- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Bangkok governor defends handling of Klong Ong Ang amid criticism
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stood firm on Saturday against criticism aimed at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its handling of Klong Ong Ang in the Samphanthawong district. The BMA found itself on the receiving end of accusations of abandonment, with critics arguing that the area had been left to deteriorate. Chadchart staunchly refuted these claims, reinforcing that the district…
- Thailand News
Thai government tackles rise in nationals overstaying Japan visas
The Thai government pledged to tackle the increasing number of Thai nationals overstaying their 15-day visas in Japan, following a sharp rise in such incidents over recent years. This commitment was confirmed by Jakkapong Sangmanee, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who recently held discussions with a senior official from the Japanese embassy. The public expressed concerns over the potential…
- Thailand News
The state of casino gambling in Thailand: laws and reality
Millions of people are drawn to the excitement of gambling and bright lights in casinos in today’s world. The issue of casino gambling in Thailand is characterised by a difficult combination of legislation and cultural practices. In a country famous for tourism, why aren’t the gamblers being cater to, like Singapore, Macau or even Vegas? What lies beyond the law…
- Thailand News
Indonesia: Taiwanese found dead after boat accident
A Taiwanese citizen has been discovered lifeless following a boat accident near Jakarta, Indonesia. In the waters off Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, tragedy struck when a passenger boat, carrying 35 individuals, capsized near the Kepulauan Seribu area. Amidst the chaos, all but one were swiftly rescued, leaving authorities scrambling to locate the missing Taiwanese passport holder. The Taiwanese man was identified…
- Thailand News
Thailand consumer council pushes for AI regulation
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is pushing for the modernisation of the Consumer Protection Act 1979, in order to accommodate the emerging trends in technology, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This call for change comes in tandem with the TCC’s latest campaign, Responsible and Fair AI for Consumers, which was launched on World Consumer Rights Day. The campaign…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha joins dinner with Thaksin and Somchai in Chiang Mai
In an extraordinary meeting, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra and Somchai Wongsawat gathered for dinner last night in Chiang Mai. The trio, led by current PM Srettha, are set to gather as Thaksin, on parole, returns to his hometown for various engagements, including paying homage to his late parents. Thailand’s 23rd prime minister, Thaksin, despite a corruption conviction, barely tasted prison…
- Thailand News
Microsoft CEO halts Southeast Asia trip including Bangkok
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella delayed his visit to Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as announced yesterday. The eagerly awaited Microsoft Build: AI Day event slated for March 21 in Bangkok now hangs in limbo indefinitely, Microsoft revealed on Friday. “We are doing our utmost in preparing to reschedule the event and will inform you of the details as soon as…
- Thailand News
Decade-old Thai rice from controversial scheme found fresh
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai conducted a rice inspection following an invitation from the Association of Thai Agricultural Product Surveyors. The association, keen to dispel allegations regarding the quality of rice held under the contentious rice-pledging scheme, orchestrated an eventful visit to warehouses owned by Poonpon Trading Ltd and Kittichai Ltd in different districts of the northeastern…
- Thailand News
UN official urges stronger action for sustainable development goals
The Chief of Outreach & Engagement at the UN Global Compact highlighted a pressing need for stronger collective action from all stakeholders to reach the United Nation’s sustainable development goals by 2030. During a media interaction in Thailand, Sue Allchurch expressed concerns about the sluggish progress towards these goals, despite global recognition of their importance. Allchurch outlined various obstacles that…
- Thailand News
Thailand Tourism Festival held in Bangkok from March 28
The 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival will be held from March 28 to April 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this year’s festival promises a spectacle of unparalleled experiences, blending tradition with innovation and sustainability. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that the Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 will incorporate…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks OECD membership with Germany’s support
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the country’s ambition to gain membership in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He sought Germany’s support for this endeavour during a joint press conference with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, in Berlin. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke outlined the meeting’s details, indicating that Chancellor Scholz expressed Germany’s interest in bolstering relations, especially…
- Thailand News
MFP warned of legal implications ahead of general debate
A general debate has been scheduled for April 3 and 4, with a cautionary note to the opposition that they may face legal consequences if issues related to the ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, are raised. This debate doesn’t require a censure vote under Section 152 of the constitution and will span over two days, revealed Wisut Chainarun, the chief government whip.…
- Thailand News
DSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed that a rigorous probe will be undertaken into nine Phuket-based businesses suspected of employing Thai nominees to evade labour laws limiting specific industries to Thai nationals only. Among these organisations is the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, managed by Urs Fehr, a 45 year old Swiss national known for an incident last month…
- Thailand News
Young Indochina tiger undergoes eye surgery in Uthai Thani
A semi-blind male Indochina tiger, believed to be approximately two years old, underwent successful surgery this week to remove an intensely inflamed eye. The tiger, known as Balago, was discovered wandering around Kamphaeng Phet around a month ago and was brought to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani. Senior veterinarian Pimchanok Songmongkol, along with a team of specialists…
- Thailand News
Mo Chit 2 drivers demand fare increase and illegal taxis crackdown
A demand for an increase in the starting taxi fare at Mo Chit 2 to 50 Thai baht (US$1.40) was presented to the Transport Ministry by the Professional Association of Public Taxi Motorists on Thursday. The association simultaneously appealed for the resolution of the persistent issue of illegal taxi operations in the area. Khanesuan Gamkhuntod, the President of the association,…
- Thailand News
Thailand tokes on new approach: CBD-infused Marijuana oil to fight drug addiction
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has initiated a pioneering programme utilising marijuana oil infused with high levels of CBD to combat drug dependency. Dr Thewan Thanirat, DTAM’s deputy director-general, unveiled the innovative prescription, named Karun Osoth, a concoction of coconut oil and CBD meticulously balanced to 10 milligrammes of CBD per millilitre of coconut oil. This…
- Thailand News
Bite back: Call for Thai Parliament to ban shark fin consumption
To safeguard marine ecosystems, WildAid and Love Wildlife Foundation penned an open letter to Thailand’s Parliament, urging an immediate halt to the serving and consumption of shark fin. This call to action follows shocking revelations of shark fin soup being dished out at Parliament House, sparking outrage among conservationists and environmentalists alike. In a detailed plea to the President of…
- Phuket News
Phuket mayor guarantees drought-proof supply for dry season
The Phuket Town mayor confirmed that the Phuket City Municipality has a sufficient water supply to sustain residents throughout the remainder of the dry season. However, he is encouraging residents to be mindful of their water consumption. Currently, the municipality’s water reserves are 80% full, according to Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas. This supply is anticipated to be ample for producing tap…
