- Thailand News
New Parliament building nears completion, Constitution Day unveil
The near completion of Sappaya-Sapasathan, Thailand’s new Parliament building, is set to be celebrated by House members and staff on Constitution Day, December 10, as stated by Deputy House Speaker, Padipat Santiphada. He disclosed that the structure is virtually finished, with a final audit committee meeting planned for Monday to examine the project’s status. Padipat indicated that if the Parliament…
- Thailand News
Thai education minister’s appointment in question over Red Bull heir scandal
The recent appointment of Education Minister, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, has been challenged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), following allegations of his involvement in aiding Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the heir to the Red Bull fortune, to evade prosecution. MFP MP Teerajchai Phunthumas voiced these concerns during a press briefing yesterday, September 15. He drew attention to the National Anti-Corruption…
- Thailand News
Bangkok nights: From street food to rooftop bars
As the sun sets over Bangkok, the city changes. Busy streets filled with day sounds start to buzz with the sounds of evening. From the soft talks of people to the sounds of cooking, Bangkok becomes a night wonderland. There’s so much to see and do! From tasty food on the streets to fancy places high up in the sky,…
- Tourism News
Chinese embassy applauds visa-free ‘tour-de-force’ to revive Thai tourism
The Chinese embassy expressed gratitude towards the Thai government’s visa-free policy, anticipating it would encourage an influx of tourists from China and rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism industry. The embassy, in a Facebook post, conveyed the Chinese government’s support for the initiative but simultaneously emphasised the necessity for the Thai government to safeguard Chinese tourists during their stay. The visa-free scheme, unveiled…
- Thailand News
Tragic mushroom foray: Fatal elephant attack in Thai forest reserve
A fatal elephant attack took place in a national forest reserve located in the Khon Buri district of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Unfortunately, a resident was fatally attacked while gathering mushrooms in the forest. The fatal elephant attack was reported by the Khon Buri police chief investigator, Pasit Jitprasert, and it occurred in the forest east of Ban…
- Thailand News
Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance
In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…
- Phuket News
Phantom tuk tuk: Patong locals urge hit-and-run driver to step into the light
A tuk tuk driver in Patong, Phuket, who was involved in a hit-and-run incident with a tourist, is being urged to come forward by locals. The incident took place yesterday at 7.45pm. The tourist victim, who was walking on the pavement with his friends, was knocked over when he stepped onto the road. The impact of the collision sent him…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai Airport plans massive expansion to accommodate 16.5 million travellers
Chiang Mai Airport is set to table its expansion proposal to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his scheduled visit this weekend. The airport’s director, Wijit Kaewsaitiam, revealed that the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is set to spearhead the construction of the terminal’s first phase. The extension plan is aimed at significantly increasing the airport’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate…
- Crime News
Rangers seize riverine treasure trove: Meth stash dumped in daring escape
A considerable haul of over 250,000 methamphetamine pills was seized by army rangers on the Mekong River’s shoreline in the district of Ban Phaeng, Nakhon Phanom province, as three smugglers made a hasty escape. The drugs were found stashed in sacks which were callously abandoned by the fleeing perpetrators. Acting on a tip-off about an impending drug transaction, the paramilitary…
- Thailand News
Thai transport minister proposes 20-baht flat fare for MRT and SRT lines
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced a pilot for a 20-baht flat fare on the MRT Purple Line and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red Line. The pilot, expected to roll out within the next three months, is described as a “New Year’s present” for the public. Suriya clarified this initiative in Parliament, affirming its practicality, after it was queried…
- Thailand News
Thailand amplifies universal healthcare scheme to aid impoverished urbanites
Faced with the challenge of access to healthcare for underprivileged urban dwellers, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health announced its commitment to augment the universal healthcare scheme. The initiative, discussed at an academic conference in Udon Thani yesterday, aims to improve access and services for all, with particular attention to the impoverished populace in major cities. Dr Opas Kankawinpong, the ministry’s…
- Thailand News
Shore thing: Coastal encroachment sparks wave of controversy in Chon Buri
Chon Buri’s local authorities lodged complaints yesterday against a resort proprietor and a village leader, accusing them of encroaching on a coastal region in the Sattahip district by constructing a ramp. The ramp was being erected behind a now-defunct resort in Tambon Samae San in Moo 1, an area under investigation following a complaint about suspected coastal encroachment. Following the…
- Thailand News
Farmers’ ally: Captain Thamanat vows to sow out smuggling of agricultural goods
Captain Thamanat Prompow, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, yesterday announced a crackdown against the smuggling of agricultural products into Thailand. The illicit activity, Thamanat points out, has led to a decrease in the price of locally produced goods, negatively affecting the livelihood of local farmers. The widespread agricultural smuggling of frozen pig carcasses, in particular, has been detrimental to…
- Thailand News
Health harmony: National Health Board unites government and private sector for healthier policies
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a National Health Board (NHB) to unify various ministries and private sector roles in handling macro-health policies. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will chair the board, creating a central hub where the government and private sector can join forces to drive health policy in the country. Cholnan stressed that the NHB will…
- Phuket News
Cable chaos near Phuket Airport: Theft and damage probe takes off
Phuket Provincial Police are accelerating the investigation into the recent theft and damage of power and communication cables near Phuket International Airport. The cables, located by the road leading to the aircraft control tower, were targeted by unknown culprits who managed to cut and steal them, leading to damages amounting to 50,200 baht. The investigation is being led by Police…
- Thailand News
Thai call centre scam gang linked to family murder caught in Cambodia
