- 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
Sutin: PM2.5 pollution focus of high stakes meeting with Cambodia
In a high-profile diplomatic move, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has declared war on PM2.5 pollution, setting the stage for a showdown with Cambodia. Sutin is gearing up for a fierce clash during the 16th General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Phnom Penh. He pointed fingers at Cambodian farm practices exacerbating pollution woes across borders. “I will confront Tea Seiha on…
- 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…
- Thailand News
700+ illegal foreign workers exposed in Thailand’s reserved jobs
The Thai government has exposed a clandestine workforce of over 700 foreign workers engaged in professions reserved for locals over the past six months, officials declared today. Government spokesperson Kharom Polpornklang disclosed that a vigorous crackdown by the Employment Department had ensnared 721 foreigners, predominantly employed as street vendors, hairdressers, drivers, and masseurs, prompted by grievances from indigenous workers. The…
- Thailand News
Deputy foreign minister backs Mekong region trade
To revitalise cross-border commerce, the Thailand deputy foreign minister made a pivotal visit to Chiang Saen Port on Monday, accentuating its pivotal role in the lower Mekong region. With cross-border trade in Chiang Rai soaring to an estimated 100 billion baht last year, according to the Foreign Ministry, the port’s strategic location where the Kok and Mekong Rivers converge offers…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong man arrested in Phuket for illegal tour operations
A 31 year old man from Hong Kong has been apprehended in the tourist hotspot of Phuket. The arrest occurred in a car park close to the iconic Phuket Big Buddha, officially known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, on Nakkerd Hill in the Mueang district’s Karon Subdistrict, yesterday around 5pm. The local tourist police disclosed that Wong Tsz Kin has…
- Thailand News
Phayao to become Thailand’s next eco-tourism hotspot
In a move set to transform Phayao into Thailand’s next eco-tourism hotspot, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, unleashed a whopping 300 million baht across 13 projects. This ambitious blueprint not only aims to catapult Phayao onto the global sustainable travel map but also promises a future where rubber farmers rejoice over record-breaking profits. PM Srettha, who also…
- Thailand News
Former abbot gets 468-year sentence in 300 million baht embezzlement case
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sentenced a former abbot of Wat Pa Dhammakiri in Nakhon Ratchasima, to an overwhelming 468 years in prison. This decision was made yesterday, March 20, following lawsuits that accused Khom Kongkaeowas and eight others of being embroiled in an embezzlement case worth nearly 300 million baht (US$8.34 million). Among the eight…
- Thailand News
Thai health ministry assures data security amid breach rumours
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand, under the leadership of Cholnan Srikaew, assured the public of the safety and security of patient data in their system. This response was prompted by a rumour suggesting a breach that exposed the personal information of more than 2.2 million Thai citizens. The rumour originated from the Rural Doctors Society (RDS), which alleged that…
- Thailand News
Legal team denies Big Joke’s involvement with BNK Master
The legal team of Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke divulged that nearly 30 police officers are being implicated in a corruption scandal linked to an illicitly operated online gambling network known as BNK Master. The officers under scrutiny are thought to have been involved in receiving underhand payments from the network, which has also implicated Big Joke.…
- Phuket News
House Committee gets down to earth on Phuket land disputes
The Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment from the House of Representatives yesterday landed in Phuket to conduct a study tour and resolve land disputes. The visit, led by the committee chairman, Apichart Sirisunthon, who also holds the position of Secretary-General of the Move Forward Party (MFP), sought to address the local land disputes and wastewater issues. Numerous complaints…
- Phuket News
Phuket cops raid gambling den, 4 Russians and Ukrainian arrested
A gambling den in Ratsada, north of Phuket Town, was raided by the Phuket Provincial Police and Phuket City Police in the early hours of today, resulting in the arrest of four Russian nationals and a Ukrainian. The operation, which was executed following an insider tip-off, occurred at a site on Thepkrasattri Road in Moo 6, Ratsada, in the vicinity…
- Phuket News
Phuket gardener sought for murder after drunken dispute
Phuket law enforcement officers are on a manhunt for a 55 year old gardener who is suspected of murdering his 48 year old colleague from Sisaket following a drunken disagreement in Wichit yesterday evening. The incident took place in a makeshift dwelling on Soi Thep Anusorn 4, in Moo 2, Wichit, with police alerted to the scene around 11.15pm. Upon arrival,…
- Thailand News
Thaksin Shinawatra meets probation officials ahead of schedule
Thaksin Shinawatra reported to the Department of Probation officials in Bangkok Noi district at the Bangkok Probation Office 1 on Monday, one day ahead of his scheduled visit. This step is a part of 74 year old’s parole conditions, having been convicted and now serving his sentence in a more lenient form. During his visit, the area around Bangkok Probation…
- Phuket News
Phuket police crack down on foreign-run businesses
A crackdown on foreign-operated car and bike rental businesses suspected of using nominee shareholders has been initiated by police in Phuket. The campaign was inaugurated with a raid on a rental enterprise in Moo 7, Srisoonthorn, yesterday, March 19. This operation, led by Region 8 Police Commander, Surapong Thanomjit, saw more than 100 vehicles confiscated. Surapong Thanomjit revealed that five…
- Thailand News
Why Swedish tourists flock to Thailand
