- Thailand News
Thailand detects 6 new cases of Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant and one XBB.1.16.1
Thailand‘s Department of Medical Sciences announced yesterday that it has identified six new cases of the Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant, as well as one case of the closely related XBB.1.16.1 subvariant. This brings the total number of people in the kingdom infected with the XBB.1.16 subvariant to 34. The department’s director-general, Supakit Sirilak, confirmed that XBB.1.16 is responsible for 9.8% of…
- Thailand News
Thai Senate committee discusses foreign satellite regulations
The Thai Senate committee yesterday met to focus on information technology, communication, and telecommunications and convened to discuss the proposed changes by the state telecommunications regulatory body regarding the regulations governing the utilisation of foreign-owned satellites to offer domestic telecommunications services. The gathering presided over by General Anantaporn Kanchanarat, focused on assessing concerns and suggestions raised by the National Broadcasting…
- Thailand News
Democrat Party plan to transform Hat Yai into major economic hub
The Democrat Party in Thailand recently revealed its intentions to rejuvenate its previous plan to turn the commercial district of Hat Yai, located in Songkhla province, into a significant economic centre. This attempt aims to attract more investors to the area. Democrat Party officials mentioned that they are considering the enactment of a special law that would promote the growth…
- Thailand News
Thailand offers 11 billion baht subsidy for low-income electricity bills
The Thai government announced plans to allocate over 11 billion baht to support low-income earners with their electricity bills over the next four months, with the subsidy set to begin in May. However, the proposal needs to be reviewed and approved by the Election Commission (EC) before it becomes official. Following yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha addressed the…
- Thailand News
MFP secretary-general confident of securing at least 100 seats in General Election
Chaithawat Tulathon, secretary-general of the Move Forward Party (MFP), expressed confidence that his party is on track to secure a minimum of 100 House seats in the upcoming General Election. Speaking at a major campaign rally in Samyan Mitrtown, which drew attendees of all age groups, Chaithawat was optimistic about the MFP’s chances of surpassing the now-dissolved Future Forward Party’s…
- Health
Thailand strengthens disease prevention measures in overcrowded prisons
The Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Corrections, and the National Health Security Office have forged an alliance to improve and monitor health conditions for the 260,000 prisoners across Thailand, stressing that all prisoners should have equal access to medical treatment. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the department’s permanent secretary, has said that a united effort by the three parties will…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok and surrounding provinces to experience scattered summer storms, gusty winds, hail
Scattered summer storms, gusty winds and hail are predicted for Bangkok and the provinces of north, northeast, east and central plains today and tomorrow. A moderate high-pressure system is expected to cover northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea during the two-day period, the local weather office announced. The upper regions are predicted to experience hot to extremely hot weather,…
- Thailand News
Ft set to decrease next month, says Thailand’s ERC
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to reduce the fuel tariff (Ft) next month, following a recommendation by the subcommittee responsible for its calculation. The decision comes in response to concerns regarding the rising cost of living, with water rates also marked for an increase after 23 years of stagnation. As reported by Khomgrich Tantravanich, the ERC’s secretary-general, the…
- Thailand News
Democrats in Thailand get naughty: Pledge to legalize sex toys for the greater good
The Democrat Party pledged its commitment to the legalisation of sex toys in Thailand, arguing that such a move would bring about numerous benefits beyond the realm of sexual pleasure. This stance highlights the party’s determination to establish a thriving and regulated sex toy industry within the country. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, also an executive of the Democrat Party, clarified…
- Thailand News
Covid-19 inpatients and deaths surge by 150% in Thailand after Songkran celebrations
In the aftermath of the Songkran celebrations, which concluded on April 15, the number of Covid-19 inpatients and related deaths has seen a significant increase of 150% in just one week. According to the Department of Disease Control, there were 1,088 Covid inpatients from April 16 to 22, compared to the previous week’s figure of 435. Furthermore, the number of…
- Thailand News
Experts unite to oppose govt’s cannabis legalisation
A collective of medical professionals, academics, and civil organisations have released yet another open letter to express their opposition to the government’s decision to legalise cannabis. This marks their seventh open letter on the matter, urging the public to vote for political parties that do not support the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics, as well as its…
- Thailand News
Two hunters injured in shootout with rangers and arrested for possession of dead langur monkeys
Two hunters in Phetchaburi have been left with injuries following a clash with forest rangers, leading to their arrests. They were found to have six dead grey langurs, local authorities reported today. Forest rangers had been conducting a patrol in Huay Kum forest, close to Phu Sai in the Moo 3 village, situated in tambon Huay Mae Phriang of the…
- Thailand News
Three Chinese nationals fined for missing 90-day immigration check-in in Thailand
Three Chinese nationals have recently been fined as part of an ongoing crackdown on immigration violations in Thailand. Acting under the instructions of national deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachet “Big Joke” Hakparn, officers in Banglamung and Sattahip have been carrying out weekly checks on Chinese nationals and other foreigners who may be involved in illegal activities or overstaying their…
- Pattaya News
North Pattaya warzone: One injured in teenage gang clash involving rocks, knives, homemade grenades
A recent clash between rival teenage gangs in north Pattaya has left one person injured after the gangs used rocks, knives, and homemade grenades as weapons. The violent incident took place at 5am on Saturday, April 22 at the Photisan Fresh Market, where a 17 year old employee of the Jay Nooch fruit shop suffered a blow to the head…
- Pattaya News
Royal Thai Navy releases artificial coral reefs to boost eco-tourism and marine conservation
The Royal Thai Navy, along with various partners, has celebrated Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s birthday by releasing 69 units of artificial coral reefs on the seabed of Koh Samae San in Sattahip district, Chon Buri province. The occasion was graced by the presence of Gen Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council and Chairman of the Khao Yai Protection Foundation.…
