- Thailand News
Thai government cracks down on illegal loans
Illegal lenders have been given a final ultimatum: Register with the Thai government’s debt settlement programme by May 31 or face severe consequences. Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised announced this stern warning yesterday, emphasising that this crackdown on illicit lending is a top priority for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration. Despite the Interior Ministry’s success in bringing over 100,000 illegal…
- Thailand News
Navigating new depths: RTN seals deal for Chinese submarine
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) confirmed its decision to proceed with the purchase of a 13.5-billion-baht submarine from China, following successful negotiations earlier this week. This announcement came from an RTN source. General Somsak Rungsita, adviser to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and chairman of the Defence Ministry panel dealing with the submarine issue, held discussions with a Chinese delegation led…
- Thailand News
Why are some books banned in Thailand?
Despite being the tourist favourite for all the positives, including magnificent beaches, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine, Thailand has been reported for imposing unnecessary censorship even in today’s era of freedom and digitalism. Thais can not decide which books they can read freely because of the influence of religious sensibilities and traditional notions of respect for the monarchy. Here are…
- Thailand News
Alipay+ partners with TAT to redefine travel experience
Thai tourism is undergoing a digital revolution as Alipay+ teams up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to redefine the travel experience. With an aim to attract more tourists and enhance their journey, the duo unveils an array of innovations that promise seamless exploration and unforgettable memories. In a joint statement, Alipay+ and TAT announced groundbreaking developments set to…
- Thailand News
Palm tree lands on car during thunderstorm in Phuket
A palm tree fell onto a passing car on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket during a thunderstorm yesterday evening, prompting officials to urge motorists to drive cautiously in such weather. Thalang Police received reports of the incident around 6pm. Upon arrival, police and rescue workers found a heavily damaged white Suzuki car registered in Phuket. The car, which had also collided…
- Thailand News
Fears mount as Thailand’s 10 year old rice set to hit Nigeria
Growing concerns and fears are emerging in Africa’s most populous country over the possibility of Thailand’s 10-year-old stored rice entering the Nigerian and African markets. This comes after the Thai government announced plans to sell it to the public, BusinessDay Nigeria has reported. Thailand plans to auction 150,000 sacks of rice that have been kept in warehouses for 10 years,…
- Phuket News
Phuket man arrested for illegal firearms, ammo possession
Thalang Police in Phuket apprehended a man in Srisoonthorn for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The arrest took place yesterday evening after law enforcement received a tip-off regarding suspicious activities at an unregistered house. Officers arrived at the residence at 8pm, where they found Amarin Khanitthanam standing near the open front door. After identifying themselves, the police questioned…
- Thailand News
Cannes craze: Thai films poised for global stardom
In a dazzling showcase at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Thai films have captured the interest of international buyers, offering a promising boost for Thailand’s film and tourism industries. The government heralds this as a new era of global recognition and economic expansion. Yupa Taweewattanakitbovorn, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Culture, announced that the films The Undertaker, Death Whisperer, and…
- Crime News
From Russia with blow: Cocaine bust nets three Nigerians
A Russian man‘s arrest in Wichit for cocaine possession has led to the apprehension of three Nigerian nationals, identified as significant drug dealers in Phuket. The Immigration Bureau announced these arrests during a press conference held yesterday in Bangkok. The operation began in early April following a tip-off regarding a 38 year old Russian national, referred to as Denis (not…
- Crime News
Foreigners detained for illegal daycare services on Koh Pha Ngan
Police in Surat Thani detained several foreigners suspected of illegally running a daycare and a wakeboarding service centre on Koh Pha Ngan. Tourist Police apprehended a 26 year old Russian woman and an 18 year old Myanmar woman at a residence where they were taking care of foreign children. The Russian woman confessed to the police that she had been…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cannabis crackdown: High hopes hang in the balance
Thailand’s cannabis industry faces an uncertain future as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheads a controversial meeting to reconsider the legal status of cannabis. The high-stakes discussion, involving Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin, and Minister of Justice Police Colonel Thavee Sodsong, aims to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. This move would restrict its…
- Thailand News
Rayong residents demand action after fire raises safety fears
A demand for immediate action echoed from Rayong residents following a factory fire last month that has heightened concerns over chemical safety. Community members, deeply troubled by the incident, mobilised a protest to present their case to provincial governor Traiphop Wongtrairat. The villagers convened at Wat Nong Phawa in the Ban Khai district to voice their concerns before proceeding to…
- Crime News
South Korean national murdered, encased in concrete in Pattaya
The perpetrators of a chilling murder in Chon Buri have been partially apprehended, with one suspect confessing to the killing of a fellow South Korean national. The 34 year old victim, Roh Eui-jong, met his demise after being strangled and entombed in concrete inside a barrel by the suspects during a journey to Pattaya. South Korean authorities detailed the confession…
- Thailand News
Tripartite committee rejects uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike
The tripartite wage committee has chosen to uphold the autonomy of provincial wage panels in setting minimum wages, rejecting the Thai government’s uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike. During a tense session on May 14, the 15-member committee, representing the Ministry of Labour, employers, and employees, did not endorse the proposed nationwide increase. This decision followed closely on the heels of…
- Thailand News
Phuket gears up for unique senator selection process
