Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Can Thailand achieve high-income status by 2037? (video)
As Thailand steers towards high-income status by 2037, a formidable obstacle looms large: rampant flooding wreaking havoc on its economy. In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World, the World Bank unveils a groundbreaking strategy to expedite flood management, potentially transforming Thailand’s economic landscape. Read on to discover the game-changing insights and bold plans set to redefine Thailand’s future. Amid…
- Thailand News
Russian graffiti vandals busted in Patong
The two Russian men on a graffiti rampage after a booze-fuelled escapade in Patong, Phuket, have been arrested. Police Major General Saranyu Chamnarnrat, Deputy Chief of the Provincial Police Region 8, revealed the arrest of the Russian vandals today. Identified as 23 year old Evgenii Egorov and 22 year old Oleg Shirshov, the spray-painting mischievous pair were nabbed from a dormitory…
- Thailand News
Rapid test kit set to combat kidney disease epidemic
Chulalongkorn Hospital unveils the nation’s first rapid kidney disease test kit, a potential game-changer in battling a growing health crisis. A research team, spearheaded by Dr Nattachai Srisawat, unveils the ALB11 kit, designed to swiftly detect microalbuminuria, a crucial marker for kidney disease, in the comfort of one’s home. “An initial screening for the disease is pivotal for swift medical…
- Phuket News
Lights out! Thalang Town braces for blackout blitz
The populous Thalang Town region in Phuket is set to experience a significant power outage on the upcoming Saturday. The announcement was made by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang), citing necessary repairs and maintenance to the high-voltage system in the area as the reason for the disruption. From 9am to 5pm, electricity will be suspended, affecting a…
- Thailand News
Surge in beggars in Malaysia’s Kelantan state during Ramadan
The streets of Malaysia’s Kelantan state, which shares its borders with Thailand, have witnessed a surge in the number of beggars this year, according to a report by the Kelantan Social Welfare Department. This surge, notably observed during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, includes Thai nationals among other foreign beggars. Kelantan state official, Said Sudip, noted an unprecedented increase…
- Thailand News
Nan Province: Next UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site?
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich announced the Cabinet’s approval of the Culture Ministry’s proposal to nominate Nan as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. This exciting development comprises two key subprojects geared towards enhancing public awareness, revealed the minister yesterday, March 25. Nan Province’s inclusion in the nomination list stems from its vibrant cultural heritage, boasting meticulously preserved pre-historic archaeological findings,…
- Thailand News
Thai govt’s digital wallet handout scheme faces legal queries
The Thai government plans to launch its main digital wallet handout scheme in the year’s final quarter. This plan’s timeline will be more concrete post-April 10 when the digital wallet policy committee convenes, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. A sum of 500 billion baht has been set aside for the scheme, tentatively slated for a May launch. However, expectations…
- Thailand News
TCC proposes temporary power tariff reduction for Thai households
The Consumers Council (TCC) has proposed a temporary reduction in power tariffs to alleviate the financial strain on Thai households during the summer’s peak demand. This request follows the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) suggested alterations to the current power rate, which critics argue would not result in cheaper electricity bills. Critics contend that the ERC’s adjustments primarily aim to lessen…
- Phuket News
Suspected murderer of casino boss and woman arrested in Phuket
A joint operation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Phuket Provincial Police culminated in the apprehension of the alleged murderer. Thanya “Bom” Wichaidit, is a suspect in the murder of a casino crime boss in Surat Thani in 2022 and the recent fatal shooting of a young woman near Don Sak Police Station. The arrest was executed at…
- Thailand News
Monkey business: Disruptive macaques from Lop Buri removed
In a bid to restore peace to the residents of Lop Buri province, park officials launched an operation to remove the disruptive macaques from the municipality permanently. This initiative was undertaken today, March 25, by a team of workers from the Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conversation Department, who placed cages throughout the city to trap the monkeys. Ratchadamnoen Road…
