- Covid-19 News
Health officials tracing 24 contacts of new Covid case
Health officials say their decision to trace 24 people who’ve had contact with a woman who tested positive for Covid-19 is merely a precaution, insisting there’s no cause for alarm. The 35 year old woman, from the north-eastern province of Loei, returned from the United Arab Emirates on June 24 and entered state quarantine. While there, she was twice tested…
- Northern Thailand News
Suspected child rapist arrested in Isaan forest
A man accused of raping an 11 year old girl has been arrested while hiding out in a mountainous forest in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen. A report in Nation Thailand says 50 year old Prathan Wangson was arrested after villagers in the Manjakhiri district tipped off police when he emerged from hiding to ask for food and water.…
- Politics News
Human rights lawyer Anon arrested again in Bangkok
Thai human rights lawyer Anon Nampa is in custody once more after being arrested last night in relation to his involvement in an anti-government rally in Bangkok on August 3. Anon was apprehended while appearing at the Criminal Court in his role as defence lawyer in an unrelated case. He has been charged with inciting public unrest, along with a…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok man arrested for molesting woman says he’s done it twice before
Police in Bangkok have apprehended a 28 year old man after a woman filed a report accusing him of molesting her. After being arrested at his home in the Ladprao district, the man, named as Chaiyakorn Chimkul, has admitted to carrying out similar offences on 2 other occasions. Police say they received a complaint from a 21 year old housekeeper…
- Covid-19 News
Officials say no cause for alarm as 2 Thai women test positive for Covid
Health officials are downplaying any risks following reports that 2 Thai women have tested positive for Covid-19. It’s understood both women were sent home after completing 14 days’ quarantine following their repatriation from the United Arab Emirates. One woman, a 34 year old from the north-eastern province of Chaiyaphum, was tested on June 5 and returned an “inconclusive” result, indicating…
- Thailand News
Cadet threatened with legal action for draft dodging – 3 years after dying in training
The family of a young army cadet who died in suspicious circumstances while in military training, has received a letter threatening him with legal action over his failure to show up for service. 18 year old Pakapong Tanyakan died nearly 3 years ago, while undergoing training at a military academy in the central province of Nakhon Nayok, north-east of Bangkok.…
- Politics News
Thai PM voices concern over students’ 3 finger salute
Thailand’s PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, says he’s concerned about students using a controversial 3 finger salute, saying he’s heard that those who disagree with the political gesture are being unfairly targeted. The PM says that, while he understands the political motivations behind the salute, which has been embraced by anti-government activists, he disagrees with the alleged bullying and intimidation of those…
- Politics News
Education commission says students can protest, but must remain vigilant over Covid risks
After students at a number of high schools around the country used the flag-raising ceremony to flash a 3 finger salute in solidarity with political protesters, the Office of the Basic Education Commission is weighing in on the matter. OBEC is writing to schools at the request of Anek Laothamatas, the Minister for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The…
- Politics News
Police seek arrest warrants for anti-government protest leaders
6 political activists, at the centre of a rally at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus on August 10, are facing arrest on charges of sedition, using loudspeakers to advertise in public spaces without permission, violating the computer crimes act, and breaking the disease control law. A report in the Bangkok Post names the 6 as Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, Panupong Chadnok, Anon Nampa,…
- Politics News
PM’s security beefed-up after car chase on expressway
Security is being increased for Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, after his motorcade was the subject of a car chase on the capital’s expressway. It’s understood the PM was travelling from his home to Government House yesterday morning, when a private car gave chase, with the driver sounding his horn and flashing his headlights. A report in Thai PBS World says…
- Covid-19 News
Chon Buri health chief says 2 sons of Navy officers died of pneumonia, not Covid-19
Two sons of Royal Thai Navy officers have died of pneumonia, not Covid-19, says Apirat Katanyutanon, chief of Public Health in the eastern province of Chon Buri. One of the deceased has been named as 35 year old Bulakorn Hutacharoen, while the other, a 39 year old male, has not been named. Both men were sons of Royal Thai Navy…
- Politics News
School pupils show solidarity with anti-government protests – VIDEO
At high schools across Thailand, pupils have used the daily flag-raising ceremony to show their solidarity with anti-government activists. A report in Khaosod English says pupils in at least 10 schools wore white ribbons and held up three fingers, in what is widely recognised as an anti-military gesture. The students’ actions have been captured in photos and video, which have…
- Phuket News
Phuket eyes October 1 as launch date for “Safe and Sealed” tourism plan
The Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, says his ministry hopes to kick-start a careful and limited re-opening to international tourism from October 1, beginning with the southern province of Phuket. According to a report in the Bangkok Post, Phiphat’s ministry will meet with the Public Health, Interior, Foreign and Transport ministries on August 27 to discuss the introduction of…
- Covid-19 News
Experts warn Thailand not immune to second wave of Covid-19
Despite its seemingly successful suppression of the Covid-19 virus, medical experts say Thailand is not immune to a second wave. Thiravat Hemachudha, director of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Disease Health Science Centre, says the country cannot afford to let its guard down, adding that it is too risky to become lax about hygiene measures. “First and foremost, Thais…
- Covid-19 News
Thailand tops the list of countries safest to visit during Covid-19
A study looking into the world’s safest holiday destinations during the Covid-19 pandemic has placed Thailand in the top spot. Safe it may be, but anyone wishing to visit from overseas will have to wait a while… The study was carried out by German travel start-up, Tourlane, who looked at various criteria, including the notification rates of new Covid-19 cases,…
