- Thailand News
Microsoft’s digital dynamo: Thailand tech scene ignited by AI blitz
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, unveiled ambitious plans to supercharge Thailand’s digital landscape with a surge in Data and AI initiatives. The tech giant’s commitment extends to fostering a robust AI ecosystem, offering over 100,000 individuals the chance to upskill and dive into the world of artificial intelligence. “This marks a pivotal moment for Thailand, propelling us into…
- Road deaths
British expat killed in Phuket traffic accident
A tragic traffic incident claimed the life of a 65 year old British woman in Kamala, Phuket. A white passenger van, careening through a red light at the main intersection, struck the long-term British resident on Sunday, May 5, ending her life abruptly on the spot. The brutal force of collision hurled her body over 20 metres down the road…
- Crime News
Sausage scandal sizzles: Firm’s funds filched, couple cuffed
A prominent fermented pork sausage firm has been hit by an enormous embezzlement case, leading to the arrest of a couple believed to be the prime culprits. A 41 year old man and his 39 year old wife are under investigation for the alleged theft of a staggering 396 million baht. Today, around 6.30am, teams from the Crime Suppression Division…
- Phuket News
Man mistakenly shot as mouse deer in Phuket jungle
Phuket’s Karon View Point jungle was the scene of a tragic and unusual death when a 40 year old man was mistakenly shot by his friend, who mistook him for a mouse deer. The body was discovered late on May 5. Responding to the alert around 11.30pm, police arrived at the area, which was situated behind the Sabai Corner Restaurant.…
- Road deaths
Fatal accident on Patong Hill Phuket claims two lives
A fatal accident occurred last night on Phra Baramee Road on the Kathu side of Patong Hill, Phuket, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving several others injured. The incident involved a pickup truck, which had been transporting workers, veering off its lane and colliding with a motorcycle. The accident, which transpired in front of the popular Tiger Kingdom…
- Thailand News
Krabi’s cool facade cracks: Paradise threatened by water crisis
Krabi, a paradise of pristine beaches and azure waters, faces a chilling reality: a water crisis that could dry up its tourism fortunes. As demands for long-term solutions surge, local operators urge action to avert disaster. Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, acting president of the Krabi Tourism Association stated that the government pledged to make Thailand a tourism hub, and Krabi generates significant…
- Thailand News
Manhole mayhem: Thefts lead to deadly consequences in Bangkok
The theft of manhole covers in Bangkok has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to convene a meeting yesterday with all related agencies. The meeting aimed to devise strategies to prevent future thefts and enhance pedestrian safety on city pavements. The meeting led by BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Narong Ruangsri included representatives…
- Thailand News
Thai government sets plans for King Rama X’s upcoming birthday
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to all government departments to come up with proposals for events to mark the forthcoming sixth-cycle birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, scheduled for July 28. The announcement came in the wake of a Cabinet meeting yesterday. The 62 year old Thai prime minister requested that the plans be presented to the…
- Phuket News
Man’s body discovered in Phuket jungle: No signs of foul play
The body of 40 year old man was discovered at the base of a hill by the coastline near Karon View Point, Phuket on the evening of May 5. The authorities were notified of the discovery of the man, Haschai Khaokhem, at approximately 11.30pm. Upon arrival at the location, which was in the jungle behind the Sabai Corner Restaurant, police…
- Thailand News
Fashioning diplomacy: Thailand’s soft power exchange with France
Thailand is set to partner with France, known for its soft power prowess in areas such as fashion and tourism, in a knowledge exchange initiative spearheaded by the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN). The deal was set in motion following inter-agency discussions between the two nations. The most recent, being the fifth high-level economic dialogue (HLED), saw the DTN Director-General…
- Thailand News
Medical department pushes for regular cervical cancer screening
The Department of Medical Sciences in Thailand is spearheading a campaign to encourage women aged between 30 and 60 years old to undergo regular cervical cancer screening. The initiative follows a recent revelation that approximately 10 million sexually active Thai women have never undergone a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. The department’s director-general, Yongyot Thammawut, highlighted the severity of the issue,…
- Thailand News
Thai chamber opposes proposed minimum wage increase
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is in dispute with the government over its proposal to increase the minimum daily wage to 400 baht for workers all over the country. The proposed wage increment is expected to take effect in October. Speaking on the issue, Poj Aramwattananont, Vice-President of the TCC and the Board of Trade of Thailand, painted the…
- Thailand News
Severe water shortage threatens Phi Phi Island businesses in Krabi
For more than two months residents of Phi Phi Island have been grappling with an intense water shortage, which has brought some business operations on the brink of temporary closure if the situation persists. Although Phi Phi Island is no stranger to water shortages, having experienced similar situations during peak tourist seasons in the past years, this occasion may affect…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor inspects aerator for canal odour control
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently examined the aerator installed in Klong Pak Bang, Kamla, as part of a broader effort to combat the unpleasant odour emanating from the canal. The governor’s visit took place over the weekend, joined by the likes of Phuket MP Chalermphong Saengdee, Advisor to the Governor of Phuket Province, Dr Somkid Chokong, and several local officials,…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s small road expansion might ease the traffic congestion
Phuket’s traffic congestion crisis might be getting some relief with the expansion of a small road that connects Wat Tha Reua, south of the Heroines Monument, to Baan Manik in Cherng Talay. The road has been broadened in hopes of reducing the heavy traffic load on Thepkrasattri Road. and Srisoonthorn Road. Previously, this small section of Route 3030, which merges…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai ranks fourth in global air pollution as PM2.5 soars
