- Phuket News
Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
- 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
Healing the rumor mill: Bangkok hospital denies ‘rejuvenating DNA’ trials with a dose of truth
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, alongside Chulalongkorn University (CU), yesterday refuted allegations of conducting “rejuvenating DNA” trials on human subjects following a claim by someone to have undergone such treatment at their facilities. In a joint statement, both institutions clarified that the pioneering rejuvenating DNA, developed by CU’s Faculty of Medicine specialist team under the RED-GEMs (REjuvenating DNA by GEnomic Stability…
- 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…
- Crime News
Chinese fraud syndicate caught after swindling 500 million baht from Thai investors
A Chinese national believed to be at the helm of a swindling operation, was taken into custody by the Thai authorities alongside ten other members of the fraud gang. The group is accused of soliciting people to participate in a bogus gold investment scheme, alleging its connection with Thailand’s Crown Property Bureau. The illicit operation, which duped victims of around…
- 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
Healthcare shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy
The Thai government’s Public Health Ministry laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Within the next three years, these measures aim to expand the country’s cadre of medical personnel according to current legal parameters. The government spokesperson, Anucha Buraphachaisri, indicated the interventions may result in a 40% increase in doctors and…
- 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,…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong station plans major exhibitions and celebrations
Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong railway station, with its Italian Neo-Renaissance-style architecture, is gearing up to host prominent events while continuing to provide suburban commuting and tourism train services. This comes on the heels of extensive renovations that have transformed the 107 year old station to accommodate both roles effectively. Ekkarat Si-arayanphong, head of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor’s office,…
- 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…
- Thailand News
3D scanning tech utilised by Thailand’s FAD to monitor Wat Arun tilt
Thailand’s Fine Arts Department (FAD) is set to employ 3D scanning technology in monitoring the tilt of Wat Arun’s main stupa, an important heritage site located in Bangkok’s Yai district. FAD director general Phanombut Chantharachot revealed that a recent survey discovered a slight tilt at the wat’s main structure’s top along the Chao Phraya River. Furthermore, minor subsidence has caused…
- Thailand News
Thai professor Krisana Kraisintu wins Medical Scientist of the Year
Distinguished pharmaceutical researcher Krisana Kraisintu received the prestigious title of Medical Scientist of the Year, for her outstanding work in the research and development of antiretroviral drugs, anti-malarial medications, and herbal treatments. The 71 year old’s crucial discoveries have brought affordable healthcare solutions to millions of people not only in Thailand but across the globe. The award presentation takes place…
- Thailand News
Bangkok warned of quake risks for pre-2007 buildings amid Myanmar tremors
In light of a recent 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar‘s southern coast, the Thai Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) warned that Bangkok buildings constructed before the 2007 building code revision could potentially suffer damage from future quakes. The capital’s high-rise buildings experienced the effects of the seismic activity from Myanmar, whose epicentre was approximately 490 kilometres west of Bangkok. DMR chief,…
- Crime News
Cassava scandal: Ex-PWO chief probed over 1 billion baht loss from Thai warehouses
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been called upon to investigate the alleged misconduct of the former acting head of the Public Warehouse Organization (PWO) in Thailand, which has led to losses of over 1 billion baht. The cassava scandal case revolves around the disappearance of approximately 30,000 tonnes of cassava, originally valued at 210 million baht, during a 2008…
- Thailand News
Thai astronomy: Distant celestial duo gets Thai-nominated names from IAU
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has chosen Thai-nominated names for a distant celestial duo, a decision that has been warmly received by the nation’s prime minister, becoming a significant milestone in Thai astronomy. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri relayed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s satisfaction upon learning that the IAU had adopted the Thai names Kaewkosin and Phailinsiam for the red dwarf…
- Thailand News
Thai peace: Coalition advances plans for security in Thailand’s Deep South
The working group on building Thai peace in the Deep South, comprised of the eight-party coalition, recently convened for its second meeting at the Prachachat Party headquarters. The coalition alliance, led by the Move Forward Party (MFP), formed six groups to address major problems in Thailand during the transition of power for the new government. The meeting focused on the…
- Transport News
Bangkok’s Yellow Line monorail endorsed by PM for easy city commute
Bangkok’s Yellow Line monorail route was given a stamp of approval today by Thailand’s Caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who described the new mode of transport as “comfortable.” Setting off from the Yellow Line railway depot on Srinagarindra Road, he and his entourage embarked on a 45 minute journey covering the entire monorail line and reaching Lat Phrao. Though the…
- Phuket News
Thai navy warns of demolishing illegal structures near Phuket Airport
The Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Vice Admiral Arpakorn Yookongkaew, has given a stern warning to individuals occupying land illegally in the Bang Khanun Forest near Phuket International Airport, stating that their structures will be demolished. The Royal Thai Navy intends to develop facilities in the protected area, including the 22nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, the 2nd Anti-Aircraft…
- Thailand News
Myanmar earthquake felt in Bangkok: No damage or casualties reported (video)
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded today, originating just 10 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface in the southern coastal region of Myanmar, roughly 289 kilometres southwest of Phop Phra district in Thailand’s Tak province, as reported by the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department. The seismic event was perceptible in both Nonthaburi and Bangkok, with individuals in high-rise…
- Phuket News
Facebook fraud: Lavish lifestyle of Thai duo results in arrest for 20 million baht scam
A fraud scheme operated through Facebook has led to the arrest of a Thai couple in Phuket. The couple, a 37 year old man and a 34 year old woman, allegedly attracted victims to their deception by posting images of piles of cash and flaunting a luxurious lifestyle on their Facebook page. The couple cleverly executed a Facebook fraud scheme,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok adopts AI-assisted traffic cameras to curb violations, enhance safety
Bangkok authorities are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) technology to crack down on traffic violations by installing AI-assisted traffic cameras at over 200 intersections across the city. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), announced that these cameras will first be installed at 20 major intersections this month as part of a pilot project. Arun Amarin and…
