- Thailand News
Thailand battles highest bile duct cancer rate in Southeast Asia
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew revealed that Thailand has the highest rate of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) among the ASEAN nations. The minister announced this worrying statistic at an event commemorating World CCA Day in Maha Sarakham. The primary cause of this cancer is identified as liver fluke. Thailand, being the Southeast Asia nation with the highest prevalence of CCA,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s DNP refutes Khao Yai National Park farmland claims
Claims to farmland within Khao Yai National Park were strongly refuted yesterday by Thailand’s Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). This came in response to a recent announcement by the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) that approximately 2,933 rai of land within Pak Chong district, a Unesco World Heritage site area, have been designated as agricultural land…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s private ownership of lions raises safety concerns
The private ownership of wild animals, notably lions, has come under scrutiny in Thailand following several incidents where these creatures were observed in public areas. The issue has sparked widespread concern among the public regarding safety and animal welfare. The first case surfaced in January when a lion cub was noticed in the backseat of a fancy convertible in Pattaya.…
- Thailand News
Proposed amendment extends universal healthcare to cover surrogacy
An impending amendment to the surrogacy law, governing technology-assisted reproduction, proposes the inclusion of any complications arising during pregnancy within the universal healthcare scheme (UHS). This legislation is slated for approval in the year’s third quarter. Dr Sura Wisedsak, Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) Director-General, elaborated that the proposed coverage would span from conception through to a minimum of…
- Thailand News
Kanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project
Kanchanaburi’s five districts are set to benefit from a water diversion tunnel project that aims to alleviate drought problems. The project, which is valued at 12 billion baht (US$335,746,080), seeks to transfer 378 million cubic metres of water from the Srinagarind Dam, the largest dam in the western region, to an area of 200,000 rai in the Huay Krachao, Lao…
- Thailand News
Thai security academic calls for transparency in government assets
An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. His proposal aims to enhance transparency through regulated financial accounts and the disclosure of expenditures. Panitan, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, expressed his concerns, highlighting the ministries of Education, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and Finance…
- Thailand News
Joint Thai-US operation to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai begins
A joint operation to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, which tragically sank approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, will kick off this Thursday, as announced by the Thai and US navies. The vessel was victim to a fierce storm that led to its sinking. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Veerudom Muangjin,…
- Northern Thailand News
Mekong basin developmental projects threaten livelihoods, wildlife
An expert in sustainable growth and fair use of natural resources has warned that lives and livelihoods along the Mekong Basin could be in jeopardy as a result of developmental projects. The 14,000-rai Wiang Nong Lom in northern Thailand, a shared resource and home to a multitude of freshwater species, has long been a haven for local wildlife. Now, however,…
- Thailand News
Concerns rise as wild tiger lurks near Kamphaeng Phet village
A wild tiger prowling the vicinity of a village in Kamphaeng Phet sparked serious concerns among locals, prompting the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to dispatch a team of officials and veterinarians to capture the big cat. The tiger was sighted in the forest adjacent to Kariang Namtok village in Khlong Lan Pattana of Khlong Lan…
- Thailand News
Fresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn
In a bid to tackle the parched plight of Koh Larn amidst soaring tourist numbers, Pattaya is eyeing a collaboration with a new water supplier to bolster freshwater production. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai revealed plans for a potential alliance with a novel water supply venture, projecting a surge in production capacity to a substantial 1,000 cubic metres per day, catering…
- Thailand News
Update: Srettha confirms Thaksin’s release tomorrow
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s release from hospital detention, confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, marks the end of a dramatic chapter in Thai politics. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile, will step out of confinement on Sunday, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. The 74 year old ex-PM, serving a commuted one-year sentence for…
- Thailand News
Thailand considers lowering age for criminal responsibility to 14
In response to a disturbing surge in juvenile offences, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is considering a radical proposal to lower the age threshold for criminal punishment exemption from 15 to 14 years old. This unprecedented move follows a string of harrowing incidents that have rocked the nation and left authorities grappling for solutions. RTP spokesman, Police Lieutenant General Achayon…
- Thailand News
Concerns over Khao Yai National Park land allocation plans
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has strongly opposed the Agricultural Land Reform Office’s (ALRO) plan to allocate portions of Khao Yai National Park to farmers. The authorities are concerned about the encroachment of agricultural practices into fertile forest zones. Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, the director of the National Parks Office, expressed grave concerns after learning that nearly…
- Thailand News
Phuket tour boat operators arrested for safety breaches
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Marine Police Region 8 yesterday arrested two tour boat operators in Phuket for a series of breaches. The authorities detailed their infractions in an online post, including operating boats with expired registrations, failing to provide adequate life rafts and overloading their vessels with passengers. The routine check-up led to the arrests on Klong Tha Jeen,…
- Thailand News
Thai police target major film piracy site causing 1 billion baht loss
A major pirated film broadcasting website, causing an estimated loss of 1 billion baht to movie agents, has been targeted by police in a series of raids across Bangkok and two other provinces. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) spearheaded the operation, conducting raids on four locations linked to siambit.com, a website notorious for streaming pirated films. The raids were…
- Thailand News
Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel
