- 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
Thai army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces
The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture. The 54 year old clarified that those summoned to court were implicated in separatist activities and prominently exhibited the emblem…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Thai department seeks funds for human-elephant conflict resolution
The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is seeking a 50 million baht (US$1.4 million) budget from the government to assist individuals whose lives have been disrupted by encounters with wild elephants. The initiative is part of an effort to mitigate the increasing conflicts between humans and the growing population of wild elephants in the nation.…
- 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
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
Thailand’s deputy police chief set for National Security Council role
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin approved the appointment of Deputy National Police Chief Police General Roy Inkhapairote as the Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC). The appointment, which has received unanimous agreement from all relevant parties, now awaits the royal seal of approval. The role of NSC secretary-general has been left unclaimed following the retirement of Gen. Supot Malaniyom on September…
- 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
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.…
- Economy News
Phuket continues promotion as timeless destination to boost tourism
Championed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s (TAT) local office, Phuket is set to continue its promotion as a timeless destination, void of an official low season. Director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee confirms this strategy following the significant triumph of last year when the resort province achieved its arrival and revenue targets ahead of schedule. By the end of November, the visitor…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
New year sees considerable drop in road accidents across Thailand
The new year holiday period witnessed a significant drop in road accidents, with 212 fatalities and 1,860 injuries, according to statistics from the Department of Land Transport. The figures indicate a considerable decrease from the previous year, with the death toll and injury count originating from 1,839 traffic mishaps that occurred from December 29 to January 2. Among the provinces,…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Employee critically injured in shooting at Krabi’s Maya Bay national park
A violent disagreement escalated into a shooting incident between two employees of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi, leaving one critically injured. Yutthapong Damsrisuk, the park’s chief, revealed that the victim was shot twice during the dispute, which happened at their residence in Maya Bay, a beloved tourist spot. Following the altercation, the injured party was…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai Smile Bus to decommission gas vehicles, focuses on electric fleet
Thai Smile Bus (TSB) company announced its commitment to clean air and environmental sustainability with plans to decommission its entire fleet of 350 natural gas-fuelled vehicles (NGV) buses by the end of the month. Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, TSB Chief Executive Officer, revealed that over 95% of the NGV buses have been already phased out, including the latest batch of 58 buses…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s new reserves to boost tiger population
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation set plans in motion to create new wildlife reserves in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. This move is part of a broader initiative to bolster the tiger population across the western forest complex. The reserves are anticipated to serve as a link between Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Uthai Thani, and…
- Thailand News
Thailand and China to implement mutual visa-free travel from March
Beginning in March, Thailand and China will roll out a mutual visa-free agreement. This arrangement means that citizens from both countries will not need to apply for visas when travelling to the other country. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after a Cabinet meeting, and it will take effect from the first day of March. The initiative…
- Transport News
Thailand’s new year road toll: 190 deaths and 1,574 injuries
Thailand witnessed 1,570 traffic mishaps from December 29 till yesterday, January 1, claiming 190 lives and injuring 1,574 individuals. Kanchanaburi province recorded the highest number of accidents and casualties during this period. The Department of Medical Services’ director-general, Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, revealed the unsettling new year road toll figures. He stated that Kanchanaburi had 57 traffic accidents, resulting in 56 injuries.…
- Phuket News
Phuket boat crew tested for drugs after tragic speedboat accident
The tranquil morning at Chalong Pier in Phuket was disrupted yesterday as a swarm of officials descended on the scene. Their mission is to conduct drug tests on a group of 23 boat operators and crew members. This action was triggered by a tragic speedboat accident that occurred at Koh Maithon the previous day, resulting in the death of a…
- Thailand News
House committee to inspect Land Bridge project impact on local
An investigative committee from the House is set to make a field visit to Chumphon and Ranong, the designated development areas for the much-anticipated Land Bridge megaproject. The committee’s objective is to garner insights into the project’s potential repercussions on local communities, according to an anonymous source. Presided over by Pheu Thai MP for Phayao, Wisut Chainaroon, the committee has…