Chiang Mai, along with several northern provinces of Thailand, today woke up to alarmingly high levels of PM2.5, ranking fourth in global air pollution. This report, provided by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), highlighted that 11 provinces were exposed to seriously harmful red-coded levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5). The measured pollution…
- Thailand News
Thailand schools advised to halt in-person teaching during extreme heat
The Basic Education Commission’s secretary-general issued guidance to all school administrations to halt in-person teachings during periods of extreme heat. Thanu Wongchinda’s announcement, made yesterday, aims to safeguard the health of both students and teachers, considering the potential risk of heat stroke. The first half of April is predicted to bring intense heat, particularly affecting regions such as the northeast,…
- Phuket News
Patong police increase beach patrols to curb illegal activities
Patong police and officials from Patong Municipality ramped up their patrols on Patong Beach to clamp down on violations such as the illegal sale of fireworks and night-time alcohol vending. The increased surveillance, which began on May 3 at 11pm, also seeks to enforce restrictions on the setting up of tables and chairs on the beach. The raid was directed by…
- Thailand News
Thailand imposes hefty fines on e-cigarette importers to curb sales
The Customs Department of Thailand imposed a hefty fine on e-cigarette importers, now demanding double the item’s value plus tax in an attempt to curb the increasing sales among the public, particularly the youth. Panthong Loykulnan, the spokesperson for the department, announced yesterday that importers of e-cigarettes, barakus, shishas, and e-barakus will be mandated to pay a fine equivalent to…
- Thailand News
Severe storms hammer Uttaradit and Phrae medical facilities
Unexpected severe storms hammered medical facilities in Uttaradit and neighbouring Phrae on May 3, signalling the imminent arrival of the rainy season, according to the Public Health Ministry. Uttaradit Hospital, located in Mueang district’s city centre, bore the brunt of the storm, with intense wind gusts causing extensive damage, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin reported yesterday. Four surgery and internal…
- Phuket News
French tourists arrested in Phuket for damaging police chain
Phuket police recently apprehended two French tourists in Patong, Loma Circle, who were caught damaging a police chain used to secure their illegally parked motorbike. The arrest took place on May 2 and was publicised by Patong Police Station only two days after the launch of the You Cut, I Catch campaign by Phuket City Police Chief, Pratuang Pholmana. The…
- Phuket News
Phuket police crack down on illegal fireworks trade at Patong Beach
Patong Beach in Phuket has seen a boost in police activity in recent days, aiming to put an end to the unlawful trade and use of fireworks. The initiative, which began on May 1, has already led to the arrest of three individuals, including a citizen of New Zealand. Patong Police have been systematically carrying out inspections along the beach…
- Phuket News
Phuket man narrowly escapes as electric motorcycle bursts into flames
A 28 year old man, Wichuthat Chotchuang, narrowly avoided harm when his electric motorcycle ignited into flames mid-ride on Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket, yesterday afternoon, May 3. Wichuthat, a resident of Moo 1, Thepkrasattri, was headed north on Thepkrasattri Road at around 5.20pm when he observed smoke emanating from his motorcycle. Acting quickly, he managed to pull over near the entrance…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s dominance in durian exports to China under threat
Thailand‘s reign as the leading exporter of fresh durians to China is teetering, as reported by an industry insider to Xinhua News Agency. The news has emerged in the wake of a report that China’s major land border checkpoint, Youyiguan, has received 48,000 tonnes of durian shipments in this year’s first quarter. The shipment detailed 35,000 tonnes of durians from…
- Phuket News
Woman jumps off bridge in Phuket due to chronic depression
A 32 year old woman contending with chronic depression jumped off the Thepsrisin Bridge in Phuket early this morning. The bridge, a link between Saphan Hin and Sakdidet Road, was the location of this distressing event. The woman, who resides on Montri Road in Phuket Town, was swiftly transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for her sustained injuries. The police were…
- Phuket News
Thaksin Shinawatra’s leisure trip to Phuket sparks controversy
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stirred controversy following his recent visit to Phuket, which was initially presented as a casual leisure trip. The trip has come under scrutiny as Thaksin was observed mingling with various business figures and local administrative authorities on the island. Local reports stated that this incident prompted speculation about the actual intention behind Thaksin’s trip…
- Thailand News
Thai scientists find fossil-fuel pollution in Antarctica’s soil
Thai scientists have uncovered evidence of fossil-fuel pollution in the soil of Antarctica, prompting calls for stricter measures to protect the world’s most pristine environment. A research team, utilising the cutting-edge SR-FTIR microspectroscopy technique at the Thai Synchrotron National Lab in Nakhon Ratchasima, made the discovery in sediment samples collected from five sites across King George Island. Siwatt Pongpiachan, who…
- Phuket News
Tourist allegedly assaulted by group of ladyboys in Phuket
A tourist became the centre of an unpleasant incident on Bangla Road, Phuket, when he was allegedly assaulted by a group of transgender women, widely referred to as ladyboys in Thailand, in the early hours of yesterday morning. The event is currently under investigation by the Patong Police. Patong Police reported yesterday that they had called in multiple witnesses to…
- Politics News
Thailand’s Move Forward Party faces possible dissolution
The Move Forward Party (MFP), one of Thailand’s major opposition parties, is currently battling a case against its dissolution in court. The case was triggered by the Election Commission’s (EC) proposal, based on Section 92 of the Political Parties Act, after the MFP was found to be advocating for amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s MRTA tests smart parking system for free
Bangkok motorists have the opportunity to utilise the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRTA) innovative smart parking system free of charge during its testing phase. Starting yesterday, May 1, the Orange Line’s 10-storey Park’n’Ride facility on Ramkhamhaeng Road and a parking ground at the MRTA station on Rama IX Road are open for the public to test out. The…
