Mitch Connor
- Thailand News
Thailand detects FU.1 Covid sub-variant, 50% more transmissible than XBB.1.16
Thailand’s Centre for Medical Genomics has reported a single case of the Covid-19 sub-variant known as “FU.1” or XBB.1.16.1.1, which is said to be 50% more transmissible than XBB.1.16. The Omicron variant continues to mutate into new sub-variants, despite a decrease in global Covid cases. Currently, the dominant Omicron sub-variants are XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.1.9.1. The Centre for Medical Genomics…
- Thailand News
Rural Doctors Society president faces probe over procurement irregularities
An investigation committee has been established by the Public Health Ministry to probe alleged procurement irregularities involving Dr Supat Hasuwannakit, the president of the Rural Doctors Society (RDS). The allegations date back to when Dr Supat was the director of Chana Hospital in Songkhla between 1999 and 2022. Dr Rungrueng Kitphati, a spokesperson for the ministry, announced yesterday that the…
- Thailand News
Parties unite to remember Black May, warn of military’s political power
Yesterday, representatives from three major political parties attended a memorial event to honour the lives lost during the Black May 1992 incident, which took place 31 years ago when a military-led government suppressed demonstrators. The event was held at a memorial on Ratchadamnoen Road. Chaithawat Tulathon, secretary-general of the Move Forward Party, was present at the event and stated that…
- Thailand News
Youngest ever royal defamation charge: Thai girl, 16, released on bail
A 16 year old girl from Phitsanulok, Thailand, has been granted bail after being charged with royal defamation, making her the youngest individual ever charged under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The alleged offence occurred when the girl, known only as “May”, was 14 years and one month old. Police investigators…
- Phuket News
Expat’s driveway cut off as Phuket street paving creates one metre drop
A long-term expat residing in Rawai, Phuket, is struggling to access his home after the local municipality’s paving project left his driveway with a vertical drop of nearly 1 metre. Australian-born British national, Brett Masters, has lived in the area for 18 years and in his current house for the past eight. Before the paving project began in late December, the…
- Phuket News
Phuket power outage announced for airport area on May 18
A power outage is set to affect homes and businesses south of Phuket International Airport on Thursday, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). The power cut, scheduled from 9am to 4.30pm, is necessary to allow workers to safely conduct improvements to high-voltage cables in the area, as part of an apartment expansion project.…
- Thailand News
Court dismisses gambling, money laundering charge against Long Joo Somchai
The Criminal Court has dismissed a third gambling and money laundering charge against Somchai Jutikitdecha, also known as “Long Joo” Somchai, due to insufficient evidence. The case also involved his company and five other defendants, including Somchai’s son. Somchai was arrested in February 2021 at his home in tambon Mueang Phra, Rayong’s Muang district, following police raids on 10 locations…
- Thailand News
Inspector Sua’s gambling network busted
A three-day operation targeting a criminal network allegedly connected to a former officer known as “Inspector Sua” has resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals. Law enforcement agencies conducted raids on 39 locations throughout Thailand, detaining suspects on charges of operating a secret organisation, gambling operations, and money laundering collusion. National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas revealed that significant…
- Thailand News
Covid-19 cases surge 39% in a week, public urged to take precautions
The Department of Disease Control issued a public warning yesterday, alerting citizens to the resurgence of Covid-19 and urging them to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. The director-general, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, revealed that there were 2,356 Covid inpatients last week, marking a 39% increase from the previous week. Additionally, the number of patients suffering from lung inflammation and requiring…
- World News
Is Leo Prinsloo the bravest person you know?
There’s something about those white South African guys that seems to make them much thicker-skinned than the rest of us. Perhaps it’s the fact that they live in a much more violent country than most, with South Africa’s crime rate being one of the highest in the world. Or maybe it’s because so many of them seem to work as…
- Thailand News
Thai businessman KengLai Prang charged with promoting illegal online gambling
In a joint operation by the Thai Royal Police and the Department of Special Investigations (DSI), prominent Thai businessman KengLai Prang, who rose to fame after starring in the award-winning movie titled ‘A Prayer before Dawn’, has been arrested and charged with promoting illegal online gambling activities. The arrest comes after an extensive investigation into the illicit gambling operations in…
- Phuket News
Phuket power outage announced for Heroines Monument area
Phuket’s Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang) has announced a power outage scheduled south of the Heroines Monument. The disruption is expected to affect homes and businesses in the area. The power outage has been scheduled to take place tomorrow, May 16, between 9am and 4:30pm, and is necessary for workers to safely install load break switches…
- Phuket News
MFP wins all Phuket seats in General Election
In yesterday’s General Election, the Move Forward Party (MFP) claimed victory in all three constituencies in Phuket, according to unofficial results declared early today. In Constituency 1, which covers Phuket Town, Koh Kaew, and Ratsada, Somchart Techathavorncharoen from the MFP emerged as the unofficial winner. On the ballot, Somchart was assigned the number two and received 18,604 votes. He expressed…
- Crime News
Nine arrested in 1.5 tonne crystal meth seizure at Thai pier
A total of nine individuals have been apprehended during a crackdown in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, resulting in the confiscation of 1.5 tonnes of crystal meth. The Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) reported that the drugs were seized as they were being readied for transportation on a boat, ultimately intending to smuggle them out of the country. The operation…
- Thailand News
Muslim man crowned Mr Gay World Thailand set to compete globally in October
A 30 year old Muslim man from southern Thailand has made history by winning the Mr Gay World Thailand competition and will represent the Thai LGBTQ+ community at the Mr Gay World 2023 contest in October later this year. Nazmadih Mateem Nujan, an outdoor fitness instructor, clinched the title at the event hosted by Bangkok Rainbow Organisation at Mambo Cabaret.…
- Thailand News
Vote-buying incidents highest in Bangkok during General Elections, says EC
