Mitch Connor
- Phuket News
Phuket president seeks solutions for traffic, proposes electric buses
Phuket’s traffic woes might soon see a respite, with Rewat Areerob, the President of Phuket’s Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), urging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to implement measures to ease the city’s road congestion. Additionally, Rewat is advocating for the introduction of electric buses in Phuket Town, under the PPAO’s jurisdiction. Rewat yesterday played host to travel experts and policy planning…
- Phuket News
Phuket readies marine safety measures for Thai prime minister’s visit
As a visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to assess Phuket‘s sea safety measures approaches, the island’s officials confirmed 100 lifeguards will be deployed across all main beaches. One of the highlights of the 61 year old prime minister’s visit will be a demonstration of the Phuket Marine Disaster Response Plan. A full rehearsal of this plan was carried out…
- Phuket News
Kathu residents eligible for upcoming mayoral election in Phuket
The Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) officially announced that residents of the Kathu subdistrict will be eligible to participate in an upcoming mayoral election in January. The announcement was made public through a notice yesterday, November 29, although the official date of the election was not disclosed on Kathu Municipality’s official website or Facebook page.…
- Phuket News
Patong’s peril: Road collapse has drivers on edge in Phuket
A patch of road shoulder collapsed on the route over Patong Hill leading into Phuket’s bustling tourist hub, Patong, a situation that has authorities urging drivers to exercise caution. The subsidence occurred yesterday, and repair works are still ongoing on the compromised section of the route. Emergency repairs were undertaken on the cracked road surface yesterday. The Phuket Highways Office,…
- Thailand News
Four Thai workers released from Hamas captivity
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand confirmed the release of four Thai workers today, previously held captive by Hamas militants. The release occurred yesterday evening, as reported by the Royal Thai Embassy situated in Tel Aviv, Israel. The freed workers – Paiboon Ratnil, Kong Saelao, Chakraphan Sikhena, and Chalermchai Saengkaew – underwent a medical examination at an Israeli hospital.…
- Thailand News
Nationwide security guards training initiative kicks off with labour of love from ministry, police, and army
A nationwide training initiative targeting security guards is set to be launched, courtesy of the Labour Ministry, police force, and army. This initiative, aimed at improving the skill set of guards, was discussed yesterday in a meeting convened by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Also in attendance were Watcharapol Bussamongkol, ex-president of the Security Services Association of Thailand (SSAT), and representatives…
- Thailand News
Bangkok MP’s challenge to Computer Crime Act dismissed by Constitutional Court
Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork, representing the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), faced a setback yesterday when the Constitutional Court dismissed her petition concerning the constitutionality of Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act. The court’s decision came via the Criminal Court, which is currently presiding over a case against Rukchanok. The charges against Rukchanok, stemming from a tweet she…
- Thailand News
Unforeseen transfer of DSI chief prompts investigation into pork smuggling
The abrupt transfer of Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Police Major Suriya Singhakamol has prompted the House Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives to seek answers from the government. Pol. Maj. Suriya’s reassignment came into the limelight immediately after he conducted a search related to the smuggling of pork at the CP Axtra Plc headquarters, previously known as Siam Makro.…
- Thailand News
Southern Thailand battles surge in whooping cough cases
A surge in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, has prompted public health bodies to urge individuals, particularly in southern Thailand, to get vaccinated. So far this year, almost 100 Thai residents have been diagnosed with the infectious disease. The Disease Control Department disclosed yesterday that there have been 93 confirmed cases of pertussis between January 1 and November…
- Thailand News
Thai police bust major drug ring, seize assets worth 100 million baht
A notorious drug ring operating in the provinces of Pathum Thani and Yala was disrupted by Thai police, leading to the confiscation of assets amounting to nearly 100 million baht. Eight individuals, including the 32 year old alleged ringleader, were arrested across seven locations. The arrests, executed yesterday, November 27, were the result of warrants issued by the Yala Provincial…
