- Thailand News
Don Mueang Airport prepares for Songkran holiday travel spike
Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport gears up for an influx of approximately 625,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday period, which runs from April 11 to 17. It expects over 4,000 flights, marking a substantial 10.58% rise from the previous year’s data. Don Mueang Airport General Manager Wichit Kaewsaitiam attributed this surge to the government’s strategic policies aimed at bolstering domestic…
- Thailand News
Northern Thailand grapples with severe global air contamination
The hazardous red-coded levels of PM2.5 shrouded most northern provinces of Thailand today, with Chiang Mai earning the unenviable title of the city with the most severe air contamination globally. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) disclosed today, April 4, at 8am that 14 provinces were grappling with red (highly detrimental) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and…
- Thailand News
Thai woman narrowly escapes injury as demolition goes wrong
A near-miss incident involving a building demolition and a woman in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, took centre stage yesterday afternoon. The woman, employed at an eatery, narrowly escaped injury when a building under demolition collapsed unexpectedly, part of it crashing into the eatery. The incident occurred around 2pm, yesterday, March 31, on Charoen Mueang Road in the Mueang district of the…
- Phuket News
Italian national arrested for drunk driving in Phuket, Thailand
A drink driving incident yesterday led to the arrest of an Italian national in Phuket, Thailand. The man’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be 95mg/dL, which is significantly above the legal limit. This 50 year old Italian man was apprehended by Patong Police around 4am in the vicinity of Loma Circle at the northern end of Patong Beach.…
- Thailand News
Taking off: Passenger charges soar at six major Thai airports
Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports. For international flights, the fees have been increased from 700 to 730 baht,…
- Thailand News
Lorry smuggling Myanmar migrants crashes in Thailand, 14 hurt
Fourteen people were injured when a lorry, smuggling Myanmar migrants illegally into Thailand, lost control and tipped over in the western province of Kanchanaburi. The incident, which occurred on Road 323 in Sangkhla Buri district shortly after midnight, saw the vehicle’s driver lose control while speeding down a hill and veer off a curve, subsequently fleeing the scene. The lorry…
- Phuket News
Krill-iant phenomenon: Millions wash ashore a Phuket beach
Mai Khao Beach in Phuket experienced a peculiar occurrence as millions of krill washed ashore over the weekend. The event sparked worry among local villagers, particularly due to the unusual purple colour of the krill, as opposed to their typical pinkish-red hue. Winai Sae-ew, the Village Headman of Moo 4, Mai Khao, inspected the beach yesterday afternoon. During his investigation,…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong Airlines flight’s hiccup leads to Bangkok u-turn
A technical glitch forced a Hong Kong Airlines flight to make an abrupt return to Bangkok shortly after taking off for Hong Kong. The incident occurred yesterday, March 31, and involved flight HX780, which was ferrying over 200 passengers. Flight data indicates that the Airbus A330-300 twin-jet aircraft began to circle the airspace shortly after its 2am departure. By 2.25am,…
- Thailand News
Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to deliver data on alleged police bribery
A prominent Thai lawyer is set to deliver critical data regarding alleged bribery allegations, which involve online gambling networks and the national police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, along with his spouse, to the Move Forward Party (MFP) today. The secretary-general of the Foundation of People’s Lawyers, Sittra Biabungkerd, had previously submitted similar documents related to the case to the national police’s…
- Phuket News
Phuket karaoke bar raided, operator arrested for child prostitution
An illicit karaoke establishment in Phuket‘s Rassada district, found to be providing sex services by girls as young as 13 years old, was raided by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), ultimately leading to the arrest of the female operator. The arrest was part of a larger police initiative aimed at individuals involved in the procurement of minors for sexual services.…
- Phuket News
Phuket rescue team kept busy with surge in reptile sightings
Rescue workers at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch in Wichit Municipality (DDPM-Wichit), Phuket, have been kept busy with a surge in reptile sightings. Even before the onset of the rainy season, the task of managing the movement of these creatures has become a daily routine. Yesterday, a massive python and a baby monitor lizard were captured in…
- Thailand News
Prachuap Khiri Khan prison manages Covid-19 with emergency operations centre
The Covid-19 situation at Prachuap Khiri Khan prison in Thailand is set to be managed by an imminent emergency operations centre (EOC), following the identification of infection clusters. This development comes as the public health permanent secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, reported intensified surveillance in the wake of 79 confirmed Covid cases at the prison. The first infection was detected on…
- Thailand News
Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. The pitch was made by the CEO of KAI, Kang…
- Thailand News
Thailand responds to surge in flesh-eating disease cases in Japan
A surge in the number of flesh-eating disease cases, officially known as necrotising fasciitis, in Japan, has prompted a response from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC). The DDC gave reassurances yesterday that no instances of the rare but deadly bacterial infection have been reported in Thailand this year. The DDC is keeping a close eye on the developments in…
- Thailand News
Workers get million-baht compensation for Rayong crane accident
Following a harrowing crane collapse tragedy in Rayong’s Pluak Daeng district where seven lives were lost, negotiations between workers and authorities have culminated in a million-baht compensation deal. The predominantly Myanmar workforce reluctantly reopened the site this morning only after the construction firm, under pressure, agreed to a compensation package amounting to 1.6 million baht for each fatality. The turmoil…
- Thailand News
Thailand and UK forge economic alliance
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE, along with British Ambassador Mark Gooding, engaged in a diplomatic meeting to discuss economic collaboration between the UK and Thailand. The crux of Thursday’s discussions revolved around fortifying economic ties, amplifying trade relations, and fostering investment opportunities. This pivotal dialogue laid the groundwork for signing a Memorandum of…
