- 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
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
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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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
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
Phuket town resident scoops 24 million baht in government lottery
Luck has smiled warmly on a 48 year old Phuket Town resident who recently became an instant millionaire. On Wednesday, November 1, Duangjai Inrod won a staggering 24 million baht in the Government Lottery. The Talad Neua Subdistrict resident didn’t spare a moment in stepping forward to claim her substantial winnings. With her winning lottery e-tickets in hand, she arrived…
- 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…
- 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
Sexual harassment claims spark call for ethical code in Thai politics
A wave of sexual harassment allegations against members of the Move Forward Party (MFP) has sparked a demand for a definitive code of ethics to govern the sexual conduct of politicians. The demand emerged during a seminar organised by the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation on Wednesday, following the expulsion of an MFP member on the grounds of sexual…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
PM2.5 dust surge: Bangkok on alert, schools may halt activities
Bangkok is bracing for an imminent surge in PM2.5 dust pollution from today until the end of the week, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) preparing strict measures to mitigate the environmental hazard. The city’s Department of Education, under BMA’s directive, may consider a 15-day halt to school activities if dust pollution reaches a critical red level in two to…
- 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
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
Threatening letter to Songkhla prosecutor prompts police investigation
A life-threatening letter directed at a provincial Songkhla prosecutor sparked a police investigation yesterday. The letter was a threat from a friend of 37 year old Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng Na Nod. Chaowalit escaped from Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22, where he was detained after a dental treatment. The handwritten letter, composed with a blue…
- 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
PM’s land redistribution gift: Thai farmers in Udon Thani get a new year surprise
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced the redistribution of over 9,276 rai of army-owned land in Udon Thani to landless farmers, as a new year gift. This significant move is part of the Nong Wua So development model aimed at alleviating poverty and landlessness issues among farmers. The Thai prime minister lauded the army’s decision to repurpose their surplus land…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s nightlife venues to stay open till 4am boosting tourism and economy
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat called upon local authorities to prepare themselves for the island’s nightlife venues, which remain open until 4am. This directive was issued during a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall, where officials were instructed to identify the precise areas or zones where the late-night operations would be applicable. The urgency for Phuket’s officials is palpable. Deputy Prime Minister…
