Mitch Connor
- Phuket News
Phuket Valentine’s Day blood drive to replenish medical reserves
A Valentine’s Day blood donation drive has been announced in Phuket, a collaboration between Vachira Phuket Hospital and Limelight Phuket. The event, scheduled for February 14, is an open invitation to locals and tourists alike, to replenish medical blood reserves. The blood donation drive will be held at Limelight Phuket, a frequent host to Vachira Phuket Hospital’s special blood donation…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s population sees slight drop to 66 million in 2023
Thailand’s official population count witnessed a slight downtrend in 2023, marking a 0.06% decrease in comparison to the previous year’s figure, revealed the Interior Ministry. The recent civil registration documented Thailand’s population as 66,052,615 as of the close of 2023, marking a decline by 37,860 individuals from the conclusion of 2022. The data showed that out of the total population…
- Phuket News
Phuket residents urged to conserve water amid dry season
A water conservation plea has been issued to Phuket residents by Udomphon Kan, the Director of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), in an attempt to prevent shortages amid the ongoing dry season. Udomphon Kan, while confident about the current water reserves, voiced his concerns about the diminishing water levels in the island’s…
- Phuket News
Wat Chalong Fair kicks off in Phuket with Chinese New Year
Phuket‘s annual Wat Chalong Fair kicked off in sync with the Chinese New Year. This cultural event, which draws attention each year, is currently underway and promises a multitude of live performances by diverse artists. The fair, held at Wat Chalong, also known as Wat Chaiyathararam, is in its 116th year. The temple, regarded as one of the most significant…
- Phuket News
Phuket fraud suspects arrested over mule bank account scams
A recent operation led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) resulted in the apprehension of two fraud suspects in Phuket. They were allegedly involved in creating mule bank accounts for scam gang operators. One of the individuals detained, referred to as Chaiphong, was arrested at a Patong residence. It was not disclosed when the…
- Thailand News
Public health ministry sets drug possession thresholds
The Public Health Ministry issued a directive setting a threshold for the possession of illegal drugs. Individuals found with quantities below this threshold will be classified as drug users and will not face criminal charges. This directive was issued by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew and was announced in the Royal Gazette on February 9. This initiative is a companion…
- Thailand News
Thai prosecutors allege life-threatening harassment linked to gambling probe
Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is currently investigating claims of life-threatening harassment against two of its senior prosecutors, allegedly committed by a group of police officers connected to major gambling operations. The distressing allegations were brought forward by Kulthanit Mongkolsawat, the chief of the OAG’s Investigation Office, and Suriyon Prabhasavat, a senior public prosecutor. The OAG spokesperson, Prayut…
- Thailand News
Dark web leak reveals 19.7 million Thai older persons’ personal data
A dark web data leak has exposed the personal details of 19.7 million members of the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in Thailand, sparking the Thailand Consumers Council to prompt immediate action. The council has implored the DOP to enlighten its members about the potential risks they face and to devise strategies that will ensure the protection of their data.…
- Thailand News
Phuket fraudster’s hotel booking scam leaves 40 victims high and dry
A man from Phuket has been apprehended in Mae Hong Son for allegedly duping over 40 unsuspecting victims in an elaborate hotel booking scam. With damages estimated to be a staggering 800,000 baht, this cyber criminal’s web of lies has left a trail of frustrated tourists in its wake. The Phuket Express reports that the Cyber Crime Police recently made…
- Thailand News
Thailand takes lead in Myanmar crisis: Calls for active role in finding peaceful solution
Thailand’s plan to provide humanitarian aid to displaced persons within Myanmar has earned praise from the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Noppadon Pattama. Speaking exclusively to Thai PBS World, Noppadon emphasised the urgency for the current Srettha Thavisin government to step up its efforts in resolving the conflict in Myanmar. Dubbing it a good starting point, Noppadon…
- Thailand News
Thailand-Cambodia border gate to boost trade despite landmine challenges
The Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot border gate between Thailand and Cambodia is soon to be operational, aiming to stimulate trade and logistics between the two nations. This announcement was made by Parinya Potisat, the governor of Sa Kaeo province yesterday. The new frontier passage will ease the pressure on the Ban Khlong Luek-Poipet border by providing an additional route for…
- Thailand News
Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties
The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal…
- Thailand News
Less than 5% pay rise for Thai employees this year
According to Aon Plc’s latest survey, Thai employees are set to experience a modest 4.9% pay rise this year, trailing behind their regional counterparts. The forecast anticipates a slight uptick from 4.7% last year but still falls short of the salary growth expected in Indonesia (6.5%), the Philippines (5.5%), and Malaysia (5%). Meanwhile, Singapore is projected to witness a 4%…
- Thailand News
The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’
Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions. The Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in partnership with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and other relevant bodies, took decisive action to combat this escalating threat. The Check Dust application, utilising cutting-edge…
- Thailand News
Thai PM proposes campus switch to diffuse student conflict at Rajamangala University
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday suggested that the relocation of Rajamangala University of Technology’s Uthenthawai Campus (Uthen) from its current location in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district could be the key to resolving its longstanding rivalry with Pathumwan Institute of Technology students. The 61 year old Thai prime minister emphasised that a change of location and a shift in student mindset are…
