- Thailand News
Thai man linked to major fraud case arrested in Bangkok
Bangkok police apprehended a 57 year old Thai man linked to a sizeable fraud case going back almost ten years. Raveeroj Rithchoteanan, had been previously incarcerated in Angola for his involvement in a significant fraud scheme. The arrest took place on Sunday at a hotel in Wang Thonglang district, with Raveeroj accused of swindling a businessman out of 22 million…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s air quality under threat as haze season approaches
Grey skies are looming over Thailand’s popular tourist destination of Phuket despite the air quality remaining at a moderate level during the first week of January. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has already flagged concerns as predictions suggest the annual haze might arrive earlier than expected this year. According to the World Air Quality Index project (AQICN), the concentration of hazardous PM2.5…
- Phuket News
Chinese tourist drowns in tragic incident at Similan Islands
A calamitous event unfolded on the serene Similan Islands last Friday morning, January 5, when a Chinese tourist was abruptly swept away in a drowning incident. The incident was later relayed to the public by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) 3rd Area Command. As of yet, the current state of the victim remains unknown. The incident occurred within the confines…
- Phuket News
Mysterious death in Patong: Thai woman’s tragic demise investigated by police
A disturbing incident unfolded on Saturday in the heart of Phuket’s bustling tourist area, Patong, where a Thai woman lost her life under mysterious circumstances. Patong Police are diligently probing the matter, which took place at a local hotel, involving a New Zealand man. The incident came to light at approximately 1.40pm, on January 6 when employees of a hotel…
- Thailand News
Pedestrian bridge collapses onto dump truck on Northbound Highway 32
A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge. The Department of Highways reported that the truck was en route north on Highway 32,…
- Thailand News
German President Steinmeier’s visit to Thailand to boost bilateral ties
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, is set to embark on a three-day visit to Thailand, starting on January 24. The visit is at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. This announcement marks the first international state leader visit since PM Srettha’s government came into power and the first by a German President since Johannes Rau’s visit in…
- Thailand News
Online scams surge in Thailand warns Central Investigation Bureau
A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. The CIB’s analysis of cybercrime, as reported by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), indicated that over 400,000 cases were logged between March 1 and November 30 of last year. Misleading operations involving…
- Thailand News
Rare white Omura’s whale spotted off Phuket, Thailand (video)
An unexpected encounter with a white Omura’s whale off the coast of Koh He in Phuket marked a potentially unique event, as it could be the first sighting of this incredibly rare species in Thailand and perhaps globally. This news was shared by Associate Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist and lecturer at Kasetsart University. The marine biologist yesterday shared…
- Thailand News
Thailand tightens cannabis regulation for medical use only
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew enacted a proposed bill concerning the use of cannabis, underlining its restriction to medical applications only. After signing the bill, Cholnan clarified the bill on Saturday. “The newly proposed law will explicitly outline that cannabis can only be utilised for medical reasons. It will further promote the health benefits that cannabis can provide.” Addressing the…
- Thailand News
Transgender arrested for theft of gold necklace worth 300,000 baht
A 29 year old transgender woman made her escape via South Pattaya Road after snatching a 300,000 baht gold necklace from a Chinese tourist on Christmas Day last year. Yu Chao, a 36 year old Chinese tourist, was left stunned. In the early hours of December 25, near Wat Chai, he encountered a transgender woman offering companionship. Little did he…
- Thailand News
Government plans to transform military bases into drug rehab centres
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed a strategic initiative to repurpose military facilities as sanctuaries for treating and stabilising drug addicts. The visionary plan, aimed at curbing the societal fallout from illicit drugs, comes after discussions with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and army chief General Charoenchai Hinthao. The Thai PM made an announcement on social media. “Drug problems have negative impacts…
- Phuket News
Phuket Rajabhat University launches entrepreneurial scheme for student innovation
The Phuket Rajabhat University in Thailand set in motion a pioneering scheme yesterday aimed at fostering entrepreneurial prowess amongst its students and sparking innovation within the community. This enterprising initiative, launched to nurture future business leaders, seeks to promote business designs born out of community innovation. The grand inauguration of the project was attended by dignitaries including Phuket Vice Governor…
- Environment News
Rare cinereous vulture found in Kamphaeng Phet now under specialised care
A juvenile cinereous vulture, discovered on a road in the Lan Krabue district of Kamphaeng Phet last Sunday, is currently under the care of a team of veterinarians from the neighbouring Nakhon Sawan. The bird, weak from its long winter migration, is being prepared for future release. Veterinarian Pimchanok Songmongkol from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject receives robust defence
The Land Bridge megaproject, a 1-trillion-baht initiative in Thailand, received robust defence from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pheu Thai MPs on Thursday. They stated that the project, designed to boost the country’s economy and development, could significantly improve the national economy if successful. PM Srettha, during the House debate on the 2024 fiscal budget, argued that the Land Bridge…
- Thailand News
Thai film censorship guidelines revamped for creative freedom
The National Soft Power Strategy Committee unveiled modifications to the Thai film censorship guidelines, acknowledging that the existing restrictions are hindering creativity and no longer reflect the social landscape of Thailand. This shift in policy now allows private sector input in the film and video consideration committee, as revealed by the National Committee on Soft Power Development’s chairwoman, Paetongtarn Shinawatra,…
- Politics News
Thailand’s opposition questions rising military budget amid promised reforms
