- Thailand News
Water shortages: Thai govt mulls halting Central Plains rice farming amid anticipated drought
In a bid to counteract the effects of a potential drought, the central government of Thailand is contemplating the suspension of rice cultivation in the Central Plains region. This proposal comes alongside the potential establishment of a command centre to combat reduced rainfall and water shortages. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) initiated this conversation, citing apprehensions about…
- Thailand News
Bangkok cleanup: State railway clear rubbish on future elevated train line site
An assertive Bangkok cleanup approach has been taken by both the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in conjunction with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), to clear mounting rubbish clustered along the rail tracks in proximity to Phaya Thai. This follows a poignant post by a Japanese Twitter user which displayed the deplorable conditions encircling a Kiha-183 train, generously donated to…
- Thailand News
Thai NHSO launches homegrown rubber prosthetic fistula, expects 540 million baht savings
Moving towards medical self-sustainability while concurrently conserving expenses, Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has come up with an innovative solution. The NHSO has launched a new, locally made prosthetic fistula prepared from natural rubber for those participating in the Universal Healthcare (UHC) programme, also commonly referred to as the “gold card” scheme. This new initiative aims at reducing the…
- Phuket News
Shocking surprise: Power interruption leaves Phuket residents in the dark
Residents of Srisoonthorn, in particular those living in the Sri-Suphalak Orchid Villas housing estate, Moo 6, Phuket, should brace for a power interruption this week, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). This power interruption, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to last from 9am to 4.30pm. The temporary state of darkness isn’t without a…
- South Thailand News
Koh Tao sees record-breaking one-day tourist influx
The island of Koh Tao has seen a record-breaking number of tourists reported to have landed on July 28. The Surat Thani Provincial Governor, Wichuwat Jinto, shared the good news earlier today. Koh Tao, the smallest of the three main southern gulf islands, welcomed a staggering 3,106 visitors, all of whom arrived via boat on the same day. This influx…
- Koh Samui News
PEA apologises for 11.8 million baht electricity bill error
In a surprising turn of events, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Koh Samui had to extend an apology to a small hotel proprietor on the island in the southern province of Surat Thani. It seems the PEA’s miscalculated her electricity consumption, leading to them issuing a bill of over 11 million baht last month. The PEA’s Communication Affairs Division’s director-general,…
- Bangkok News
Ashton Asoke condo’s fate lies in legal interpretation
The fate of the troubled Ashton Asoke condominium hinges on the interpretation of three pertinent sections of the prevailing law, as explained by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). In a clarification of the circumstances surrounding the Ashton Asoke condominium dilemma, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Wisanu Subsompon highlighted the relevance of Sections 40, 41, and 42 of the Buildings Control…
- Thailand News
Sky’s the limit: Krabi Airport’s expansion set to soar by 2025
The redevelopment of Krabi International Airport, expected to amplify its passenger capacity to 8 million annually, is slated for completion by late 2024 with the new infrastructure being operational by 2025, according to an announcement from the Department of Airports. The scheme encompasses the addition of a third passenger terminal and enhancements to the existing two terminals and car park…
- Crime News
Online gambling raid nets three arrests, seizes over 920,000 baht
The police conducted a series of raids on properties in both Bangkok and Loei on Saturday, apprehending three individuals under dubious circumstances, allegedly tied to the operation of online gambling websites. Deputy National Police Chief Roy Ingkapairote yesterday revealed that these arrests were the handiwork of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) who’d been inspired by suspicious activities linked to several…
- Thailand News
Koh Lan: Azure sea turns green from wastewater-induced phytoplankton bloom
In the popular tourist island of Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya Beach, a startling twist of events made headlines when the placid blue seawater abruptly turned into an unattractive shade of green, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Koh Lan, characterised by its renowned turquoise shoreline, is found 7 kilometres off the coast…
- Thailand News
Traditional Thai medicine popularity surges amidst Covid-19 crisis
The turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic have become a potent catalyst for the growing popularity of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), which finds its roots firmly intertwined with diverse aspects of Thai culture, ranging from religious practices to local cuisine. This newfound acceptance of TTM as a fundamental fabric of Thai identity has emerged in the wake of the pandemic.…
- Thailand News
Thai consulate warns against rushed Thai-Chinese marriages
In the face of rising numbers of failed Thai-Chinese marriages, the Royal Thai Consulate General in Kunming sounded a note of caution. The authority urged future brides to thoroughly appraise their prospective grooms’ backgrounds before affirming the marriage proposal. Additionally, they’ve been advised to procure the appropriate visa type and ensure their marriage registration with Thai officials. The advisory resulted…
- Phuket News
Senegalese tourist’s body recovered at Freedom Beach in Phuket
In a tragic turn of events in Phuket, a team of lifeguards recovered the body of a Senegalese tourist at 6.50am today from the location where he had disappeared two days prior. Freedom Beach, located in Tambon Karon of the Mueang district, had been the last known whereabouts of 22 years old man. The Tambon Karon Municipality mayor, Jadet Vachirasorn,…
- Phuket News
Phuket boosts marine safety measures for holiday tourist surge
Safety measures have significantly increased at the major piers and marinas in Phuket, a recent report from the Phuket office of the Department of Public Relations of Thailand (PR Phuket) revealed. These heightened security measures come in anticipation of a massive influx of tourists to the island, expected to occur during the extended holidays from July 28 through August 2.…
- Transport News
Beyond Horizon: Thailand’s domestic-made luxury rail carriage
A cutting-edge rail carriage prototype, known as Beyond Horizon, has been launched in an innovative collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Sinogen-Pin Petch Joint Venture and King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). With 25 luxury seats all equipped with touch screens for individual passengers, the demonstration unit on display is also fully accessible for wheelchair users. Somyot…
