- Thailand News
Investment ties strengthened: Parnpree’s mobile meeting proposal for Thai-Vietnam relations
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Foreign Affairs Minister, yesterday proposed the reinstatement of mobile meetings to bolster investment ties between Thailand and Vietnam. The proposal came about during a meeting with Pham Minh Chinh, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, concluding Parnpree’s two-day official visit to the neighbouring nation. The visit, which kicked off on October 25, marked Parnpree’s inaugural official trip since…
- Thailand News
Thai PM pledges fast-tracking marriage equality and transgender recognition laws
A pledge was made yesterday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to accelerate the progress of three significant bills, inclusive of the marriage equality draft law. These proposed laws are scheduled for Cabinet deliberation next Tuesday before being forwarded to Parliament for further scrutiny. The marriage equality bill seeks to revise the Civil and Commercial Code, enabling individuals of a suitable age…
- Thailand News
Monkeypox morphs: Thailand reports 535 ‘mpox’ cases in a year
A whopping 535 mpox cases (formerly monkeypox) have been reported across Thailand between May last year and October this year, according to the figures released by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Dr Taweechai Wisanuyothin, the director of the Nakhon Ratchasima-based Region 9 Disease Control Office, disclosed the above data. A total of 481 reported cases were Thai citizens, 50…
- Thailand News
Prison escapee on the prowl: Inmate’s great Thailand wildlife sanctuary location unveiled
The hunt for a 37 year old inmate who escaped from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital led police to the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary. This vast wildlife refuge, spanning 1266 square kilometres across Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, and Songkhla, is believed to be the hideout of Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. This discovery prompted a shift in law enforcement’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand mayor resigns following arrest over 600,000 baht extortion charges
Weerachart Rasamee, the son-in-law of Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised, stepped down from his role as municipal mayor following an arrest linked to alleged extortion charges. The incident unfolded in Uthai Thani province, with Weerachart being apprehended on Tuesday. Chada shared yesterday, October 25, that Weerachart offered his apologies for the incident after being granted bail on Tuesday evening.…
- Thailand News
Thai worker pleads for government help to retrieve twin brother’s body from Israel
A 36 year old Thai worker is urging the Thai government to assist in locating the body of his twin brother, who was fatally attacked during a Hamas-led assault on the Gaza Strip. His twin brother, whose body is undergoing identification in Israel, joined him in Israel six months after he began working there in 2019. While he was employed…
- Thailand News
Thailand refines 10,000-baht digital handout eligibility amid wealth exclusion fears
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is developing criteria to determine eligibility for a 10,000-baht digital money handout amid speculation that affluent individuals might be exempted from the scheme. The prime minister, also serving as finance minister, stated that the government is refining the scheme following recommendations from diverse sectors. “I am listening to opinions. There will be…
- Thailand News
Thai workers may be released in next Hamas prisoner batch, says PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday hinted at possible positive developments regarding the Thai workers held hostage by Hamas. Expectations are high that they may be part of the next release batch, following negotiations facilitated by Qatar. However, the Thai prime minister has not yet had an in-depth discussion with Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara on the matter. Out of the 50…
- Phuket News
Phuket taxis: Drivers demand action against illegal private car services
Over 100 public transport operators, including metered taxi drivers, green plate taxis, and passenger van drivers, assembled at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday to formally complain. They are demanding that the Phuket provincial government take more robust action against illegal private car services operating through taxi apps on the island. The formal complaint was received by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan…
- Thailand News
Frigate negotiations: RTN discusses submarine switch controversy
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang announced plans to assign the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to enter into negotiations with China to reduce the cost of a frigate. This decision comes in the wake of the Thai government’s resolution to acquire such a vessel as a substitute for a submarine. Anticipated to depart for China next week, an RTN delegation will conduct…
- Phuket News
Thailand and Australia unite in fight against child sexual exploitation
Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, and Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn joined forces in Phuket yesterday to participate in the Countering Child Sexual Exploitation Regional Dialogue Thailand 2023. The dialogue, taking place at the SAii Laguna Phuket resort in Cherng Talay, brings together law enforcement officials and NGO representatives from nine nations,…
- Thailand News
Thai PM accuses Israeli employers of exploiting Thai workers amidst crisis
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called on Israeli employers to stop exploiting their Thai workers during this perilous period. He alleges that salary payments are being deliberately postponed as a means to retain Thai workers in Israel amidst growing safety concerns. In a press interaction preceding the weekly Cabinet meeting, the 61 year old prime minister revealed he had contacted…
- Phuket News
Phuket police crackdown: 39 nabbed in weeklong sweep against drugs and guns, boosting tourist security
The Phuket Provincial Police apprehended 39 individuals on counts of drug and firearm offences over the past week in their continuous effort to enhance the security of its tourism sector. Between October 15 and 21, Phuket police reported that they had caught 32 suspects red-handed with narcotics. Among them, 11 were implicated in allegations of drug distribution and conspiring to…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet wraps up 2023 with a four-day new year surprise
In a recent development, the Thai Cabinet has approved a four-day public holiday to usher in the new year. As confirmed by the secretary-general of the prime minister, Prommin Lertsuridej, this extended break will begin on Friday, December 29, and last until Monday, January 1. The decision comes as part of an effort to allow citizens ample time to celebrate…
- Tourism News
5 good reasons to visit Koh Samui in 2023
Thailand’s “coconut island” has come a long way since its hippy heyday in the 1970s. Today, jet-set travellers rub shoulders with the tabloids’ favourite celebrities, while major golf events and regattas have become annual pilgrimages. So, now you’re thinking about a lazy leisurely holiday on this tantalisingly tropical island? The only question is … when to go? January – BBQ Season…
