Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
ASEAN Heritage Parks status granted to three Thai nature reserves
Three Thailand nature reserves have been recognised by the prestigious ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). Government representative Rachada Dhnadirek yesterday announced the good news that Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Khieo Wildlife Forest Reserve, and Nam Nao National Park all made the distinguished list. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment received the information during their recent attendance at the 34th…
- Crime News
Cyberattack: Thai cybercrime suspects arrested for 77 million baht luxury vintage car scam
The suspects thought to be behind the cyberattack on the Department of Land Transport (DLT) were yesterday taken into custody. The breach caused damages estimated at a colossal sum of 77.35 million baht. The two suspects, 38 year old Satian and 44 year old Sarisorn, are expected to face charges for introducing false information into the computer system and unlawfully…
- Thailand News
Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement
The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. The strategy appears aimed at facilitating his smooth return, once a government led by his party comes into play, disclosed an unnamed source within Pheu Thai yesterday. The initial return plan for Thaksin was for Thursday, August…
- Thailand News
Fatal fireworks explosion in Narathiwat linked to local smuggling network
Narathiwat witnessed a tragic incident recently as a fireworks storehouse exploded. The owners of the premises, a couple, Sompong Nakul and Piyanuch Peungwirawat, both 42 years old, are believed to have fled to Malaysia, according to the local police following the unfortunate fireworks explosion. There are also reports that their trade has connections with significant figures in the southern Thai…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s fiery pursuit: Officials strive to spark safety but no fireworks fouls found yet ahead of Vegetarian Festival
In their continuous push to secure safety measures in Phuket fireworks stores, officials have not yet identified any businesses operating breaches of critical safety regulations. The investigations, which sparked on July 30, are the aftermath of a tragic explosion at a firework warehouse in Narathiwat. The devastating event resulted in 12 deaths and left 121 people injured. Read more about…
- Phuket News
Wave-riding rebels: Phuket probe targets speedboat drivers who ignored safety notice
An investigation is currently underway concerning two speedboat drivers who allegedly flouted a safety notice issued by the Phuket Marine Office. This unfolded on Tuesday, August 1 when the captains reportedly displayed reckless behaviour by navigating their boats precariously in large waves and powerful winds whilst making their way back from Phi Phi Island. The probe into the conduct of these…
- Thailand News
New flower species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary by researchers
In the lush Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Betong district of Yala province, researchers have made a remarkable discovery, two new species of flowers, belonging to the Annonaceae family – which hosts the well-known custard apple – have been identified by a team from Prince of Songkla University (PSU). The finding was announced this week by Charan Leeratiwong,…
- Pattaya News
Gunman on the loose: Police scramble to find foreign suspect intimidating sightseers in Pattaya (video)
Police officers are frantically searching for an unidentified foreign gunman caught on tape intimidating a group of international sightseers with a pistol at a popular scenic viewpoint in Pattaya. The threatening incident has created a stir, leading Pattaya’s chief of police, Police Colonel Thanapong Phothi, and investigators to accelerate efforts to apprehend the at-large suspect. The concerning footage, which took around…
- Thailand News
Water shortages: Thai govt mulls halting Central Plains rice farming amid anticipated drought
In a bid to counteract the effects of a potential drought, the central government of Thailand is contemplating the suspension of rice cultivation in the Central Plains region. This proposal comes alongside the potential establishment of a command centre to combat reduced rainfall and water shortages. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) initiated this conversation, citing apprehensions about…
- Thailand News
Bangkok cleanup: State railway clear rubbish on future elevated train line site
An assertive Bangkok cleanup approach has been taken by both the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in conjunction with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), to clear mounting rubbish clustered along the rail tracks in proximity to Phaya Thai. This follows a poignant post by a Japanese Twitter user which displayed the deplorable conditions encircling a Kiha-183 train, generously donated to…
- Thailand News
Thai NHSO launches homegrown rubber prosthetic fistula, expects 540 million baht savings
Moving towards medical self-sustainability while concurrently conserving expenses, Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has come up with an innovative solution. The NHSO has launched a new, locally made prosthetic fistula prepared from natural rubber for those participating in the Universal Healthcare (UHC) programme, also commonly referred to as the “gold card” scheme. This new initiative aims at reducing the…
- Phuket News
Shocking surprise: Power interruption leaves Phuket residents in the dark
Residents of Srisoonthorn, in particular those living in the Sri-Suphalak Orchid Villas housing estate, Moo 6, Phuket, should brace for a power interruption this week, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). This power interruption, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to last from 9am to 4.30pm. The temporary state of darkness isn’t without a…
- South Thailand News
Koh Tao sees record-breaking one-day tourist influx
The island of Koh Tao has seen a record-breaking number of tourists reported to have landed on July 28. The Surat Thani Provincial Governor, Wichuwat Jinto, shared the good news earlier today. Koh Tao, the smallest of the three main southern gulf islands, welcomed a staggering 3,106 visitors, all of whom arrived via boat on the same day. This influx…
- Koh Samui News
PEA apologises for 11.8 million baht electricity bill error
In a surprising turn of events, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Koh Samui had to extend an apology to a small hotel proprietor on the island in the southern province of Surat Thani. It seems the PEA’s miscalculated her electricity consumption, leading to them issuing a bill of over 11 million baht last month. The PEA’s Communication Affairs Division’s director-general,…
- Bangkok News
Ashton Asoke condo’s fate lies in legal interpretation
The fate of the troubled Ashton Asoke condominium hinges on the interpretation of three pertinent sections of the prevailing law, as explained by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). In a clarification of the circumstances surrounding the Ashton Asoke condominium dilemma, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Wisanu Subsompon highlighted the relevance of Sections 40, 41, and 42 of the Buildings Control…