- Road deaths
Long holiday sees spike in road accidents, authorities urge caution
During the initial day of Thailand’s extended holiday period, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) reported nearly 2,000 people were injured in road accidents, with 22 fatalities recorded. The information was announced yesterday by Deputy National Police Chief and Commander of RTP’s Traffic Police Operation Centre, General Roy Ingkapairote. He indicated a sharp increase in traffic offences due to an influx…
- Bangkok News
Road accident: Car plunges from 15-metre high expressway
In a shocking road accident, a 26 year old man narrowly escaped a fatal encounter when his car took a 15-metre nosedive off a Bangkok expressway in the early hours of today. The incident, which occurred around 3.30am, saw the man’s Honda Civic take a precipitous plunge from the Si Rat Expressway onto Rama VI Road, officials reported. At the…
- Crime News
Thai man held for running “Little Angel” child porn group
Amid growing concern over child exploitation, an individual running a child pornography distribution group labelled Little Angel, infamous for its cache of over 1,000 child sex videos, has been apprehended. Abhisit, the 29 year old behind the group was arrested at a house in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri. The arrest ensued, thanks to the vigilant activities of Police Colonel…
- South Thailand News
Radical imagery paraded at school event called child exploitation
In light of a controversial incident at a recent sports day event in the Panare district of the deep south province of Pattani, the Internal Security Operations Command’s (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command is reportedly preparing to take legal action. This follows the child exploitation allegations as children were paraded holding images of deceased insurgents. The sight has sparked social…
- Thailand News
The meteoric rise of women’s cricket in Thailand
The Bangkok City Cricket Club, the first official cricket club founded in Thailand, was formed in 1890 by locals who had been exposed to the sport during travels to England. At the time, the sport was considered only for the wealthy in society—mainly because only those who could afford to travel had experienced the thrill of playing it. However, the…
- Politics News
Thai PM fears MFP rallies might trigger political faction conflict
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is facing growing apprehensions regarding the rallies being held by supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP) as Thailand’s politics are tumultuous as always. According to information relayed by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Prime Minister’s concern stems from fears that these rallies could rekindle conflict among varied political factions in the country. On…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s Ashton Asoke in legal crisis over construction permit
The 50-storey Ashton Asoke Condominium in Bangkok, an impressive high-rise establishment, is in hot water. After a recent judgement by the Supreme Administrative Court revoked its crucial construction permit, the Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, faces increasing pressure to intervene. This decision escalates the ongoing legal conflict involving the 233 billion baht project, located in the Watthana district. This judgement…
- Events
Thai King encourages national prosperity on his 71st birthday
Yesterday marked the 71st birthday of the King of Thailand, who celebrated the occasion by encouraging all Thais to act in a manner that benefits not only themselves but also others. The speech took place in the grand audience, or Maha Samakhom, at the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. The king emphasised that, to achieve national prosperity,…
- Phuket News
Phuket and neighbouring provinces bracing for heavy rainfall
The Thai Meteorological Department’s Phuket branch has issued a strong warning cautioning of substantial rainfall anticipated in Phuket and its peripheral regions from July 30 until August 2. The warning is extended over four provinces stretching along the Andaman coast. The Southwestern Meteorology Centre, functioning near Phuket International Airport, sent out the warning about heavy rainfall at 6am yesterday and…
- Politics News
Royal pardon for ex-PM Thaksin?
The unseated ex-Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, is eligible to request a royal pardon upon his return to the country. When he returns, he would be imprisoned but can request a pardon, according to the acting Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam in an announcement yesterday. According to the deputy premier, who also holds the interim role of justice minister…
- Phuket News
Blue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs
Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has taken the initiative of kick-starting the Blue Flag market beginning from the first week…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s 10-year plan to send wiring underground
A recent announcement from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) suggests dramatic changes are underway for Thailand’s capital city. The notable shift to laying 1,454 kilometres of electrical wires underground is reportedly expected to take place over the coming decade, in an ambitious effort to streamline electricity provision to the three provinces in the Greater Bangkok area: Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut…
- Thailand News
Phuket island relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi communities
In what’s being hailed as a successful initiative, multiple crab-eating macaques have been relocated from communities within Phetchaburi to an island in Phuket, under a pilot project. The venture has cleared the road for the relocation of more from the rapidly increasing macaque population in the province, as well as the neighbouring Prachuap Khiri Khan, according to the Ministry of…
- Thailand News
Three more Thai provinces join ASEAN Smart Cities Network expanding digital reach
Further broadening its digital reach, Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) recently declared that three additional Thai provinces – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Rayong, now form a part of the seminal ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). This exciting development was announced yesterday, by DES chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, during the sixth annual ASCN assembly held in Bali, Indonesia. In…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek
A mandate for the deconstruction of three illegal resorts in the favoured hillside tourist destination, Phu Thap Boek, has been decreed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The said resorts, located in the Phetchabun province, were brought to the notice of the authorities due to tourist complaints about obtrusive constructions blocking views. On Wednesday, the Minister of Environment,…
