Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Thailand to boost protection for domestic workers
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to revise its regulation to enhance protection for domestic workers, as per advice from Siraphop Duangsodsri, an adviser to the Labour Minister. The announcement came during an event to observe International Migrants Day. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare plans to enhance the existing regulation on domestic workers’ welfare with an addition of at…
- Thailand News
Thai farmer crafts cat and fish image from rainbow seedlings in rice field
In northern Chiang Rai’s Ban Khon Sung, an aerial view reveals a captivating image of a cat cuddling a fish, meticulously crafted from rainbow seedlings sprouting in a rice field. This picturesque scene mirrors a traditional Thai proverb symbolising prosperity. The artistic feat is a creation of Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham, who, alongside a group of labourers, planted the seedlings at…
- Politics News
Thailand’s prime minister fosters heart-to-heart partnership with Japan
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has concluded a successful trip to Japan, celebrating a heart-to-heart partnership with the nation, underpinned by strong ties among the citizens of both nations. Prime Minister Srettha’s visit included attendance at the 50th Year of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. Srettha highlighted the long-standing relationship of over 50 years between ASEAN…
- Northern Thailand News
Thirteen drug traffickers killed in Myanmar border operation
In a dramatic turn of events, a drug suppression operation near the Myanmar border in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai, resulted in the death of thirteen drug traffickers on Saturday night. Pha Muang Task Force commander, Praphat Phobsuwan made the statement yesterday. The operation, executed by the Pha Muang Task Force’s Thap Chao Tak unit, took place at Pang…
- Phuket News
Finnish tourist in Phuket cons parents with fake arrest scam for 7,000 euros
Phuket’s tourist police unraveled a fraudulent scheme involving a 27 year old Finnish man, who conned his parents out of 7,000 euros. The tourist falsely claimed that he had been arrested and demanded the hefty amount for his release. The revelation unfolded when the parents lodged a complaint on Friday after losing contact with their son, fearing he was a…
- Thailand News
Thai researcher joins groundbreaking Antarctic expedition for the IceCube Upgrade project
A groundbreaking venture in Antarctic exploration will see a Thai researcher from Chiang Mai University join an international contingent of 350 scientists from 14 nations, as part of the IceCube Upgrade project at the South Pole. This marks a significant milestone as the first time a Thai researcher will participate in this frontier of scientific discovery. The project, a joint…
- Northern Thailand News
Pheu Thai MPs urge talks on reopening Preah Vihear temple to tourists
Seven MPs from Pheu Thai party in Si Sa Ket, a northeastern province of Thailand, have urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to initiate dialogue with the neighbouring Cambodian government. The discussion will focus on enabling travel to the Preah Vihear Temple, situated on the Thailand-Cambodia border. The request was made to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang during his visit to Pha…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s soft power strategy under fire: Experts advocate for creative economy
The Srettha Thavisin administration’s strategy of bolstering the economy through soft power is under scrutiny, as experts at a recent seminar suggested the concept is impractical and unclear. Seksan Anantasirikiat, Advertising Director at the Korean Association of Thai Studies (KATS), recommended a shift in focus towards promoting Thailand’s creative economy. The government, he suggested, should rebrand its strategy to reflect…
- Thailand News
Thai police and health agencies join efforts to tackle rising mental health-related crimes
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have joined forces with public health agencies, signing a game-changing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the escalating issue of individuals with psychological disorders. The initiative aims not only to curb the growing number of attacks but also to ensure those affected receive the vital medical treatment they urgently require. Deputy National Police Chief, Police…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen mayor busted in corruption crackdown
The mayor of Chonnabot district municipality, Khon Kaen, finds himself at the epicenter of a corruption scandal. The once-respected official, Khunanon Hinthao, has been apprehended for allegedly scheming a jaw-dropping 30% kickback, amounting to a staggering 300,000 baht, in two CCTV installation projects valued at nearly 1 million baht. The charming facade of Khunanon’s house, doubling as a coffee shop,…
- Thailand News
Putin’s AI doppelganger stumps him live: Secret doubles revealed? (video)
In a jaw-dropping moment at the annual news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin faced an unexpected challenge on December 14 when an artificial intelligence (AI) clone of himself posed a thought-provoking question. The AI double seized the opportunity during the marathon event, connecting with the Russian leader via video link and leaving the audience in Moscow in stitches as he…
- Thailand News
Foreign buyers flock to Thailand’s tropical condos: Chinese and Russians lead
Foreign buyers such as the Chinese and Russian are dominating the condominium scene, turning Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket into international real estate playgrounds. A staggering 10,703 units, raking in a jaw-dropping 52.3 billion baht, exchanged hands in the nine months leading up to September, marking a whopping 38% surge from the previous year, according to the Real Estate Information Center,…
- Thailand News
Indian tourist influx in Thailand surpasses expectations due to visa exemptions
A significant influx of Indian tourists has been recorded in Thailand, reaching an impressive 1.5 million so far this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure surpasses the authority’s initial target, thanks to a newly introduced visa exemption scheme for Indian travellers. TAT’s Executive Director of ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Region, Patsee Permvongsenee, disclosed…
- Thailand News
Thai PM seeks Japanese investment in country’s EV industry
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to persuade top Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electronic vehicle (EV) industry, boarded a plane to Japan yesterday. The visit, marking his first to Japan since his tenure as prime minister began, coincides with the 50 Years of the Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit. Accompanying the 61 year old…
- Thailand News
Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor
Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…
- Thailand News
Fine dust pollution spikes across Thailand, Bangkok plans tree-planting pilot
