- 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…
- Phuket News
Blue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs
Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has taken the initiative of kick-starting the Blue Flag market beginning from the first week…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s 10-year plan to send wiring underground
A recent announcement from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) suggests dramatic changes are underway for Thailand’s capital city. The notable shift to laying 1,454 kilometres of electrical wires underground is reportedly expected to take place over the coming decade, in an ambitious effort to streamline electricity provision to the three provinces in the Greater Bangkok area: Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut…
- Thailand News
El Nino: Thailand combats dry spell with robust water management for EEC
As Thailand grapples with the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) assures unwavering water supply for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Despite the current weather conditions likely to persist from October to April of next year, the RID is poised to mitigate the impacts with diligent water management. Prapit Chanma, the director-general of the RID, assured yesterday…
- Thailand News
Three more Thai provinces join ASEAN Smart Cities Network expanding digital reach
Further broadening its digital reach, Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) recently declared that three additional Thai provinces – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Rayong, now form a part of the seminal ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). This exciting development was announced yesterday, by DES chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, during the sixth annual ASCN assembly held in Bali, Indonesia. In…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek
A mandate for the deconstruction of three illegal resorts in the favoured hillside tourist destination, Phu Thap Boek, has been decreed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The said resorts, located in the Phetchabun province, were brought to the notice of the authorities due to tourist complaints about obtrusive constructions blocking views. On Wednesday, the Minister of Environment,…
- Economy News
Saudi-Phuket direct flights set to launch as Thai diplomacy thaws
Direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Phuket International Airport are slated to start in October, as announced by Monchai Tanode, the director of the airport. The Saudi-Phuket flights initiative is significant, marking the first-ever direct commercial flights between Saudi Arabia and Phuket since diplomatic relations were restored in the previous year. The foremost direct flight to Phuket will be facilitated…
- Politics News
House speaker warns Thai MPs against ‘cobra’ behaviour in Parliament
The President of the Parliament, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who also carries the title of House Speaker, has issued a stark warning to Thai MPs against breaching the peoples’ trust by becoming “cobras,” within the parliamentary chambers. Speaking to attendees of a seminar addressing the roles and obligations of MPs, Wan declared that true power belongs to citizens, who exercise…
- Phuket News
Young Israeli Muay Thai student in Phuket brought into protective care
A young Israeli Muay Thai student has been brought into protective care after police and rescuers found him in alarming circumstances. Cherng Talay Police and rescuers from the Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBotTor) found the 19 year old man naked and bleeding from a severe cut on his hand at a Caltex petrol station in Baan Pasak at 10.30pm…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok governor orders strict checks on Chinese-backed businesses after viral TikTok backlash
In light of a viral TikTok video featuring a Chinese expat’s perspective on life in Thailand, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued an instruction for the Huai Khwang district chief to stringently impose laws on Chinese-backed businesses. This decision occurred yesterday and was instigated by a filmed review of Thailand’s day-to-day life from a non-Thai-speaking Chinese resident’s viewpoint. Showcasing his day-to-day…
- Thailand News
Thai state bodies unite to curb money laundering via digital assets
In an unprecedented act of collaboration, five Thai state bodies are colluding to tackle illicit fiscal operations and money laundering across national frontiers, reveals Traisuree Taisaranakul, the deputy government spokeswoman. The cooperative pact encompasses the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Revenue Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), and the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Traisuree…
- Phuket News
Australian ambassador makes a splash on World Drowning Prevention Day in Phuket
The Australian Ambassador to Thailand was in Phuket yesterday to observe the World Drowning Prevention Day. Dr Angela Macdonald watched from the sidelines as yesterday’s ceremony was conducted to draw attention to the importance of safety measures in averting drownings, and to remember the dramatic yet deep-seated effects these incidents have on individuals and neighbourhoods. Phuket’s Vice Governor, Danai Sunantarod,…