Opposition parties in Thailand expressed concern over the budget allocations for the country’s military, arguing that these contradict the Pheu Thai Party’s commitment to reform and downsize the armed forces. The concerns were voiced during a debate on the 2024 budget bill, with Aekkarat Udomamnuay, an MP with the Move Forward Party (MFP), questioning the Defence Ministry’s request for 198…
- Thailand News
British tourist’s lost wallet returned by Thai hotel worker
A British holidaymaker on Koh Samui Island in Thailand is set to return home with a pleasant memory following a hotel worker’s return of his lost wallet during the new year celebrations. The wallet was found on Bophut Beach by Pakdee Trirat, an employee at the Holiday Inn Samui, amidst the festivities on the night of December 31. Surat Thani…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities step up anti-drug operations, apprehend two suspects
As Phuket’s officials are making moves to address drug use among boat operators, Thalang Police have concurrently stepped up their anti-drug operations. The outcome of these intensified efforts is the recent apprehension of two individuals, confirmed to be in illegal possession of methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba, with intentions to distribute. The Thalang Police Force made public the results…
- Phuket News
Scheduled power cut in Layan Soi 1, Phuket for essential maintenance work
An announced power cut is set to disrupt numerous residences, condominiums, and villa estates along Layan Soi 1, Moo 6, Cherng Talay, Phuket. The Provincial Electricity Authority’s Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) has planned this interruption for tomorrow, The blackout, scheduled from 9am to 4.30pm, is required to facilitate maintenance work on the high-voltage electrical system in the said area. The…
- Economy News
Thai graduates form largest group of unemployed, says NSO
Concerning statistics were unveiled by Thailand’s National Statistical Office (NSO) yesterday, revealing that newly minted graduates now comprise the largest segment of the country’s unemployed. Results from October’s employment survey disclosed that around 150,000 recent graduates were jobless, a worrying trend that Suwannee Wangkarn, NSO’s Deputy Director, labelled alarming. Every month, the NSO conducts an employment survey among Thai citizens.…
- Thailand News
Thailand urged to enhance maritime security amid escalating geopolitics
Thailand has been advised to bolster its maritime security amid escalating global geopolitics, notably in Asia and the South China Sea, according to Kunihiko Miyake, president of the Foreign Policy Institute Japan. Miyake, a former Japanese diplomat, emphasised the strategic location of Thailand and its crucial role in maintaining regional stability during a recent visit to the Japanese embassy in…
- Phuket News
First fatal casualty reported in Phuket’s new year safety campaign
The bustling tourist destination of Phuket in Thailand reported its first fatal casualty amidst its annual Seven Days New Year safety campaign. The campaign, which began on December 29, aims to promote road safety until midnight on January 4. The fatality was acknowledged at the Day 5 briefing of the Seven Days safety initiative, which also highlighted the road accident…
- Thailand News
Thai and Laos authorities unite to extradite Malaysian drug lord
The Narcotics Control Board Office (ONCB) in Thailand and Laos authorities are collaborating to extradite a Malaysian drug lord, a crucial figure in an international drug cartel, to Thailand. The notable suspect, 39 year old Ong Gim Wah, was apprehended in Laos during a joint mission on December 29. Ong, who had a bounty worth 1 million baht (US$29,036) on…
- Thailand News
Thai government to stimulate economy with digital wallet scheme
The Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to launch the digital wallet scheme in May, a key policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The scheme, financed by a 500 billion baht (US$14,518,005,000) loan, aims to inject 10,000 baht (US$290) into the digital wallet of every Thai citizen aged 16 and above as a means to stimulate the economy. The government…
- Phuket News
Two fatal crashes in Phuket highlight importance of traffic safety
Two fatal accidents have left a sombre note in the otherwise bustling city of Phuket. A motorcyclist lost his life in an early morning crash in Kathu, while a pickup driver met a similar fate on Thepkrasattri Road in Mai Khao last night. Kathu police answered a distress call to the Kuan Lim San Curve on Wichit Songkhram Road around…
- Thailand News
Defective wheels result in temporary reduction of Yellow Line monorail service
Defective Yellow Line monorail trains have been recalled and are no longer in use as they undergo comprehensive safety checks, according to Surapong Piyachote, the Deputy Transport Minister. The operator of the Yellow Line, Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co, has been instructed to conduct intensive safety inspections on all trains before reinstating them into service. This directive was issued following an…
- Phuket News
Leatherback turtle surprises Thai park officers with fifth nest of the season
A rare spectacle unfolded early this morning at the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Thai Muang, Phang Nga, situated north of Phuket. Park officials stumbled upon a female leatherback turtle who had come ashore to deposit her eggs, marking the fifth such nest spotted this breeding season. Officers were engaged in their routine patrol, skimming the shoreline with…
- Phuket News
Surprise drug test at Phuket’s Ratsada Pier reveals shocking find
At the heart of Phuket‘s east coast, a pivotal marine tourism hub, Ratsada Pier, was the scene of a surprise drug testing operation today. The results revealed a shocking find – one out of the 18 boat captains and crew members tested had traces of drugs in their system. The harbour, also known as Rassada Harbour, is managed by Seatran…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism revenue surges by 44% as new year ushers in boom
The start of the new year saw a significant boom in Thailand’s tourism sector, with a 44% spike in tourism-related revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this surge to the visa-free scheme and extended entertainment hours in select provinces. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, the Governor of TAT, revealed that the country amassed a staggering 54.4 billion baht (US$1,588,321,152) from December…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s tourism tide: Aims to lure 27 million visitors, making waves under local authority’s watch
The coastal city of Pattaya, under the auspices of the local tourism authority, sets its sights on drawing an impressive 27 million visitors this year. Urai Mukpradapthong, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s Pattaya office, revealed this target, noting that it isn’t ambitious given the predicted number of tourists last year, which is expected to have hit the…
