- Crime News
Phuket police arrest 15 gamblers in underground casino at abandoned mall
In Phuket Town, an underground casino located in the basement of an abandoned shopping centre has been raided by police, resulting in the arrest of 15 gamblers. Officers executed the raid on Tilok-U-Thit 1 Road at approximately 10:50pm after receiving a tip-off about illegal gambling activities taking place beneath a snooker venue operating at street level. Upon entering the premises,…
- Phuket News
Russian tourist killed in motorbike crash in Phuket prompts wet road caution
Phuket rescue workers issued a warning to motorists to be cautious and reduce their speed on wet roads after a fatal motorbike accident in Kata involving a Russian man earlier today following sporadic rainfall on the island. The accident report, issued by the Ruamjai Kupai Foundation rescue service, was shared on Facebook at 3.30am. While the exact time and location…
- Thailand News
Fire at electrical appliance store in Korat causes 50 million baht in damage
A fire broke out at a large electrical appliance store in downtown Korat City, situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, causing an estimated US$1.5 million worth of damage. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The incident occurred today at the Tai Fa Universe store on Chom Surangyat Road in Mueng district. The fire was reported to have started around 7:30am. Local residents claim…
- Thailand News
Police arrest suspect in Cabine gang related shooting of father in trang, Thailand
Police yesterday arrested Akradej Numark, who is suspected of being involved in the Cabine gang responsible for the deadly shooting of a father in Trang province earlier this year. The arrest of the 35 year old was confirmed by Crime Suppression Sub-division 6 commander, Pongpanot Chukaew. Akradej Numark, also known as Tia Carbine, was apprehended by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police…
- Thailand News
Former monk denies embezzling 180 million baht from Nakhon Ratchasima temple
A former monk and two other individuals have been arrested on suspicion of embezzling 180 million baht from Wat Pha Dhammakiri in Nakhon Ratchasima. The accused ex-monk, Khom Khongkeaw, previously known as Phra Ajarn Khom Abhivaro, denies the allegations. During police questioning, Khom and his sister claimed that the money was used for “other purposes,” and that they had no…
- Phuket News
Power outages hit two areas of Phuket: PEA’s ongoing work on low-voltage system
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced temporary power outages today in two areas of Thalang District, Phuket, due to ongoing work on the low-voltage distribution system. The first area set to face power disruption is the road alongside Nai Yang Beach. Electricity supply will be cut off between the stretch from Patama Massage to Ratcheting Seafood Restaurant, starting from…
- Thailand Election News
Huge turnout for advance voting as election nears
Yesterday, advance voting saw a large turnout across the nation, with citizens keen to exercise their democratic rights following a four-year wait. The Election Commission (EC) reported that 2,235,830 individuals registered for early voting yesterday, ahead of the May 14 election. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the process went smoothly, with only a few minor issues emerging at polling…
- Bangkok News
Over 800,000 registered for early voting in Bangkok
Over 800,000 individuals have registered for early voting in Bangkok, and authorities are taking security seriously. Nearly 3,000 security officers deployed to maintain order, Bangkok Post reported. A deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), Pol. Maj. Gen. Jirasant Kaewsaeng-ek, stated yesterday that security measures are in place for today’s voting. A total of 1,421 polling stations have been…
- Crime News
Woman arrested in Phuket over boyfriend’s drug business
A woman was arrested due to her connections with her boyfriend’s illicit drug business. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Royal Thai Police confirmed the arrest of 24 year old Jaruwan Sriwilas in connection with her boyfriend’s illicit drug business. Jaruwan’s boyfriend was discovered one year ago with 4 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (‘ya ice’), and over 400,000 methamphetamine…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Two storms to hit Thailand affecting Election Day, warns disaster centre
Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Centre expects two storms are set to hit Thailand next week, with potential impacts on General Election Day, May 14. The centre’s director, Seri Suparatit, revealed in a Facebook post yesterday that two storms – one originating in the Indian Ocean and the other in the South China Sea – are moving towards Thailand.…
- Phuket News
