- 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
Illegal workers in South Korea: Amnesty for Thai nationals
The Labour Ministry of Thailand has approached the South Korean government to consider granting amnesty to around 150,000 Thai workers currently residing and working unlawfully in South Korea. The plea was made yesterday by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat met with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jeong-sik, in Seoul on Wednesday, March 13, to examine the predicament. According to Phiphat,…
- 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
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
MFP: Is Thaksin really sick or just playing politics?
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Rangsiman Rome cast doubt on the transparency of Thailand’s government regarding the health status of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During a three-day visit to his hometown of Chiang Mai, questions arose about Thaksin’s sudden discharge from hospital and his subsequent busy schedule, prompting Rangsiman to demand answers. Rangsiman challenged the government’s narrative, highlighting Thaksin’s…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Patong businesses deny service refusal to Thai nationals
The vibrant tourist hotspot of Patong in Phuket has come under scrutiny amid allegations circulating on social media platforms. Claims suggest that certain local businesses have been denying service to Thai nationals. In response to these allegations, Weerawit Kreuasombat, the President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), has stepped forward to speak on behalf of the businesses in question.…
- Thailand News
Bangkok considers law to pave way for fair land compensation
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is exploring the possibility of implementing a city planning law that provides compensation to landowners whose properties are required for public infrastructure improvements. Bangkok Deputy Governor Wissanu Sapsompol announced yesterday, March 13, that the BMA has requested several property owners to allow a portion of their lands to be utilised for the expansion of neighbouring…
- Phuket News
Phuket ramps up tourist security measures ahead of visa-free travel
The national commander of the Tourist Police, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, and Police Major General Manat Sriwongsa, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, arrived in Phuket yesterday in a bid to enhance the safety and convenience for tourists visiting the popular holiday destination. The visit saw them accompanied by Police Major General Phopphon Chakkaphak, Commander of Tourist Police Division…
- Thailand News
Wheel deal: Wheelchair activist challenges airline’s boarding ban
A complaint has been lodged against an airline by an activist bound by a wheelchair, after the airline prohibited him from boarding, arguing that he did not have an escort. Kritsana Lalai, representing the Network for Transport Mobility for All, presented his complaint to Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister for Social Development and Human Security. Reacting to the situation, the minister…
- Thailand News
Thai citizens in Haiti warned amidst escalating gang violence
Amid escalating gang violence, Thai citizens in Haiti have been cautioned by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, advising them to steer clear of high-risk zones. The Caribbean nation has been embroiled in turmoil due to rising gang violence, with indications of the situation further degenerating into chaos, as per the ministry’s observation. The warning was issued in a statement released yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Wage increase: EconThai’s projections for minimum daily wage
An anticipated meeting of the tripartite wage committee later this month is expected to sanction a second increase in the minimum daily wage for this year. However, the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) suggests the approved hike is unlikely to take the wage to the 400 baht mark. According to Thanit Sorat, the vice-chair of EconThai, the…
- Thailand News
Cathay Pacific staff rewarded with record bonus
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways announced a windfall for its staff, showering them with a bonus equal to 7.2 weeks’ pay. The airline revealed today a staggering net profit of HK$9.79 billion (approximately 44 billion baht) for last year, alongside plans to bolster its workforce by 20%, hiring an additional 5,000 personnel. Cathay Pacific also delighted shareholders by declaring its…
- Thailand News
Three million meth pills found in cow pat in Songkhla
Local authorities were left stunned when they stumbled upon a haul of 2.93 million meth pills worth 58 million baht in some cow pat nestled amidst the forsaken grounds of the derelict station in Songkhla. The discovery marks a significant breakthrough in the relentless battle against narcotics in the southern border province. Prompted by suspicions, vigilant officials and police undertook a…
- Thailand News
Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand
The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…
- 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…
- Thailand News
E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand
Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the…
- 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
Tourists attacked as hungry monkeys swarm Bang Saen Beach
In the blistering heat of midday last Friday, March 8, a frenzy of ravenous monkeys cascaded down from Khao Sam Muk, invading Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri province. With desperation in their eyes, the furry bandits eagerly awaited sustenance from unsuspecting tourists, with some even resorting to car-climbing antics in a desperate bid for food. Reports flooded in of…
- 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
Six airlines to offer discounted flights for Songkran holiday
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that six airlines will introduce 104 additional flights, offering a discount of approximately 20% for early morning and late night domestic flights during the Songkran holiday. This move is designed to offer a more economical travel option for holidaymakers. The announcement was made yesterday by the Deputy Director-General of CAAT, Sarun Benjanirut.…
- 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…
