- Thailand News
Thai Move Forward Party vows 100-day push for same-sex marriage bill
The leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) pledged to introduce a bill legalising same-sex marriage and promoting gender equality once the party forms a government. In a recent Facebook post, MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat stated that the party’s marriage equality bill would be pushed for passage within 100 days of forming a government, as part of a memorandum of understanding…
- World News
Southern Thai tourism seeks eased regulations for Malaysian tour buses
The tourism association representing 14 southern provinces in Thailand has urged the Transport Ministry to relax regulations, allowing Malaysian tour buses to travel beyond the border province of Songkhla. This move could potentially stimulate the region’s economy through promotional campaigns, as discussed at a recent forum on tourism organised by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Jarun Kaewjeesub,…
- Thailand News
Yellow Line monorail trial attracts 80,000 passengers, plans expansion
Nearly 80,000 passengers took advantage of the Yellow Line’s trial run over the weekend, as the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) plans to extend the trial to all 23 stations by mid-month. Pichet Kunadhamraks, the DRT’s director-general, stated that the current trial run includes 13 stations from Hua Mak to Samrong. Pichet noted that a large number of people participated…
- Crime News
Thai and South Korean officials tackle illegal ‘little ghosts’ labourers issue
A recent meeting between the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Thailand and South Korean authorities aimed to address the issue of illegal Thai labourers, or “little ghosts,” working in South Korea. The discussions focused on finding a systematic resolution to labour problems that could lead to human trafficking. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, at least 170,000 Thai labourers were working in South…
- Thailand News
Thai government extends paternity leave to 15 days for male employees
The Thai government extended paternity leave for male government employees, granting them 15 days of paid leave following the birth of their child. This change is part of the recent Government Employees Executive Committee announcement regarding government employee benefits, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The updated paternity leave regulation was added to the section on maternity leave in the…
- Thailand News
Khao Yai National Park holiday weekend visitor surge generates almost 800,000 baht
Khao Yai National Park experienced an influx of visitors during this weekend’s holiday from June 3-5, with almost 800,000 baht generated in revenue from entrance fees alone, according to park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong. Over the holiday period, 13,370 Thai and foreign tourists visited the park, entering through two main entry points – the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine in Pak…
- Thailand News
Chinese national and 12 accomplices arrested for online scam in Chiang Rai
A Chinese national and 12 accomplices have been apprehended in Chiang Rai for their involvement in an online scam operation. The arrests were made by officers from Provincial Police Region 5 and the Immigration Bureau, following a tip-off about the gang’s activities in Chiang Rai City. The police, armed with a search warrant issued by Chiang Rai Provincial Court, collaborated…
- Phuket News
Moo-ving miracle: Driver escapes unharmed after car ‘meets’ wandering cows in Phuket
A driver managed to walk away unscathed after his car collided with a group of wandering cows on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket in the early hours of this morning. The driver, identified only as Bancha, was travelling in his white Toyota Veloce car around 4.30am when ten cows suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran onto the road. Unable to…
- Phuket News
Phuket immigration issues yellow cards to Thai landlords and foreigner
Last month, Phuket Immigration Bureau reported that five Thai landlords received yellow cards while only one foreigner was given a warning. Twenty-three foreigners were arrested during the same month for various violations classified under Group 4, which pertain to offences against the state. Additionally, nine landlords or property managers were arrested for failing to register their foreign tenants, as required…
- Phuket News
Taxi-ous times in Phuket: Crackdown leads to double ‘fare-ests’ in Kathu
Phuket‘s crackdown on illegal taxi drivers continues, with two arrests made in Kathu last week. At Si Kor Intersection, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials and Kathu Police officers set up a checkpoint to identify and apprehend drivers using their private vehicles for commercial transportation services. The operation took place on the main road to and from Patong, the island’s…
- Thailand News
Spice of success: Thai chef ‘thais’ the knot as first-ever MasterChef UK winner
Chariya Khattiyot made history last week by becoming the first Thai chef to win the prestigious MasterChef UK competition. Her innovative northern Thai dishes wowed the judges throughout the eight-week BBC One contest, ultimately triumphing over 44 other contestants. The 40 year old Thai chef entered the competition to showcase the diverse flavours of northern Thai cuisine, which she is…
- Politics News
Move Forward Party opposes alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays
Prominent members of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which recently claimed victory in elections, have voiced their disagreement with the Thai government’s ban on alcohol sales during significant Buddhist holidays, arguing that it restricts freedom. Amarat Chokpamitkul, an MFP executive, expressed her disagreement with the prohibition of alcohol sales on Vesak Day, a holiday that marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment,…
- Phuket News
Foreign man hospitalised due to Phuket boat propeller injury
A foreign man injured by a boat propeller was hospitalised in Phuket on Thursday. The incident was reported on Friday, but no details have been released regarding the circumstances that led to the injury, according to The Phuket News. Emergency medical workers were alerted to the incident at around 4.45pm, according to a report by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation…
- Crime News
Foreign man severely injured in Pattaya knife attack
Another late-night violent incident kicked off in the seaside island resort of Pattaya. A foreign man was brutally attacked with a knife and left with severe injuries in the city late last night, according to local authorities. An investigator with Pattaya Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thatsak Jiratikulchai, stated that the attack took place in Soi Jomtien 13 in tambon Nong…
- Phuket News
Russian tourist drowns in Phuket after ignoring beach red flags
A Russian tourist tragically drowned at Naithon Beach in Phuket, despite lifeguards’ warnings and red flags prohibiting swimming in the area. The incident occurred yesterday, marking the fourth drowning in Phuket within the past week and the second involving a Russian national, The Phuket News reported. The man entered the water around 4pm, ignoring the red flags signalling dangerous conditions.…
