- Thailand News
Fire drill tragedy sparks aid: Bangkok education ministry offers financial support to grieving family
Following the tragic death of an 18-year-old student at a school in Bangkok last Friday, the Education Ministry revealed it will provide financial assistance to the victim’s family. The boy died during a fire drill activity intended to ensure school safety when a fire extinguisher exploded. Atthapol Sangkhawasi, the permanent secretary for education, along with Niyom Phaisopha, director-general of Bangkok…
- Business News
Buying a franchise Vs buying a business: The benefits and drawbacks of each option
Are you considering starting your own business? Do you have the motivation and desire to be an entrepreneur but are unsure of which route to take? Buying a franchise or buying a business are two popular options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each…
- Thailand News
Bangkok traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion
As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising traffic across four significant roads within the capital city. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, divulged that the modern system is to be installed at 13 intersections on key city routes, counting Rama VI Road,…
- Phuket News
Phuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture
In a resounding celebration of heritage and culture, over 1,000 people gathered for the Phuket Peranakan Festival‘s ‘Extravaganza Carnival’ grand parade. The sparkling event unfolded in the vintage vicinity of Phuket Old Town on a joyous Saturday evening. The iconoclastic carnival, the crown jewel of the three-day extravaganza, resulted in the closure of roads, culminating in a tremendous spectacle. The…
- Thailand News
Pride month marketing sparks backlash amidst ‘Rainbow Washing’ claims
The marketing strategies utilised by companies throughout Pride Month have sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ rights advocates who accuse businesses of merely capitalising on Pride-themed merchandise but not backing the call for equal rights in real terms. This can refer to as “Rainbow Washing.” Nikki Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, claims that these businesses just incorporated Pride Month, which is…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s crypto firestorm: Faulty wiring sparks blazing inferno, exposing illegal crypto-mining operation
Firefighters were called to handle a blaze in Phuket Town exacerbated by faulty wiring. The cause was believed to be illegal crypto-mining. Surprisingly, the fire took place on the third floor of a building near the Thailand Post branch on Bangkok Road. It reportedly started around 6am yesterday and was swiftly extinguished by the responding firefighters. Fortunately, no casualties were…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill
Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…
- Thailand News
Thai council pays tribute after young doctor’s tragic fatal accident
In an unfortunate twist of events yesterday, the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) extended its deepest sympathies over the untimely passing of a newly qualified young doctor, who endured a fatal traffic mishap in Kanchanaburi. The doctor, 24 year old Yanisa Suebchiang, best known as Dr Mean, fell casualty to a catastrophic four-car accident that transpired at around 4pm on…
- Thailand News
Thailand poised to emulate Korean Wave’s success, Asia Video Summit reveals
In a foreseeable shift, Thailand is emerging as a hotbed for flourishing content on a scale reminiscent of the highly influential Korean Wave. Such a promising outlook was significantly echoed in the recently concluded Asia Video Summit 2023, organised by Asia Video Industry Association in Hong Kong. During this gathering, the attendees comprising 180 participants from 22 different nations engaged…
- Crime News
Thai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep
In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Beginning at 6am, a significant deployment of 80 members from the Hanuman taskforce initiated raids on eight distinct locations. These included three in Yala, four in…
- Thailand News
Three former rangers arrested in high-profile 500,000 baht Thai kidnapping incident
Today witnessed a significant operation by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD)’s special weapons and tactics unit, resulting in the arrest of three suspected culprits of a kidnapping gang. Spanning two regions in southern Thailand and one in the northeast, the operation began at 6am, with the CSD’s Hanuman unit targeting eight specific locations. Three of these target sites were identified…
- Thailand News
Bangkok freezes fire drills after fatal school mishap, calls for rigorous reform
The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, appealed for extensive reform of disaster prevention and mitigation systems in the wake of a lethal explosion that occurred during a fire drill at a local school. Fire evacuation exercises throughout the city will remain suspended while safety checks on fire-fighting apparatus are carried out. This update in policy comes in the aftermath of…
- Phuket News
Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
- Phuket News
Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today
Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…
- Phuket News
Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines
Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of…
- Thailand News
Illegal Cape Shark Villas shut down on Koh Tao Island”
A villa constructed without permission in Cape Shark Villas has been instructed to cease operations by local authorities on Koh Tao Island. An investigation is underway to check if other villas within the resort have conformed to obligatory construction permits. The villa under investigation is strategically perched on a rocky ledge, providing direct access to the clear waters of the…
- Thailand News
Healing the rumor mill: Bangkok hospital denies ‘rejuvenating DNA’ trials with a dose of truth
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, alongside Chulalongkorn University (CU), yesterday refuted allegations of conducting “rejuvenating DNA” trials on human subjects following a claim by someone to have undergone such treatment at their facilities. In a joint statement, both institutions clarified that the pioneering rejuvenating DNA, developed by CU’s Faculty of Medicine specialist team under the RED-GEMs (REjuvenating DNA by GEnomic Stability…
