- Technology News
China offers engine substitutes for Thai submarine project with benefits
Chinese authorities have committed to meeting three conditions concerning warranty, compensation, and safety if the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) opts for a Chinese-produced engine to replace a German-made one for an S26T Yuan-class submarine being assembled in China, according to Navy commander Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet. Following a recent meeting with China’s navy chief and defence minister, Adm Choengchai revealed that…
- Covid-19 News
Thailand launches “The Big Catch-Up” campaign to boost child immunisation rates
The Public Health Ministry in Thailand is ramping up the rollout of essential vaccines, including polio and measles, to children nationwide. This comes after a recent study revealed that the immunisation rate among Thai children has declined to around 80%. In statements made to commemorate World Immunisation Week, the Director-Generals of the Department of Disease Control, Tares Krassanairawiwong, and the…
- Economy News
Deputy interior minister criticizes tap water fee hike plan amid rising energy prices
Deputy Interior Minister Naris Khamnurak spoke out against the Metropolitan Waterworks Administration’s (MWA) and Provincial Waterworks Administration’s (PWA) plan to hike tap water fees yesterday. Naris was responding to media reports suggesting both agencies intend to raise bills to counterbalance the higher expenses brought about by rising energy prices. The Deputy Interior Minister emphasised that neither the MWA nor the…
- Thailand News
Over 800,000 Bangkok residents register for early voting in May 14 General Election
Some 800,000 citizens in Bangkok have registered to cast their ballots ahead of the May 14 General Election, as they intend to engage in early voting on May 7. Among the 2.35 million voters nationwide who have registered for advance voting, numerous are located in Thailand’s capital city, with 74 polling stations available. The largest number of early voters registered…
- Politics News
Kanit Sangsubhan joins Palang Pracharath Party to boost southern Thailand’s economy
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) recently announced the appointment of Kanit Sangsubhan, previously a special adviser to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, as a member of its economic team. This move is intended to bolster the economy in Thailand’s southern border provinces. PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon expressed his delight at welcoming Kanit as a key member of the party,…
- 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…
- Crime News
Thai, Lao nationals caught in heroin seizure at Hong Kong International Airport
Thai and Lao nationals were allegedly involved in the recent seizure of a heroin shipment at Hong Kong International Airport, controlled by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). In response to Hong Kong officials’ alert on Friday, April 21, Thai authorities launched an investigation into the shipment. Upon examination, Hong Kong officials discovered suspected heroin concealed within 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 Election News
Palang Pracharath Party urges Chiang Mai voters to choose change in general election
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has recently urged voters in Chiang Mai to vote for change in the upcoming general election. The party’s leader has advocated for a national reconciliation plan which, he claims, would lead to prosperity and sustainability for the country. Capt. Thamanat Prompow, head of the PPRP’s election strategy panel for the North, addressed a large crowd…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
3 million baht fire devastates east Pattaya wood shop industry
A recent fire in east Pattaya has left a significant impact on the local wood shop industry, as a blaze at a Nong Plalai wood shop resulted in an estimated 3 million baht in damages. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries caused by the fire. The rapid response from local fire crews from Nong Plalai, Takhiantia, and Nongprue prevented…
- 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 Election News
Overseas voting dates set for Thai election: Apr 25-May 5
Ahead of the Thai General Election set for May 14, eligible Thai voters who reside overseas will have the opportunity to cast their votes between April 25 and May 5. The specific date within this period on which Thais can vote will be determined by the Thai embassy and consulate in each respective country, according to Sawaeng Boonmee, secretary-general for…
- 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…
- Covid-19 News
XBB Omicron variant rising in Thailand: New strategies deployed
Approximately 52% of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand have been attributed to the XBB sub-strain of the Omicron variant, according to the Centre for Medical Genomics. As a result, a prominent doctor has urged the public to obtain booster shots before the onset of the rainy season. The XBB variant and its sub-strains have been responsible for recent surges in…
- 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 Election News
Vote wisely: PM Chan-o-cha’s election appeal
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party’s candidate for prime minister, has called on voters to think carefully before casting their ballots, cautioning that electing the wrong politicians could have disastrous consequences for the country. As part of his election campaign, Prime Minister Chan-o-cha visited Tha Pla district to drum up support for the UTN candidates running…
- 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…
