- 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…
- Thailand News
Sniffing out success: Thailand’s first sniffer dog training centre unleashed for battling narcotics
The Thai Customs Canine Training Centre (TCCTC) was officially inaugurated yesterday in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan. This is Thailand’s first facility for training sniffer dogs, set to become a vital tool in combating narcotics smuggling. Roughly five dogs are anticipated to be enlisted for a program focusing on the identification of illicit substances concealed within imported and…
- Thailand News
Elephant brutality: Wild Thai Park shooting sparks probe
In Loei, Royal Thai Police has been solicited by park authorities to uncover the culprit behind a recent act of elephant brutality in Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in this northeastern region. A wild bull elephant was confirmed to be the unfortunate victim of the cruel act. This horrific elephant brutality discovery was made near a forest creek located within the…
- Thailand News
BMA takes a stand: Puts its foot (and mouth) down on disease spread in Bangkok schools
In an urgent preventive move, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) mandated all schools across the Thai capital to implement stringent measures to curb the spread of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and dengue fever. This decision comes amid unsettling reports of these viruses evolving into wide-reaching epidemics among school-aged children. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday highlighted the importance…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s OTP takes the high road for Andaman tourism boost
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) in Thailand recently announced a forthcoming impact study concerning a proposed coastal road project linking the provinces of Ranong and Satun to boost Andaman tourism. The proposed two-lane highway, covering a distance of 600 kilometres, is designed to notably enhance the ease of access for tourists to key attractions spread…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s tumultuous news: Raids, accidents, policy changes, and Family Mart’s exit
A series of surprising incidents and noteworthy news have emerged from the island of Phuket. From ongoing raids in the massage parlours of Patong, a perilous vehicular mishap involving a tourist, a tragic road accident, progressive governmental decisions and a significant retail change, the week has been eventful. Unrelenting illicit operations have been underway in Patong’s massage industry where illegal…
- Thailand News
Elderly allowance scheme raises financial accessibility concerns in Thailand
In a bid to ease the strain on government finances, a transition from universal welfare payments to a stringent elderly allowance scheme has been initiated. This shift has been met with substantiated criticism, although the authorities maintain the necessity of the move, justifying it as a responsive adaptation to cope with Thailand’s rapidly ageing populace. In yesterday’s internal meeting of…
- Crime News
Thai crackdown on fake pharmacists reveals illicit cough syrup sales
In an effort to curb drug abuse in the nation, Thai authorities have apprehended 13 individuals posing as pharmacists during a series of synchronised raids across Bangkok. The arrests were made in connection with the illicit sale of cough syrup, a crucial component in the well-known and highly addictive cocktail drug 4×100. These operations were ordered by the Food and…
- Phuket News
Tragic twist: Phuket official loses life in motor accident
A tragic turn of events unfolded today when a 51 year old member of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) lost his life in a motor accident in Thalang, Phuket. Paisarn Utouchkul, acting Councillor for PPAO District 4, died on the spot when his pickup truck veered off the road and crashed into a roadside ditch. Police Lieutenant Colonel Noppadol…
- Phuket News
Massage parlour raid reveals galaxy of illegal operations in Phuket (video)
A spate of illegal operations was brought into sharp focus, after a massage parlour known as Universe Massage in Phuket was raided and its owner nabbed due to operating without requisite permissions. The drive to crack down on such infringing operations headlined by the Patong Police continues in earnest, with this instance being the third in just over a week.…
- Thailand News
Trunk of sorrow: Thailand’s orphaned elephant Tula crosses the rainbow bridge (video)
In heart-wrenching wildlife news from Thailand, Tula, a 10 month old orphaned elephant succumbed to illness despite diligent care from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The devastating news came to light after the department released a statement via its official Facebook page this Sunday evening. Tula had been under the radar of public attention since…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s railway safety upgrade: 693 unauthorised crossings to be rerouted
In the aftermath of a tragic accident last week in Chachoengsao, where a freight train collided with a pickup truck at an unrecognised railway crossing, taking eight lives and injuring three, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) resolved to close 693 unauthorised railway crossings across Thailand. The accident took place on an unauthorised crossing, lacking official signalling mechanisms. Of the…
- Crime News
SmartLand app scam: Phuket arrest made, victims lose millions
On the popular tourist island of Phuket, a 25 year old man has been apprehended on charges of facilitating a mule account for a fraudulent application known as SmartLand. The application has reportedly swindled people out of millions of baht. The individual, referenced by authorities solely as Winat or Oil, was arrested in a high-traffic lifestyle shopping mall located in…
