai ambassador to UK attends football captain ‘Dom’s’ funeral
Thailand’s ambassador to the UK joined the funeral service for Duangphet Phromthep, or “Dom,” who was captain of the Thai football team that was rescued from a cave. The Royal Thai Embassy said Ambassador Thani Thongphakdi attended yesterday’s funeral along with students and teachers from Dom’s school, the CEO of Leicester City Football Club and others. The embassy says Buddhist…
- Hot News
Thailand’s Cobra Gold war games sees largest US attendance in decade
Thailand’s annual Cobra Gold war games have seen the largest attendance by the US in a decade. The international military exercise started yesterday and runs to March 10. The unprecedented attendance by the US military is thought to be part of Washington’s efforts to build ties with a key security partner as geopolitical competition with China is on the rise.…
- Hot News
Pattaya Police arrest 14 street beggars including nine kids
Pattaya Police are cracking down on street beggars by arresting 14 just last night. The arrests come after many complaints from tourists and residents. The arrests were of migrant workers, nine of whom were aged two to six years old. Patikorn Sornchai, deputy commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, led the operation while Social Development and Human Security Officers combed…
- Things To Do
The top five family-friendly things do in Pattaya
Thailand’s sin city is known for its adult attractions, but did you know there are many things that the entire family can enjoy? Despite its world-famous reputation for seedy experiences, Pattaya offers a family-friendly experience if you know where to look. Below, are the top five family-friendly attractions that promise to be nothing short of exciting! 1. Ramayana Water Park…