- 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…
- Thailand News
Call centre scam alert: Thai DES ministry urges probe after Myanmar repatriation
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) in Thailand has urged the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to probe a call centre scam following the repatriation of victims from Myanmar, a country currently in the throes of conflict. DES Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong, disclosed that 41 Thai citizens were repatriated from the embattled town of Laukkaing in the Shan State over…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Jatuporn criticises government’s proposed digital wallet scheme
The digital wallet initiative proposed by the government has come under fire from Jatuporn Prompan, a former red-shirt leader and co-leader of the Melting Pot Group. In a livestream on Facebook, Jatuporn voiced his concerns about the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s repeated withdrawal from pledges, including their initial vow not to form a government with ex-coalition parties from the previous…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Bangkok police hunt for Thai woman behind Taiwanese man’s murder
Bangkok police are pursuing an arrest warrant for a Thai woman alleged to have orchestrated the killing of a 48 year old Taiwanese man, Chu Chiang Shen, in the city. Additionally, they are liaising with Interpol in an attempt to apprehend another suspect hailing from Vanuatu who is believed to have left the country. Following the detention of two male suspects,…
- Thailand News
Early morning 4.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Sangkhla Buri district
Sangkhla Buri district witnessed an earthquake of 4.0 magnitude in the early hours of today. The tremors were felt across Kanchanaburi, a province in the west of Thailand. Kanrawee Sitthicheewapak, the director-general of the department, affirmed that the quake’s epicentre lay 6 kilometres beneath tambon Nong Lu and occurred at approximately 3.07am. The department’s Earthquake Observation Division attributed the quake…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s digital wallet loan bill yet to reach Council of State
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced yesterday that a proposed bill, which aims to secure a loan of 500 billion baht for the digital wallet scheme, has not been presented to the Council of State yet. The revelation came after the digital wallet policy committee meeting, where numerous issues were discussed. Despite the Council of State’s readiness to scrutinise the…
- Thailand News
Thai rights commission calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire
The Thai National Human Rights Commission (NHRCT) called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip. The commission’s plea comes amidst escalating violence which has resulted in the tragic loss of over 10,000 Palestinian civilian lives, with a significant proportion of victims being Arab women and children. This crisis has also led to the displacement of an estimated one…
- Phuket News
Patong Hill road set for major safety makeover in Phuket
The notorious Patong Hill road in Phuket is set to undergo a significant makeover aimed at enhancing safety and reducing the frequency of accidents, particularly on its steep slopes. This development comes as a response to mounting concerns and complaints from local inhabitants about the hazardous condition of the frequently used road. The plan was unveiled after Phuket Governor Sophon…
- Thailand News
Myanmar earthquake: 6.4 magnitude hits, tremors felt in Thailand (video)
A significant earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Myanmar at 8.37am today, as confirmed by the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The epicentre was noted to be around 100 kilometres in the northwest direction from the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicentre of this seismic event approximately 76…
- Thailand News
Sadao checkpoint: Entrepreneurs urge continued operation
Songkhla-based entrepreneurs in the Sadao district appealed to the government to keep the old Sadao immigration checkpoint operational alongside the new one. The move aims to stimulate both trade and tourism with Malaysia. The appeal follows the circulation of rumours concerning the government’s intention to close the Sadao checkpoint in preference for the newly constructed border checkpoint. The discussion involved…
- Thailand News
Powering up the tracks: Red Line operator urged to spark commuter surge with enhanced feeder network
Red Line operator SRT Electrified Train Co was asked by the Transport Ministry to enhance its feeder network to drive an increase in the number of rail passengers within Bangkok. Surapong Piyachote, the Deputy Transport Minister, explained that the SRT Electrified Train Co, in conjunction with the Department of Rail Transport, has charted out plans for an integrated feeder network…
- Crime News
Beefed-up border battles: Thailand tightens grip on smuggling surge
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed an alarming rise in beef smuggling into Thailand, with yearly figures reaching over 100,000 tonnes. This has led to the government committing to tougher actions against the culprits. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered all relevant departments including the Customs Department and Department of Livestock Development, to intensify their efforts in curbing this illegal beef…
- Thailand News
TikTok Thai training twist: App eyes Thailand for next big move
TikTok, the popular video-sharing social media app, is considering establishing a training centre in Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed this after meeting with the app’s executives during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. The intent is to utilise the platform’s popularity to promote Thai food and local products, often referred to as soft power. The 61…
- Phuket News
Phuket police apprehend duo for vandalising Russian tour buses
The tranquil island of Phuket was shaken as two men were seized by police for allegedly vandalising Russian tour buses. The duo was said to be receiving a bounty of 1,000 baht for each vehicle they damaged using a slingshot and ball bearings. They managed to wreak havoc on ten buses before their arrest. The arrests were made following a…
- Phuket News
Burglary busters: Thalang police nab duo, bringing relief to southern Thailand’s crime-weary community
In a series of successful home burglary crackdowns, Thalang police apprehended two suspects in Thepkrasattri, in southern Thailand. This recent breakthrough in the investigation came as a relief to the local community, which had been plagued by a spate of break-ins and robberies. The two men, 41 year old Anon “Nont” Somphet, a resident of Moo 4, Thepkrasattri, and 44…
- Phuket News
Down under dilemma: Australian arrested at Phuket Airport with cocaine stash hidden in passport
A 26 year old Australian national found himself in hot water upon his arrival at Phuket International Airport. The arrest came about after a small quantity of cocaine was discovered hidden within his passport by vigilant immigration officers. The young man, whose name was conspicuously absent from the first reports released by the Phuket Immigration Checkpoint officers, was apprehended in…
- Thailand News
Thai government seeks urgent economic stimulus amid rising household debt
The Thai economy is in a dire state and in urgent need of a stimulus package to prevent further deterioration, according to the government. This stance arises amid ongoing discussions about the true state of the economy, with some expressing doubts about the actual need for the government’s proposed US$313 million handout scheme, which would necessitate a loan of US$15.6…
- Thailand News
Thai nationals to return from Myanmar amidst military-insurgent clashes
The return of 41 Thai nationals, marooned amidst skirmishes between Myanmar military and ethnic insurgent factions in Laukkai, a border town between China and Myanmar, is set to happen today, as stated by the prime minister. These individuals are part of a larger group of 164 Thai nationals, who were rescued by Myanmar officials from illegal employment or human trafficking…
- Phuket News
Phuket locals back proposal for extended nightlife venue operating hours
A bustling crowd of over 800 individuals gathered at Kathu Wittaya School in Phuket yesterday, participating in a public forum aimed at gauging sentiment regarding the extension of nightlife venue operating hours to 4am in designated zones. The proposal received unanimous approval from those in attendance, reflecting a collective inclination towards longer nightlife hours. The forum, presided over by Kathu…
- Phuket News
Phuket remembers road accident victims and addresses safety concerns
Phuket residents and officials yesterday took part in a poignant event to honour the memory of those lost in road accidents on the island. This gathering was orchestrated by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and forms part of the local activities acknowledging the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, although the official global recognition is slated for this coming Sunday,…
- Thailand News
Smooth sailing: Suvarnabhumi Airport’s snazzy channels promise swift boarding for foreign jet-setters
Foreign passengers will soon experience expedited boarding at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, thanks to the introduction of automatic channels set to go live next month. The move aims to ease congestion at the airport, allowing for a smoother transit experience for travellers. Currently, the automatic processing at Suvarnabhumi is limited to travellers holding Thai, Hong Kong or Singaporean passports, as relayed…
- 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 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…
