Mitch Connor
- Crime News
Pattaya Police make waves: Murder suspect’s speedboat confiscated German businessman’s murder
Pattaya cops confiscated a speedboat owned by a main suspect in the brutal murder of German businessman Hans Peter Mack. The suspect, 52 year old Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann, is implicated in the murder of the 62 year old German property tycoon. Police believe that Brinkmann might have planned to use the speedboat to dispose of Mack’s butchered remains in the…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s pillar party: Three-day extravaganza to ‘pillar’ in the festivities
A renowned three-day ceremony has been planned for August 5 to 7 to mark the installation of a City Pillar, also known as Lak Mueang, at the site of the upcoming Phuket Provincial Hall. The decision and details regarding the ceremonial event were confirmed at a recent meeting. High-ranking governmental figures were present at the meeting, including Narong Woonciew, the…
- Phuket News
Close call: Young boys narrowly escape watery fate in Phuket
Phuket witnessed a distressing incident on Soi Naya, Nai Harn, in which two young boys narrowly escaped death by drowning. The incident, which occurred yesterday, resulted in the rushed transfer of the children to Chalong Hospital for immediate medical attention. The call for assistance reached local rescue units at around 4.32pm. Verifying the distressful event was Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos,…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Luang Phaeng road collapse spurs urgent motion for improved oversight
A discussion unfolded in the House of Representatives yesterday, centred on an urgent motion following the catastrophic collapse of an under-construction elevated road on Luang Phaeng Road the evening before. The motion was brought forth by Theerarat Samrejvanich of the Pheu Thai Party, a representative for Bangkok. During the meeting, Theerarat asked for cooperation from agencies associated with the project…
- Thailand News
Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand
A recent agreement between Thai and Chinese law enforcement signals an increased effort to crack down on Chinese criminals who have sought refuge in Thailand. Policymakers from both nations are keen on bolstering cooperation in dealing with significant instances of Chinese criminals fleeing from China to Thailand to evade apprehension. High-ranking officials of the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB), directed by…
- Politics News
THAI scandal sees corruption charges dropped against ex-PM Thaksin
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all charges against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and three others in the Thai Airways (THAI) corruption saga. The case involved allegations of corruption linked to the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft by Thai between 2003 and 2004. This was revealed by former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who was also accused…
- Thailand News
Thai police intensify crackdown on international crime after German businessman’s murder
Police in the Thai province of Chon Buri are intensifying their efforts against international criminal organisations, an enforcement surge prompted by the grisly murder of a German businessman in Pattaya. Deputy national police chief, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, spoke of these measures after an urgent meeting was convened with local police forces late on Tuesday. Following the gruesome…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s tidal triumph: Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023 makes waves
Phuket is gearing up for the first edition of the Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023, which is set to take place in Mai Khao on Sunday, with Phuket Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrabam leading the preparations. The meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to solidify the roles of all participating agencies in the upcoming event. In…
- Phuket News
Phuket forest reserve dwellers demand removal of RTN fence
In a recent event in Phuket, over 100 residents who have illegally occupied land within the Bang Khanun protected national forest handed over their formal request for the removal of a barbed-wire fence that the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has installed. The appeal yesterday was addressed to Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew and received by Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrambam at…
- Environment News
Thai Court holds PM and NEB accountable for escalating Chiang Mai pollution
The Administrative Court yesterday decreed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the National Environmental Board (NEB) were guilty of neglecting their duties in addressing the escalating toxic air pollution in the province of Chiang Mai. This denunciation originated from a case initiated by a local man named Wasuchart Pichai. Wasuchart argued that he has been adversely impacted by the haze…
- Thailand News
Thailand braces for 150,000 dengue fever cases
Health authorities in Thailand issued a warning about a potentially significant outbreak of dengue fever in the country. Predicted figures from the Department of Disease Control (DDC) suggest that up to 150,000 instances of infection may occur by year-end. Opas Karnkawinpong, the permanent secretary for public health, yesterday confirmed that this year has already seen a significant rise in dengue cases,…
- Thailand News
Phuket locals pushback on RTN’s plan for base and airport expansion
Tensions are brewing in the Thai district of Phuket as around 100 local inhabitants have expressed their opposition to a strategy that would allow the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to utilise the land for both an operational base and as a provision for the future growth of the neighbouring international airport. The local populace recently passed a letter of protest…
- Thailand News
Bangkok launches initiative to improve homeless facilities
Striving to enhance the overall aesthetics of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to consolidate facilities for the homeless residing in the area. This move follows a recent report from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, which conveys a significant improvement in the homeless situation, predicting a drop in numbers from 1,600 to about 1,400…
- Crime News
Phuket man arrested for gunshots in rubbish dispute, drunk driving
Late last night in Phuket, a 45 year old man was apprehended by police after he fired a rifle into the air near his neighbours due to a dispute over noise and waste disposal. He was also charged with drunk driving. According to Thalang Police Deputy Chief Pol. Lt. Col. Patiwat Yodkwan, officers were alerted of the incident at 10.18pm.…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok safeguarding students with fences around homeless-haunted buildings
To safeguard the students of Satriwithaya School in Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) erected fences around a number of deserted buildings that have been used as makeshift homes by the city’s homeless. This measure follows the widespread online sharing of worrying images portraying homeless individuals occupying spaces on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, near the school. Countering concerns raised by a multitude…
