Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Thailand murder suspect arrested in South Korea
A man in his 20s, one of the trio suspected of a gruesome murder, has been apprehended in South Korea. The victim’s body had been discovered encased in concrete within a large plastic container, submerged in the Map Prachan reservoir in Chon Buri, Thailand. The arrest took place yesterday, May 12, at the suspect’s residence in Gyeongnam province, according to…
- Thailand News
Thailand eyes AI to improve airport operations, inspired by Beijing
The Thailand Ministry of Transport is considering leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance airport operations, in line with the government’s ambition to establish the country as a prominent aviation centre in the region. Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled the proposal following his visit to Beijing Capital International Airport in China, where he observed the AI implementation…
- Tourism News
Phuket targets Middle Eastern market to counter seasonal tourism slump
Phuket’s tourism industry has set its sights on the affluent Middle Eastern market to counterbalance the seasonal slump in arrivals from Russia and Europe. Over 30 Phuket hospitality businesses presented their offerings at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM 2024) held in Dubai, aiming to attract high-spending tourists from the region. The ATM 2024, conducted from May 6 to May…
- Thailand News
Thai govt’s plan for minimum wage increase gains public support
The Thai government’s initiative to increase the daily minimum wage has received widespread approval, with a large section of the populace expressing their support for the plan, a recent poll revealed. The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted the survey, which witnessed the participation of 1,310 individuals, all aged 18 or above, between May 3 and May 7. An…
- Politics News
Nearly 2,000 acquire Senate election application forms on first day
The Election Commission (EC) reported yesterday that nearly 2,000 individuals acquired application forms for the Senate election on the first day of distribution, which was on May 10. The documents and forms can be collected daily from district offices and provincial registration centres nationwide, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm. Completed forms and necessary documents can be submitted at…
- Thailand News
Thailand to test decade-old rice stockpile for safety
The Government of Thailand confirmed that it will conduct lab tests on a decade-old rice stockpile to ascertain its safety for human consumption. This rice, a remnant from the tenure of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, has been stored in Surin warehouses. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured this move in response to public demand for an official inspection of the rice…
- Thailand News
Social security board to ease access to cancer treatment resources
The Social Security Board (SSB) has greenlit a plan to enhance the ease of access to treatment resources for cancer patients within the Social Security system, according to an announcement from the Social Security Office (SSO) yesterday. The resolution was made in a meeting that took place earlier this week. According to Dr Thana Turajane, the chair of the board’s…
- Cannabis News
High times: Thai cannabis use soars, sparking reclassification talks
The use of cannabis among young adults in Thailand has escalated tenfold in the past two years, drawing attention to the government’s plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, according to the public health minister. The reclassification proposal is expected to be rooted in scientific evidence. Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin yesterday highlighted the significance of empirical data in addressing the…
- Thailand News
Rayong warehouse disaster: Government ramps up aid
A fiery inferno engulfed Rayong’s Map Ta Phut Industrial Park, leaving death and devastation in its wake. The government springs into action, accelerating aid to affected victims and locals. The catastrophic blaze ignited around 10.30am when a colossal pyrolysis gasoline (pygas) storage tank exploded at Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal. SCG Chemicals Plc, a vital petrochemical subsidiary of Siam Cement…
- Thailand News
Srettha’s agenda for three-day tour to three Thai provinces revealed
Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s inspection tour of three provinces: Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi, spanning May 10 to 12. Kicking off yesterday afternoon, the Bangkok-born PM initiated discussions on local matters at the Lad Nam Tien floodgate in Suphan Buri Province. He also mingled with the public at the Jorakhesamphan Sluice Gates, delving deeper into…
- Thailand News
Hit-and-run: Tourist bus driver abandons injured cyclist in Pattaya
A tourist bus driver callously struck a foreign cyclist on Pattaya Second Road, near Pattaya 8 School. Caught on camera, the driver heartlessly fled the scene, leaving the injured victim behind. The disturbing footage reveals the unidentified cyclist being knocked off his bike as the blue and white tourist bus veered into his path without warning. Ignoring the injured party,…
- Thailand News
Thailand to revise Child Protection Act
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, under the leadership of Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, is set to propose an amendment to Thailand’s Child Protection Act within the month for Cabinet approval. The updated act will emphasise the significant role of families and local communities in ensuring the safety of children. Following the National Child Protection Committee meeting yesterday, Varawut unveiled…
- Thailand News
Shocking stats: Thailand’s hidden population crisis exposed
Thailand’s population secrets are out in the open, and the numbers are staggering. According to National Statistical Office (NSO) Deputy Director Suwannee Wangkan, a whopping 9.25 million people unofficially inhabit the Land of Smiles, with the vast majority flocking to Bangkok for work and study, shining a harsh spotlight on the nation’s deepening wealth gap. This clandestine population, constituting 13.2%…
- Thailand News
Coral catastrophe strikes Krabi’s Mu Ko Lanta Marine Park
In a recent survey conducted by park officials, alarming findings have surfaced regarding coral bleaching in the pristine waters of Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi. Officials took the plunge to assess the extent of coral bleaching and gather marine debris littering the seabed. Around Rok Island, a distressing 10 to 15% of corals at depths of 1…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities to tackle pollution for tourism and ecosystem