- Phuket News
Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice
Police at Phuket Airport yesterday arrested a Dutchman wanted by the Spanish police for a number of fraudulent activities. The arrest took place in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s International Terminal, around 9.15pm. Information concerning the arrest was released by the Phuket branch of the Immigration Bureau. However, the bureau refrained from disclosing the suspect’s name or age. There…
- Phuket News
Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx
In an effort to reassure tourists and prevent local boat and ferry accidents, maritime safety and disaster officials in Phuket have initiated an intensified campaign for water transport safety. Recent visits from Phuket marine officials to scrutinise boats for safety compliance suggest a strengthened emphasis on stringent adherence to safety measures. These measures were fleshed out during a meeting presided…
- South Thailand News
Marine police seize Vietnamese fishing vessels in Songkhla crackdown
Thailand’s southern Songkhla province witnessed a series of Marine Police actions as two Vietnamese fishing vessels were seized and their crew members detained, according to authorities. These events unfolded yesterday in the waters of the southern regions of Pattani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Pol. Lt. Col. Nathapong Takaew, the deputy head of the Songkhla-based Marine Police Sub-division 7, reported today…
- Crime News
Chinese fraud syndicate caught after swindling 500 million baht from Thai investors
A Chinese national believed to be at the helm of a swindling operation, was taken into custody by the Thai authorities alongside ten other members of the fraud gang. The group is accused of soliciting people to participate in a bogus gold investment scheme, alleging its connection with Thailand’s Crown Property Bureau. The illicit operation, which duped victims of around…
- Crime News
Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting
A swift police operation on illegal immigration yesterday resulted in the apprehension of 23 individuals in Songkhla, a province in southern Thailand. Four of them were Thai citizens acting as drivers, and the remaining 19 were Bangladeshis, who were identified as unlawful immigrants. Following an informant’s tip-off about chances of illegal immigration, the local law enforcement swung into action, anticipating…
- Crime News
Pattaya crackdown reveals foreigners living illegally amid beggar population
A crackdown by the Pattaya authorities to clear the city’s vibrant tourist hotspot of beggars unearthed a surprising amount of illegal foreigners residing within the country. Wutthisak Ruemkijjakarn, the deputy mayor of Pattaya, revealed that the city crackdown took place on Wednesday evening under the watchful eye of numerous authorities. This included officials from Chon Buri’s Social Development and Human…
- Crime News
Thai repatriation: Rescuing nationals caught in Japanese job scam
Efforts are currently underway by the Thai foreign affairs and labour departments to assist in the safe return of six Thai nationals. The Thai nationals were deceived into travelling to Japan under the guise of a fictitious job contract, compelled to undertake illegal work, and then stranded when they declined to take part in these illicit activities. The ongoing efforts are…
- Thailand News
Healthcare shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy
The Thai government’s Public Health Ministry laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Within the next three years, these measures aim to expand the country’s cadre of medical personnel according to current legal parameters. The government spokesperson, Anucha Buraphachaisri, indicated the interventions may result in a 40% increase in doctors and…
- Thailand News
Germany’s vaccine donation: A million Pfizer doses to strengthen Thai Health Ministry
Germany has made a vaccine donation of almost one million doses of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, planning to distribute this significant stockpile to Thai hospitals in the forthcoming weeks. This considerable vaccine donation was welcomed by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during an official handover ceremony at the German embassy yesterday. The ceremony…
- Thailand News
Monorail disruption hampers newly launched Yellow Line service in Bangkok
Traffic disruption was recently experienced on the Yellow Line monorail after a technical glitch occurred just 20 days into the trial runs. The disruption resulted in the temporary closure of five stations from Lat Phrao 101 to Hua Mak for approximately 90 minutes yesterday. At 7am, an electrical problem surfaced which consequently halted operations, thereby marking the first instance of…
- Phuket News
Phuket loses World Specialised Expo bid but remains hopeful for future
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew expressed gratitude to all who supported Phuket’s bid for hosting the World Specialised Expo 2027/28, despite Thailand failing to win the hosting rights. The event’s organiser, the Bureau International des Expositions, announced the winner as Belgrade, Serbia during their 172nd general assembly, which was held in Paris. Governor Narong addressed the public in a Facebook post,…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong station plans major exhibitions and celebrations
Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong railway station, with its Italian Neo-Renaissance-style architecture, is gearing up to host prominent events while continuing to provide suburban commuting and tourism train services. This comes on the heels of extensive renovations that have transformed the 107 year old station to accommodate both roles effectively. Ekkarat Si-arayanphong, head of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor’s office,…
- Environment News
Thailand food waste project reduces emissions and promotes carbon trading
Progress has been made in managing household waste and reducing carbon emissions at a local level in Thailand, with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) celebrating the success of the ‘Food Waste Management for Climate Action and a Commitment to Sustainable Thailand’ project. This project aims to broaden emissions reduction efforts and manage carbon credits in alignment with the United Nations’…