Phuket prepares for senatorial selection with Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the helm. Phuket’s approach to selecting its next senator takes an unorthodox turn, as the process described in official notices by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Phuket oddly employs the term elected for what is essentially an appointment. The process, outlined in the Royal Gazette on May 13, allows…
- Thailand News
Thailand assesses boy’s mental health over telepathy abilities
Thailand’s authorities are taking legal action to assess the mental health of an eight year old boy known as Nong Nice who is claimed by his parents to have telepathic abilities and a connection with Buddhist deities. The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, led by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, is now seeking a court warrant to evaluate the child after…
- Thailand News
Inside the thriving world of Venus clam harvesting
The shores of Naklua and Krating Lai Beach in the Banglamung district are buzzing with activity as locals and workers unite for a timeless tradition – Venus clam harvesting. Amidst the ebb of the tide, a remarkable sight unfolds daily on the sandy shores, drawing a crowd of 60 to 100 individuals, spanning all ages and genders. Armed with baskets…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s transgender rights echoed by Pheu Thai Party
Efforts to champion transgender rights in Thailand have gained momentum, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, endorsing a push for legal recognition of transgender individuals. This initiative aligns with Thailand’s aspiration to host World Pride by 2030, showcasing the nation’s commitment to equality and inclusivity. At a recent event held at the Siam Discovery shopping centre, Paetongtarn…
- Thailand News
NBTC member corruption complaint thrown out
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed a high-profile dereliction of duties complaint against NBTC bigwig Pirongrong Ramasoota. The ruling cited insufficient evidence to support the allegations. True Digital Group, a faction of True Corporation, ignited the legal firestorm back in March, accusing Pirongrong of stirring up trouble by dispatching notices to 127 TV and radio…
- Thailand News
Cathay-Siam Piwat partnership: Shopping rewards to travel perks
Overseas Cathay members are in for a treat as Cathay and Siam Piwat unveil an exciting enhancement to their partnership. The new scheme allows members to convert ONESIAM Coins to Asia Miles, offering unprecedented rewards both on the ground and in the air. Imagine strolling through the bustling malls of Bangkok and effortlessly converting your shopping rewards into travel perks.…
- Thailand News
Phra Nakhon Khiri eyes UNESCO Heritage status
The bid to elevate Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, also known as Khao Wang, to the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is underway, as confirmed by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. In a recent Cabinet meeting held on location in Phetchaburi, she disclosed that the Fine Arts Department is tasked with assessing the 165-year-old historical site’s eligibility for…
- Thailand News
Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City Itthipol Khunpluem in a luxury condo scandal case. The high-profile case, involving allegations of abuse of power, reached its statute of limitations, allowing Itthipol to escape legal repercussions. Itthipol, who attended the court session in Rayong province yesterday, left without addressing the media…
- Thailand News
Thai tour buses set to drive cross-border travel surge into Malaysia
Thailand’s tour buses are now set to roll into Malaysia, promising a surge in cross-border travel. According to Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, this exciting development allows Thai buses to bring in tourists, provided they secure temporary permits from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) beforehand. Speaking to the press yesterday, Loke emphasised that tour bus operators must submit…
- Thailand News
Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans
Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting held yesterday to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition. The Sarasin…
- Thailand News
House committee to strategise on industrial accident prevention
The House Committee on Industry is set to convene tomorrow to deliberate on strategies for preventing industrial accidents. This move follows a series of recent warehouse and factory fires, with the most recent one occurring last week at Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal (MTT) in Rayong. Kamonthas Kittisoonthornsakul, a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP for Rayong and deputy chair of…
- Phuket News
Alcohol fuelled Phuket man arrested for axe attack on wife
A Chiang Mai native was arrested yesterday in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, following a violent domestic incident. During a heated argument fuelled by alcohol, 56 year old Insorn Bousai reportedly attacked his 52 year old wife, Boonjun Buasai, with an axe, causing severe injury to her foot. Thalang police, led by Police Lieutenant Thitiwat Asasingh, were informed of the distressing event at…
- Thailand News
Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction
The Thai government expressed a strong intent to auction off the last remaining stocks of decade-old rice. This move is in line to replenish the state coffers, as made clear by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent Facebook post. The aged rice in question is part of the controversial rice-pledging scheme initiated during the administration…
- Phuket News
Phuket gears up for Discover Phuket Pride 2024 to boost tourism
Phuket City Municipality, in its drive to bolster tourism and uphold inclusivity, is preparing for the forthcoming Discover Phuket Pride 2024 @ Old Town festival. Set to take place on Saturday, June 29, the event is designed to commemorate the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to the urban area’s economic expansion. The announcement of the event by Saroj Angkhanapilas, the Mayor…
- Phuket News
Thailand enhances protection for dugongs following tragic deaths
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, directed officials of national parks and other marine wildlife officers to enhance the protective measures for dugongs. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of two female dugongs, presumably a mother and her calf, that were discovered washed ashore on Koh…
- Thailand News
Thailand murder suspect arrested in South Korea
A man in his 20s, one of the trio suspected of a gruesome murder, has been apprehended in South Korea. The victim’s body had been discovered encased in concrete within a large plastic container, submerged in the Map Prachan reservoir in Chon Buri, Thailand. The arrest took place yesterday, May 12, at the suspect’s residence in Gyeongnam province, according to…
