- Phuket News
Phuket eyes 50 million baht funding for critical environmental projects
A sense of optimism is in the air as Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat expressed confidence that the province would secure funding for two critical environmental projects. These projects are part of the emergency budget deliberations at the mobile Cabinet meeting in Ranong. The governor elucidated that each province has an allocation of 50 million baht under consideration. The funds are intended…
- 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 government officials inspect 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject amid environmental concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit embarked on an official visit to the Andaman region, with Ranong, the site of the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject, as their first stop. The project, expected to generate significant benefits across the southern region, is facing criticism due to its potential environmental impact. The officials inspected a…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Parking pandemonium: Patong police in vehicle violation crackdown to unclog traffic in Phuket hotspot
In a bold move to ease traffic congestion, Patong Police initiated a crackdown on vehicles flouting parking regulations in Phuket’s most bustling tourist locale. The campaign kicked off on Friday, January 19, at 9am, when officers began issuing penalties to vehicles improperly parked on Ratchapathanusorn Road. Interestingly, this is the same street that houses the Patong Municipality offices. Patong’s Police…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Chinese tourist drowns during Similan Islands tour
A tragic incident unfolded on the picturesque Similan Islands, just north of Phuket, at the weekend. A 44 year old Chinese tourist lost his life to drowning while immersed in the island tour on Saturday, January 20. The incident was reported to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) branch situated in Phang Nga. The report came in…
- Phuket News
Phuket taxi driver faces 180-day suspension for harassing student
A taxi driver based in Phuket faces the looming threat of a 180-day suspension and potentially more severe consequences following accusations of inappropriately harassing a young female passenger. The visibly shaken 20 year old student lodged a complaint against the driver, Chuen Ochaphon, citing inappropriate advances during the journey. These advances included an invitation to his room and a proposition…
- Thailand News
Compliance with Factory Laws: What You Need to Know
A deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in Suphan Buri prompted the Ministry of Industry to consider amendments to the nation’s factory laws. Permanent Secretary for Industry Nattapol Rangsitpol revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin has tasked the ministry with managing small factories that might pose a risk to nearby communities. Plans are underway to form a committee to…
- Thailand News
Thai initiative Kru Care Jai launched to tackle teen mental health issues
An initiative to address the increasing mental health issues among Thai adolescents has been launched under the name of Kru Care Jai. This programme, initiated by the Public Health Ministry, seeks to provide training to teachers to enhance their abilities in curbing mental health problems in students. The launch comes as data suggests that Thai youth are increasingly vulnerable to…
- Thailand News
How to deliver on Valentine’s Day: Classic gift ideas for him and her
According to a recent survey carried out by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), loved-up consumers plan on spending more than ever on the big day itself in 2024. The UTCC survey found that shoppers were prepared to shell out an average of almost 2.4 billion baht on dates, dining out, and gifts. Even with the rising…
- Thailand News
Large-scale anti-crime initiative launched in Sa Kaeo, Thailand following brutal murder
In a shocking development in Sa Kaeo, Thailand, a large-scale anti-crime initiative has been launched by the Aranyaprathet District Police, spurred by the brutal murder of a 47 year old woman. The alleged culprits, a group of teenagers aged between 13 and 16, reportedly include the sons of two local police officers from the eastern province. The campaign, aiming to…
- 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
Thailand’s Student Loan Fund tackles 100 billion baht in bad debts
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) in Thailand has accumulated bad debts amounting to 100 billion baht (US$2,816,902,000). This is a significant increase from 2017 when the total non-performing loans stood at 60 billion baht. The SLF’s manager, Chainarong Katchapanan, attributes this surge to borrowers prioritising other repayments, such as credit card debt and mortgages, over their student loans. The SLF…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Demand for stricter juvenile law after brutal murder by teenagers in Sa Kaeo
The brutal murder of a woman in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district by five teenagers has triggered demands for stricter penalties for serious offences committed by juvenile delinquents. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 11, saw the teenagers, aged between 13 and 16, captured on security camera footage attacking the woman, 47 year old Buaphan Tansu, and later confessing to…
- 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
Phuket officials crack down on illegal vape and hookah sales
Phuket’s bustling Bangla Road was the scene of a crackdown as Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) officials swooped in last night. Seven individuals, including a foreign national working as a store manager, were apprehended for their involvement in the illicit sale of vaping devices and the provision of hookahs, referred to locally as baraku, for tourists. Patong Police, responsible for…
- 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…
