- Thailand News
Koh Pha Ngan: French tourist nabbed for drug dealing
Surat Thani police officers, alongside the Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit, apprehended a 41 year old French national at a hotel bar on Koh Pha Ngan yesterday. Authorities unveiled a stash of narcotics and incriminating evidence. Among the damning items seized were 19.7 grammes of cocaine, 23 ecstasy pills, a digital scale, and 6,000 baht in cash, along with…
- Thailand News
Thai SEC crackdowns on unlicenced crypto operators
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (Thai SEC) has declared war on unauthorised digital asset services, aiming to safeguard investors from financial pitfalls. Pornanong Busaratrakul, Secretary-General of the Thai SEC stated that at the meeting on April 19, it was resolved to order the SEC to submit information on unauthorised digital asset service providers to the Ministry of Digital…
- Phuket News
Phuket model: Thai govt’s innovative approach to tourist safety
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Kittirat Panphet, convened with local consuls to discuss the Phuket Model – an innovative approach to law enforcement. The meeting took place yesterday at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket. The Phuket Model, a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding the interests of tourists, was unveiled…
- Thailand News
Shared toilets for teachers and students stir controversy
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) sparked controversy with its recent decision to implement shared toilet facilities for teachers and students at all of its schools. The news was met with widespread criticism on a social media platform overseen by the Education Ministry. According to OBEC Secretary-General Thanu Wongchinda, shared toilets at schools for teachers and students will…
- Thailand News
Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make waves in Thailand as she embarks on a high-profile six-day mission, kicking off with her arrival today at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Government House confirmed Hasina’s stay until next Monday, April 29, promising a flurry of diplomatic activity. A series of significant signings, including official agreements and memoranda…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves UNESCO Heritage Status for Songkhla
Thailand has set its sights on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for four ancient towns nestled within the southern province of Songkhla. The Cabinet’s resounding approval on April 9, marks a pivotal step towards immortalising the rich cultural tapestry of this southern gem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with crafting a proposal that was scheduled…
- Thailand News
PM highlights enhanced ASEAN connectivity for regional growth
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday the critical role of enhanced ASEAN connectivity in unlocking the region’s full potential and boosting its collective competitiveness. The 62 year old Thai PM revealed this perspective during a virtual gathering for the ASEAN Future Forum 2024, which focused on the theme Towards Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centred ASEAN Community. “Our emphasis…
- Thailand News
Thailand addresses refugee crisis amid Thai-Myanmar conflict
Responding to the escalating conflict along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thailand’s government committee convened its inaugural meeting yesterday to address the refugee crisis and bolster security measures. The committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, strategised ahead of an inspection tour of Tak’s Mae Sot district, which lies opposite the Myanmar town of Myawaddy. The latter recently witnessed a surge…
- Thailand News
Boeing 737 loses wheel mid-flight in South Africa (video)
In the latest hair-raising near-miss involving a Boeing 737 aircraft, a FlySafair jet had a miraculous escape from catastrophe after losing a wheel shortly following takeoff from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Eyewitnesses described a tense scene as ground staff spotted damage to the aircraft’s undercarriage, prompting a swift decision to return to the airport. The nerve-wracking…
- Thailand News
Free online therapy for Bangkok’s teenagers launched by DMH
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has initiated a campaign offering free online therapy sessions to Bangkok’s teenagers. This decision comes in the wake of data revealing a significant prevalence of mental health risks in teenagers. The campaign, christened the Wall of Sharing for Teens, is a brainchild of a joint effort between the Wall of Sharing Foundation, the National…
- Phuket News
Drunk driver strikes police officer in early morning Patong collision
A drunk driver in Patong, Phuket, collided with a police officer on patrol early this morning. The incident occurred near Patong Hospital at the intersection of Phra Mettha Road and Sai Nam Yen Road. Patong Police Station officers were informed of the incident around 4.30am, today, April 23. The drunk driver was identified as 21 year old Amornlak Bunsiri from…
- Thailand News
Chicken factory extortion scandal rocks Thai police force
A scandal erupted in Nakhon Pathom as eight officers from Samkwaipuak Police Station face suspension over allegations of extortion totalling 200,000 baht. Eight police officers in Nakhon Pathom have been suspended from the force following accusations of attempting to extort 200,000 baht from the owner of a chicken processing factory. The scandalous affair unfolded when the factory owner, enraged by…
- Thailand News
Lop Buri’s growing macaque population to be relocated by DNP
An increasing macaque population has taken over downtown Lop Buri, prompting the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to intervene. Athapol Charoenshunsa, the department chief, has unveiled plans to relocate these monkeys once their new holding facility is ready. Currently, an estimated 2,200 macaques are roaming freely within the city’s bounds, causing disruptions to local businesses and…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha aims to boost Asia-Pacific’s sustainable development
PM Srettha charged the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to assist in identifying innovative solutions to promote sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. This appeal was part of his address at the 80th ESCAP session, themed Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, held in Bangkok yesterday, April 22.…
- Phuket News
Phuket seeks special administrative zone status for tourism boost
Phuket’s Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Region 11 branch, led by Wirintra Paphakityotphat, has made four formal requests to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The topmost request is to elevate Phuket to a Special Administrative Zone. The requests were submitted to PM Srettha during his visit to Phuket on Friday, April 19. The purpose of these requests, presented at the Heroines…
