- Phuket News
Phuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism
The island of Phuket, a popular tourist hotspot, was the stage for a significant meeting yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Ittisanronnachai, made a request to Phuket officials to assemble a task force to zero in on bad foreigners, thereby offering the Immigration Bureau the aid they require to tackle the situation.…
- 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
Srettha Thavisin confident to complete term, dismisses coalition expansion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed intentions to complete his four-year term, reiterating the stability of the current coalition government. He dismissed any plans of incorporating the opposition Democrat Party into the government coalition at this time. When questioned about the government’s ability to fulfil its four-year term, Thavisin confidently spoke about the collective effort of the cabinet ministers in serving…
- 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
Delayed flights cause passenger surge and extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport
A sudden influx of passengers, resulting from the landing of delayed flights, led to extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport in the early hours of Monday, as reported by the Immigration Bureau. The Chief of Immigration Division 2, Choengron Rimpadee, noted that between midnight and 2am, the airport witnessed a 33% surge in inbound traffic as 5,563 passengers arrived on 22…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Police officer fatally stabbed while calming drug addict in Nakhon Phanom
In a tragic incident, a police officer lost his life while attempting to pacify a known drug addict in That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom, on Sunday. The late officer, Pol Lt Issrawut Kopolrat, served as the deputy crime suppression chief at That Phanom station. The unfortunate event unfolded in Ban Choke Amnuay in tambon Ummao, where a 49 year old…
- Thailand News
Thailand tightens border control to curb illegal wildlife smuggling
A concerted effort to tighten borders and stifle illegal wildlife trafficking is underway in Thailand, led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department is collaborating with multiple state agencies responsible for border control to clamp down on wildlife smuggling gangs. This action is part of the country’s observance of National Wildlife Protection Day. Narongrit Sookprakan,…
- Thailand News
Pink line monorail’s free trial period may extend after conductor rail failure
The Pink Line monorail system‘s operator will be approached by the Transport Ministry to extend the free trial period after a section of the line was forced to shut down on Sunday due to a failure of the track’s conductor rail. The closure, as of Monday, has impacted seven stations from Nonthaburi Civic Centre (PK01) to Pak Kret Bypass (PK07).…
- Thailand News
Japan revs up Thai automotive industry: Major automakers inject 150 billion baht boost
In a move set to ignite Thailand‘s automotive industry, four major Japanese car giants are gearing up to pump a staggering 150 billion baht into manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. This collaboration underscores Thailand’s ascent as a powerhouse in the automotive world and spotlights the government’s triumphant push towards an electrifying future. Four heavyweight Japanese automotive juggernauts are…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s film boom: Global collaboration opportunities
Thailand is famous for its friendly people and welcoming culture. This beautiful country cherishes traditions yet is open to modern ideas and values. Buddhism and the monarchy have always been the anchors of the people and provide order, and stability and bring the Thai people together. Thailand also embraces progress which makes its capital city considered one of the best…
- Thailand News
Bangkok taxi driver arrested for stealing million-baht wristwatch
A 44 year old Bangkok taxi driver was apprehended on Monday morning, accused of delaying his journey for several hours in wait for a Japanese passenger, who was inebriated, to fall asleep. The motive behind this delay was allegedly to pilfer a wristwatch worth a million baht. Pol Col Pansa Amarapitak, the chief at Bangkok’s Thong Lor station, reported the…
- Thailand News
Thailand enforces cautionary sign display for kratom sales, restricts alcohol promotions
Cracking down on the sale of psychoactive kratom, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has mandated all vendors to prominently display a cautionary sign at their point-of-sale. The sign is a warning to individuals under the age of 18, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, prohibiting the purchase of the substance. This directive became operational on Saturday, following its announcement…
- Thailand News
Airborne pollutants rise prompts health alert in Thailand
A surge in respiratory issues is anticipated as airborne pollutants are predicted to rise in the forthcoming weeks across Thailand, prompting a critical directive from the Ministry of Public Health to all national public hospitals. The directive mandates these hospitals to ready themselves to handle the expected increase in health problems. Deteriorating air quality was observed in various districts of…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai seeks to enhance community communication, says secretary-general
