- Thailand News
Thai political parties resist joining Pheu Thai-led coalition
The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Bhumjaithai’s leading figure, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the party’s solid…
- Transport News
Phuket launches free bus rides for tourists flying in from Bangkok
A new initiative aimed at promoting local transportation in Phuket got into gear yesterday, offering 1,500 free passes to qualifying travellers who choose to take the Phuket Smart Bus, on the airport to Rawai route. The campaign, granted by the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is set to run until the end of this month. The…
- Crime News
Phuket police seize 40,000 baht drug haul and arrest high-profile peddlers
In a significant anti-drug operation, Phuket Provincial Police have apprehended two notable drug peddlers known by their aliases Ming Samkong and Care Paniang. The areas of Samkong and Soi Paniang, famous points in the vicinity of Phuket Town and into Ratsada, act as their monikers’ inspiration. The arrests took place on Wednesday in a successful raid spearheaded by Pol. Lt.…
- Bangkok News
Road collapse: Residents demand quick compensation after elevated road project mishap
Prompted by the destructive downfall of a chunk of an elevated road project on Luang Phaeng Road situated in the Lat Krabang district on July 10, residents are fervently appealing to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for a swift distribution of compensation and other financial aid post the unfortunate road collapse. A portion of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road…
- Economy News
Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023
Thailand recently experienced a surge in international arrivals, with numbers reaching 15 million within just seven months of this year, encouraging tourism growth, informed Rachada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesperson. She acknowledged the substantial contribution of northern hemisphere school summer breaks increasing the influx of international tourists to the vibrant Southeast Asian nation, thereby boosting tourism growth. In response to…
- Phuket News
Wounded turtle rescued amid rising beach pollution at Thailand’s Sirinat National Park
In the coastal paradise of Thailand’s Sirinat National Park, an unexpected occurrence unfurled yesterday. A hapless turtle was found ensnared in discarded fishing nets on Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, severely injured and in distress amid inclement weather. Park officials, alerted to the creature’s predicament by vigilant tourists, made immediate efforts to liberate it from the nets, battling against high waves…
- Phuket News
Phuket plans 1,000 tree planting endeavour at Thalang Park for King’s birthday
Officials in Phuket revealed plans to plant 1,000 trees at the renowned Thalang Memorial Park, also known as the Victory Field, come this Sunday. The tree planting endeavour coincides with the activities commemorating the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, which will be celebrated on July 28. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew chaired the meeting where this announcement was made. In…
- Phuket News
Chalong Underpass closed Saturday for pump system review amid heavy rainfall in Phuket (video)
A scheduled review of the pump system in the Chalong Underpass in Phuket has led to a day-long closure of the passage this Saturday. The routine check-up is a necessity to ensure the pump system’s continued functionality, particularly amidst the heavy rainfalls during Phuket’s soggy season. The Phuket Highways Office (PHO) has confirmed the closure. The inspection draws its significance…
- Phuket News
Phuket ravaged by extreme weather causing traffic chaos and safety concerns
Extreme weather conditions are continuing to wreak havoc in Phuket. Ferocious winds toppled numerous trees, resulting in significant blockages yesterday. These unexpected weather conditions have caused travel disruption across the island and two cleanup teams have been dispatched to counter the impact. A sizeable tree that fell on Soi Vachira, near Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, was one of…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s FDA warns against personal use of dengue testing kits amid increasing cases
In an urgent public appeal, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned against personal use of dengue testing kits. The kits, while acknowledged for their efficacy, have been approved for use by healthcare professionals only due to the complexity of dengue detection. Lertchai Lertwut, the deputy secretary-general of the FDA, underscored that accurate diagnosis of dengue fever demands more than…
- Crime News
Thai drug crime: Over 1000 suspects nabbed in major Thai southern provinces
In a sweeping operation against Thai drug crime, spanning seven southern provinces, over 1,000 suspects have been put behind bars. The large-scale sting, dubbed “Sayob Andaman (Defeating Andaman) 7/66,” was conducted by the team of Provincial Police Division 8. The detailed brief about the Thai drug crime operation was presented at a press conference in Phuket yesterday by the special…
- Thailand News
Culture ministry plans to boost Thai tourism through Korean TV series popularity
The Thai Culture Ministry voiced its intentions of capitalising on the increased popularity of Thai locations, brought on by their appearance in the latest Korean television series, King the Land. Recognising this upswing in interest, the ministry plans to attract more Korean tourists and fans of the drama to these specific sites, boosting Thai tourism. Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome attributed…
- Politics News
Bangkok governor’s son stirs controversy with inflammatory Instagram post
The 23 year old son of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt found himself in the grip of a spiralling digital controversy. He recently composed and posted an inflammatory message targeted at the Move Forward Party (MFP) and its supporters, drawing criticism from netizens. The contentious Instagram post, which has been deleted, included derogatory remarks about the party’s followers and its supposed…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok ramps up storm preparedness ahead of Talim’s arrival
The prospect of tropical storm Talim bringing heavy rain and potential floods to Bangkok has been met with preparedness and strategic planning by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), according to a statement from a high-ranking BMA official. The BMA’s Director of City Drainage and Sewerage, Surat Charoenchaisakul, revealed in a recent conversation that the flood prevention control centre is keepings…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary faces closure amid family inheritance dispute
