Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Frenchman’s financial woes and marijuana meltdown led to knife-wielding drama
A distressed Frenchman, grappling with financial turmoil and the aftermath of marijuana use, brandished a knife in a threatening manner on December 28. The drama reached a boiling point in the picturesque Bang Saray sub-district, Sattahip, as the Sattahip Police swooped in to defuse the intense situation. At 4.30pm, Sattahip Police, accompanied by emergency responders, responded swiftly to a distress…
- Thailand News
Pattaya: British tourist injured in road accident involving motorbike
A 52 year old British tourist was struck by a motorcycle while crossing Thepprasit Road, Bang Lamung, Pattaya on the evening of December 28. The British man, known only as Mei, was struck by Thai motorcyclist, 35 year old Suphansa Taengthong, while crossing Thepprasit Road, creating a spectacle near a PTT gas station around 5.50pm. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s…
- Thailand News
Pita Limjaroenrat crowned ‘Politician of the Year’ in Isaan poll
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former helm of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has clinched the coveted title of Politician of the Year in a high-octane survey conducted by Isaan Poll. The political battleground witnessed Pita soaring ahead with a formidable 34% of support from the 2,156 respondents aged 18 years or more across the 20 provinces of the Northeast. Associcate Professor…
- Thailand News
Bangkok grapples with severe air pollution despite New Year holiday lull
Despite the reduced traffic during the New Year holiday, Bangkok continues to battle severe air pollution issues. A total of 16 districts were marked as red zones due to significant health risks today, December 29. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) website revealed that at 8am, PM2.5 dust levels were recorded above 75 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m3)…
- Phuket News
Fatal stabbing casts shadow over Patong’s vibrant nightlife
As the first light of dawn broke over Patong, a grim discovery was made on the streets of this bustling tourist hotspot. A staffer from a local karaoke venue, named Itthinan Khola, was found lifeless on the footpath outside a similar establishment on Phra Metta Rd. The 24 year old victim, originally from Nong Bua Lamphu, had suffered a fatal…
- Phuket News
Phuket launches ‘Seven Days of Family Happiness’ safety campaign for New Year
Phuket, the tropical Thai island, is stepping up its safety measures for the New Year celebrations as officials unveiled their Seven Day Safety Campaign at the Phuket Provincial Hall on yesterday (December 28). The initiative, which aims to reduce accidents and fatalities during the festive period, has been rechristened from its previous moniker, Seven Days of Danger, to the more…
- Phuket News
Phuket greets third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon
The tropical island of Phuket welcomed its third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon, who has recently taken up the mantle of his duties. Norasak is part of a three-member team assigned to assist Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat in managing the island’s affairs. Norasak, whose primary area of responsibility is Social Affairs at the Phuket Provincial Office, isn’t a stranger to administrative…
- Thailand News
Siam Paragon shooting case update: prosecutors demand complete mental health assessment
The investigation into the infamous Siam Paragon shooting that transpired in the heart of Bangkok approximately three months ago, involving a 14 year old suspect, has taken an unanticipated turn. Prosecutors have handed back the police’s summarised investigation, citing an insufficiently comprehensive mental health assessment of the young suspect. This summary encapsulated the police’s examination of the evidence and the…
- Transport News
Road safety appeal amid surge of New Year holidaymakers in Thailand
The People’s Safety Foundation has made an appeal to the government for stricter safety policies to mitigate road accidents as Thailand gears up for the New Year’s celebrations. Nikorn Chamnong, the foundation’s chairman, and a List MP of the Chartthaipattana Party voiced concerns over the expected surge of holidaymakers due to the easing of the pandemic. He stated… “This poses…
- Politics News
Thai politics 2023 in review: Challenges and changes
The landscape of Thai politics in 2023 was filled with suspense, surprises, and setbacks. The Move Forward Party, despite winning the most seats in the May election, couldn’t form a government. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a significant figure in the country’s political sphere, decided to retire. A potential reconciliation between the red and yellow shirts was on the horizon. Thaksin Shinawatra,…
- Economy News
PM Srettha rallies coalition for upcoming budget bill debate
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has requested all coalition partners of the government to gear up for the upcoming debate on the Budget Bill for the fiscal year 2024. The bill, which aims to secure 3.48 trillion baht (US$101 billion) to fund the fiscal year that began in October, is due for its initial reading from January 3 to 5. The…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Louis Tussaud wax museum to unveil lifelike King Charles III figure
Following the resounding success of the Joe Biden wax figure debut last year, the Royal Dynasty room at Louis Tussaud’s is unveiling a life-size wax figure of the British monarch King Charles III. Nestled within the Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya shopping center in Chon Buri province, this cultural hotspot promises an unparalleled display of regal wax royalty. King Charles III,…
- Phuket News
Mystery blaze engulfs fishing boats on Phuket’s eastern coast
A trio of dilapidated fishing vessels fell victim to an early morning inferno on the eastern coast of Phuket Town yesterday. The flaming spectacle quickly drew the attention of local authorities, who were alerted to the incident around 5am. Arriving at the fiery scene of the fishing vessels, the police and firefighters found the boats engulfed in flames near the…
- Thailand News
Myanmar rescue operation frees 525 Thais from call scam gangs
A recent rescue operation in Laukkaing town, northern Myanmar, freed 525 Thais from the clutches of call scam gangs. However, only one-third of them were identified as actual victims of human trafficking. The revelation was made during a teleconference between Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, stationed in Bangkok, and senior police officials in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of…
- Economy News
Thailand’s biggest budget requests come from interior, education, finance ministries
Thailand’s parliament has disclosed that the Interior, Education, and Finance ministries are making the largest budgetary requests for the ongoing fiscal year. The budget bill, which governs annual expenditure, is set for its initial reading from January 3 to 5, and is anticipated to be approved by April. This follows a delay due to the transition from the preceding to…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s southern region on high alert due to severe flooding
