Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Thai-Cambodian MoU under scrutiny for constitutional violation
The Thai-Cambodian Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand, signed in 2001, is now under scrutiny for potential violation of the Thai constitution. Paiboon Nititawan, Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) deputy leader, has requested the Office of the Ombudsman to petition the Constitutional Court to examine the MoU’s legality. Paiboon’s petition argues that the MoU was…
- Thailand News
Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s…
- Thailand News
Bangkok raids seize 12,000 e-cigarettes near schools
Bangkok shops located near schools were targeted in a series of raids that resulted in the seizure of an estimated 12,000 e-cigarettes. With a retail value of approximately 3.6 million baht, these cigarettes were found across five different establishments. The investigation took place last night and involved three stores on Soi Ratchadaphisek in Chatuchak district, one on Soi Lat Phrao…
- Thailand News
The ins and outs of remote sensing applications in Thailand
The advent of remote sensing technology, which allows observing and measuring Earth’s features from a distance, reshaped how we learn about the environment and deepened our understanding of the planet’s inner workings. Thailand was the first among Southeast Asian countries to recognize the critical role of remote sensing and actively integrate it into natural resources inventorying and environmental monitoring. 1971…
- Thailand News
Air Canada and TAT amp up Vancouver to Bangkok flights
Air Canada, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is ramping up its seasonal Vancouver to Bangkok flights. In partnership with TAT, the Canadian airline powerhouse, a founding member of the Star Alliance network, has announced the eagerly anticipated return of its Vancouver to Bangkok service. Kicking off earlier than ever on October 27, this strategic move comes…
- Thailand News
Nex Point Plc and Toyota Group unveil hydrgen-powered trucks
In a move towards greener transportation solutions, commercial electric vehicle (EV) giant Nex Point Plc has joined forces with Toyota Tsusho and Denso from Japan to pioneer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) trucks in Thailand. This groundbreaking memorandum of understanding aims to revolutionise the country’s transport sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Khanist Srivajiraprabha highlighted the significance of applying…
- World News
Amid economic turbulence, Malaysia’s illicit trade crackdown must stay the course
After an economically disappointing 2023, Malaysia faces further headwinds due to global economic and political uncertainties. New research published in late March has identified the country’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) among the Southeast Asian megaprojects affected by a $50 billion gap between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) commitments and delivery for the region. Reflecting the broader ASEAN growth…
- Thailand News
Pattaya plagued by motorcycle wheel thieves
A criminal gang is targeting motorcycle wheels in a recent surge of thefts in Pattaya. The brazen escapades of the gang have left the community on edge, with urgent pleas for police intervention. The shocking incident unfolded at Government Housing Na Jomtien Village, captured in chilling detail by closed-circuit television cameras. The footage, which swiftly made rounds on social media,…
- Thailand News
Thailand primes for haze mitigation ahead of Songkran festival
Responding to the escalating haze crisis, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed all provinces in the upper north, including Chiang Mai, to prepare their operation centres. This step aims to mitigate air pollution during the forthcoming Songkran festival, which traditionally sees a surge in tourist arrivals. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, these…
- Thailand News
Senate approves AI regulation in election campaigns
A report advocating for the regulation of election campaigns conducted using artificial intelligence (AI) was approved by the Senate yesterday. The Senate Committee on Politics compiled the report, which was presented during a meeting chaired by Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai. The report primarily focused on the use of social media in politics and election canvassing. The Senate’s term will come…
- Thailand News
Thailand ready to host 100,000 Myanmar refugees amid conflict
Thailand’s readiness to accommodate an influx of 100,000 refugees from Myanmar, due to escalating conflicts, was recently confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The announcement came in the wake of rebel forces capturing Myawaddy, a border town adjacent to Tak’s Mae Sot district. The minister’s statement followed a meeting held yesterday to discuss the evolving situation in Myanmar. The…
- Thailand News
Thai govt explores legalisation of casino entertainment complexes
The Thai Cabinet yesterday endorsed a House committee report, greenlighting the prospect of legalising entertainment complexes featuring casinos within the country. The Ministry of Finance received orders to conduct a further feasibility study concerning this potential investment within a 30-day timeframe. Kenika Ounjit, the deputy government spokeswoman, highlighted that the entertainment complex initiative constitutes a vital component in the government’s…
- Thailand News
Fun drought: Songkran water festivities scaled back, says tourism minister
Despite earlier announcements, the traditional water-splashing activities during the Songkran festival in Thailand will not run throughout the entire month-long celebration, according to Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Tourism and Sports Minister. The minister clarified that although the festival activities were scheduled from April 1 and set to end by the month’s close, water-splashing was not part of the whole duration. Sudawan…
- Thailand News
Singkhon border crossing to become permanent checkpoint for agriculture trade
Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Singkhon border crossing, a vital point of trade between Thailand and Myanmar, is set to become a permanent checkpoint, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The move is anticipated to enhance the transportation and trading of agricultural goods, including fisheries products. Minister Thamanat Prompow highlighted the need for the Singkhon border crossing, currently only accessible…
- Thailand News
New Zealand PM to make official visit to Thailand
Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is set for an official visit to Thailand between April 16 and 18, hosted by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Luxon’s delegation includes Simon Watts, Minister for Climate Change, Paulo Garcia, Member of Parliament, and a host of officials from various New Zealand government departments, along with influential business leaders. PM Luxon…
