- Phuket News
Phuket mayors face charges in major corruption scandal
Three mayors in Phuket—Aroon Solos of Rawai, Panya Samphaorat of Pa Khlok, and Juta Dumlak from Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation—are embroiled in legal battles over corruption charges. Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri confirmed these proceedings, emphasising a broader push against corruption in the province. Panya Samphaorat faces charges from the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for neglecting…
- Politics News
Nationwide elections set for February 1, excluding 29 provinces
Nationwide elections for provincial administrative organisation presidents and councillors are scheduled for February 1, as confirmed by the Office of Election Commission. The registration for candidacy is open from December 23 to December 27. In 29 provinces, however, elections for PAO presidents will not occur on that day because these presidents vacated their positions before the end of their terms…
- Crime News
Taxi driver arrested after fleeing petrol station in Chaiyaphum
A dramatic chase unfolded in Chaiyaphum when a Bangkok-registered taxi collided with both a truck and a police vehicle after its driver fled from a petrol station without settling the fuel bill. The incident, which took place on Chaiyaphum-Bua Yai Road in Mueang district, resulted in the arrest of the 36 year old taxi driver, yesterday morning. The sequence of…
- Thailand News
Don Mueang Airport expects 13% flight rise over new year
Anticipating a significant upswing in travel activity, Airports of Thailand (AoT) forecasts a 13.32% increase in flights at Don Mueang Airport during the new year period, with approximately 717,002 passengers expected to pass through its gates. This surge signifies an 88.62% recovery in flight numbers compared to pre-Covid-19 figures, according to AoT president Kerati Kijmanawat. The passenger count reflects a…
- Pattaya News
Shirtless tourist swallows traffic ticket in Pattaya police standoff
A peculiar scene unfolded in Pattaya when a foreign visitor was apprehended after an unusual attempt to dispose of a traffic ticket. This muscular traveller, who was riding a motorcycle shirtless and without a helmet, was stopped by police at a checkpoint situated in front of the Pattaya police station. Upon being asked to present his driving licence, the visitor…
- Thailand News
Prachin Buri police raid five sites in mafia crackdown
It’s showdown time in Prachin Buri as police launch a full-scale blitz against organised crime, swooping on five locations tied to the shocking case of Soonthorn Vilawan, the alleged mastermind behind his adopted son’s murder. In a dramatic turn, over 100 police officers from the Crime Suppression Division and local forces descended upon the province yesterday, December 15, part of…
- Phuket News
Phuket launches youth justice programme for safer communities
Phuket has taken a proactive step towards cultivating a safer community with the launch of the School of Youth Justice project, aimed at educating local youth on crime prevention. This initiative was unveiled yesterday, December 14 at Srinagarindra the Princess Mother School in Wichit, under the supervision of Governor Sophon Suwannarat. The event saw the participation of Wichian Chaisorn, Director…
- Thailand News
Busted: Drug kingpin armed and dangerous in Thung Song swoop
Police in Thailand’s Thung Song district swooped on a suspected drug kingpin, dealing a major blow to the local narcotics trade. The 39 year old, nabbed in a sting at a rented spot in tambon Pak Phraek, was found with an arsenal fitting for an action flick: A menacing M16 assault rifle, 95 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, and a stash…
- Phuket News
Patong Festival traffic warning: Road closures from 4pm to 8pm
Patong Municipality is urging motorists to steer clear of Prachanukroh Road and Patong Beach Road, also known as Thaweewong Road, from the Patong Hill Intersection to Soi Bangla this afternoon. These routes will be closed from 4pm to 8pm to accommodate the grand parade that heralds the start of the annual Patong Festival, a key event in Phuket’s calendar. The…
- Phuket News
Phuket residents oppose Nebu Resort over traffic and privacy concerns
Residents of the Pasak Soi 6 area in Cherng Talay, Phuket, have intensified their opposition to the proposed construction of the Nebu Resort Bangtao, a seven-storey hotel. The development has been met with significant criticism from locals who fear the influx of tourist traffic on roads too narrow for such high volumes, potentially disrupting their tranquil neighbourhood. Protests erupted at…
- South Thailand News
Yala tackles flood crisis with dam plans and relief efforts
Yala city municipality is taking a proactive approach to combat its persistent flooding woes. The city’s mayor, Pongsak Yingchoncharoen, has put forward guidelines aimed at tackling the long-term flood issues and is revisiting plans for the construction of the Krong Pinang and Kuemeng dams as part of these efforts. Pongsak provided an update on the flood situation yesterday, December 7,…
- Bangkok News
Thai couple arrested for job scam, duping victims for 70,000 baht
Police have apprehended a couple accused of deceiving job seekers into paying them 70,000 baht each for overseas employment arrangements, ultimately providing nothing more than counterfeit documents. Anuwat and his wife Chantima were taken into custody by officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) at a residence in the Prasert Manukit area of Bangkok. The arrest took place yesterday,…
- Chiang Mai News
Thai police enlist Interpol in hunt for Moroccan murder suspect
Thai police are enlisting Interpol’s assistance to apprehend a Moroccan man suspected of murdering his girlfriend in Chiang Mai before fleeing the country. The tragic incident involves Thitikarn Dulikanon, a transgender woman and owner of a beauty clinic near the Mae Hia Market intersection in Mueang district, whose body was found on December 6. Police and forensic experts from Maharaj…
- Crime News
Police seize 6.4 million meth pills in Pathum Thani drug raid
Five individuals were apprehended by police in Pathum Thani‘s Lam Luk Ka district, where a significant cache of 6.4 million methamphetamine pills was discovered, poised for distribution to southern regions. The arrest, which took place at approximately 4pm yesterday, December 7, involved four men and one woman. The operation was conducted by narcotics suppression officers at a residence within the…
- Thailand News
Kebaya recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
Kebaya, a traditional garment worn by women across Southeast Asia, has officially been recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This acknowledgement came after a joint proposal from five countries, including Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The announcement took place during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay,…
- Bangkok News
