- 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…
- Phuket News
Elderly man and young woman severely injured in Phuket accident
A tragic biking accident occurred yesterday on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket involving an elderly man and a young woman. Seventy-three year old Anek Amnuaychokchai was eagerly boarding a songthaew when he was struck by a motorbike riding at high speed. The 25 year old woman operating the motorbike, identified as Acting Sub Lieutenant Fadiya Munoh, was hurled into the back…
- Economy News
Migrant amnesty programme extended for half a million foreign labourers in Thailand
In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage and lay the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery, the country’s Cabinet has decided to lengthen its foreign migrants’ amnesty programme until the close of the month. This initiative allows close to half a million workers from neighbouring nations, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, to effectively organise the permits necessary for legal…
- Phuket News
Endangered hawksbill turtle saved at Patong Beach now rehabilitating
An endangered hawksbill turtle, found stranded at Patong Beach earlier this week, has been taken into the care of the Siritharn Rare Marine Life Rescue Centre, at Ao Makham on the eastern coast of Phuket. Responding to an alert by the beach lifeguards, officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) quickly arrived on the scene. Marine biologists…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Green Line railway debt passed onto incoming government
Citing a Government House authority, it was disclosed yesterday that the existing Thai Cabinet has chosen to pass the responsibility of resolving the debt affiliated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) contract with Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) onto the incoming government. The obligation arose from assigning BTSC to oversee the operations of the Green Line extension. Interior Minister…
- Crime News
Pattani conflict escalates: Negotiator killed
An escalation in the conflict between armed militia and security forces in Pattani province yesterday saw two fatalities and one arrest. In a coordinated operation, government forces succeeded in fatally shooting an armed militant and detaining a woman. The unfortunate loss of a local official, who was involved in peaceful negotiations, also transpired amidst the crossfire. The incident took place…
- Crime News
20 illegal Myanmar migrants captured in Thailand on way to Malaysia
In a new development on Thailand’s immigration issues, 20 illegal migrants from Myanmar were captured in their pursuit of work in Malaysia. The migrants were hiding at an abandoned property in Sadao, a district forming part of the southern border province Songkhla. Acting on collected intelligence yesterday suggesting the house was sheltering those travelling unlawfully to Malaysia, Immigration and local…
- Thailand News
Emergency services funding delay leads to Thai rescue groups suspending operations
In the northeast of Thailand, numerous rescue organisations have decided to halt their complimentary emergency services, attributing this drastic measure to the absence of financial backing from the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (Niem). The organisations report that they have been unable to access emergency services funding for a continuous span of eight months. Pisit Pongsirisupakul, the vice-chairman and secretary-general…
- Thailand News
Thai rainfall faces below-average levels as El Niño prompts dry spell
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) indicated a below-average rainfall across several regions of the country due in part to the El Nino phenomenon. This unusual weather pattern, the department warns, is expected to intensify throughout November, potentially persisting into the early months of the upcoming year, severely impacting the levels of Thai rainfall. Chomparee Chompurat, TMD director-general, announced that despite…
- Thailand News
Elephant repatriation: Thai king funds medical treatment for Sak Surin
Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Varawut Silpa-archa, yesterday announced the King’s financial support for the medical treatment of Sak Surin, a 30 year old elephant recently repatriated. The jumbo is presently receiving care at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre’s Elephant Hospital in Lampang province. The elephant repatriation took place on Sunday in Sri Lanka where it was airlifted…
- Thailand News
Woman truck driver killed in Nakhon Si Thammarat shooting spree
A woman truck driver lost her life when anonymous gunmen targeted her vehicle, leaving her vehicle’s cabin peppered with several rounds on one of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s main roads earlier today. The shooting took place at 6am on the southern-expressing Asian Highway 41, in tambon Na Bon. Police, rescuers, and medical personnel rushed to the scene to confront the sight…