- Phuket News
Surfs up as Patong Beach launches safety sandbox for tourists
Phuket’s esteemed Patong Beach hosted a riveting safety demonstration for the Minister of Health, yesterday. The demonstration, which included surf life-saving techniques and appropriate medical responses to common injuries, was part of the grand launch of the Phuket Island Safety Sandbox scheme. This initiative is designed to reaffirm the island’s commitment to safety, thus reassuring tourists of a secure vacation…
- Phuket News
Russian man dies in Phuket motorbike crash
A fatal motorbike crash claimed the life of a 25 year old Russian man in Phuket’s Baan Don, Tambon Thepkrasattri last night. The unfortunate event, which took place yesterday, March 24, ended when the man’s vehicle collided with the wall of a house. Upon receiving the information about the accident around 10pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Niwat Thimket of the Thalang…
- Thailand News
Thai tensions thaw as peace talks resume between NSC and BRN
Peace talks between Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) are set to continue next month, despite recent setbacks, according to deputy spokeswoman Rudklao Suwankiri. This announcement follows a series of arson attacks on March 22 in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, and indications that 45 other locations are likely targets during the holy month of…
- Thailand News
Thai-China high-speed rail set to boost ASEAN connectivity
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang projected a significant enhancement in the collaboration between Thailand and China upon the conclusion of the anticipated high-speed rail project. The statement came during a seminar addressing the economic ties between the two nations and the Thai-China visa-free agreement, held by the Thai-Chinese Journalists Association recently. The ambassador emphasised that the completion of the Thai-China high-speed…
- Thailand News
Significant expansion planned for Thailand’s Red Line rail network
The State Railway of Thailand‘s (SRT) Red Line electric commuter rail network is set to undergo a significant expansion, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. The Transport Ministry will put forth proposals for the construction of three extensions this week: the Taling Chan-Salaya extension, the Rangsit-Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus extension, and the Taling Chan-Siriraj extension. The proposals will be…
- Thailand News
Polish yoga instructor arrested in Koh Phangan for unlicensed operations
In a recent development on the southern resort island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani Province, a 46 year old Polish yoga instructor, Michal, found himself under arrest. The arrest occurred at Tantra Movement School, a tantra yoga establishment he was operating in Tambon Koh Phangan, around 3pm yesterday, March 23. It is speculated that this man may also be…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims to reduce tuberculosis rate by 5% annually
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand has set a goal to decrease the annual rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases by 5%. Dr Cherdchai Tontisirin, Dr Niti Haetanurak, and Dr Jos Vandelaer announced this target during a press conference on Friday, marking World Tuberculosis Day. The trio emphasised that, despite being globally recognised as the deadliest disease, tuberculosis’s prevalence is still…
- Thailand News
Undernourished dugong spotted in Trang raises alarm for marine life
A dugong, appearing undernourished and weak, was spotted in Trang’s Koh Libong area, a well-known sanctuary for these marine creatures. The animal’s condition has generated alarm among the public and researchers, considering the diminishing seagrass around the island due to human activities and climate change. Santi Nirawat, director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (Lower Andaman Sea) at…
- South Thailand News
Thai government promises aid following 44 insurgent fires in South
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared on Saturday that the government is stepping in to offer aid and reparation to the victims of the 44 incendiary incidents that swept through Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla the previous day. In the quest for justice, Srettha has assigned the task of investigating this string of fires to the acting national police chief, Kittirat…
- Thailand News
Thailand gears up to become global festival hub hosting Tomorrowland and Summer Sonic
Thailand is set to become a global festival hub as it gears up to host two internationally acclaimed music festivals, Summer Sonic and Tomorrowland. This move forms part of the government’s broader vision to stimulate economic activity by attracting major international events. Chai Watcharonke, a government spokesperson, revealed that Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading this initiative,…