The renowned family-managed elephant sanctuary, Mae Sa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, might be confronted with closure amidst an ongoing legal battle over inheritance between the late owner’s eldest child and his spouse (her stepmother). The camp, nestled in the Mae Rim district of this northern province, has been grappling with monetary issues that are impacting its operations, according to…
- Phuket News
Patong Police seize illegal fireworks, amplify beach safety measures
Patong Police sprang into action on Patong Beach, Phuket, at around 11.30pm on July 15. Patrolling officers, under the leadership of Thongplew Kruehom near the bustling Bangla Road, apprehended a young man. The charge was an unauthorised sale of fireworks to the public along the beach, as confirmed by Patong Police. Unwilling to reveal the identity of the individual, the…
- Thailand News
Thai ONCB thwarts 35 drug smuggling attempts to Australia
News reports today confirm that 35 drug smuggling operations into Australia have been successfully thwarted by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) this year. Consequently, substantial quantities of methamphetamine and heroin, weighing 973.4 kilograms and 70.7 kilograms respectively, destined for Australia, were intercepted at various airports and seaports. The secretary-general of the ONCB, Wichai Chaimongkol, detailed that two…
- Phuket News
Patong motorbike taxi dispute goes viral, ends in peaceful resolution (video)
An altercation between a local motorbike taxi rider and an unidentified foreign tourist unfolded in Patong, Thailand. The disagreement, which stemmed from a fare dispute, gained social media attention yesterday after a video of the heated encounter started to circulate widely. Patong Police yesterday revealed details of the incident which had been shared on a Facebook page at 4.44pm. A…
- Thailand News
Thai railway eviction saga: Low-income residents face displacement for high-speed project
The ongoing tale of the imminent relocation of the Bun Romsai community, along with over 100 other residents residing alongside a railway track in Phaya Thai district, Thailand, continues to unfold. Having called this area home for over two decades, community leader Chao Kerdaree candidly shares insights into the upcoming eviction, which has been instigated by the State Railway of…
- Phuket News
Phuket to face power cuts for PEA Thalang’s system enhancements
The Thalang division of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang) issued a statement declaring two separate power interruptions planned for tomorrow. The blackouts are reported to impact both residences and businesses in the areas of Bang Tao and Pa Khlok, Phuket. The Bang Tao power cut, specifically in the region of Cherng Talay, is scheduled from 9am through to 4.30pm.…
- Thailand News
Andaman provinces appeal to continue Phang-nga Airport study amid fears of overcrowding
The Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) spanning the Andaman provinces appealed to Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure the continuation of its feasibility study on the proposed Phang-nga Airport. Previously, a discussion between the JPPSCC across the provinces of Krabi, Trang, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, and Phuket Airport took place concerning the same issue. As a result…
- Phuket News
South Korean woman’s tragic death in Phuket sparks suicide investigation
Phuket Police were alerted early this morning to the tragic death of a 43 year old South Korean woman in her residential bathroom in Rawai. Police believe it was suicide. Police were informed of the case at 7am. The response team arrived at the incident location, a two-story townhouse located on Patak Soi 1. The ground floor of the establishment…
- Phuket News
New Russian consulate opens in Phuket deepening Thailand-Russia ties
Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, unveiled the new Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina. The high-profile event, which took place yesterday, marked a significant development in the evolving diplomatic bonds between Thailand and Russia. Lavrov arrived at Royal Phuket Marina at 4pm where Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, flanked by a…
- Thailand News
Swinging into trouble: Golfer faces prosecution for ‘fore’-bidden activity in Thai national park (video)
In a bid to uphold the sanctity of national parks, Thai authorities at Khao Yai National Park are preparing to prosecute a golfer who dared to engage in sporting activity such as illegal golfing within the protected vicinity of Sai Sorn Reservoir. This reservoir, nestled within the heart of the national park, is not only home to a diverse array…
- Crime News
Thai women cautioned over marriage scams with Chinese nationals
Police cautioned Thai women considering marriage to Chinese nationals against possible legal infringements in both Thailand and China. According to a report on Monday, the alert followed revelations by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) that a case involving a Thai woman from Udon Thani, subjected to marriage scams, and three years of abuse in China, did not constitute human…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s narcotic crackdown: Two arrested with meth, heroin in Pa Khlok
Within the scope of the ongoing narcotic crackdown spearheaded by Thalang Police of Phuket, two people have been arrested, one carrying more than 700 methamphetamine pills colloquially known as Yaba, crystal meth (ya ice), and a small volume of heroin. Nikhom, known as Nas, a 45 year old resident of Phang Nga, was apprehended yesterday in a rented establishment in…
- Thailand News
Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020
Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…
- Tourism News
Trat’s tourism sector hopes to rebound despite ongoing struggles
Trat, one of Thailand’s premier beach destinations, is optimistic about a boost in tourism during the latter part of this year despite a struggling hotel sector that is yet to bounce back from Covid-19 disruptions. Phatcharin Sawettarat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Trat Office, disclosed that the province accommodated approximately one million visitors last year, just half…
- Phuket News
Russian foreign minister arrives in Phuket
Sergey Lavrov, the acting Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, was warmly received at Phuket International Airport by a welcoming committee spearheaded by Amnuay Pinsuwan, Phuket’s Vice Governor. Lavrov’s visit is labelled by expectation as he lands on Thai soil to inaugurate the already functioning Russian consulate at Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew, despite the absence of further details about…
- Phuket News
Thai cybercrime bureau busts personal data trader in Phuket
In Phuket, there has been an arrest in relation to the sale of personal data extracted from gambling websites. This dramatic event unfolded yesterday, as Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers yesterday swooped down on their unsuspecting target at about 12.30pm. The suspect, only identified as 28 year old Phadungkiat, was apprehended in the Mueang District, as detailed in…