Sorawong Thienthong, 48 year old MP and the secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, stated yesterday that the party needs to enhance its communication methods to ensure the public is aware of its achievements. Sorawong, also a Member of Parliament from Sa Kaeo and a descendant of political influencer Sanoh Thienthong, asserted that Pheu Thai remains resilient and proactive, demonstrating…
- Thailand News
Thai government makes headway in battle against informal debts
The Thai government has reported progress in its ongoing battle against informal debts, stating that it has resolved the issues of 233 registered debtors. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally observed the progress of a debt resolution model in Nan last Saturday. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed that the Interior Ministry’s data indicates that 106,863 debtors have registered with the government…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s energy ministry to revise fuel regulations for consumer protection
In a move to safeguard consumer rights, Thailand’s Energy Ministry is set to revise regulations to guarantee that customers receive the exact volume of fuel they purchase. The decision came in response to a social media uproar over a motorist’s complaint that a petrol station failed to dispense the correct volume of fuel he had purchased. The motorist, Ritdech Daengpradit,…
- Thailand News
Pattaya’s New Year’s Eve beach bash: Extended hours and giant umbrellas
In a move to ring in the New Year with a bang, Pattaya has given the green light for beach umbrella operators to stay open overnight on New Year’s Eve. In a meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn on December 21, set the stage for exciting changes in the beach umbrella scene. Over 150 operators, along with top city…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s social security fund prepares for inaugural board election
The Social Security Fund (SSF) in Thailand is preparing for its inaugural board member election, with over 800,000 members expected to participate in the vote tomorrow, December 24. This was disclosed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the secretary-general of the Social Security Office (SSO), who also noted that the turnout figure is rather modest compared to the total SSF membership of 12…
- Thailand News
Gun stash found in YouTuber’s house
A YouTuber‘s home was raided by Thai police and a total of 87 guns were discovered. Trinsak Wachirasrisirikul, the face behind the YouTube channel Tacticool BoB, found himself in hot waters when a Police Cyber Taskforce, in collaboration with local officers, uncovered a staggering cache of weapons during a house search in Mueang district. The raid, orchestrated to fortify public…
- Thailand News
Thai listed companies broke records by reeling in 6.21 trillion baht last year
Thai listed companies have orchestrated a financial coup, raking in an astronomical 6.21 trillion baht from their overseas ventures last year, smashing records and defying global economic odds. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reports an eye-watering surge of 1.83 trillion baht from the previous year, making it a staggering 17-year high. Amidst the chaos of the Russia-Ukraine war and…
- Thailand News
Phuket taxi drivers protest against rise of illegal taxi apps
A sea of yellow and green licence plates flooded the grounds of Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, December 21, as taxi drivers from all over the province assembled in protest. They demanded a crackdown on illegal taxi app drivers, who they contend are infringing on their once unchallenged dominion over tourist transportation. At the forefront of the protest was Tinnakorn Chommuang,…
- Thailand News
Vietnam’s plan to import Laos wind power
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has submitted a proposal to import wind power from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to Quang Tri Province. EVN, not one to shy away from bold decisions, has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to review and present the proposition to the prime minister. The ambitious plan revolves around tapping into the potential…
- Politics News
Justice minister denies orchestrating Thaksin’s extended hospital stay
Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong has denied any involvement in the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) decision to grant former 74 year old Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra preferential medical treatment outside of prison. The controversial decision was brought to light during a parliamentary meeting yesterday by Move Forward Party MP, Chonthicha Jangrew, who criticised the DoC’s approval of Thaksin’s extended…
- Thailand News
Listening devices found at MCOT headquarters
Authorities unearthed concealed listening devices strategically placed within the conference rooms of Thailand‘s Mass Communication Organisation (MCOT) yesterday, December 21. The discovery took place during a thorough sweep of the MCOT headquarters. The eavesdropping devices, cunningly planted in the rooms designated for MCOT board meetings, sent shockwaves through the media landscape. The police, accompanied by forensic experts, meticulously combed through…