- Thailand News
Sky’s the limit: Krabi Airport’s expansion set to soar by 2025
The redevelopment of Krabi International Airport, expected to amplify its passenger capacity to 8 million annually, is slated for completion by late 2024 with the new infrastructure being operational by 2025, according to an announcement from the Department of Airports. The scheme encompasses the addition of a third passenger terminal and enhancements to the existing two terminals and car park…
- Crime News
Online gambling raid nets three arrests, seizes over 920,000 baht
The police conducted a series of raids on properties in both Bangkok and Loei on Saturday, apprehending three individuals under dubious circumstances, allegedly tied to the operation of online gambling websites. Deputy National Police Chief Roy Ingkapairote yesterday revealed that these arrests were the handiwork of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) who’d been inspired by suspicious activities linked to several…
- Thailand News
Koh Lan: Azure sea turns green from wastewater-induced phytoplankton bloom
In the popular tourist island of Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya Beach, a startling twist of events made headlines when the placid blue seawater abruptly turned into an unattractive shade of green, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Koh Lan, characterised by its renowned turquoise shoreline, is found 7 kilometres off the coast…
- Thailand News
Traditional Thai medicine popularity surges amidst Covid-19 crisis
The turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic have become a potent catalyst for the growing popularity of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), which finds its roots firmly intertwined with diverse aspects of Thai culture, ranging from religious practices to local cuisine. This newfound acceptance of TTM as a fundamental fabric of Thai identity has emerged in the wake of the pandemic.…
- Thailand News
Thai consulate warns against rushed Thai-Chinese marriages
In the face of rising numbers of failed Thai-Chinese marriages, the Royal Thai Consulate General in Kunming sounded a note of caution. The authority urged future brides to thoroughly appraise their prospective grooms’ backgrounds before affirming the marriage proposal. Additionally, they’ve been advised to procure the appropriate visa type and ensure their marriage registration with Thai officials. The advisory resulted…
- Phuket News
Senegalese tourist’s body recovered at Freedom Beach in Phuket
In a tragic turn of events in Phuket, a team of lifeguards recovered the body of a Senegalese tourist at 6.50am today from the location where he had disappeared two days prior. Freedom Beach, located in Tambon Karon of the Mueang district, had been the last known whereabouts of 22 years old man. The Tambon Karon Municipality mayor, Jadet Vachirasorn,…
- Phuket News
Phuket boosts marine safety measures for holiday tourist surge
Safety measures have significantly increased at the major piers and marinas in Phuket, a recent report from the Phuket office of the Department of Public Relations of Thailand (PR Phuket) revealed. These heightened security measures come in anticipation of a massive influx of tourists to the island, expected to occur during the extended holidays from July 28 through August 2.…
- Transport News
Beyond Horizon: Thailand’s domestic-made luxury rail carriage
A cutting-edge rail carriage prototype, known as Beyond Horizon, has been launched in an innovative collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Sinogen-Pin Petch Joint Venture and King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). With 25 luxury seats all equipped with touch screens for individual passengers, the demonstration unit on display is also fully accessible for wheelchair users. Somyot…
- Road deaths
Long holiday sees spike in road accidents, authorities urge caution
During the initial day of Thailand’s extended holiday period, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) reported nearly 2,000 people were injured in road accidents, with 22 fatalities recorded. The information was announced yesterday by Deputy National Police Chief and Commander of RTP’s Traffic Police Operation Centre, General Roy Ingkapairote. He indicated a sharp increase in traffic offences due to an influx…
- Bangkok News
Road accident: Car plunges from 15-metre high expressway
In a shocking road accident, a 26 year old man narrowly escaped a fatal encounter when his car took a 15-metre nosedive off a Bangkok expressway in the early hours of today. The incident, which occurred around 3.30am, saw the man’s Honda Civic take a precipitous plunge from the Si Rat Expressway onto Rama VI Road, officials reported. At the…
- Crime News
Thai man held for running “Little Angel” child porn group
Amid growing concern over child exploitation, an individual running a child pornography distribution group labelled Little Angel, infamous for its cache of over 1,000 child sex videos, has been apprehended. Abhisit, the 29 year old behind the group was arrested at a house in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri. The arrest ensued, thanks to the vigilant activities of Police Colonel…
- South Thailand News
Radical imagery paraded at school event called child exploitation
In light of a controversial incident at a recent sports day event in the Panare district of the deep south province of Pattani, the Internal Security Operations Command’s (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command is reportedly preparing to take legal action. This follows the child exploitation allegations as children were paraded holding images of deceased insurgents. The sight has sparked social…
- Thailand News
The meteoric rise of women’s cricket in Thailand
The Bangkok City Cricket Club, the first official cricket club founded in Thailand, was formed in 1890 by locals who had been exposed to the sport during travels to England. At the time, the sport was considered only for the wealthy in society—mainly because only those who could afford to travel had experienced the thrill of playing it. However, the…
- Politics News
Thai PM fears MFP rallies might trigger political faction conflict
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is facing growing apprehensions regarding the rallies being held by supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP) as Thailand’s politics are tumultuous as always. According to information relayed by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Prime Minister’s concern stems from fears that these rallies could rekindle conflict among varied political factions in the country. On…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s Ashton Asoke in legal crisis over construction permit
The 50-storey Ashton Asoke Condominium in Bangkok, an impressive high-rise establishment, is in hot water. After a recent judgement by the Supreme Administrative Court revoked its crucial construction permit, the Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, faces increasing pressure to intervene. This decision escalates the ongoing legal conflict involving the 233 billion baht project, located in the Watthana district. This judgement…