- Thailand News
Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling
The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year. This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighbouring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha…
- Thailand News
Appeal to limit Chinese New Year’s paper burning to curb pollution
A pressing call to the public has been made by the Pollution Control Department (PCD), appealing for a reduction in the burning of paper offerings and incense during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This plea is part of a broader initiative to manage the increasing levels of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants during the season. The traditional burning of gold and silver…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed…
- Thailand News
Update: Meet the first female president of the Football Association of Thailand
Nualphan Lamsam clinched a resounding victory to become the new president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), leaving her competitors in the dust. The former men’s team manager secured an impressive 68 out of 73 votes, marking a significant shift in leadership at the association, as she takes over from Police General Somyot Poompunmuang following his eight-year tenure. The…
- Thailand News
Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces
Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust were recorded in 48 of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, with the northeast of the country being the most affected. This data was confirmed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). GISTDA’s 10am readings revealed that 13 provinces were under the harmful influence of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5).…
- Phuket News
Making waves: Phuket water projects dive deep into billion-baht territory
The Phuket Provincial Water Resources Subcommittee delved into water projects exceeding 1 billion baht yesterday and made quite a splash. The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall and chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksombun, saw a flood of attendees from various government agencies. The discussion navigated through the island’s rainfall patterns, water levels in its three main reservoirs, water…
- Thailand News
Thai football in turmoil: Race for FAT presidency and financial promises revealed
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is set to usher in a new president, marking the conclusion of Police General Somyot Poompunmuang’s eight-year tenure as the nation’s football chief. The battle for the coveted position has seen former national men’s team manager Nualphan Lamsam emerge as the frontrunner, with the election scheduled to take place at FAT headquarters in Bangkok’s…
- Thailand News
China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies
China’s Ministry of State Security sounded the alarm amidst an extensive nationwide security initiative, bringing to light a distressing narrative involving a Chinese graduate who fell prey to the intricate web of foreign espionage. In a revelation shared on the ministry’s WeChat platform, an ominous case was detailed, chronicling the exploits of a Chinese student, identified solely by the surname…
- Thailand News
Thai activists call for ban on hazardous PFAS in textile industry
Calls for the prohibition of Per-and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), perilous chemicals found in the textile industry and other goods, have been made by activists. The campaigners argue that such a ban would generate awareness amongst customers who require environmentally friendly products for their health and the welfare of our planet. Thitikorn Boontongmai, Ecological Alert and Recover-Thailand (Earth) Planning Manager, highlighted…
- Thailand News
Thai abortion rights advocates call for increased legal services access
Abortion rights supporters in Thailand called for improved access to legal abortion services, issuing a petition to Thossaporn Sereerak, a Pheu Thai MP for Phrae and member of the House Committee on Public Health. The Tamtang Group, a prominent advocate for safe abortion, yesterday, February 7, expressed concerns over the difficulties pregnant women face when seeking legal abortions, despite recent…
- Thailand News
Cambodian PM hails Thai counterpart for preventing political interference
Gratitude was expressed by Cambodian PM Hun Manet towards Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, for his commitment to preventing Thailand from becoming a platform for interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs. The statement was made today, February 7, following the apprehension of two Cambodian human rights activists and a former political detainee by Thai officials. The arrests have engendered criticism from…
- Thailand News
Thai prime minister pressures Bank of Thailand for rate cut
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is under increasing strain today as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin publicly urges a 25 basis point reduction in rates. The demand is part of a continued push from the government for the BoT to decrease interest rates, a tactic it views as crucial for stimulating an economy it believes to be struggling. The government also…
- Thailand News
Thailand anticipates foreign arrivals surge during Chinese New Year
A considerable surge in foreign arrivals is anticipated in Thailand during the Chinese New Year holiday, as reported by the Airports of Thailand (AOT). Kirati Kijmanawat, the AOT director, announced yesterday, February 6, that passenger numbers flying into Thailand are predicted to experience a 206% leap, compared to the same time last year. This comes in the wake of the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s defence ministry to take action over fraudulent Sor Dor 43 sales
The Defence Ministry of Thailand disclosed yesterday that it will take legal action against any military members, both former and present, who are found guilty of selling fraudulent Sor Dor 43 certificates. The announcement was made by Minister Sutin Klungsang, in response to allegations by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and chairman of the…
- Thailand News
Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat agreed to let the digital wallet policy committee begin work next week. The focus of the forthcoming meeting will be on the potential for corruption during the handout…