- Phuket News
Patong Baywatch resumes night patrols, enhancing safety at popular Thai beach
Patong Surf Life Saving has re-initiated the nighttime beach patrols to boost the safety measures at Patong Beach. Despite the details of the resumption of nighttime patrols still being under wraps by Patong Municipality and the Patong Development Fund, the initiative named Patong Baywatch has been put back into action. The precise number of night watchmen designated for the beach…
- Thailand News
Thai Prime Minister defends controversial 10,000-baht digital handout scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended the government’s decision to proceed with the controversial 10,000-baht digital currency handout scheme on Monday, despite mounting criticism. Primarily, critics have been concerned about the scheme’s lack of transparency, particularly regarding its funding source. The 61 year old PM, who also holds the position of finance minister, dismissed these concerns. “I insist the policy…
- Thailand News
American teen’s Instagram challenge triggers record-breaking response and Thai adventure
The Instagram challenge launched by a 13 year old American boy has taken social media by storm and set a new record for ‘most likes’ on a comment on the platform. The challenge promised the boy would follow the advice from the most popular suggestion on his video post, detailing the information, Korn Chatikavanij, a former finance minister reported. The…
- Thailand News
Thai worker survives Gaza conflict, returns home after delayed salary payment
Thai worker Charnchai Chidkhoksung, who was based just 7 kilometres from the Gaza Strip, recently experienced the peril of war first-hand. The 31 year old was reunited with his family on Sunday night after enduring three months of conflict while working as a tomato collector in the embattled region. Charnchai and his colleagues were witnesses to the Hamas attacks, which…
- Politics News
Charter amendment: Thailand’s Move Forward Party seeks controversial rewrite
The Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s principal opposition, is determined to push for a renewed charter amendment through a motion in Parliament on Wednesday. The motion, which is the first item on the debate agenda and is supported by the MFP and its spokesperson, Parit Wacharasindhu, has sparked concern among lawmakers due to the potential broad changes it could bring…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Social Security Office allocates 207 million baht for historic board election
The Social Security Office (SSO) in Thailand has allocated a budget of 207 million baht for the inaugural election of Social Security Board members. The event, slated for December 24, is a first in the history of the board, according to Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Security General. The Social Security Board, under the Social Security Act, serves as an intermediary between…
- Thailand News
Thai agencies to strategise release of hostages amid Israel-Hamas war
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand announced a meeting with various agencies scheduled for today, aiming to discuss potential strategies for securing the release of Thai hostages caught in the crossfire of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The 61 year old prime minister acknowledged the delicate nature of the situation, given the ongoing negotiations for the release of the hostages and…
- Thailand News
Knight’s Ring tradition reinstated by Thai Police to honour commendable officers
The tradition of awarding the “Knight’s Ring” to commendable officers has been reinstated by the new chief of national police, Police General Torsak Sukvimol. The ceremony, which took place at the Royal Police Cadet Academy in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom, on October 17, saw Police Captain Thanamorn Nunat of Pathumwan station being honoured with the first Knight’s Ring under…
- Tourism News
Koh Chang sees tourist surge over long weekend, boosting park earnings
Koh Chang, an island off the coast of Trat, was a magnet for tourists over the three-day holiday this weekend. The influx coincided with today’s King Chulalongkorn Day and the tail end of the school break. The chief of Mu Koh Chang National Park, Polwaree Buchakiat, noted that Koh Chang was bustling with visitors this month, contributing to the park’s…
- Thailand News
Motorway project linking Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya set for 2029
The Department of Highways (DoH) in Thailand is gearing up to construct a new 34.1 kilometre motorway project, linking Bang Bua Thong in Nonthaburi and Bang Pa-in in Ayutthaya. The project, with a budget of almost 15 billion baht, is slated to be completed by 2029. DoH’s director-general Sarawut Songsivilai has stated that this motorway is one among 46 projects…
- Thailand News
Thai and Myanmar authorities collaborate to repatriate deceived Thai workers
A collaborative effort between Thai and Myanmar authorities is in progress to return 120 Thai nationals to their homeland, according to Kanchana Patarachok, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. This group, consisting of 90 men and 30 women, was reportedly deceived into employment in Laukkaing, located in the northern sector of Myanmar’s Shan State, on the Chinese border, by an…
- Politics News
Move Forward Party probes MP over Bangkok sexual harassment claims
A sexual harassment allegation against a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP is set to undergo investigation, according to Parit Wacharasindhu, a party list MP and spokesperson. The case involves three women accusing an MP from a district within the Thon Buri region of Bangkok and follows closely on the heels of a similar incident reported on October 12 involving a different…
- Thailand News
Melioidosis outbreak in Thailand claims ten lives, farmers urged caution
An alarming outbreak of melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, has emerged in Thailand, claiming the lives of approximately 10 farmers in Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Songkhla. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) is warning farmers about the disease, triggered by the fungus Burkholderia pseudomallei, typically found in contaminated soil, water, rice paddies, and cropping farms. The spring outbreak has…
- Thailand News
Saudi Arabia pledges to aid Thailand in Israel-Hamas hostage crisis
Thailands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that Saudi Arabia has pledged to assist in securing the release of Thai hostages caught in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. His statement came after meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh. The Crown Prince expressed his sympathy towards the Thai workers affected…
- Thailand News
Thailand prepares to send workers back to Israel post-conflict
Thailand’s Labour Ministry has expressed readiness to send its workers back to Israel once the tensions between Israel and Hamas ease. The statement came from Pairote Chotikasathien, the permanent secretary of the ministry. This came after Kittana Srisuriya, a minister counsellor at the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv, held discussions with Eyal Sisu, the director-general of the Population and Immigration…
