- Thailand News
Elephant-friendly future possible: Thailand shifts from exploitative tourism to conservation
Elephants: fading into history or stepping into a brighter future? In Thailand, these enormous and intelligent creatures have woven themselves into the very fabric of the country’s heritage and traditional beliefs. Over the centuries, they’ve become emblematic of Thailand thanks to their substantial contributions to warfare, transport, and heavy labour, all of which are largely credited to their immense strength…
- 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,…
- Phuket News
Surin beach tragedy: Body of 44 year old Thai man washes up on Phuket shores
Tragedy hit the shores of Phuket yesterday as the body of a 44 year old man from Phitsanulok, was found washed up on the seaside. The man, Thawat Sriracha, who had come to Phuket to kickstart a new job, vanished on Sunday, July 30 amid the large waves of Surin Beach. Patrons of Surin Beach on that eventful day were…
- 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…
- Eastern Thailand News
Thai navy frigate HTMS Naresuan sustains 100 million baht damage in port collision
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) frigate, HTMS Naresuan, sustained considerable damage when its left gunwale collided with the quay at the industrial port of Map Ta Phut, located in Rayong province’s Muaeng district. This incident happened earlier today, during the frigate’s departure from the wharf. Details of the announcement were provided by the spokesperson for the RTN, Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin.…
- 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…
- Crime News
Drug bust: Phuket duo nabbed by police with 40,000 meth pills
Phuket police authorities apprehended a pair of female culprits implicated in a significant drug bust at a local parcel delivery service in Wichit. The individuals, identified under pseudonyms as 31 year old Wan, hailing from Phatthalung, and 21 year old Ya, a native of Prachuap Khiri Khan, were arrested for possession of 40,000 methamphetamine pills, commonly referred to as Yaba,…
- 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.…
- South Thailand News
Firework warehouse explosion kills 12, damages 292 homes
In the Sungai Kolok district of the Deep South province of Narathiwat, a devastating explosion in a firework warehouse claimed 12 lives and injured another 121 injuries yesterday. The explosion also resulted in significant damage to the surrounding area with 292 houses reported to be damaged or entirely obliterated, as announced by the provincial public relations office on their Facebook…
- 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…
- Thailand Election News
Pheu Thai party prepares for coalition meeting
In the latest political development, the Pheu Thai Party, one of the primary political entities in Thailand, plans a strategic meeting with its seven coalition partners next week. The primary focus of this meeting is to mull over the future direction of the eight-party coalition. Following this, they intend to update other parties outside of the bloc and opposition members.…
- 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
Thailand unscathed by Crimean-Congo fever, dengue cases surge
In an official statement, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) confirmed that Thailand is currently not affected by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This comes in the wake of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) notification that classifies CCHF as a high-risk infectious disease. Dr Thares Krasanairawiwong, the DDC Director-General, put the country’s populace at ease today. “No case has been…
- 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…
- Events
Thai King encourages national prosperity on his 71st birthday
Yesterday marked the 71st birthday of the King of Thailand, who celebrated the occasion by encouraging all Thais to act in a manner that benefits not only themselves but also others. The speech took place in the grand audience, or Maha Samakhom, at the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. The king emphasised that, to achieve national prosperity,…
- Thailand News
Unprecedented six-day holiday leads to tourist boom in Pattaya
Yesterday marked the kick-off of an unprecedented six-day holiday. Pattaya‘s beaches and tourist hotspots were abuzz as visitors flocked, particularly to Koh Larn, a stunning island located roughly 7 kilometres from the coast. According to local accommodation providers, the entirety of the island’s estimated 3,000 rooms were booked out. The rush of tourists, both Thai and foreign, regularly set sail…
- Politics News
Royal pardon for ex-PM Thaksin?
The unseated ex-Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, is eligible to request a royal pardon upon his return to the country. When he returns, he would be imprisoned but can request a pardon, according to the acting Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam in an announcement yesterday. According to the deputy premier, who also holds the interim role of justice minister…
