- Business News
Buying a franchise Vs buying a business: The benefits and drawbacks of each option
Are you considering starting your own business? Do you have the motivation and desire to be an entrepreneur but are unsure of which route to take? Buying a franchise or buying a business are two popular options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each…
- Thailand News
Bangkok traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion
As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising traffic across four significant roads within the capital city. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, divulged that the modern system is to be installed at 13 intersections on key city routes, counting Rama VI Road,…
- Phuket News
Phuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture
In a resounding celebration of heritage and culture, over 1,000 people gathered for the Phuket Peranakan Festival‘s ‘Extravaganza Carnival’ grand parade. The sparkling event unfolded in the vintage vicinity of Phuket Old Town on a joyous Saturday evening. The iconoclastic carnival, the crown jewel of the three-day extravaganza, resulted in the closure of roads, culminating in a tremendous spectacle. The…
- South Thailand News
Fresh complaint to target key players in Thailand’s ‘Patani state’ referendum
Another complaint will be lodged against figures involved in championing a ‘Patani state’ independence referendum. This declaration was made by Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak, the commander of the Fourth Region Army and the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4. Lieutenant General Santi yesterday reported that security personnel are in the process of collecting evidence before submitting…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s crypto firestorm: Faulty wiring sparks blazing inferno, exposing illegal crypto-mining operation
Firefighters were called to handle a blaze in Phuket Town exacerbated by faulty wiring. The cause was believed to be illegal crypto-mining. Surprisingly, the fire took place on the third floor of a building near the Thailand Post branch on Bangkok Road. It reportedly started around 6am yesterday and was swiftly extinguished by the responding firefighters. Fortunately, no casualties were…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill
Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…
- Thailand News
Thai council pays tribute after young doctor’s tragic fatal accident
In an unfortunate twist of events yesterday, the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) extended its deepest sympathies over the untimely passing of a newly qualified young doctor, who endured a fatal traffic mishap in Kanchanaburi. The doctor, 24 year old Yanisa Suebchiang, best known as Dr Mean, fell casualty to a catastrophic four-car accident that transpired at around 4pm on…
- Thailand News
PM spices things up: Saluting Thai restaurant’s thai-licious triumph in ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’
In a commendation to Thailand’s food and beverages sector, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed gratitude to two Thai restaurants which have made their mark on this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants listing. This prestigious list is crafted annually by the UK-based organisation William Reed Business Media. This year, two Bangkok-based restaurants were applauded for their culinary excellence. Placed at No.15…
- Crime News
Thai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep
In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Beginning at 6am, a significant deployment of 80 members from the Hanuman taskforce initiated raids on eight distinct locations. These included three in Yala, four in…
- Thailand News
Three former rangers arrested in high-profile 500,000 baht Thai kidnapping incident
Today witnessed a significant operation by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD)’s special weapons and tactics unit, resulting in the arrest of three suspected culprits of a kidnapping gang. Spanning two regions in southern Thailand and one in the northeast, the operation began at 6am, with the CSD’s Hanuman unit targeting eight specific locations. Three of these target sites were identified…
- Thailand News
Bangkok freezes fire drills after fatal school mishap, calls for rigorous reform
The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, appealed for extensive reform of disaster prevention and mitigation systems in the wake of a lethal explosion that occurred during a fire drill at a local school. Fire evacuation exercises throughout the city will remain suspended while safety checks on fire-fighting apparatus are carried out. This update in policy comes in the aftermath of…
- Thailand News
Police arrest woman over Japanese job recruitment scam
Udon Thani law enforcement agencies arrested a woman believed to have duped people into seeking work in Japan in a crackdown on fraudulent recruitment agencies. Identified as Sukanya Buasri, alias Ruen, she was apprehended amidst a flurry of complaints concerning her activities. Homing in on alleged unscrupulousness, Bang Dung and Thungfon police jointly detained Buasri. She was subsequently transported to…
- Phuket News
Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today
Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines
Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of…
- Thailand News
Illegal Cape Shark Villas shut down on Koh Tao Island”
A villa constructed without permission in Cape Shark Villas has been instructed to cease operations by local authorities on Koh Tao Island. An investigation is underway to check if other villas within the resort have conformed to obligatory construction permits. The villa under investigation is strategically perched on a rocky ledge, providing direct access to the clear waters of the…
- Thailand News
RTN investigates alleged corruption in 440 million baht armoured vehicle deal
A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) after a social media page reported some alleged discrepancies in a recent purchase of armoured vehicles totalling over 440 million baht (US$12,480,000). The public announcement about the investigation came yesterday when Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, the RTN spokesman, stated that the navy commander, Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, had ordered a probe…
- Phuket News
Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice
