- Thailand News
Bangkok port’s move stalled pending government clarity
Bangkok Port’s transformation into a mixed-use development has been put on hold by the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), as it awaits further instructions from the Transport Ministry. The decision follows an order to relocate the port to Chon Buri, which was proposed to mitigate pollution and congestion in the city. However, it is presently unclear whether the entire port…
- Thailand News
Road safety concerns rise as upcountry travel surges for Songkran
Amid the forthcoming Songkran holiday, a surge in upcountry travel has sparked apprehension among road safety champions, who fear a rise in road mishaps outside the designated seven dangerous days of travelling. The seven dangerous days were initiated today and will conclude on April 17, and it is during these days that the highest incidents of road accidents are expected.…
- Thailand News
Thai government’s digital wallet scheme faces legality verification
The Government of Thailand‘s plan to partially finance its 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout scheme through a 172.3 billion baht loan from the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperative is set to undergo legality verification by the Council of State. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also stated that the government will seek advice from its legal…
- Thailand News
Thai PM says legal casinos will prevent illegal gambling
Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has come out in support of legalising casinos in the country, stating that the move would allow the government to properly control gambling and allow them to “collect taxes properly”. Under current law, gambling in the country is prohibited, except on state lotteries and government-backed horse races. Although online gambling is not explicitly covered by…
- Thailand News
Brothers arrested for illegal online gun trade in Chachoengsao
The Thai authorities arrested a 23 year old man and his 17 year old brother for the alleged manufacture of illegal online guns. The operation was carried out in the Mueang district of Chachoengsao province, leading to the confiscation of 28 home-crafted guns, over 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and additional related items. The arrest occurred during a police operation at…
- Thailand News
Paetongtarn criticised for holiday plans during Songkran
The holiday plans of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra have ignited a fiery debate as she opts to fly to Hong Kong during the Songkran festival, leaving tongues wagging and eyebrows raised. Amid preparations for a grand celebration of Songkran, Thailand’s New Year and a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure, questions loom over Paetongtarn’s decision to venture abroad instead of staying put.…
- Thailand News
Youth stabbed in violent confrontation at Phuket’s Saphan Hin
A violent confrontation at Saphan Hin in Phuket resulted in a youth being stabbed in the early hours of this morning. The conflict arose between two factions early this morning near the Phuket Extreme Sports Stadium. Phuket City Police were notified and arrived at the scene at 4.13am, today, April 11. The aftermath of the conflict was apparent. A damaged Honda Wave…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok battles hazardous levels of PM2.5 dust pollution alone
A robust surge of PM2.5, particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, descended upon the Thailand capital Bangkok this morning, setting the city apart as the only one battling seriously hazardous red-coded levels of fine dust pollution. This stark revelation came from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The state space agency’s report at 10am highlighted the…
- Thailand News
Bangkok: Filipino couple arrested for shipping 10 kilos of cannabis
A couple from the Philippines were taken into custody in Bangkok yesterday on suspicion of mailing a package containing 10 kilogrammes of dried cannabis to their home country to sell it. Bangkok’s Immigration Police apprehended the couple at a townhouse on Soi 65 On Nut in the Prawet district. The arrest came after information received from the Philippine authorities. In…
- Thailand News
Thailand revolutionises agriculture with nine policies
Thailand is gearing up for an agricultural revolution with nine bold policies aimed at transforming its farming sector into a global powerhouse. Thailand’s Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow, unveiled these game-changing strategies during a seminar geared towards positioning Thailand as a premier destination for agriculture and food. Backed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visionary Ignite Thailand agenda, these…
- Phuket News
Five Russians jailed in Phuket for kidnapping and crypto extortion
Five Russian men have been sentenced to two years each in prison for kidnapping and extorting a Russian couple. The incident took place in Phuket Town earlier this year. The verdict was confirmed by the Phuket Provincial Court yesterday. The names of the culprits were not disclosed in the court’s announcement. They were initially sentenced to a jail term of…
- Thailand News
Thai government’s 500-billion-baht digital wallet scheme launches this quarter
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that the government’s 500-billion-baht digital wallet initiative will be launched in full swing in the fourth quarter to stimulate economic growth. This flagship policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party plans to distribute 10,000 baht to 50 million Thai citizens for spending within their local communities over six months. PM Srettha, who also serves…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s PM demands swift return of cadmium waste to Tak
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has demanded the swift return of cadmium waste discovered in various locations to its original location in Tak before the end of the month. Government spokesperson Chai Watcharonke announced the decision following a meeting between the prime minister, Industry Ministry representatives, and executives of Bound & Beyond Plc, which owns the cadmium tailings. The company has…
- Thailand News
Thai-Cambodian MoU under scrutiny for constitutional violation
The Thai-Cambodian Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand, signed in 2001, is now under scrutiny for potential violation of the Thai constitution. Paiboon Nititawan, Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) deputy leader, has requested the Office of the Ombudsman to petition the Constitutional Court to examine the MoU’s legality. Paiboon’s petition argues that the MoU was…
- Thailand News
Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s…
- Thailand News
Bangkok raids seize 12,000 e-cigarettes near schools
