- Thailand News
Endangered marine species in Thailand: Governer’s plea for protection
A call to action for the protection of endangered marine species has been made by Surat Thani Governor Wichawut Jinto. The plea came in response to a recent marine survey, carried out over a nine-day period in the Gulf of Thailand, which revealed a worrying decline in the population of certain species. The endangered marine species survey, conducted by the…
- Thailand News
Health scare as container fire forces evacuation at Thai port
A container fire ignited a cargo of harmful chemicals at the Laem Chabang port in the province of Chon Buri, leading to the swift evacuation of 183 employees yesterday. Six individuals required treatment for breathing difficulties. The container fire, which originated at the JWD warehouse in the Thung Sukhla district of Si Racha, resulted in a thick plume of black…
- Phuket News
Smooth ride: Phuket Airport opens doors to all ride-hailing taxi services for travellers
Phuket International Airport will begin welcoming taxis from all ride–hailing applications as of Friday, September 1, according to the Phuket Info Center managed by the Phuket office of the Ministry of Interior. The policy revision has been confirmed by Kirati Kitmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (AoT). However, the new allowance comes with specific regulations and designated zones, the details…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s transit twist: Electric plans spark train fare cap talks in Bangkok
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) in Thailand is currently considering plans to deliver on the Pheu Thai-led coalition’s promise of introducing a cap on Bangkok’s electric train fares at 20 baht per trip. This was announced by a department source on Monday, who also revealed that the findings from this investigation will be presented to the new administration once…
- Phuket News
Probing Phuket: 49 residences face investigation over suspected illegal construction
Investigations have been launched into 49 residences suspected of illegal construction in Thailand’s Phuket region. Thalang District Chief, Bancha Thanu-in, instructed the leaders of Thepkrasattri Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) and Sakhu OrBorTor to carry out these probes. These alleged violations came to light earlier this month, with a deadline of September 15 for the two OrBorTor chiefs to present their…
- Thailand News
Plea for flight: Provincial governor urges reconsideration after Thai Smile route closure
Thai Smile’s decision to discontinue flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Surat Thani Airport, beginning October 1, has led provincial governor, Witchawut Jinto, to appeal for a reversal. Jinto submitted a formal letter to Thai Smile, an affiliate of Thai Airways, requesting the continuation of the Suvarnabhumi-Surat Thani route. The governor expressed public discontent over Thai Smile’s plans, which are…
- Phuket News
Governor’s serene journey: Phuket official’s monk ordainment sets tone for upcoming retirement
In preparation for his forthcoming retirement on September 30, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew initiated a 15-day monk ordainment at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai in Lamphun province. The ceremony, conducted by the revered Chao Khun Luangpo Arayawangso, was held on Saturday night, August 26. The governor’s decision to take temporary monkhood reflects a deep-rooted Thai tradition and is a testament to…
- Economy News
Indonesia unveils three month plan to boost trade and cultural ties with Thailand
Indonesia kickstarted a three month long series of activities in Thailand, aimed at bolstering trade, cultural ties, and tourism, and enhancing people-to-people diplomacy. Announced at the Indonesia Fair: Know Indonesia Better event, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman revealed the comprehensive plan, curated by the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. The event which took place over the weekend at the Central Court in Central…
- Thailand News
Calls for CCTV footage to verify Thaksin Shinawatra’s health claims
Political activist Jatuporn Prompan called on the Department of Corrections (DoC) and the Police General Hospital to disclose CCTV footage to address public concerns surrounding the health condition of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Jatuporn, who has been imprisoned five times, pointed out that all inmates’ actions, including their medical treatments and transfers, are documented through CCTV. He stated on…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s FDA ramps up seafood inspection following Fukushima wastewater discharge
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding back on any immediate action following the discharge of wastewater from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. This detail was shared by Lertchai Lertvut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general. Lertchai stated that the FDA has been in conversation with the Department of Fisheries, the Office of Atoms…
- Thailand News
Prime time for Thai tourism: Thailand’s new PM heads south for strategic talks
The new Prime Minister of Thailand is set to visit Phuket and Phang Nga this weekend to deliberate with local communities and seek input from the private sector on how to boost Thai tourism in the southern provinces, according to an announcement by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the tourism…
- Phuket News
TikTok twist: Thai man faces charges after Chalong Police checkpoint cash claim goes viral
A TikTok post accusing Chalong Traffic Police officers in Thailand of stopping motorists at a checkpoint for monetary gain has led to a man being charged with criminal defamation. The unnamed man uploaded a video that showed officers from the Traffic Police Division of the Royal Thai Police stopping motorcyclists at a checkpoint. The accompanying note in Thai read, “Chalong…
- Thailand News
German Hells Angels suspect detained in Thailand, extradition underway
A German man suspected of being a Hells Angels member has been detained by immigration officials in Chiang Rai. The arrest of the suspect, Dennis Fischer, took place at a hotel in the northern province’s Muang district this Tuesday, as revealed by Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. Fischer was reportedly in possession of a one-year non-immigrant visa,…
- Thailand News
Thailand offers free newborn screening for 24 rare conditions to boost birth rate
The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand announced a new initiative offering free screening for newborns to detect 24 rare medical conditions. This proactive move is part of a wider strategy designed to bolster the health of the nation’s children. This comes amidst an ongoing decline in the birth rate, with a…
- Politics News
Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore
Srettha Thavisin, recently elected as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, received a warm welcome and expression of support from the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. The allies are enthusiastic about further strengthening their strategic alliances with Thailand under the new leadership. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, emphasized the shared values between the two nations and their joint…
- Thailand News