The Election Commission (EC) reported that the majority of vote-buying incidents during yesterday’s elections took place in Bangkok, which boasts the highest number of constituencies among all provinces. Despite this, the EC noted that the overall number of poll-related violations was lower than in previous elections. EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee disclosed that the commission received 163 complaints yesterday, with 58…
- Thailand News
MFP predicted to form coalition government with Pheu Thai
Academics predict that the Move Forward Party (MFP) is likely to form a government coalition with the Pheu Thai Party and other smaller parties following the recent Thai election. Their assessment comes after the Election Commission (EC) began counting votes when polling stations closed. As the counting continued, MFP led in both the constituency and party-list races, followed by Pheu…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor casts first vote in General Election
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew kicked off the General Election process on the island by casting the first vote at the Phuket Auditorium in Phuket Town today. The Phuket Auditorium, located at the government administration centre on Tha Kraeng Road, is one of 22 polling stations established throughout the Talad Yai sub-district of Phuket Town. Candidates are vying for Constituency 1…
- Thailand News
Thai teen faces extended stay in juvenile facility due to royal defamation charge
A Thai teen is facing an extended stay in a juvenile facility due to a royal defamation charge. The Central Juvenile and Family Court has become involved in the case involving a 15 year old girl who has been held in a juvenile facility for over 40 days. The court said yesterday that the girl’s mother neglected to attend her…
- Thailand News
Thai police keep an eye on vote-buying in competitive provinces
Thai police are keeping a vigilant eye on incidents of vote-buying today, following allegations of election law malpractices in three intensely competitive provinces. After a meeting with election officials, National Police Chief Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas confirmed yesterday the arrest of a man in the northeast Bueng Kan province, under the suspicion of vote-buying. Evidence collected during the arrest included…
- Crime News
Many primary school-aged children at risk of drug exposure in Thailand
Many primary school-aged children are at risk of drug exposure in Thailand according to a recent study, Bangkok Post reported. Over 92,000 primary school-age children in Thailand are at risk of exposure to narcotics due to growing up in impoverished families with parents struggling with drug addiction, as per the findings of a study conducted by Mahidol University’s National Institute…
- Road deaths
Drunk driving incident kills Phuket motorbike rider
A drunk driving incident killed a Phuket motorbike rider this morning. A 48 year old Phuket passenger van driver has been charged with drink driving causing death following a collision with a motorbike in Samkong, resulting in the death of the 54 year old motorbike rider. The incident occurred at around 6am when the van, travelling at a high speed,…
- Northern Thailand News
Two arrested for human trafficking in karaoke bar raid in northeast Thailand
Two individuals were arrested and charged with human trafficking following a raid on a karaoke bar in Warin Chamrap district of the northeast Ubon Ratchathani province last night. A police team from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) apprehended the 63 year old owner of the karaoke bar on Pathumtheppakdi Road, named Somporn. They also arrested the bar manager, 45…
- Politics News
Thai Election Commission predicts 85% turnout, confident of smooth process
Thailand‘s Election Commission (EC) predicts an 85% voter turnout for the upcoming General Elections tomorrow (May 14) and maintains confidence in its ability to conduct the elections efficiently despite a few issues encountered during advance voting last week. EC member Thitichet Nuchanart revealed the estimation after an impressive 91% turnout was recorded for last weekend’s advance voting process. The EC…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways anticipates 130 billion baht revenue this year
Thailand’s flagship carrier, Thai Airways (THAI) is optimistic about its revenue this year. Thai Airways is anticipated to accumulate at least 130 billion baht in revenue this year after its net profit in the first quarter reached 12.5 billion baht. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri announced yesterday that the airline is projected to complete its financial rehabilitation in 2025 as planned,…
- Phuket News
Search continues for Russian man swept off rocks by large wave in Phuket
A Russian man has gone missing after being swept off seaside rocks by a large wave at Laem Promthep, Phuket, prompting rescue teams and volunteers to continue their search efforts. The incident occurred at around 9.30am, according to Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos. It has been reported that the tourist Yuri Smoyan was standing on the seaside rocks with three other…
- Thailand News
BJT sues Chuvit Kamolvisit for damage to party reputation
The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has filed a lawsuit against the former politician and whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit, accusing him of damaging the reputation of its party candidates and seeking 100 million baht in damages. The party’s lawyers, Natchanikarn Ketkhamkhwa and Pichai Iem-on claim that Chuvit has harmed the party’s popularity in the lead-up to the general elections. The BJT is also…
- Thailand News
Six arrested for wildlife trafficking and macaques rescue in Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi authorities arrested six members of a wildlife trafficking gang and rescued over ten macaques near a hill in the Muang district. The arrests took place today morning following a tip-off, leading the police to the foothill of Khao Luang in tambon Thongchai, where they discovered the group capturing long-tailed macaques. Upon monitoring the gang, officers observed four men and…
- Thailand News
Arson attacks hit multiple locations in Thailand’s southern provinces
Arson attacks struck 23 locations in Thailand‘s southernmost provinces late last night, causing damage to mobile phone antenna towers, and power poles, and resulting in the burning of tyres. The attacks took place between 9pm and 11pm, with officials providing updates on the situation on Friday. The affected areas spanned across three provinces: Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. In Yala, seven…
- Phuket News
Phuket police chief inaugurates Punrak cafe at immigration office
National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat recently inaugurated the ‘Punrak Cafe’ at Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, with immigration officers from across the island welcoming the country’s top police general. Several high-ranking officials arrived on the island for the event, including Immigration Bureau Deputy Commissioner Phanthana Nuchanart, Immigration Division 6 Commander Praphansak Prasarnsuk, Immigration Division 6 Deputy Commander Chalermchon Laemthong,…