- Crime News
Cops arrest Lao woman for trafficking teen in Narathiwat karaoke bar
In a raid last night on a karaoke bar in the main city district of South Thailand’s Narathiwat province, cops arrested a 35 year old Lao woman on charges of allegedly luring a 14 year old girl into the flesh trade. The suspect, known only as Souk, was the owner of the Seechompu karaoke bar in the Bang Nak sub-district,…
- Transport News
DRT urges partial Pink Line monorail launch to ease Bangkok traffic
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has called on the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to partially open the main routes of the Pink Line monorail to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. The 34.5-kilometre MRT Pink Line is set to connect Khae Rai in Nonthaburi with Min Buri district in east Bangkok via Ram Inthra Road, with…
- Thailand News
Thailand trials medical drone deliveries across sea to remote island
A groundbreaking trial in South Thailand‘s Satun province saw a drone successfully deliver medicine across a 12-kilometre sea route to a hospital on the island of Koh Puyu. The Public Health Ministry’s research committee conducted the trial in collaboration with a team of developers from Singapore, Skyports, and Gp Capt Anukoon Onchan-om, a student from the National Defence College. During…
- South Thailand News
Roadside bomb injures monks and rangers in South Thailand
A roadside bomb blast in the Rueso district of South Thailand‘s Narathiwat province injured three monks and two volunteer rangers yesterday morning. The explosion took place near an agricultural equipment shop in tambon Rueso Ok at around 6.25am, as a white van carrying the monks from Wat Phairot Pracharam passed by. The monks were in the area to collect alms,…
- World News
Andrew Tate calls out BBC over Savile and Harris hypocrisy after tense first interview
Influencer Andrew Tate, 36, has accused the BBC of attempting to “vilify” him in his first major interview following his detainment over sex trafficking charges. Tate, currently under house arrest in Romania, dismissed allegations of rape, human trafficking, and exploitation of women during the combative interview. He later criticised the broadcaster on Twitter, comparing its treatment of him to its…
- Phuket News
Thai Navy plants trees in Phuket to honour Queen’s birthday
In honour of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s upcoming birthday, officials from the Royal Thai Navy organised a tree-planting event in Phuket yesterday. The ceremony took place at Muang Thalang School, followed by the planting drive at nearby Bang Khanun Forest Park. Vice Admiral Apakorn Youkongkaew, Commander of the 3rd Naval Region, presided over the event. Representatives from the Naval…
- Thailand News
Thais urged to register for free flu vaccines amid low uptake
A new initiative by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Ministry of Public Health is encouraging Thai citizens to register for a flu vaccine, which will be available for free until the end of August. The programme aims to curb the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases. NHSO secretary-general Jadet Thamatthat-aree announced that free flu shots will…
- Thailand News
MFP aims to break Thailand’s alcohol monopoly
Hopes are high among small breweries and local distilleries in Thailand as the Move Forward Party (MFP) seeks to liberalise the alcohol industry. The current heavily monopolised industry has made it challenging for small businesses to thrive due to strict laws and regulations controlling production and retailing. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, the MFP MP in Bangkok’s Constituency 22 and a leading liquor…
- Thailand News
BTS to invest in Yellow Line’s missing link to MRT’s Green Line
The Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS) expressed its readiness to invest in a 2.6-kilometre extension that would connect its Yellow Line monorail to the Green Line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) at Ratchayothin and Lat Phrao stations. Surapong Laoha-Unya, CEO of BTS, stated that the extension would be advantageous for commuters and that the company…
- Thailand News
Rooting for innovation: Thai researchers unveil PRK, the tooth-ally awesome breakthrough
In a significant advancement for dental healthcare in Thailand, local researchers successfully developed an artificial tooth root named PRK, which stands for Phraramkao in Thai or Rama IX in English. This innovation is expected to make dental implant services more accessible to the public by reducing the cost of implants by a factor of ten compared to similar quality imported…
- Transport News
Airport Rail Link suffers 70 million baht monthly loss amid 25% commuter drop
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reports that the Airport Rail Link (ARL) service has been losing 70 million baht per month, as it continues to carry fewer passengers than before the pandemic in 2019. To address long-standing operational issues, the SRT chose to involve a private company, Asia Era One, in managing rail operations during the pandemic. An agreement…
- Politics News
Illegal truck bribe stickers prompt Thai police chief to launch investigation
The existence of covert stickers indicating that trucks operating illegally on Thailand’s roads have paid bribes to police and other officials to avoid arrest has been confirmed by national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas. This revelation comes after the issue was raised by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a Move Forward Party list MP-elect. As a result, Pol Maj Gen Ekkaraj Limsangkat,…
- Thailand News
Free rides on Bangkok’s Yellow Line monorail during June trial
The (MRTA) announced that a one-month trial run of the Yellow Line monorail will start on Saturday, June 3, offering free rides for commuters during this period. The decision was made during a meeting between the Department of Rail Transport and Eastern Bangkok Monorail (EBM), the company responsible for the line’s concession. Staff members working on the Yellow Line will…
- Phuket News
Phuket nightclubs raided for late trading, serving alcohol to minors
Two Phuket nightclubs in the Kathu district have been raided by officials from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor). The clubs, the Ratree Club and Mahanakorn Phuket were accused of late trading, public disturbance, serving alcohol to minors, and operating without proper permits. The raids were carried out early this morning after a plain-clothes officer confirmed…
- Thailand News
Thai armed forces plan to halve generals, save billions by 2027
Thailand‘s Defence Council has recently given the green light to a reform plan that aims to reduce the number of generals in the armed forces by 50% by 2027, as stated yesterday by Deputy Defence Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Jittanat Punnotok. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 generals in the military, a military source told Bangkok Post. Between 2017 and 2021, the…
