Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Thai labour committee proposes flat rate minimum wage increase to 492 baht
Workers’ representative and adviser to the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), Chalee Loysoong, has called for a nationwide flat rate minimum wage increase to 492 baht. Arguing that this will bolster purchasing power, he suggests it as a more sustainable strategy than the government’s proposed one-time 10,000 baht cash handout scheme, particularly when factoring in the multiplier effect. Chalee reassured…
- Thailand News
Bangkok tops in domestic violence complaints, says social development ministry
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has reported that Bangkok holds the record for the highest number of complaints concerning violence against children and women. Since its inauguration on November 1, the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC) has received 2,195 complaints, as revealed by the Social Development and Human Security Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa. The majority of the…
- Thailand News
Government counters MFP allegations over 10,000 baht digital handout scheme
A counter-strike against the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) allegations has been launched by the government, concerning the unlikely reception of its 10,000 baht digital money handout. The opposition party has claimed that the government, with the details of the scheme unveiled on Friday, is attempting to backpedal on its promise of financial assistance. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rebuked MFP Deputy…
- Thailand News
Death toll of Thai workers in Israel rises to 39
The death toll of Thai nationals working in Israel has tragically risen to 39, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv reported this information yesterday, following the identification of an additional five Thai citizens among the victims by Israeli authorities. As of now, in addition to the reported deaths, 19 Thais have…
- Phuket News
Drumming up excitement: Phuket’s Surin Beach beats to the rhythm of tourism’s future with groundbreaking Glass Terrace project
The sound of ceremonial drums echoed across Surin Beach, Phuket, early this morning marking the start of construction on a project of substantial tourism potential – the Glass Terrace. With an estimated completion time of two years, this 198 million baht project is anticipated to become a significant tourist attraction along the island’s west coast. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony was…
- Thailand News
HPV vaccination drive: Thailand aims to inoculate 1 million young women
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) in Thailand is on a mission: to vaccinate one million young women against the human papillomavirus (HPV) within 100 days. This ambitious initiative is part of a national campaign aiming to safeguard the health of the country’s female population. The campaign’s life-saving work began at Plookpanya School in Phuket Town, where 200 female…
- Thailand News
Thailand military upgrade: Defense Ministry responds to emerging threats
Thailand’s Defence Ministry is gearing up to bolster the country’s armed forces, aiming for a technologically superior edge to counter emerging security threats. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang highlighted the Thailand military upgrade commitment during his address to the incoming batch of the National Defence Course at the National Defence College yesterday. Sutin conceded his previous misunderstanding regarding military expenditure, stressing…
- Thailand News
Thais in Myanmar issued emergency documents for repatriation
Emergency travel documents are being issued to the majority of Thais awaiting repatriation in Myanmar, as most of them are without passports, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) yesterday. The MFA revealed that these individuals had their passports taken away by their employers. The information was disclosed by Ruj Thammamomgkol, director-general of the MFA Consular…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s fungicide frenzy: Patong crackdown on magic mushrooms keeps the tourist hub trippin’ free
The bustling tourist hub of Patong, Phuket, is witnessing a relentless crackdown by local law enforcement against the illicit trade of hallucinogenic fungi, commonly known as magic mushrooms. This campaign was further intensified with the recent apprehension of two individuals on the vibrant Bangla Road. The duo was detained in the wee hours of November 8 at the popular “Puff…
- Road deaths
Brazilian national’s reckless car chase in Patong leads to multiple collisions
A reckless high-speed car chase on the streets of Patong resulted in the capture of a Brazilian national. The man’s careless actions not only caused multiple collisions but also sent a van carrying foreign tourists careering off the road. Early this morning, a report came into the local police station about a hit-and-run incident near the Government Savings Bank Intersection…
- Thailand News
Bang Pla officials arrested in 2.3 million baht corruption scandal
A corruption scandal has surfaced in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, where the 61 year old chairman of Bang Pla Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO), and his 44 year old secretary, were apprehended today. The duo was accused of demanding a 2.3 million-baht bribe from a local business. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a business firm…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport’s rain-check: Dampening floors lead to a slip-up
Phuket International Airport, managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), recently experienced a minor slip-up. A leaky roof in the arrivals hall of the domestic terminal led to some disruption, leading the airport to extend a public apology and caution to those visiting the terminal about the possibility of a dampening experience on the floor. The apology from AoT Phuket…
- Thailand News
Over 200 Thais set for repatriation from conflict-ridden Myanmar
The repatriation of over 200 Thai individuals from a conflict-ridden region in Myanmar is set to occur this week, according to Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn. The official confirmed on Wednesday that the move depends on the approval of Myanmar’s authorities. Earlier, 162 Thai nationals found themselves stranded amidst hostilities in Myanmar’s Shan state, caught…
- Phuket News
Seven-coloured lobster launch: Phuket’s splashy conservation effort
Halfway between Cape Panwa and Koh Lone, on the small island of Koh Thanan under the jurisdiction of Wichit, a conservation effort unfolded yesterday. The Phuket Fisheries Office, alongside local farmers and fishing groups, released a staggering 700,000 larvae of a local delicacy, the seven-coloured lobster, along with 500,000 black tiger shrimp into the waters off Phuket, Thailand. This massive…
- Phuket News
Phuket man found dead in apparent suicide, mental health issues suspected
The tranquillity of a peaceful neighbourhood in Kathu, Phuket was shattered in the early hours of yesterday as a gunshot echoed through the narrow lanes of Soi Si Kor, Moo 6 and a Thai man was found dead. The victim was identified as a 62 year old former school janitor from Patong. His lifeless body was discovered in a two-storey…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s health ministry gears up for severe haze pollution
