- 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…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Phuket City gears up for debut of Chartered Walking Street market
Phuket City Municipality issued an advisory to residents and visitors alike, informing them of the forthcoming closure of Phang Nga Road this coming Sunday, November 5. The thoroughfare will be shut down from 1pm to midnight to pave the way for the debut of the Chartered Walking Street Market. The Chartered Walking Street Market’s geographical footprint will extend along Phang…
- Thailand News
Cosmetics industry goes global: Thai NSTDA’s empowering touch
The Thai National Science and Technology Development (NSTDA) initiated a comprehensive service to aid cosmetics industry entrepreneurs in their global market expansion. The NSTDA director, Chukit Limpijamnong, indicated that the cosmetics industry is a key sector for the agency and possesses significant expansion potential, both domestically and internationally. Therefore, firms in this sector require robust support in innovation and technological…
- Thailand News
Government offers loans to Thai workers returning from Israel
The Thai government pledged to extend low-interest loans of up to 150,000 baht to each Thai worker who has been forced to return from Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza, Palestine. The loans aim to help Thai workers settle any outstanding debts with job brokers or to fund alternative career paths. Paopoom Rojanasakul, the finance minister’s secretary, revealed…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha forms team to clarify digital wallet scheme amidst confusion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin agreed to establish a dedicated team to effectively communicate details about the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme. This move yesterday, October 31, comes in response to a wave of suggestions from various sources, aiming to avoid any public confusion regarding the scheme. PM Srettha acknowledged the circulation of differing information about the wallet scheme. He urged…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s drug policy shift: Possession of 10 or fewer meth pills no longer means jail time
A significant shift in Thailand’s approach to drug possession is underway, as the Justice Ministry and the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) are supporting an initiative by the Public Health Ministry. This initiative aims to reclassify individuals found with 10 or fewer methamphetamine pills as users rather than dealers. Somsak Thepsutin, Deputy Prime Minister and ONCB president, addressed the…
- Thailand News
Government’s digital wallet scheme delayed amid sustainability concerns
A seven-month delay is set to affect the government’s digital wallet scheme, with the expected launch now projected around September of next year, according to an adviser to the prime minister. Pichai Chunhavajira, while addressing a Senate-organised forum on the scheme, voiced that the policy is a vital economic stimulant but doubted its implementation in February as initially planned. The…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Laos aim for US$11 billion bilateral trade boost with enhanced transport links
Thailand and Laos have set in motion plans to increase the value of bilateral trade to US$11 billion (395.7 billion baht) within the next two years, as announced by government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious target was a significant point of discussion during a meeting between the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone. Covering an…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s frequent flyer miles soar: Srettha’s approval ratings stay grounded
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has received favourable approval ratings despite concerns over his frequent overseas trips, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). Conducted over the telephone between October 24-25, the NIDA Poll surveyed a diverse group of 1,310 individuals aged 18 and above. The findings revealed that the Thai prime minister’s international travel…
- Thailand News
Thai hostages in Israel reach 22 amid escalating Gaza conflict
The number of Thai workers held hostage during the recent attack by Hamas on Israel has escalated to 22, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The latest confirmation of three additional abductions was disclosed by the Foreign Ministry. The 61 year old prime minister relayed this information while addressing journalists at the Wing 23 air terminal at Udon Thani Airport,…
- Thailand News
Mpox outbreak in Thailand: 24 infected, one death reported
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has claimed the life of a man in Thailand and infected an additional 24 people, as disclosed by the acting director-general of the Disease Control Department today. The affected individual was a 24 year old Thai male, who had been battling HIV for three years prior to contracting mpox. His symptoms included high fever, physical…
- Phuket News
Omura’s whale spotted in Thailand’s Surin Islands for first time
A sightseeing trip in Thailand’s Surin Islands took an unexpected turn when tourists spotted a rare Omura’s whale, a species only identified in the wild eight years ago. The sighting was confirmed by the national park officers at Mu Ko Surin National Park through an online post on Thursday, October 26. The online post featured a video of the whale…
- Thailand News
Thailand persists with 10,000-baht digital money giveaway to reboot economy
The Thailand government is standing firm on its decision to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital money giveaway, despite various calls for its reconsideration. The government maintains that while the specifics of the project can be tweaked, the fundamental principle of using it as a tool to reboot the economy remains steadfast. According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the Thai…
- Thailand News
Thai ministry condemns Israel’s UN display of Thai hostage brutal murder
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed severe condemnation of Israel’s presentation of a video showing the gruesome murder of an individual, claimed to be a Thai hostage, during a recent session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The MFA statement confirmed that such a display of horrific brutality has incited outrage globally, not just among Thai citizens.…
- Thailand News
Cool season in Thailand delayed due to El Niño phenomenon