- Thailand News
Exiled ex-PM Thaksin pledges return to Thailand for driver’s funeral
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, exiled since 2008, today confirmed he is returning to Thailand next month. The 74 year old ex PM is returning to pay his respects to Wichai Changlek, Thaksin’s driver, who passed away at the age of 73. Thaksin wishes to return to attend the cremation ceremonies. The family of Shinawatra, including his daughters Paetongtarn…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport accelerates taxi services with dedicated pickup zone
In a recent move to regulate taxi services in Phuket, Phuket International Airport put its foot on the accelerator and introduced a dedicated zone allocated for legally permissible taxis to facilitate the pickup of tourists. The news, revealed yesterday, came from a statement published by the airport itself, which was shared by Phuket MP, Somchart Techathavorncharoen. The statement, which was…
- Phuket News
Phuket officials honour King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday with environmental tribute
As Thailand prepares for the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn this Friday, July 28, Phuket officials are leading their respective communities in tributes and activities to honour the royal occasion. In the Baan Kuku area of Ratsada, Phuket Vice Governor Danai Sunantarod directed various initiatives yesterday alongside local volunteers, community members, and organisations to pay tribute to His…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s underprivileged children gain new opportunities as schools gain royal patronage
In a significant move to boost educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Thailand, nine schools yesterday were inducted under royal patronage, observed Education Minister, Trinuch Thienthon. Trinuch on Monday, officiated an announcement concerning a significant change in the identities of these schools following their adoption by the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under Royal Patronage. The educational establishments, originally known as Sueksa Songkhro…
- Thailand News
Northern Thailand becomes refuge for over 9,000 Myanmar conflict evacuees
The northern province of Thailand, Mae Hong Son, has become a refuge for over 9,000 civilians forced to evacuate due to the escalating conflict in Myanmar. This report has been confirmed by relevant authorities who stated that 9,064 refugees sought shelter in three districts of the province, namely Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam and Muang. There are already measures in place…
- Crime News
Phuket Police apprehend man with homemade firearm and meth pills
Phuket, generally known for its phenomenal beaches and vibrant nightlife, was the scene of a rather more dramatic event. Thalang Police are running a critical investigation that led to the arrest of a man armed with a homemade firearm and in possession of two methamphetamine pills in Srisoonthorn, Thalang district. Boonmee Saenglao, a 42 year old native of Khon Kaen…
- Thailand News
Sweet victory: Thailand to host IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025
In a breakthrough for the medical fraternity of Southeast Asia, Thailand won the privilege to play host to the preeminent IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025. This will be the first time a nation from this region has been chosen as the venue. The event is projected to draw in approximately 10,000 international participants, generating an economic windfall surpassing 420 million baht.…
- Crime News
Phuket couple held with thousands of meth pills and illegal firearm
In the early hours of yesterday, a man and woman were apprehended in Phuket, Thailand, after they were discovered to be in possession of 27,000 Yaba pills, an illegal form of methamphetamine, and over 900 grams of ya ice, a form of crystal meth. The duo, namely 39 year old Wirawong “Nueng’ Noichan,” who is a resident of Prabaramee Road,…
- Crime News
Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS
In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Orchestrated through the pretence of updating the mobile app ThaID, the scammers acquire remote control of the victim’s phones, enabling them to steal funds. The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) notified the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of this…
- Thailand News
Thai police net 966 in nationwide operation against illegal firearms
In a month-long nationwide operation spanning from July 1, Thai police have succeeded in apprehending 966 individuals and seizing a notable amount of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation’s deputy leader, Police General Torsak Sukwimol, delivered an update on the progress on Sunday. As of July 21, officers have sought out 1,658 targets across the country, netting nearly a thousand…
- Phuket News
Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…
- Thailand News
Thai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand is facing a new directive from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The court ruling mandates the capture and repositioning of a wandering wild elephant known as “Phlai Chao Nga” within a stringent time frame of 15 days. The wandering pachyderm had ventured away from Tai Rom Yen…
- Phuket News
Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
