- Thailand News
Elderly voters inadvertently tear ballot papers, violating Thai election law
Instances of individuals tearing up ballot papers were reported in various provinces across Thailand. Most of those involved were elderly individuals who suffer from health conditions, and they maintained that they had no intention of damaging the papers. The Royal Thai Police revealed that the police’s election coordination centre had received around 20 reports of voters tearing up their ballot…
- 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…
- Transport News
Free shuttle bus services to ease Bangkok traffic on school routes
School routes in Bangkok might soon see a bit less traffic. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to offer free shuttle bus services connecting Samsen Road to various areas in Thon Buri to alleviate traffic congestion when schools reopen tomorrow. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt spoke after a trial run, stating that the shuttle bus services will help mitigate heavy traffic…
- 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…
- Northern Thailand News
Marine Department official allegedly smuggled Chinese nationals into Thailand
A Marine Department official allegedly smuggled eight Chinese nationals into Thailand. Police arrested the official in Chiang Rai last night. A joint patrol led by the Deputy Chief of Chiang Saen Police Station, Kittiphum Kanjini, and Sub-Lt Vathit Thampradit of the navy’s Mekong Riverine Unit, discovered a suspicious vehicle near the Ban Sob Kok community in Chiang Rai’s Chiang Saen…
- 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…
- Crime News
Cannabis divide deepens ahead of General Election in Thailand
The future of marijuana in Thailand may become uncertain as political parties contesting in the upcoming national election call for the repeal of cannabis decriminalisation, which has been in effect for approximately one year. Pheu Thai Party‘s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a prime ministerial candidate, has voiced her concerns about liberalised cannabis at a recent rally, stating the need to suppress drugs.…
- 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,…
- Thailand News
Thailand to tighten penalties for illegal surrogacy facilitators
The Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) is in the process of drafting an amendment to the “Protection of a Child Born by Medically Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, B.E. 2558 (2015)” to increase penalties against individuals involved in illegal surrogacy in Thailand. This includes brokers and women who are hired for the purpose of surrogacy. According to DHSS chief Sura…
- Thailand News
Legal action against violent demonstrators at Samran Rat police station
Authorities have confirmed their intentions to take legal action against a group of demonstrators involved in a violent protest at Samran Rat police station. The demonstration occurred on Wednesday night and saw nine protesters arrested for their alleged role in leading about 20 people to spray paint the station in the Phra Nakhon district. The Metropolitan Police Division 6’s commander,…
- Thailand News
Campaign urges senators to back winning party in forming Thai government
A campaign led by a group of academics is calling for the support of senators for the political party that secures the most House seats in Sunday’s election, in hopes to establish a new government efficiently. The public can contribute their views on this initiative from midday on Monday until midday Wednesday by voting through the QR code provided by…
- Thailand News
Election Commission to reveal unofficial results by 11pm on Sunday
The Election Commission (EC) anticipates that unofficial General Election results will be available by 11pm on Sunday. Results from ballot counts at polling stations across the nation will be compiled, verified, and subsequently published via the EC’s internet-based system called ECT Report starting at 7pm. The unofficial results will be published on a designated website, which can accommodate up to…
- Thailand News
Progressive Movement’s Piyabutr Saengkanokkul supports MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat amid election eligibility controversy
Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, an influential figure in Thailand’s Progressive Movement and a key helper for the Move Forward Party’s election campaign, encouraged the party’s supporters on Thursday to stand firm against attempts to discredit Pita Limjaroenrat, the 42-year-old leader and sole prime ministerial candidate for the MFP. He also urged them to fight against efforts to prevent the party from achieving…
- Thailand News
RTA army chief assures there’ll be ‘no coups on his watch’
Royal Thai Army (RTA) Chief General Narongpan Jittkaewtae assured the Thai public yesterday that there would be no coups on his watch, stating that the term should not exist in anyone’s vocabulary. General Narongpan is set to retire on September 30 and provided reassurances in the lead-up to the elections on Sunday. There have been concerns about possible unrest following…
- Thailand News
Thailand Consumers Council urges government to lower fuel tariff and promote home solar panels use
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is urging the government to consider lowering the fuel tariff (Ft) amid mounting complaints about high electricity bills while suggesting that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) promote the use of domestic solar panels to help address the problem. Itthaboon Onwongsa, TCC deputy secretary, noted during a seminar discussing recent increases in power costs, that the…
- Thailand News
Thai police warn against political party clothing during election weekend
The Royal Thai Police have issued a warning to the public, stating that wearing clothing with political party logos or names of candidates during the upcoming general election on May 13 and 14 could be considered illegal campaigning, leading to hefty fines or even imprisonment. According to election law, all political campaigns should be concluded by 6pm on the day…
- World News
Deep concern over Myanmar violence dominates Asean Summit
Southeast Asian nations expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Myanmar, condemning a recent attack on a convoy of diplomats delivering humanitarian aid in the country. The crisis in Myanmar, which is under junta rule, has been a dominant topic of discussion at this week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia, as the regional bloc has…
- Thailand News
Election commission sets up cyber threat surveillance centre to ensure transparency
The Election Commission (EC) has established a Cyber Threat Surveillance and Response Operations Centre to ensure transparency in elections, according to EC Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee. This development comes in partnership with the National Cyber Security Agency, Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the Bureau of Registration Administration, and National Telecom Public Co Ltd. Sawaeng, aged…
- Thailand News
Nine arrested after violent confrontation at Bangkok police station over detained teen
Nine individuals found themselves under arrest following a brutal clash outside a police station in Bangkok involving law enforcement and a group supporting a 15-year-old girl detained for over 40 days on allegations of royal defamation. The arrestees, comprising seven men and two women, included Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong. Earlier this year, the two individuals had engaged…
- Thailand News
Mixed responses to calls for ending compulsory military service in Thailand
Academics and human rights defenders have provided mixed responses to the increasing calls to end compulsory military service in Thailand, intensifying as the May 14 polls approach. The Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party have both pledged they will terminate compulsory service in favor of voluntary enlistment if they win the elections and form the next government. These…
- Thailand News
Bangkok governor plans more water pumps to prevent flooding as thunderstorms forecast
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced plans to install additional water pumps throughout the city to prevent flooding, as weather experts predict thunderstorms will hit the capital this week. The 56 year old city chief visited the Prawet Burirom Canal in the Prawet district and inspected the drainage system at the nearby Muang Thong Garden Village on Tuesday. The Bangkok governor…
- Thailand News
Eastern economic corridor barely accessible to small businesses
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project in Thailand is falling short of its intended purpose, as only a few small local businesses are able to access and benefit from it, according to the Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party. Prime ministerial candidate for the TST, Supan Mongkolsutee, stated that the EEC scheme is predominantly aimed at larger companies, leaving small businesses…
- Thailand News
Royal guard dismissed for misconduct without pension
A recent royal command has resulted in the dismissal of a Royal Security Command officer from military service and the royal guard, without a pension, due to severe misconduct. The order, which became effective on May 5, was announced in the Royal Gazette yesterday. The officer in question is Colonel Chaimethi Phubodiwarochuphan, who served in the office of the deputy…