Intensified fine dust pollution has led to heightened levels of fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5, in 30 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. This development was recorded yesterday through the satellite-based Check Foon application, developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Samut Songkhram experienced the highest dust level, peaking at 84.1 microgrammes per cubic…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s soft power strategy to generate 4 trillion baht across 11 industries
Thailand’s soft power is poised for global promotion in 11 industries, with a potential generation of 4 trillion baht, as revealed by Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The statement was made at a seminar aimed at empowering business operators through the application of soft power, attended by Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and chair of the national committee…
- Thailand News
Phuket switches to ‘seven days of family happiness’ to boost road safety
Phuket is taking a fresh approach to road safety during the forthcoming festive season. The island is rebranding its annual Seven Days of Danger campaign as Seven Days of Family Happiness in a bid to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on its roads. The revised campaign was announced during a press conference yesterday, December 14, presided over by Sattha Thongkham,…
- Thailand News
Canadian man and Thai wife fatally stabbed in Khon Kaen over parking dispute
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, a northeastern province of Thailand, when a Canadian man and his Thai wife were fatally stabbed by a neighbour. The couple, 54 year old Michael Nixon, and his 47 year old wife, Anurak, were found dead outside their two-storey house. A 36 year old…
- Thailand News
Former deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi acquitted in indecency case
The Criminal Court yesterday pronounced Prinn Panitchpakdi, previously a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, not guilty in a case where he was indicted for an obscene act on a 17 year old girl back in 2018. The court’s decision was based on the statute of limitations expiration. The prosecution’s lawsuit stated that during the day on April 25, 2018,…
- Thailand News
Olympic medallist Somluck faces attempted rape charges in Khon Kaen
Olympic medallist Somluck Kamsing surrendered to the local police in Khon Kaen on four charges, including attempted rape, in a case involving a 17 year old girl. Deputy Chief Investigator of Muang District Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suparerk Suwanraj, confirmed that Somluck, accompanied by his elder brother and a close associate, presented himself at the station at 12.30am yesterday. The…
- Thailand News
Vape trails go up in smoke: Police puff out a e-cigarette distribution network in Bangkok busts
A significant e-cigarette distribution network has been dismantled by the police, following a series of raids in Bangkok. The leader of the network, 32 year old Jenkij Hom-aroon, was apprehended during the operation that occurred yesterday. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) spearheaded the operation, acting on information related to the Iqos Thailand FanClub. This Facebook group was identified as…
- Thailand News
Thai senator faces lawsuit for alleged money laundering
Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun is facing charges after public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against him today, December 14. The Thai politician has been accused of money laundering and aiding a transnational criminal organisation. This legal action follows the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) decision to indict Upakit on charges of money laundering, involvement in a transnational criminal organisation, and alleged support…
- Phuket News
Phuket nightlife extends with 4am closing and increased safety measures
Phuket’s nightlife venues in Patong will soon be buzzing till 4am, thanks to new government regulations. To ensure the safety of party-goers, Kathu district’s Chief, Theeraphong Chuaychu, announced the creation of a war room to keep tabs on these late-night establishments. This extension of closing hours is set to come into force on December 16 and will impact selected areas…
- Thailand News
NEPC plans to cap power tariff for Thai households at current rate
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), in its recent meeting, moved to limit the power tariff for households consuming not more than 300 units a month at the existing rate of 3.99 baht per unit, an insider familiar with the meeting discussions revealed. In the NEPC meeting, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, two main points were reviewed, both related…
- Phuket News
Distressing discovery of abandoned fetus stuns Phuket neighbourhood
In a quiet corner of Karon, Phuket, a distressing discovery was made yesterday. A five month old fetus was found abandoned on a vacant lot near Soi Green Drinking Water. The alarm was raised around 10.45am, with Karon Police receiving the unsettling news from the 191 Provincial Police call centre. Due to the grave nature of the situation, the Deputy…
- Thailand News
Thai rice purity at risk due to popularity of foreign strains
Thai rice finds itself in a perilous position as the purity of its strains is at risk due to the rising popularity of foreign rice strains smuggled from neighbouring countries, warns the nation’s agriculture minister, Thammanat Prompow. Speaking at the annual Thai rice conference organised by the Thai Rice Foundation Under Royal Patronage, Thammanat expressed his worries about the future…
- Thailand News
Bangkok struggles with escalating PM2.5 levels: urgent government intervention needed
Bangkok is grappling with a severe rise in PM2.5 levels, necessitating immediate intervention from the government. Nearly 29 of the city’s 50 districts have recorded PM2.5 concentrations surpassing 35 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3), making the air unfit for breathing. The districts with the highest PM2.5 concentrations include Bangkok Yai (105.1μg/m3), Thonburi (104.8μg/m3), Nong Khaem (103.7μg/m3), Khlong San (100.6μg/m3), and…
- Phuket News
Taiwanese tourist’s stolen motorbike recovered in Phuket within three days
An unsuspecting blue Honda Scoopy motorbike was whisked away from its temporary parking spot on Wiset Road, Rawai, in Phuket leaving its rider, Taiwanese tourist Chen Hong Xi, and owner, Narongchai Wangboonkong, in a state of distress. The theft of the rented motorbike was promptly reported to the Chalong Police on December 2 by Narongchai. The officers of Chalong Police…
- Thailand News
Thai football revolution: Japan’s ace coach secures secret deal
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) pulled off a clandestine coup, securing the services of Japanese maestro Masatada Ishii to lead the national team. The deal, cloaked in secrecy, sent shockwaves through the football world, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation. FAT sealed a hush-hush pact with Japanese tactician Masatada Ishii yesterday, December 12, to helm the national squad – the…