- Thailand News
Thailand braces for influx of 100,000 Myanmar refugees
The escalating conflict in Myanmar has prompted Thailand to prepare for the potential influx of 100,000 displaced individuals, as stated by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara. The announcement came before a Thai Cabinet meeting aimed at discussing the intensifying situation in their neighbouring country. Parnpree urged all parties involved in the conflict to pursue peace negotiations. Currently, Myanmar is grappling…
- Thailand News
Thai PM announces feasibility study for Samui Airport expansion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that a feasibility study for the expansion of Samui Airport is currently being conducted. The proposed expansion aims to accommodate larger aircraft and an increasing number of visitors. PM Srettha, accompanied by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Promma, conducted an official visit to the airport as part of…
- Thailand News
Fraud frenzy: Thai police reveal Internet scam’s billion-baht blow
Online consumer fraud, the leading Internet scam, has resulted in damages exceeding 1 billion baht in the initial quarter of the year, as disclosed by the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, stated that on the RTP website, some 26,507 online fraud instances were reported. The total damage was calculated to be 4.65 billion baht, averaging…
- Thailand News
Acidic anxiety: Lorry leak near Mekong raises contamination fears
A lorry incident in Laos, which resulted in a sulphuric acid leak into a tributary of the Mekong River, has sparked concerns about potential water contamination along the Thailand-Laos border. However, the water quality in this stretch of the river was deemed safe yesterday, April 8, with continuous monitoring set to persist until the end of the week. Somsak Thepsutin,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok Port relocation set to combat pollution and congestion
The Bangkok Port, a 32-rai facility located next to the Chao Phraya River in the Klong Toey district, is slated for relocation as per government orders. The decision aims to repurpose the area for public advantage. The directive was communicated through a letter issued by Thawatchai Chanpaisansil, adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat, on April 4 to the Ministry of Transport,…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai declares more districts as disaster zones amid wildfires
Wildfires continue to blaze through Chiang Mai, leading the local authority yesterday to declare three additional districts as disaster zones. These districts, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, and Chai Prakarn, have joined Fang and Phrao districts, which were declared disaster areas on April 4. The provincial governor has cited the fatigue of initial firefighters and soldiers as a significant obstacle in…
- Phuket News
Chilling in Phuket: Airport assures cool comfort amid AC tune-up
Phuket International Airport officials have given passengers assurances that despite two of the four main air-conditioning units undergoing maintenance, temperatures will remain comfortable within the terminals. This maintenance is being carried out in anticipation of an increase in passenger traffic over the Songkran holidays. The maintenance announcement was made by Airports of Thailand at Phuket Airport (AoT Phuket) on Saturday,…
- Thailand News
Myanmar requests Thai clearance for evacuation flights
The Government of Myanmar recently filed a request with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking clearance for evacuation flights to land in the Mae Sot district of Tak. The motive behind this request is the evacuation of 617 military officers and their dependents, who are expected to flee Myawaddy, a city now under the control of rebel ethnic forces.…
- Phuket News
Monk’s naked beach dip in Phuket sparks misunderstanding
The Karon Municipality in Phuket has put to rest concerns raised by locals over an incident involving a 67 year old monk, Phra Manop Nonthakho, who was believed to have stripped naked at Karon Beach. A representative of the municipality, Adisak Phromsila, clarified that the monk originally from Nakhon Sawan province had not fully disrobed but kept on his half-length…
- Phuket News
Explicit surfboard sex video off Karon beach sparks heated debate
A widely shared video of two foreigners engaging in sexual activity on a surfboard off Karon Beach in Phuket has sparked intense debate online. The footage, which was shared on the Facebook page of Hot Jung Phuket, has already received over 13,000 reactions and almost 2,000 comments since it was posted yesterday evening. The video elicited a variety of responses…
- Phuket News
Phuket reservoirs assure sufficient water supply until annual rains
Phuket’s main reservoirs, namely Bang Wad Reservoir, Bang Neow Dum Reservoir, and Klong Kata Reservoir, currently hold sufficient water supplies to service residents and tourist accommodations until the anticipated annual rains arrive next month, according to Phuket officials. This assurance comes from the head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket), Sophon Thongsai, following his inspection of…
- Thailand News
Military lieutenant held in Nonthaburi woman’s murder case
A woman’s life was abruptly ended in her condominium in Nonthaburi’s Mueang district, with a military lieutenant now under arrest, facing accusations of her murder. The shocking event transpired yesterday, April 7, forcing the calm neighbourhood into an alarming situation. Responding to a distress call, law enforcement officials arrived promptly at the condo located in Tambon Bang Kraso in Mueang…
- Thailand News
Bangkok police raid notorious Don Mueang gambling den again
Bangkok’s Don Mueang district was the scene of a police raid on Saturday as an old futsal stadium, notorious for its continued operation as a gambling den, was targeted yet again. The site, known for its resilience in the face of repeated shutdowns, has seen at least ten raids over several years. Leading a 30-officer team was the Superintendent of…
- Thailand News
Thai-Lao QR payment system launched to boost border tourism
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) and the Bank of Lao (BoL) have initiated a QR payment system to facilitate electronic transactions, a move that promises to increase tourist spending at the Thai-Laos border. The system was launched on the fringes of the 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in the Luang Prabang on April 3. Khemchat Somjaiwong,…
- Thailand News
British man critically injured after impaling himself on iron fence in Pattaya
A 65 year old British man critically injured himself after he was impaled on a sharp iron fence at his residence in the Bang La Bang district of Chon Buri. The incident occurred in the wee hours of today at Choke Chai Garden Home 2 in Tambon Nong Pru. Emergency services arrived at the scene and discovered Michael Girling pierced through…
