- Thailand News
Fishing trawler catches fire in Andaman sea, 9 crew rescued
The Sri Thong Pae 7 fishing trawler was engulfed in flames while refuelling in the Andaman Sea, leading to a rescue operation that saved the lives of nine crew members. The incident occurred early this morning, 15 nautical miles southwest of Koh Surin islands, off Phang Nga. Upon receiving the distress signal at approximately 3.30am, the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre…
- Phuket News
Phuket van driver brandishes knife in road rage incident
An outbreak of road rage in Phuket yesterday saw a van driver brandishing a knife and menacing a taxi driver in the heart of one of the city’s busiest roads. The episode, which happened near the Central Phuket intersection of Chaloem Phrakiat Rama 9 Road, was promptly shared on social media by onlookers who captured footage of the irate driver…
- Thailand News
Laos considers Thailand’s proposal for ASEAN troika meetings
The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed that Laos has received and is considering Thailand’s proposal for ASEAN Troika and Troika plus meetings, which aim to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The proposal is Thailand’s attempt to engage with Myanmar’s military junta to resolve the situation while simultaneously advocating for humanitarian aid and peace. Thailand put forth this…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai people’s charter still unfulfilled seven months in
The Pheu Thai Party’s promise to craft a people’s charter that would engage an elected assembly and a public referendum while honouring Thailand’s constitutional monarchy remains unfulfilled after seven months in power. The 2017 charter, considered by some as a leftover from the 2014 coup, has yet to see any amendments. The initial months of the Pheu Thai government were…
- Phuket News
Outrage as man unlawfully removes wheel lock from bike in Phuket
A foreign individual sparked outrage on social media after he was caught on camera removing a wheel lock from his unlawfully parked motorbike in Phuket. The man, whose identity remains unknown, parked his bike outside the Kasikorn Bank on Phang Nga Road, an illegal parking area, around noon on April 26. This led to traffic police putting a wheel lock and…
- Transport News
EEC office finalises plan for high-speed railway districts
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office is on the brink of completing a commercial development plan for districts within Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. This initiative is a segment of the projected high-speed rail system set to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. After a recent discussion in Pattaya City, recommendations are now being collated into an actionable outline for…
- Environment News
Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary closed due to man-made hotspots
The Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai province has been indefinitely shut down by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. The decision comes in the wake of the discovery of several man-made hotspots in areas of key ecological importance. The department’s chief, Attapol Charoenchansa, announced the measure as an immediate response to the pressing issues of…
- Thailand News
PM demands investigation into Rayong’s hazardous waste plant fire
Prompt investigations into the hazardous waste plant fire in Rayong‘s Ban Khai district have been demanded by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The fire, which broke out at Win Process’ storage plant, has impacted the lives of 100 villagers since it started on April 22. The 62 year old Thai prime minister voiced his concerns during a site visit yesterday, querying…
- Thailand News
Russian tourist loses bag on Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach
A Russian tourist lost her bag, which contained personal items and cash, had mysteriously vanished on Jomtien Beach, Pattaya on Wednesday night. The Russian tourist, Ksenia Testik, made a report at 11.06pm on Wednesday to Police Lieutenant Colonel Chonlawit Athipansi, the Deputy Inspector at the Pattaya Police Station. Testik was not alone during this ordeal. A special services officer was…
- Thailand News
Thailand revealed as best country to visit
Thailand has taken the top spot in the World’s Best Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime in 2024 list, as announced by the CEOWORLD Magazine yesterday. This noteworthy rank came to light following a comprehensive survey conducted by the magazine, which engaged the opinions of 295,000 users, marking it as the most participated survey on their website. The appeal of…
- Thailand News
Thai-Lao friendship bridge to open in November
The fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand’s Bueng Kan province and Laos’ Pakxan town, has been scheduled to open in November. The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri. The bridge will span from Bueng Kan, Khai Si and Wisit subdistricts in the Mueang Bueng Kan district, situated across the river from Pakxan. The construction project features a…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s EC investigates potential senator election manipulation
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is currently probing into claims of potential manipulation in the upcoming senator election process. The EC has cautioned potential candidates about registering with a questionable website. The EC indicated that the act of encouraging individuals to form groups for the Senate election competition could be a breach of election laws. Consequently, they have initiated…
- Thailand News
Thai anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation. The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at…
- Thailand News
Phuket governor endorses special administrative status transition
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Governor Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Sophon’s vision for the province’s future governance entails transitioning to a special administrative status, akin to those currently in place…
- Thailand News
Phuket firefighters avert potential disaster at fried ice cream shop
A potential disaster was averted in the wee hours of today when a fire, which could have engulfed a fried ice cream shop in Phuket, was swiftly contained by firefighters. The incident took place in Soi Paniang, Samkong, a neighbourhood in the bustling city of Phuket. Firefighters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch at Phuket City Municipality…
- Thailand News
Government orders nationwide inspection of chemical warehouses
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mandated an immediate inspection of all chemical warehouses across the nation. The directive follows a string of fires reported in recent weeks, the latest being at President Chemical Co Ltd’s warehouse in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district in the Bang Mot neighbourhood. Locals reported the fire yesterday at 2.10am, noticing…
