- Thailand News
Cool season in Thailand delayed due to El Niño phenomenon
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) announced that the onset of this year’s cool season is likely to be delayed by approximately two weeks, and will be warmer than usual. The shift has been attributed to unpredictable weather patterns and the influence of the El Niño phenomenon. Typically, Thailand’s cool season commences around mid-October. However, this year the initial moderate…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong investment spurs expansion in Thai manufacturing and logistics
Thailand is attracting the attention of Hong Kong-based investment companies keen to establish manufacturing and logistic firms within its borders, revealed Thai trade representative Nalinee Taveesin. This follows a recent dialogue with Ronald Ho, the director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Southeast Asia and South Asia, in Bangkok. The two nations have long enjoyed a prosperous relationship in trade,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Sai Mai district set to receive its first hospital
Bangkok’s Sai Mai district, the second most populated district with 209,556 inhabitants, is set to receive its first hospital. This development comes as a result of the initiative by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who recognised the district’s lack of hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Chadchart, on a recent visit to the district alongside Sai Mai district councillor Rattikan…
- Thailand News
Endangered gaur sighted in northern Thailand after 37-year absence
A gaur, an endangered wild animal, has been sighted for the first time in 37 years at the Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary in Mae Hong Son, a northern province on the Thai-Myanmar border. The sanctuary’s chief, Arkhom Boonnontae, confirmed the sighting, noting the rarity of such occurrences in northern Thailand. The camera trap that captured the elusive bull gaur clicked into…
- Thailand News
Thai nationals in Israel urged to return home amid escalating conflict
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) urgently called for all Thai nationals residing in Israel to promptly return to Thailand on Saturday. The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas, has prompted this immediate action. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced their intent to broaden their ground and air operations, leading to heavy bombardments overnight. The heightened…
- Thailand News
Riverfront walkway project collaboration between Bangkok Met Administration and Royal Thai Navy
A cooperative venture between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to supervise a riverfront walkway project has been launched. The riverfront walkway will connect multiple tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya River on the Thonburi side. Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok, confirmed the BMA’s intention to construct the riverfront walkway, which would extend from…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai government opts for Chinese frigate
An unexpected turn of events saw the Pheu Thai-led government opting for a Chinese-made frigate over a submarine, after a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the original submarine purchase. The shift in decision came on the heels of China‘s inability to get the German-made MTU 396 engine for the submarine, as specified in the 2017 agreement. China’s suggestion of using…
- Thailand News
Surin: More than 300 shops destroyed by massive fire at Chong Chom border market
A massive fire engulfed the Chong Chom border market in Surin’s Kap Choeng district late last night, destroying over 300 shops. The fire thankfully claimed no lives. In response to the emergency, over 10 fire trucks, along with numerous firemen and rescue teams from the district and surrounding areas, were dispatched to quell the fire at the Chong Chom border market…
- Thailand News
Phuket: Russian and Indians overstay visa leading to police raid
A Russian national and two Indian men were apprehended during a police raid in Phuket’s Bang Thao beach district, charged with overstaying their visas. The operation was conducted by a joint team of immigration and tourist police yesterday afternoon around 1.15pm at a villa where they expected to arrest another Indian man under charges of threats and intimidation. The Phuket Provincial…
- Phuket News
Phuket MP urges swift action on delayed Patong Tunnel
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee recently took the floor in the House of Representatives, using his platform to challenge the ongoing delay in the construction of the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. The Speaker of the House and the Deputy Minister of Transport were present to hear his concerns. With a reputation as a renowned tourist hotspot, Patong’s economic health is largely reliant…
- Thailand News
MFP charter rewrite motion rejected by Thailand House of Representatives
A charter rewrite motion, sponsored by the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), has been rejected by Thailand’s House of Representatives. The decision was influenced by concerns that the proposed changes could lead to a biased charter amendment, as explained by Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-panel tasked with gathering public opinion on a constitutional amendment referendum. The MFP intended…
- Thailand News
NACC probes Thai government’s 10,000-baht digital handout amid corruption fears
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) initiated an in-depth study into the Thai government’s policy for a 10,000-baht digital currency handout. This step comes as the agency intensifies its examination of the key policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. According to a source within the NACC, the decision was made following a suggestion from the agency’s corruption monitoring and appraisal…
- Thailand News
Thai PM to kickstart Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023, boosting tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to grace the grand opening of the Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023 event in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai on Sunday, October 29, according to the government’s spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This visit marks the premier’s first official journey to Laos, set to commence the day after his overnight stay in Udon Thani.…
- Thailand News
Thailand intensifies fight against XDR-TB, targeting eradication by 2030
The battle against drug-resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is escalating in Thailand, as the Public Health Ministry pushes towards its objective of wiping out the disease by the conclusion of this decade. Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister, conveyed particulars yesterday about XDR-TB discussed during a meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee. The committee consented to update the definition of…
- Thailand News
Thai death toll in Israel conflict reaches 33, repatriation efforts underway
The ongoing conflict in Israel has seen the death toll rise to 33 for Thai workers, with an additional 18 injured, as announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara on Wednesday. Furthermore, 18 Thai workers have been captured as hostages by the extremist group, Hamas. This figure was previously reported incorrectly as 19. Reuters, citing an update from the Israeli…
