- Phuket News
Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit
An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…
- Thailand News
Thailand and France forge future partnerships
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…
- Thailand News
Sustainability Week Asia 2024: A call to action for climate crisis
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke at the Sustainability Week Asia 2024 event hosted by Economist Impact, under The Economist media group, held at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. In his opening remarks, Parnpree rallied an esteemed audience comprising business magnates, both domestic and international, alongside government representatives, academia, and experts. Highlighting the gravity of the…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s annual Heroines Festival honours historical defenders
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiated a ceremony yesterday at Wat Mueang Komaraphat, in Tambon Thepkrasattri, Thalang, in honour of Phuket’s revered Heroines, Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, who were instrumental in defending the island against Burmese intruders in 1785. Initiated at 5.30pm, the ceremony was marked by a procession that kicked off from the Ban Khian shrine and…
- 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
Japan: Locals warned after cat dives into chemical vat
In Fukuyama, western Japan, residents are on high alert as a cat goes missing after taking a dip in a vat of dangerous chemicals at a metal plating plant. An ordinary day at the plant took a surreal twist when an employee stumbled upon paw prints leading away from the container, revealing the daring escape of the furry culprit. Surveillance…
- 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
Thai Pakdee Party leader acquitted in defamation suit
Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, emerged triumphant today as the Criminal Court acquitted him in a high-stakes defamation suit brought forth by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the former leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party. Amidst the legal theatrics, Thanathorn, now at the helm of the Progressive Movement, was conspicuously absent as the verdict echoed through the…
- 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,…
- World News
Oppenheimer sweeps the Oscars with seven awards
Los Angeles witnessed the triumph of the biographical masterpiece, Oppenheimer, at the Academy Awards on Sunday. The film, detailing the life of the atomic bomb’s inventor, bagged seven Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director, awarded to Christopher Nolan. The accolade of Best Actor went to Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor, for his impeccable depiction of the physicist…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Investigation launched into land encroachment at Khao Yai National Park
A probe has been set in motion regarding allegations of land encroachment at Khao Yai National Park, with a firm commitment from authorities to reclaim properties illegally built on plots meant for landless farmers and penalise all officials implicated in the scandal. This development follows a meeting between Thanadon Suwannarit, a consultant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat…
- 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
Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand’s political sector’s rising star
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic youngest daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is making waves in the nation’s political sector. As the current leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, she brings a combination of academic prowess and political lineage to the table. Holding degrees in Sociology and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University and in International Hotel Management from the…
- 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
Thailand’s Kantharalak district to reopen Preah Vihear temple
The district of Kantharalak in Sisaket, Thailand, is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to reopen access to the Preah Vihear temple after 16 years. The decision to establish a temporary checkpoint for entry into the Cambodian temple followed Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s recent visit to the province. The move has sparked excitement among the locals, who view it as…
- 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…
