- Thailand News
Thai hostages likely first to be released amid Gaza conflict
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, announced that Thai workers held captive by Hamas are likely to be among the first released. This update came as the Israeli military amplified its assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with the majority of Thai workers still in Israel now situated in safe zones. Around 30,000 Thai workers were…
- 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
Germany grants 16 billion baht to Thailand for climate change projects
Thailand is set to receive a significant contribution of 422 million euros (16 billion baht) from Germany, intended to fund various projects addressing climate change impacts. The announcement was made by Ernst Reichel, the German Ambassador to Thailand, during a press briefing yesterday. Reichel, who assumed his diplomatic role two months prior, underscored that climate change mitigation is a prime…
- 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
Safety in numbers: Phuket’s Tourist Police gathering gears up for high season
A remarkable gathering took place yesterday in the bustling epicentre of Phuket Town. The assembly, spearheaded by Tourist Police Commissioner Major General Saksira Phueakam, was a formidable display of dedication towards ensuring the safety of tourists during the impending high season of tourism. The meet-up took place just ahead of the grand opening of the inaugural Chartered Walking Street market on Phang…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Domestic violence surge in Thailand sparks renewed action
A surge in domestic violence cases in Thailand prompted a reminder from authorities that victims are not alone and assistance is readily available. Social Development and Human Security Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa, emphasized a year-round approach to ending violence, not just during November which is internationally recognized as the month for ending violence against women, children, and families. “If violence is…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Four Thailand provinces extend nightlife venue hours to boost economy
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket, four prime Thai provinces, are all set to extend the operational hours of their nightlife venues including bars and pubs until 4am. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the decision, which is set to come into effect from December 15, as part of an initiative to boost domestic tourism and the economy. PM Srettha…
- Thailand News
Thai citizens stranded in Myanmar amid escalating conflicts
Thailand is currently exerting efforts to bring back 162 Thai citizens who are presently stranded in Myanmar due to escalating conflicts between Myanmar’s junta forces and ethnic minority revolutionaries close to the Chinese border. This was confirmed by Thai officials. These events follow the tragic assault on October 7 where a minimum of 30 Thai individuals, primarily agricultural workers, were…
- Phuket News
Phra Mettha Road in Phuket reopens after four-month closure
Phuket’s Phra Mettha Road, which had been sealed off for approximately four months, once again welcomed the hustle and bustle of traffic on November 1. The artery of Patong, this road spans 1 kilometre behind the Jungceylon shopping mall, stretching from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai. The closure, which began on June 20, was necessary for the construction of…
- Crime News
Herbal drug bust: Five million meth pills hidden under plants seized in Chiang Mai
A police operation in Chiang Mai’s Mueang district on Wednesday resulted in the interception of a pick-up truck filled with five million meth pills concealed underneath bags of herbal plants. Three individuals suspected of drug trafficking were taken into custody. The operation was prompted by an intelligence report that indicated a substantial amount of meth pills were scheduled for transport…
- Thailand News
Economic reformation in action: Thailand open for foreign investments amid polycrisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared Thailand’s openness to foreign investments and readiness to collaborate with the private sector for an economic reformation to create an inclusive and sustainable future. Speaking on Wednesday at the Foreign Industrial Club Gala Dinner, the Thai PM’s speech, titled Reformation of Thai Economy Amidst Polycrisis, was summarised by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. The 61 year…
- Thailand News
Thai government plans evacuation of citizens from Israel amidst escalating conflict
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the Thai government’s plan for the efficient evacuation of its citizens from Israel amidst the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict. The government is concerned about the potential spread of the war to neighbouring countries and the implications of cyber warfare and drone usage. In his first meeting as chair of the National Defence Council, the 61 year old…
- Thailand News
Illicit pork trade crackdown in Thailand set to conclude next month
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced a determined push to dismantle the underground illicit pork trade in Thailand, indicating that all related cases should be resolved by next month. The joint statement was delivered yesterday, alongside representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and other agencies, providing an update on the ongoing operation. Chai Wacharonke stressed…
- Thailand News
Undercooked pork alert: DDC cautions after hearing loss fever outbreak
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a warning against consuming undercooked or raw pork following an outbreak of Streptococcus suis, otherwise known as hearing loss fever. This outbreak has resulted in approximately 500 infections and 24 fatalities so far. The announcement was made by Taweechai Wisanuyothin, the director of DDC Regional Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima. He revealed that…
- Thailand News
Medical cannabis: CISW’s events for business and awareness
The CISW Holding Group, in partnership with CISW International, CISW Green World and CISW European Wellness World, unveiled plans for two significant events focusing on medical cannabis. These events aim to highlight business prospects and foster a greater understanding of its medicinal applications. The first event, CISW MedCann Investment Summit World (CMCI 2023), is set to take place on December…
- Phuket News
Phuket advances new road project to ease traffic and boost disaster resilience
The working group tasked with overseeing the proposed new road project linking Kathu and Srisoonthorn in Phuket confirmed that it will proceed with the required surveys and inspections. The group will also create maps delineating the land boundaries, thus paving the way for the road’s construction. The working group, led by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, convened at Phuket Provincial…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s AOC launched to tackle rising online scams
The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), a comprehensive service centre for victims of scam gangs, has been launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), as stated by Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong. The AOC is designed to effectively reduce the number of online scams within a month, aiming to tackle the over 330,000 cybercrime cases reported from March 1…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai police officers reassigned following unlicensed nightspot raid
The acting commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, Police Major General Krittapon Yeesakhon, reassigned five senior officers from the Chang Phueak Police Station in Chiang Mai to inactive roles, pending an investigation. This decision is a response to a raid on an unlicensed nightspot within their jurisdiction. The order affected Chang Phueak Police Chief, Pol. Col. Kittipong Phetmunee and four…
- Thailand News
Israel pledges support in Thai hostage rescue amid Gaza conflict
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently shared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended his condolences to the Thai nationals who lost their lives during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu also pledged his full support for the rescue mission for Thai hostages held by Hamas. Prime Minister Srettha revealed this information post his phone conversation with Netanyahu, where he requested…
- Thailand News
Debate over redefining methamphetamine possession limit in Thailand heats up
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for a comprehensive discussion surrounding the Public Health Ministry’s proposal to redefine anyone in possession of under 10 methamphetamine pills as an addict rather than a criminal. The meeting over the methamphetamine possession debate took place yesterday and involved high-ranking officials from the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB),…
- Thailand News
Thai hostages secured release promise from Hamas post Gaza offensive
Thai captives held hostage in Israel by Hamas have been promised release upon Israel’s cessation of its Gaza Strip offensive. This assurance was provided to Thai negotiators by Hamas representatives, as relayed by Saiyid Sulaiman Husaini, a Thai Muslim leader and head of a Shia Muslims association in Thailand. The promise was made during a meeting held at the office…