- Thailand News
Deputy police chief charges Thai prime minister with malfeasance
Thailand Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn charged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with malfeasance, claiming that the prime minister’s actions led to his suspension and thwarted his path to becoming the next national police chief. Big Joke took his complaint to the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and addressed it to its secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol. He…
- Phuket News
Phuket car rentals must verify tourist driving licenses
Phuket’s vehicle rental businesses received a first-hand reminder about the importance of verifying tourists’ driving licenses. The National Tourist Police Commander, Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, paid them a visit on Saturday, April 20. This personal visit was part of an initiative to regulate the growing vehicle rental industry in the popular tourist destination of Phuket. Lt. Gen. Saksira embarked on…
- Thailand News
Over 5 million senior Thais still working without formal education
The National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that over 5 million senior Thais, with the majority lacking formal education, continue to work to sustain their livelihoods. This demographic represents approximately 19.5% of the nation’s 66 million population, or 13.64 million individuals aged 60 and above, according to the NSO’s annual survey conducted in July and August of the previous year. Suwannee…
- Thailand News
Chinese woman reunites with Thai rescuers after surviving cliff fall
A heartfelt reunion occurred at Pha Taem National Park‘s office in Kong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani. Wang Nan, a 37 year old Chinese woman, met the four national park officials who rescued her after she was pushed off a cliff by her husband in 2019. Wang’s tears were shed in gratitude as she embraced each of the four rescuers, Pairote…
- Crime News
Teenager detained following stabbing at Patong’s OTOP Market
A 17 year old man is in police custody following a stabbing incident at OTOP Market in Patong that left a 20 year old injured. The event took place just past 1am on April 19. The 20 year old victim, Ariyath Kaewnao, suffered an abdominal injury during an altercation between two local youth groups. Immediately after the incident, Ariyath was…
- Thailand News
Thai-Lao project conducts heart surgeries on 30 children
A collaborative medical project between Thailand and Laos has successfully conducted heart surgeries on 30 children, illustrating a significant step towards combating heart-related diseases in young individuals. This initiative, aptly named Saving Young’s Heart Crossing Mekong River, is a combined effort involving the Thai Red Cross, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation, the Thai…
- Thailand News
Thai Labour Minister aims to boost Social Security Fund
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister, announced plans to improve the profitability of the Social Security Fund by investing in international private firms, including some in Japan. The effort is aimed at increasing the fund’s revenue to 2.7 trillion baht and achieving a growth rate of 5% in the coming year. During a trip from April 5 to April 13, ministry…
- Thailand News
Thai woman found dead at Phuket’s Kalim seaside
A tragic event unfolded in Phuket yesterday afternoon as a 23 year old Thai woman from the Isaan region lost her life by drowning. The unfortunate incident took place on the seaside rocks in Kalim, a northernmost part of Patong. The Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation of Patong branch received a call at around 5.40pm. The foundation’s rescue workers promptly responded, rushing…
- Thailand News
Senators’ lavish overseas jaunts spark outrage
Former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has launched a scathing attack on a cohort of senators set to embark on overseas study trips, labelling their plans a disgrace to their dignity. In a fiery Facebook post today, Plodprasop condemned the European excursions planned by several Senate committees, whose terms are set to conclude on May 10, citing the hefty 81…
- Thailand News
Bangkok e-cigarette raid seizes 10,000 products
Thai authorities have swooped on five e-cigarette outlets in the vicinity of Bangkok’s universities and residential properties, confiscating 10,000 e-cigarette products valued at 3 million baht. The operation was headed by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday in collaboration with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and officers of Lat Phrao Police Station. The…
- Thailand News
BYD electric bus charges Thong Lo roads in Bangkok
In a move towards eco-friendly commuting, BYD, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from China, has unleashed its electric bus onto the bustling streets of Bangkok. Offering complimentary rides to commuters in the vibrant Thong Lo area until April 30, this trial run marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Under the auspices of Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, the…
- Thailand News
TAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists
To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced the grand scheme yesterday, aiming to entice holidaymakers during China’s National Day Golden Week, renowned for its bustling travel fervour. The festivity will unfurl across Bangkok’s…
- Thailand News
Thai Ministry to reimburse victims of call centre scams
The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. The assets, including 6 billion baht in cash, were retrieved by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in 2021, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. He iterated that AMLO is…
- Thailand News
Venturing into the fast-paced world of online casinos in Thailand
Exploring online casinos can feel confusing. Thailand’s online gambling scene is growing fast and the country’s potentially looking at legalising casinos altogether. Quite the contrast to the rest of SE Asia, excluding Singapore! We’ll take a quick look at the popular games, laws, and safety tips currently in place in Thailand Popular Online Casino Games in Thailand Despite being mostly…
- Thailand News
Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists
The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. This move aims to increase the influx of tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rapidly evolving markets for Thailand’s tourism sector and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development. Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates…