Bangkok shops located near schools were targeted in a series of raids that resulted in the seizure of an estimated 12,000 e-cigarettes. With a retail value of approximately 3.6 million baht, these cigarettes were found across five different establishments. The investigation took place last night and involved three stores on Soi Ratchadaphisek in Chatuchak district, one on Soi Lat Phrao…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong Songkran festival celebrations relocated
The water-splashing festivities of Thailand’s Songkran festival, hosted in Hong Kong’s Kowloon City, are set to make a splash in a new venue – a basketball court. This change came hot on the heels of last year’s arrests of three individuals for dousing police officers and reporters at the event. Kowloon City district officer Alice Choi Man-kwan disclosed that participants…
- Thailand News
Air Canada and TAT amp up Vancouver to Bangkok flights
Air Canada, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is ramping up its seasonal Vancouver to Bangkok flights. In partnership with TAT, the Canadian airline powerhouse, a founding member of the Star Alliance network, has announced the eagerly anticipated return of its Vancouver to Bangkok service. Kicking off earlier than ever on October 27, this strategic move comes…
- Thailand News
Nex Point Plc and Toyota Group unveil hydrgen-powered trucks
In a move towards greener transportation solutions, commercial electric vehicle (EV) giant Nex Point Plc has joined forces with Toyota Tsusho and Denso from Japan to pioneer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) trucks in Thailand. This groundbreaking memorandum of understanding aims to revolutionise the country’s transport sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Khanist Srivajiraprabha highlighted the significance of applying…
- World News
Amid economic turbulence, Malaysia’s illicit trade crackdown must stay the course
After an economically disappointing 2023, Malaysia faces further headwinds due to global economic and political uncertainties. New research published in late March has identified the country’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) among the Southeast Asian megaprojects affected by a $50 billion gap between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) commitments and delivery for the region. Reflecting the broader ASEAN growth…
- Thailand News
Airfares drop for popular domestic routes ahead of Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a decrease in airfares for three popular domestic routes by 3.8% to 14% starting this Friday, in line with the Songkran festival. The fares for the six airlines offering flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket have been set at a maximum of 3,000 baht (US$80) per one-way trip. The anticipated fares for…
- Thailand News
Thailand primes for haze mitigation ahead of Songkran festival
Responding to the escalating haze crisis, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed all provinces in the upper north, including Chiang Mai, to prepare their operation centres. This step aims to mitigate air pollution during the forthcoming Songkran festival, which traditionally sees a surge in tourist arrivals. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, these…
- Thailand News
Senate approves AI regulation in election campaigns
A report advocating for the regulation of election campaigns conducted using artificial intelligence (AI) was approved by the Senate yesterday. The Senate Committee on Politics compiled the report, which was presented during a meeting chaired by Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai. The report primarily focused on the use of social media in politics and election canvassing. The Senate’s term will come…
- Thailand News
Thailand ready to host 100,000 Myanmar refugees amid conflict
Thailand’s readiness to accommodate an influx of 100,000 refugees from Myanmar, due to escalating conflicts, was recently confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The announcement came in the wake of rebel forces capturing Myawaddy, a border town adjacent to Tak’s Mae Sot district. The minister’s statement followed a meeting held yesterday to discuss the evolving situation in Myanmar. The…
- Thailand News
Bangkok Port shipping scene sets sail for relocation
The Bangkok Port, located in the bustling Klong Toey district, is earmarked for a potential relocation, the Transport Ministry announced. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri revealed plans for a feasibility study into the port’s relocation yesterday, to transform parts of the 32-rai site into a public park. Manaporn, responsible for overseeing the operations of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), shared…
- Thailand News
Fun drought: Songkran water festivities scaled back, says tourism minister
Despite earlier announcements, the traditional water-splashing activities during the Songkran festival in Thailand will not run throughout the entire month-long celebration, according to Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Tourism and Sports Minister. The minister clarified that although the festival activities were scheduled from April 1 and set to end by the month’s close, water-splashing was not part of the whole duration. Sudawan…
- Thailand News
Singkhon border crossing to become permanent checkpoint for agriculture trade
Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Singkhon border crossing, a vital point of trade between Thailand and Myanmar, is set to become a permanent checkpoint, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The move is anticipated to enhance the transportation and trading of agricultural goods, including fisheries products. Minister Thamanat Prompow highlighted the need for the Singkhon border crossing, currently only accessible…
- Thailand News
New Zealand PM to make official visit to Thailand
Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is set for an official visit to Thailand between April 16 and 18, hosted by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Luxon’s delegation includes Simon Watts, Minister for Climate Change, Paulo Garcia, Member of Parliament, and a host of officials from various New Zealand government departments, along with influential business leaders. PM Luxon…
- Phuket News
Phuket RBC’s urgent call for blood donations ahead of Songkran
Phuket Regional Blood Centre (Phuket RBC) issued an urgent call for blood donors of all types to help increase the blood supply during the Songkran holidays. To incentivise donors, the centre is offering free Give Blood Save Life T-shirts to those who donate blood at their Phuket Town offices between April 9-11, from 8.30am to 7.30pm, or between April 12-16,…
- Thailand News
Thai PM announces feasibility study for Samui Airport expansion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that a feasibility study for the expansion of Samui Airport is currently being conducted. The proposed expansion aims to accommodate larger aircraft and an increasing number of visitors. PM Srettha, accompanied by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Promma, conducted an official visit to the airport as part of…