- Thailand News
Junk food marketing – how it affects children
Today’s youth in Thailand face a startling reality. Their life expectancy may be shorter than their parents, largely due to health issues stemming from excessive junk food consumption. Over 39 million children under 5 are overweight, fueling a rapid obesity epidemic. A significant contributor is junk food marketing, targeting children who lack the cognitive skills to discern advertising intent. Marketers…
- Thailand News
Egyptian man damages Phuket taxi in violent outburst
An Egyptian traveller was taken into protective custody at a hospital following a violent outburst which caused significant damage to a taxi in Bang Tao, Phuket, yesterday. The taxi driver, 53 year old Suriya Plodmai reported to the police that he had picked up the 31 year old Egyptian national, Basem Aly Ismail, from the Patong area and was ferrying him…
- Thailand News
Thai police arrest man for selling protected langurs on Facebook
Thai authorities apprehended a 31 year old man in Narathiwat for illegal wildlife trade involving two protected langurs. Basam Saleh, who was caught following an online sting operation, confessed to purchasing the animals from a local and attempting to sell them through a Facebook group. In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, Thai police successfully nabbed Saleh for the possession…
- Thailand News
Stabbing attack at Pattaya’s Soi Night Market sparks investigation
Two individuals fell victim to a stabbing attack at Pattaya’s bustling Soi Night Market yesterday. The first casualty, identified as 43 year old Janyawat Homchan, bore the brunt of the attack, sustaining a harrowing stab wound to his left arm inflicted by an unidentified sharp object. Meanwhile, Thongbai Nadee, also 43 years old and employed at a local hotel, suffered…
- Thailand News
Teenagers’ pellet gun rampage ends in arrests in East Pattaya
A quiet neighbourhood in East Pattaya erupted into chaos as a gang of 10 teenagers unleashed a pellet gun frenzy, with one resident narrowly escaping serious injury. A group of ten teenagers stormed a residence nestled in Soi S.R., Nong Pla Lai Sub-district, east Pattaya, on March 17, firing a pellet gun indiscriminately. The 22 year old Anuchit Chaijarung had…
- Thailand News
Suspected insurgents ignite fires in southern Thailand
Suspected insurgents ignited fires overnight at various locations in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat in southern Thailand, according to police reports. In Pattani, four separate convenience stores located in Mueang, Yaring, Yarang, and Khok Pho districts experienced arson. Additionally, car tyres were set on fire at three sites, two in Khok Pho and another in Panare. Pattani’s Mueang district police chief, Police…
- Phuket News
Phuket gears up for alcohol-free Songkran at Limelight mall
The bustling town of Phuket is gearing up to host its annual Songkran celebration at the Limelight shopping mall, with officials confirming this year’s event will once again be alcohol-free. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat formally announced the official plans during a recent press conference. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 13, between 4pm to 10pm, the celebration will unfold…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s bid to join OECD gains momentum
Thailand’s quest for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership gains momentum as insiders reveal surprising support from top diplomats. Thailand’s aspiration to kick-start the accession process for OECD membership has garnered significant backing from the organisation’s members, reports a diplomatic insider. The revelation came to light during the inaugural OECD Council meeting held in Paris on Tuesday,…
- Thailand News
Toll-free motorway unveiled for Songkran holidays
Motorists are set to enjoy a toll-free journey on the newly announced Intercity Highway Number 81 (M81), disclosed Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachot yesterday. With 97.5% completion, the highway promises to revolutionise travel during the long Songkran break. Surapong highlighted its pivotal role in easing travel woes for residents of Kanchanaburi and neighbouring provinces. “The M81 Highway will be a…
- Thailand News
Thai defence ministry to downsize military
The Thai Ministry of Defence outlined a comprehensive plan to downsize service personnel by approximately 700 individuals within the next three years. This strategic move aims to restructure the military and is expected to result in savings of up to 34 million baht. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang confirmed these details after a Defence Council meeting last Thursday. The initial phase…
