- 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
Royal Thai Police internal conflict prompts public investigation
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is currently embroiled in an internal conflict that has drawn substantial public interest. A committee headed by the former Deputy Police Chief, Police General Winai Thongsong, has been tasked with investigating the matter and has been given a timeframe of 60 days to unearth the truth. According to Pol. Gen. Winai, this investigation is not…
- 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
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
PM Srettha pledges two-month Thailand stay amid travel criticism
In the face of mounting public criticism over his frequent overseas travels, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vocally committed to staying put in Thailand for the next two months. The announcement was made via his Twitter account, highlighting that he had taken on board the citizens’ concerns and was grateful for their feedback. “I will not be travelling abroad from…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Thai teacher gets two years for false lottery ticket theft claim
A sensational lottery scandal in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province ended yesterday with the sentencing of Preecha Kraikruan, a 56 year old local Buddhist teacher. The Kanchanaburi Provincial Court handed down a two-year incarceration sentence for falsely accusing a 68 year old retired law enforcement officer, Police Lieutenant Jaroon Wimool, of the theft of lottery tickets that won a 30 million baht…
- 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…
- 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
Thai Cabinet grants 300 million baht for northern provinces
A significant financial boost of 300 million baht (US$8.3 million) has been granted by the Thai Cabinet for the development of 13 projects aimed at tourism growth across four northern provinces; Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Nan. The decision was made during a mobile meeting in Phayao, overseen by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his two-day visit to the region.…
- 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 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
Fatal bus crash in northern Thailand kills two drivers, injures 44
A fatal bus crash involving a long-haul vehicle claimed the lives of its two drivers and injured 44 passengers early today in the Mueang district of Nakhon Ratchasima. The double-decker bus, run by Lotusphibul Tours, was travelling from Bung Kan to Bangkok when it collided with a steel support for a road sign. The accident occurred around 2am, today, March…
- 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
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
American arrested for violating Foreign Business Act in Thailand
An American citizen was apprehended by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for violating the Foreign Business Act. The arrest occurred following allegations of illegal profit redirection from a luxury villa estate developer. The individual in question, referred to as David, was taken into custody at the entrance of Jomtien Hospital in Chon Buri, around 11am last Thursday, as per…
- 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,…
- 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
Swiss technology revolutionises Thai railways with first arch culvert
Swiss technology finds its way into the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as arch culvert technology is incorporated into the double-track railroad project between Den Chai district in Phrae and Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai. This marks the first time such technology is being used in Thailand, according to Ekkarat Sriarayanpong, the head of the SRT governor’s office. The…
- 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
Thai military officer’s road rage prompts armed forces investigation
A road rage incident involving armed military personnel has prompted an investigation by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters. The episode, captured on video, featured a uniformed military man, armed with a pistol, confronting a pickup truck driver at a toll plaza over his driving behaviour. The incident came to light when the truck driver filmed the confrontation on…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cannabis sector faces threat from recreational use ban
The future of recreational cannabis use in Thailand is under siege, with the government set to roll out a ban by year-end while still permitting its medical use. Thodsapol Hongtong, a 31 year old influencer with his own cannabis shop and online platform, Channel Weed Thailand, enjoys the camaraderie and economic benefits of the booming cannabis sector, estimated to be…
