Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand
Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the…
- Thailand News
Six businessmen face PACC summons over illegal land acquisition
Six businessmen are soon to be summoned by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) on suspicions of unlawfully obtaining land plots allocated for landless farmers. The news was announced on Tuesday by Thanadon Suwannarit, an adviser to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Thamanat Prompow. Thanadon brought forth this development as he presented officials, well-versed in land distribution laws, to the…
- Crime News
Arrest warrants issued in money laundering probe linked to illegal gambling
The arrest of three police officers and a civilian is on the horizon as warrants have been sanctioned in relation to allegations of money laundering tied to an illicit online gambling network. A high-ranking police officer has also been issued a summons in connection with the same case. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Deputy Commissioner, Thinnakorn Rangmat, confirmed yesterday, March 12,…
- Thailand News
RTN completes salvage operation of sunken HTMS Sukhothai
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) concluded a 19-day-long salvage operation of the sunken HTMS Sukhothai, setting the stage for the creation of a memorial monument. The vessel had sunk in the Gulf of Thailand on December 19, 2022, resulting in the rescue of 76 out of the 105 people on board, while 24 individuals were found dead, leaving five still…
- Thailand News
Tourists attacked as hungry monkeys swarm Bang Saen Beach
In the blistering heat of midday last Friday, March 8, a frenzy of ravenous monkeys cascaded down from Khao Sam Muk, invading Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri province. With desperation in their eyes, the furry bandits eagerly awaited sustenance from unsuspecting tourists, with some even resorting to car-climbing antics in a desperate bid for food. Reports flooded in of…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s casino odds looking up as House Committee wraps study
The potential of casino legalisation in Thailand took a significant step forward with the House Committee on casino legalisation concluding its comprehensive study on the matter. Senior figures from the Pheu Thai Party have revealed that the study’s findings will be presented to parliament in the coming week. The special House Committee, chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, completed…
- Phuket News
Tides of tranquility disrupted: Yaba drug bust rocks Phi Phi, Krabi
The peaceful waters of Phi Phi Island and Haad Nopparat Thara Beach in Krabi, renowned tourist spots in Thailand, were disrupted by an unforeseen drug bust. The authorities apprehended two tour speedboat captains upon uncovering methamphetamine tablets, locally referred to as Yaba, concealed aboard their vessels. The first arrest transpired off the coast of Phi Phi Island Pier, according to…
- Thailand News
Songkran sees more stringent alcohol sales regulations
In a bid to curb road accidents caused by drunk driving during the extended World Songkran Festival, which spans from April 1 to 21, the Public Health Ministry initiated stringent measures to control the sale of alcohol, particularly to minors. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew outlined the festival’s divisions: a preparatory stage running from April 1 to 10, the main…
- Thailand News
Six airlines to offer discounted flights for Songkran holiday
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that six airlines will introduce 104 additional flights, offering a discount of approximately 20% for early morning and late night domestic flights during the Songkran holiday. This move is designed to offer a more economical travel option for holidaymakers. The announcement was made yesterday by the Deputy Director-General of CAAT, Sarun Benjanirut.…
- Thailand News
Thai PM defends 138 million baht Government House refurb budget
The allocated budget of 138 million baht (US$3.8 million) for the refurbishment of the Government House of Thailand, has been strongly defended by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The budget has been a subject of criticism due to its perceived high cost. Nonetheless, the prime minister clarified yesterday, March 11, that the funds would be used for the comprehensive renovation of…
- Thailand News
Princess Catherine’s apology over Mother’s Day photoshop scandal (video)
After editing concerns arose over a Mother’s Day photograph featuring the Princess of Wales and her children, Catherine issued an apology “for any confusion.” Catherine’s statement, which surfaced on Kensington Palace’s social media channels, came in response to five reputable agencies retracting the image over editing worries. “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.” The photograph in…
- Thailand News
DSI denies releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife amid tax fraud probe
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) refutes allegations of releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife from detention to reunite with her husband overseas. Sanga, a dual Myanmar-Thai citizen from Ranong, is suspected of evading authorities through a terrestrial border exit after his involvement in a fraudulent 18-billion-baht tax case came to light. Sanga’s intricate scheme involved counterfeit documentation for non-existent oil exports,…
- Thailand News
Scandal hits Government House with 500,000 baht lawn
The eagerly awaited overhaul of Government House’s front lawn, allegedly costing a staggering 498,352 baht, is on the brink of completion, according to insider sources. An informant disclosed that Green Value Co Ltd clinched the lucrative project due to its unbeatably low bid among three contenders. Utilising Paspalam grass, renowned for its resilience in scorching climates and durability against heavy…
- Thailand News
Wallaya Chirathivat shapes Thailand’s retail industry
Thailand’s retail industry has been dramatically shaped by the innovative leadership of Wallaya Chirathivat, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Pattana Plc (CPN). As the head of one of the country’s most influential retail and property development firms, Wallaya’s strategies have led to significant advancements in the retail sector and her achievements have been recognised both locally and…
- Thailand News
Citi Thailand’s transformative era under Narumon’s leadership
The bustling financial landscape of Thailand is witnessing a transformative era under the leadership of 52 year old Narumon Chivangkur. With an enviable career spanning 28 years at Citi, she currently holds the esteemed positions of Citi Country Officer (CCO) and Banking Head of Citi Thailand. Her journey reflects not only her professional dedication but also her unique blend of…
- Thailand News
