- Tourism News
Win unrestricted access to Thailand’s national parks for a year
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has rolled out an intriguing tourism initiative offering winners unrestricted free access to national parks throughout Thailand for a whole year. Titled Passport to Thailand National Parks, the challenge encourages visitors to collect stamps from all 156 national parks in the country. The reward for this endeavour is not only…
- Thailand News
US warns Thai navy over salvage operations of sunk HTMS Sukhothai
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a second warning from the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (Jusmagthai) over salvage operations on the US-built HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand back in 2022. This information was revealed by Bangkok’s Move Forward Party MP, Chayaphon Satondee, during a parliamentary debate on the 2024 budget bill. Chayaphon explained…
- Chiang Mai News
Thai prime minister tours royal projects to boost agriculture sector
The Prime Minister of Thailand embarked on a tour of royal initiative projects in Chiang Mai on Saturday. PM Srettha Thavisin’s visit forms part of a broader government strategy to boost the nation’s agricultural sector and strengthen farming communities. Accompanying the prime minister were high-ranking state officials and leaders from the private sector. The entourage comprised Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Thai…
- Thailand News
Wang Nam Khieo tourism business calls for measures against wild gaur attacks
Tourism business operators from Wang Nam Khieo district in Nakhon Ratchasima have put forward initiatives to tackle the escalating number of incidents involving wild gaurs. These large, wild bulls are causing havoc, attacking individuals, and wreaking destruction on crops. The most recent incident occurred on January 11, when a mother and her seven year old daughter were assaulted by a…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha: Digital wallet scheme will go ahead despite postponement
The eagerly anticipated 500 billion baht digital wallet handout scheme, publicised as the government’s economic lifeline, faces an unexpected delay. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 19, that the launch of the 500-billion-baht initiative will be postponed pending an inquiry by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Brushing off rumours of incorporating the scheme into the 2025 budget, PM Srettha…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai court demands PM2.5 emergency plan
The Administrative Court in Chiang Mai demanded Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the National Environment Board craft an emergency plan within the next 90 days. This decisive move comes as a response to the persistent threat of PM2.5 pollution plaguing northern provinces and signals a watershed moment for civil society in the region. The court’s verdict is a resounding call for…
- Thailand News
Globalisation twist: Economic growth sizzles but income inequality and carbon clashes cloud horizon
The evolution of globalisation, while contributing to worldwide economic growth, has also introduced new economic challenges including increased income inequality and market failures due to carbon emissions. This was the view expressed by Eric S Maskin, Adams University Professor at Harvard’s Department of Economics. Maskin, a 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economics for his work in mechanism design theory, shed light…
- Phuket News
Violent dispute between van drivers shocks tourists at Phuket Airport
An alarming event unfolded at the Phuket International Airport recently, where a violent dispute erupted between two van drivers. The altercation unfolded before a crowd of tourists and was vividly captured in a video that has subsequently circulated widely on social media. The incident occurred in the early evening, prompting a swift response from the police who were promptly alerted…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s Cafe Del Mar faces police action over noise pollution
Phuket’s much-loved entertainment hotspot Cafe Del Mar had a brush with the Kamala police recently over an issue of noise pollution disturbing residents. This internationally known beach club found itself in hot water when the Kamala police declared that the volume of their music was exceeding acceptable levels. This was causing considerable disruption to the peaceful existence of the locals…
- Thailand News
Police general takes flight: Aims to soar Suvarnabhumi Airport into global top 50 in 2 years
The new chairman of Airports of Thailand (AoT), Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth, announced an ambitious plan to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the top 50 global airports within two years. The strategy, revealed yesterday, January 18, is part of AoT’s broader initiative to upgrade and increase the capacities of six airports under its jurisdiction, in response to the anticipated global…
- Thailand News
Thai man faces record 50-year sentence for royal defamation
A Thai man from Chiang Rai faces an unprecedented 50 year imprisonment sentence for royal defamation. This comes after the Court of Appeal added to his existing convictions, according to a report by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) released on today. The sentence, delivered to 30 year old Mongkol Busbas Thirakot, is reportedly the longest ever served for offences…
- Phuket News
Bangladeshi nationals arrested at Phuket Airport over counterfeit visas
Five Bangladeshi nationals found themselves on the wrong side of the law at Phuket International Airport, after a failed attempt to breach Thailand’s borders with counterfeit visas. The arrests were made yesterday, around 11.30am by vigilant Phuket Immigration Department officers. The incident came to light late that night, with the airport’s immigration officers providing a detailed account. The alleged perpetrators,…
- Thailand News
On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road construction to resume in March
The halted construction of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road, following a catastrophic collapse five months ago, is set to recommence in March. The plan is currently being revised by the Public Works Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The elevated road, located on Luang Phaeng Road in Lat Krabang district, experienced a tragic collapse of a 600-metre section…
- Thailand News
Democrat Party’s dwindling popularity prompts talks of new political formation
The Democrat Party is grappling with dwindling popularity as internal disputes have left it in a state of chaos. The party, known for its astute opposition role, recently reviewed the government’s budget bill for 2024 in a parliamentary debate. However, the past few years have seen the party suffer from various setbacks, including the departure of experienced party members and…
- Thailand News
Thailand vows to support Myanmar with humanitarian aid at Davos
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, declared the nation’s commitment to supporting troubled Myanmar through humanitarian aid during the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting, which included international representatives, also featured Vice Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Parnpree emphasised Thailand’s proactive and innovative efforts to foster peace, stability, and unity in…