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has established an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to address the imminent severe haze pollution anticipated in the forthcoming dry season, triggered by the persistent issue of PM2.5 ultra-fine dust. This was confirmed by Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, on Tuesday. The critical areas of concern are the northern provinces of the country, with…
- Thailand News
WHO selects Thai-discovered flu strain for 2024 Southern Hemisphere vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) advisory groups have selected a flu virus lineage discovered and sequenced in Thailand as one of the three strains for the manufacturing of a novel influenza vaccine. The vaccine, set to be used in the Southern Hemisphere in 2024, was chosen by vaccine regulatory agencies, influenza vaccine producers, and the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s Safety Sandbox: Island paradise prepares for full-scale safety drill
Phuket, a tropical paradise best known for its white sandy beaches, is gearing up for a comprehensive safety drill. Dubbed the Safety Phuket Island Sandbox, the exercise is slated for November 26 and will unfold in three different locations across the island. The initiative will showcase the readiness of emergency services while providing hands-on experience for the island’s emergency responders.…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s tourist districts may extend nightlife hours to boost economy
The Interior Ministry announced yesterday that before entertainment venues in key tourist districts can prolong their extended nightlight hours until 4am, public hearings and amendments to some regulations will be necessary. This plan forms part of the government’s attempts to stimulate the economy in the upcoming high tourist season, a measure championed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Interior Minister Anutin…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Japan boost human resources through Thai-Kosen institutes
Representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHSRI) of Thailand and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) yesterday convened to discuss the enhancement of Thailand’s human resources via Thai-Kosen institutes. The meeting marked the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation, celebrated by MHSRI minister, Supamas Isarabhakdi, and METI minister, Yasuthoshi…
- Thailand News
Backlash over proposed dam construction threatening Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai forest
A contentious plan proposing the construction of seven dams in Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri has drawn serious backlash from conservationists. They argue that the project threatens to wreck 16,000 rai of land located within the Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai forest. Ornyupa Sangkaman, the secretary-general of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, voiced her fears regarding the potential loss of numerous trees…
- Thailand News
Public van driver accused of sexual assault surrenders to Khon Kaen police
A public van driver, who has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl, has turned himself in to the authorities at Waeng Noi Police Station, Khon Kaen, denying all charges. The accused, whose identity has been withheld, drove his van to the police station for further investigation. Acting commissioner of Provincial Police Region 4, Police…
- Thailand News
Over 20,000 Thai workers choose to stay in Israel amidst escalating conflict
Despite escalating conflict in Israel, over 20,000 Thai workers have opted to remain, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry continues to commit itself to facilitating the return of those wishing to leave. Before the occurrence of the cross-border raids by Hamas forces on October 7, approximately 30,000 Thai citizens were working in Israel. However, the number of…
- Phuket News
Foreign national arrested for overstaying visa launching Crime Free Phuket year two
A foreign national was taken into custody at the weekend at Phuket International Airport for overstaying his visa by 80 days. This event marks the launch of the second year of the Crime Free Phuket initiative run by the local Immigration Bureau. The past year has seen the arrest of 188 individuals, with overstaying visas accounting for 66 of these…
- Thailand News
Mysterious death of woman in Bangkok triggers police investigation
A 49 year old woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao, early today. The body was discovered on Thepparat Road’s Bangkok-bound side, beneath the elevated Burapha Withi expressway and opposite the Talad Lao fresh market, with the local police receiving the report around 2.30am. The woman, a resident of Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district, showed…
- Road deaths
Phuket motorbike crash claims the life of young foreign tourists
A tragic motorbike crash unfolded in the early hours of yesterday morning, in Rawai, Phuket, resulting in the untimely death of two young tourists; a 21 year old American man and a 19 year old woman from Luxembourg. The pair were on a motorbike when a car, reportedly, crashed into them from behind on Wiset Road. The news of the horrifying…
- Thailand News
Govt orchestrates return of Thai nationals stranded in Myanmar via China
The Thai government is orchestrating the return of 162 stranded Thai nationals from Myanmar’s Shan state through Kunming, China, as the conflict between the Myanmar military regime and local ethnic factions intensifies. The Deputy Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, revealed this repatriation strategy yesterday. The chosen route was verbally agreed upon during a recent meeting with Chinese and Myanmar…
- Phuket News
Russian tourist’s iPhone odyssey: Close call on Phuket taxi
A Russian tourist had a close call when he inadvertently left his iPhone in a taxi on his way to Phuket International Airport last Friday. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was able to retrieve his phone in a nick of time before his flight back to Russia took off, all thanks to the combined efforts of the Phuket Tourist…
- Phuket News
Phuket blood shortage plea: Paradise in peril seeks tourists’ rescue
The tropical island paradise of Phuket, usually a favourite destination for tourists and expats alike, now urgently calls for their help. As the high tourism season kicks off, the island is faced with a critical blood shortage, particularly for the RH-Negative type, prompting an island-wide blood donation drive throughout this month. The plea for blood donations was made public by…
- Phuket News
Urak Lawoi sea gypsies celebrate traditional Loy Reua festival in Phuket
Sweeping waves gently nudged a hand-carved boat off the coast of Koh Siray, east of Phuket Town, marking the culmination of the week-long Loy Reua festival. Celebrated by the Urak Lawoi sea gipsies, the festival is a time-honoured tradition where a boat, brimming with offerings, is set adrift as an offering to the spirit of the sea in hopes of…