- Phuket News
Phuket venues inspected for age and narcotics compliance, one found in violation
Ten entertainment venues in Mueang District, Phuket, yesterday were raided by police after a tip-off. Although underage drinkers and illegal narcotics went unnoticed, one establishment was found to be operating beyond its legal trading hours. The raids were conducted under the supervision of Mueang District Chief Phairot Srilamul. The team consisted of officers from Phuket City Police Station, Chalong Police,…
- Thailand News
Thai submarine to be powered by Chinese engine following German withdrawal
In a recent development, an American naval source revealed that a panel is expected to recommend a Chinese-designed engine for the Thai submarine as a replacement for the original German one intended for the under-construction S26T Yuan-class submarine in China. This comes on the heels of a committee chaired by the navy’s chief-of-staff, Adm Chonlathis Navanugraha, unofficially proposing the use…
- Thailand News
Dengue outbreak: Triple surge in cases challenges Thai healthcare system in first half year
A shocking surge in dengue patients has been recorded in the first half of this year, with numbers almost triple that of the same period last year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). The dengue outbreak continues to challenge the healthcare system, as the number of infected individuals soars. From January 1 to June 28, 27,377 dengue cases…
- Crime News
Serial rapist posing as transgender model recruiter arrested in Bangkok
Police in Bangkok apprehended a 60 year old man who allegedly impersonated a transgender to lure young women into fake modelling opportunities, where he would sexually assault them. He allegedly confessed to raping around 100 women. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigative head, Theeradet Thumsuthee, yesterday confirmed the arrest of Sonthichai Yusuparp in a room within a slum community located in Bangkok’s…
- Phuket News
New ambulance stations launched in Phuket for enhanced emergency response
In a positive development for tourists and locals in the central Phuket subdistrict of Cherng Talay, two new ambulance stations were launched earlier this week in the Surin and Pasak districts. The recent inauguration is part of a wider initiative to enhance emergency responders’ capability in the bustling tourism hub. Both newly unveiled stations saw the light of day within…
- Phuket News
Severe flooding hits Phuket prompting widespread road closures
Substantial flooding due to heavy rain last night and early this morning swamped the holiday resort of Phuket, prompting police to shut down several of its main roads. Streets across the town became untraversable, leading to police-imposed road closures. The water levels in Bang Yai Canal, the canal that transits through the city providing a key drainage channel into the…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign
The Thai government has launched an ambitious campaign, “Discover the New You” to entice international visitors to spend upwards of 18 million baht (US$510,000) by September of this year. This initiative is a concerted effort by the government, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and over 130 healthcare, wellness businesses and service providers including hotels, spas, health resorts, hospitals, and clinics.…
- Phuket News
Phuket launches pilot reforestation project for combating climate change
A unique pilot project bolstering reforestation efforts was initiated in Phuket yesterday. This initiative marks a concentrated effort towards environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Spearheaded by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Rowing Association of Thailand, the project saw its launch at the Nai Harn public park in Rawai. The event was strategically selected based on a…
- Phuket News
Phuket Police crackdown on illegal motorbike racing
In a recent attempt to curb unlawful motorcycle racing, Phuket Police initiated an exhaustive operation, which has resulted in the confiscation of numerous illegally modified vehicles and exhausts. The crackdown, which spanned over three days from July 5 to 7, has seen Provincial Police Command Major General Saksira Phuakam and his team detain 19 modified motorbikes and 69 altered exhaust…
- Thailand News
Thai royal family honours Sri Lankan caretaker of elephant Sak Surin
The King and Queen of Thailand have bestowed an honour upon Don Upul Jayarathna Denelpitiyage, a Sri Lankan mahout, in recognition of his unyielding care for the recuperating Thai elephant, Sak Surin. The elephant is currently in a 30-day quarantine in Lampang province, following his flight from Sri Lanka on the second day of July. Air Marshal Pakdee Saengchuto, serving…
- Phuket News
Phuket says fond farewell to beloved expat Arnaud Verstraete
The local community and members of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach in the heart of Phuket gathered at Wat Chalong to pay their respects to the cherished figure of Arnaud Verstraete who died earlier this week. Arnaud’s funeral service today highlighted his significance not only as a long-standing expatriate, having made Phuket his home for over two decades but…
- Thailand News
Russian tourist dies in tragic fall from a pagoda in Phuket
Phuket, an exhilarating hub of Thai culture and heritage, yesterday turned into a scene of panic and concern. An unidentified Russian male tourist tragically lost his life after falling from the roof of a pagoda at the notable Wat Chaithararam, commonly known as Wat Chalong, situated in the Mueang district of the island. The police were alerted around 5.30pm when…
- Thailand News
Only one firm bids for Central Terminal transformation project
Contrary to the anticipation of a competitive bidding process for the commercial development of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has revealed that only one company has stepped forward with a bid. Three firms, reportedly interested, had initially procured invitations to tender. The disclosure surfaced yesterday after the bidding process culminated earlier this week. Ekkarat…
- Thailand News
Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge
In response to buzzing speculation concerning the slim pillars of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, a key project engineer confirmed that the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards. The suspicion arose last Thursday when a Japanese holidaymaker posted a photo of the bridge on Twitter, voicing fears about the slender columns. The post sent ripples through the online community,…
- Phuket News
High hopes: Phuket Cannabis Association rolls towards streamlined weed trade on the island
The Phuket Cannabis Association, in a recent display of solidarity and commitment towards refined weed business practices, expressed its intention to streamline the cannabis trade across the island. This pledge, it believes, will enhance overall consumer safety as well as the quality standards of cannabis goods. An official meeting took place yesterday at the Andaman Conference Room, the strategic hub…