- Thailand News
Bangkok MP Chaiyamphawan joins Thai Progress Party following MFP expulsion
Bangkok MP Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit faces expulsion from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) following accusations of sexual harassment. The MP has now found a new political home, joining another party, a move that ensures he retains his position in the House. The announcement about Chaiyamphawan’s shift to a new party was made late last night, November 28, by his spokesperson,…
- Phuket News
Pervy Phuket man arrested for string of motorbike assaults
Police in Thalang, Phuket, arrested a Thai man in connection with an unsettling string of assaults on women. The suspect, a 34 year old man was apprehended for a series of incidents in which he pursued women on motorbikes and molested them. The Thalang Police Department launched an investigation after seven women reported being assaulted in a similar situation over…
- Thailand News
Two more Thai hostages released from conflict in Gaza
Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today celebrated the release of two more Thai hostages from the conflict in Gaza. Their release was facilitated by a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara conveyed his joy at the Thai hostages’ release via the social media platform Twitter (X). The 66 year old Bangkok-born politician expressed his delight…
- Thailand News
Gas protest: Public transport fleets roll up to Government House against rising NGV prices
Hundreds of public transport vehicles, led by several operators’ associations, converged outside Thailand’s Government House yesterday in a demonstration against soaring natural gas for vehicles NGV prices. The protestors, who included representatives of provincial and city public van operators, as well as bus, mini-bus, and songthaew associations, demanded a reduction in the NGV price from nearly 20 baht per kilogramme…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years
Newly recruited civil servants in Thailand are set to receive a salary increase of 20% over the next two years. The decision, approved by the Cabinet, was announced by Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The proposed plan by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) is to increase salaries by 10% annually…
- World News
Child abductions: Ukraine’s first lady spotlights Russian actions
Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, urged the global community, particularly Asian nations, to remain alert to the situation in Ukraine. Amid its full-scale invasion, she revealed alarming instances of child abductions, with Ukrainian children being kidnapped by Russia. Her appeal, primarily directed at the international community, aims at keeping the attention on Ukraine instead of other global issues.…
- Thailand News
Thai official raises concern over Chinese film’s impact on tourism (video)
Puangpet Chunlaiad, Office Minister of the Prime Minister, raised concerns with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang about the potential impact of the Chinese film No More Bets on tourism in Thailand. The meeting took place at the Government House yesterday, November 27. Puangpet expressed her concerns about the movie’s portrayal of fraudulent activities, human trafficking, organ trading, call scams, and high-profile…
- Thailand News
Floats farewell: Bangkok’s Loy Krathong cleanup sees 640,000 eco-friendly wonders whisked away
Following the Loy Krathong Festival Bangkok’s waterways were cleared of nearly 640,000 Krathongs, most of which were crafted from natural, biodegradable materials. In addition, over 3,000 digital Krathongs were seen floating in Klong Ong Ang, yesterday (November 27). Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) employees got to work at 8pm on the festival night and collected and sorted through the traditional floating…
- Phuket News
Russian man dies in Phuket motorbike accident involving Chinese tourists
A fatal collision on Kata Hill, Phuket has claimed the life of a Russian man after his motorbike collided with a passenger van carrying six Chinese tourists, on Saturday, November 25, according to Phuket Tourist Police. The incident took place on the stretch between Kata and Chalong, and while the specifics of the collision are yet to be revealed by…
- Thailand News
Thai NBTC to investigate 40,000 numbers linked to SMS and phone scams
The Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is poised to probe 40,000 numbers, suspected to be instrumental in SMS and phone scams, to apprehend the main culprits. A meeting was recently held by an NBTC subcommittee to discuss the data collected on these alleged scam phone numbers. Key representatives from law enforcement agencies, the central bank and mobile phone…
- Thailand News
7km bridge over Songkhla Lake to boost southern Thailand transport