- Thailand News
Investment ties strengthened: Parnpree’s mobile meeting proposal for Thai-Vietnam relations
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Foreign Affairs Minister, yesterday proposed the reinstatement of mobile meetings to bolster investment ties between Thailand and Vietnam. The proposal came about during a meeting with Pham Minh Chinh, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, concluding Parnpree’s two-day official visit to the neighbouring nation. The visit, which kicked off on October 25, marked Parnpree’s inaugural official trip since…
- Thailand News
Monkeypox morphs: Thailand reports 535 ‘mpox’ cases in a year
A whopping 535 mpox cases (formerly monkeypox) have been reported across Thailand between May last year and October this year, according to the figures released by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Dr Taweechai Wisanuyothin, the director of the Nakhon Ratchasima-based Region 9 Disease Control Office, disclosed the above data. A total of 481 reported cases were Thai citizens, 50…
- Thailand News
Prison escapee on the prowl: Inmate’s great Thailand wildlife sanctuary location unveiled
The hunt for a 37 year old inmate who escaped from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital led police to the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary. This vast wildlife refuge, spanning 1266 square kilometres across Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, and Songkhla, is believed to be the hideout of Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. This discovery prompted a shift in law enforcement’s…
- Thailand News
Thai firms to get tax cuts for aiding PM2.5 pollution reduction efforts
The government is set to grant tax incentives to Thai firms that financially support the mitigation of PM2.5 fine particulate matter, primarily resulting from forest fires. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has expressed growing concern over the haze pollution expected to shroud the central and northern regions from November to March due to an extended drought period influenced…
- Thailand News
Thailand mayor resigns following arrest over 600,000 baht extortion charges
Weerachart Rasamee, the son-in-law of Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised, stepped down from his role as municipal mayor following an arrest linked to alleged extortion charges. The incident unfolded in Uthai Thani province, with Weerachart being apprehended on Tuesday. Chada shared yesterday, October 25, that Weerachart offered his apologies for the incident after being granted bail on Tuesday evening.…
- Thailand News
Thailand refines 10,000-baht digital handout eligibility amid wealth exclusion fears
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is developing criteria to determine eligibility for a 10,000-baht digital money handout amid speculation that affluent individuals might be exempted from the scheme. The prime minister, also serving as finance minister, stated that the government is refining the scheme following recommendations from diverse sectors. “I am listening to opinions. There will be…
- Thailand News
Thai workers may be released in next Hamas prisoner batch, says PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday hinted at possible positive developments regarding the Thai workers held hostage by Hamas. Expectations are high that they may be part of the next release batch, following negotiations facilitated by Qatar. However, the Thai prime minister has not yet had an in-depth discussion with Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara on the matter. Out of the 50…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s spirit sobered: 24-hour alcohol ban for Wan Org Pansa holiday
Popular Thai tourist destination Phuket will observe a strict 24-hour ban on alcohol sales starting from midnight on Saturday, as part of the country’s observance of the Buddhist religious holiday, Wan Org Pansa. This event, which takes place on Sunday, October 29, marks the culmination of the three-month season known as the Rains Retreat, often referred to as Buddhist Lent.…
- Phuket News
Phuket taxis: Drivers demand action against illegal private car services
Over 100 public transport operators, including metered taxi drivers, green plate taxis, and passenger van drivers, assembled at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday to formally complain. They are demanding that the Phuket provincial government take more robust action against illegal private car services operating through taxi apps on the island. The formal complaint was received by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan…
- Phuket News
Thailand and Australia unite in fight against child sexual exploitation
Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, and Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn joined forces in Phuket yesterday to participate in the Countering Child Sexual Exploitation Regional Dialogue Thailand 2023. The dialogue, taking place at the SAii Laguna Phuket resort in Cherng Talay, brings together law enforcement officials and NGO representatives from nine nations,…
- Thailand News
Thai PM accuses Israeli employers of exploiting Thai workers amidst crisis
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called on Israeli employers to stop exploiting their Thai workers during this perilous period. He alleges that salary payments are being deliberately postponed as a means to retain Thai workers in Israel amidst growing safety concerns. In a press interaction preceding the weekly Cabinet meeting, the 61 year old prime minister revealed he had contacted…
- Thailand News
Winter festival in Thailand to boost tourism through creative events
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared plans to extend the country’s annual winter festival nationwide, renaming it the Thailand Winter Festivals. This announcement followed a strategic meeting with key figures including Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The primary focus of their discussion was the forthcoming “Colourful Bangkok Winter Festival” scheduled…
- Phuket News
Phuket police crackdown: 39 nabbed in weeklong sweep against drugs and guns, boosting tourist security
The Phuket Provincial Police apprehended 39 individuals on counts of drug and firearm offences over the past week in their continuous effort to enhance the security of its tourism sector. Between October 15 and 21, Phuket police reported that they had caught 32 suspects red-handed with narcotics. Among them, 11 were implicated in allegations of drug distribution and conspiring to…
- Tourism News
5 good reasons to visit Koh Samui in 2023
Thailand’s “coconut island” has come a long way since its hippy heyday in the 1970s. Today, jet-set travellers rub shoulders with the tabloids’ favourite celebrities, while major golf events and regattas have become annual pilgrimages. So, now you’re thinking about a lazy leisurely holiday on this tantalisingly tropical island? The only question is … when to go? January – BBQ Season…
- Phuket News
Patong Baywatch resumes night patrols, enhancing safety at popular Thai beach
Patong Surf Life Saving has re-initiated the nighttime beach patrols to boost the safety measures at Patong Beach. Despite the details of the resumption of nighttime patrols still being under wraps by Patong Municipality and the Patong Development Fund, the initiative named Patong Baywatch has been put back into action. The precise number of night watchmen designated for the beach…