Construction halted on Rama II Road for new year travel ease
The Transport Ministry has announced the suspension of all construction activities along Rama II Road from December 26 to January 2 next year. This decision aims to ease travel for those heading south during the new year holiday period. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit highlighted that the focus of the suspension is to aid travellers using this major route. “We also…
- South Thailand News
Thailand announces 9,000 baht aid for southern flood victims
The Government of Thailand is set to provide financial relief to families impacted by the recent floods in the southern region, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. Each affected household is expected to receive a compensation of 9,000 baht, mirroring the assistance given to flood-stricken families in the northern part of the country. Anutin, who also serves as Interior Minister,…
- Pattaya News
Bamboo Luxury Villas: Transforming Pattaya’s real estate with visionary design
Pattaya’s property market is set for a major shake-up with the development of Bamboo Luxury Villas, a standout project masterminded by renowned architect Mario Kleff. The exclusive enclave will feature 10 two-storey villas, spread across nearly five rai of land, blending sustainable architecture with a distinct Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Each villa offers an expansive 400 square metres of living space, meticulously…
- Business News
Why Thailand has become an important tech hub in Asia
Thailand, traditionally famous for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and busy tourism industry, now shines in the tech world. In recent times, the country quickly changed into a major technology hub in Asia. This transformation attracts investors, startups, and large global tech companies. What has turned Thailand into a tech rising star? Let’s find out. Thailand’s Strategic Place in Asia…
- Business News
How to save this Black Friday in Thailand
Black Friday’s here again. It comes around fast, doesn’t it? November 29 is the big day this year, and the usual frenzy will hit both stores and websites, packed with deals begging for attention. Shoppers in Thailand, get ready. Whether you’re browsing Lazada, Shopee, or even global sites like Amazon, Black Friday has plenty of opportunities to save. But let’s…
- Tourism News
Thrive in Thailand: Practical tips for self-improvement and wellbeing
Living in Thailand perfectly balances personal development and physical and mental well-being. The country encourages relaxation and growth, from its tranquil beaches to vibrating cities. Thailand isn’t just about new landscapes. It also comes with experiences designed to help you mentally and physically. This environment promotes self-improvement, Whether it’s about yoga, mindfulness practices, or an emphasis on natural healing. In…
- Business News
The rise of online casinos in Southeast Asia: A look at live casino trends
The online casino scene in Southeast Asia has seen tremendous growth, particularly with the rise of live casino platforms. These digital spaces offer players a unique blend of convenience and excitement, allowing them to engage in their favourite games from the comfort of their homes. As technology continues to evolve, the trends shaping the live casino experience are becoming increasingly…
- Thailand News
Tourism and gambling: The influence of Thai and Australian casinos on global travel
Tourism plays a major role in countries like Thailand and Australia. Admittedly, it’s more significant for the former, but the latter has been able to benefit in the past from the amount of foreign travel to the country that has been experienced. According to a report by Reuters, Thailand broke its record for tourism numbers and revenues in 2019. That…
- Thailand News
Gambling software in Thailand: Exploring innovation and opportunity
Thailand’s gambling landscape is one of contrasts. On the one hand, gambling is strictly prohibited under Thai law, with exceptions made only for the national lottery and certain horse racing events. On the other hand, gambling is widespread, particularly in underground black-market venues. Many Thais continue to place bets illegally in person, often in makeshift casinos or through informal networks.…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s new tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers
Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) has confirmed that the upcoming tourism tax, expected to be implemented early next year, will not impact foreigners who reside or work in Thailand. A MoTS Phuket official clarified that the proposed tax has not yet been presented to the Cabinet for approval. “We should wait for any further information because now the…
- Thailand News
People’s Party challenges congestion fees, urges investment in public transport
The People’s Party (PP) is challenging the government’s proposal to introduce traffic congestion fees, advocating instead for the development of a comprehensive public transport network to alleviate urban crowding. Surachet Praweewongwut, a list-MP for PP, argued that while congestion charges might help ease traffic, the current feeder system is insufficient to persuade people to switch from private cars to public…
- Environment News
Mekong River dams threaten Thailand’s environment and economy, warns NHRC
Transboundary hydropower dam projects along the Mekong River could jeopardise Thailand’s environment, economy, and community welfare, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on October 3, the NHRC highlighted its concerns about four hydropower dam projects: Ban Koum Dam, Sanakham Dam, Phou Ngoy Dam, and Pak Chom Dam, all situated…
- Thailand News
Thai nationals unscathed in Israeli attack on Tehran, says ministry
Thai nationals remain unaffected by the recent Israeli attack in Tehran, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesman, reported that the Thai Embassy in Tehran has been in constant communication with the ministry. According to the Thai Association in Iran, no Thai nationals were impacted by the attack. Balankura noted that Iran’s air…
- Thailand News
Dugong deaths rise, experts warn of drastic decline in Andaman Sea
Eight dugongs have died and washed ashore this month, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Marine ecosystem expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat has warned that in five to eight years, only a few dozen dugongs might remain in the Andaman Sea. The DMCR reported that between October 1 and October 24, four male and four female dugongs were…
- Tourism News
Take a trip to Thailand this Christmas
The holidays are fast approaching and Thailand is set to boom once again this festive season. Traditionally, one of the busiest times of the year for tourism in Thailand, recovery from Covid has been quite slow. For many people, especially those in colder climates, that means finding a vacation destination to relax, unwind and stay warm. Why not consider a…