- Thailand News
Moving ahead: MFP urges new PM to keep charter referendum promise
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to address a charter to hold a referendum in his initial Cabinet meeting, as previously promised. This follows the House of Representatives rejecting MFP’s push to expedite a full constitution rewrite, currently the 33rd item on the House’s agenda. Highlighting the urgency, list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu acknowledged the House’s decision…
- Phuket News
Phuket committee steers towards transparency to curb corruption in ongoing projects worth 155 million baht
The Phuket Good Governance Committee (PGGC) has taken the initiative to increase transparency and limit corruption in the region’s ongoing projects. The committee recently met with Phuket Highways Office Chief, Yutthana Phitak, to discuss the details and scope of major projects currently underway. The PGGC, led by Vice President Peerapit Ongcharoen, is actively involved in overseeing various projects scheduled for…
- Thailand News
First detection of flualprazolam in Thailand raises concerns in southern provinces
The tranquilliser flualprazolam is seeing rampant use in Thailand’s southernmost provinces, according to officials. This follows the detection of the substance in nimetazepam pills by the Regional Medical Sciences Centre 12 in Songkhla. The discovery marks the first occurrence of flualprazolam in Thailand. The Department of Medical Sciences‘ director-general, Supakit Sirilak, made it known yesterday that the Centre was tasked…
- Thailand News
Deliveroo dilemma: Thai delivery riders seek Labour Ministry aid after road woes
Thai delivery riders seek the Ministry of Labour‘s aid for legal and financial assistance post-road accidents. Spokesperson Supaporn Phanprasit underlined the daily hazards of handling apps, and e-commerce. Rushing for deadlines leads to accidents, injuries, and worse. The group laments the lack of financial assistance or compensation from either the parties involved in the accident or the platform operators. The…
- Thailand News
First cases of Omicron sub-variant HK.3 discovered in Thailand
Thailand has reported its first instances of the Omicron sub-variant HK.3, as disclosed by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS). The new strain of Covid-19 has been detected in two family members, whose health conditions remain unconfirmed by the DMS in terms of transmission speed and severity compared to previous strains. The DMS head, Dr Supakit Sirilak, illuminated the situation,…
- Thailand News
Seaside secrets: Mysterious sea sightings stir speculations in Phuket and Phang Nga
Phuket and Phang Nga beaches were the scenes of intrigue yesterday as two unidentified objects emerged from the sea, sparking a wave of speculation and curiosity among locals and tourists alike. Karon Beach in Phuket was the first to experience this unusual occurrence. The local lifeguard on duty found an unfamiliar object and promptly alerted the mayor of Tambon Karon,…
- Thailand News
Search intensifies for culprits in deadly Pattani ambush as police take action
Royal Thai Police are on a manhunt for assailants responsible for a deadly ambush in Yarang district, Pattani, that resulted in three fatalities and five injuries. The ambush, which took place in front of the Yarang municipal office on the Yarang-Mayo Road, occurred at approximately 10.50pm yesterday. The attackers, armed with assault rifles and grenades, left a chilling scene. Over 100…
- Crime News
Teenage scam suspect arrested in Thailand after family tragedy unfolds
A 19 year old woman accused of being involved in a scam operation tied to a tragic family incident in Samut Prakan, was apprehended as she reentered Thailand from Cambodia via a Sa Kaeo province border checkpoint. Police, including immigration and local police, made the arrest in the arrivals area shortly after Suchada Chabutsri entered Poipet township in Cambodia. The…
- Thailand News
Thai crackdown snares Chinese fraudsters: Couple arrested for 1.5 billion baht cross-border scam
A significant crackdown on foreign criminals in Thailand has led to the arrest of a Chinese couple implicated in fraudulent investment activities in their homeland, China. According to the Immigration Bureau (IB), the couple’s fraudulent activities reportedly caused financial damage exceeding 1.5 billion baht. The Bureau Commissioner, Police Lieutenant General Pakphumpipat Sajjapan, announced the arrests during a briefing yesterday. He…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s expressway authority digs into land values with market survey
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) initiated a market survey concerning its plots of land located under and close to its elevated expressways. These 17 regions, which include prime business districts in Bangkok such as Silom, Phloenchit, Wacharaphon, and Asok, show significant potential for commercial EXAT land development. The survey aims to gather the perspectives of potential private investors, which…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s PM plans secondary city airport revitalisation to boost tourism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent plan to revitalise airports in secondary cities has been warmly received by tourism operators in Nakhon Ratchasima. The airport revitalisation proposal, aimed at driving up tourist arrivals and stimulating the economy, was announced yesterday. Local tourism promotion association’s leader, Pongthep Malachasing, sees this as a golden opportunity to invigorate Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. The airport, despite…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Tragic injection: Medical mishap leaves young Trang boy’s life hanging by a thread
A severe incident of medical negligence occurred in Trang Province, where a four year old boy’s condition worsened and then he nearly died after allegedly receiving a wrongful adrenaline injection by a nurse. The Trang Province Public Health Office has initiated an investigation into the case, as stated by Chief Physician Sinchai Rongdech. The incident saw the light of the…
- 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…
- 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
Thai girl battles rhabdomyolysis after harsh school punishment in northern Thailand
A tale of a young girl in the eighth grade, known only as Lalida, sparked outrage in the small tambon Klang community of Selaphum district, Roi Et. Lalida is currently battling a severe case of rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous affliction that involves the breakdown of injured skeletal muscle. This condition has rendered her unable to walk and she remains confined to…
- 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
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…
- Phuket News
Phuket earmarks 156 million baht for 24 EV buses and charging stations
The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) confirmed the allocation of 156 million baht (US$4.7 million) from this year’s budget for the purchase of 24 electric vehicle (EV) buses. These air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 21 seats, are set to serve three public routes across the province. The announcement was made during a Phuket Provincial Land Traffic Subcommittee meeting,…
- 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,…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Whale of a surprise: Rare humpback sighting stuns off Phuket’s coast
The incredibly rare sight of a humpback whale was spotted off the coast of Phuket this morning. Charoen Chanaphon, a tour boat operator, reported the unusual encounter. Sailing from Phuket towards Phi Phi island around 11.45am today, he noticed the majestic mammal. The tour boat operator did not confirm if any tourists were present on the boat during the whale’s sighting.…
- 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 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…
