Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Thai police officers face bankruptcy with debt over 300 billion baht
Police General Torsak Sukvimol has indicated that a multitude of law enforcement officers across Thailand are facing impending bankruptcy due to an accumulated debt totalling around 300 billion baht. This revelation came about during his interaction with the House committee tasked with reviewing the 2024 annual budget expenditure bill. Pol. Gen. Torsak was summoned to respond to inquiries concerning the…
- Thailand News
Three distinct prehistoric animal fossils unearthed in Khon Kaen
A new discovery has surfaced in the Tambon Muang Wan region of Nam Phong district, Khon Kaen, as fossils of three different prehistoric animals have been unearthed. This comes as an addition to the previous findings in the same area. The analysis of the collected fossils is being undertaken by a team led by Sasa-On Khansubha, a palaeontologist affiliated with…
- Thailand News
Thailand DIP organises online cartoon script competition
In a collaboration between the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), KP Comics Studios, and Kakao Webtoon Thailand, an online cartoon competition promises to be a game-changer for aspiring writers. Director-General of the DIP, Wuttikrai Leewiraphan, champions the cause. “We’re putting the spotlight on intellectual property, blending Thai cultural influence with cutting-edge digital trends like webtoons.” With over 3 million monthly…
- Thailand News
Nestopa unveils AI-enhanced property portal
In a move set to reshape Thailand’s property landscape, Nestopa has launched the nation’s inaugural artificial intelligence (AI)-powered property portal. This cutting-edge platform promises to redefine the real estate experience for both local and international stakeholders. Kevin Speakman, Co-Founder and CEO of Nestopa, elucidates the company’s vision. “Nestopa pioneers the fusion of AI technology with real estate browsing and listing,…
- Phuket News
Phuket cracks down on illegal operations in Chinese restaurants
The bustling tourist hub of Phuket, in Thailand, was recently the scene of an extensive inspection operation. A composite task force composed of representatives from 15 different government entities descended upon six Chinese eateries located in the Naka Market area of Wichit. Alarmingly, three instances of law infringement were uncovered in the process, including one restaurant that was found to…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen University: Copyright infringement by Miss Global
Assistant Professor Pachon Akapram, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Khon Kaen University, revealed that Miss Global had brazenly used the music of one of their students without permission. Third-year student Nathapong Detboon’s masterpiece was allegedly commandeered for the Apsara Thai Traditional Dance performance during the pageant’s final round in Cambodia on January 16. According to…
- Phuket News
Phuket passenger van drivers’ brawl sparks social media outrage
A physical altercation suddenly erupted between two passenger van drivers in front of Ratsada Pier in Phuket on Sunday afternoon. The spectacle, which was captured on video by a passing vehicle, soon became a local sensation on social media channels. Public outrage surged over the violent behaviour displayed by the drivers, often referred to as Phuket’s public transport drivers. One…
- Phuket News
RTN launches coral reef conservation in the Andaman Sea
The tranquil waves of the Andaman Sea in Phuket were silenced yesterday as Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Adung Phan-iam, took to the podium to announce the start of a new conservation initiative. The project, aimed at repairing and installing mooring buoys, seeks to safeguard the area’s coral reefs, the vibrant yet vulnerable bedrock of the marine ecosystem. The launch…
- Thailand News
Thailand invests 37 billion baht for 62,000 new family medicine practitioners
The Thai government approved a significant investment of 37 billion baht into the country’s healthcare sector, aimed at producing an additional 62,000 family medicine practitioners over the next decade. This initiative, approved during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, February 20, is designed to enhance the nation’s primary care services. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke explained that the objective of this investment is…
- Thailand News
Prime Minister of Thailand proposes pollution mitigation fund
The Prime Minister of Thailand proposed the establishment of a pollution mitigation fund with the United Nations (UN). The proposal by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was made during a recent meeting with Amina J Mohammed, the UN’s Deputy Secretary-General, centred around the discussion of sustainable development. Post Tuesday’s Cabinet briefing, the 62 year old prime minister revealed how he had…
- Thailand News
Pickup plunges 10 metres into water pit in Chon Buri
A white Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck plunged more than 10 metres into a water-filled pit in Chon Buri on Monday, February 19, after reportedly nodding off behind the wheel. Responding swiftly to the emergency call, police and local rescue teams found the submerged pickup, but to their relief, the 51 year old driver, Thaweesap Kulbutr, had already been rescued by quick-thinking bystanders.…
- Thailand News
Thailand sets new meth possession limit to curb drug trade
Thailand Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew expressed confidence in a recently enacted limit on methamphetamine possession, aimed at crippling the operations of small-scale drug dealers. “I insist the law will be effective right after it’s issued.” The freshly minted regulation declares that an individual may possess no more than five methamphetamine pills without attracting criminal charges. Instead of prosecution, such individuals…
- Thailand News
Satellite imagery to resolve Khao Yai National Park land dispute
In a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute over Sor Por Kor rights for land located inside Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment ministries convened yesterday, February 20. They agreed to employ satellite imagery data from the Royal Thai Survey Department to determine the lawful owners of the contentious lands. Agriculture Minister Captain…
- Thailand News
Thai opposition urges aid for Myanmar nationals fleeing conscription
The Thai government is being urged by opposition MP, Kannavee Suebsang, to extend humanitarian aid to Myanmar nationals escaping mandatory military service in their homeland. Kannavee, who represents the FAIR Party, highlighted that Myanmar’s military junta has recently paused the export of labourers to Thailand, with a usual daily influx of 700-800 workers now absent. Kannavee voiced his uncertainty regarding…
- Thailand News
Prohibition lifted on controversial Shakespeare Must Die film
