Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Bangkok breathes uneasy: PM2.5 dust levels reach ‘unhealthy’ zones
Bangkok, alongside other provinces, is grappling with unsettling levels of ultra-fine dust, or PM2.5. The quality of air in several areas has been categorised as either moderate or in the unhealthy spectrum. People, especially those living with chronic illnesses, have been cautioned by the Public Health Ministry to review the air quality before stepping out or participating in outdoor activities.…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities warn against rising LINE app and Facebook scams
A criminal group has been flagged for attempting to scam people by posing as the Thai Red Cross Society, on LINE and Facebook according to a warning issued by Phuket’s Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). The scam involves an OpenChat group on LINE, a popular Thai messaging app, where members are invited to donate money under the guise of the…
- Phuket News
Phuket to introduce ‘baht bus’ style transport service in tourist hotspot
Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) is currently accepting applications from operators to establish a circular ‘baht bus’ style public transportation system in Phuket’s busiest tourist area. The announcement was made on the PLTO’s official Facebook page yesterday, with three separate notices for potential operators to provide bus transport services within Patong. Two of these notices outlined two circular routes, while…
- Thailand News
Homeward bound: Fallen heroes return as Thai workers’ remains arrive from Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the remains of the eight Thai workers, who tragically lost their lives in Israel, are set to arrive back in their homeland on Friday morning. This announcement came to light yesterday, following the receipt of a green light from an Israeli forensic institute allowing an Israeli funeral service company to transport the bodies.…
- Thailand News
Pattaya City takes legal action against businesses for Koh Lan forest encroachment
Legal action is being pursued by Pattaya City against businesses accused of encroaching on forest land on Koh Lan, confirms Deputy Mayor, Manote Nongyai. The city received information regarding the alleged encroachment near Sangwan Beach from a local non-profit organisation. After conducting a survey, city officials confirmed that the encroachment had taken place with approximately 10 rai of forest land…
- Thailand News
Thailand invites Russian President Putin for official visit amidst global isolation
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended an invitation for an official visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the next year, during his recent visit to Beijing. This invitation emerges amidst Putin’s global isolation due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine which kicked off in February last year. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Putin over accusations…
- Phuket News
Investigation underway as Russian man falls to death from Phuket condo
The death of a 25 year old Russian man who plummeted from an eight-story condo building in Phuket, near Prince of Songkla University, is currently being investigated by local authorities. The unfortunate event transpired in the early hours of today. Local enforcement was alerted at around 5.10am and promptly arrived at the scene, led by the Deputy Inspector of Kathu…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s tuk tuk turmoil: Driver busted with ‘Yaba’ stash and axe arsenal
A tuk tuk driver from Patong was apprehended by police and charged with possession of 43 methamphetamine pills, known locally as Yaba, and several weapons, including an axe. The 30 year old driver, was arrested on Monday night, October 16, at a checkpoint in front of Patong Hospital. The incident was reported by the Patong Police late the following day.…
- Phuket News
Phuket Vegetarian Festival thrives with cultural rituals and street processions
The streets of Phuket town were buzzing with spiritual energy earlier today as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival entered its fourth day and the third day of street processions. Devotees and Mah song spirit mediums from the Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine in Samkong led the procession, showcasing a blend of Chinese culture and local traditions. The Samkong Shrine, one of…
- Politics News
Thai government committee plans referendum on constitutional amendments
Two sub-panels have been established by the government committee studying the proposed constitutional amendments in Thailand. Their mandate is to measure public sentiment on the proposed changes and devise a blueprint for a potential referendum. Phumtham Wechayachai, chair of the committee, has stated that while there is no set deadline for these sub-panels, it is anticipated that their tasks will…
- Thailand News
Thai PM dismisses rumours of expensive Super App for digital currency scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours yesterday regarding the development of a new application for the country’s forthcoming 10,000-baht digital currency handout scheme. Speculation had been rife that an affiliate of property behemoth Sansiri Plc was to develop the new digital wallet application, named Super App, at a whopping cost of 12 billion baht. However, the 61 year old…
- Thailand News
National police chief probes Thaksin’s hospital treatment amid special privilege claims
National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol requested a report from the Police General Hospital (PGH) regarding the medical treatment provided to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is currently incarcerated. This request was prompted by a photograph circulating on social media that depicted Thaksin, donned in a patient’s gown and mask, presumably heading for CT and MRI scans. The image, which…
- Thailand News
Thai workers in Israel red zone plead for government aid to return home
A plea for help has been issued by 28 Thai workers located in Israel. They are calling for the Thai government to facilitate their return home after their employer allegedly abandoned them in a high-risk area of ongoing conflict, known as the “red zone” and coerced them into continuing their work. A 31 year old man, Pongsakorn Intaworn, from Ban…
- Thailand News
Thai PM adviser urges police to improve criminal record updating system
Pichai Naripthaphan, previously holding the position of energy minister and presently advising Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has urged the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to enhance their criminal record database updating system. The need for this improvement was highlighted when Pichai found his name still listed on the national police database during background checks, despite being cleared of all criminal offences.…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s electric train flat fare drops to 20 baht, ridership soars by 90%