- Thailand News
Chinese ambassador expresses confidence in Belt and Road Initiative benefiting Thailand and China
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang expressed his confidence yesterday that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would foster mutual growth and provide numerous benefits to both Thailand and China. Speaking at a seminar titled “Contemporary China with the World: An Exchange of a New Generation between Thailand and China,” the ambassador highlighted the BRI’s role in guiding and advancing bilateral relations…
- Pattaya News
Scam alert: fake Facebook page swindles Thai tourists out of thousands of baht for Pattaya pool villas
A group of Thai tourists were allegedly tricked out of tens of thousands of baht by a fake Pattaya pool villa Facebook page. Achiraya Malarat, a 27 year old Thai tourist from Khon Kaen province, got in touch with The Pattaya News to expose a scammer who was pretending to be a genuine pool villa operator on Facebook. On April…
- Covid-19 News
Festival turns fatal: Covid surges post-Songkran
A sharp increase in Covid inpatients and related fatalities was reported in the week following the Songkran Festival, with numbers soaring by 150% compared to the previous week, according to the Department of Disease Control. Between April 16 and 22, the number of Covid inpatients surged to 1,088, a stark increase from the 435 patients in the preceding week of…
- Crime News
Delivery rider finds ketamine in phone box, alerts police
This morning, a motorcycle delivery rider in Samut Prakan, made a surprising discovery when he opened a package that was meant to be an empty mobile phone box, only to find it contained a sachet of the illegal drug ketamine. The delivery driver received a call through his employer’s service system, requesting the pick up of a package from a…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya Police raid nightclub in late night crackdown on illegal activities
Late last night, at around 10.30pm, a nightclub in Pattaya was raided by local police in search of overstayers and those partaking in illegal activities. The venue, known as “Hollywood,” is located on Petchtrakul Road and was filled with approximately 300 patrons, both Thai and foreign, when the police arrived. This raid comes as part of an ongoing campaign spearheaded…
- Thailand News
BJT’s ambitious plan to creating a ‘land bridge’ to boost economic growth in southern Thailand
The Bhumjaithai Party in Thailand vows to push forward with the development of a “land bridge” connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand, which they believe will stimulate economic growth in the South. Itthidet Supong, spokesperson for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, stated that Anutin is particularly keen on constructing an overland freight route, which is slated to link…
- Environment News
Chiang Mai’s haze crisis: Health and tourism at risk
The ongoing severe haze pollution in Chiang Mai has not only increased health risks for the inhabitants but has also negatively impacted its tourism industry. Affected parties are urging the government to implement long-term measures to address the issue, including the passage of a ‘clean air’ bill currently awaiting deliberation in parliament. The PM2.5 pollution affecting the upper northern provinces…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Grade 5 textbook sparks outcry over alleged malnutrition endorsement
Critics have misinterpreted the content of a Thai-language textbook for Grade 5 pupils, following allegations that it appeared to condone malnutrition among young children, according to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). OBEC’s secretary-general, Amporn Pinasa, asserted that the criticised chapter, found in the Pasa Patee textbook used by fifth-graders, is actually a story about appreciating the value…
- Thailand News
Thai government acts fast to evacuate nationals from Sudan
The government of Thailand is making arrangements to evacuate Thai citizens from Sudan as swiftly as possible, utilising nearby airports such as Cairo Airport in Egypt and the American Air Force Base in Djibouti. This decision follows increasing concerns over the security situation in Sudan, with fears growing for the safety of the estimated 300 Thai nationals residing in the…
- Environment News
Chiang Mai breathes easier: Summer storms bring air quality relief
The air quality in Chiang Mai has significantly improved due to a series of summer storms, causing hazardous haze pollution and ultra-fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels to drop after months of concern. This is welcome news for residents and tourists alike, as the region has been grappling with poor air quality and the impact it has had on both…
- Thailand News
Trunk-ated Stay: Thailand’s push to bring home abused elephant from Sri Lanka continues
The Thai government continues to explore ways to repatriate Sak Surin, one of three elephants gifted to Sri Lanka by Thailand back in 2001. This follows reports last year by an animal rights organisation that the elephant had been subjected to mistreatment by its handlers. While the government is aware of Sak Surin’s situation, transporting the elephant back to Thailand…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand’s heatwave nears end, rainy season looms
Thailand’s hot season approaches its conclusion as the rainy season is set to begin in mid-May, according to the country’s Meteorological Department. The hot season peaked on April 15, when the temperature reached a record high of 44.6°C in Tak. Deputy director-general Thanasit Iam-ananchai has stated that throughout the weekend, daily heat indices or apparent temperatures are anticipated to surge…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s fruit exports to China keep on peel-ing with a juicy growth
Thailand, already a dominant fruit exporter to China, witnessed a remarkable growth of 3.72% in 2022, generating more than 168 billion baht in revenue. The country’s thriving fruit industry found an avid market in China, which imported over 2.17 million tonnes of Thai fruit last year, according to a recent report from the Commerce Ministry. A diverse assortment of Thai…
- Crime News
Khao San cannabis vendors face charges for operating without licenses
A joint operation involving the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTTAM), Metropolitan Police Bureau, Chana Songkhram police, and City Hall staff has led to the pressing of charges against five unauthorised cannabis shops located on Khao San Road. The crackdown took place on April 20, following the postponement of ‘420’ weed parties that were intended to take place…
- Covid-19 News
Daily Covid-19 cases in Bangkok spike
Bangkok‘s daily number of Covid-19 cases has experienced a significant spike, nearly doubling from 400 to 700 in the wake of the city’s recent Songkran festival. This has led to growing concerns among local authorities, who fear that the true extent of the situation might not yet be fully understood. The deputy City Clerk at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA),…
