- Phuket News
The ‘forward’ march: Devoted MFP supporters unite in Phuket to back Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid
About 30 Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters yesterday gathered at the iconic Mingmongkol Statue in Queen Sirikit Park to offer their unwavering support for MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the prime ministerial candidate. The event transpired following Pita’s unfortunate denial of the coveted prime ministerial position in a combined voting session involving both the House of Representatives and Senate. Despite…
- Thailand News
ASEAN discussions: Ministers struggle to find Myanmar crisis resolution, Thailand charts own course
In the pursuit of calming the chaos ensuing in Myanmar, yesterday foreign ministers of the ASEAN nations carried on their discussions. These continued ASEAN discussions follow the conclusion of the bloc’s ministerial summit held previously. Myanmar has been subjected to detrimental turbulence since the military coup took control of the government that was previously led by Aung San Suu Kyi,…
- Bangkok News
Road collapse investigation scrutinises construction firms and contract process in Bangkok
A concerted effort has been launched in Thailand to unearth the cause behind the devastating collapse of an elevated road currently under construction on Luang Pang Road in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district. Spearheading the road collapse investigation, the Metropolitan Police Division 3 is meticulously scrutinising the catastrophe in a bid to hold those responsible accountable. Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan…
- Thailand News
Bangkok councillor urges BMA to overhaul special needs education system
In a recent development yesterday, Surajit Pongsingwittaya, a councillor for the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok, put forward a proposal for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) council to enhance the education system. The reservation emphasised the need for tailoring it to accommodate and support children who have special needs. Surajit, a representative from Pheu Thai Party for the said district,…
- 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
UNESCO nomination bid at risk as contractors flout Thai temple preservation orders
Deep in the heartland of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the tranquil expanses of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan are churning with concern as contractors persist with the dismantling of age-old cannons at the temple, regardless of instructions from the Fine Arts Department (FAD) to halt until an investigation is carried out. The fabled temple is on its path to being nominated as…
- 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 beachfront parking row escalates into machete threat (video)
What seemed like an ordinary day at Naithon Beach in Phuket turned into a spectacle as a local was accused of threatening a Grab taxi driver with a machete over a disputed parking spot. The location, allegedly reserved for taxis operated by locals, saw a heated exchange that escalated rapidly. Sakhoo Police Station yesterday became the arena of discussions where…
- 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
Thai elephant Sak Surin’s recovery promising despite tumour diagnosis
The health of a 30 year old male Thai elephant appears promising despite a recent diagnosis of five separate tumours. The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre based in Lampang noted Sak Surin’s surprisingly resilient recovery. After spending 22 years on non-native grounds in Sri Lanka, Sak Surin was returned home and admitted to the Centre’s Elephant Hospital for care on July 2.…
- 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
BRT improvements: Bangkok’s bus service to continue with 455 million baht funding boost
In a bid to enhance the current quality of public transportation in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced BRT improvement plans to continue the city’s bus service after the concession held by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) expires on the last day of August. The BMA’s commitment to maintaining and improving the BRT service was affirmed…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s PM set to review Pink Line urban rail project progress
In a move to accelerate urban transport development, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is scheduled to examine the Pink Line urban rail project‘s ongoing progress tomorrow before it is set to commence its trial operations. This announcement came from Anucha Burapachaisri, the acting government representative. This inspection visit is centred on the Pink Line, a massive elevated monorail…
- 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 police ban book critiquing monarchy, citing national security threat
Royal Thai Police have prohibited the circulation of an upcoming book that scrutinises the nation’s monarchy. The prohibition was issued in response to the book’s perceived slander towards the royal institution, according to a police statement in the Royal Gazette. The contentious publication, ‘Rama X: The Thai Monarchy under King Vajiralongkorn,’ both in its content and cover, is considered to express…
- 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…
