- Phuket News
Australian tourist dies in tragic motorbike crash in Phuket
Tragedy struck in Rawai, Phuket, when an Australian tourist lost his life in a fatal motorbike crash. The man, who had recently arrived on the island from Samui, met with the accident on Friday morning. Local authorities were alerted of the mishap, which occurred across from the Bangchak petrol station on Wiset Road’s southbound lane. Upon arriving at the scene,…
- Thailand News
Swiss man confesses to strangling wife during argument in Thailand
A 53 year old Swiss national confessed to Thai police that he inadvertently strangled his wife, Orathai Posee-ngarm, during a heated argument. The confession came during a five-hour interrogation at the Khon Buri Police Station, where the Swiss man, known only as Roland, had initially gone to retrieve his previously seized passport. Roland’s confession also revealed that he had transported…
- Thailand News
MFP confident on Constitutional Court ruling on lese majeste law amendment
The Constitutional Court’s impending verdict on the main opposition Move Forward Party‘s (MFP) bid to amend the lese majeste law is anticipated with confidence by the party. The MFP’s list MP and spokesperson, Parit Wacharasindhu, stated yesterday, January 29, that an internal discussion would take place before the court’s ruling. The Constitutional Court was petitioned by Theerayut Suwannakasorn to determine…
- Thailand News
Thailand pledges support to Laos in handling ASEAN issues
Thailand is prepared to back Laos in addressing the Myanmar crisis and other significant issues within the ASEAN region, according to Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. During a press conference yesterday, January 29, he explained that this support would bolster Laos’s success as the ASEAN chair this year. Parnpree held discussions with his Lao equivalent, Saleumxay Kommasith, on Sunday to…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Chinatown gears up for Lunar New Year celebrations
This year’s Lunar New Year festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, will officially kick off on February 10 under the auspices of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Tavida Kamolvej, confirmed her Royal Highness’s arrival at the Odeon Circle’s gate at 5pm to formally inaugurate the two-day celebrations. The announcement was made at a…
- Thailand News
Extortion racket tied to anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya more structured than thought
The extortion racket, previously linked to the anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya, is more extensive and well-structured than initially suspected, according to reports from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The organised group, which is believed to have a mastermind, has targeted numerous individuals. CIB’s deputy commissioner, Charoonkiat Pankaeo, stated that the police investigation into the alleged 3 million baht extortion from…
- Thailand News
Thailand prime minister requests another giant panda from China
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently voiced his desire for China to send another giant panda to Thailand. This request follows the death of Lin Hui, a beloved panda who had been a significant attraction in the country. The prime minister’s request received support from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, highlighting the close diplomatic relations between the two nations that span…
- Thailand News
Thai agencies promote youth political participation amid rising issues
A rise in youth problems related to drugs, violence, mental health deterioration, and financial woes has spurred Thai government agencies to promote greater youth political participation and heed the voices of the young. An event titled Learn Len Hen Local, showcasing the initiatives of the Children and Youth Council of Thailand (CYCT), was recently conducted by the Department of Local…
- Thailand News
Thai films to debut at Osaka Asian Film Festival in government initiative
The Thai government announced plans to showcase a series of Thai films at various international film festivals, commencing with six films at the Osaka Asian Film Festival in March. This was revealed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Chairwoman of the National Committee on Soft Power Development. Paetongtarn used her Facebook platform on Sunday to applaud…
- Thailand News
Great Muay Thai fighters in the UFC history
In combat sports, Muay Thai ranks as one of the most challenging and fierce sports. If you are a fan of watching people fight, the UFC is one of the places you can reap the thrill of watching Thai boxing. Muay Thai is one of several forms of kickboxing that involves using eight limbs to strike down your opponent. Like…
- Thailand News
Hazardous haze engulfs Thailand provinces with dangerous PM2.5 levels
A hazardous haze of ultra-fine dust engulfed 35 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, January 28, predominantly affecting the central plains. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, which was released at 8am. The report classified nine provinces as suffering from red-level air pollution, indicating serious harm due to the…
- South Thailand News
Thai police apprehend call centre scam gang in Sungai Kolok district
A call centre scam gang was apprehended by the police in the district of Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat province yesterday, January 27. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Chief, Jirabhop Bhuridej, disclosed that the operation was executed in collaboration with the Crime Suppression Division Subdivision 6 and local police. They raided a house located in the border district with Malaysia. The arrested…
- Thailand News
AIS introduces new points scheme
Advanced Info Service (AIS) plans to transform its AIS Points programme into a cutting-edge platform with tailor-made privileges through a collaboration with partners across diverse industries. AIS customer and service management chief Jaiporn Srisakul explained that the revamped platform will cater to the individual lifestyles of its 49.1 million customers, employing data analytics to craft personalised privileges using the innovative…
- Thailand News
German president visits rice fields in Isaan and North Thailand
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier embarked on a journey to Thailand’s rice fields in Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Rai. The two Thai provinces boast over 4.2 million rai of rice fields. President Steinmeier and his delegation paid a visit to the Suan Ta Rom Demonstration Farm in Trakan Phuet Phon district, Ubon Ratchathani. The 35-rai (56,000 square metres) integrated farmland showcased…
- Phuket News
Phuket to address traffic woes with AI control systems
Phuket is gearing up to address its ongoing traffic congestion through the implementation of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) traffic control systems. The announcement came from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who is hopeful that technological advancements can bring about a noticeable change in the island’s traffic flow. Patong Police, in their ongoing effort to regulate traffic, continue to enforce stringent measures…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s fertile future: Urban agriculture sprouts to secure sustenance and resilience