- Thailand News
Earthquake investigation uncovers overlooked fault line behind 4.5 magnitude tremor in northern Thailand
Phitsanulok and Pichit provinces, situated in the north of Thailand, were recently shaken by a significant earthquake, rated 4.5 on the Richter scale. The tremors caused noticeable damage to various buildings, including residences, religious sites, schools, and a hospital. As the earthquake investigation progresses, the fault line is currently under scrutiny by the Department of Mineral Resources and is suspected…
- Thailand News
King inaugurates new Thai Parliament, urges officials to serve national interest
His Majesty the King yesterday marked the official commencement of the new Thai Parliament. Delivering a call to duty, the King asked parliamentarians to perform with the nation’s best interests in mind. The high-profile event took place for the first time at the Sappaya Sapasathan, the new seat of Parliament located in the Dusit district’s Kiakkai vicinity. Arriving at the…
- Thailand News
Toll evasion leads to Cambodian driver’s arrest, charges totalling 71,580 baht
A Cambodian driver was apprehended by Highway Police yesterday after driving through a tollgate in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district without settling accrued toll charges totalling over 70,000 baht. The toll evasion arrest took place at 1.30am, led by the acting chief of Highway Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew. In recent years, an effort was made to improve traffic flow…
- Thailand News
Reign of terror ends: Police nab notorious serial rapist in Chon Buri
A notorious serial rapist with a longstanding criminal history has been apprehended by police in Chon Buri. Police Major General Teeradej Thumsutee, investigation chief at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, informed the press that a man known as Wattana Srikhaney, also recognisable under the alias Tum Chonburi, was taken into custody following his assault on a woman in the Ko Chan…
- Economy News
Thai tourism surge: 25 million visitors forecasted, boosting economy
In a recent announcement, the Thailand is on track to welcome a staggering 25 million tourists by the year end, offering a much-needed booster to the economy. This follows a significant surge in Thai tourism, exceeding 12 million arrivals recorded late last month, as relayed by deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul. Between January and June 25 of this year, the…
- Thailand News
Thai healthcare crisis: Overworked medics spark reform debate as state hospitals struggle
In a stark representation of the nationwide Thai healthcare concern regarding overburdened medical staff in Thailand’s public hospitals, a doctor-turned-actress recently utilised her social media platform to highlight her struggle with the strenuous work environment. Ultimately, she found the situation so unmanageable that she felt compelled to leave her public service role. Amidst this, the National Public Health Ministry faces…
- Thailand News
Thai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka
The enduring odyssey of Sak Surin, an elephant initially gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka, took a homeward trajectory as the elephant touched down in Chiang Mai yesterday, ending a 22 year long overseas sojourn. Sak Surin’s journey back to Chiang Mai was an elaborate endeavour. Encased within a specially designed cage that was placed in the cargo hold of…
- Thailand News
Bangkok utilises AI-assisted cameras for traffic control, pedestrian safety
An intrusive blare rings out as a vehicle pulls up to the traffic lights at the Wong Sawang intersection. A Thai message reverberates in the air, courteously requesting, “Please don’t obstruct the zebra crossing. Thank you.” The alarm and its accompanying reminder will persist relentlessly until all drivers awaiting the signal’s shift from red to green have relocated their vehicles…
- Phuket News
Thalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage
A roadside dwelling in Thepkrasattri, Thalang, was destroyed as the result of an out-of-control Isuzu pickup truck veering off the Don Jom Thao Road. Thalang Police have yet to announce any charges against the driver who miraculously survived unscathed in this severe Thalang crash. The Thalang crash incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning, around 2.10am, near the…
- Crime News
Dating app crimes: Bangkok police warn against predator with extensive criminal record
A public alert regarding an increase in dating app crimes has been issued by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Vigilance has been urged due to a man capitalising on a dating application to lure in, rape, and subsequently rob women. The individual has a criminal record spanning 15 years. The man, known under the pseudonym “Tum Chonburi,” but legally named Wattana…