- Thailand News
Toyota’s electric pickup fleet revs up Thai beaches
Toyota’s groundbreaking project in Pattaya showcases nine fully electric Hilux Revo pickup trucks revamped for public transport, marking a pivotal moment in Thailand’s automotive landscape. Reflecting Japan’s determination to reclaim the electric vehicle (EV) market throne from Chinese rivals, this initiative aims to redefine urban transit in the Land of Smiles. Surapoom Udomwong, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand…
- Thailand News
Malaria on rise in Thailand: Tak province tackles ticklish trouble
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reports a surge in malaria cases, notably in the Tak province, where the majority of the 2,913 infections have been identified since January. Other areas affected include Mae Hong Son, Kanchana Buri, Ranong, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 60% of the patients being foreigners, as per the department’s data. The DDC Chief, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn,…
- Thailand News
Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues
The Thai government has postponed the anticipated increase in minimum daily wage to 400 baht. The rise was initially set to take effect on Labour Day but the government will now await the outcome of a tripartite committee meeting on May 14. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the wage increase would not start on May 1.…
- Thailand News
Supachai Phosu found guilty of serious ethical misconduct
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand declared former Deputy Agriculture Minister Supachai Phosu, culpable of serious ethical misconduct. The charges stem from his unlawful occupation of a forest reserve in Nakhon Phanom province. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the NACC spokesman, declared that the case will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for political office holders to determine the final verdict. Investigations…
- Thailand News
Hoofing havoc: Rampaging army horses cause chaos in London
In a scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, the heart of London turned into a battleground as army horses, spooked during a routine military exercise, broke free and charged through the city streets, pursued by police. The drama unfolded in central London’s Belgravia, where an ordinary morning took a terrifying turn. Eyewitnesses watched in horror as the majestic creatures…
- Thailand News
Myanmar junta’s secret deal with China
Myanmar’s junta is stirring up a storm yet again, as their home minister jets off to China for clandestine security discussions with Beijing’s top brass. Myanmar’s Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae slipped under the radar, embarking on a covert voyage to China for what’s touted as a working visit with China’s Minister for Public Security, Wang Xiaohong. The rendezvous, scheduled from April…
- Thailand News
Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
From Monday, April 29, Australians residing in Phuket can access visa services and provide biometrics within the city, according to a statement released by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald. The service, which was previously only available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is now available in Phuket through the Australian Biometric Collection Centre, operated by VFS Global. “The Australian…
- Thailand News
Convicted drug offender remarkably escapes custody in Khon Kaen
Police in Khon Kaen are in pursuit of a 35 year old man, a recently convicted drug offender who made a daring escape from custody. Ratchaphon Khiannok was on his way to the prison vehicle at the provincial court when he made his escape last night, April 25, according to the authorities. Ratchaphon was captured on security cameras, still wearing…
- Thailand News
US carrier strike group returns to Thailand after three-year hiatus
After a three-year gap, the US carrier strike group marked its return to Thailand yesterday, as it anchored at Laem Chabang for a routine port visit. The group, led by its flagship, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, last visited the Southeast Asian nation in 2018. Along with the flagship, Carrier Air Wing 11 also made its appearance. Accompanying the flagship and Carrier…
- Phuket News
Myanmar man tasered after threatening Thai police following crash
A Myanmar national, following a motorcycle collision on the Bang Tao Beach Road, threatened police officers with a knife, leading to the use of a taser to subdue him, according to Cherng Talay Police Chief, Police Colonel Weeraphong Rakkhito. The incident unfolded at midday on Tuesday, April 23, when two motorcycles collided. The Myanmar man, who remains unnamed in police…
- Phuket News
Cable theft plunges Phuket Airport underpass into darkness
A daring act of cable theft at the Phuket International Airport underpass plunged the area into darkness, leading to system failures and heightened safety concerns. The busy junction at Phuket Airport on Thepkrasattri Road, where the underpass is located, is now a challenging commute for both residents and tourists. The incident has caused considerable disruption, with the underpass’s lighting system…
- Phuket News
Phuket crackdown on organised crime seizes over 500 million baht
Phuket became the centre of a significant crackdown on organised crime, as a Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Special Operations Team seized more than 500 million baht (US$13.5 million) worth of illegal goods yesterday. The confiscated items included untaxed cigarettes, alcohol, and prohibited electronic cigarettes. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat unveiled the results of the operation at a press conference held…
- Thailand News
Charter change up for a vote: Referendum needed, House speaker
A referendum is required to get voters’ approval before the charter amendment proposals can be considered, according to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker. He was responding to questions about a possible special House session for the first reading of the 2025 fiscal year’s budget bill. He added that it remains undetermined if other significant legislation will be discussed…
- Thailand News
Thailand proposes ASEAN Troika to mediate Myanmar crisis
Thailand has proposed a collaboration between three or more ASEAN member nations to engage with Myanmar’s military junta, to mitigate the crisis and restore peace in the conflict-stricken country. The nation maintained its commitment to extend humanitarian assistance and foster peace amid the turmoil. Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, announced yesterday that Thailand, through Laos, the current…