Plans are underway to construct a 7 kilometre bridge over Songkhla Lake starting next year, a project aimed at enhancing regional transport in southern Thailand. This proposal includes a commitment to protect the local environment and wildlife, particularly the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins living within the lake. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has formed a pact with four other state…
- Thailand News
Thai hostages freed: House Speaker’s gratitude shines in Hamas release
The release of three Thai hostages held by Hamas was greeted with relief and expressions of gratitude by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. This event, which happened Sunday night, brings the total number of liberated Thai hostages to 17, leaving 15-16 still in captivity. The House Speaker is optimistic about their liberation during the next ceasefire between Israel and…
- Thailand News
Phuket Crime Free scheme unveiled to ensure tourist safety during peak season
Phuket has launched the Phuket Crime Free scheme, an initiative aimed at safeguarding international tourists during the peak season. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday, bringing together both governmental and private sector entities. Among those involved are the provincial administration, provincial police, tourism police, immigration office, and provincial land department office. Private sector representatives include the Phuket Chamber…
- Phuket News
Surin Beach sunbeds mysteriously vanish, sparking tourist speculation in Phuket
A sudden and unexplained removal of sunbeds from the popular Surin Beach in Phuket has left tourists and locals alike perplexed. The event occurred last week, with only one operator, the Surin Beach Club, left unaffected, leading to a surge in inquiries and speculation. The mystery deepens as the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (Cherng Talay OrBorTor), the local government…
- Phuket News
Double trouble no more: MMA Askhabov twins emerge unscathed from torture conspiracy charges
Renowned MMA fighter Khusein Askhabov, and his identical twin, Khasan, have been released unscathed following charges of conspiracy to torture and extortion. The Askhabov brothers’ release was broadcast on a Russian-language social media platform, as verified by the sports channel Red Fury MMA. The charges originated from an incident involving the alleged invasion of an Italian man’s villa by three Kazakh…
- Thailand News
Thai government to construct new elevated tollways by 2028
The Thai Transport Ministry unveiled plans to construct two new elevated tollways to improve commuting in the country. These tollways will be built from Pathum Thani to Ayutthaya and from Nonthaburi to western Bangkok, with a combined estimated cost of 87 billion baht. The announcement was made by the Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who laid out the details of the…
- Thailand News
Three more Thai hostages freed from Hamas captivity in Israel
The Foreign Ministry of Thailand today announced the release of three additional Thai nationals, Wichian Temthong, Surin Kesungnoen and Pornsawan Pinakalo, from Hamas’ captivity. This brings the total number of freed Thai hostages to 17. Upon their release, the trio were admitted to an Israeli hospital for medical check-ups. These individuals were among a group of 17 hostages released yesterday,…
- Phuket News
Rescue mission swiftly saves sailors after catamaran hits rocks off Thailand
A maritime accident off the coast of Thailand’s Krabi province led to a swift and successful rescue mission by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and Koh Lanta National Park officials last Thursday. The incident involved a Phuket-based sailing catamaran called Lady Miya, which hit a rocky outcrop on Koh Ha island, jeopardizing the safety of its six passengers. The alert…
- Phuket News
Cleanup: Over four tonnes of rubbish cleared from Rang Kai Bay, Phuket
This past weekend the serene Rang Kai Bay, located at Koh Racha Noi to the south of Phuket, bore witness to a significant environmental action. More than four tonnes of rubbish and debris were hauled away from this picturesque locale, a hotspot for dive tourism, during an extensive beach and underwater cleanup. The leading figure behind this endeavour was none…
- Thailand News
Sound investment: Thai benefactors hit the high notes with Mahidol University’s new musical theatre
A new musical theatre has been unveiled at the College of Music, Mahidol University, made possible with the backing of benefactors Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. The Black Box Theater by Dr Somsak & Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul was inaugurated by Khunying Patama, accompanied by esteemed guests like Prasop Riangngoen, the Director of the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture from…