Turtle nest discovered on Koh Phra Thong beach, Phang Nga
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Region 6 office in Thailand has reported the discovery of a turtle nest on Koh Phra Thong island, located off the coast of Kuraburi District in Phang Nga province. Yesterday, a team of DMCR officials, along with a village chief assistant from Moo 3 Baan Koh Ra, inspected the turtle nest situated…
- Phuket News
Mai Khao authorities in Phuket enforce removal of illegally posted signs
Efforts to remove illegal roadside signs throughout the Mai Khao area have been ramped up, following orders given by Sarawut Srisakukham, the Chief of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor). As part of the ongoing crackdown, officials have been tasked with identifying and dismantling any unauthorised signage, to help maintain order and cleanliness in the region. The campaign commenced…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s pollution control department to lower safe PM2.5 levels following WHO guidelines
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) yesterday announced plans to align with the World Health Organisation guidelines and reclassify the safe level for ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) to 37.5 µg/m3 in an effort to address dust pollution concerns. Jatuporn Burutphat, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, expressed the ministry’s…
- World News
South Korea aspires to become a global pivotal state for Indo-Pacific crisis response
South Korea‘s aim to become a global pivotal state (GPS) will help countries in the Indo-Pacific region address crises, according to the nation’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Choi Youngsam, who spoke to media in Seoul. Choi addressed the World Journalist Conference, hosted by the Journalist Association of Korea from April 24-29. Around 50 international journalists, including five from Southeast Asia –…
- Thailand News
Karen villagers’ settlement in Kaeng Krachan National Park sparks public outcry
Protests have erupted among local residents in Phetchaburi over the Thai government’s decision to settle 150 Karen villagers in Kaeng Krachan National Park. The controversy was sparked on April 30 when the prime minister issued an order permitting the villagers to return to arable land located deep within the Bang Kloy Bon area of the national park. This decision has…
- Economy News
US and Thailand advance energy cooperation in recent discussions
The United States and Thailand have recently agreed to advance energy cooperation during talks in Washington, DC. The Office of the Spokesperson for the US Department of State issued a joint press statement revealing that the discussions took place during the third US-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue, held from April 18 to April 20. Both nations aimed to deepen their ties…
- Thailand News
Thailand accelerates shift to renewables amid global energy crisis fallout
The global energy crisis has prompted Thailand to accelerate its transition to renewable energy after years of hesitation, joining other countries in adopting wind and solar power to reduce dependency on imported fuels. Thailand’s reconsideration of its renewable energy strategy came after a surge in natural gas prices last year caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Wattanapong Kurovat,…
- Thailand News
RTN defends 50 million baht drone procurement amid transparency concerns
On Wednesday, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) defended a nearly 50 million baht drone training procurement after critics raised concerns regarding the project’s transparency. Admiral Pokkhrong Monthatpalin, RTN spokesperson, affirmed that the project was above board while elaborating on the Naval Ordnance Department‘s 49.8 million baht acquisition of Phoenix Jet Unmanned Aerial Targets from Air Affairs Australia. Critics questioned why…
- Phuket News
Two men arrested for illegal fishing, possession of baby sharks in Phuket
Two men have been arrested for illegal fishing in protected waters off Cape Panwa, in front of the Phuket Marine Resources Research Centre. One of the individuals was discovered in possession of four baby black-tip reef sharks, the Phuket News reported. Officers from the centre apprehended 22 year old Kasidit Saeju in the early hours of Tuesday. He was found…
- Thailand News
No political vacuum following May 14 election, says deputy PM
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam addressed concerns regarding the potential for political deadlock following the May 14 General Election. Despite foreseeing a delay in the formation of a new government, he dismissed the possibility of a political vacuum emerging. Wissanu’s remarks come as polls indicate that leading parties are continually growing closer in terms of popularity. While he acknowledges that…
- Phuket News