Thailand primes for potential Formula E championship hosting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced an impending meeting with executives of Formula E, the globally acclaimed electric-car racing league, in Chiang Mai next week. The meeting intends to explore the potential of the city as a host for the championship. The Thai PM, who also holds the position of finance minister, expressed the executives’ intent to scout a suitable location…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s fizz-tastic fest: Sweet Baba Wedding festival promises bubbly fun
Champagne corks to pop as Phuket is all set to host the 11th Sweet Baba Phuket Wedding festival from May 11 to May 13, celebrating the rich Peranakan culture. Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon announced the dates of the yearly festival during a press conference at Blue Elephant Phuket restaurant in Phuket Town. Joining Norasak at the event were Dr…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor inspects Laem Nga beach reclaiming plans for public use
Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, undertook an inspection of Laem Nga Beach, situated at Koh Siray’s northern end yesterday. The primary objective was to evaluate plans for reclaiming the beach for public use. Last Thursday, local villagers assembled at the site to oppose the beach access’s closure by a private landowner. The protest sparked immediate action from officials who…
- Thailand News
Discounted domestic flights for Songkran announced by CAAT
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that a discount of roughly 20% will be applied to early morning and late-night domestic flights during the Songkran holiday. This move is aimed at providing an economical travel option for all holidaymakers. Sarun Benjanirat, the deputy director-general of CAAT, disclosed today, March 11, that the initiative is in response to the…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities seek dissolution of Swiss man’s Green Elephant Foundation
Phuket‘s provincial authorities, led by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, are seeking the dissolution of the Green Elephant Wildlife Foundation. Swiss expat Urs Fehr registered the foundation, which is now under investigation after a series of controversies. The announcement came after Governor Sophon’s return from promoting Phuket at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB Berlin 2024). His first official action was a meeting…
- Thailand News
Phang Nga’s lithium deposits eyed for Thailand’s EV ambitions
Phang Nga’s rich lithium deposits were the focal point of a House Committee on Industry visit yesterday, as the government looks to establish the area as a global lithium source. The move aligns with the government’s strategy to make Thailand an electronic vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub. Akkaradech Wongpitakroj, chairman of the House Committee and United Thai Nations MP for Ratchaburi,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Klong Ong Ang Canal neglected despite tourism appeal
The controversy around the neglected state of the Klong Ong Ang Canal area, once touted as a tourist hotspot by the previous government, has prompted officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to come forward in defence. Images revealing the dilapidated condition of the area, including parked vehicles on a freshly paved footpath, abandoned artistic graffiti installations, and homeless individuals…
- Thailand News
Thai navy’s frigate procurement plan gets House Committee’s nod
The Royal Thai Navy‘s (RTN) plans for procuring a new frigate received an endorsement from the House of Representatives Committee on the Armed Forces. This move is expected to pave the way for more job opportunities for local labour. The RTN’s frigate procurement strategy recently encountered a setback when its budget request of 17 billion baht (US$480 million) for the…
- Aviation News
Thailand and France collaborate to upgrade Thai aviation industry
Thailand’s aviation industry is set to undergo a significant upgrade, in collaboration with France, as announced by Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The partnership, conceived during a recent official visit to France, is intended to ready Thailand for future aviation demands. The minister held discussions with Damien Caze, the head of France’s Directorate-General for Civil Aviation, in the French capital.…
- Thailand News
Chulalongkorn Uni pressured to reveal fraudulent thesis results
Chulalongkorn University is currently under pressure from an alumni group, Network of Universities Reform, to reveal the findings of an investigation into an alleged fraudulent doctoral research paper. The contentious thesis, penned by Nattapon Jaijin, has been under scrutiny for three years, a fact that has sparked frustration within the group. The group’s leader, Wirangrong Dabbaransi, has taken to Facebook…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities given 3-day deadline to investigate beach access blockage
The Phuket authorities face a three-day deadline to probe the ownership of a land plot belonging to a private company in Phuket that obstructs public access to Laem Nga Beach. This directive was given by Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham on Friday following a demonstration by approximately 500 individuals at the blocked beachfront property the previous day. The protesters demanded that…
- Thailand News
Thai govt enhances medical accessibility for HIV/Aids patients
The Thai government, represented by the Public Health Ministry, has green-lit a plan to enhance medical accessibility for individuals living with HIV/Aids. This decision follows a multi-agency meeting headed by Minister Cholnan Srikaew. The dialogue, held on Friday, included representation from the Thai Network of People Living with HIV/Aids (TNP+), the Aids Access Foundation, the Institute of HIV Research and…
- Thailand News
Anthrax outbreak in Laos prompts raw meat warning in Thailand
Kenika Ounjit, a deputy government spokesperson, yesterday revealed a public health warning from the Department of Livestock Development. The warning urged the public to refrain from consuming raw meat. This follows a report of an anthrax outbreak in Laos, published on the World Forum Facebook page on Wednesday. According to the report, three cases of anthrax were identified on March…
- Thailand News
Thai Health Ministry under scrutiny for drug user-dealer regulation
The Public Health Ministry faces a 30-day deadline to substantiate its regulation that categorises individuals holding five methamphetamine pills or 10mg of crystal meth or less as mere drug users, not dealers. This demand comes from the Office of the Ombudsman, which is considering cancelling the ministry regulation. The secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, Police Lieutenant Colonel Keirov…
- Thailand News
AI-driven project launched to tackle Bangkok’s traffic congestion
An artificial intelligence (AI) technology-driven project, the Ratchaprasong Model, has been launched by the government to combat excessive traffic congestion in the bustling business district of Ratchaprasong. This area is also recognised as a tourist hotspot in the capital. The inauguration of the project was presided over by the Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Puangpet Chunlaiad, and vice minister Warawut Yanjareon,…
