Mitch Connor
- Transport News
Thailand’s transport ministry commits to 100% public electric vehicles
A bold step towards a greener future was taken by Thailand’s Transport Ministry as it committed to transforming its entire fleet of public transport vehicles into a 100% electric. The initiative, as announced by the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, begins with the electric conversion of the limousine service of the Airports of Thailand (AoT). This development was shared during Suriya’s…
- Thailand News
Concerns over rising HIV infections among teenagers in Thailand
The Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF) Thailand raised concerns over the rising prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers due to unprotected sex. The foundation’s Thailand Country Programme Director, Kritsiam Arayawongchai, disclosed this during a recent forum aimed at encouraging safe sex practices among high school students. In a broad-scale study conducted by AHF Thailand in collaboration with 25 healthcare centres,…
- Thailand News
Steve Galster roars: Let’s trade wildlife for a pandemic-free world
Steve Galster, the founder and CEO of the anti-trafficking organisation Freeland, has advocated for the complete eradication of illegal and legal wildlife trade to avert the possibility of the next pandemic. He highlighted that Thailand, with its superior infrastructure, has been a longstanding hub for such activities, facilitating the movement of wildlife trade from source countries like Africa and Indonesia…
- Thailand News
Thai Red Cross clarifies blood donation charges are for service not sale
The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre clarified that the blood donated and subsequently delivered across the nation’s hospitals is not up for sale. However, recipients are required to cover a service fee. This clarification came to light via the National Blood Centre’s website in response to a Facebook post claiming the Thai Red Cross Society was profiting from blood…
- Thailand News
Elderly Thais targeted by scammers posing as bank agents
Scammers posing as bank agents targeting elderly Thai citizens have recently swindled multiple victims out of their savings. A 68 year old housewife lost 1.5 million baht (US$44,000) to such a scam after she was led to believe she was eligible for a government financial aid scheme. The fraudsters presented her with two receiving options for the supposed aid: a…
- Business News
CapCut Creative Suite: Transforming social media content creation in Thailand
The digital space in Thailand, one of the countries located at the heart of Southeast Asia is undergoing a rapid transformation. In the Kingdom, social media is not simply a platform; it is a living component of the culture. The evolution has raised a critical demand for communicating the message using tools compatible with the local culture. CapCut creative suite…
- Thailand News
Fire destroys textile warehouse, 100 million baht loss
A devastating fire blazed through three textile warehouse facilities in the Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province, causing an estimated damage of over 100 million baht. The fire, which lasted for over eight hours, was reported in the early hours yesterday at the S. Chutima textile warehouse facility, located in Lat Takhian subdistrict. The textile warehouse compound, spanning an…
- Thailand News
Massive 14 million methamphetamine pill haul intercepted in Laos
A mammoth haul of over 14 million methamphetamine pills, destined for Thailand, was intercepted in Vientiane with five suspects taken into custody. The monumental seizure was achieved during an operation carried out from November 28 to 30, conducted by the drug suppression police in Laos. Among those apprehended in the methamphetamine crackdown operation were four individuals from Laos and a…
- Crime News
Thailand’s looming gun crisis: RTP crackdown nabs nearly 15,000 suspects
In a pre-Loy Krathong Festival blitz, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped down on a staggering 14,909 suspects, unearthing a chilling 14,339 criminal cases. National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol revealed that of the 1,320 cases linked to guns, the majority centred on illicit sales and wrongful firearm ownership. The crackdown’s focal point? To stem the tide of gun…
- Business News
Thailand’s digital leisure evolution
Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation in its leisure and entertainment sectors. This transformation, deeply rooted in the digital revolution, is reshaping how Thais engage with entertainment and cultural activities. Thailand is forging ahead on an innovative path where technology expands cultural offerings to make them more accessible and…
- Thailand News
House committee formulates 2024 budget proposal
The House committee responsible for scrutinising planning and monitoring budget expenditure is formulating a budget proposal for next year. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the House in early January. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, the committee’s chair and a list MP of the Move Forward Party, confirmed that the panel is currently processing budget requests from various state agencies. These…
- Phuket News
Sky’s the limit for drama: Fire drill steals the show near Phuket International Airport
Onlookers in the vicinity of Phuket International Airport yesterday were treated to an unexpected spectacle of dark smoke rising into the sky. Fear not, Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode clarified that the source of the smoke was a routine fire drill conducted by the airport’s Fire and Rescue Department. Monchai, in his role as the general manager of Phuket…
- Thailand News
Chon Buri: Four Cambodian men posing as fake monks apprehended in Si Racha
Four Cambodian individuals posing as fake monks were apprehended by immigration police on a mountain near a community in the Si Racha district, Chon Buri. They were disguised as fake Buddhist monks in yellow robes, residing in makeshift shelters. The operation was carried out this morning, December 1, following residents’ grievances about several Cambodian nationals masquerading as monks and asking…
- Thailand News
Political prognosis: Advisor probes Thaksin Shinawatra’s health and cell
The health status and incarceration conditions of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have come under the scrutiny of Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an advisor to the Parliament Committee on Budgeting Study and Budget Administration Follow-up. Somchai is pressing the government to shed light on Thaksin’s situation, 100 days after his transfer to the Police General Hospital following chest pain, hypertension, and low…
- Thailand News
Thai Prime Minister to review proposed energy tariff increase
Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, is set to convene a meeting with the relevant bodies following the revelation that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to surge the energy tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January to April next year. This proposed increase has stirred renewed demands for a revamp of the nation’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand boosts traditional medicine to attract wellness tourism
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is elevating its endeavours to showcase traditional wellness and medicine as a tourist attraction, in a bid to boost the nation’s revenue. As voiced by Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat yesterday, the country is renowned for its superior traditional medical knowledge and herbal plant utilisation. Santi was addressing the subject of traditional and alternative Thai medicine…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok: Flat fare of 20 baht for Red and Purple line interchange
The Transport Ministry announced the implementation of a flat fare of 20 baht for passengers interchanging between the Red and Purple lines using EMV contactless payment. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote unveiled the scheme yesterday, November 30, stating that it is in line with a Cabinet resolution from October 16, which authorised the ministry to establish a 20-baht flat fare…
- 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.…
- Thailand News
Party-hopper: Ex-PPRP MP’s bold Democrat Party leadership bid
Watanya Bunnag, formerly a list MP belonging to the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), recently expressed her intention to run for the leadership of the Democrat Party (DP), following her switch to the latter in August. The election to decide the party’s leader is set to take place on December 9. Watanya, who currently serves as the chairwoman of the Democrat Party’s…
- 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
Hamas releases two more Thai captives, 19 now freed
The release of two additional Thai captives from the Israel- Palestine conflict occurred on Tuesday night, bringing the total number of freed Thai citizens to 19, with a remaining 13 still in custody. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced via the Twitter social media platform that Pattanayut Tonsokree and Owat Suriya had been liberated at 11pm local time and were immediately…
- 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,…
- Thailand News
Interfaith dialogue thrives: Seventh Buddhist-Christian colloquium in Thailand
Thailand recently played host to the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue and joint action to address the myriad issues plaguing humanity in an ever-evolving world. Over 150 delegates from a variety of countries attended the event, which was centred around the theme Karu and Agape in Dialogue for Healing a Wounded Humanity and the Earth. The…
- 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…
