- Thailand News
Thailand considering month-long Songkran Festival to boost economy
The National Soft Power Development Committee in Thailand is proposing to extend the Songkran Festival for the entire month of April. Traditionally held from April 13-15, the water-splashing festivities are a cornerstone of the celebration. The committee hopes that by extending the festival and incorporating a range of other cultural events across the country, the festival could be promoted to…
- Politics News
Veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson finds success in new role
A 64 year old veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson is thriving in his new role leveraging his years of experience in sales and marketing to effectively communicate the government’s message. Having transitioned from working in pet companies to politics, Chai Wacharonke’s ability to simplify complex issues has proven to be a critical asset. “When they wanted to convey important messages…
- Crime News
German national alleges bribe for release on pedophilia charge in Thailand
Provincial Police Region 2 launched investigations into allegations against a 55-year-old German national accused of paying a bribe of 1 million baht to secure his release on charges related to pedophilia. The police announcement follows a documentary by Deutsche Welle titled Sex Tourists in Thailand, which highlighted the account of the accused, Jens Kirch. It is worth noting that the…
- 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
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
Thailand’s embassy in Beijing ramps up efforts to enhance national image
A concerted effort to rejuvenate Thailand‘s image among the Chinese population is being championed by Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, the Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing. Benjamin emphasised that the Thai government should also focus on enhancing the quality of Thai products to amplify the nation’s reputation in China. Sukanjanajtee expressed his conviction that despite recent incidents which have…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Siblings surrender following fatal shooting in Sichon mall
Two siblings, 21 year old Jeerasak and 15 year old Jeerawat handed themselves over to the authorities at Sichon station last night, December 1, following a fatal shooting. The pair were implicated in the fatal shooting of 18 year old Khanisorn Chan-u-thai in a department store in the Sichon district. The incident was confirmed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Bundit Sukhavisit,…
- 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…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s uphill battle conquered: Patong Hill road reopens, paving the way for smooth travels
Vehicles are once again smoothly navigating the stretch of road over Patong Hill in Phuket, following the successful completion of repair works. The vital link, which was previously marred by subsidence beneath the road surface, is now fully operational with both lanes leading to Patong open for traffic. The confirmation of this development was announced yesterday, November 30 by the…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Half of new HIV infections in Thailand among 15-24 year olds
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has revealed that nearly half of the annual 9,000-plus new HIV infections are individuals aged between 15 and 24 years old. This trend has persisted for several years, according to Dr Suchada Jiamsiri, the head of the Division of Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) at the Ministry of Public Health’s DDC.…
- 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 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
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
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
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
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,…