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) announced that the onset of this year’s cool season is likely to be delayed by approximately two weeks, and will be warmer than usual. The shift has been attributed to unpredictable weather patterns and the influence of the El Niño phenomenon. Typically, Thailand’s cool season commences around mid-October. However, this year the initial moderate…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong investment spurs expansion in Thai manufacturing and logistics
Thailand is attracting the attention of Hong Kong-based investment companies keen to establish manufacturing and logistic firms within its borders, revealed Thai trade representative Nalinee Taveesin. This follows a recent dialogue with Ronald Ho, the director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Southeast Asia and South Asia, in Bangkok. The two nations have long enjoyed a prosperous relationship in trade,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Sai Mai district set to receive its first hospital
Bangkok’s Sai Mai district, the second most populated district with 209,556 inhabitants, is set to receive its first hospital. This development comes as a result of the initiative by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who recognised the district’s lack of hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Chadchart, on a recent visit to the district alongside Sai Mai district councillor Rattikan…
- Thailand News
Endangered gaur sighted in northern Thailand after 37-year absence
A gaur, an endangered wild animal, has been sighted for the first time in 37 years at the Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary in Mae Hong Son, a northern province on the Thai-Myanmar border. The sanctuary’s chief, Arkhom Boonnontae, confirmed the sighting, noting the rarity of such occurrences in northern Thailand. The camera trap that captured the elusive bull gaur clicked into…
- Thailand News
Thai nationals in Israel urged to return home amid escalating conflict
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) urgently called for all Thai nationals residing in Israel to promptly return to Thailand on Saturday. The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas, has prompted this immediate action. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced their intent to broaden their ground and air operations, leading to heavy bombardments overnight. The heightened…
- Thailand News
Riverfront walkway project collaboration between Bangkok Met Administration and Royal Thai Navy
A cooperative venture between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to supervise a riverfront walkway project has been launched. The riverfront walkway will connect multiple tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya River on the Thonburi side. Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok, confirmed the BMA’s intention to construct the riverfront walkway, which would extend from…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai government opts for Chinese frigate
An unexpected turn of events saw the Pheu Thai-led government opting for a Chinese-made frigate over a submarine, after a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the original submarine purchase. The shift in decision came on the heels of China‘s inability to get the German-made MTU 396 engine for the submarine, as specified in the 2017 agreement. China’s suggestion of using…
- Thailand News
Surin: More than 300 shops destroyed by massive fire at Chong Chom border market
A massive fire engulfed the Chong Chom border market in Surin’s Kap Choeng district late last night, destroying over 300 shops. The fire thankfully claimed no lives. In response to the emergency, over 10 fire trucks, along with numerous firemen and rescue teams from the district and surrounding areas, were dispatched to quell the fire at the Chong Chom border market…
- Thailand News
Phuket: Russian and Indians overstay visa leading to police raid
A Russian national and two Indian men were apprehended during a police raid in Phuket’s Bang Thao beach district, charged with overstaying their visas. The operation was conducted by a joint team of immigration and tourist police yesterday afternoon around 1.15pm at a villa where they expected to arrest another Indian man under charges of threats and intimidation. The Phuket Provincial…
- Phuket News
Phuket MP urges swift action on delayed Patong Tunnel
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee recently took the floor in the House of Representatives, using his platform to challenge the ongoing delay in the construction of the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. The Speaker of the House and the Deputy Minister of Transport were present to hear his concerns. With a reputation as a renowned tourist hotspot, Patong’s economic health is largely reliant…
- Thailand News
MFP charter rewrite motion rejected by Thailand House of Representatives
A charter rewrite motion, sponsored by the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), has been rejected by Thailand’s House of Representatives. The decision was influenced by concerns that the proposed changes could lead to a biased charter amendment, as explained by Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-panel tasked with gathering public opinion on a constitutional amendment referendum. The MFP intended…
- Thailand News
NACC probes Thai government’s 10,000-baht digital handout amid corruption fears
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) initiated an in-depth study into the Thai government’s policy for a 10,000-baht digital currency handout. This step comes as the agency intensifies its examination of the key policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. According to a source within the NACC, the decision was made following a suggestion from the agency’s corruption monitoring and appraisal…
- Thailand News
Thai PM to kickstart Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023, boosting tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to grace the grand opening of the Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023 event in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai on Sunday, October 29, according to the government’s spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This visit marks the premier’s first official journey to Laos, set to commence the day after his overnight stay in Udon Thani.…
- Thailand News
Thailand intensifies fight against XDR-TB, targeting eradication by 2030
The battle against drug-resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is escalating in Thailand, as the Public Health Ministry pushes towards its objective of wiping out the disease by the conclusion of this decade. Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister, conveyed particulars yesterday about XDR-TB discussed during a meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee. The committee consented to update the definition of…