Four Thai citizens were arrested in Cambodia for their involvement in a call centre scam network. Supol Wongwian coordinated the call centre scam network’s operations, while the three young women, Nisarat Sukasem, Kanokporn Kraisuk, and Kornkanok Singthit, made calls to victims. They are facing charges related to participating in a transnational crime syndicate, fraud, and computer crimes and will be deported…
- Thailand News
Suicide rate in Thailand hits half-decade peak despite prevention efforts
Suicide numbers in Thailand have been on a steady incline over the past five years, peaking at 4,800 lives lost in the previous year, as reported by the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Yesterday marked World Suicide Prevention Day, a global initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that took place yesterday. This event brings together international efforts to…
- Thailand News
Phuket urges small hotels to obtain a licence ahead of anticipated 2.19 million tourists
Phuket is gearing up for the high season by encouraging small hotel operators to obtain a licence. This move is part of the city’s preparation to host over 10,000 tourists daily, equating to 2.19 million visitors annually. The Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium (BAC) held a seminar on September 7 to advocate for a ministerial regulation that was issued by the…
- Crime News
CCIB nabs five in 2.7 billion baht cryptocurrency scam
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) apprehended four individuals from China and one from Laos about a cryptocurrency scam, resulting in a loss of over 2.7 billion baht. The fraudulent scheme operated via an investment platform called bchgloballtd.com and reportedly deceived at least 3,280 people. The victims, who began stepping forward in November last year, were tricked into investing in…
- Thailand News
Prime Minister plans mobile Cabinet meeting to address Nong Bua Lamphu’s economic challenges
The Prime Minister, has confirmed his plans to hold a mobile Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province this November. The primary focus of the meeting will be to address the economic challenges the province is currently facing. Srettha Thavisin announced his decision during his visit to the Customs Office at the Laos border checkpoint in Nong Khai. The selection…
- Central Thailand News
Activist urges opposition to 20MW nuclear reactor on Nakhon Nayok riverbank
Srisuwan Janya, a renowned political activist, called upon the inhabitants of Nakhon Nayok to vehemently oppose the construction of a 20-megawatt nuclear reactor strategically positioned on the Nakhon Nayok River bank. This call to action comes ahead of the project’s third public hearing, slated for today. Tracing back to the project’s inception in 1990, Srisuwan narrated how the government initially…
- Thailand News
NHSO plans digital transformation, enhanced universal healthcare
Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) is set to improve its services in alignment with the new government‘s policy, according to the NHSO secretary-general, Jadet Thammathataree. The planned modifications pertain to the universal healthcare package, commonly referred to as the gold card scheme and the digital transformation of the NHSO system. The NHSO has recently engaged in discussions with the…
- Thailand News
Thailand considers barter trade with China for submarine amid procurement issues
The Defence Minister of Thailand revealed that the government is considering various alternatives, including a barter trade arrangement or the purchase of fertilisers from China, to resolve the ongoing issues concerning the procurement of a submarine for the navy. Sutin Klungsang spoke on the matter at a seminar discussing Thai security and geopolitical challenges, hosted by Rangsit University’s College of…
- Crime News
Ex-official Kamnan Nok accused of orchestrating police chief’s assassination at dinner party
Evidence gathered by Thai police indicates that Praween Chankhlai, aka Kamnan Nok a former subdistrict head of tambon Thakong in Nakhon Pathom’s Muang district, orchestrated the assassination of a senior highway police officer during a dinner party at the 35 year old’s residence on Wednesday evening. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, who is leading the investigation, revealed…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities dismiss concerns over rising Russian population and mafia claims
Yesterday, Phuket authorities refuted allegations that the island has been overrun by Russians, including members of the mafia. These claims were sparked by a report in Al Jazeera earlier this week, which highlighted concerns among locals. Phuket locals fear that Russian tourists are snatching jobs usually held by Thais, operating unlawful businesses, and causing a surge in property prices, making…
- Thailand News
Thai taxi drivers seek incentives to shift to electric vehicles
Taxi drivers across Thailand, represented by the Thai Public Taxi Association, are petitioning the country’s transport minister for a financial incentive package to facilitate their switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Association Chairman, Sadit Jaitiang, plans to bring up this key concern during a vital meeting slated for next Friday with Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The meeting is expected to address…
- Thailand News
Gulf of Thailand spill scare: 60,000 litres of crude oil, but Chon Buri coast unharmed
The upper Gulf of Thailand has experienced a crude oil spill of 60,000 litres, however, marine ecology along the coast of Chon Buri remains unscathed, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Deputy Chief of the department, Apichai Ekvanakun, confirmed that the department’s teams had examined the coral reefs across five islands in the province. These islands…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport taxi turmoil: Grab’s entry drives cabbies to complain
Phuket’s International Airport taxi drivers filed an official complaint about reduced income following the inclusion of Grab as an authorized service at the airport, effective from last Friday, September 1. The complaint was submitted by Chukiat Panyawai, President of Phuket Business Car Service Cooperative Limited, to Rewat Areerob, President of Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), on September 6. Members of…
- Thailand News
Jet-setting overseas scandal: Permanent secretary’s globetrotting sparks opposition outcry
A complaint has been filed against Dr Sirirurg Songsivilai, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), over allegations of taking 32 overseas trips between March of last year and September of this year. The opposition has raised these concerns, calling for transparency and accountability regarding these travels. In response to a request for…
- Thailand News
Thai Parliament’s policy showdown: Two-day debate unveiled
Parliament President and House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha announced a rigorous two-day debate on the government’s policy statement, scheduled to kick off on Monday. This decision came about following a meeting with the government, Senate and opposition whips, where the debate’s timeline was discussed. Wan stated that the debate would kick off on Monday, running from 9am to midnight. The…