Flooding in the southern reaches of Thailand has the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) on high alert. Surasee Kittimonthon, ONWR’s secretary-general, expressed concern yesterday, disclosing that the situation is expected to remain critical for several days as forecasts predict continued downpours. The Flood-Prone Area Water Management Centre in the Southern Region, chaired by Surasee, is particularly worried about…
- Transport News
Motorway No 81 now operational, offering free passage until next Wednesday
The new segment of Motorway No 81, also known as M81, is now operational and offering free passage to motorists until next Wednesday. This recent development connects Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district with Kanchanaburi province. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote. Surapong expressed that this initiative was intended as a New Year present for…
- Thailand News
Thai ministry plans overseas telemedicine services for one million expats
Telemedicine services for approximately one million Thais residing overseas is the latest initiative from the Ministry of Public Health, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. This universal healthcare scheme aims to ensure all Thais have access to medical treatment, no matter their location. The Ministry is partnering with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to explore the idea of…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Green Line extension routes to charge 15 baht flat fare
Passengers travelling on the Green Line’s second extension routes in Bangkok will be charged a flat rate of 15 baht (US$0.44) per trip, starting from January 2, as per the announcement by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The flat fare is applicable to the 12.8 kilometres Bearing-Kheha route in Samut Prakan and the 18.4 kilometres Mo Chit-Saphan Mai-Khu Khot section. The…
- Thailand News
Airfares to plummet next year
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a breath of fresh air for travellers— airfares are set to drop next year. With an influx of licenced airlines and a squadron of new aircraft on the horizon, the skies are about to become a lot more affordable. According to the latest revelation from the CAAT today, December 27, a stellar…
- Thailand News
Zika virus spreads rapidly in Bangkok: Expert issues urgent warning
Professor Dr Yong Poovorawan, the leading expert from the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, has sounded the alarm on the escalating Zika virus crisis in Bangkok. In a Facebook post today, December 27, Dr Yong disclosed that the virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is running rampant through the city, with symptoms mirroring those of dengue…
- Thailand News
Thailand marks 19th anniversary of devastating tsunami with somber memorial
Yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that struck Thailand. To commemorate this somber occasion, Sarawut Srisakukam, the head of the Mai Khao Tambon Administrative Organisation, led an official memorial service at the Wall of Remembrance, located at the Mai Khao Cemetery. This ceremony was attended by high-ranking local officials and members of the local community, all brought…
- Phuket News
Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system
Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal. This announcement was part of Lt Gen Itthiphon’s…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha visits devastated Narathiwat amidst ongoing Thai Floods and regional cooperation talks
Ravaging floods in Thailand’s southernmost provinces prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to visit Narathiwat on Tuesday. The region has been devastated by a persistent low-pressure system causing flash floods. Despite the water receding somewhat, significant property damage is evident. In addition to Narathiwat, the Prime Minister’s itinerary included a trip to Phuket. Here, he had dinner with his Malaysian counterpart,…
- Thailand News
Ex-ship captain identified as head of major drug ring
A prominent former ship’s captain has been identified by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) as the operator of a substantial drug trafficking ring, from which 1.2 tonnes of ketamine and nearly one tonne of ya ice were confiscated earlier this month. The NSB disclosed this information during a briefing at its headquarters, unveiling the outcome of a covert operation named…
- Thailand News
Thailand considers humanitarian centre for Myanmar refugees
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering the establishment of a humanitarian assistance centre along the Thai-Myanmar border. The proposed centre aims to aid Myanmar refugees fleeing the internal conflict between junta forces and rebel minority groups. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara confirmed ongoing discussions with Myanmar officials yesterday about this initiative, prompted by the dire circumstances within Myanmar and…
- Thailand News
Bangkok safety centre being set up for secure New Year celebrations
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a safety centre to enhance security measures for the upcoming New Year festivities, strongly urging the public to adhere to the established safety protocols throughout the celebration period. This move was announced by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt this Tuesday, who shed light on the specifics of a safety regulation that has been issued in…
- Thailand News
Pope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war
In a world marred by conflict, Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a heartfelt call for peace, acknowledging the grim shadows cast by Israel’s clash with Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The festive spirit, however, found a haven in the hearts of children globally, who tracked Santa and his reindeer on a 3-D interactive website. Revellers worldwide embraced holiday…
- Thailand News
Waves ban on Pattaya boats after tourist catamaran capsizes
The Marine Department, Pattaya Office, imposed a ban on small boats venturing into the Pattaya sea. With a red flag fluttering halfway up the mast yesterday, December 25, the Department issued a stern warning to fishing boats, jet skis, speedboats, and towing boats, urging them to stay ashore amid the turbulent waters. Large fishing vessels escaped a categorical ban but…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s NSTDA building AI ecosystem for ethical standardisation
The artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is under construction by Thailand‘s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The move is part of an effort to establish ethical and standardisation measures to prevent AI misuse, as confirmed by the agency’s director, Chukit Limpijamnong. The NSTDA has been working on setting up the ecosystem, recognising AI’s role in bolstering economic and social…