Police at Phuket Airport yesterday arrested a Dutchman wanted by the Spanish police for a number of fraudulent activities. The arrest took place in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s International Terminal, around 9.15pm. Information concerning the arrest was released by the Phuket branch of the Immigration Bureau. However, the bureau refrained from disclosing the suspect’s name or age. There…
- Phuket News
Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx
In an effort to reassure tourists and prevent local boat and ferry accidents, maritime safety and disaster officials in Phuket have initiated an intensified campaign for water transport safety. Recent visits from Phuket marine officials to scrutinise boats for safety compliance suggest a strengthened emphasis on stringent adherence to safety measures. These measures were fleshed out during a meeting presided…
- South Thailand News
Marine police seize Vietnamese fishing vessels in Songkhla crackdown
Thailand’s southern Songkhla province witnessed a series of Marine Police actions as two Vietnamese fishing vessels were seized and their crew members detained, according to authorities. These events unfolded yesterday in the waters of the southern regions of Pattani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Pol. Lt. Col. Nathapong Takaew, the deputy head of the Songkhla-based Marine Police Sub-division 7, reported today…
- Phuket News
Phuket undeterred by Expo bid loss, invests in 5.1 billion baht project
Phuket’s development as an International Medical Hub remains steadfast and promising following the unsuccessful bid for the World Specialised Expo 2027/28. Phuket, a top tourist destination, is undeterred and continues with its ambitious government-backed project to carve a niche as an ‘International Medical Hub’. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri showed optimism for Phuket’s development amidst the loss, articulating gratitude on behalf…
- Crime News
Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting
A swift police operation on illegal immigration yesterday resulted in the apprehension of 23 individuals in Songkhla, a province in southern Thailand. Four of them were Thai citizens acting as drivers, and the remaining 19 were Bangladeshis, who were identified as unlawful immigrants. Following an informant’s tip-off about chances of illegal immigration, the local law enforcement swung into action, anticipating…
- Crime News
Pattaya crackdown reveals foreigners living illegally amid beggar population
A crackdown by the Pattaya authorities to clear the city’s vibrant tourist hotspot of beggars unearthed a surprising amount of illegal foreigners residing within the country. Wutthisak Ruemkijjakarn, the deputy mayor of Pattaya, revealed that the city crackdown took place on Wednesday evening under the watchful eye of numerous authorities. This included officials from Chon Buri’s Social Development and Human…
- Crime News
Thai repatriation: Rescuing nationals caught in Japanese job scam
Efforts are currently underway by the Thai foreign affairs and labour departments to assist in the safe return of six Thai nationals. The Thai nationals were deceived into travelling to Japan under the guise of a fictitious job contract, compelled to undertake illegal work, and then stranded when they declined to take part in these illicit activities. The ongoing efforts are…
- Thailand News
World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism
As a first, Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant city, is set to play host to the World Hindu Congress (WHC), set to take place from November 24 to 26. Around 3,000 Hindus hailing from 60 different countries are anticipated to grace the event chaired by Susheel Kumar Saraff. Themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” or “Dharma,” the Abode of Victory,” the congress aims to celebrate…
- Thailand News
Germany’s vaccine donation: A million Pfizer doses to strengthen Thai Health Ministry
Germany has made a vaccine donation of almost one million doses of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, planning to distribute this significant stockpile to Thai hospitals in the forthcoming weeks. This considerable vaccine donation was welcomed by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during an official handover ceremony at the German embassy yesterday. The ceremony…
- Thailand News
Monorail disruption hampers newly launched Yellow Line service in Bangkok
Traffic disruption was recently experienced on the Yellow Line monorail after a technical glitch occurred just 20 days into the trial runs. The disruption resulted in the temporary closure of five stations from Lat Phrao 101 to Hua Mak for approximately 90 minutes yesterday. At 7am, an electrical problem surfaced which consequently halted operations, thereby marking the first instance of…
- Phuket News
Phuket loses World Specialised Expo bid but remains hopeful for future
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew expressed gratitude to all who supported Phuket’s bid for hosting the World Specialised Expo 2027/28, despite Thailand failing to win the hosting rights. The event’s organiser, the Bureau International des Expositions, announced the winner as Belgrade, Serbia during their 172nd general assembly, which was held in Paris. Governor Narong addressed the public in a Facebook post,…
- Phuket News
Phuket road closure: Temporary shutdown for flood-prevention works disrupts traffic
Police have released a map indicating alternative routes to help reduce traffic disruptions after the temporary closure of a 1-kilometre stretch of road for flood prevention works in Patong. The section affected from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai (Soi Nanai 8) has been closed since Tuesday. The road closure was originally scheduled until August 26, although recent notices from…
- Environment News
Thailand food waste project reduces emissions and promotes carbon trading
Progress has been made in managing household waste and reducing carbon emissions at a local level in Thailand, with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) celebrating the success of the ‘Food Waste Management for Climate Action and a Commitment to Sustainable Thailand’ project. This project aims to broaden emissions reduction efforts and manage carbon credits in alignment with the United Nations’…
- Politics News
Move Forward Party member to step down over drink-driving charge
The MP-elect resignation of Nateepat Kulsetthasith, a 46 year old Move Forward Party list member, confirmed that she will resign following her involvement in a drink-driving charge last month. However, she must first complete the required electoral procedures. On Monday, the Election Commission (EC) endorsed all 500 MPs elected, and Nateepat appeared in the Office of the Secretariat of the…
