- 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
Thai PM denies plans to limit Bank of Thailand governor’s powers
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed any intention of modifying the law to restrict the authority of the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) governor amidst a disagreement over the central bank’s interest rate policy. Responding to queries about potential amendments to the Bank of Thailand Act to limit the governor’s powers, the 62 year old Thai prime minister assured that such…
- 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
Chinese tourists roll with the non-ed visa punches in Phuket
A group of Chinese tourists swept into Phuket this weekend, kickstarting Thailand’s tourism revival under the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, playfully dubbed the Non-Ed Visa. This special pass unlocks the punchline: tourists can now spar in Muay Thai classes, stretching their stay to a whopping 90 days, delivering a knockout blow to the former 60-day limit. The welcoming party at Phuket…
- 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…
- Crime News
Chinese interpreter linked to notorious gang arrested in Thailand
A 36 year old Chinese-language interpreter was apprehended on May 3 due to his ties with a criminal gang notorious for kidnapping Chinese nationals. The arrest took place in the Din Daeng district following an abduction incident on April 25, as reported by Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Noppasin Poonsawat. Theerachai Chaloemwanpen was apprehended by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) alongside…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai government’s digital wallet scheme under scrutiny
The Thai government’s digital wallet policy, specifically the planned usage of funds from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to support the initiative, will continue to be scrutinised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The agency has previously raised concerns about potential corruption and legal risks linked to the 10,000 baht distribution scheme and will observe the government’s…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Freelance-focused online job platform launched
The Department of Employment (DoE) in Thailand recently unveiled an online job platform named Khon Tham Ngan, specifically tailored for freelancers and recruiters. This platform, overseen by DoE head, Somchai Morakotsriwan, aims to enhance work-life balance by offering a free and user-friendly interface for job seekers and employers alike. Khon Tham Ngan, which translates to workers, is open to anyone…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Fatal motorbike crash in Phuket raises road safety concerns
A fatal accident occurred in Phuket early today when a Honda Wave 110 motorbike crashed into a roadside concrete table, claiming the life of a 45 year old passenger. The 44 year old motorbike driver, Nikorn Srirod, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the unfortunate event. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, in front of Mueang Mai City…
- Thailand News
Thai authorities seize over 1000 endangered tortoises
In the latest crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade, six individuals were apprehended in the southern province of Chumphon, Thailand, for possession and transportation of a significant number of endangered species. The suspects were found with over 1,000 radiated tortoises and dozens of lemurs in their possession, intended for sale in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, according to the…
- Phuket News
Growing drug problem grips Phuket as arrests increase by 6.21%
Phuket, an island mainly known for its tourism, is grappling with an escalating drug problem, according to the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre committee. The drug issue has seen a 6.21% increase between October last year and March this year, with 1,335 arrests made in 78 drug-related cases, excluding kratom and marijuana. The report, presented during a recent…
- Phuket News
Unidentified foreign woman’s body found on Phuket beach
In Phuket, a foreign woman’s body was discovered floating in the waters off Freedom Beach yesterday. Karon police received word of the grim find around 2.45pm. A subsequent recovery mission was swiftly assembled, with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers utilising a rubber dinghy to retrieve the body and transport it ashore near Nong Harn Lake in Karon. The deceased is thought…
- Thailand News
South Africa and Thailand boosts agricultural ties
The agricultural sector has become a significant beneficiary of the thriving bilateral relationship between Thailand and South Africa, revealed South Africa’s Ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Africa in a recent interview. This conversation was held to commemorate three decades of South African democracy and the bilateral relationship between the two nations including a strengthening of agricultural ties. Africa underscored the positive…
- Technology News
Thailand’s govt backs AI industry and boosts digital infrastructure
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is ready to support the AI industry and enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. The statement was made at the Microsoft Build: AI Day Event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where he welcomed around 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders. “AI has changed many aspects of our lives, workplaces, and business…
- South Thailand News
Influenza outbreak in Thailand prison infects over 3,000 inmates
A devastating influenza outbreak at Nakhon Si Thammarat prison in Thailand has infected almost 3,500 inmates, leading to two fatalities, as reported by public health officials. The prison in Phra Phom district was inspected by a team led by Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, who confirmed the outbreak. From April 19 to April 28, 3,442…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen school deputy caught for soliciting mid-term bribes
A school deputy director in Khon Kaen has been apprehended by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on the grounds of soliciting tea money from parents for mid-term admissions. The arrest was a result of a parent’s complaint against the deputy director. The school director, according to the complaint, is associated with a school under the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service…
- Thailand News
AoT tee up 3 billion baht compensation swing for RTAF
Thailand’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsub, revealed yesterday that the Airports of Thailand (AoT) could be liable for a compensation payment of at least 3 billion baht to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This potential payment is in relation to the Kantarat Golf Course, a property currently owned by the RTAF, which the AoT is considering repurposing. Previously, the…