Phuket marine office warns boat operators ahead of four-day weekend
Ahead of the four-day weekend, Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchaphong Pranit today released a series of safety notices urging boat operators to adhere to safety regulations. These notices come in the wake of an expected influx of tourists visiting Phuket from May 4-7. Phuket is anticipated to draw significant numbers of visitors due to the Coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn,…
- Thailand News
NHSO seeks funds for additional flu vaccine doses amid rising Covid-19 cases
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to purchase an additional 860,000 influenza vaccine doses, increasing the stockpile to 5.26 million doses to protect vulnerable groups. To expand people’s access to the vaccine, the NHSO is requesting a budget of 105.2 million baht for the supplementary 860,000 doses, according to Secretary-General Jadet Thammathat-aree. Referring to individuals over 60 years old…
- Thailand News
Former Yala governor sentenced to 8 years for malfeasance in GT200 bomb detector case
Former Yala governor, Teera Mintrasak, aged 59, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for malfeasance in connection with the purchase of fraudulent GT200 bomb detectors from 2007-2009. The sentence was delivered by the Region 9 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Teera was among 12 defendants involved in the case, with the other 11, all of whom…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya gears up for 600,000 Indian tourists this Year
At least 600,000 Indian tourists are anticipated to visit Pattaya this year, returning the visitor numbers to levels similar to those prior to the pandemic, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Anoma Vongyai, director of TAT’s Pattaya office, revealed that over 900,000 Indian tourists travelled to Thailand in the year preceding the pandemic, with approximately 600,000 of them…
- Phuket News
Phuket prison inmates to train as boatbuilders in rehabilitation project
In a bid to provide vocational training and equip prisoners with valuable skills for their post-release lives, ten inmates from Phuket Prison are set to begin training as boatbuilders on May 8. The project comes after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Phuket Provincial Prison and Roeng Varee boatbuilders, based in Chalong. The signing took place at Phuket Provincial…
- Thailand News
Unique ordination parade sees men tossed in air in Chaiyaphum village
Eight men embarking on a spiritual journey into the Buddhist monkhood experienced a thrilling ordination parade in Ban Non-Salao, a village in the Phu Khieo district. In the morning, the provincial governor of Chaiyaphum, Sopon Suwanrat, attended religious ceremonies at a village shrine honouring the 8 men being ordained, collectively referred to as ‘nagas.’ The day’s main attraction was a…
- Economy News
PPRP offers upskilling for welfare card holders to tackle poverty
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has proposed new initiatives for the holders of its Pracharath welfare cards aimed at empowering them to break free from the poverty trap. Charnkrit Detwithak, a spokesperson for the party’s election strategy committee, stated that the party leader and prime ministerial candidate, General Prawit Wongsuwon, is focused on core issues and the need to boost…
- Thailand Election News
Prayut Chan-o-cha not keen on minority government post-election
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha affirmed his preference for a majority government in the upcoming May 14 election, despite the constitution permitting the formation of a minority government. In an exclusive interview, the 67 year old, who is also the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party’s chief strategist and top prime ministerial candidate, explained that the formation of the next government would…
- Crime News
Thai police target traffickers sending workers to South Korea
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the Royal Thai Police is intensifying its efforts to investigate websites run by companies with the aim of deceiving Thais, known as “little ghosts,” into working in South Korea illegally. The ATPD has been investigating the websites operated by these firms since South Korea’s partial reopening after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. Sarut…
- Thailand News
Caretaker Cabinet seeks approval for 10.4 Billion baht subsidy cut on household power bills
The caretaker Cabinet is set to submit a revised proposal to the Election Commission (EC) for approval of a reduced subsidy of 10.464 billion baht for household power bills, a 648 million baht decrease compared to the previous request that was turned down by the regulator. The initial proposal called for an 11.112 billion baht subsidy, which would be funded…
