- Phuket News
Phuket’s waste warriors launch innovative ‘waste bank’ to tackle trash troubles
Phuket City Municipality forged ahead with innovative steps to navigate the growing waste management crisis, introducing the Samakkhi Samkong Community Waste Bank scheme. The Mayor of Phuket Town, Saroj Angkhanapilas, underscored the necessity of proficient solid waste management during the announcement of this community-centric initiative. He hailed the inauguration of the community waste bank as a remarkable stride in the…
- Thailand News
Thai government announces five-day weekend for Songkran holiday
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared Friday, April 12 a special government holiday, amplifying the Songkran celebrations with a five-day weekend. The decision made a full two months ahead of the festival, aims to provide ample time for both individuals and businesses to prepare for the festivities. The 61 year old Thai PM-cum-finance minister expressed his desire for the Ministry of Tourism…
- Phuket News
Swift action by Wichit firefighters prevents neighbourhood disaster
A blazing inferno swept through a small residence in Wichit, Phuket at the weekend leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Thanks to the swift action of local firefighters, the flames were kept from spreading to nearby buildings, saving the neighbourhood from a potentially catastrophic domino effect. Upon receiving word of the fire, located in Soi Thep Anusorn 6…
- Thailand News
Activist Tantawan arrested for challenging royal motorcades
A 22 year old activist attracted attention when she found herself in the news for honking her car horn at a royal motorcade on February 4. Following this incident, Tantawan Tuatulanon conducted an opinion poll on February 10, questioning if royal motorcades were a cause of traffic issues. This action led to charges being filed against her for causing a…
- Thailand News
Chon Buri’s Wonnapha Beach makeover sparks online debate
The renovation of Wonnapha Beach in Chon Buri province sparked significant debate among the online community. The popular tourist destination, situated in the town of Saensuk, has undergone a facelift that has seen parts of its sandy stretch replaced with precast concrete slabs, resembling large tiles. This development has left little of the original beach visible, leading to a divided…
- Thailand News
Beware, Valentine’s Day romance scams on the rise
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a warning to the public, particularly women, urging caution against falling victim to cyber criminals preying on the lovestruck. In the age of digital love, the romance scam has become a sinister ploy, requiring minimal effort from fraudsters. All it takes is a fake social media profile, some attractive…
- Phuket News
Phuket café’s lion cub sparks police and wildlife officers manhunt
A lion cub, used as a tourist attraction at a café in Phuket, set off a manhunt by Thai police and wildlife officers. The cub was made available to the public for photographs at The Glass House Café and Space, located north of Phuket Town. This unusual situation ignited a wave of online controversy, primarily from individuals deeply concerned about…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor calls for probe into Freedom Beach vendors
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently instructed the local branch of the Royal Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive report to detail why vendors have been permitted to ply their trade at Freedom Beach, and also to account for any revenues collected from these vendors. This directive emerged from a meeting convened at the Phuket Provincial Hall, after an inspection of…
- Thailand News
Thailand govt cuts informal debts by 670 million baht in two months
The Government of Thailand has slashed the nation’s informal debts by 670 million baht (US$18.69 million) in a span of two months, successfully resolving 102,000 out of the 140,000 reported cases. This significant reduction is part of an initiative to alleviate the household debt burden. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, attributed this progress…
- Thailand News
Thailand to reassess recent reduction in meth penalties
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday that the government is open to reevaluating a recently announced policy which reduces penalties for individuals found with five or fewer methamphetamine pills. This statement follows the public disapproval that has arisen in response to the law, signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, which determines that anyone found with…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s health ministry targets birth rate boost with new fertility strategies
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is set to introduce strategies designed to encourage artificial insemination and support those who wish to become parents, encompassing the LGBTQ community as well. The drive is part of an initiative to increase the country’s birth rate. During a meeting with Jos Vandelaer, Thailand’s World Health Organisation representative, at Nakhonping Hospital, the Minister, Cholnan Srikaew,…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force to open facilities and golf courses to public
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) decided to open select facilities and golf courses to the public under certain conditions, according to the commander-in-chief, ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul. This decision follows a request from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to use the Kantarat Golf Course, situated between Don Mueang International Airport’s runways, and access other RTAF properties for state project development. The…
- Thailand News
PM calls for enhanced royal family security after motorcade disruption
An urgent call for heightened security measures for the royal family was made yesterday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, following a recent incident involving a student activist who attempted to disrupt a royal motorcade. The 61 year old prime minister emphasised the need for effective security to ensure the royal family’s safety, who have critical royal duties to perform. The…
- Phuket News
Tuk tuk tango: Phuket driver fined for tourist’s dance debacle
A tuk tuk driver in Phuket’s bustling Patong district found himself on the wrong side of the law recently when he was slapped with a fine. The tuk tuk driver’s offence? Allowing a tourist to dance atop his vehicle while it was caught in the snarl of traffic on Patong Beach Road. The incident, captured in a video which quickly…
- Thailand News
Thai, US officials to discuss cybersecurity following call scam outbreak
A cybersecurity discussion is on the agenda between Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, as a result of call scammers fraudulently using the names of Thai diplomats. This issue was brought to light during a meeting with Thai officials at the Thai embassy in Washington DC, according to the Thai ambassador to the United…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s sugar intake quadruples WHO daily limit
Thailand’s sugar consumption soared to a worrying level, with Thai citizens consuming on average 23 teaspoons of sugar per day, almost quadruple the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The information was revealed by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), which pointed out that this sugar intake greatly exceeds WHO’s guideline of six teaspoons per day. Pairoj…
- Thailand News
Controversy over new water tunnel network plan in Kanchanaburi’s wildlife sanctuary
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) have come under scrutiny for their plan to build a new water tunnel network in the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The project, designed to combat summer droughts, has sparked concerns among local conservationists due to its potential impact on the local ecosystem. The RID justifies…
- Thailand News
US-Thailand talks focus on Myanmar crisis and regional connectivity
The United States and Thailand are set to engage in high-level talks on Monday, with a focus on the Myanmar crisis, a strengthening of their security partnership, and regional connectivity through Thailand’s Land Bridge project. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who embarked on his official visit to the United States on Saturday, will meet with his American counterpart and other…
- Thailand News
Genetic link discovered between prehistoric Thai communities and modern ethnic groups
Ancient human bones and teeth excavated from Iron Age Log Coffin sites in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province have revealed a genetic link between prehistoric communities and modern ethnic groups in the region. The discovery follows a study led by Rasmi Shoocongdej, a lecturer at Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Archaeology, who has been exploring a prehistoric cave community in Mae…
- Phuket News
Soi Ta-iad’s traffic woes: Tiger Muay Thai urges govt intervention
Traffic congestion woes have hit the bustling Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, with Watchara Jaruriyanon, the Managing Director of Tiger Muay Thai training facility, urging authorities to intervene. The street, albeit petite, is a hub of activity, largely due to the parked cars lining both sides of the road. Watchara voiced his concerns during a meeting aimed at backing the government’s…
- 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…