- Thailand News
Rayong fishing groups sue Star Petroleum over oil spill devastation
A class action lawsuit has been initiated by 14 individuals from Rayong, representing fishing groups and local businesses. They are suing Star Petroleum Refining Company (SPRC), the owner of an underwater oil pipeline that ruptured in 2022, claiming that the subsequent major oil spill has devastated their livelihoods. These individuals are part of a local fishing community known as Pak…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s MRT Yellow Line resumes limited service after disruption
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit’s (MRT) Yellow Line in Bangkok recommenced limited operations following a disruption caused by loose parts falling from the track. From today, March 29, the service will operate with a temporary 20% fare discount until full service resumes. The incident yesterday prompted a collaborative investigation involving representatives from the Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co. Ltd. (EBM), the Transport…
- Thailand News
Russian tourist arrested for violent conduct in Phuket hotel
A Russian man was apprehended at a hotel in Karon, Phuket, for causing a public disturbance and engaging in violent behaviour. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, prompted Karon Police to issue a stern warning to all foreigners against unruly, alcohol-fuelled conduct. The alert came in response to a Tuesday night altercation that resulted in a police officer resorting…
- Thailand News
Suvarnabhumi Airport rolls out Grab taxi services
To enhance passenger convenience and elevate service standards, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) unveiled the latest addition to Suvarnabhumi Airport: Grab taxi services. Positioned at Gate 4 on the first floor of the terminal, the newly inaugurated Grab service centre stands ready to cater to passengers around the clock, announced AoT Director Kirati Kitmanawat. Echoing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision…
- Thailand News
Thailand mulls over legalising casinos to boost economy
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin advocated for the establishment of entertainment complexes housing casinos in the country. The 62 year old prime minister stated his belief yesterday, March 28, that legalising casinos could potentially extinguish illegal gambling dens and divert gamblers’ money towards the state. The Thai PM further added that these complexes would operate under proper regulations, leading to…
- Thailand News
Cabinet green lights bills to modify alcohol control law
The Cabinet has given initial approval to five proposed bills aiming to modify the current alcohol control law, a move that could potentially lead to extended selling hours and more relaxed advertising rules. This decision has, however, sparked controversy among anti-alcohol advocates. The legislation was introduced for its first reading in the House on Wednesday, March 27, and received a…
- Thailand News
Taiwanese and Thai nationals charged for heroin smuggling
Taiwanese aviation police have cracked down on an international drug cartel smuggling heroin which involved one Taiwanese and four Thai nationals. The cunning scheme involved smuggling a whopping 36.644 kilogrammes of heroin into Taiwan, with an eye-watering value of over US$3.1 million (approximately 113 million baht), as disclosed in a press release by the Aviation Police Bureau (APB) yesterday. According…
- Thailand News
Malaysian tourists inquire Thai immigration arrival card exemption
Inquiries from Malaysian tourists have flooded hotel operators, eager for the inside scoop on Thailand’s immigration policy regarding the exemption of arrival cards for travellers from Malaysia. Songchai Mungprasitthichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, revealed that Malaysians are particularly curious about potential extensions beyond the current expiry date of April 30. Travellers from all corners of the globe…
- Phuket News
Phuket City initiates public consultation for new waste incinerator
Phuket City Municipality, in its quest to deal with the growing issue of solid waste, has initiated the first public consultation on its plan to build a brand new incinerator at the Saphan Hin waste disposal site. The meeting was led by Deputy Mayor Orapailin Trakulpriphon and took place at the meeting room of the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Center…
- Phuket News
Phuket teenager triggers trouble with museum shooting
The Phuket authorities apprehended a 17 year old boy yesterday after he allegedly shot a 16-year-old boy near the Phuket Mining Museum. The incident was reported to the police around 1.35am, when the young victim was targeted whilst riding his motorcycle. An unidentified man in a white pickup truck approached him and fired a shot, hitting the teenager in his…
- Thailand News
Two dead in Baltimore bridge collision
The bodies of two construction workers were discovered submerged in the frigid depths of Baltimore harbour, trapped in their pickup truck after a cargo vessel careened into the bridge they were repairing. Maryland authorities, grappling with the grim revelation, revealed at a press briefing that sonar imaging suggests additional vehicles lie entombed amidst the rubble of the Francis Scott Key…
- Phuket News
Chalong police bust major drug operation in Rawai, Phuket
A swift operation by Chalong police in the sea gypsy village of Rawai, Phuket, led to the apprehension of three individuals and the confiscation of a significant quantity of drugs. The stash included over 1,700 methamphetamine tablets, colloquially known as Yaba, and more than 600 grams of crystal meth, or ya ice. The central figure in this Tuesday night raid…
- Thailand News
Thai labour unions criticise new daily minimum wage
The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC) and State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SEWRC) expressed disapproval of the new daily minimum wage of 400 baht approved by the tripartite wage committee. The wage increase is only applicable to some areas in 10 provinces, initiating a wave of criticism from the labour unions, who argue that this decision is unjust. According to…
- Thailand News
Rising risk of influenza and dengue amid Covid-19 warns DDC
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued an alert about the escalating risk of influenza and dengue fever this year, amidst the persisting threat of Covid-19. The department’s recent communicable diseases report highlights the significance of these health risks. The department’s spokesperson, Dr Jurai Wongsawat, disclosed that the beginning of the year saw substantial clusters of influenza in schools, prisons,…
