- Phuket News
British national jailed in Phuket for illegal firearm possession
A British national has been apprehended by Chalong Police in Phuket, Thailand, under an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for illegal firearm possession and its public display without consent or legitimate reason. The charge against Jamaal (surname not given) stems from an incident where he reportedly dropped a black Glock 19, described by the police as a…
- Thailand News
Thailand extends visa deadline for migrant workers from four nations
The Ministry of Interior in Thailand declared an extension for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The extension allows them to remain in the country while applying for fresh visas and work permits. This decision, announced yesterday, is the Ministry’s response to two new regulations that were disclosed in the Royal Gazette on Monday. According to Traisuree Taisaranakul,…
- Thailand News
Thailand PM denies rumours of inviting Chinese police for tourist patrols
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours about inviting Chinese police to patrol the nation’s tourist hotspots. The clarification comes in light of a recent uproar following remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding such an arrangement. PM Srettha, during a visit to San Francisco, revealed that the country’s interest lies solely in collaborating with Chinese police for…
- Thailand News
No bribery found in Sukhumvit Road collapse incident, Bangkok police claim
A recent police investigation has concluded that there was no bribery involved in the incident of an overloaded truck causing a cover at a roadworks site on Sukhumvit Road to collapse last week. The truck’s high weight was initially suspected to be due to bribery, which allowed it to exceed the maximum load limit. The suspicion was triggered by a…
- Thailand News
Massive manhunt underway for fugitive Chaowalit in Banthad mountain range
A massive manhunt involving over 400 police officers and state officials is underway for fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. The search is concentrated on the Banthad mountain range, according to National Police Chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, who briefed the press on Monday. The clothes discovered recently within the mountain range have tested positive for Chaowalit’s DNA,…
- Thailand News
Sino-Thai rail project advances with 13.3km track deal in Ayutthaya
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to ink a deal this month with Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, for the construction of a 13.3-kilometre rail track between Ban Pho and Phra Kaeo in Ayutthaya province. This development is a part of the ambitious Sino-Thai rail project stretching from Bangkok to Nong Khai. Nirut Maneephan, SRT’s governor, unveiled this…
- Thailand News
European tourists decline by 50% in Koh Kut amid global tensions
A drastic 50% drop in the number of European tourists visiting the Koh Kut district in Trat has been witnessed this year, as reported by the chairman of the Koh Kut administrative organisation. The chairman, who also operates a resort on the island, revealed that around 160,000 to 170,000 tourists visited the district last year, contributing to a revenue of…
- Phuket News
Shade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback
The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume…
- Thailand News
Thailand prepares for onset of cool season as northern front approaches
Thailand is bracing for a weather shift as a cool front from the north is set to lower temperatures starting tomorrow, signalling the onset of the cool season. This front, according to reports from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), was making its way over the region during the weekend, bringing with it strong winds. The shift in weather won’t be…
- Phuket News
Pawsitively purr-fect: Free pet healthcare initiative wags its tail in Phuket Town
Phuket Town, a bustling locale in Thailand, is now the site of an exciting initiative to provide free healthcare services for pets. The service, brought to the community by a mobile clinic, is extending an open invitation to residents to bring their beloved cats and dogs, as well as local strays, for comprehensive medical care. This free pet healthcare initiative…
- Thailand News
PTT Plc to turn Laem Chabang into Thailand’s first green port
PTT Plc, the Thai state-owned oil and gas company, is set to transform Laem Chabang deep-sea port into a pioneering example of green ports across Thailand. Noppadon Pinsupa, the Chief Operating Officer of PTT’s Downstream Petroleum Business Group, revealed plans yesterday for the development of the GPC International Terminal. The terminal, the victor in the bid for the third phase…
- Thailand News
Iberdrola highlights hydrogen’s commercialisation challenges despite its green potential
A green and abundant energy source for the future, hydrogen commercialisation is difficult without government subsidies, according to Iberdrola, the world’s third-largest private renewable electric utility provider. The company suggests that hydrogen might not be the ideal energy source for passenger cars, but rather for heavy logistics and industry. Armando Martinez, Iberdrola’s chief executive, acknowledged that hydrogen has been used by…
- Thailand News
PTT reinvestment: Diversifying beyond oil and petrochemicals for future growth
National energy conglomerate PTT Plc has initiated a reinvestment phase, eyeing new ventures for future growth. This move follows the stagnation of the company’s traditional businesses, which are primarily centred around the oil refinery and petrochemical sectors. As these avenues have limited potential for enhancing future income, the company emphasises the need for reinvestment. PTT’s President and Chief Executive Officer,…
- Thailand News
Breathalyser tests proposed for Thai nightlife venues
The Thai Ministry of Public Health is set to propose a policy where nightclubs and bars wishing to extend their operating hours would be required to administer alcohol breathalyser tests to customers who may be too intoxicated to travel home safely. The proposal also includes the responsibility of these establishments to arrange transportation services for such patrons. The breathalyser tests…
- Thailand News
North Thailand enforces alcohol ban in major national parks
A ban on alcohol consumption has been implemented in seven prime national parks across North Thailand to curb littering and maintain a tranquil environment for visitors. The ban, which applies to all visitors, was put into effect in 2021 by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). According to Songkran Pakchokdee, the director of StopDrink Network, an…
- 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
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
Koh Maphrao residents plead for bridge to Phuket
On the untouched shores of Koh Maphrao, an island nestled off the east coast of Phuket, a pressing issue has been echoing amongst its inhabitants. The island’s residents have made a formal plea to the Department of Rural Roads for the construction of a bridge to connect them with the bustling mainland of Phuket. This idyllic haven has, so far,…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Bangkok cracks down on corruption after road collapse incident
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for a thorough crackdown on corruption following an incident where a section of road in Bangkok collapsed under the weight of an overloaded lorry. The lorry is suspected to have been allowed to operate due to illicit payments to officials. This incident caused two traffic accidents earlier this week on the busy Sukhumvit Road. The…
- 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…
- 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
Bangkok nightlife braces for extended hours with heightened safety protocols
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is implementing stricter safety protocols for nightlife establishments in preparation for the government’s proposed extension of their operating hours until 4am. The BMA’s Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, under the leadership of Director Teerayut Poomipak, is set to respond to potential issues that may arise from the extended operating hours. Collaborating with the Public Works…
- 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
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…