- Politics News
PM urges police to exercise restraint in dealing with protesters
The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has asked police to refrain from using force in their dealings with anti-government protests. He was speaking ahead of yesterday’s rallies at the Democracy Monument in the capital, which saw both pro and anti-government groups face off across Rajdamnoen Avenue. Most of those protesting are students, with the PM instructing police to exercise restraint in…
- Phuket News
Phuket officials outline plans for economic recovery
As Thailand’s tourist hot spots struggle under the devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, officials in Phuket are attempting to kick-start tourism in the province. Focusing initially on domestic tourism, deputy governor Pichet Panapong hopes a number of planned events will draw visitors to the southern province. The Phuket Seafood and Gastronomy Festival, which started at the weekend and…
- Thailand News
Remaining Songkran holidays set for September, without the water fights
The Cabinet has approved a proposal from culture minister Itthipol Khunpleum to celebrate the 2 remaining days of Songkran in September. The 3-day Songkran holiday, usually observed in April, was postponed this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A replacement public holiday was observed at the end of July and the 2 remaining days will now be marked…
- Thailand News
Man presumed dead comes back to life while being sent for autopsy
A man, presumed dead after his family found him unconscious, has come back to life, just as rescue workers were preparing to send him for autopsy. The 20 year old man, named only as Ramet, was found in his bathroom in the western province of Kanchanaburi. Concerned family members, who had not seen him that day, went to his home…
- Politics News
Prominent social activist speaks out in defence of student protesters
A leading academic and social critic has spoken out in defence of the current student protests, saying those involved have a right to freedom of expression. Sulak Sivaraksa defends the new 10-point manifesto put forward by the activists, denying that it goes too far in its calls for reform of the monarchy. “The 10 demands are reasonable, since for the…
- Crime News
Chief of police takes the reins in revived “Boss” investigation
The Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police is taking over the ongoing saga that is the Red Bull heir hit-and-run case. Chakthip Chaijinda will lead the re-investigation into the handling of the case against Vorayuth Yoovidhaya, with a spokesman for the Royal Thai Police saying he feels duty-bound to take responsibility for any police mismanagement of the case. A report…
- Environment News
Camera captures rare footage of tiger at Kanchanaburi national park
A camera installed by rangers at Khao Laem National Park, in the western province of Kanchanaburi, has captured rare footage of a tiger patrolling the park. The discovery has been confirmed by park chief, Thewin Mesub. “This sighting of a tiger proves that natural resources in Khao Laem are still abundant, and that park rangers have done a great job…
- Bangkok News
At least 76 homes evacuated in Bangkok blaze
A fire at a two-storey apartment building in the Khlong San district of Bangkok, has led to the evacuation of at least 76 households. The families were given shelter at local temples, according to a Facebook post from Phongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. He adds that locals in the area have rallied round, providing sleeping bags and…
- Covid-19 News
Covid restrictions eased further for public transport, schools, sporting events
Covid-19 restrictions on public transport, educational institutions, and sporting events around the country, are being eased further from today. In addition, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has confirmed that Chinese fruit traders may enter the country for the purpose of exporting fruit. From today, schools can reopen as normal, but officials are leaving the decision up to individual educational…
- Politics News
Report calls for national reconciliation through constitutional reform
A report prepared by the House Committee on laws, justice and human rights, and focusing on 9 recommendations, is set to be debated today, according to an unnamed source in the House of Representatives. According to the Bangkok Post, the report lays the groundwork for possible constitutional reform, recommending the creation of a “people’s constitution.” The report says the current…
- Covid-19 News
Aviation Authority monitoring global Covid situation, no re-opening of Thai skies yet
While the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand gave the green light for more international arrivals to enter the country from July, it says there will be no further re-opening for the time being. However, Director-General Chula Sukmanop says the CAAT will continue monitoring developments, in particular improvements in the Covid-19 situation in other countries. He adds that any decision to…
- Thailand News
Officials deny plans to make elderly drivers re-take tests in order to keep licences
The Department of Land Transport says there are currently no plans to make elderly drivers re-take a test in order to keep their licences. The statement comes after rumours began to circulate that drivers over 70 and in possession of “lifetime” driving licences, would need to re-take both a driving test, as well as hearing and eyesight tests. Despite Thailand’s…
- Economy News
Household debt on the rise, as Thailand’s economic index decreases
The fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be felt around the country as Thailand’s economic index decreases and unemployment and debt continue to rise. Experts predict the country’s economic index will decrease from 37.4 to 36.8 over the coming 3 months. A report by the National News Bureau of Thailand says household debt is on the increase, with consumers…
- World News
Joe Biden appoints Kamala Harris as running mate in race for the White House
Joe Biden has chosen Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate in the race for the White House, making her the first woman of colour to run for vice president. The appointment of Senator Harris comes at a time of significant racial unrest in the US, with Harris widely seen as the candidate who will help win the hearts and…
- Thailand News
Unexploded mortar shell found at construction site in eastern Thailand
An unexploded mortar shell has been discovered at a construction site in Rayong, in the east of the country. Local villagers found the device while clearing land and trees at the site and alerted police. Officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit arrived on the scene to examine the device. It was transferred to dense forest nearby and successfully dismantled…
