- Thailand News
Thai Srivijaya Party leader gets one-month prison sentence and 20000 baht fine for intimidation
The Phra Nakhon North District Court sentenced Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, also known as Tae, the leader of the Thai Srivijaya Party, to a month in prison and a fine of 20,000 baht for intimidation. The intimidation charges relate to threats made against Decha Kittiwittayanan, with sentencing to be deferred for a year and a probationary period of one year, during which…
- Thailand News
GCNT chairman urges Thailand to boost human resources for Society 5.0
The chairman of Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) called on the government to increase its investment in human resources development in preparation for Society 5.0. This new era will be marked by the prominent role of innovative technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving the global economy. Suphachai Chearavanont made these remarks while addressing the GCNT Forum 2023 on the…
- Phuket News
Rising Zika virus cases alarm health officials in Phuket
Phuket’s Provincial Health Office (PPHO) sounded the alarm over rising cases of Zika virus, particularly in Rawai, Phuket. The warning was triggered by a long-standing expatriate, expressing alarm over the increasing number of infections in the Saiyuan area. In response to these concerns, the Rawai Municipality took swift action, testing all occupants of one house. The expatriates detailed their efforts.…
- Thailand News
Thai ambassador advises workers to delay return to Israel amidst conflict
The ambassador of Thailand to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, advised Thai workers who have recently returned from Israel to refrain from going back due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. She updated on the situation during a meeting involving 97 of the nation’s high-ranking overseas representatives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pannabha suggested that those who had returned…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s visa exemption policy for Chinese unaffected despite low flight demand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced that the government’s visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens remains unaffected amidst the cancellation of flight slots by several Chinese airlines due to low passenger demand. These airlines had previously secured slots for flights to Thailand, inclusive of ground handling services for their aircraft, only to relinquish their landing and take-off rights due to…
- Thailand News
Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement offers hope for Thai hostages
The Israeli–Gaza war took an unexpected turn as Israel and Hamas agreed to swap hostages for prisoners. This development has brought a glimmer of hope for the Thai workers who were held hostage during the conflict. As per the information received by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the ceasefire agreement between the two battling factions is likely to facilitate the release…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s interior minister halts gun license issuance for a year
A halt on issuing gun licenses for a year has been authorised by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as part of an effort to reduce gun violence, announced Traisuree Taisaranakul, secretary to the interior minister. The directive, referred to as Por 12, adheres to the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosive, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act, she added. The instruction is now on its…
- Phuket News
3D-printed coral islands to rejuvenate Phuket’s degraded reefs
The coastal waters of Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket, are about to witness a groundbreaking ecological restoration project. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) initiated a project to install 88 sets of 3D-printed coral larvae islands at Siam Bay, to restore the severely degraded coral reef in the area. At the helm of this inaugural installation was…
- Phuket News
Swedish consulate inaugurated in Phuket, Thailand
The vibrant island of Phuket witnessed an auspicious occasion on November 20, as the newly appointed Swedish Consulate was officially inaugurated. Gracing the ceremony with her presence was Anna Hammargren, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand. The ambassador, along with her entourage from the Swedish embassy in Bangkok, had embarked on a two-day tour to Phuket, which wrapped up yesterday, November…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha unveils proactive diplomacy for Thai global influence
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday unveiled a fresh approach to foreign policy, dubbed proactive diplomacy, aimed at empowering Thai representatives abroad to stimulate trade, investment, and tourism, and enhance Thailand’s global influence. The 61 year old prime minister detailed his proactive diplomacy policy at a yearly gathering, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by Thai ambassadors, consul-generals, commerce…
- Thailand News
Thai govt’s 500 billion baht digital wallet scheme awaits legal review
The Thai government’s bill proposing a loan of 500 billion baht to fund the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme is yet to be reviewed by the Council of State for its legality, according to the council’s secretary-general, Pakorn Nilprapunt. This came as a rebuttal to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s previous statement that the loan bill was under the council’s vetting…
- Thailand News
Village headman implicated in Chon Buri forest land encroachment
A village headman stands accused of participating in forest land encroachment in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri. This allegation surfaced during an investigation led by the district chief, Sunthorn Munaowaroh, who visited the affected region within the Kao Krating forest reserve yesterday. Thawatchai Srithong, the governor of Chon Buri, commanded Sunthorn to conduct the inquiry following the public release…
- Thailand News
Pink Line monorail: Thailand’s consumer council pushes for 20 baht fare cap
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is pressing for a fare cap of 20 baht per trip on the impending Pink Line monorail. This monorail, whose commercial service launch is planned for December 18, would then comply with the current Red and Purple Line services’ rates. This is part of the government’s strategy to alleviate living costs. During the trial phase…
- Thailand News
Narathiwat explosion prompts 300 million baht lawsuit by 682 claimants
Narathiwat witnessed a massive lawsuit filed by 682 individuals against two fireworks traders and a construction contractor, seeking damages of 300 million baht. The case stems from the disastrous warehouse explosion that occurred in Sungai Kolok district in July. This legal action, filed by 68 lawyers, was triggered by the catastrophic blast at a warehouse in tambon Muno, where fireworks…
- Phuket News
Phuket police launches anti-crime campaign ahead of Loy Krathong Festival
Phuket City Police Station was a buzz of activity as it marked the initiation of an intensive seven-day anti-crime campaign, aimed at ensuring safety during the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival. The campaign, spearheaded by Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Police Major General Nipon Rattanasirisaengchot, kicked off yesterday, November 20 and is set to run until November 26. The Loy Krathong…