Monkey free certification launched in Thailand for coconut products amid Peta allegations
Striving to counter allegations of animal cruelty, the Department of Agriculture in Thailand announced the launch of a new certification system, Monkey Free Plus (MFP), for coconut products not harvested by monkeys. This move comes in response to claims put forward by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has negatively impacted the export of Thai coconuts…
- Thailand News
Breast cancer screenings now available to all insured Thai citizens
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand announced that breast cancer screenings will now be available to all Thai citizens insured under any healthcare scheme, conditional on certain criteria. Deputy Secretary-General of NHSO, Attaporn Limpanyalert, emphasised the critical need for preventive healthcare measures in combatting the disease. This move comes as an extension of the existing provisions within the…
- Thailand News
Thai woman arrested for alleged 9 million baht pyramid scheme that left 100 investors in the red
A 34 year old woman was arrested this morning following accusations of running a pyramid scheme that duped over 100 investors and led to losses exceeding 9 million baht (US$257,880). Kanittha Senkhoksung was arrested in her home located in Moo 1 village, Tambon Nong Nam Daeng of Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police.…
- Thailand News
Thai actress among 31 charged over illicit cyanide procurement
Deputy National Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed that 31 individuals, including renowned Thai actress Preechaya “Ice” Phongthananikorn, are set to be summoned by the police next week. They are to face charges of allegedly procuring cyanide for illicit purposes. The charges were initiated by the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), which lodged complaints with the Crime Suppression Division…
- Thailand News
Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project phase two set for year-end approval
Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek announced that the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project is anticipated to receive Cabinet approval by the close of the year. Meanwhile, operations on the first phase of the project are slated to kick off by 2026. Rachada yesterday briefed the public on the state of the high-speed rail venture following the 30th…
- Phuket News
Dolphin drama: Injured marine friend plays ‘shore’ game at Thai Mueang Beach, Phuket
An injured dolphin was discovered stranded at Thai Mueang, a beach located north of Phuket. The incident occurred yesterday, with locals initially trying to help by pushing the marine creature back into the sea. However, within an hour, the dolphin had returned to the shore. Immediately sensing the urgency, the locals contacted the authorities at Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park…
- Phuket News
Water outage: Phuket homes brace for supply disruption
A significant water supply outage is set to disrupt homes and businesses situated on Chao Fa East Road in Chalong and in the Cape Panwa area in Phuket. This announcement made by the Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) outlines the outage scheduled for tomorrow. The disruption, stretching from the Thai Watsadu Chalong branch to Soi Palai, is…
- Thailand News
El Nino triggers drought risk for 16.5 million rai of Thai agricultural land
Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16.5 million rai of agricultural land nationwide will be impacted by reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon this year. The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Apai Sutthisang, expressed concern over the impending dry season, particularly as the effects of El Nino are predicted to intensify in November. The Royal Irrigation…
- Thailand News
Traffy fondue: Phuket launches English app to assist foreigners
An English language-enabled version of the Traffy Fondue application has been launched by the provincial office of Phuket, Thailand. This platform has been developed to assist foreign visitors in airing their grievances about local environmental conditions and public services. The Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, announced yesterday that the application has been well-received by residents seeking an expedited resolution to common…
- Thailand News
NIDA survey says: Pheu Thai Party’s unique political partnership faces public disapproval
A recent telephone survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed significant disapproval of the Pheu Thai Party‘s plan to form a special government in collaboration with its political adversaries, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. This survey, also known as the NIDA poll, was conducted from August 15 through August 17 and involved a detailed…
- Thailand News
Spark to action: Villagers shaken by Narathiwat firework explosion ignite legal action for justice
In the aftermath of the catastrophic firework warehouse explosion that rocked a rural hamlet in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district on July 29, a contingent of the beleaguered villagers from Muno have decided to take legal recourse. The devastating incident claimed the lives of 12 and left an alarming 389 casualties, with three schools reduced to ruins and a mind-numbing 682…
- Politics News
Awaiting arrest, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Thailand amidst political unrest
As Thailand anticipates the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, fresh from a self-imposed exile, arrest warrants are ready for viewing and inevitable jail time awaits him. His expected return is scheduled for tomorrow, incidentally, coinciding with parliamentary proceedings to elect the country’s 30th leader. His daughter, Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, a former prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu…
- Thailand News
Influenza infection cases triple in a year, topping 970,000 with one fatality reported
In an alarming public health update, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) noted that the annual influenza infection figures have exceeded 970,000 this year. A stark increase from last year’s number at this point, this figure is triple the magnitude, conveying the highly contagious nature of seasonal flu. A fatality has been reported among the infected individuals. The unfortunate case…
- Phuket News
Phuket braces for rain havoc: Urgent weather alert signals flood risk
The southern province of Phuket has been included in an urgent weather notification that advocates for all hands on deck amid the risk of flash floods possibly instigated by heavy, persistent rain forecasted to batter the Andaman coast starting from Sunday, August 20. This alert was issued yesterday by Boonsom Cholpitakwong, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water…
- Thailand News
Thai railways: Double-track upgrade paves the way for 120km/h passenger speeds
The Thai government is set to partially inaugurate the Map Kabao-Jira Junction double-track railway line next year. This Thai railway development will result in an increased speed limit for passenger trains, potentially enabling them to travel up to 120 kilometres per hour, a significant leap from the existing 50 kilometres per hour. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made a visit to…