- Thailand News
Significant reduction in lead contamination at Thailand’s Klity Creek
The Department of Pollution Control reported a significant reduction in lead contamination within Thailand’s Klity Creek in Kanchanaburi Province. The contamination levels have plummeted from over 100,000 micrograms per kilogramme to 3,000mg/kg, a marked improvement since the pre-rehabilitation era. Chayawee Wangcharoenrung, the director of the Department’s Domestic Wastewater Management Division, stated that Klity Creek is subjected to rigorous scrutiny every…
- Thailand News
New 6.5 kilometre six-lane road to link Phutthamonthon Sai 4 with Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Motorway
The Department of Highways in Thailand embarked upon a new project to construct a 6.5-kilometre-long six-lane road that will link Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road with the Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Motorway. The new roadway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the existing roads and foster urbanisation in the adjoining areas. The highway will extend through four districts in Nonthaburi and into…
- Thailand News
Delayed launch of Thailand’s 500 billion baht digital wallet rattles government
The much-anticipated 500-billion-baht (US$14.3-billion) digital wallet initiative, a flagship policy of the Pheu Thai-led government, has hit a snag. The planned rollout for May has been deferred, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, delivering a blow to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin’s coalition government, which has been promoting the scheme as a lifeline for the faltering economy.…
- Thailand News
Sky’s the limit: Royal Thai Air Force gears up with plans for 12 sleek new fighter jets
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced plans for significant advancement, including the procurement of 12 new fighter jets. The development plan will be presented in detail at the RTAF Symposium 2024 next month. Phanpakdee Pattanakul, the Commander-in-chief, laid out RTAF plans, which involve not only the acquisition of new weapons and equipment but also the improvement of existing maintenance…
- Phuket News
Phuket police call for vigilance against foreign fraudulent beggars
Phuket’s Provincial Police are calling for vigilance against foreign beggars, following the arrest of a Chinese man who was allegedly soliciting donations under false pretences. The man, identified only as Yang by law enforcement, claimed that the funds collected would go towards aiding a disabled child. News of the arrest broke on January 15, after law enforcement officers apprehended Yang.…
- Phuket News
Unexpected black stream on Karon Beach due to natural sedimentation
The sandy shores of Karon Beach in Phuket were unexpectedly marred by a stream of black water making its way from the beach into the sea. This unusual sight generated a flurry of concern on social media as bird’s-eye view images of the beach began to circulate, alarming environmental enthusiasts and tourists alike. The man at the epicentre of it…
- Thailand News
Police confirm model Prawrawee Sahatthatphong’s death as suicide
Unveiling a fresh timeline, police authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the evidence gathered backs the assumption that Prawrawee Sahatthatphong, also known as Yoko, the 28 year old motor show model, took her own life on November 1. The recently surfaced data reveals that Prawrawee, who was found lifeless in her Ekkamai condominium, had procured a bottle of cyanide online in…
- Thailand News
Thai government resists Israeli embassy’s call for hostage release in Gaza
A call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, initiated by the Israeli embassy, met with opposition from the Thai government. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara expressed his disapproval of the move on Tuesday. He has requested a meeting with the Israeli ambassador for a discussion on the issue.…
- Thailand News
Royal Thai Air Force to battle surging fine dust pollution crisis
With fine dust pollution surging to alarming levels in Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with spearheading the nation’s countermeasures. RTAF chief ACM Phanpakdee Pattanakul yesterday confirmed the directive. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that the provinces of Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon are presently grappling with high levels of…
- Thailand News
Ex-deputy health minister faces lawsuit for Khao Yai park encroachment
The state prosecutor announced plans to file a lawsuit against ex-Deputy Public Health Minister Sunthorn Wilawan, along with 11 others in connection with the encroachment of the Khao Yai National Park. The court date is set for February 28, according to Wirun Chanthananan, Director of Public Prosecution of the Office of the Attorney-General’s (OAG) Special Litigation Office. On January 4,…
- Phuket News
Tourist bus crash in Phuket injures 17 Chinese tourists
A bus journey to the picturesque Similan Islands took a horrific turn today when a vehicle ferrying 17 Chinese tourists careened off the road in Tha Chatchai, located in the northernmost part of Phuket. The incident occurred early today, January 16. Authorities were alerted to the disaster at 8.10am. Responding to the call were Tha Chatchai police officials, including Police…
- Thailand News
Thailand to tackle declining birth rate as national issue
Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister, announced the government’s intent to prioritise the country’s dwindling birth rate as a national issue. In a response to Senator Ampol Chindawattana’s query regarding the falling birth rate, Cholnan explained that the challenge isn’t straightforward to address due to shifting priorities and socioeconomic values. The government, however, recognised the urgency of the situation, given…
- Thailand News
Thai government contemplates extending humanitarian aid to Myanmar
A military source revealed that the Thai government is deliberating on extending widespread humanitarian aid to assist the vulnerable populations in Myanmar. Additionally, Thailand is considering hosting discussions with the leader of Myanmar and ethnic minority factions to resolve the country’s crisis. The Thai prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, has been engaged in conversations with Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara and the…
- Thailand News
Bangkok braces for rising dust pollution, considers work-from-home scenario
Bangkok’s City Hall is on high alert as it keeps a close watch on the escalating ultra-fine dust pollution levels. The governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, raised the possibility of initiating a work-from-home programme if alarmingly unsafe levels persist for three days in a row. Chadchart yesterday indicated that a warning would be disseminated through the City Hall’s network, which boasts over…
- Phuket News
Phuket community gathers for fun-filled Children’s Day celebrations
Phuket was brimming with joy and laughter yesterday as the community gathered to commemorate Children’s Day. A plethora of activities were arranged throughout the island, transforming the usually serene atmosphere into a vibrant, lively carnival for the younger generation. In a heartwarming gesture, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and his wife, Busadee Suwannarat, opened the doors of the Provincial Hall to…