Songkhla province is considering lifting restrictions on foreign-registered buses, potentially allowing them to cross provincial boundaries. The move aims to attract more visitors, predominantly from Malaysia, to explore other scenic destinations in southern Thailand, reveals a local tourism authority. President of the Phatthalung Tourism Association, Charoon Kaewwaveesub, disclosed today that Songkhla, in collaboration with the local land transport office, has…
- Phuket News
British man killed in triple vehicle collision in Rawai, Phuket
Tragedy struck in Rawai, Phuket, when a fatal collision involving three vehicles claimed the life of a British man in the early morning hours yesterday, February 15. The incident occurred outside the Patak Road branch of a local 7-Eleven store, according to local police sources. The scene was first attended by Police Lieutenant Colonel Retired Somrak from Chalong Police Station…
- Phuket News
Phuket man nabbed with substantial narcotics stash in town raid
Phuket’s Provincial Crime Suppression Division managed to apprehend a 38 year old man in the bustling area of Phuket Town, following a discovery of a significant amount of narcotics on his person. Identified as Bunma “Golf” Chimmala, a resident of Ratsada, he was found in possession of 4,500 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yabah, and 265.2 grammes of crystal meth,…
- Thailand News
Thai farmers advised against off-season rice due to climate change
Climate change and the moderate effects of the El Niño phenomenon have led to a reduction in Thailand’s water supply, prompting authorities to advise second-crop farmers against the cultivation of off-season rice. The lower water levels have necessitated a revised water distribution plan to support existing plantations where crops are yet to be harvested. Krongsak Songraksa, Deputy Director-General of the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Education Ministry to launch enhanced O-Net Plus exam system
The Education Ministry of Thailand is gearing up to introduce the enhanced O-Net Plus exam system, a move that will rejuvenate equivalency testing and provide a benchmark for assessing teaching quality. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob affirmed the necessity of a benchmark to evaluate students’ knowledge and skill levels, a role that the National Institute of Educational Testing Service’s…
- Thailand News
Cabinet meeting to discuss constitutional amendment referendum parameters
Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, announced that next month’s Cabinet meeting will focus on the parameters required for a constitutional amendment referendum. Phumtham, who is also the head of a panel examining the referendum requirements for the charter amendment, has stated that the report will be submitted to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Cabinet for…
- Thailand News
Royal Rainmaking Department struggles to control Bangkok PM2.5 levels
The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department admits its efforts to tackle sky-high PM2.5 levels in Bangkok are being thwarted by the haze drifting from Myanmar. The department’s Director-General, Supit Pithaktham, sprung into action after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive to combat PM2.5 air pollution actively. Supit revealed that despite their daily endeavours since December to produce artificial rain, the intensified…
- Thailand News
Activist Surachai declared missing by Thai court after fleeing to exile
A court in Nakhon Si Thammarat officially declared activist Surachai Danwattananusorn missing, igniting concerns over his fate after years of silence since his exile in Laos in 2018. The ruling, delivered on Monday, grants his wife, Pranee Danwattananusorn, the authority to handle his assets, shedding light on the ordeal endured by his family in the absence of any trace of…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourists to get medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht
The Thai government pledged unprecedented medical insurance and compensation packages, promising travellers a worry-free experience. Under the scheme, tourists will receive medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht in case of accidents, along with compensation of up to 1 million baht in the unfortunate event of death. At the campaign launch, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the initiative,…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Australia consider mutual visa exemption
In a bid to foster seamless travel and boost business ties, Thailand and Australia are contemplating a mutual visa exemption scheme. The proposition was tabled during a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, at Government House yesterday. Amidst a visit to Thailand, Governor-General Hurley, accompanied by his spouse Linda, is set to…
- Phuket News
Phuket celebrates Valentine’s Day with mass weddings and LGBTQ+ inclusivity
Phuket celebrated Valentine’s Day with a sprinkle of love and a dash of tradition as several couples took their vows and registered their marriages in various district offices across the city. In a nod to the significance of the day, officials showered the newlyweds with blessings and small tokens of appreciation, adding to the joyous atmosphere. In the well-known beach…
- Phuket News
Phuket gears up for annual Heroines Festival celebrating local legends
Phuket’s renowned Heroines Festival is gearing up for its annual celebration, set to take place between March 9 and March 23. At the heart of the event lies a tribute to the island’s celebrated heroines, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, locally known as Chan and Mook. These two figures are revered for their valiant efforts in leading the…
- Thailand News
Brain cell communication research key to Alzheimer’s treatment
Research into brain cell communication is seen as crucial in finding a treatment for brain-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, according to Nobel Laureate in Medicine, Professor Edvard Ingjald Moser. This research, he says, is particularly relevant given the global ageing populations and the need to enhance their quality of life. Speaking at the Japan-ASEAN Bridges event series in Bangkok, Prof. Moser…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s agriculture ministry seeks triple budget increase to boost farmer income
A request for a substantial budget increase to 411 billion baht for the upcoming fiscal year has been put forward by Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The proposed budget, which is over three times larger than the previous year’s allocation, aims to triple the income of farmers within the next four years. Chantanon Wannakejohn, serving as the Secretary-General to…
- Thailand News
Bangkok battles severe air quality dip prompting remote work
Bangkok’s air quality dipped severely yesterday, February 14, with an escalating level of fine particulate matter, PM2.5, recorded in most districts. This hazardous air quality led the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to urge both state agencies and private entities to facilitate remote working for their personnel today and tomorrow. According to an official statement issued by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt,…