In a bid to protect the local environment and maintain the tourist appeal of Phuket, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan urged local authorities to take firm action against pollution. The concern comes amid an increasing accumulation of fishing net waste and monsoon debris in Phuket and its adjacent marine areas,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s seaplane tourism venture set for December
Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri paved the way for Thailand’s first seaplane tourism venture yesterday in Phuket, by inaugurating a three-day workshop titled First Seaplane Operations Toward Thailand’s Aviation Hub. Manaporn asserted that the initiative was in line with Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s policies focused on revitalising the national economy, enhancing air transportation efficiency, and positioning Thailand as a…
- Phuket News
Shock delay: Phuket’s electrifying free bus service hits a roadblock
The eagerly awaited launch of Phuket’s electrifying free bus service has been put on hold until May 17, as revealed by the local business consortium, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD). This unexpected detour stems from licensing procedures that have hit a few bumps in the road, causing the delay. PKCD, in conjunction with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, expressed…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor and British ambassador discuss tourist safety
Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, hosted Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, in a meeting on May 7, focusing on the safety of tourists. The meeting, which took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to foster relations between Phuket and the British Government. Governor Sophon emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly by reducing…
- Thailand News
Thai man’s antics turn Pattaya porridge shop into rice riot
Chaos erupted at the Prachanban Rice Porridge Shop on Central Pattaya Road when a 30 year old Thai man sent Thai and foreign customers into a frenzy. Police rushed to the scene on Sunday, May 5, following reports of a man exhibiting erratic behaviour in the middle of the road. Upon arrival, the Thai man, identified as Ton, fled from officers,…
- Thailand News
Thai deputy finance minister’s shock resignation
Thailand Deputy Minister of Finance Kritsada Jinavijarana sent shockwaves through the political corridors with his offer of resignation. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened, urging Kritsada to reconsider his decision. Expressing discontent with task allocation, Kritsada tendered his resignation from the Cabinet. But the 62 year old Thai prime minister, not ready to lose a key figure, stepped in swiftly to…
- Economy News
Thai govt’s minimum wage hike to 400 baht faces opposition
The government’s recent announcement of an impending nationwide minimum wage hike to 400 baht per day in October has provoked strong opposition from a member of the tripartite wage committee. The committee member in question, Atthayuth Leeyavanich, who represents employers, criticised the premature disclosure of the wage increase, asserting that it had not yet been discussed or approved by the…
- Thailand News
Thailand and China to continue submarine purchase negotiations
Negotiations are set to resume next Wednesday between Thailand and China, as they seek to resolve the protracted issue surrounding a submarine purchase agreement. A 13-person delegation from China, encompassing military officials and representatives of the S26T Yuan-class submarine manufacturers, is due to meet their Thai counterparts. The submarine was part of a procurement deal agreed upon by the Royal…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s health minister proposes change to amphetamine law
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has announced a significant shift in Thailand’s drug policy. He expressed his intention to reduce the minimum amount of amphetamine tablets that would classify possession as a criminal act. Currently, the law considers possession of five or more tablets as a crime, a reduction from the previous threshold of 15, implemented last year. Speaking to…
- Business News
How Cryptocurrency is changing consumer behaviour in Thailand
Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin or similar have played a significant role in the global economy in recent times, and Thailand is just one of the countries where these changes are taking place. Since the country has a young population, and this population is actually tech-savvy, it didn’t take long for cryptocurrencies to be adopted. While the popularisation of cryptocurrencies in Thailand…
- Thailand News
Ricegate scandal: 10 year old rice stockpile unsafe for consumption
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) demanded rigorous quality and safety checks for a colossal 15,000 tonnes of jasmine rice, stockpiled since 2014 under the controversial rice-pledging scheme. The council, joined by an academic from Chiang Mai University, fears the rice may be laced with harmful chemicals, rendering it unfit for human or animal consumption. Deputy Chief of the TCC’s policies…
- Thailand News
Microsoft’s digital dynamo: Thailand tech scene ignited by AI blitz
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, unveiled ambitious plans to supercharge Thailand’s digital landscape with a surge in Data and AI initiatives. The tech giant’s commitment extends to fostering a robust AI ecosystem, offering over 100,000 individuals the chance to upskill and dive into the world of artificial intelligence. “This marks a pivotal moment for Thailand, propelling us into…
- Road deaths
British expat killed in Phuket traffic accident
A tragic traffic incident claimed the life of a 65 year old British woman in Kamala, Phuket. A white passenger van, careening through a red light at the main intersection, struck the long-term British resident on Sunday, May 5, ending her life abruptly on the spot. The brutal force of collision hurled her body over 20 metres down the road…
- Phuket News
Man mistakenly shot as mouse deer in Phuket jungle
Phuket’s Karon View Point jungle was the scene of a tragic and unusual death when a 40 year old man was mistakenly shot by his friend, who mistook him for a mouse deer. The body was discovered late on May 5. Responding to the alert around 11.30pm, police arrived at the area, which was situated behind the Sabai Corner Restaurant.…
- Phuket News
Uzbekistan tourist dies after ignoring rip current warning in Phuket
A strong rip current at Kata Noi Beach in Phuket claimed the life of a 41 year old Uzbekistan tourist. He was declared dead at Chalong Hospital yesterday afternoon following his encounter with the deadly current. His death was reported to Karon Police around 3.30pm. An investigation into Sadullo Tashtemirovich Saidov’s unfortunate demise revealed that he, along with a group…
