- Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes Kantarat golf course for public projects
A recent decision by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) opened up new prospects for public project development. The RTAF consented to relinquish its Kantarat Golf Course, situated between the runways of Don Mueang Airport, for state project development, as revealed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In a social media post, the prime minister expressed gratitude towards the RTAFforce’s initiative…
- 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
BioThai urges caution over EU’s eased restrictions on gene-editing crops
BioThai, a leading environmental organisation, called for the Thai government to tread carefully in the wake of the European Parliament’s decision to ease restrictions on gene-editing crops, also known as new genomic techniques (NGTs). The European Parliament’s decision was made on February 7 and was accompanied by stringent regulations. After a vote of 307 in favour and 263 against, the…
- 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
PM Srettha heralds visa-free travel between Thailand and China (video)
In a heartening message marking the Lunar New Year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his optimism about the newly lifted visa requirements between Thailand and China, anticipating a significant boost in bilateral relations and travel. During his well-wishing messages on Lunar New Year, PM Srettha conveyed his hopes that the lifting of visa requirements would foster increased interaction between Thailand…
- 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
Teenage gang’s reign of terror over East Pattaya neighbourhood
A gang of teenagers wreaked havoc in a quiet neighbourhood on Soi Huay Yai 15 in East Pattaya with their disruptive antics lasting three consecutive nights. The gang, captured on CCTV cameras, was seen riding more than 10 motorcycles and unleashing a barrage of disruptive activities, including hurling firecrackers and explosive bottles, creating deafening disturbances that reverberated throughout the area.…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Sea-change agenda: Phuket sets sail for luxury ship entry
Senate Tourism Committee Chairman General Thanasak Patimaprakon and his delegation visited Phuket yesterday to discuss transforming the popular holiday resort island into a point of entry for small luxury ships. The visit was in response to plans to develop Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makham to serve as a home port for small cruise ships. This move aims to…
- 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
Cyber woes: DOP’s PDPA breach prompts CIB intervention
A violation of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) led the Department of Older Persons (DOP) to complain to the Cyber Investigation Bureau (CIB) yesterday. The data breach, involving the DOP’s website, raised alarm bells regarding the possible misuse of personal information. Under the directives of Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, Raemrung Worawat, the DOP’s director-general, reported…
- 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
Green sanctuaries: Exploring Suan Suk Jai Park in Bangkok
Suan Suk Jai Park is part of over 100 community green spaces established under the 15-minute Pocket Park campaign helmed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The 15-Minute Pocket Park initiative, introduced in 2022, is among Chadchart’s strategies to address environmental issues by increasing green public spaces throughout the city. A 49 year old local, Kantika Kongglom, frequents Suan Suk Jai,…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai-m to go: Ex-PM Thaksin eyes special parole as prison sentence hits halfway mark
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is eligible for special parole as he approaches the halfway point of his prison sentence on February 18, according to an insider from the Department of Corrections (DoC). The source confirmed that Thaksin is included in a list of inmates who qualify for parole and special parole. Special parole may be granted…
- Thailand News
Fifth suspect in Srisuwan extortion case sought by the CIB
The ongoing high-profile Srisuwan extortion case is set to take another twist, as the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Deputy Commissioner, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, announced yesterday that they are seeking an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect. This individual is considered less significant to the case compared to the four who have already been apprehended. The quartet detained last week, including known…
- Thailand News
Thai customs halt import of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers
A directive to halt the importation of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers has been issued by the Thai Customs Department, following the registration of the pattern’s copyright, according to statements from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is presently conducting an inquiry into the ongoing imports from China, as shared by Phumtham. The issue surrounding this…