A surge of nearly 90% in ridership was recorded on Bangkok’s Red and Purple electric train lines on Monday, following the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) source revealed that the number of passengers on both lines escalated to 94,446 on Monday, marking an 86% increase from the previous day. The 20-baht flat fare…
- Crime News
Thai student’s tragic death after falling victim to iPhone online scam
A tragic incident unfolded in Nakhon Si Thammarat when a 19 year old student was found hanged in her home after falling victim to an online scam. The fraudsters duped the victim, Atiya, into paying 20,000 baht for an iPhone 13 that never existed. The police launched an investigation yesterday to capture the culprits, including a woman who held an account…
- Politics News
Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa bail hopes derailed again on less majeste charge
Arnon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer, faced a second denial for his bail request, as informed by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision came yesterday, October 16, justifying it with the severity of the royal defamation charges against Arnon and the potential risk of him absconding if set free. Consequently, the court found no grounds…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai military seize 12.2 million meth pills
Early this morning morning saw the seizure of over 12 million methamphetamine pills by military personnel in the Wiang Haeng district of Chiang Mai. The Pha Muang task force’s rangers of the Royal Thai Army discovered two suspicious pickup trucks parked in a garden along the Ban Mai Muang Jod road in the Piang Luang Tambon at around 5am, today,…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s waste crisis and eco-tourism plans discussed by Pita Limjaroenrat
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, yesterday paid a visit to Phuket to assess some ongoing projects in the seaside resort and discuss the key issues with the residents and officials. The respected former MFP leader was accompanied by three local MPs affiliated with the MFP, namely Somchart Techathavorncharoen, Chalermpong Saengdee and Thitikan Thitipruekthikul. The first stop…
- Phuket News
Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a grand spectacle of Chinese culture, witnessed another round of street processions today. Despite the heavy downpour, the processions, featuring devotees from the Sapam Shrine and the Bang Khu Shrine, kicked off with fervour. These processions were a part of the ongoing celebrations which have taken the streets of Phuket by storm. Photographs capturing the essence…
- Thailand News
End of the line: Thailand’s railway police disbands after 72 years
After 72 years of service, the Thailand Railway Police Division (RPD), colloquially known as the train marshals, are bidding farewell today. These officers have been a stalwart presence on the trains coursing through Thailand since the modern railway system was established during King Chulalongkorn’s reign. The decision to disband the railway law enforcement unit comes in the wake of the…
- Thailand News
Princess Maha’s urgent call for improved water management in Asia-Pacific
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific, has stressed the urgency of combating water scarcity and improving water management systems throughout the region. The Princess voiced her concerns during the Asia-Pacific World Food Day Observances at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bangkok. Her Majesty pointed out that approximately 2.5 billion…
- Thailand News
Submarine snag: Thai prime minister dives into talks with China
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set for talks with the Chinese government regarding the delay in the delivery of a commissioned Chinese submarine to Thailand. The submarine in question, an S26T Yuan-class model, was initially planned to reach Thailand last month. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the delivery has been postponed until April of the coming year. China…
- Tourism News
Thai tourism hit as gun violence prompts Chinese visitor cancellations
The Thai government has been urged to tighten gun control measures by Chiang Mai hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs in the aftermath of the Siam Paragon shopping mall shooting on October 3. The incident, which resulted in the death of three people, including a Chinese tourist, and injured four others, has shaken the confidence of Chinese travellers in Thailand. The fallout…
- World News
Thai students return home amid escalating Israel-Hamas conflict
Thirty-three Thai students, who had been in Israel amidst the escalating conflict with Hamas, safely arrived back in Thailand yesterday. They were part of a larger contingent of 244 Thai nationals who flew back on a special charter flight from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The students, including 30 from the Princess of Naradhiwas University and the rest from…
- Economy News
Thai ‘super app’ set to launch with 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The completion of a multi-purpose mobile application, or super app, is on track for early next year, coinciding with the launch of the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The mobile app is designed as a comprehensive solution, with developers assuring its readiness for the digital wallet scheme’s rollout, expected between February and March…
- Thailand News
Thai PM seeks Saudi aid for stranded workers in Israel
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed plans to negotiate with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince for assistance in facilitating the return of Thai workers stranded in Israel. The proposal involves granting the Royal Thai Air Force (RTFA) permission to traverse Saudi airspace, a currently prohibited action. This was disclosed at Suvarnabhumi Airport before PM Srettha’s trip to China to attend the 3rd…
- Phuket News
Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins with traditional Go Teng pole raising
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicked off yesterday with the traditional ceremony of raising the Go Teng poles at each participating shrine. The act is a symbolic invitation to the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods to descend from the heavens and spend the subsequent nine days on Earth. The golden Go Teng pole was hoisted at the Guan Yu…
- Phuket News
Lost in Phuket: Stranded British man seeks help as wife takes passport and sails away
A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. The public became aware of the British man’s plight through a report by the…
- Phuket News
Phuket motorists urged to avoid roads for King Maha Vajiralongkorn tribute procession
Phuket City Municipality issued an appeal to motorists, asking them to steer clear of Phuket Road and its surrounding areas in Phuket Old Town next Monday. This comes in anticipation of a street procession set to pay tribute to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). The street procession, honouring King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is not part of the traditional Iw…