The bustling tourist hub of Phuket in Thailand is witnessing a significant shift towards urban agriculture. The Phuket Provincial Agriculture Office embarked on a mission to reinforce food security and boost community resilience amid times of crisis. The call to action was delivered at a gathering graced by Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat. Phuket Agriculture Chief Charatsri Khamphirasingh underscored the urgent…
- Phuket News
Transparent Phuket: new anti-corruption initiative launched in Phuket
Phuket, known for its stunning beaches and bustling tourism, is the setting of a fresh anti-corruption initiative. The campaign, aptly titled Transparent Phuket, was unleashed yesterday, January 25, by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO). Chaired by PPAO President Rewat Areerob, a meeting was held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel to delineate the campaign’s strategy for the fiscal year of…
- Phuket News
Phuket tackles illegal encroachment and monkey menace on Monkey Hill
Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong yesterday convened a high-profile meeting to address the escalating issue of illegal encroachment on Khao Toh Sae, also known as Monkey Hill, in Phuket Town. Also on the agenda was the rising threat of macaque attacks on tourists and residents, a problem that has been increasing in frequency and severity. The meeting took place in…
- Thailand News
DSI probes Aranyaprathet police for alleged torture and false confession
The 56 year old man, who was allegedly tortured into a false confession by Aranyaprathet police, is now under the spotlight of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The contentious case revolves around the murder of Panya Khongsaenkham’s mentally unstable wife, 47 year old Buaphan Tansu, where he was initially made a scapegoat. Aranyaprathet police have been accused of coercing Panya…
- Thailand News
Germany backs Thailand’s pursuit of becoming regional EV hub
Germany pledged to increase its stake in the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Thailand, paving the way for the nation to emerge as a regional EV hub, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This announcement was made during a press briefing on Thursday, following a discussion with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, who is on a three-day official visit to…
- Thailand News
Long-awaited arrest of Ufun pyramid scheme executive’s wife in Si Sa Ket
The long arm of the law finally reached Ratthakitbovorn, the wife of a Ufun online pyramid scheme executive, in Sisaket, nearly a decade after she disappeared. She was apprehended on Thursday, in front of a house in the Muang district of this northeastern province, by officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD). The Ufun scheme swindled around 14,700 people…
- Thailand News
Prince Mahidol award 2023 goes to two American scientists
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday awarded the Prince Mahidol Award for 2023 to two American scientists, Professor Dr Napoleone Ferrara, a medical researcher, and Professor Dr Barry H Rumack, a public health expert. The award is a global recognition of their scientific contributions that have significantly advanced medical treatments. The ceremony took place at the Chakri Maha…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s economic growth labelled underwhelming by government
The economic expansion of Thailand in the previous year and the anticipated growth in the current year have been labelled as underwhelming by the government, referencing a report from the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). The assertion was made by Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesperson, through a Line chat group created for communication with reporters from the Government House. The FPO…
- Thailand News
Transforming Thailand’s Koh Yao into a wellness tourism hotspot
The Thai Public Health Ministry is set to transform Koh Yao district in Phang Nga into a wellness hotspot by augmenting medical services and expanding long-stay options for tourists. The solitary hospital on Koh Yao Noi, Kohyaochaipat Hospital, currently caters to over 12,000 island residents and sporadic tourists requiring medical attention, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. The hospital…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims to become Asian aviation hub, says Thai PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin outlined plans to transform Thailand into an Asian aviation hub. The announcement was made during his keynote speech at the Thailand 2024 The Great Challenges event. He highlighted the government’s focus on tourism and the introduction of several measures to boost the industry, including reciprocal visa exemption programmes. A reciprocal visa exemption deal will be signed…
- Thailand News
Saraburi mayor arrested on bribery allegations involving construction contracts
Prachum Khwanmuang, mayor of tambon Talad Noi municipality in Saraburi province, was apprehended by authorities yesterday, January 23, due to alleged allegations of bribery. Accused of taking a 12% bribe for authorising the payment of construction contracts, his illicit gains are estimated to be around 700,000 baht. The arrest took place in front of Sing Buri Wetchakarn Hospital in the…
- Road deaths
Croatian tourists survive van collision in Phuket
A close shave with disaster was experienced by three Croatian tourists on January 22, when the van they were travelling in collided with a power pole on Thepkasattri Road in Phuket. The accident resulted in minor injuries for the tourists who were immediately rushed to the hospital. The mishap was reported to the local Thalang Police Station around 10pm, as…
- Phuket News
Belgian fugitive convicted for attempted murder arrested in Thailand
A Belgian fugitive, previously convicted in Belgium for charges of attempted murder, has been apprehended in Patong, Thailand. The 36 year old man, known only by the name Achmal, had been operating as a DJ in a local nightlife establishment for a number of years. Achmal was taken into custody by Phuket Immigration officers from an apartment in Patong, according…
- Thailand News
JN.1 Omicron sub-variant linked to surge in Thai hospitalisations
The JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been implicated in a recent rise in hospitalisations and over 10 fatalities last week. The majority of those hospitalised were elder individuals who had not received a vaccine or booster shots. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported 718 fresh Covid cases last week, yielding a daily average of 102 new…
- Thailand News
Leatherback sea turtle death sparks concern among Thai wildlife officials
The untimely demise of a leatherback sea turtle on a beach in Phang Nga this week triggered a wave of concern among wildlife officials and conservationists. The cause of death was an unfortunate entanglement in a fishing net, which was discovered when the turtle’s carcass washed ashore. Athapol Charoenshunsa, stationed at the helm of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife…
