- Thailand News
Court rejects anti-corruption agency’s review bid in Prawit’s wristwatch probe
The Supreme Administrative Court yesterday upheld a prior court’s decision against the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) request for a case review involving luxury wristwatches linked to former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. The court found no basis for the review, which would require the NACC to disclose details of their investigation into the wristwatch controversy to political activist Veera Somkhwamkid.…
- Thailand News
Thai hostages safe in Gaza, release hinged on Israeli military ceasefire
Seyed Reza Nobakhti, the Iranian ambassador to Thailand, confirmed that the Thai hostages currently held in Palestinian territories remain safe. He mentioned that the hostages, along with others, will only be released once the Israeli military halts its attack on the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, had captured about 200 hostages, including 19 Thai workers, during an unexpected…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport’s ‘cool’ conundrum: A chilling malfunction
Phuket International Airport publicly addressed the ongoing issue of its malfunctioning air conditioning system at the international terminal managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Phuket International Airport general manager is Monchai Tanode but a response to the problem was delivered in a press release yesterday with no specific signatory. The document clarified the issue of the air conditioning system’s…
- Thailand News
Compensation for Thai families with members killed in Israel conflict
Eight deceased Thai workers, who were victims of the attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, were brought back home this morning, aboard a commercial flight. Upon landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan province, their bodies were transported to their respective hometowns. The commercial flight, El Al Flight LY083, carried the eight verified Thai males from Israel,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s EV initiative: Driving towards a greener future
The Thai government has embarked on an ambitious plan to replace ageing government vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs), in line with their carbon neutrality goal set for 2050. The Thai EV initiative move was prompted by a notification issued by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, encouraging the use of EVs within the government sector. PM Srettha’s order, issued via the Secretariat…
- Thailand News
Bangkok airport protest leaders face bankruptcy over 522 million baht compensation order
The Central Bankruptcy Court has dealt a decisive blow to 11 pivotal figures of the dissolved People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) by issuing an absolute receivership order against them. This verdict relates to their involvement in protests that resulted in the closure of Bangkok’s two primary airports. The court order, made public via the Royal Gazette, gives an assigned receiver…
- Thailand News
Thai education embraces UK programmes to boost English language proficiency
Thailand has officially embraced programmes initiated by the United Kingdom, designed to boost English language proficiency among Thai students and teachers. The Education Minister of Thailand, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, held a conversation with the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, to discuss this educational collaboration. The British ambassador, Mark Gooding, was also present at the discussion…
- World News
Rubber’s forest fury: Southeast Asia’s deforestation problem worse than thought
The rampant deforestation caused by rubber production in Southeast Asia could be much higher than anticipated, potentially two to three times the current estimates. This alarming discovery is a significant concern for importers who are under increasing pressure to source sustainable supplies, as revealed in a recent research study. Global demand for rubber is on the rise, leading to an…
- 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
Locals petition to halt contentious 200-billion-baht water project in Thailand
The Chiang Mai Administrative Court received a petition yesterday from locals seeking the cancellation of a contentious 200-billion-baht water diversion venture. This project, designed to bolster the water supply to the Bhumibol dam in Tak, now teeters on the precipice of uncertainty due to the residents’ opposition. The ambitious project details the construction of a diversion barrage, an access road…
- 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.…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha urges swift evacuation decision as death toll of Thai workers in Israel hits 30
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urgently called upon Thai citizens residing in Israel to make a swift decision regarding their evacuation amidst escalating global concerns. The Thai death toll in Israel has distressingly reached 30. Addressing the public from Beijing on Wednesday, the prime minister expressed his concern. “For those who are still undecided, it’s crucial to decide promptly as…
- 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
Thailand to establish dedicated appeal court for narcotics cases
The Supreme Court of Thailand has set in motion plans to establish a dedicated appeal court for narcotics cases, aiming to expedite the legal process for confiscating assets of drug networks. This initiative follows a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin and the newly appointed Supreme Court president, Anocha Chevitsophon. The deputy prime minister requested guidance from Anocha Chevitsophon…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai women heroically rescue compatriots amidst Israel conflict
Two Thai women have emerged as heroes following their daring rescue of 32 Thai workers amidst the recent tumult in Palestine and Israel. The courageous act of the women, Wipawadee “Jam” Vannachai and Napaporn “Nong” Sohasun, caught the public’s attention yesterday when a series of videos shared by Wipawadee chronicling their risky mission went viral. This commendable act was carried…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Phuket shopping mall stages active gunman drill in preparation for Vegetarian Festival
Central Phuket shopping mall became the stage of an active gunman training emergency-response exercise spearheaded by officers from Region 8 Police yesterday before the mall opened its doors to the public. The joint leaders of the active gunman training response scenario were Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit, the Region 8 Police Commander, and Police Major General Sermphan Sirikong, the Phuket…
- 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…