The long-standing prohibition on the screening of the contentious film, Shakespeare Tong Tai (Shakespeare Must Die), was lifted by the Supreme Administrative Court yesterday, bringing an end to an 11-year ban. The court’s ruling also mandated the Film Screening Committee, informally known as the Censorship Department and operating under the preceding Culture Ministry, to provide financial compensation to the individuals…
- Thailand News
Thailand extends visas to Kazakh tourists for six more months
Kazakh tourists will continue to enjoy a visa-free scheme in Thailand for an additional six months, following an extension by the Thai Cabinet. The exemption, applicable to those carrying Kazakhstani passports or equivalent documents, is now due to run from March 1 to August 31, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “As per our records, each Kazakh tourist spends roughly…
- Thailand News
Algerian tourist nabs 20,000 baht amulet from Bangkok gold shop
An Algerian tourist has been apprehended and charged with the theft of a valuable amulet worth around 20,000 baht from a prestigious gold shop nestled in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. The Algerian tourist was identified as Garou by Police Superintendent Police Colonel Santi Kornkasem of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division. He was nabbed on Monday following an intense investigation triggered…
- Phuket News
Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday
The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…
- Phuket News
Phuket reels under heatwave with mercury soaring above 35°C
Phuket, an idyllic island in Thailand, regularly known for its tropical bliss, has been in the throes of an intense heatwave. Mercury levels have consistently soared above 35°C, a significant deviation from the 30-year average, causing officials to warn residents and visitors alike. They have been advised to stay vigilant against signs of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition when the body…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. “Inadequate flights are hindering the influx of Russian…
- Thailand News
Thailand gears up for 4 expressway projects worth 120 billion baht
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to launch four expressway projects amounting to approximately 120 billion baht (US$3.3 billion). The projects, once approved and operational, are anticipated to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities across the nation. Surachet Laophulsuk, the head of EXAT, revealed that the four proposals are ready for submission to the Cabinet for approval.…
- Thailand News
South Korea reaffirms commitment to Thailand amidst immigration controversy
South Korean ambassador to Thailand, Park Yong Min, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations amidst the recent controversy involving the alleged mistreatment of Thai travellers by South Korean immigration officials. Speaking to the Bangkok Post at the South Korean embassy in Bangkok, Park expressed his ambition to further economic cooperation between the two nations during his tenure. Thailand…
- Thailand News
Thai prosecutors threatened over online gambling scandal probe
Two leading prosecutors have allegedly been threatened by police officers implicated in a major online gambling scandal in Thailand, prompting the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek their protection. The Royal Thai Police, however, have yet to offer a response to the OAG’s plea. The OAG has specifically requested the national police chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, to…
- Thailand News
Rare oarfish carcasses found in Thailand to be exhibited post study
Two oarfish carcasses recently discovered in Thailand are currently under examination by the National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation. Once the investigation is finished, the remains will be showcased at an exhibition. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said yesterday that the first oarfish carcass was discovered near Patong Beach, Phuket on February 15. Local fishermen located…
- Thailand News
Thailand investigates extending alcohol sales hours for tourism
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a panel by the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee to investigate the proposed extension of alcohol sales hours in Thailand. This decision necessitates a comprehensive review of the existing laws and regulations surrounding the sale of alcoholic beverages. The panel’s objective is to study the potential repercussions of extended drinking hours…
- Thailand News
ALRO refutes claims of issuing illicit land titles
The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) of Nakhon Ratchasima refuted claims of issuing Sor Por Kor land titles within the boundaries of Khao Yai National Park. The office is investigating allegations of its officials’ involvement in the illicit act. In the recent past, about 2,933 rai of land positioned in tambon Moosi of Pak Chong district, within the perimeters of…
- Thailand News
Thai police chief ordered to protect prosecutors in online gambling case
The national chief of police has been instructed by the attorney-general to prevent eight implicated officers in an online gambling case from intimidating two senior prosecutors, disclosed Prayut Phetcharakhun, spokesperson of the Office of the Attorney-General. In the previous week, Attorney-General Amnat Chetcharoenrak penned a letter to police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol, requesting him to halt threats from the…
- Phuket News
Phuket taxi drivers accused of threatening Grab driver
A fresh police complaint has been filed against a group of taxi drivers in Soi Cherng Talay 14, close to the Maya Beach Club, in Phuket. The drivers stand accused of intimidating a legally operating Grab taxi driver who was stationed to pick up passengers from the club. The complaint was lodged by 42 year old Jakkree Thummee, a resident…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Late onset of Thai summer predicted with extreme heat
The onset of summer in Thailand is set to be late this month, as projected by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). The upcoming months of March and April are forecasted to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially soaring as high as 43-45°C in certain provinces. According to the department, the latter part of the week will witness a surge…
- Thailand News
Dugong survival threatened by seagrass decline in Andaman Sea
A prominent marine biologist issued a stark warning regarding the potential threat to the survival of dugongs in the Andaman Sea due to the rapid decline of seagrass, their primary food source. Thon Thamrongnawasat, the deputy dean of Kasetsart University’s fisheries faculty, voiced his concerns in a Facebook post, emphasising his worries for the future of marine biodiversity, specifically the…