According to recent statistics from reputable sources, Thailand remains one of the top five travel destinations for Swedish tourists and the number-one destination for Swedish tourists outside of European destinations, but why? Let’s dive straight in to discover some of the main reasons why so many tourists from Sweden tend to flock to this exotic location in the heart of…
- Thailand News
Thai-Belgian singer fights illegal deepfake pornographic content
A renowned Thai-Belgian singer lodged a formal complaint yesterday at the Technology Crime Suppression Division of the police over deepfake pornographic content. Violette Wautier alleged her likeness was illicitly appropriated for the creation of deepfake pornographic content, which was subsequently circulated online. Accompanied by her legal representative, the 30 year old singer expressed her deep concern over the misuse of…
- Thailand News
Thai airlines gear up for Songkran splashdown with extra flights
Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet are gearing up for the Songkran festival, a major annual event in Thailand. With an expectation of a surge in travel demand, these airlines have announced the addition of extra flights and ticket discounts to accommodate this rise. Thai Airways International yesterday announced that it would supplement…
- Thailand News
Thai police seize 400,000 litres of smuggled oil in Gulf of Thailand
Coastal vessels carrying a whopping total of 400,000 litres of smuggled oil were apprehended in the Gulf of Thailand. The seizure took place off the coast of Sattahip district in the eastern province of Chon Buri. The interception, which occurred this morning, March 19, was a result of a joint patrol operation by the Marine and Crime Suppression Division police.…
- Thailand News
Forest fires in northern Thailand increase dangerous PM2.5 levels
Forest fires in the northern provinces of Thailand have sparked an increase in atmospheric PM2.5 levels, leading to a stern warning from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department stated yesterday that severe legal consequences will be faced by those who illicitly ignite fires in forest lands. Department chief Athapol Charoenshunsa unveiled that they have recently…
- Thailand News
Plans for new airport in northern Thailand set to take off
Plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, yesterday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si…
- Thailand News
Thai govt resists declaring Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite pollution
The Government of Thailand has chosen not to declare Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite escalating air pollution, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The decision was largely influenced by concerns that such a declaration could negatively impact the province’s tourism industry. The Bangkok-born PM voiced his government’s stance on platform X, explaining that declaring the province a disaster zone…
- Thailand News
Thai consulate issues warning after measles outbreak in Osaka
The Thai consulate in Osaka has issued a health advisory for Thai nationals residing or travelling in Osaka, following the confirmation of measles cases in the Japanese city. This advice includes wearing masks when outdoors or using public transportation. The Osaka Prefecture has reported the discovery of two individuals infected with measles, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in…
- Phuket News
Thai Teen surrenders, confesses to Phuket petrol station murder
The teenager suspected of murdering another Thai man at a Phuket petrol station voluntarily surrendered to the Cherng Talay Police Station yesterday. Kiattisak “Gus” Thawornphon was immediately apprehended and questioned by the police. The 18 year old was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for the alleged murder of 21 year old Teerapat Suksrimuang,…
- Phuket News
Chalong resident hits 30 million baht jackpot in national lottery
Champagne corks popped for a resident of Chalong, Phuket, after she hit the jackpot, winning a colossal 30 million baht from the National Government Lottery. Naranun Ruchichaiyapat revealed her good fortune yesterday, March 17, upon receiving the hefty cash prize from Panthawat “Not” Nakwisut, the CEO of the lottery ticket application, Lottery Plus. The 44 year old woman, who is…
- Thailand News
House Committee’s Myanmar crisis plan for stability
The Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House has proposed a strategic four-point plan aimed at mitigating the crisis in Myanmar. The chairman of the committee and representative of the Pheu Thai Party, Noppadon Pattama, revealed that the committee supports all initiatives to bring an end to the Myanmar crisis, and has been closely observing the developments there. A special…
- Thailand News
Thai berry seekers left hanging: Labour Ministry plans visa harvest solution
The Labour Ministry of Thailand plans to solve the suspension of visa applications for Thais seeking wild-berry picking jobs in Finland by the 2025 harvest season, as disclosed by Somchai Morakotsriwan, the director-general of the Department of Employment. The ministry, in collaboration with other state agencies including those from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, is working towards a solution following Finland’s…
- Thailand News
Big Joke faces money-laundering charge linked to online gambling
Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn faces a money-laundering charge linked to alleged online gambling, leading to a police summons. Today, March 17, Thung Song Hong Police Station officers delivered the notice from Metropolitan Police Division 2 to Big Joke’s residence on Soi Vibhavadi 60 Road, located in Bangkok’s Laksi district. Big Joke must acknowledge the charge at…
- Thailand News
Cambodian officials bust cross-border call scam, rescue 19 Thai nationals
A call scam gang operating from Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia was infiltrated by Cambodian officials on Saturday, resulting in the rescue of 19 Thai nationals. The operation was sparked by a distress call received by Thai officials from one of the victims on Thursday, as revealed by Major General Nat Sri-in, the commander of the Suranaree Task Force. This large-scale…