- Phuket News
Inferno consumes Chevrolet Aveo in Phuket, arson not ruled out
A Chevrolet Aveo sedan was consumed by an inferno late last night in Soi Thanuthep, Chalong, Phuket. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation, with local authorities yet to confirm whether it was an accident or a deliberate act of arson. The police were notified about the incident around 10.30pm. Lieutenant Charat Lemphan of the Chalong Police Department…
- Thailand News
iLaw proposes amnesty bill for political activists since 2006 in Thailand
The Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) revealed a proposed bill yesterday that offers amnesty to all individuals in Thailand who have been prosecuted or are currently facing charges related to political activities since September 19, 2006, up to the present day. This proposed legislation was introduced at a seminar, sponsored by iLaw, sparking a call to action for the Pheu…
- Phuket News
Devastating fire ravages Krischorn Health Massage Shop in Phuket Town
A devastating fire broke out at the Krischorn Health Massage Shop, an establishment located on Soi Pha-niang, Ratsada in the northern part of Phuket Town. The incident, which occurred at 10am on Friday, November 17, left the salon heavily damaged despite the swift actions of local firefighters who responded to the distress call. The Phuket City Municipality, in response to…
- Thailand News
Submarine surprise: RTN dives into new era with Chinese-licensed German engine at 117th celebration
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) chief Admiral Adung Phan-iam revealed today at an event celebrating the 117th anniversary of the RTN that the Chinese-licensed version of a German submarine engine is already in use and it matches the one desired for the submarine being built for the RTN. He was referring to the CHD620 engine, a licensed Chinese-made version of the…
- Phuket News
Phuket man caught using fake red license plates to avoid loan payments
Phuket Highway Police apprehended a man using counterfeit red license plates on his vehicle, following his admission that he was unable to keep up with his car loan payments. The black Toyota Vios, sporting the dubious license plates, was first spotted by officers at a Highway Police rest stop. The car was parked near a restroom, its licence plates bearing…
- Phuket News
Phi Phi islands: Tourist boat sinking prompts safety concerns
A startling incident unfolded on the serene waters surrounding Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when a longtail boat, tasked with ferrying six tourists to Bamboo Island, sank. The boat sinking mishap has triggered an urgent call from the chief of the Phi Phi Islands National Park, Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, for all boat operators to step up their safety measures. The alarm bells…
- Phuket News
Thai-MECC rescues Phang Nga student from perilous waters
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded yesterday in the swift waters between Phuket and mainland Thailand. A student from Phang Nga, who was seen jumping off the Sarasin Bridge, was rescued by a local fishing boat and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (THAI-MECC). The THAI-MECC, stationed at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command in Cape Panwa, received word of…
- Phuket News
Phuket rally takes a stand against violence, abuse, and human trafficking
Phuket was buzzing with a flurry of activity last night as over 250 people gathered for a rally, breathing life into the campaign against violence directed towards women and children and human trafficking. The campaign, bearing the theme Stop Violence with Love, took place in Queen Sirikit Park, under the watchful eye of Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuran. The Phuket…
- Phuket News
Forest faux pas: Illegal loggers caught in the act as DSI turns the spotlight on hidden tree mischief in Thailand
An unsanctioned logging operation, hidden deep within Thailand’s Bang Khanun protected forest, was inadvertently exposed during a routine inspection by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Conducted in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and forest protection officials, the group stumbled upon the illegal exploitation yesterday. Vice Admiral Suchart Thammapitakwet, the commander of the RTN’s Third Area…
- World News
Kazakhstan courts ASEAN investors to become Central Asia’s investment hub
Kazakhstan is reaching out to foreign investors, particularly from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a bid to establish itself as a central investment hub in the Central Asia Region. The Kazakh government has expressed interest in mutual economic development with the Southeast Asian region, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko. He made these remarks…
- Thailand News
Peruvian culture delights: Thailand’s Peru Embassy promotes food and coffee
In a recent series of events designed to strengthen bilateral ties between Peru and Thailand, the Embassy of Peru in Thailand organised three cultural programs centred around Peruvian food and coffee. The events showcased the richness of Peruvian culture and gastronomy, aiming to introduce the Thai public to the unique flavours and traditions of Peru. The series kicked off with…
- Thailand News
Economic ties in focus: Thai PM extends invitation to Biden
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently extended an invitation for an official visit to US President, Joe Biden. This invitation was extended during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit that took place in San Francisco. The Thai PM used this platform to assure President Biden of Thailand’s readiness to serve as a base for major American companies’ production, boosting their…
- Thailand News
Anntonia Porsild secures highest Miss Universe placement for Thailand since 1988
Anntonia Porsild, the 27 year old representative of Thailand in the Miss Universe 2023 beauty contest, garnered the first runner-up position, earning the nation’s highest placement since 1988. This achievement was announced at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, which took place at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed Prime Minister Srettha…
- Business News
South Korea’s advanced tech industries endorsed by international alliances
South Korea, poised to become the world’s epicentre for advanced technology industries, received a vigorous endorsement from international alliances eager to accelerate its economic growth and competitiveness. The nation also committed to bolstering cooperation with its ASEAN partners to promote trade and investment. Specifically, South Korea showcased interest in the automobile sector within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Rayong…
- Thailand News
Thai PM sees hope in Land Bridge megaproject to lure overseas Thais back
Acknowledging the lack of attractive job opportunities in Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed hope that the Land Bridge megaproject would allure high-calibre Thais working abroad to return home. The prime minister made this remark during a meeting with the Thai community members in the US at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke provided a summary…