- 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
Phuket aims to slash greenhouse emissions by 440,000 tons by 2030
Phuket officials assembled on Wednesday for an in-depth training workshop on the Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS). The mission: to slash the island’s greenhouse gas emissions by a hefty 440,000 tons – that’s 9.6% of the island’s total emissions – by the year 2030. The workshop was masterminded by Watthanaphong Suksai, the director of Phuket’s Natural Resources and Environment office.…
- 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
Thai land bridge megaproject to include compensation fund
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the appointed contractor for the upcoming southern Land Bridge megaproject will have the responsibility of creating a fund dedicated to compensating those who will be affected by the construction. This move comes following a Cabinet visit to Ranong province, where concerns were raised by locals about potential losses and displacement due to the massive…
- 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
Thai ministries to patrol schools post operational hours following assault
The aftermath of a shocking assault on a school teacher in Chiang Rai last week has instigated the Education Ministry to collaborate with the Interior Ministry and Royal Thai Police (RTP). The objective is to ensure local law enforcement officers patrol schools after operational hours. A 38 year old man was responsible for the severe injuries inflicted on a female…
- 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
Thai government ends after-school caretaking duties for teachers
The Thai government has approved the termination of after-school caretaking duties for teachers, following a recent assault on a primary school teacher in Chiang Rai by a 38 year old man during her shift. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 24, at the mobile Cabinet meeting held at the Ranong Civic Centre. The caretaking duties, which were imposed on…
- 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…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha promises to consider opposition’s concerns on Land Bridge megaproject
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured opposition groups that he would take into account their concerns regarding the Land Bridge megaproject. The discussions took place at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University’s education centre in Ranong, following a mobile Cabinet meeting. The megaproject, valued at 1 trillion baht, is designed to create a logistics network linking Ranong with Chumphon. It consists of a…
- Thailand News
Thai military and police ramp up counter-drone tech training
The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) and Royal Thai Police (RTP) are set to enhance their focus on counter-drone technology training as part of their yearly exercises and drills. This decision was made public at a joint meeting of military and police commanders, steered by Chief of Defence Forces, General Songwit Noonpackdee. The session was an avenue for discussing plans…
- Thailand News
German president’s state visit to Thailand after 22 years sparks hope
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier embarked on a state visit to Thailand today, following an invitation extended by Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand. This marks the first visit by a German president to Thailand in 22 years, as stated by Chai Watcharonke, the Thai Government Spokesperson. The three-day visit has its highlight set for tomorrow, where a discussion on trade,…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok bracing for temperature drop and dust pollution fluctuations
The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is set to experience a slight drop in temperatures tomorrow, January 24, amid ongoing concerns over high levels of dust pollution. As forecasted by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), temperatures are predicted to decrease by 1-3°C for a single day. Meanwhile, other regions of the country, barring the south, will see a temperature…
- Thailand News
Teenager in Thailand brutally assaulted by notorious youth gang
A brutal assault on a 13 year old boy by a notorious youth gang in Nonthaburi, Thailand, led to a formal complaint being lodged at the Ratthanathibet Police Station. Ekapop Luengprasert, an adviser to the interior minister and founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod (Sai Mai District Must Survive) Facebook page, accompanied the mother of the victim to the…
- Thailand News
Muay Thai aims for Olympic recognition as part of Thailand’s soft power strategy
National Soft Power Strategy Committee Deputy Chairperson Paetongtarn Shinawatra is championing the cause for the integral Thai martial art, Muay Thai, to be recognised as an Olympic sport. Paetongtarn sees the inclusion of Muay Thai in the Olympics as part of a broader strategy to elevate the martial art as a key tool of Thailand’s soft power. “We will get…
- Thailand News
Thai police intensify crackdown on juvenile delinquency following brutal murder
In response to a brutal murder committed by five teenagers in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district, Thai police are intensifying efforts to combat juvenile delinquency across the country. The murder of a middle-aged woman earlier this month has sparked a nationwide crackdown on criminal acts perpetrated by young offenders, an operation ordered by National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol. Torsak has given…
- Politics News
Protesters intensify demonstrations over Thaksin Shinawatra’s preferential treatment
The Students and People’s Network for Thailand Reform (STR) are intensifying their demonstrations over the alleged preferential treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra, the convicted former prime minister. The protesters are set to stage a sit-in outside the Government House starting February 2. According to Pichit Chaimongkol, the STR leader, there are plans to protest indefinitely alongside other groups that are targeting…
- Thailand News
Making waves: Thai marine police chief boosts efforts against maritime crime
The newly appointed chief of the Marine Police Division has quickly made a name for himself and the often-understated unit, highlighting its significant role in curbing criminal activities and maritime threats in Thai waters. Since taking office in October last year, Police Major General Phruttiphong Nuchanart has been at the helm of operations that led to the seizure of over…
- Phuket News
Phuket grocery owner busted for illicit kratom water trade
A sweeping police operation in Phuket culminated in the arrest of a man found in possession of an astonishing 315 bottles of the outlawed beverage known as kratom water. Somsak Kiattikhan, a 44 year old grocery store owner, was apprehended on Saturday, January 20, following an intelligence tip-off regarding the sale of the illicit drink to local youths. The swoop took…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha reassures public on Land Bridge megaproject amid concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of groups opposing the Land Bridge megaproject. Today, PM Srettha is visiting the proposed construction site in Ranong, where a mobile cabinet meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. The 61 year old Thai prime minister acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in effectively communicating the project’s economic advantages to international investors.…
- Phuket News
Rawai rescue team saves lost tourists at Laem Krating
Two female tourists, who had lost their way as darkness fell near Laem Krating, were located and ushered to safety by the Rawai Municipality rescue team last night (January 21). The women had gone for a walk on the popular trail along the cape, well-known for its Black Rock Viewpoint. The trail, which measures just 1.8 kilometres, became a labyrinth…
- Thailand News
Thailand investigates potential tiger migration between Thai and Myanmar forests
The Department of National Parks (DNP), Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Thailand is investigating the movements of tigers, potentially traversing between Thai and Myanmar forests. This follows the discovery of tiger footprints in Chumphon, reported by a local wildlife sanctuary. Athapol Charoenshunsa, DNP director-general, confirmed the discovery of the footprints in the forest of Tambon Song Phi Nong, in Tha…
